from worcester, ma one day

[newby]

I just moved 2 weeks ago from Chicago to Worcester, Ma and decided to enjoy the Fall properly with a trip to Vermont (Fall is my favorite season). However, because I don't have reservations at any inns, I will most likely do a day trip. I will either be traveling on 10/7 or 10/14. Would it be better to head North to NH and then West to VT or head west in Ma to 91 then North toward Springfield? I welcome any guidance in planning my first trip. Thanks!

[pwt54]

It will be a long day any way you do it. I would boogie up I-93 north to I-89 in Concord, NH. Take I-89 to Vermont and then take exit 1 in Vermont. Turn left at the end of the ramp and drive route US 4 west to route 100a in Bridgewater Corners. Take route 100a to the end and turn left for route 100 south. Drive route 100 south to route 9 east in Wilmington and turn left. Take route 9east to I-91 south and find the quickest way back home.

[newby]

Thanks! I appreciate the route recommendation. Would this Sat., 10/7 or next Sat., 10/14 be better for viewing peak foliage?

[pwt54]

Because of it's location in the heart of the Green Mountains, route 100 turns a little earlier than the surrounding area. Also the long range weather reports a great day Saturday. So I would say the 7th looks the best.

[Chessie]

Here's an alternate route. Try going up 190 from Worcester to Rt 2 West and then over to 91 and then pick up Rt. 30 in Brattleboro to go up through the
West River Valley to the Manchester area. Danby, Pawlet, Manchester and Arlington are all good foliage areas. This route would work best if you go the second weekend.

[pwt54]

Newby, Chessie's route 30 would be a good shortcut if you are running late. You can pick up route 30 off route 100 in Wardsboro and take that south to Brattleboro and I-91. It will cut off about an hour and a half from my route 100 and route 9 loop. Route 30 is a great ride.

[newby]

Thanks so much! I appreciate the alternatives for both weekends. I can't believe how helpful everyone is. I will post back how my drive turned out. Thanks!

[dkramer]

Agree with Chessie about getting up to VT. I might propose an another alternative! Instead of going east to catch 93 and 89 from Concord, NH (as per pwt), take 190 N to 2 W to I-91 N into VT. Proceed along the Connecticut River Valley (may be a bit earlier in color than the Sunapee region of NH along I-89...up to you) on I-91 to Exit 10 in White River Jct. Then pick up I-89 N and follow the route provided by pwt54. Can't go wrong though, so have a great time. Just trying to save a little time on the trip up so that you can manage the day trip.

Daniel

[pwt54]

I'm not familiar with the roads in Mass. so if they say it,s quicker then do it. Get up here as fast as you can.