Southern Vermont Sites to See #1

When everyone you talk with says, "it looks like it'sThe two primary attractions in Weston are the
going to be a great Fall Foliage in Vermont." it meansoriginal Vermont Country Store, and the Weston
it's time do some serious leaf peeping and nourishPlayhouse. There is also one of the loveliest mill pond
your soul with a wonderfully scenic drive. Followingwaterfall photo opportunities in all of Southern
are easy directions just such a scenic drive.Vermont.
This drive offers an opportunity to truly enjoyReturn to Londonderry by traveling south on Route
Vermont's fall colors. It's a 58-mile loop through the100. When it ends at Route 11 turn left and proceed
communities of Brattleboro, Newfane, Townshend,east towards Chester. On the way to Chester you
Jamaica, Londonderry, Weston, Chester, andcan take another little side trip up to Magic Mountain
Rockingham. They all have great shops, a variety ofand enjoy a spectacular view of the Weston River
activities and historical sites, beautiful houses, and ofValley.
course great fall color.Return Route 11 and turn right and resume traveling
Begin your drive in Brattleboro. It's the first Vermonttowards Chester. You will pass through Simonsville,
exit on I-91. If you're coming from the south goingwhich has a remarkable inn with a beautiful upstairs
north on I-91, turn right at the end of the off ramp.ballroom.
If you're coming from the north going South on I-91When you reach the Chester, if you are a quilt
turn left at the bottom of the off ramp. Your firstenthusiast, stop at Country Treasures, which is on
goal is to drive toward downtown Brattleboro.the right just before the green. It is a quilting
Stay on the road you turned onto and drive throughenthusiasts wonderland. About halfway down the
downtown Brattleboro. As you leave the main partgreen is a wonderful bookstore, Misty Valley Books.
of town you'll encounter an obvious fork in the road.Parking for both stores is available on the green.
Watch for the signs indicating Route 30 and followAs you pass or leave the green parking area, turn
them onto Route 30.right onto School Street. Rose Arbour is just a block
Continue on Route 30 toward the two beautifuloff the Green on the left. Stop and nourish yourself
villages of Newfane and Townshend. The villagewith a delicious lunch or wonderful dessert tea.
green at Newfane and the buildings surrounding it areFinally, I suggest you take one more side trip before
among the most photographed in Vermont.you return to Interstate 91. When you leave Rose
On entering Townshend be especially careful becauseArbour turn right onto Route 11, travel east about a
you must make a sharp left to stay on Route 30.quarter of a mile and at the Junction with Routes 11
Just be careful to watch the signs. You want to stayand 103 North turn left. Drive up over the hill to
on Route 30. After that sharp left you will travel toChester Depot.
the towns of Jamaica and Stratton Mountain. ThisA train trip on the Green Mountain Flyer from
section of route 30 is especially scenic. Jamaica isChester to Bellows Falls is one of the best ways to
worth a short stop as there are some lovely shopssee the foliage. You'll ride on restored antique rail cars
and a couple of really fine galleries there.to Bellows Falls and back. The train travels along the
You'll start your climb into the mountains when youWilliams River and the color can be wonderful.
leave Jamaica. Remain on Route 30 until you reachAfter returning to Chester, drive south to the
Bondville. As you descend into Bondville, watch forjunctions of Routes 103 and 11 Turn right on Route
the intersection of Routes 30 & 100 North. Make11 and drive east toward Rockingham. In Rockingham
a right turn onto Route 100 North.you'll have another chance to visit The Vermont
Drive north on Route 100 into Londonderry. At theCountry Store. In my opinion, this newer store is not
intersection of Routes 100 & 11 turn right ontothe experience you can have at the original store in
Route 11. In Londonderry keep an eye out for TheWeston.
Garden Café. The food at the GardenAfter you return to Chester you will turn on to
Café is superb, and it connected to a reallyRoute 103 toward Rockingham & Bellows Falls.
fine art gallery.The Old Meeting House at Rockingham is an historical
If time permits, take a little side trip into the villagesite worth a brief visit.
of Weston. Continue driving east on Route 11 untilThe end of this scenic drive ends just past
you see the signs for Route 100 North. Turn leftRockingham. Route 103 will intersect with I-91 [Exit 6].
onto Route 100 North and drive north into Weston.