When in Vermont, a loosely planned drive is the best way to experience the greatness of the Green Mountains. If you see something intriguing (which you certainly will), you can’t properly enjoy it from 55 mph; you must take the time to stop and experience it all.

Southern Vermont’s roads wind through a variety of ecological systems and elevations, helping to make this area one of the nation's premier destinations to see fall colors. In addition, many small towns dot the perimeter of the Green Mountains. Most of them offer handmade crafts, homemade foods, real antiques, and the sense of raw "pioneerism" that many other New England towns have lost to creeping commercialization. Thankfully, glowing Golden Arches shall never compromise Vermont’s picturesque sky; the state passed legislation in the 1970s that prohibits billboards and excessively tall, large, or glowing signs.

As the birthplace and home of Ben & Jerry's ice cream, you can find B&J products that you never knew existed in almost any gas station or grocery store in the state. You might also drive by (or stop at) one of the many freestanding Ben & Jerry’s ice-cream parlors in the state.

The Appalachian Trail crosses a few "major" roads, and each has roadside parking near the trailhead. Serious hikers on multi-day hikes use the nearby town of Bennington (Vermont’s second-largest town) to shower, eat, sleep, and restock supplies.

Driving enthusiasts will love raw Vermont’s combinations of steep inclines, sharp switchbacks, generous curves, smooth, open roads, and more old, wooden covered bridges than any other state.

Whether you enjoy scenic vistas, short hikes, shopping, or homemade foods, the Green Mountains region is a great place for a free-spirited drive. ${QuickSuggestions} The Green Mountain National Forest website will give you an idea of what you can do in the area. A current detailed map is necessary for real exploring, because it’s easy to get lost on winding mountain roads—and you can’t count on your cell phone to have a signal out here, or on a house with a land phone to be within reach. To find a detailed regional map, you’ll likely have to go to a local gas station or travel office. Also, many businesses in most of the small towns carry free cartoon-esque maps that are drawn with all their downtown roads, attractions, and businesses—very handy for locating good shopping and eating. . .

. . . and gas stations. Gas is usually cheaper in "these parts" than in any city within a 2-hour drive, so you can afford to drive, drive, drive and fill up before you head home! ${BestWay} Public transportation is not available here; you must drive your own vehicle or rent one from whichever major airport you come from. If you are the adventurous driving type, like me, you will get the most enjoyment out of a manual-shifting car that is engineered with torque for steep inclines, precision steering for sharp turns, a good suspension system for off-roading, and horsepower for passing slow trucks, and is small enough to fit on single-lane, covered bridges. If you plan on camping, an RV or camper trailer is fine, but please be courteous to the string of cars that will form behind you—pull over every so often to let them pass.

In the small towns, walking is the best transportation. Most of these small towns aren't even big enough to accommodate a bike ride. Parking is usually in ample supply near businesses, and it's free all day.

From journal Daytripping in Vermont's Green Mountain National Forest