So here we go! We started out at 8 this a.m. Driving up 91 around northern MA into the VT border, we noticed lots of firecrackers in the hillsides and small pockets of color clusters which got our adrenaline going full speed ahead! We got off of exit 6 in Rockingham and stopped at the Vermont Country Store. I've never been to this one as I've only been to the one in Weston. It was not crowded at all and we found so many wonderful things for our homes as well as gifts for others. Drove up to the Chester Craft Fair on the Green! AMAZING! White tents lined the green on both sides and up and down the street. Lots of local items, juried crafts, food, jazz band on the Fullerton Inn porch and happy folks and pets everywhere enjoying warm weather and the beautiful town of Chester! Such a friendly and talkative lot!
(Or maybe it's just me 
) Met lots of people from the area and other states. I went into my favorite old bookstore and broke down and bought the Vermont Atlas and Gazetteer. Now I have all the maps I can ever use! 
We met up with bvahjen and his beautiful wife and daughter at the gazebo! They are a lovely family and we had some nice conversations about Vermont, the area and the forum!
He is the one who gave me the gorgeous back road drives I am about to describe. After two hours of shopping we even met up with them again and we showed each other our great finds!So, then we followed his road tour. WOW! (Andy, if you are reading this please go here! I know you are going to this area). We traveled west on Route 11 from town center and turned right on Andover Road. We stayed on this for a bit and turned right on East Hill Road, a nice dirt road, at the red brick schoolhouse. Slightly steep hill but easy compared to some we have been on. He told us to look south and southeast for views at the old cemetary. YIKES! Just incredible! We visited the very old Andover Cemetary which had stones dating back to the late 1700's. Just fascinating! This area had the most change of color we had seen yet. I would say about 15-20%. Lots of clusters of reds, purples and oranges and more hillsides showing early color. Just past the graveyard to the north were more long views that were not mentioned in my directions from bv but worth a look. Lots of farms along the way. The dirt road is highly manageable and I hope you all can find the time to take this road!
We continued on to Ludlow. We did not have time to go to Okemo Mountain unfortunately as we HAD to stop at the Green Mountain Sugarhouse for a maple creemee and more gifts! We also had to play with Kelly, the lab, who has grown so old! It made me sad to see how she has aged over the years but she can still wave her paw at everyone leaving the store! I gave her a kiss on the head and said my goodbye.
Turned around and took 100 South to Weston. On the way there we passed two of my favorite roads. Site Road and the Old Weston Mountain Road. Early color looks very promising there too! Continuing on, we took route 11 east out of Londonderry. Magic Mountain had nice pockets of early color here and there! Then took 11 east out of Londonderry to route 121 east.
My Jimapco says this was paved but maybe I read it wrong
A stunning, dirt road drive through the forest. Lots more color in here for some reason. It kept going and going and going! I was getting a little concerned but the beauty of this area kept us focused. The twists and turns begged us on. We passed a cute alpaca farm on the way and lots of boggy areas. If you look on your Jimapco, it is also called Houghtonville Road. We ended up in the lovely town of Grafton! Pretty deserted but this area will be hopping soon enough. We ended our day through Saxtons River and on to 91. A blessed day of travel indeed! The ride home was great just talking about all of our adventures! I can not wait to get back up for my trip! I am very EXHAUSTED
Thank you bv for the recommendations! They were the best part of the tour!
