23 Scenic Stops on a Route 100 Vermont Street Journey Itinerary
A Route 100 Vermont highway journey is commonly thought-about one of the crucial scenic drives within the Inexperienced Mountain state and the prettiest fall foliage highway journeys in New England. At simply over 200 miles, Vermont’s Route 100 meanders by way of small cities, follows the trail of winding rivers, and travels previous each ski resorts and splashy waterfalls.
You possibly can journey this route in simply over 5 hours, however to completely take pleasure in this scenic drive, it would be best to unfold it out over an extended weekend or extra. This scenic Route 100 highway journey itinerary will introduce you to what makes Vermont so particular with stops at maple sugar homes, craft breweries, nation shops, cheese makers, historic websites, attractive waterfalls, and charming Vermont villages.
Rising up, I spent all of my household holidays in Vermont, taking day journeys and scenic drives all through the state. Extra not too long ago, I’ve pushed this route many instances within the final couple of years on varied journeys to Vermont. After exploring all of its nooks and crannies, I’m excited to share a few of my favourite stops alongside the attractive Route 100 Scenic Byway.
Vermont Route 100 Street Journey Stops
Be aware: This put up could comprise affiliate hyperlinks. If you happen to click on a hyperlink and make a purchase order, I’ll obtain a small fee. All opinions are my very own.
This Vermont Route 100 highway journey itinerary covers the part from Wilmington, in Southern Vermont, as much as Stowe. Whereas Route 100 continues up into the Northeast Kingdom, the part coated right here is the most well-liked and you’ll simply prolong your journey or take a day journey from a house base in Stowe if you wish to discover additional.
Vermont Route 100 Route Journey Map
This map was created utilizing Google My Maps and covers your Route 100 highway journey and the stops steered under. You possibly can click on on the star subsequent to the title and save this to your Google Maps account or click on on the share icon to ship it to your self by way of e-mail. Click on on any of the icons to study extra about that vacation spot or attraction.
Wilmington, Vermont
Wilmington is situated on the Molly Stark Byway, midway between artsy Brattleboro and historic Bennington in Southern Vermont. Positioned close to the bottom of the Scenic Route 100 Byway, this charming city makes an ideal place to begin on your highway journey itinerary.
The Wilmington Village Historic District is on the Nationwide Register of Historic Locations with quite a few well-preserved 18th- and Nineteenth-century buildings. Downtown you’ll discover a statue of Molly Stark, a neighborhood determine made well-known by her husband, Basic John Stark, a Continental normal of the American Revolution, who famously gave the battle name of “There are your enemies, the Crimson Coats and the Tories. They’re ours, or this evening Molly Stark sleeps a widow!” earlier than participating with the British and Hessian military within the Battle of Bennington.
In downtown Wilmington, you’ll discover reward outlets, boutiques, cafes, and unbiased e-book vendor Bartleby’s Books. For a easy meal, attempt the old-school diner vibe of native favourite Dot’s, or the Village Roost is a trendier espresso store and cafe within the coronary heart of downtown.
Make sure to take a stroll throughout Reardon’s Crossing bridge for beautiful views of the Deerfield River. In the summertime, you may as well discover the shores of Lake Whitingham and within the winter, you’ll discover snowboarding close by on the non-public Hermitage Membership at Haystack Mountain or Mount Snow a bit additional north.
If you wish to keep in a single day earlier than beginning this highway journey, The Vermont House is situated proper in downtown, and the White House Inn could be very shut by.
Mount Snow, Dover or Okemo, Ludlow
As you head north on Route 100, you’ll know you’re close to the ski resorts when as an alternative of barns beside the highway, you begin to see ski outlets and eating places. If you happen to get hungry, you may cease for some wood-fired pizza at American Flatbread, a well-liked New England chain. Sticky Fingers Bakery is the place to go for selfmade cinnamon rolls, croissants, danish, cookies, breads, and extra.
You possibly can simply go these proper by, however in case you are splitting your journey up over a number of days, you may wish to find time for a cease at both Mount Snow in Dover (quarter-hour north of Wilmington) or Okemo, additional north in Ludlow. Fortunately, these are each situated proper off of Route 100 and provide nice snowboarding and winter snow sports activities within the winter, however in the summertime or choose days throughout leaf peeping season you may nonetheless take pleasure in mountaineering, mountain biking, or scenic chairlifts.
