Boston Common - Niche Media - A side of Boston that's anything but common.
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photography by Christian Delbert (olD north briDge); appaloosa (Vermont Country store); Jon bilous (KanCamagus) (5781 Mountain Road, Stowe, VT, 802-253-3000; stowe.com) offers dining at the Cliff House or Solstice restau- rants. Heading back to Route 100, visit the Ben & Jerry's headquarters (1281 Waterbury-Stowe Road, Waterbury, VT, 866-258- 6877; benjerry.com) for a tour and watch your Cherry Garcia being churned. For a more substantial meal, the restaurant Hen of the Wood (92 Stowe St., Waterbury, VT, 802-244-7300; henofthe wood.com), built in a converted grist mill, is a destination all its own, a never-ending ode to local and seasonal fare. From there, head to Waitsfield, home to the Mad River Glen and Sugarbush ski areas, where many artists have set up shop. Artisans' Gallery (20 Bridge St., Waitsfield, VT, 802-496- 6256; vtartisansgallery.com), representing more than 150 artists, is a sensory smash. Further south, the Killington and Okemo ski resorts provide high ground for stunning views. For a good meal, make an eastward turn onto Route 4 to Quechee and the Simon Pearce restaurant (1760 Quechee Main St., Quechee, VT, 802-295-1470). Perched over the Ottauquechee River in a former mill, it also features a shop selling the acclaimed Simon Pearce pottery and glassware. Finally, the pinnacle of Route 100 is Weston—the whole village is on the National Register of Historic Places. Check out the Vermont Country Store (657 Main St., Weston, VT, 802-824-3184) for woolen socks, Lanz of Salzburg nighties, forgotten brands of candy (like Reed's and Merri-Mints) and cologne (Royall and Charlie), and much more, as well as the Weston Playhouse (12 Park St., Weston, VT, 802-824-5288; westonplayhouse.org), the state's oldest professional theater. The Deluxe Road Trip Enjoying fall foliagE in high sEason is much bEttEr with thE right itinErary. by annie copps Why visitors from all over the world descend upon New England every fall can be summed up in three words: red, yellow, orange. These are the starring colors of nature's electric light show. Behind the scenery, though, is a world of elegant dining, artisanal crafts, and superior lodging, which requires a most discerning map. The Royal Miles: RouTe 100, VeRMonT Running 200 or so miles north to south through Vermont to the Massachusetts border, Route 100 is the crown prince of scenic drives in New England. All the quintessential charm and beauty of autumn can be found here, from mountain- sides covered in a patchwork quilt of trees that seem on fire with their red and gold leaves, to cows grazing in fields with whitewashed barns, to covered bridges, antiques shops, and general stores. Much of this winding road is unspoiled by development, especially its northern points, but when it does pass through towns or villages, they tend to be filled with historic buildings, art galleries, craft shops, bookstores, cafés, and inns. Plan on a minimum of three hours for this trip. First, take a detour up Route 108 to the well-known ski-resort village of Stowe for an off-season gondola ride up Vermont's highest peak. The Stowe Mountain Resort "get there early or late and you'll avoid foliage lovers who won't ever go faster than 30 mph—and i can't blame them." —mel allen Concord's Old North Bridge. The Vermont Country Store in Weston stocks candy, knickknacks, and more. A view from New Hampshire's Kancamagus Scenic Byway. 128 bostoncommon-magazine.com HAUTE PROPERTY Out of Town