Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Brighton, Vermont and Hamilton, Massachusetts

Brighton, Vermont, and Hamilton, Massachusetts are two charming towns in New England. If you plan a road trip between these two places, the journey will not only be scenic but also packed with activities and historical landmarks. One excellent midway point you should consider is New Hampton, NH, which is a lovely town with plenty of recreational opportunities, including boating, hiking, golfing, and much more. Here are the top five things to do on a road trip from Brighton, Vermont, and Hamilton, Massachusetts.

Visit the Ben & Jerry's Factory

Ben & Jerry's factory in Waterbury, Vermont, is one of the most popular destinations in the state. The factory tour takes you through the making of ice cream from start to finish, and you get to sample some of the flavors at the end. The tour guide provides information on Ben & Jerry's history, their commitment to social responsibility, and other fun facts about the company. If you are an ice cream lover, this stop is a must-visit.

Interesting fact: Ben & Jerry's factory produces over 1 million pints of ice cream per day.

Explore the Shelburne Museum

Located in Shelburne, Vermont, the Shelburne Museum is a cultural institution with over 150,000 works of art, artifacts, and inventories. The museum premises are vast, comprising 45 acres of landscaped gardens, historic buildings, and tons of exhibitions. Some of the notable items you will see here include the locomotive steam engine, the steamboat Ticonderoga, and collections of folk art, quilts, and costumes.

Interesting fact: The Shelburne Museum has a collection of over 39 fully furnished dollhouses.

Hike to the Flume Gorge

The Flume Gorge is an impressive natural formation in Franconia Notch State Park, NH, about an hour and a half from Hamilton. The gorge is a 2-mile hike through the lush forests, crossing footbridges, and showcasing views of the cascading waterfalls and pools. One of the most breathtaking sights of the Flume Gorge is the 90-foot high Avalanche Falls.

Interesting fact: The Flume Gorge was formed over 200 million years ago during the Ice Age.

Admire the Natural Bridge State Park

The Natural Bridge State Park is another must-visit attraction in North Adams, Massachusetts, just an hour from Brighton. The park got its name from the natural marble arch bridge that crosses the scenic Hudson Brook. The park has lots of hiking trails, including the Waterfall Trail, which offers stunning views of cascading streams and a 60-foot waterfall.

Interesting fact: The Natural Bridge State Park is the only known marble arch bridge in America.

Learn at the Springfield Armory Museum

The Springfield Armory Museum is one of the most significant historical landmarks in Massachusetts and is located about 45 minutes from Hamilton. The museum offers a glimpse into America's military industrial heritage, showcasing the various weapons and tools used during the American Revolution, Civil War, World War I, and other conflicts. The museum also has an extensive collection of firearms and a library that serves as a repository of information on U.S. military history.

Interesting fact: The Springfield Armory Museum preserves over 8,000 weapons, tools, and artifacts.

In conclusion, a road trip from Brighton, Vermont, and Hamilton, Massachusetts, is a perfect way to explore the New England region's historical and natural landmarks. Depending on your pace and the number of stops you make, the trip can take you anywhere from two days to a week. So if you love the outdoors, history, and culture, pack your bags, fill up your tank, and get ready to explore some of the best places in the region.