Vermont from bottom to top!
 

Hello. We are putting together an itinerary for a May trip from Boston to Quebec City and back again. Our plans will take us through the entire length of the beautiful state of Vermont. We have never ventured into Vermont and are interested in any great inns we should make plans to stay in along the way. We are interested in any "must see" attractions, quaint villages, etc. I don't have an exact itinerary yet. I've seen on previous posts that route 100 is recommended. Any and all suggestions are much appreciated!

I recommend Highway 100. <BR> <BR>Stop in Montpelier, the capital. There are tours of the capitol and have a meal at the NE Culinary Institute. <BR> <BR>The Ben & Jerry's factory isn't that far away. I didn't take the tour, but I'm all for ice cream! <BR> <BR>Near Stowe (I'm not sure how far away) is the Von Trapp Lodge. The Von Trapp family was featured in "The Sound of Music" but I doubt you'll hear "Edelweiss" there.

Theresa <BR>We were just in Vermont in November and if we ever go back we will definitly spend more time in Woodstock -its a great town. Also we liked Stowe. Have a great time.

Mary Mary- <BR> <BR>Any lodging you would recommend in Stowe or Woodstock?

Theresa, the Trapp Family Lodge is IN Stowe. You could stay there, it's beautiful, especially the view - can be pricey though. Some other nice places in Stowe are Edson Hill Manor, Stowehof (which are both a bit off the beaten track) and the Green Mountain Inn (right in the center of Stowe's village). There are also many smaller Inns and tons of restaurants. The Ben & Jerry's factory is 10 miles from Stowe, in Waterbury (along Route 100).

I suggest you consider the Inn at Windham Hill in West Townsend (southern, vt.) and the Inn at Round Barn Farm (further north). Both have great websites. We often stay at small inns all over new england and Windham Hill wins as our hands down favorite - wonderful food (dinner is served most nights), location, warm and friendly staff, miles and miles of hiking trails right outside your door. Round Barn Farm limits meals to breakfast, but very lovely, quiet location in an interesting part of the state. Hope this helps.

Theresa, <BR>Keep in mind that Woodstock, Stowe, Manchester etc. are built around and cater to the tourist industry and do not (in my opionion) truly represent Vermont. They are probably the most expensive places to visit and the most crowded too. But by all means, they are nice towns but don't limit yourself to them. Southeastern Vermont (Brattleboro area) is worth a visit as is Bennington (especially if you're a history buff). Montpelier is a great suggestion. Some great restaraunts there as it is home to the New England Culinary Institute. The Northeast Kingdom (St. Johnsbury/Lyndonville/Newport area) is also quite beautiful. Drive to the top of Burke Mountain, drive around Lake Willoughby. Burlington is a great little city and home to the University of Vermont. Have fun!

Theresa, they just had a story on our local news (in Vermont) last night about a Farm in Wilmington VT (south, near Brattleboro) that takes guests. They have a booming agri-tourism business. It sounded like a very interesting place. I just looked them up and they do have a website at www.adamsfamilyfarm.com <BR> <BR>Vermontlvr is right, the Northeast Kingdom is beautiful and definitely the road less traveled. Lake Willoughby is a great place to spend a relaxing day or two. <BR> <BR>While Stowe, Woodstock, Manchester may be considered more touristy areas, there are LOTS of things to do there. So, depending on what you are looking for (complete quiet & relaxation vs. shopping & many choices for dining) you might want to take that into consideration. Burlington is great too.

Theresa, <BR> <BR>I spent 10 days in Vermont about 3 years ago and loved it. We stayed at 'The Stagecoach Inn' in Waterbury which was very nice. We liked Stowe but didn't really like the drive up and down the mountain. Woodstock is defnitely a great place to visit. <BR> <BR>If you are driving up from Boston an absolute 'must see' is the Shaker Villiage in Canterbury. It is very beautiful with a great tour. <BR> <BR>Have fun! <BR> <BR>Laura

Theresa, <BR> <BR>This is the web page of the place I mentionned in my earlier post. <BR> <BR>Laura <BR> <BR>www.oldstagecoach.com/ <BR> <BR>

Isn't the Shaker Village in Canterbury--in New Hampshire?

Theresa, see my post on the Canadian site. I-91 is the way to go - breathtaking views of VT and NH for 150 miles!

Dear huh? <BR> <BR>The Cantebury Shaker village is in NH, but there is another one named something like Sherbrooke or Sturbrigde near Burlington VT.

Old Sturbridge Village is in Massachusetts. I think asdf is thinking of the Shelburne Museum in Shelburne Vermont (and yes, near Burlington). It's a great place to spend a day.

Hi again, <BR> <BR>The Shaker villiage is in NH but as Theresa is driving up from Boston, it's on her way - it's not far from Concord. <BR> <BR>I don't know about another Shaker Village near Burlington, but maybe you mean 'Shelbourne' - at least I think that's the name. It a musuem of different buildings from all over that is a great place to visit. When you buy a ticket to enter it's valid for two days - there's just so much to see. I would recommend that too! <BR> <BR>Laura

Shelburne!!! Thanks for jogging the memory.

Oh, boy! Keep the info coming! I really appreciate all the helpful details you all have provided! We are definitely getting excited about this trip.

The Rabbit Hill Inn in Lower Waterford near St. Johnsbury is highly respected for both accomodations and cuisine. We stayed there in 94 & 97. We really enjoyed the Northeast Kingdom area. Neat bookstore/cafe in St. Johnsbury. Peacham (Spelling?) is a picturesque little town.

You know Theresa, you might also want to consider visiting Shelburne Farms. You didn't mention if you are traveling with kids but it's a great place to visit with or without children. There's an Inn there as well, right on Lake Champlain. It's beautiful and the restaurant is great. The Inn is said to be haunted - so I'm not sure if that scares you off or not. Personally I think it's kind of fun! Enjoy your trip!

Route 100 is the best way to see the state "bottom to top." To clarify: Shelburne Farm and Shelburne Museum are a) in Vermont, just south of Burlington, b) not shaker settlements, and c) worth not just a detour but an entire trip. Both were set up by the Vanderbilt family. The Inn at Shelburne Farms is perhaps among the State's very best inns AND restaurants (shelburnefarms.org). Also along Route 100 for lodging is The Pitcher Inn in Warren (try madrivervalley.com for others nearby). Avoid Trapp in STowe, it lives up to its name. Put Shelburne on your must-see list.