If you happen to maintain out till you get to Okemo, you may as well take pleasure in extra actions such because the Timber Ripper Mountain Coaster, Haulback Ropes Problem Course, Coleman Brook Mining Firm, or Lumberin’ Cal Miniature Golf. Winter additionally brings ice skating, snow tubing, snow shoeing, or fats biking.
Jamaica State Park & Hamilton Falls, Jamaica
As you head north on Route 100 from Dover, you’ll go by way of the outskirts of the Inexperienced Mountain Nationwide Forest. This scenic stretch of highway is a number of the prettiest, particularly when it follows the course of the West River, cascading over the rocky river mattress. If you wish to stretch your legs and revel in nature, make a cease at Jamaica State Park (half-hour north of Dover.) Earlier than you get there, you could wish to cease on the Scott Coated Bridge.
From the campground, it’s a three-mile (one-way) hike to Hamilton Falls, certainly one of Vermont’s largest waterfalls. Right here Cobb Brook cascades 125 ft down a mountain slope, by way of a woodland, and right into a collection of enormous potholes. There are a number of falls right here, certainly one of which drops 40 to 50 ft into a big pool. Whereas this can be a in style swimming spot, it’s also fairly harmful and plenty of have misplaced their lives so I wouldn’t danger it.
Jamaica State Park is situated at 48 Salmon Gap Ln, Jamaica, VT 05343
If a hike makes you hungry, 10 minutes additional up the highway it is best to cease at Honeypie, a neighborhood quick meals restaurant specializing in burgers, sausages, sandwiches, and milkshakes from the couple behind James-Beard nominated SoLo Farm and Desk. It’s also possible to decide up some native Vermont beers at Meulemans’ Craft Draughts throughout the road. If you happen to simply need one thing candy, cease at Grandma Miller’s Pies and Pastries as an alternative.
Honeypie is situated at 8811 VT-30, Jamaica, VT 05343. Meulemans’ Craft Draughts is situated at 8814 VT-30, Rawsonville, VT 05155. Grandma Miller’s Pies and Pastries is situated at 52 Hearthstone Ln, South Londonderry, VT 05155
Taylor Farm, Londonderry
If you get to Londonderry, take a brief facet journey on Route 11 to Taylor Farm. The farm retailer options a wide range of native and artisanal merchandise together with an in depth collection of Vermont cheeses, selfmade bread, Vermont maple syrup, jams, and handcrafts.
Every season brings one thing new to Taylor Farm. Summer season brings concert events, animal visits, garden video games, and possibly even a wagon experience. Within the fall, the farm is bursting with farm-grown apples and pumpkins and within the winter, Taylor Farm affords sleigh rides. These 45-minute rides journey by way of the fields and into the woods to a fireplace and warming hut the place you may take pleasure in some sizzling cider.
If you happen to actually wish to break up your drive, take a day to take pleasure in close by Manchester and keep in a single day at one of many village’s many charming inns and motels.
Taylor Farm is situated at 825 VT-11, Londonderry, VT 05148
Vermont Nation Retailer, Weston
From Londonderry, it’s only 10 minutes additional up Route 100 to Weston and the Vermont Country Store. Established in 1946 by the Orton household, this iconic spot is like visiting the L.L. Bean of Vermont. You can see an enormous array of Vermont-made merchandise together with clothes and housewares, together with meals merchandise.
This can be a spot to purchase Vermont maple syrup, Vermont cheeses, jams, and different specialty merchandise. It’s enjoyable to wander the wood-planked rooms to find what treats await…like onerous sweet sticks and old style onerous candies and fudge.
The Vermont Nation Retailer additionally has a snack bar and cafe, together with picnic tables. So decide up a deal with, seize a rocking chair on the porch, and journey again in time at this quintessential nation retailer.
The Vermont Nation Retailer is situated at 657 Principal St, Weston, VT 05161
Buttermilk Falls, Ludlow
Simply north of Okemo Mountain Resort, 20 minutes north of Weston, flip left onto Route 103 to Buttermilk Falls. You possibly can entry the falls by way of a brief stroll. Whereas it’s a in style swimming spot in the summertime, it’s particularly stunning within the fall.
