Need something to see/do on this specific route from VT through NH to MA

March 20, 2025 9:26 AM

On a day in early May I will be driving from Waterbury, VT to Concord, NH and then ending up in Woburn, MA. Along the way we were going to do the Flume Gorge Trail at Franconia Notch, but now two people in our group have injuries that make that impossible. What's something we can see or do along that route that isn't a stair-filled hike in a gorge?

We can definitely do an easy walk on mostly level ground (doesn't need to be paved). We can certainly do a scenic vista. We will already have visited the Ben & Jerry's headquarters.

The activity could be before or after the stop in Concord, but the starting and ending points and that stop in Concord are nonnegotiable.

We do not want anything that is in Boston proper nor its very urban surroundings.

Would love your suggestions!

posted by BlahLaLa to Travel & Transportation (10 answers total)

The whale tails at the Randolph, VT exit are worth a short stop. King Arthur Flour in Norwich, VT is worth a stop if you're into it. Also in Norwich is Montshire Museum of Science, which is somewhat aimed at kids but I greatly enjoyed when I visited a few year ago.

Not for the drive but if you have time Walden Pond in Concord, MA isn't too far from Woburn. It's tourist-y but I've enjoyed the vibe enough I've bothered to visit it several times. I might remember a few more ideas later.
posted by skynxnex at 9:47 AM on March 20

"A lot of the older carvers believe there is sort of a magic, this mysterious quality to Barre gray granite" [wcax]
posted by HearHere at 10:17 AM on March 20

Quechee Gorge in Hartford VT is a quick scenic stop. It's also very close to VINS nature center, which has some easy walking and birds.
posted by MadMadam at 11:18 AM on March 20 [1 favorite]

I was also going to suggest Quechee Gorge. Woodstock, near there, is supposed to be a nice little town. Also in that area is the Billings Farm and Museum.

Or you might enjoy stopping in Montpelier, the smallest of all the state capitals. It's a pleasant town, with some nice places to eat and shop. My personal favorite is Wilaiwans, definitely worth checking out if you like Thai food and aren't afraid of it being too spicy.
posted by Redstart at 3:16 PM on March 20

It's almost smack dab in the middle of Waterbury and Concord. Have you seen St Gaudens National Site. Gorgeous stop. It's the Studio of the artist, house, sculptures, and gardens.
So beautiful. Not a lot of walking and not difficult.
It's near Dartmouth college and Hanover has a nice little town to eat in.
posted by ReluctantViking at 3:26 PM on March 20

+1 for King Arthur’s. There is a space museum in Concord that is fun.
posted by drowsy at 11:03 PM on March 20

Lovely! As a Vermonter I would most definitely try to see an ocean. From Concord, you could go cross state to and land in Wells or Ogunquit, ME. Both are great day spots with great walking (Marginal Way in Oqunquit) and lots of great food.

You could also head east to Portsmouth, NH. It's a sweet little ocean town with pretty views, or stop at any beach down, from Hampton NH out to Cape Ann and the Rockport/Gloucester MA area.
posted by berkshiredogs at 2:38 AM on March 21

You can drive to to the top of Mt Greylock, the highest point in Massachusetts.
posted by SemiSalt at 5:04 AM on March 21

Castle in the Clouds is a historic Arts & Crafts mansion on top of a hill with a spectacular view of Lake Winnipesaukee. (sp?) The house itself is quite interesting to tour, and there are also some nice scenic vistas on the drive up to the visitor center (including a waterfall, though I don't know how far it is from the road).

It'd probably work best as a stop before you get to Concord.
posted by Johnny Assay at 5:29 AM on March 21

I just did this route yesterday! I can third the recommendation to stop at Quechee for:

Live glassblowing and waterfall at Simon Pearce
VINS Nature Center for live raptors and treetop walk
Living the Dream Alpaca Farm to feed the cutest Alpacas
posted by oxisos at 7:26 PM on March 21