Vermont’s Legendary Highway Cuts Through 216 Miles Of Pure New England Magic
Route 100 stretches across Vermont for 216 miles, earning its reputation as one of the most scenic drives in America.
This legendary highway winds through charming villages, past covered bridges, and alongside mountains that seem to touch the sky.
Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, exploring ski resorts, or simply soaking in the New England charm, this route delivers unforgettable moments at every turn.
1. Natural Showstoppers Worth The Detour
Between the pastoral farmland and rolling hills, Route 100 serves up waterfalls that justify pulling over immediately. Warren Falls and Moss Glen Falls offer the kind of rushing water and mossy rocks that outdoor enthusiasts chase across entire states.
The covered bridges scattered along the route look almost too perfect to be real. Gold Brook Covered Bridge (locals call it Emily’s Bridge), the Slaughterhouse Covered Bridge near Northfield, and Pine Brook Covered Bridge all deliver that storybook New England aesthetic without trying.
Autumn foliage season transforms the entire corridor into a painter’s fever dream, though winter’s blanket of snow creates an entirely different kind of magic.
2. Town That Actually Lives Up To The Hype
Eden lives up to its biblical name with activities like dogsledding and cozy stays at Eden Mountain Lodge. The Lake Eden Country Store provides the provisions and local flavor that make small-town stops memorable rather than forgettable.
Rochester, Vermont, not to be confused with its larger namesakes, sits on 36,000 acres begging to be explored. Despite barely topping 1,000 residents, the town punches above its weight with BigTown Gallery showcasing regional artists and Bald Mountain Theater hosting productions that draw crowds from surrounding counties.
3. Where Nostalgia Meets Modern Comfort
Weston captures small-town Vermont so perfectly it almost feels like a movie set. The Vermont Country Store has been the town’s anchor since 1946, stocking everything from handmade treats to clothing and quirky finds that Amazon will never carry.
For overnight stays, The Weston resort manages to feel both luxurious and unpretentious: elegant suites, a proper spa, and European-influenced dining that doesn’t require a second mortgage. The balance between historic charm and contemporary comfort hits just right.
4. Ski Resorts That Justify The Journey
Stowe Mountain Resort caters to every skill level, from nervous beginners eyeing the bunny slopes to advanced skiers hunting for challenging terrain. Lessons are available for kids and adults who want to graduate beyond pizza-wedge turns.
When legs need a break from the slopes, nearby Spruce Peak Village offers shopping, restaurants, and entertainment options that transform a ski trip into an actual vacation. Nobody gets stuck eating mediocre lodge food three meals a day.
5. Beyond The Expected Winter Sports
Jay Peak Resort recognized that not everyone wants to spend entire days on skis. The indoor water park, spa facilities, nine-hole mini golf course, rock climbing gym, movie theater, and arcade create options for mixed-ability groups and families with varying interests.
The two on-site childcare centers solve the eternal parent dilemma: how to actually enjoy the slopes without worrying whether the kids are bored, cold, or staging a rebellion. Half-day and full-day options mean guilt-free powder runs.