Inexperienced Mountain Sugarhouse
Again on Route 100, it’s only a few minutes additional to Green Mountain Sugarhouse. This red-roofed sugarhouse overlooks the attractive Lake Pauline so order a maple creemee (maple-flavored gentle ice cream) and seize a seat on an Adirondack chair to benefit from the view. They make and promote every part from maple syrup to maple fudge, and it’s also a Vermont nation reward store (albeit a lot smaller than the Vermont Nation Retailer.)
Inexperienced Mountain Sugarhouse is situated at 820 Route 100 N, Ludlow, VT 05149
Calvin Coolidge Historic Web site
If you get to Plymouth Notch, take a facet journey up Route 100A in direction of Bridgewater for a go to to the President Calvin Coolidge Historic Site. Also referred to as the Coolidge Homestead, this was the childhood house of the thirtieth president of the USA and the place the place he first took the presidential oath of workplace.
Guests can see the Coolidge Birthplace, Coolidge Homestead, Union Christian Church, Schoolhouse, and Plymouth Cemetery, together with everlasting displays and benefit from the nature trails all through the grounds.
Calvin Coolidge Historic Web site is situated at 3780 VT-100A, Plymouth, VT 05056
Plymouth Artisan Cheese
Plymouth Artisan Cheese is house to America’s oldest cheddar, comprised of the unique 1890 Vermont recipe. The Plymouth Cheese Manufacturing facility was inbuilt 1890 by Colonel John Coolidge, a dairy farmer who was trying to prolong the shelf lifetime of his milk. Right now, the corporate makes a number of flavors of cheddar together with Farmer Fred’s Favourite, black truffle, sage and herb, sizzling pepper, and cheese curds. The store is open 11 – 4 on a regular basis, preserve that in thoughts as a result of by some means I all the time appear to get there minutes after they shut!
Plymouth Artisan Cheese is situated at 106 Messer Hill Rd, Plymouth, VT 05056
Killington, Vermont
Killington is the proper midway level in your Route 100 Vermont highway journey to cease for the evening, as there are such a lot of choices for locations to remain (though it will likely be pricier throughout ski season.) I’ve stayed at The Mountain Inn in Killington. It’s a newly renovated resort that sits on prime of a distillery and restaurant. It wasn’t fancy but it surely had fashionable decor and a enjoyable vibe (and good value!)
Discover extra locations to remain in Killington:
Lengthy Path Brewing Co.
Brewing since 1989, Long Trail Brewing Co. is certainly one of Vermont’s early craft brewers, specializing in German-style beer. I first visited Lengthy Path within the early Nineteen Nineties, however at the moment you may eat and drink at its spacious riverside pub and restaurant, which was impressed by the Hofbräu Home in Munich, Germany. You possibly can both proceed up Route 100A to Lengthy Path for a drink earlier than checking in to your resort at Killington, or return out for dinner.
Lengthy Path Brewing Co. is situated at 5520 US Rte. 4, Bridgewater Corners, Vermont 05035
Thundering Brook Falls, Killington
Begin off your day with a brief hike to Thundering Falls, which is alleged to be the sixth tallest waterfall in Vermont. Begin on the River Street parking space and observe a boardwalk over the Ottauquechee River and thru the open Ottauquechee River floodplain. The path then ascends to a viewing platform overlooking the Falls by way of an accessible switchback and spur path.
Thundering Brook Falls is situated at 2295 River Rd Fork, Killington, VT 05751
Rochester Nation Retailer, Rochester
Thirty minutes north of Killington you’ll come throughout the small city of Rochester, house to the Rochester Cafe and Country Store. This homey cafe has been serving up breakfast, brunch and lunch favorites for over 30 years. Even if you happen to aren’t hungry but, the quaint nation retailer is stuffed items and native goodies. It’s also a great place to choose up a picnic on your subsequent cease!
The Rochester Cafe and Nation Retailer is situated at 55 N Principal St, Rochester, VT 05767
Texas Falls Recreation Space, Hancock
It’s only 10 minutes from Rochester to the Texas Falls Recreation Area, however there isn’t cell service within the space, so make sure to map it upfront. You have to to show off Route 100 at Route 125 West to achieve the falls. This space incorporates a one-mile nature hike by way of the woods, however you don’t even want to try this to see the beautiful waterfalls which were carved by way of the rock over the generations. One of the best views are proper at first of the hike, simply previous the bridge that connects the path to the parking zone.
