Road Tripping from Charlestown to Burlington
The beautiful Northeastern United States is known for its breathtaking scenic routes and a road trip from Charlestown, Rhode Island, to Burlington, Vermont, is a perfect example of this. The journey takes about 4-5 hours and it's a perfect weekend getaway for anyone looking to explore the outdoors or simply take in some small-town charm.
If you happen to be traveling in the fall, you'll be in for a treat as the region is known for its dazzling display of colorful foliage. Along the way, be sure to make a stop at Concord, New Hampshire, the halfway point to this incredible road trip.
Top Five Things to Do
1. Narragansett Beach (Narragansett, RI)
Narragansett Beach is a must-visit destination for lovers of the sun and sea. Known for its beautiful white sand beaches and pristine waters, this gorgeous beach offers some of the best seafood in the area. Visitors can enjoy sunbathing, swimming, surfing, or just simply taking a walk along the coast. There is also plenty of parking close to the beach area.
Interesting Fact: Narragansett Beach was once a railroad station, but it was converted into a beach by the locals for recreational purposes.
2. Kennebunkport (Maine)
Kennebunkport is a picturesque seaside town located in Southern Maine. Visitors are sure to fall in love with its stunning views of the ocean and lovely coastal cottages. This charming town offers visitors plenty of places to shop and dine, and its proximity to the ocean means there are many fantastic seafood shacks to choose from.
Interesting Fact: Kennebunkport was home to one of the richest men in America, Nelson Rockefeller. He had his summer home here and enjoyed vacationing with his family.
3. Ben & Jerry's Factory Tour (Waterbury, VT)
A road trip to Vermont is not complete without a visit to the Ben & Jerry's Factory. Visitors can take the factory tour and learn about how the company creates its famous ice cream flavors. The tour also allows visitors to sample some of the delicious ice cream made on-site.
Interesting Fact: Ben & Jerry's uses over a million pounds of brownies each year in their famous ice cream flavor, Phish Food.
4. Mt. Washington Auto Road (New Hampshire)
The Mt. Washington Auto Road is an adventure-seeker's paradise. As the tallest mountain in the Northeast, this trip offers breathtaking views, hairpin turns, and steep inclines. Visitors can drive their own car or take a guided tour to the summit of the mountain. At the top, visitors will be greeted by an astonishing view of the surrounding landscape.
Interesting Fact: Mt. Washington has recorded the fastest surface wind speed ever recorded by humans, clocking in at 231 miles per hour.
5. Shelburne Museum (Shelburne, VT)
The Shelburne Museum is a great destination for art lovers. It boasts an impressive collection of over 150,000 works of art and hosts many exhibitions throughout the year. In addition to the art, visitors can also enjoy a stroll through the beautifully landscaped grounds.
Interesting Fact: The museum's founder, Electra Havemeyer Webb, had an eclectic taste for collecting. She even acquired a steamboat, which she used to cruise around Lake Champlain.
Conclusion
From the sun-drenched beaches of Rhode Island to the stunning views of Mt. Washington and the charming attractions of Vermont, a road trip from Charlestown to Burlington offers something for everyone. The journey is about 4-5 hours long, but visitors can take their time and make stops at the many incredible destinations along the way. Be sure to check the weather forecast and pack comfortable clothing and plenty of snacks for the trip. Happy road tripping!