Stowe is one of the most fun towns to visit in Vermont year-round, so taking a trip there from Boston is an awesome idea. Depending on how much time you have to make the drive, there are so many options for great stops along the way. If it seems overwhelming, and you’re not even sure where to begin, I’ve got you covered! This post is all about the different routes to take when driving from Boston to Stowe, VT, and suggestions on the best stops to make along the way. Let’s get started!
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How Far Is Boston From Stowe, VT?
If you take the most direct route without any stops, Boston is about 3.5 hours to Stowe, VT, but you’ll definitely want to factor in traffic getting out of Boston (especially on weekdays).
Best Way To Get From Boston To Stowe, VT
The best way to get to Stowe from Boston is to drive, which is probably how you’re planning to get there since you’re reading this post! Keep reading below for my suggestions on routes to take based on how much time you have, and what stops you want to make.
How Many Days Do You Need To Drive From Boston To Stowe, VT?
If you don’t need to make any stops along the way, you only need a few hours to make the drive. However, if you’re looking to take a road trip and see some of the beautiful sites along the way (which I highly suggest!), you can do that in as little as 1 full day, or as long as a week. Most people will likely do one-way of this road trip in 1-2 full days to make it a weekend getaway from Boston, which will still allow you to see lots of great things.
Don’t forget that you can also split up the drive, and maybe take scenic Route 100 to get there, and then take the quickest way home.
Route Options When Driving From Boston To Stowe, VT
There are 4 main routes you can take when driving from Boston to Stowe, VT, and each one offers different things to see along the way (some stop will overlap, however). Below is a breakdown of the different routes, how long they take to drive non-stop from Boston to Stowe, and an overview of things you can see on the drive. Keep reading for details about each stop!
I-89 – Most Direct Route (3.5 Hours Without Stops)
Taking I-89 is the quickest way to get from Boston to Stowe, VT, and will still allow you to stop in some fun places along the way if you wanted to make stops.
Here’s an overview of the best stops to make along the route (or close to it):
- Cornish-Windsor Covered Bridge
- Hanover, NH
- Quechee, VT
- Woodstock, VT
- Pomfret, VT
- Montpelier, VT
- Waterbury, VT
- Stowe, VT
I-93 (4 Hours Without Stops)
Taking I-93 the whole way to Stowe is the best option if you’re looking to also tack on the White Mountains region in New Hampshire. This route will take you through some nice parts of that area before getting to Stowe. If the White Mountains is a must-see for you (especially in the fall!), it’s definitely one to consider.
Here’s an overview of the best stops to make on this route:
- Lincoln, NH
- Franconia, NH
- Littleton, NH
- Stowe, VT
I-91 To I-89 (4 Hours 40 Minutes Without Stops)
This route will take you along the border between Vermont and New Hampshire, and this is a good one to take if you’re looking to see some of the Vermont countryside on your way, and stop at one of the best country stores in Vermont. This one is very similar to taking I-89 the whole way, but the detour going slightly west on I-91 affords you the option of stopping in Keene, NH and Rockingham, VT to see some cool things before connecting up with I-89.
Here’s an overview of the best stops to make on this route:
- Keene, NH
- The Vermont Country Store in Rockingham (including the Kissing Covered Bridge)
- Cornish-Windsor Covered Bridge
- Woodstock, VT
- Pomfret, VT
- Montpelier, VT
- Waterbury, VT
- Stowe, VT
Route 100 (5 Hours 45 Minutes Without Stops)
This is the longest driving route from Boston to Stowe, VT, but also allows you the opportunity to drive most of Route 100 through Vermont, which is one of the most scenic drives you can take in the New England countryside.
This will allow you to see a lot of fun things along the drive, but is also best for those who have a lot of time to make the drive, and stop in a lot of places. If you don’t have time to stop and see the sites along the route, it doesn’t make sense for you to take this option.
Here’s an overview of things you can see along Route 100 in Vermont, when starting the drive from Wilmington, VT:
- Wilmington, VT
- Weston, VT (there’s a Vermont Country Store is here as well)
- Killington, VT
- Woodstock, VT (optional detour)
- Quechee, VT (optional detour)
- Waitsfield, VT
- Waterbury, VT
- Stowe, VT
Best Stops To Make When Driving From Boston To Stowe, VT
Okay, now that you have the overviews of each route, as well as how long they all take, let’s get into it even more. This section will break down why each stop is worth making during this trip, and I’ve kept them all grouped together by route to make it easier to plan your own road trip from Boston to Stowe, VT.
