The Ultimate Summer Road Trip: Top Places to See When Driving From Barnard, Vermont to Boston, Massachusetts

Summer is just around the corner, and that means it's time to start planning your road trip! If you're looking for a scenic drive that takes you from the quiet rural setting of Vermont to the hustle and bustle of Boston, Massachusetts, look no further. This road trip will take you through beautiful mountains, quaint small towns, and historic cities.

To help you plan your trip, we've put together a list of the top places to see when driving from Barnard, Vermont to Boston, Massachusetts.

Hitting the Road: From Barnard, Vermont to Woodstock

At the start of your journey, you'll be taking Route 12 south out of Barnard, passing by the Silver Lake State Park and crossing the White River. After about 20 minutes, you'll arrive in Woodstock, which is a picturesque small town in the heart of Vermont.

1. Visit the Billings Farm & Museum

The Billings Farm & Museum is a working dairy farm that is also a museum. It offers visitors a chance to learn about the history of Vermont's rural communities as well as see how cheese and butter are made. There's a lot to do and see here, including a chance to explore the farm's gardens, visit the cows at the barn, and see artifacts that date back to the 1800s.

2. Check Out the Sugarbush Farm

If you're a fan of all things maple syrup, then you'll want to stop at the Sugarbush Farm. Here, you'll get a chance to sample different types of syrup, as well as cheeses and smoked meats. There's also a nature trail that will take you through the farm's sugaring operation, which is especially beautiful in the summer.

3. Walk Through the Village of Woodstock

If you're looking for a quaint, New England-style town, then you'll want to stop in Woodstock. The village center features historic buildings, a covered bridge, and plenty of restaurants and cafes. Take a walk through the town and check out the Woodstock Town Hall Theatre, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Into the Mountains: Killington and Rutland

Continuing south on Route 4, you'll pass through the Green Mountain National Forest, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. This section of the drive is especially scenic in the summer, when the trees are in full bloom.

4. Take a Hike in Killington

The Killington area is a haven for hikers, with plenty of trails ranging from easy to challenging. One popular option is the Bucklin Trail, which leads to the summit of Killington Peak, Vermont's second tallest mountain. From the summit, you'll have stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests.

5. Visit the Norman Rockwell Museum in Rutland

Rutland is a small city that's known for its vibrant arts scene. One of the top attractions here is the Norman Rockwell Museum, which features a collection of the artist's paintings, as well as works by other American artists. There's also a gift shop that sells prints and other Rockwell memorabilia.

The City: Boston

After leaving Rutland, you'll pick up Route 2 towards Boston. This will take you through picturesque towns like Concord and Lexington, which played pivotal roles in the American Revolution.

6. Walk the Freedom Trail

The Freedom Trail is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Boston. This 2.5-mile trail takes you through 16 historic sites that tell the story of the American Revolution. Highlights include the Boston Common, the Paul Revere House, and the USS Constitution Museum.

7. Visit the Museum of Fine Arts

If you're an art lover, then you won't want to miss the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. This museum features over 450,000 works of art, ranging from ancient artifacts to contemporary paintings. There are also special exhibitions throughout the year, so be sure to check the schedule before you visit.

8. Walk Through Beacon Hill

Beacon Hill is one of Boston's most iconic neighborhoods, with brick rowhouses, gas streetlamps, and narrow alleys. Take a walk through this historic district and check out some of the area's top attractions, like the Massachusetts State House and the New England Historical Genealogical Society.

Conclusion

That's our list of the top places to see when driving from Barnard, Vermont to Boston, Massachusetts. Whether you're a nature lover, history buff, or art enthusiast, this road trip offers something for everyone. From the picturesque small towns of Vermont to the vibrant city of Boston, this journey will take you through some of the most beautiful and historic parts of New England. So pack your bags, hit the road, and get ready for the trip of a lifetime!