[tkln]

Coming up tomorrow and I need to make a stop in Middlebury on our way up...I know the most direct route from NYC is to take 87 up, but I absolutely hate driving on the thruway....wondering what the best route is to get to Middlebury from 91 or 89...taking mud season into consideration as well, of course. We might also be heading to Warren on the same ride (hoping to score some Lawson's at the Warren Store before they sell out!) if that matters.

If it's that much better to take 87, I'll do it...I just find it so boring that I avoid it at all costs, lol.

[jackmccullough]

What's your ultimate destination? Burlington?

I live in Montpelier, which is right on I-89. When I go to Middlebury I go up to Middlesex (which is the next exit past Montpelier on 89), then go through the Mad River Valley.



3. Turn left at Vermont 100B S




7.9 mi


4. Continue onto VT-100 S/Main StContinue to follow VT-100 S





5.4 mi


5. Turn right at VT-17 W




0.1 mi


6. Turn right at VT-17 W/Mill Brook RdContinue to follow VT-17 W





15.7 mi


7. Turn left at VT-116 S/VT-17 WContinue to follow VT-17 W





8.7 mi


8. Turn left at US-7 S/Federal Rd
It takes about an hour and a quarter to an hour and a half, and you get to drive through the Appalachian Gap, which has some great views at the top, and some pretty chilling bends on the way down.

When you're done in Middlebury if you're going to Burlington, just take Rte. 7 north. It's kind of a pain because you can get stuck behind a slow-moving vehicle, but it's really the only way.

[square peg]

That's the route I would also take. I've driven it many times and it seems the most direct from 89 if you're traveling from Montpelier or points north of there. Coming up 89 from the south though, I think I'd try exit 3 at Royalton to Rtes. 107, 100 and 125. I have to say that I've never driven any of those roads and don't know what they're like.

[jackmccullough]

That definitely should work. I didn't think of that.

You miss Warren and the App Gap, though.

Good suggestion.

[tkln]

Thanks guys...I was debating between that and 125/etc...end destination is Waterbury/Stowe so I might just go back through MRV and avoid 7 and Burlington altogether if I can.

[tkln]

Well, in the end, decided to take 87 up to Middlebury. Wanted to shoot myself...I find it so boring to drive. But from there we took 17 across...stopped in Bristol for lunch (never been! Too early for the Bobcat but we will be back!) and then up 100 through Waterbury...17 was a great ride, I love those turns!

And of course, Lawson's was sold out at the Warren Store. Sigh. We're going home Thursday so won't be able to get any from the next delivery.

Thanks for the help with the route guys!

[harry chickpea]

You are in Waterbury and won't be able to get to Warren for a visit??? My high school girlfriend would be astounded...

[tkln]

Huh? Never said that...we just wanted to stop in at the Warren Store for Lawson's beer, but they sold out on Friday and don't get another delivery til this Friday...

[harry chickpea]

Have you tried to find some on draught? Phone numbers here:

Lawson's Finest Liquids

[MRVphotog]

On a map the distance using the Thruway/Northway way vs I95/I91/I89 look similar but the big diference is the western route you end up driving many miles on state roads after you get off the Northway just south of Lake George(Rt149) while the eastern route 91/89 it's 20 miles to Warren, 45 to Middlebury so the latter is faster and prettier.

As far as the fastest way from I89 to Middlebury I would get off at Bethel and take the Bethel Mtn Rd(all paved) to Rochester, a few miles north on Rt 100 turn left in Hancock(Warren is 15 miles north on Rt 100) and drive over Middlebury Gap.