Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Center Harbor, NH to South Burlington, VT

If you're looking for a picturesque drive through New England, the route from Center Harbor, NH to South Burlington, VT is an excellent choice. The journey takes around two hours, encompassing beautiful forests, stunning lakes, and rolling hills. The area is rich in history and culture, with plenty of opportunities for exploration. In this article, we'll share five unexpected places you should stop during your journey.

Barre, VT - The Halfway Point

Before we dive into the other stops, we must mention our halfway point: Barre, VT. This small town is famous for its granite quarries, which have been in operation for over 200 years. The magnificent granite used for countless monuments, including the Vermont State House, was sourced from these quarries. You can learn about the history and culture of the quarries at the Vermont Granite Museum, which is located in a restored 19th-century granite manufacturing facility.

1 - The Wright Museum of WWII, Wolfeboro, NH

The Wright Museum of WWII is an outstanding museum that focuses on the American home-front experience during World War II. It has an impressive collection of artifacts, including vehicles, aircraft, and uniforms, which provide insight into the lives of those who served both on the battlefields and at home. In addition, the museum has exhibits that highlight the contributions of women and African Americans during the war. A must-visit for history buffs.

Food Highlight: The Wolfetrap Grill & Raw Bar

Located in the heart of Wolfeboro, the Wolfetrap Grill & Raw Bar is famous among locals and visitors. They serve delicious seafood, burgers, and salads, alongside their signature cocktails. The atmosphere is excellent for a quick lunch break or a relaxing dinner.

2 - Flume Gorge, Franconia Notch, NH

While they may be a bit out of the way, the Flume Gorge in Franconia Notch offers a breathtaking experience, making it a destination worth visiting. This beautiful natural wonder features a narrow passageway between two towering granite walls, allowing visitors to walk over the natural pools and streams that have been carved over centuries by the river. The 2-mile hike offers stunning views of the White Mountains.

Food Highlight: The Notch Grille at the Mountain Club on Loon

The Notch Grille at the Mountain Club on Loon offers a fantastic dining experience and a great atmosphere. Their menu offers mountainside dishes with fantastic views. Their beer list is full of local favorites both from Vermont and New Hampshire.

3 - Ben & Jerry’s, Waterbury, VT

Ben & Jerry's is an iconic ice cream brand that originated in Vermont. The brilliantly flavored ice cream has been a fan favorite since the company's founding in the late 1970s. The Ben & Jerry's Factory in Waterbury offers tours of the ice cream production process, including a journey through the flavor graveyard, where retired flavors are celebrated. The tour ends with a scoop of ice cream!

Food Highlight: Rusty Nail Grill & Tavern

The Rusty Nail Grill & Tavern is a neighborhood fixture in Stowe, VT, serving hearty dinners and casual bar fare. The tavern’s late hours make it the ideal spot for a nightcap, allowing you to indulge in their extensive beer and cocktail list.

4 - Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks, Montpelier, VT

Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks is a family-owned and operated maple farm that has been producing high-quality maple syrup since 1960. The farm offers a guided tour through the sugarbush that showcases the process of making maple syrup from sap collection to boiling to bottling of the final product. Visitors can sample the maple syrup and shop for souvenirs in their country store.

Food Highlight: The Skinny Pancake

The Skinny Pancake in Montpelier, VT, is ranked as one of the most exciting places to eat in America. They serve crepes with both sweet and savory fillings, staples made with Vermont ingredients, and craft beers and cocktails. The Skinny Pancake is a must-visit spot when passing through Montpelier.

5 - Shelburne Museum, Shelburne, VT

Located in the heart of the Champlain Valley, the Shelburne Museum is a diverse collection of art, Americana, and culture. It spans 45 acres and includes dozens of buildings that showcase a broad range of pieces, including paintings, sculptures, folk art, and crafts. The museum's architecture and history are equally impressive, with structures dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries.

Food Highlight: The Bearded Frog Bar & Grill

The Bearded Frog Bar & Grill in Shelburne offers a unique dining experience that focuses on farm-to-table ingredients. They offer an extensive menu that changes seasonally, featuring American comfort food and a few European classics. A perfect location for lunch or dinner!

Conclusion

This scenic drive from Center Harbor, NH to South Burlington, VT, offers the perfect balance of natural beauty, history, culture, and food. With these five unexpected stops, you'll be able to get a sense of the region's flavors and ways of life, as well as uncover new and fascinating sights. Plan your itinerary to include these incredible destinations, and we guarantee that you won't be disappointed!