Where to go in Vermont & NH
 

We are planning a 10 day swing through Vermont & New Hampshire. Would like to see Woodstock & Middlebury - how much time is needed to see each city? Does anyone have any suggestions for mid or southern New Hampshire? Thanks Greg

Don't miss Portsmouth -- a charming city with Strawbery Banke (yes, that's how it's spelled), historic homes, and lighthouses. The Shaker Village further north was interesting. American Stonehedge is borderline for a visit -- it might be an ancient sacred shrine; but, then again, it might be nothing but a pile of rocks.

Greg, <BR> <BR>You don't need much time to see Middlebury or Woodstock. They are both lovely towns, but unless you like to shop - 2 hours is plenty. Shopping can add another 2, depending on whether you hit most of the stores. It's the area around Mid. and Wood. that's so nice. There are sooooooooo few charming towns up in those areas (and especially NH) that when you come upon M. and W. they make nice "watering" holes. <BR> <BR>Eat at the Simon Pearse glass factory just outside of Woodstock. If they don't have a table with a river/dam view available when you're ready to eat, wait until they do. You can always poke around in their shop (which is interesting to do) until your name is called. <BR> <BR>Elsa

Oops, I forgot to mention a couple of places in NH. <BR> <BR>North Conway is a mecca in northern NH. It has become very commercial due to all the factory outlet stores. They are the same ones you'd probably find in your area - wherever that may be. It is, however, a nice town. The Kancamagus (I think that's how you spell it) Highway is supposed to be one of the nicest roadways in the US. It's not a highway as such, but it is a lovely drive through the mountains. I believe it is Rt.112, and it runs from Lincoln, NH to Conway (just s. of N.Conway.) There are spots where you can park your car and hike on trails that are 1/4mi. to a few miles. There are also camping areas which the National Park Service is in charge of. <BR> <BR>There are also Franconia Notch, Crawford Notch, and a few others which are beautiful drives. You can take gondola rides to the tops of some of the mountains. By the way a "Notch" is a word we use for gulch, ravine, canyon, etc. depending on the area of the country you come from. Hope this info helps. <BR> <BR>Elsa <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR>

I live in southern NH very close to Stonehenge. I've been to Stonehenge, there really wasn't much to see. Twin Mountain up in Glen is great for hiking and real close to the "historic Mt. Washington" have fun!!

If you enjoy coffee,you will have to make a stop at the Green Mountain Coffee Company. It's south of Burlington on the I 89hwy. Check a visitor guide, it will have the correct location,I don't remember myself. The pleasant aroma is worth the stop. Enjoy.

Thank for the advice. Can any body recommend a B&B in Portsmouth? Which city is worth visit in Vermont? <BR>Thanks, Greg

In Vermont, Middlebury, Woodstock and the Shelburne/Burlington areas are all worth visiting.

Burlington is the ONLY city in Vermont. Middlebury and Woodstock are small towns--very beautiful and great to visit. Burlington offers the most options for dining, lodging, and nightlife. While there you can visit Shelburne Museum, Shelburne Farms, VT Teddy Bear Factory,and Church St. Marketplace to name a few. <BR>The Green MT. Coffee Roasters as mentioned in a previous post is in Waterbury, as is the Ben & Jerry's factory. Stowe is a short drive from Waterbury offering many outdoor activities such as hiking, biking and rollerblading in summer and skiing in winter. Have a GREAT time!

No one has mentioned the NH lakes region! The boat rides on Lake Sunapee or Lake Winnepasaukee would be a nice break from riding around in a car. Meredith NH has a small, interesting shopping area. Concord NH, the state capital has a great Main St plus the NH History Museum and the Planetarium. The tour at Canterbury Shaker Village just north of Concord is great, make sure to have lunch there. Rt 4 from Concord over the Portsmouth abounds with antique shops in Northwood. If you enjoy high quality handmade crafts, stop at any of the League of NH Craftmen shops. Concord has one. I also agree that Portsmouth is a must see, also offers great short cruises. <BR>

No one has mentioned going to the top of Mount Washington, the highest mountain in the East and home of the highest recorded wind in the world!!! There are a number of ways to go up this mountain, depending on your physical abilities and inclination. Of course, you can climb up. There is an auto road (you'll see bumper stickers all over the area saying "this car climbed Mt. Washington") where you can either drive up yourself or take a van up. I'd take the van and save the wear on your breaks, and enjoy the ride. There's also the Cog Railroad that climbs nearly straight up the mountain and is really unique and exciting. At the top is a weather observatory, a small but interesting museum, and gift shop/snack facilities. Have a great visit.

Portsmouth, N.H. is a great city but have you considered just crossing the bridge into southern Maine. First is Kittery (outlet shopping),then York with the beautiful York Harbor Inn, old colonial, charming with a great restaurant. Have fun.

I would probably stay 2 days in each location. This will allow you plenty of time to explore each location. If you are in Woodstock, there is a great B&B that I highly recommend. It is called the Applebutter Inn in Tastville, VT which is about a 5 minute drive from Woodstock

Thanks for the tips. I will consider going into southern Maine from Portsmouth. We made reservations at the Woodstocker B&B in Woodstock. Has any body stayed there?

The Woodstocker is neat, cheery and just fine.

Greg, <BR> <BR>When are you thinking of heading to VT and NH? Depending on the time of year of your travel, there are places I would recommend and others I would try to avoid. Are you looking for slow and laid back or some adventure? I beg to differ with Elsa in regards to the charming towns; a drive through VT on route 100 would uncover a few of them. There are also Bennington, Vergennes, Brattleboro, and if it's apple picking season, you have to hit Monkton. If it were my 10 days, I wouldn't stay in Woodstock or Middlebury - too touristy, but nice places to stroll through. On a nice evening, you must experience a sunset over Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mtns from Battery Park in Burlington. <BR> <BR>Feel free to E-mail me and I'll be happy to help with the details; I lived in New England for 34 years; more than half of those in VT.

If you like touring homes, check out one in Moltonborough NH to see "Castle in the Clouds". <BR>Ellen

If you're staying in Woodstock, plan to walk down the Quechee Gorge. Make sure to look down into the gorge from the bridge to see where you're walking. I go there with all my visiting friends and still enjoy it. <BR>I agree that you should go to Simon Pearce. Make a reservation. It's always busy. You can watch them make the glass on the lower floor of the building. Also worth it.

I live in New Hampshire in the Seacoast Region and would agree with the others that you must see Portsmouth! There are so many charming stores and great restaurants! Also, even though it is the winter months, make a stop at Hampton beach and take a long walk - just make sure you're bundled up! My husband and I really enjoy Vermont and even got married there in a little town called Randolph. It is North of Woodstock and Queche (about 30 mins to 1 hour) but I would HIGHLY recommend that you stay at the Three Stallions Inn in Randolph. It is a cozy Inn with a few separate houses made into rooms. There are acres and acres to walk, talk and enjoy. They have a great dining room in the main house and the service is EXCELLENT! Its beautiful.

Thanks for all of the responces. They have been helpfull. To Kathy: we planned the trip for early May. <BR>Greg