The Ultimate Road Trip: Exploring the Best Sights from Boston, Massachusetts to Manchester, Vermont

There's hardly anything as exciting as a road trip! The thrill of getting behind the wheel and hitting the open road, exploring new places and sights as you drive along is an experience unlike any other. If you're planning a road trip from Boston, Massachusetts to Manchester, Vermont and don't know where to start, you're in the right place! This post is all about the top places to see when driving from Boston to Manchester.

This road trip offers a blend of stunning scenery dotted with historical sites, quaint towns, mountain ranges, and fantastic restaurants. So gear up, get your snacks, and let's explore the best places to see and visit on this stunning road trip.

From Boston to Worcester

Stop at the Samuel Slater Canal Boat

As you kick off your road trip, start by visiting one of the most historic landmarks in Massachusetts. The Samuel Slater Canal Boat is located in Worcester and offers an experience like no other. This canal boat museum celebrates the country’s history of canal transportation and its role in the Industrial Revolution.

Spanning 35 exciting feet of narrowboat, you can tour the inside and inspect the original fixtures still intact. You can also see the traditional cargo system, which gives you a glimpse of how canals were used for the transportation of goods during the industrial revolution.

Tour the City of Worcester, Massachusetts

If boats aren't your style, no problem! Worcester is an incredible town, jam-packed with other exciting things to do. Take a stroll along the Colonial Common and take in the historic, restored buildings lining Worcester's city square. If you’re a food lover, Worcester has several great dining options, including Deadhorse Hill and Lock 50. In the evenings, you can head to the Worcester Palladium, which is known for hosting fantastic concerts and comedy shows.

From Worcester to Springfield

Basketball Hall of Fame

As you jump onto I-90 heading west, make a pit stop at the Basketball Hall of Fame. Located in Springfield, it is a must-visit for any sports lover. The Basketball Hall of Fame generally hosts more than 300 inductees and focuses on how basketball transcends beyond a game and acts as a cultural driver while showcasing the game's historic development.

Along with inductees' listed names, visitors can enjoy many games, filming, and artefacts of the famous players of basketball. Besides, the complex features a full-sized basketball court, making it a must-visit for all aspiring players and coaches.

Visit the Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden

Another must-see spot in Springfield is the Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden. The garden is located at the Springfield Quadrangle and features myriad life-sized bronze sculptures of Dr. Seuss characters. A stroll through its paths exhibits displays such as Horton, the Cat in the Hat and Mulberry Street’s boy, among many more.

From Springfield to Green Mountains

Norman Rockwell Museum

Heading north through the Berkshires, stop at Stockbridge to enjoy representations of Norman Rockwell's best work at the Norman Rockwell Museum. Rockwell was an American icon, and his artwork featured in many magazines, telling stories of American rural life from the 1930s to 1970, including well-known works such as “Freedom from Want and “Four Freedoms.”

You can see several of his iconic artworks and informative pieces that provide an insight into his work and its influence from visiting this museum. After looking at the artwork, you can take a stroll around the little town, which is picturesque and has many dining options.

The Bennington Battle Monument

Next, consider some history with a visit to Vermont's The Bennington Battle Monument. It is a soaring stone needle that commemorates the Battle of Bennington, fought in 1777 during the era of American Revolution. At 301 feet high, the monument offers views that are nothing short of stunning.

The monument's base houses a museum that showcases different battle artecepts the historical significance of the monument. Visitors can ride an elevator high to see the views up close or take the staircases and enjoy the 1000 stair climb.

From Green Mountains to Manchester

The Hildene Museum

Our last stop on this road trip before Manchester, Vermont, is the Hildene Museum. Hildene is the former home and estate of the Abraham Lincoln family. The museum showcases the lives of the Lincoln family and the lifestyles of wealthy, rural New Englanders during this era.

Visitors can tour the expansive home and gardens and learn more about the life of Abraham Lincolns son Robert Todd Lincoln, who lived in this house.. The site offers insightful stories about the private life of the Lincoln family and how they shaped the history of Vermont and America.

Conclusion

There you have it, your ultimate road trip from Boston, Massachusetts, to Manchester, Vermont, through some of the most beautiful and historic areas of New England. Whether you're a history buff, sports enthusiast, art fan, or nature lover, there's something for everyone on this tour. So pack up, hit the road, and let the journey begin!