Best Stops To Make Driving The Most Direct Route (I-89)
1. Cornish-Windsor Covered Bridge
This is the longest covered bridge in New England, and if you love seeing these beautiful structures in the region, this is a great one to see while driving from Boston to Stowe, VT. This will require a 20-minute detour (each way) to see, so if you’re short on time, you can skip this one since you’ll see some covered bridges in Stowe. But, if you have the time, this is really fun to add to your itinerary.
2. Hanover, NH
The next fun stop you can make on this route is Hanover, NH, and to get there, it’s only 15 minutes off-course each way from the direct route, making it an easy stop to make.
I actually really love Hanover, and it’s a great stop to make if you’re looking to explore a new town with some really cute shops and great places to eat. It has a lot of hiking opportunities nearby as well, but since you’re likely just passing through on a road trip, you’ll probably want to stick to easier things to do.
Best things to do in Hanover when passing through on the road trip:
- Explore the shops downtown (most are on Main Street). Some of my favorites in Hanover are Farmhouse Pottery and Still North Books & Bar.
- Walk around Dartmouth College’s campus.
- Grab breakfast or lunch (and some yummy baked goods!) from Lou’s Restaurant & Bakery.
- Take a quick 5-minute drive to Norwich, VT and visit the King Arthur Baking campus to get some more treats (their croissants are really good!) and do a little shopping for your pantry.
3. Quechee, VT
Quechee is a really fun little town to explore while driving from Boston to Stowe, VT, and it’ll be about 10-15 mins off the direct route to get there. Once you arrive, you’ll be able to see a cute covered bridge, shop at some unique places, and also get a really nice lunch at what’s been called one of the most romantic restaurants in the country by Travel + Leisure.
Here are the best things to do when stopping in Quechee during your drive:
- Visit the Simon Pearce flagship store and see a free glass-blowing demonstration.
- Have lunch at The Mill, the restaurant inside the Simon Pearce store, and the one that was named as one of the most romantic in the country! The restaurant offers views of the river and covered bridge, and the bar is seriously impressive.
- If you have time, walk around the Quechee Gorge Trail, which is just over a mile, and can be done in 30-40 minutes. You’ll get some really awesome views of the gorge here.
- Head over to Quechee Gorge Village for unique shops. This is also where you can do a spirits tasting and sample some local cheeses.
Click here to read all about the best and coziest places to stay in Vermont in the fall!
4. Woodstock, VT
Just a few minutes from Quechee is Woodstock, VT, one of the most charming towns in all of Vermont (personally, I love it just as much as Stowe). If you’re coming from Quechee, it’s only about 15 more minutes to Woodstock, and if you have the time, this is a great destination to stop in while driving from Boston to Stowe, VT.
Here are some of the best things to do in Woodstock, VT during your drive:
- Stop at Taftsville Covered Bridge on your drive from Quechee.
- Explore the town center, shops and town green, which also includes Middle Covered Bridge.
- Have lunch or grab a coffee from Mon Vert Cafe.
- If you have time, Billings Farm & Museum is a great place to visit.
- Sample locally-made maple syrups and cheeses at Sugarbush Farm.
Click here to read about even more fun things to do in Woodstock, VT!
5. Pomfret, VT
If you’re short on time, you can skip Pomfret, but I wanted to mention it because it has one of the most famous landscapes in Vermont, and it makes for a really beautiful stop to make. This will be about 10 minutes off the direct route each way, and it’s just outside of Woodstock, VT.
In Pomfret, you’ll want to stop at Sleepy Hollow Farm. Now, here are some important things to know about this farm:
- It’s just as beautiful in person as it is in the photos.
- It’s privately owned, so you can only admire the scene from a distance.
- It’s important to be very respectful during your visit. A lot of people stop here to take photos, but please be courteous during your visit, and don’t trespass onto their private property.
All that said, I think it’s definitely worth a stop if you have the time! It’s most beautiful in the fall and winter seasons.