Moss Glen Falls, Granville
Head again to Route 100 North and proceed quarter-hour additional to Moss Glen Falls, a fairly 30-foot waterfall. The Falls are situated on the west facet of Route 100, so the parking zone is less complicated to entry from the southbound facet. When touring north, you will have to maintain your eyes peeled or you’ll miss it.
Warren Falls, Warren
One other 10 minutes additional north, you’ll come to Warren Falls. This can be a collection of waterfalls, reasonably than a tall and extra dramatic waterfall like Moss Glen Falls, nonetheless, it’s nonetheless a gorgeous spot to cease if you happen to love waterfalls. You probably have already had your fill, be happy to skip this spot. The parking zone can get a bit of crowded on a busy day as a result of this can be a in style spot for households, picnickers, and hikers. However a brief stroll in direction of the cascades will deliver you to a gorgeous view of the water speeding by way of rocks. Stake out a spot on the rocks and sit and revel in a picnic or simply take within the view.
A bit additional north brings you to the Warren Retailer, a former stagecoach inn and boarding home that’s now a captivating normal retailer.
Warren Falls is situated at 3919 Vermont Rte 100, Warren, VT 05674
Lawson’s Best Taproom, Waitsfield
The lovable, artsy city of Waitsfield, close to Mad River Glen Ski Space, is the start of the Mad River Scenic Byway. This can be a good spot to cease for lunch, and even keep the evening if in case you have extra time on your Vermont highway journey itinerary. You can see artwork galleries in addition to pottery and glass artisans. You possibly can seize lunch on the Three Mountain Cafe, American Flatbread, or Mad Taco, or deal with your self to a maple ice cream cone at Canteen Creemee.
Waitsfield can also be house to Mad River Distillers and some craft breweries, together with certainly one of my husband’s favorites, Lawson’s Finest Liquids. The taproom serves up tasting flights and lightweight bites and is a should cease for New England IPA lovers.
Lawson’s Best is situated at 155 Carroll Street, Waitsfield, VT 05673
Waterbury, Vermont
Waterbury additionally affords loads of choices for lunch or dinner, together with Prohibition Pig or Maxi’s, a neighborhood favourite for breakfast and brunch. If you happen to stick round for dinner, attempt to get a reservation at Hen of the Wood. I’ve eaten at their location in Burlington and this farm-to-table restaurant is fabulous.
Ben & Jerry’s Manufacturing facility, Waterbury
Ben & Jerry’s Factory is likely one of the hottest sights in Vermont and a should go to for ice cream followers. You possibly can take a 30-minute guided tour by way of Ben & Jerry’s first manufacturing unit. Inbuilt 1985, this manufacturing unit continues to fabricate upwards of 350,000 pints per day and you could get fortunate to see the manufacturing in motion in the course of the tour. The tour ends within the Taste Room with a tasting of one of many well-known flavors.
Even if you happen to don’t take a tour, you may nonetheless go to the small Scoop store and retail space. One factor you do NOT wish to miss is a stroll by way of the Taste Graveyard. I do know it sounds a bit of creepy, however it’s really fairly enjoyable to see all of the flavors which were “de-pinted.” Simply needless to say tour tickets are launched two weeks upfront and pre-purchasing is very inspired.
Ben & Jerry’s Manufacturing facility is situated at 1281 Waterbury-Stowe Rd Route 100, Waterbury Village Historic District, VT 05676
Cabot Creamery, Waterbury
Any cheddar cheese fan will wish to make a cease on the Cabot Creamery Retailer in Waterbury, simply up the highway from Ben & Jerry’s. Along with a collection of scrumptious cheeses, the shop sells many different Vermont specialty meals together with maple merchandise, Vermont microbrews, and onerous ciders. If you are there, seize some additional creamy sea salted butter to unfold on freshly baked bread.
Cabot Creamery is situated at 2657 Waterbury-Stowe Rd, Waterbury Middle, VT 05677
Lake Champlain Goodies, Waterbury
Positioned proper subsequent door to Cabot Creamery is the Waterbury location of Lake Champlain Chocolates. Not solely is that this a chocolate store, however it’s also a chocolate cafe providing sizzling chocolate, espresso, and ice cream. I’ve visited the principle Lake Champlain Chocolate retailer in Burlington and I used to be so impressed with the standard and ethical-sourcing provided by this household run firm. It’s also possible to seize some manufacturing unit seconds for a steal!
