[parasol]

We're visiting Vermont for a week to do some skiiing in Smugglers Notch. We'd like to take a couple days out of the week and see another part of the state. Can anyone recommend a town or two within an hour or so from the Smugglers Notch area? Preferably a small, quaint town with a main street with shops and such. Just someplace less touristy and maybe with a bit of history to it.

Many thanks in advance!

[harry chickpea]

Well, Jeffersonville is just down rte 108, and if it is still there, the inn used to have a nice country smorgasboard on Sunday. Cabot seems to be another spot that isn't overgrown. Old-timey new england main streets in the small towns are hard to come by. In Jeff(ersonville) if you wanted something, you went to Hanley's store. There was a tennis center that had a restaurant for the people there and the tourists, and there was a little bakery. That was the extent of the main street as late as the 1970s.

Waterbury is probably busier than you want, but it does have a walking tour - ask at the library. More info is at http://www.waterbury.org/attractions.html

[vter]

Cabot would be a nice ride. You can visit the cheese factory. Follow 15 east to Walden and look for the signs to Cabot. After visiting Cabot continue south on the main road to Route 2. Follow Route 2 west to Montpelier. Stop and have some lunch at one of the many great restaurants and take a walk around town and visit the state house. After Montpelier, hop on I-89 west to Waterbury, then head on 100 north to Stowe. Stowe is a fun road to poke around. To get back to SMuggs, follow 100 north to Morrisville, then get back on Route 15 west.
Burlington would also be a fun day trip. It's a city, but a nice one with a great pedestrian mall downtown with many shops & restaurants. It's only 45 minutes or so.

[parasol]

Thank you both so much. These recommendations are actually for my family making the trip so they thank you as well. I've wanted to visit Vermont since I was a little kid so needless to say I'm very bitter that I am not going! I will someday though...

Anyhow, Cabot is a definite possibility. Waterbury sounds great, and hey, Ben and Jerry's! I think they'll have to choose between Cabot or Waterbury and Montpelier or Burlington. I think Montpelier would float my boat more, but I'll determine what each place has to offer a group of Floridians just thrilled to be in such a beautiful place.

Thanks again for the advice. I've also appreciated both of your various VT related posts throughout this board!

[nhyrnut]

Originally Posted by vter

Cabot would be a nice ride. You can visit the cheese factory. Follow 15 east to Walden and look for the signs to Cabot. After visiting Cabot continue south on the main road to Route 2. Follow Route 2 west to Montpelier. Stop and have some lunch at one of the many great restaurants and take a walk around town and visit the state house. After Montpelier, hop on I-89 west to Waterbury, then head on 100 north to Stowe. Stowe is a fun road to poke around. To get back to SMuggs, follow 100 north to Morrisville, then get back on Route 15 west.
Burlington would also be a fun day trip. It's a city, but a nice one with a great pedestrian mall downtown with many shops & restaurants. It's only 45 minutes or so.

Don't forget if you follow RT 2 east you have ST J. That town has a real good down town. All kinds of mom and pops have started stores there over the last few years. But Deffanetly check out Cabot Creamery. The town itself is Quaint. Go up Thistle hill rd for a great view and sometimes alot of deer and moose at times even. Just watch for the wild turkey they are very abundant in Cabot. Almost hit 1 there this weekend.