6. Montpelier, VT
Montpelier is the capital of Vermont, and somehow, it still maintains a lot of character and charm, and is most definitely worth stopping in while driving from Boston to Stowe, VT. There are some really cool places to check out in Montpelier, and this makes for a great stop if you’re looking for a nice downtown feel with shops and restaurants, wineries, distilleries and just want to walk through a really fun place.
Here are some of the best things to do in Montpelier during your drive:
- Walk around the very cool downtown area, and visit the shops.
- Stroll through Hubbard Park.
- Visit the Coburn Covered Bridge.
- Grab lunch and ice cream at Wayside Restaurant, Creamery & Bakery.
- Sample the local spirits at Caledonia.
- Do a wine tasting at North Branch Vineyards.
7. Waterbury
One of the best stops to make while driving from Boston to Stowe, VT, or really, during any Vermont road trip, is Waterbury. Here, you’ll find some of the best things to do in Vermont, and it’s pretty much on the direct route to Stowe.
Once you get to Stowe, this is a very easy little side trip to take, as it’s only about 20 minutes from town, so keep that in mind if you don’t have time to stop here during your drive.
Here are some of the best things to do in Waterbury during your drive:
- Tour the Ben & Jerry’s Factory.
- Visit Cold Hollow Cider Mill to get some cider and donuts, and also shop all the fun things at their country store.
- Stop in the Cabot Farmer’s Store to taste some local cheeses.
Best Stops To Make On This Route If You’re Short On Time
I love all these suggested stops, but if you’re short on time, and can only make 1-2 stops, I would say Quechee, Woodstock and Waterbury are the best.
Waterbury is offers such quintessential Vermont things to do, and I think it’s very much worth the stop. Each place here can also be done quickly, if needed.
Best Stops To Make Driving I-93 From Boston To Stowe, VT
As mentioned earlier in the post, this is the best route to take if you’re looking to add in some time in the White Mountains region of New Hampshire. The stops I’ve listed are the easiest ones to make during the drive as far as proximity to the route. However, if you’re looking to take one longer trip by combining the White Mountains with Stowe, you can certainly explore other fun towns in the White Mountains like Conway and Jackson. For this road trip, however, we’re going to stick to these 3 awesome stops.
8. Lincoln, NH
The first town in the White Mountains you’ll hit on the drive from Boston to Stowe, VT along this route is Lincoln, NH. Lincoln is a really cute little town that has a quaint downtown area with some shops and eateries, really nice restaurants that make for a nice place to stop for lunch or dinner, and also lots of outdoor activities that will allow you to stretch your legs after a long drive.
Here are some of the best things to do in Lincoln, NH during your drive:
- Visit the cute little downtown area shops.
- Grab lunch or dinner at Black Mountain Burger Co.
- Take the Loon Mountain gondola to the summit for some awesome views.
- If you’re taking this drive in the winter, you’ll definitely want to stop at Ice Castles!
- Do a wine tasting at Seven Birches Winery.
9. Franconia, NH
Pretty much directly on this route, you’ll find Franconia, NH, and this is one of the best places in the White Mountains to explore a lot of the outdoors. This isn’t necessarily the best place to stop and stroll through town and do some shopping and dining, but it’s definitely one of the best for seeing some of the most exciting nature attractions.
Franconia is home to Franconia Notch State Park, and this is where you’ll likely to spend all your time during your stop.
Here are some of the best things to do in Franconia Notch State Park during your drive:
- Flume Gorge
- Echo Lake Beach
- Artist Bluff Trail
- The Basin
- The Aerial Tramway to Cannon
Click here to read more about the best things to do in Franconia!
10. Littleton, NH
Of all the three towns you can visit in the White Mountains during your drive from Boston to Stowe, VT, Littleton has the best downtown feel with shops and restaurants. This is the perfect stop to make if you just want to relax with a stroll through town, see some scenic landscapes and have a nice lunch or dinner. Littleton is also very charming with lots of nice photo moments.
Here are some of the best things to do in Littleton, NH during your drive:
- Meander through the shops downtown along one of the country’s best Main Streets.
- Visit Riverwalk Covered Bridge.
- See the longest candy counter in the world at Chutter’s.
- Grab lunch with a view, as well as taste the local beer, at Schilling Beer Co.
Click here to read even more awesome things to do in Littleton!
