Vermont travel help for late spring
 

I'm surprising my husband witha 4 or 5 day trip to Vermont in late May and sure would appreciate advice as what to see, pretty drives, places to eat, tours, etc . We've never been to Vermont and have heard it is so beautiful. We are going to be staying in Woodstock, Vt. We will have a car and love seeing new places and places that are off the beaten track. I can't wait to see some of the suggestions offered. Thank you.

Hi there....
Woodstock is "touristy" and sometimes busy depending on the time of year, but you'll be coming at a quiter time. I'm sure you'll have a great time there and is a good base for exploring. It's very eeasy to get "off the beaten track" in Vermont. Arm yourself with a good road atlas (Delorme or Northern Cartographic have good ones-if you can't find one in your home area, drive over to the Borders in West Lebanon just across the river in NH when you arrive) and just drive around! Try and stay off the "main" roads as much as possible. It's scenic just about every where you turn!
The Northeast Kingdom is not on the radar of many tourists and is only about an hour and 15 or so minute drive north of Woodstock. It's extremely gorgeous and quiet. Take I-91 North to the Barnet exit. Go west when you get off the exit to West Barnet, then follow signs to Peacham, then on to Danville. In Danville take Route 2 east to St. Johnsbury, then head back south to Woodstock via Route 5, I-91, or Route 10 on the NH side of the river.
You'll also be close to Hanover, NH-be sure to visit there. Home to Dartmouth College, Hanover has some great restaurants (if you feel like pizza, go to EBA), shopping, and is a great over-all town to explore. There are lots of "back" roads you can take from Woodstock north towards Hanover, but unfortunately I don't have my map handy.
Another ride I can suggest is going up Route 100 to Stowe..Route 100 in Central VT is gorgeous. Be sure to visit the Billings Farm Musuem in Woodstock. Take a drive over to Killington and take the gondola ride if it's operating.
As for restaurants in Woodstock, can't really help you there. I've heard great things about the restaurant at the Simon Pearce glass blowing "factory" in nearby Queechee. Hopefully some others can chime in w/restaurant suggestions.
Have a great trip!

Highly recommend "Vermont, An Explorer's Guide".

There are scenic drives and infinite possibilities in every direction from Woodstock.

Rt. 100 south through Weston and Dover and north through the Sugarbush area to Stowe is very beautiful. Depending on the weather, it could be warm and nice or wet and muddy. Trees will juist be starting to leave out.Woodstock is a lovely village. Manchester has lots of outlet shopping but in a village atmosphere. Drive around and get off the beaten track and you'll have a great time

I really like Jacqueline1212's idea of "off the beat path". I've done two road rallies with the Sports Car Club of America during the fall, and we take many secondary roads in central Vermont. Basically, it's beautiful everywhere, and you see something new after each turn. So just go explore...

Was just in VT and strongly recommend Rt. 100 up and down the state. Warren, VT is not to be missed. We stayed at Edson Hill Manor in Stowe which was just okay...but if you're looking for a fantastic restuarant please try Mist Grill in Waterbury. In a word: fantastic!

There's a lot to choose from. I would definitely take a day trip along Route 12 to 107 to 100 to Middlebury, a very beautiful drive on all back roads. Rochester, Ripton, Texas Falls, Bread Loaf and the Robert Frost Interpretaive Trail are all worth a stop, and Middlebury is full of restaurants and shops. If you wanted to do a circle route, you could go north on 116, stopping in Bristol (great bakery)to 17, take 17 through the gap to 100 at Waitsfield. From there, you could turn north and jump on 89 and be back in Woodstock 45 minutes later.
Also, driving along Route 5 north or south is beautiful(if you go north, be sure to stop at Fairlee and Orford).
More also, don't miss Simon Pierce--fascinating demos, good food and you can get your Christmas shopping done in the seconds store!