Vacation – Bed and Breakfast in Vermont
Above is a road map of the Northeast Kingdom. Any
of the roads that take you into higher elevations are excellent
candidates for fall colors. If you want a 200 mile drive (approx.)
with some easy short cuts back to your starting point, you’d start
off in St. Johnsbury.
Follow Route 2 East out of St. Johnsbury to Route 102 North. You
will be following the Connecticut River to Bloomfield (you could
continue on 102 to Norton but, unless you want to cross over into
Quebec you will have to turn back). In Bloomfield take 105 West
into Island Pond.
Here you have a choice of returning to St. Johnsbury on Route
114. This road takes you through some wild and beautiful country
with few inhabitants. You come out in East Burke, one of the prettiest
little villages to be found in the Northeast Kingdom.
To continue the 200 mile loop, take Route 111 Northwest through
Morgan to Newport. On the way you will pass Lake Seymour, at Morgan
Center. The view from the road can sometimes offer some stunning
views. In Newport look for Route 105 to North Troy. This road takes
you through rolling farm land with several large dairy farms. Jay
Peak is visible on the left and Bear Mountain on the right. In
North Troy head South in Route 101 to Troy. On the way there will
be two turn offs on the right. The first one takes you West on
105 over Richford Mountain. There are excellent views on this winding
mountain road but, it will take you somewhat off our suggested
route.
The second turning off Route 101 is Route 242. This goes to the
little village of Jay and over Jay Peak (you can stop at the top
of this road and hike the Long Trail). Route 242 brings you to
Montgomery Center and the start of one of the most scenic routes
you’ll ever find in Vermont.
The road from Montgomery Center on 58 to Lowell, is a favorite
of mine. It starts off paved but soon becomes of rough dirt road
as you head south and climb up towards Hazen’s Notch (1790 feet).
Much of the road will be covered in a canopy of fall foliage, but
I have never been able to drive this route at its peak! You might
try calling or one of the inns in the area to find out the peak
days.
From Lowell stay on 58, crossing over Route 100, into Irasburg.
This is another high altitude route with few houses and a wild
and woolly look especially in the winter! Stop and look back every
so often. You will see some magnificent views. Continue on into
Irasburg on 58. From Irasburg head South to Hardwick on Route 14.
On the way you will see signs for Craftsbury and Craftsbury Common.
These are excellent side trips if you have the time.
In Hardwick take Route 15 to West Danville and Route 2 back to
St. Johnsbury.
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Step 1:
Identify the purpose of your Vermont getaway. Will you be visiting Vermont for a romantic weekend, a business trip, a girlfriend’s getaway, personal relaxation or a family vacation? If you are brining children under 18 or any pets, remember that many bed and breakfasts may have age restrictions on children or not allow pets. Call or email to be certain.
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Step 2:
Choose the location of your getaway in Vermont, making sure to note the location of any particular activities, events, or attractions that influenced your decision to visit Vermont. You will want to be sure that the bed and breakfast you choose is located within close proximity. Narrow down the potential locations by choosing one to two regions that interest you.
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Step 3:
Understand your basic lodging needs. Do you want 1 or 2 beds per room? What bed sizes do you prefer? Are you willing to share a bathroom with another guest at the bed and breakfast or do you require a private bathroom? If you require a private bathroom would you consider a private bathroom located outside your room?
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Step 4:
Decide what type of breakfast service you desire from your Vermont bed and breakfast, understanding that the types of breakfasts served vary from light continental fares and hearty buffets to served family style and gourmet courses.Also be aware that many bed and breakfasts serve an afternoon tea time or an evening wine and cheese hour, while some bed and breakfasts even offer guests the opportunity to order picnic lunches. If any of these options are important to you, be sure to make note.
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Step 5:
Figure out your budget for lodging during your Vermont getaway. Remember that the more amenities you require, the more you should expect to pay. You will want to figure the price range of how much you are willing to pay on a nightly basis before tax, keeping in mind that lodging taxes can often be pretty high.
Finding The Perfect Vermont Bed and Breakfast
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Step 1:
Use the search tools available to help you choose a Vermont bed and breakfast including the numerous printed bed and breakfast directory books available at many libraries, as well as online bed and breakfast directories. These printed and online directories will allow you to narrow down your search based on location, price and amenities.
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Step 2:
Make use of travel review websites where you can read honest reviews from other travelers about the bed and breakfasts you are considering. Taking a few minutes to read through the reviews can ease your mind and save you from choosing a bed and breakfast that won’t live up to your expectations.
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Step 3:
Contact the bed and breakfasts by telephone or email before you make your final decision with any questions or concerns you may have. Make sure you understand their policies on upfront deposits, cancellations, check-in times and smoking restrictions. Ask them about availability for your travel dates. Don’t forget to notify them of any children under 18 or any pets who will be accompanying you, as well as any special needs such as dietary restrictions or handicap access.
Tips & Warnings
* Many bed and breakfasts offer online booking through their websites.
* Don’t forget that most bed and breakfasts require a valid credit card upon booking and many also require an upfront deposit.
Resources
- BedandBreakfast.com – Lodging Directory
- BBOnline.com – Lodging Directory
- Vermont.com – Information on Vermont
- TripAdvisor.com – Traveler Reviews Website
Photo/Video Credit
How to Choose a Bed and Breakfast in Vermont Provided by eHow.com
