Best of Scenic Route 100 in Vermont | 2014 Editors’ Choice Awards
Heading to scenic Route 100 in Vermont this year? Along with classics like a day of skiing at Okemo Mountain in Ludlow or stopping for cider donuts at Cold Hollow Cider Mill in Waterbury, we’ve got the perfect roundup of what to see, do, and eat while you cruise Route 100, plus where to stay […]
Heading to scenic Route 100 in Vermont this year? Along with classics like a day of skiing at Okemo Mountain in Ludlow or stopping for cider donuts at Cold Hollow Cider Mill in Waterbury, we’ve got the perfect roundup of what to see, do, and eat while you cruise Route 100, plus where to stay when it’s time for bed. Read on to see our picks for the best of Vermont’s Route 100 for 2014, then let us know your favorites!
The Capital Theater in Montpelier. Photo Credit : Heather Atwell
BEST ATTRACTIONS ALONG ROUTE 100 IN VERMONT
BEST PLACE TO FIND MOST ANYTHING:
PICK & SHOVEL, Newport
Here toilet seats and mailboxes jostle for space with mud boots and kitty litter in this old-time version of a big-box store. But with a nod to the need for fripperies, customers can also find a great selection of hiking shorts, sunglasses, and caps with clever quips. 54 Coventry St. 802-334-8370; pickandshovel.doitbest.com/home.aspx
BEST SMOKED MEATS:
SINGLETON’S GENERAL STORE, Proctorsville
Make a lavish picnic of a trip to south-central Vermont with supplies from the state’s premier smoked-meat emporium. Corncob-smoked ham, pepperoni, salmon, and jerky are standouts, along with Vermont delicacies to ship or carry home. 356 Main St., 802-226-7666. Also 6962 Woodstock Road, Quechee. 802-698-8675; singletonsvt.com
BEST MAPLE CREEMEE:
MORSE FARM MAPLE SUGARWORKS, Montpelier
In Vermont, almost every drive on a warm summer night leads to a creemee stand. The soft-serve ice cream comes in dozens of flavors, but maple reigns supreme—and at Morse Farm, that iconic ingredient comes from the family’s own sugarbush. 1168 County Road. 802-223-2740; morsefarm.com
BEST LODGING ALONG ROUTE 100 IN VERMONT
BEST PLACE TO BE PAMPERED:
DEERHILL INN, West Dover
In the shadow of Mount Snow, Deerhill pampers guests like an exclusive hotel; comforts even include a breakfast-in-bed option. Stroll wildflower gardens to the pool, or head offsite for nearby golf, mountain biking, canoeing, and horseback riding. Candlelight dining possibilities include a six-course tasting menu. Rates: from $145. 14 Valley View Road. 802-464-3100; deerhillinn.com
BEST HISTORIC HOSTELRY:
OLD STAGECOACH INN, Waterbury
With an innkeeping heritage dating to its 1826 construction—and once an actual stagecoach stop—Waterbury’s downtown hostelry is a Victorian gem in this burgeoning restaurant town. Fireplaces in parlor and library bar (also in the nicest guestroom); rates include a cooked-to-order breakfast. Rates: from $130 with private bath; from $90 with shared bath. 18 North Main St. 802-244-5056; oldstagecoach.com
BEST B&B ON THE BORDER:
LAKE SALEM INN, Derby
On the banks of pristine Lake Salem, this serene Northeast Kingdom retreat offers dinner by reservation. Local farm-raised venison is available, but we’d opt for the seven-course Italian feast for two at just $80. Canoe and kayak for guest use. Cash only; two-night minimum required. Open year-round. No small children. Rates: from $125. 1273 Route 105. 802-766-5560; lakesaleminn.com
BEST DINING ALONG ROUTE 100 IN VERMONT
BEST CAJUN FARE:
CAJUN’S SNACKBAR, Lowell
Frog’s legs and fried alligator in the Northeast Kingdom? Sho ’nuff! Folks line up to put some South in their mouth or opt for one of the reasonably priced fresh seafood dinners. The menu is huge, and so are the portions. Dine indoors or out. Entrées: from $9.99. 1594 Route 100. 802-744-2002
BEST PLACE FOR A BITE & A BREW:
PROHIBITION PIG, Waterbury
At the forefront of Waterbury’s restaurant mini-boom is the Pig, serving up creative and moderately priced fare (including killer smoked brisket) and a huge selection of libations, including the award-winning “Heady Topper,” brewed by Alchemist Brewery just up the road. Entrées: from $15. 23 South Main St. 802-244-4120; prohibitionpig.com
BEST PLACE FOR A NIGHTCAP:
WESTON PLAYHOUSE CABARET, Weston
An after-theatre nightclub in small-town Vermont? Sure—at the Weston Playhouse’s Cabaret, where improv song, dance, spoofs—and a bit of mild bawdiness—take over after nightly performances. Food and drink served; reservations suggested. Cabaret admission: $12. Sunday cabaret and dinner: $40. 703 Main St. 802-824-5288; westonplayhouse.org/cabaret