Best Stops To Make On This Route If You’re Short On Time
If you can’t make all the stops on this route, my suggestion would be to head straight to Franconia Notch State Park, and visit Flume Gorge (which includes Flume Covered Bridge), and then head to Littleton for lunch and a quick stroll around town. If you can only choose one destination, it’ll be easy to decide because both are so different! You’ll want to do Franconia if you’re feeling like being out in nature, or Littleton if you want to be in a cute town.
Best Stops To Make Driving I-91 to I-89
This route connects with I-89 as you make your way up Vermont, so after these two suggestions, you’ll want to follow the list from the I-89 breakdown above. If you don’t have an interest in seeing Keene, I would skip this route option, and just take I-89, as most of it will be the same once you get into Vermont. But here are some stops you can make before getting to the Cornish-Windsor Covered Bridge.
11. Keene, NH
Right before you jump onto I-91, you’ll pass by Keene, NH, and this is a great stop to make in southern New Hampshire if you’re looking for a fun town to explore with shops, restaurants and breweries. But the reason I like Keene as a cool stopover point on a road trip is because it has that nice downtown feel, but also feels relaxing and quaint.
Here are some of the best things to do in Keene, NH during your drive:
- Stroll through the downtown shops and eateries.
- Grab some cupcakes for your drive at Eat More Cake.
- Go beer tasting at Elm City Brewing, Modestman Brewing or Branch and Blade Brewing.
- Take a relaxing walk around Stonewall Farm, and visit their farm store.
12. Rockingham, VT – Vermont Country Store & Kissing Covered Bridge
Rockingham, VT is home to one of two Vermont Country Store locations in the state, and it’s definitely worth stopping in for a visit. The Vermont Country Stores are like the ultimate New England general store, and you’ll find pretty much everything from Christmas and home decor to jams, maple syrups and other locally-made products.
At this location, you’ll also find the really lovely little kissing bridge, which makes for such a fun photo, especially if you’re traveling with your loved one.
For the rest of the drive after Rockingham, you’ll follow the stops on the I-89 Route.
On this route, your next stop would be the Windsor-Cornish Covered Bridge.
I always suggest you check out my post on the best New England products and gifts
you can buy before taking a road trip anywhere in New England!
Best Stops To Make Taking Scenic Route 100
For this route, I suggest driving from Boston to Wilmington, VT, and then starting your drive on Route 100 in Wilmington. It’ll take you about 2.5-3 hours to get from Boston to Wilmington, depending on traffic getting out of Boston. From Wilmington to Stowe, it’ll take about 2.5 hours without any stops. Hopefully that gives you an idea of how much time you’ll have to stop in some fun places.
This route also includes destinations already mentioned earlier on the list (Woodstock and Waterbury), so keep in mind that you can absolutely add these two towns to this itinerary. But in addition to those two places, here are some more suggestions that make for fun stops along Route 100.
13. Wilmington, VT
Wilmington is the best place to start your road trip when driving from Boston to Stowe, VT. While Route 100 begins a bit further southwest, there’s really not too much you’re missing. Wilmington is one of my favorite little hidden gems in Vermont, and while it’s pretty small, it’s worth walking down Main Street to visit the shops and just admire the quaintness of the town.
One awesome stop near Wilmington (that’s not technically in Wilmington, but only a short 10-minute drive from Main Street) is Hogback Mountain Country Store & Lookout. From the lookout at the country store, you can see for 100 miles on a clear day, and this is especially spectacular in the fall season. The country store is also really fun to explore.
14. Weston, VT – Vermont Country Store
The second Vermont Country Store location is in Weston, which is right on Route 100, so you can’t miss it! Much like their location in Rockingham mentioned earlier, this is the ultimate New England country store experience, so you’ll definitely want to stop here and fill up a basket with goodies to take home. Sadly, you won’t find another cute Kissing Covered Bridge, but you’ll get to shop all the awesome locally-made products.
15. Killington, VT
Route 100 passes right through Killington, VT, and if you’re doing this drive in the winter, this is a great place to stop and hit the slopes. If you’re not a skier, they have an awesome snow tubing park here.
