You can make Boston to Stowe in about 3.5 hours, but the people who love this drive never do it in one straight shot. At around 210 miles on I-93 and I-89, it is short enough to start after breakfast and long enough to earn a night somewhere memorable close to the park gates.
Open this route in XCRSNLeaving Boston
Aim to clear Boston before the morning rush, or after it, never in it. Fill the tank on the edge of town where prices usually drop, set the playlist, and settle in for the first 79 miles to Concord.
The headline stop on this route is Ben & Jerry's in Waterbury. Leave real time for it; it sets the tone for the whole trip.
Concord
Concord sits about 79 miles in. It makes a good spot to stretch, eat something that is not from a gas station, and swap drivers.
Nearby, Smugglers' Notch is worth the short detour if the day is going well.
Montpelier, the last stretch
Montpelier sits about 191 miles in. It makes a good spot to stretch, eat something that is not from a gas station, and swap drivers.
Rolling into Stowe
The final 19 miles always go faster than you expect. Save a little energy for Montpelier's capitol; it is a fitting finish.
By the end you will have seen Ben & Jerry's in Waterbury, Smugglers' Notch and Montpelier's capitol, and you will understand why this corridor is a classic.
When to go and how to pace it
One night is the sweet spot. Stowe, VT is where most people stay, so book ahead on summer weekends.
Check live gas prices along I-93 and I-89 before you go; they can swing a lot from one state or county to the next. XCRSN prices every leg for your exact car.
