Bridges, History and Cheese: A Vermont Heritage Road Trip

Vermont is home to more than 100 covered bridges, more per square kilometer than any other U.S. state, and these have long been a cherished part of the New England landscape. Montgomery is sometimes called “Vermont's Covered Bridge Capital" because six bridges built here in the mid-to-late 1800s — Comstock, Fuller/Black Falls, Longley, Hopkins, Creamery/West Hill and Hutchins — still stand today. Romantic and old-fashioned, covered bridges are sometimes called “kissing bridges," because their enclosed spaces are perfect for lovers to steal an embrace.

The coverings also have their practical reasons: They protect the beams from weather and embolden horses to cross rivers and valleys without becoming agitated by the water below. The lattice truss design of these six bridges enabled them to take the weight of carriages, wagons and the heavy snowfalls of northern Vermont.

Follow Interstate 89 South to the paradise of gorgeous hills, lakes and scenic views in Green Mountain National Forest. The area offers nearly 1,450 kilometers of trails, eight open wilderness areas for hiking and activities for all seasons: cycling, camping, boating, swimming, horseback riding, scenic drives, licensed hunting and fishing, cross country skiing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing.

The forest is divided into two zones: the North Zone in central Vermont and the South Zone in southwestern Vermont, between the state border and the town of Wallingford. One favored hiking area is the Grout Pond Recreation Area, where hikers can choose from more than 16 kilometers of hiking trails of varying lengths and difficulties. During autumn, when the leaves are ablaze with fiery reds, oranges and yellows, New Englanders indulge in a favorite pastime called “leaf peeping" and flock in droves to spots like Big Branch Overlook for scenic views of the gorgeous foliage.

Take Route 103 South to Route 100 North to get to Plymouth Notch, the birthplace, childhood home and final resting place of Calvin Coolidge, the 30th president of the United States. In this hamlet, you'll find a historic church, a one-room schoolhouse, a general store selling penny candy and old-fashioned toys, and the Coolidge homestead, furnished exactly as it was when Coolidge took the Oath of Office in 1923. This tiny village is also part of the 450-kilometer Vermont Cheese Trail;  Plymouth Artisan Cheese has stood here since 1890, when it was founded by President Coolidge's father. The company produces raw cow's milk cheeses, using traditional methods and milk sourced from a single local herd.

Along with good cheese, Vermonters appreciate good beer, and you'll find many local microbreweries across the state producing unique brews. Most offer tours and tastings. Within driving distance from Plymouth Notch are the popular Long Trail Brewing Company (about a 10-minute drive), Outer Limits Brewing (a 25-minute drive) and Harpoon Brewery (a 45-minute drive).

Head east on Route 100-A North and U.S. 4 West to Woodstock, where you can peek into Vermont's robust agricultural scene at Billings Farm & Museum, a Jersey dairy farm with interactive exhibits housed in historic barns. Taste Vermont-made Wilcox ice cream at the dairy bar located in the the 1890s restored farmhouse. (For more ice cream, tour the Ben & Jerry's Factory in Waterbury.) 

Treat yourself to a farm-to-table dinner at Kelly Way Gardens at the Woodstock Inn which specializes in unique and heirloom vegetable varieties and features gathered-style dinner seating. Cloudland Farm offers an ever-changing menu for weekly farm dinners featuring locally grown and locally sourced ingredients. For a more low-key option, enjoy a craft beer and farm to kitchen comfort food at Worthy Kitchen.

Go north on Interstate 89 to the smallest capital city in the U.S., Montpelier, which is nestled at the junction of two rivers, surrounded by hills. At the heart of town are Main Street and State Street, along which you can browse shops for books, vintage music, antiques, clothing or knick-knacks. A few blocks away, watch the sun reflecting off the golden dome of the beautiful Vermont State House, built in 1850 and remarkably well-preserved. Nearby is Hubbard Park, a forested area full of trails and scenic views, including a stone tower lookout, just a short walk from the city center.

Montpelier also has a great local food scene with options like Thai, Mexican, crêpes and even locally roasted coffee. For something a little more adult, try one of the red, white or dessert wines made locally at Fresh Tracks Farm Vineyard and Winery just outside of Montpelier. A thriving arts community hosts frequent events, including concerts on the state house lawn in warm months and the international Green Mountain Film Festival. Museums and galleries provide a window into local and U.S. history and culture, while the weekly Capital City Farmers' Market is perfect for souvenir shopping. 

While this road trip takes you to many of Vermont's must-visit attractions, there's still plenty more to discover in the Green Mountain State. So before taking off for your trip, see what else you can add to your itinerary.