Vermont--Route 100

 
Date: Wednesday, 25. October 2006

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Billboards are not allowed along roadways in Vermont and, in some places, paving of certain roads is prohibited to protect the state's bucolic, rural environment. As a result, many of the main routes that traverse Vermont are exceptionally scenic. Ranked by many as one of the ten best roads in America to drive, Route 100 stretches from the southern edge of Vermont to its northern border. And what's not to like? On this tour, you can take your pick--do some hiking, look at art, eat ice cream, or just enjoy the scenery. This drive will take you north on Route 100 starting just north of Stamford, a small city nestled between the Hoosac and Taconic mountain ranges. For the first few miles, the Hoosic River runs parallel to the road. After Readsboro Falls, the road follows the Deerfield River with its lovely waterfalls. Continue past Readsboro to Whitingham, the birthplace of Brigham Young, the famous Mormon leader and founder of Salt Lake City. In the town of Wilmington, you'll find plenty of shops and antique stores including Left Bank Antiques in an 1850s bank building. You can also stop in at the Mount Snow Valley Chamber of Commerce for brochures on the area's events and attractions.

Continue north to West Dover, a town with a Historic District--including a village store, church, and inn--dating from the early- to mid-1800s. The Stratton ski area is also nearby. West Wardsboro is another town steeped in New England history. Chartered in 1786, the town was home to Samuel Hammond, who took part in the raid known as the Boston Tea Party. Public whippings for minor offenses were carried out here until the early-1800s while crimes like blasphemy carried a death sentence. Stop at the Jamaica State Park for a white water rafting adventure on the West River. Nearby, South Londonderry has many beautiful homes dating from the late-1800s when wealthy mill owners settled in the area. Next, you'll find Weston, another picturesque town centered on a village green. During the summer, you may be able to see a performance at the Weston Playhouse; or, any time of year, visit the Weston Priory, a small Benedictine monastery. The Whales in Vermont Gallery, in one of the Grist Mill yard's original buildings, has some wonderful wildlife and environmental art. The Calvin Coolidge Homestead and the Coolidge State Forest are in the nearby hamlet of Plymouth.

Just north in Granville, you can load up on local Vermont products at the Granville Manufacturing Company. Take a tour to see how some of the woodcrafts are created. Just north of Granville, park your car at Moss Glen Falls to see one of the prettiest waterfalls in Vermont. Just before Waterbury Center is the Ben & Jerry's Factory, where you can tour the famous ice cream plant and see how your favorite flavors are made. The Stowe Hollow covered bridge (built in 1844) leads to the "Ski Capital of the World"--but there's plenty to do in this scenic resort town at any time of year. The drive ends in the city of Newport. Look for the Goodrich Memorial Library, built in 1898 and featuring historic paintings, photographs, household utensils, and stuffed animals.

Starting Point:
Readsboro Falls, VT

Distance of Drive:
200 miles

Must Eat:
The Old Mill Inn
18 North Main St., Wilmington, VT 05363
Phone:  802-464-3700
Call ahead to confirm hours of operation.

Best Time of Year for Drive:
Spring to Fall

Points of Interest on Drive:
Jamaica State Park
Moss Glen Falls
Ben & Jerry Factory

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