Killington is definitely more of a place with lots of outdoor adventure things to do, and not the best place to relax with a stroll around a cute town. If getting outdoors to tackle some adventurous things is not the right fit for your road trip, then you can skip this destination (and maybe do Woodstock instead).
Here are some of the best things to do in Killington, VT during your drive year-round:
- Ride the Beast Coaster.
- Kayak or Paddleboard at Snowshed Pond.
- Get an adrenaline rush at the Killington Resort Adventure Center, which has things like zip lining, bungee free falls, and alpine tubing.
- Grab lunch or a coffee from Liquid Art Eatery & Coffeehouse.
If you wanted to add Woodstock onto this route, you’ll want to head there after Killington. Woodstock will be about 30 minutes one-way as a detour from Route 100, but definitely worth it if you have time!
16. Waitsfield, VT & The Mad River Valley Region
Waitsfield is an awesome place to visit if you want to see a lot of covered bridges. In the Mad River Valley, which is the region Waitsfield can be found in, you can tour up to 8 covered bridges in a short amount of time. In addition to that, Waitsfield is a really cute little town to visit, with some nice shops, great eateries and is also very scenic.
Here are some of the best things to do in Waitsfield, VT during your drive:
- Stop at Warren Falls just before getting into Waitsfield (in the summer, this is an awesome swimming hole to cool off in!).
- Do a beer tasting at Lawson’s Finest Liquids.
- Tour the covered bridges in the area. The two that are right in Waitsfield are Great Eddy and Pine Brook. Around the region, some of the best covered bridges you can see are Upper and Lower Cox Bridges, Slaughterhouse Bridge and Warren Bridge.
- Get a pizza for lunch or dinner at the original American Flatbread Company restaurant.
- For dessert, get ice cream or a maple creemee at Canteen Creemee Co.
Best Stops To Make Between Boston & Stowe, VT With 1 Day
If you want to do the drive in a day, and you have all day to drive from Boston to Stowe, VT, I would suggest you take I-89, and stop in Quechee, Woodstock and Waterbury before getting into Stowe. You can easily fill up a full day with these three stops, and while there’s a lot to see in each destination, you can still plan a relaxed itinerary in some of the best places in Vermont.
You may also enjoy:
The best stops to make when driving from Boston to Portland, Maine!
Best Time Of Year To Drive From Boston To Stowe
This is honestly a really great road trip to take year-round, including winter. Stowe in the winter season is truly magical, and while it’s a popular ski destination, it becomes a truly spectacular winter wonderland for everyone. Of course, the only downside to taking any road trip in New England in the winter is the weather. But, as long as you have snow tires, and you’re not driving through a blizzard, this is a great winter road trip to take.
Spring, summer and fall are also lovely times to take a road trip from Boston to Stowe, VT. Fall is actually my personal favorite and most recommended time to visit Vermont, and it will be gorgeous with all the spectacular foliage color. If you’re looking to take one great road trip in the fall in Massachusetts and Vermont, this is a really good one to do.
If you’re looking for more information about the fall season, I recommend checking out my post on the best times and places to see fall foliage in Vermont.
Spring and summer will also be really nice, and will provide you with all the Vermont charm you’re hoping for. One thing to note is that April is a tough month everywhere in New England, including Massachusetts and Vermont. Known as mud season, the scenery tends to be less picturesque everywhere as the transition from winter to spring takes place. But it’s also the cheapest season to visit!
You may also enjoy reading:
- Incredible New England Resorts & Spas
- Vermont In The Fall: Festive Things To Do!
- Best Things To Do in Vermont in the Winter
- Best Things To Do in Stowe, VT
- 7-Day New England Road Trip Itinerary
- The Perfect New England Fall Road Trip
- Best Day Trips In New England
- Best Things To Do In Waterbury, VT
- Cool Things Vermont Is Known For
- 60+ Things To Do In Vermont
- Best Vermont Pumpkin Patches & Farm Stands To Visit In The Fall
- Must-See Places On A Vermont Route 100 Road Trip
That’s A Wrap On Taking A Boston To Stowe, VT Road Trip
Okay, now that you know how to plan you own road trip from Boston to Stowe, VT, hopefully you’re getting ready for your own adventure. Whether you’re excited to take a few days and make lots of stops, or are shorter on time, but know you can still see some great things along the way, one thing’s for sure – it’s going to be a blast.