Lake Champlain Goodies is situated at 2653 Waterbury-Stowe Rd, Waterbury, VT 05676
Chilly Hole Cider Mill
Simply interested by the freshly cooked apple cider donuts from Cold Hollow Cider Mill makes me hungry! I’d recommend beginning on the onerous cider tasting room. Once I visited, if you happen to bought a tasting flight you bought a coupon for six free donuts subsequent door. After your tasting, go to the principle retailer for apple cider, apple cider donuts, and a big selection of Vermont merchandise.
The restaurant additionally serves breakfast and lunch with breakfast sandwiches on selfmade cheddar cheese biscuits, wraps, recent salads, our selfmade soups, grilled Paninis, and sandwiches served on selfmade white or candy potato bread.
Chilly Hole Cider Mill is situated at 3600 Waterbury-Stowe Rd, Waterbury Middle, VT 05677
Stowe, Vermont
I’d recommend ending up your Route 100 highway journey within the ski city of Stowe. There are numerous locations to remain close by that provide an amazing collection of outside mountain actions together with Topnotch Resort, Stoweflake Lodge, and the Trapp Family Lodge. The Bench in Stowe is a good spot for lunch or dinner.
From Stowe, you may take pleasure in mountaineering and outside summer time or winter actions at Stowe Mountain Resort. It’s also possible to take day journeys to buy on the Vermont Flannel Store and Johnson Woolen Mills in Johnson
Discover extra locations to remain in Stowe:
Vermont Route 100 Street Journey Ideas
Cost Up
In case you are driving an electrical automobile, it would be best to be strategic about the place and while you cost. Whereas Vermont has the very best per capita fee of public charging availability in the USA, you’ll want to know where to look. There’s a massive financial institution of Tesla tremendous chargers in Brattleboro, which you could possibly use to cost earlier than beginning out. Additionally, you will discover chargers in Wilmington, Ludlow, Killington, Rochester, Warren, Waitsfield, Waterbury, and Stowe, alongside the route.
Fuel powered vehicles must also control the gasoline gauge when driving the scenic byways of Vermont, however you’ll discover fuel stations in small cities alongside the best way. Simply needless to say some could have restricted hours.
Drive South to North
It actually doesn’t matter which course you drive Vermont’s Route 100, however until you’re flying into Burlington, I believe it’s extra enjoyable to drive the scenic route north after which take the freeway again south. Plus, if you happen to begin in Wilmington, you’re nearer to extra airports in case you are flying in (3 hours from Boston, 1.5 hours from Hartford CT, 2 hours from Manchester NH, and 1.5 hours from Albany NY.)
Be Climate & Visitors Prepared
Route 100 is called the “Skier’s Freeway” since there are such a lot of ski resorts situated on or close to the scenic byway together with Mount Snow, Okemo, Stratton, Killington, Pico, Mad River Glen, Stowe, and others. In case you are taking this journey within the winter, be ready for crowds and for snow. Ensure you have good all-weather tires (or contemplate snow tires) and convey alongside an ice scraper and moveable snow shovel. Twice I’ve gone on a ski journey and needed to shovel out my automotive with my palms so don’t make my mistake!
Plan Early for Leaf Peeping
Within the autumn, leaf peepers line the scenic byways of Vermont and crowd the small path parking heaps and sights. If you wish to go to throughout prime fall foliage season, you’ll want to e-book your lodging upfront! Peak foliage instances differ however sometimes the final week of September by way of Columbus Day Weekend / Indigenous Individuals’s Day is the busiest. You need to use a fall foliage tracker to observe the colour change progress annually.
Deliver a Map
Many parts of Route 100 do not need cell service so it helps to deliver alongside a paper map, which you’ll decide up at a Vermont customer heart or many nation shops and sights. If you happen to don’t have a map, make sure to map out your route, with the stops, earlier than you allow WiFi or cell service. Technically you don’t want a map if you happen to keep on with Route 100, but it surely does take just a few twists and turns, and there are just a few stops which are barely off the route which are nonetheless worthy of a cease.
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