Auto Tours of Central Vermont

Central Vermont

Auto Tours

Out In The Sticks...

(Approximately 2 to 3 Hours)

This tour is a must if you're looking for a sugar house and a Vermont farmer to tell you about maple syrup and sugaring.

You will see a lovely old church, some ponds and several farms. If your timing is right and you call ahead, your tour could be highlighted with a hayride in the country. Summer is a busy time for the farmer but they usually can find time to wave and even show off their "girls" (the cows).

From downtown Montpelier head north on Main Street, up Main Street Hill (New England Culinary Institute sits on the left at sharp corner near top of hill) and onto the County Road. morse Farm Sugar Shack will be on your right, approximately 3 miles from downtown Montpelier. This farm is one of Central Vermont's most popular attractions. One can tour The Sugar Shack and hear the maple story. There is also an excellent vegetable and gift shop.

Take your next right onto Barnes Road, not too far past Morse Farm Sugar Shack. At .7 mile turn left onto the Center Road. Continue down Center Road for 2.7 miles. Take a side trip at Sibley Road on your right and see the Sibley barn, 1.8 miles. This big yellow barn is a classic. On your way back to Center Road take note of the low brown cape on your right. This was once a stop on the underground railroad which smuggled slaves north to freedom. It is now the Bancroft Farm. Back at Center Road, head right to the village of Adamant, 1.1 miles. Keep to the right at the 4-way intersection. 1.5 miles from Adamant you will come to a fork; bear left. Go another .75 mile and bear right. The Old West Church is 1.5 miles from this point on your left. This beautiful old church is worth visiting. It has box-style pews, an old pump organ and is heated by a wood stove.

Next to the Old West Church is the farm of David Morse. David trains horses and gives hay rides in the summer and sleigh rides in the winter. You may wish to call ahead and plan for a ride (223-5401).

From the Old West Church, continue your drive to Kent's Corner, 1.8 miles. At these 4 corners, the less adventurous may want to turn left and head to Maple Corners. Another left at Maple Corners will put you south on the County Road to Montpelier (around 10 miles).

The die-hards should go straight through the 4-way intersection. Robinson Saw Mill is .1 mile on your left. It is currently undergoing restoration. Approximately 1 mile after the mill you will come to a road split with an island. Keep right of this island. Follow this road for 3.7 miles (keeping to the left at Dugar Brook Road, 1.5 miles).

Turn right onto Cranberry Meadow Road, after 1.8 miles you will come to a 4 corners. Go straight on Nelson Pond Road and you will pass by Nelson Pond and the picturesque #10 Pond. Take first left after #10 Pond, go .2 mile and bear right onto East Bank Road. You have just gone through North Calais. Drive .75 mile to 4 corners and take a left onto Dump Road. Rte. 14 will be 1.8 miles away.

Turn right onto Rte. 14. You may follow it to Rte. 2 which will lead you back to Montpelier if you've had enough.

Or go right onto Rte. 14 and take a lefthand turn just down the road by the church in East Calais.

Go 1.3 miles on Marshfield Road to the 4 corners, passing a cemetery on your way, go straight. After another mile go straight through the next 4 corners. Turn right at the fork onto Pike cemetery Road after another .3 mile.

Drive .7 mile and the Glass Barn (Chet Cole) will be on your left. You can see hand crafted glass. This is a very interesting stop and you may wish to purchase a Vermont sun catcher!

Rte. 2 will be .9 mile from here. Turn right onto Rte. 2 West toward Montpelier.

Stop and visit the Ted and Mary Brenneman Fiddlehead Farm 1.5 miles down Rte. 2. This Vermont Host Farm raises and milks registered Jersey cows. The farm sits down in a low meadow to the left near a campground.

Continue on Rte. 2 west to Montpelier (an easy half hour).

Back To Auto Tours Entrance

| Sugarbush / Mad River Tour | Horn of the Moon Tour |

| Cabot Area Tour | Out In The Sticks |

| Beyond Central Vermont and The Mad River Valley |

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