The Vermont countryside is undeniably delightful. Beautiful rolling hills, verdant farmlands, woods, and mountain views make for a truly stunning landscape. And nothing symbolizes the charms of the Green Mountain State quite like covered bridges. In fact, Vermont has more covered bridges per square mile than any other state! The sheer craftsman of the more than 100 covered bridges found here is impressive on every level, and it's the inspiration behind today's adventure: a multi-day road trip in Vermont that will take you to the most beautiful covered bridges. Of course, we also threw in some fantastic local cideries along the way, because what is a Vermont adventure without delicious cider?
This road trip spans many different regions of the state, and we've divided the trip into part one and part two. But don't be too intimidated by the drive -- we've charted out some great Best Western properties in Vermont to help ensure you get some quality rest along the way.
1. Wood's Cider Mill
The first stop on our fun-filled road trip in Vermont takes us to Weathersfield. Unlike many Vermont cideries, Wood's Cider Mill does not produce alcoholic drinks. The one-of-a-kind products they offer range from cider syrup to cider jelly. Delicious and classic Vermont ciders make this all worth the trip. They even take it a step further and offer recipes on their site to make good use of their delicious products.
If you have traveled long to get here and need a place to stay nearby, a great option is the Best Western Springfield Hotel.
2. Quechee Covered Bridge
Next up on our covered bridges and cideries tour is the Quechee Covered Bridge. This beautiful covered bridge is bigger than one would expect. Large enough to have two lanes for vehicles and a pedestrian walkway, this bridge is also one of the prettiest in Vermont. The backdrop of the flowing river is a site you will want to stop and take a peek at. A parking lot can be found nearby because the town of Quechee knew they would need to invest in a safe place for people to explore this wonderful bridge. Take your time and enjoy the Quechee Covered Bridge.
3. Taftsville Covered Bridge
Taftsville Covered Bridge makes quite a statement. This long covered bridge is painted in a bold and bright red color, which is perfect for photographing in any season. Watch the water fall near the Taftsville bridge and marvel at this red beauty. Make sure to spend some time exploring along the river's edge under and around the bridge.
4. Middle Covered Bridge
In a bustling and charming downtown area of Woodstock, the Middle Covered Bridge almost seems like something you'd discover in a time capsule. We can be thankful that this charming town put in the effort to preserve and keep this beautiful covered bridge for all to enjoy.
5. Hammond Covered Bridge
The Hammond Covered Bridge may be closed to vehicles, but it still holds a very interesting story. In 1927, the bridge was lifted from its original location and carried a mile and a half downstream by a flood. Despite taking an unexpected swim, the bridge was completely intact and was put on wooden barrels and brought back. Now the Hammond Covered Bridge is known as "the bridge that went on a voyage."
6. Happy Valley Orchard
After so much sightseeing, you'll need a quick pick-me-up. Our next stop on this Vermont road trip will do just the trick! The Happy Valley Orchard prides itself on their wide variety of apples and homemade products. It's everything that you would expect out of a Vermont orchard and a little more. They also grow a variety of lesser-known apples they encourage you to try. When you visit, make sure you try the fresh cider donuts and apple cider made daily.
7. Pulp Mill Covered Bridge
You can’t go on a tour of covered bridges without including the Pulp Mill Covered Bridge, also known as the Paper Mill Covered Bridge. This is one of the oldest covered bridges in Vermont. It also boasts a unique double-barrel design, one of the many reasons the Pulp Mill Covered Bridge is a must-see on this list.
8. Halpin Covered Bridge
This bridge is a little off the beaten path, but once you arrive, you will understand why you made the extra effort. This covered bridge now stands as an entryway to the Halpin Family Farm. Moreover, it just so happens to be the tallest covered bridge right here in Vermont!
9. Boyer's Orchard and Cider Mill
Boyer’s Orchard and Cider Mill boasts an impressive variety of fruits. Several kinds of apples, plums, pears, cherries, and grapes are all grown here. Enjoy this beautiful orchard with plenty to see and do. You will want to spend some time in their tasting room to get a sample of the great hard ciders and wines they make right on site too. If the natural sugar doesn't get you excited, trying some of the bakery items will surely satisfy your taste buds.
10. Citizen Cider
Next on our trip is Citizen Cider. It's a quirky and fun place that produces tons of ciders that are distributed all over New England, the surrounding area, and even down the East Coast. And the Cider Pub is not to be missed. With pub-style food and cider-infused sausage, you can sample the many different ciders they have available. Sampling ciders and sharing a meal is a good way to end the day.
After indulging in some tasting room goodness and covered bridge hunting the nearest place to stay is conveniently right in town, spend the night at Best Western Plus Windjammer Inn & Conference Center.
11. Golden Brook Covered Bridge
The last stop on our cideries and cover bridges adventure is the Golden Brook Covered Bridge. Take your time exploring this fascinating structure. This bridge can be your gateway into the beautiful town of Stowe. Spend some time here exploring all there is to offer.
12. The Covered Bridge at the Best Western Plus Waterbury-Stowe
The most fitting way to end our epic road trip in Vermont is by checking into the Best Western Plus Waterbury-Stowe, which is home to its very own covered bridge! This unique hotel offers quintessential New England charm, and it's the perfect place to reflect on your adventures.
And that concludes our fun-filled multi-day road trip in Vermont! Whether you spend your time enjoying the orchards and cider mills, the tasting rooms, or the historic covered bridges, you surely will agree that the Green Mountain State has a lot to offer. Which destinations are your favorites? Let us know in the comments below. And remember, whenever you spend a long day traveling through the countryside, you can look for the nearest Best Western properties in Vermont for a great night's stay.
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