Where to base yourself
Questions, answered
Why stay in Waterbury instead of Stowe?
Waterbury is about 20 minutes down VT-100 from Stowe and typically cheaper per night, while putting you closer to I-89 and the breweries. If your trip is more food and beer than lift tickets, Waterbury is the better base; if you want ski-in, ski-out, it is not.
Can I reach Waterbury by train?
Yes, the Amtrak Vermonter stops in Waterbury, which is one reason the town works as a car-light base. You can walk from the station into the middle of town, but you will want a car or shuttle for Ben & Jerry's, Cold Hollow and Stowe.
How many breweries can you realistically visit?
Three or four in a day is comfortable if someone is driving or you use a shuttle; the spread between Waterbury village, Waterbury Center and the VT-100 corridor is short but not walkable in full. Vermont's drink-driving enforcement is serious, so plan the driver in advance.
Is it busy in autumn?
Very. VT-100 through Waterbury is one of the most driven foliage routes in New England, and early to mid October brings queues at the ice cream factory and the cider mill. Book rooms well ahead and start your days early.
Where to stay — Waterbury
Live prices for every hotel and inn in the area — free cancellation, updated daily.
