Driving advice, Friday night, also some food shopping advice

[urban07sti]

Hey all, I'm driving up from Boston Friday night. Roads should be pretty clear, just wondering what people think is the best route? I've done it a few ways, either getting off early on 89 and going more backroads versus longer on 89. I don't get up to the Bush enough to really know the best routes. Thanks!

[shadyjay]

Coming up at night especially during the winter, your best bet is probably 89 to Exit 9, then 100B to 100 South. You could get off at Exit 3 and go 107W to 100N, but a large portion of that route is no-man's land. If something happens, your cell phone (if you have one) won't work for most of the way and there isn't much to see. Plus, services are few and far between. After Rochester, its 20 miles or so of "absolutely nothing" until you hit the MRV.

Then there are always the "mountain roads" such as Roxbury Gap, etc, but I'd advise against them, especially if you're not familiar with the area. Driving past the secondary roads to work, many of them are still quite snow covered and most likely ice.

Whatever way you choose, be safe and enjoy the weekend!

[Lostone]

I like the second one mentioned, getting off Exit 3. I don't mind not being in Cell phone range, as 99% of the time I drove that way, I never had a cell phone, and 100% of the time, I didn't use it.

Like Jay, I'd suggest avoiding the shortcuts, (Bethel Mtn, Roxbury gap) for a first run, at night.

Like Jay, I'd say have a great weekend.

[John Walden]

I have been traveling to Sugarbush for 25 plus years from the Boston area. We generally take 89 to 107-100 thru Bethel, Rochester, Hancock,Granville. Avoid Bethel Mt. if roads are tricky. The stretch of 89 from Bethel to Moretown can be very treachous at night . For example, I had friends up for the weekend who did go all the way to Moretown exit and hit snow squalls . They saw 12 car pile up on 89 Friday night.

You mentioned no cell service in the forest. That's true, but there are enough skiiers heading to the mountain that can offer help. I have given some skiiers rides that have had car trouble over the years.

[urban07sti]

Thanks for the advice! I'll probably do the exit 3 way, as I've done that route before a times. Not familar with the Roxbury gap or any of those shortcuts, but maybe try those on a trip in daylight, I'll be driving up later at night...thanks all!

Hopefully running into you guys skiing.

[tomthumb]

Another little shortcut for the Exit 3 route is Blackmer Blvd. As you're heading West on 107, you'll pass an elementary school, I believe the next right turn is Blackmer Blvd. It will bring you out to the blinking light at the Ford dealership on RT 100. It's easier to learn going home. Heading South on RT 100, when you get to the blinking light at the Ford dealership, go straight instead of following RT 100 to the right. Once you've done it once, it's a no brainer.

[John Walden]

tomthumb:

Yes, I forgot that shortcut. We do all time so I forgot to mention it. It also helps that the Town Garage is on that road so it's gets sanded first. Peavine's is a good stop over for burgers and beers.

[urban07sti]

So driving up Friday as I said before...are there any grocery stores open late? I forget last time I was there up where I can stop to grab some chicken, meat, etc... for cooking. I'm hoping to get stuff late Friday night but it'll be after 9 PM. I'll be going the Exit 3 route I believe. Thanks again!

[shadyjay]

There is one shopping facility on the Exit 3 route that I know of and that's Mac's in Rochester - but not a full supermarket. Hit up the last exit on I-89 in NH before VT (Exit 20 IIRC) and there's a Shaw's there - tax free.

[jwt]

Urban,

Get yer meat before the Valley if you are there after 9 PM, Shaws I believe closes at 9 PM, Mehurons, my favorite, the same time. Exit 9 in NH, Warner, has a grocery store at exit ( left off ramp) or Lebanon has stores, but I wouldn't wait until 9 PM or after , unless you are cooking the next night and can wait til Mehurons Sat apres ski.

If it is not snowing, and roads are dry ,the best time you'll make is exit 9 , 100B to 100s 14 miles to Waitsfield. Back roads,100 from the south are nice, but not time efficient. . .and then there are the sheriffs prowling around. . . . . . . just be aware.

Roxbury Gap is the nicest, most direct route once familiar with the area, dirt ( read: safer generally in snow and ice conditions) steep, and real Vermont.

It won't work with GSP - it kept telling my guests to 'TURN AROUND NOW, MAKE A U-TURN!. . . . . . but real men don't need directions, right?

The skiing is great right about now too! Have a great time.

[noski]

Urban,

Get yer meat before the Valley if you are there after 9 PM, Shaws I believe closes at 9 PM, Mehurons, my favorite, the same time. Exit 9 in NH, Warner, has a grocery store at exit ( left off ramp) or Lebanon has stores, but I wouldn't wait until 9 PM or after , unless you are cooking the next night and can wait til Mehurons Sat apres ski.

This is good advice. There is also Mad Taskers who can get some food supplies for you ,stock the fridge, turn on heat, etc. if you are going to a house/condo.

[ski_resort_observer]

Urban,

Get yer meat before the Valley if you are there after 9 PM, Shaws I believe closes at 9 PM, Mehurons, my favorite, the same time. Exit 9 in NH, Warner, has a grocery store at exit ( left off ramp) or Lebanon has stores, but I wouldn't wait until 9 PM or after , unless you are cooking the next night and can wait til Mehurons Sat apres ski.

Mehurons is open till 8PM, 6PM on Sundays. Maps still work really well for driving directions.

For a consistent driving time going with I89 to the Middlesex exit is the way to go. It is more miles but the diference timewise between driving on a divided highway vs Vermont State/County roads can be huge. Going by way of Roxbury Gap or even worse the Bethel/Stockbridge/Rochester route via Rt 107 route all it takes is a few slow drivers and your driving time will greatly increase as there are few safe places to pass although passing on a double line is legal in Vermont. Your basically throwing the dice on those routes. With the Bethel/Rochester via Rt 107 route you drive alot of miles going southwest when you want to be driving north. The Bethel Mountain Rd is all paved so if the roads are in good shape that route is better than the longer Rt 107 route IMHO.

[BHL]

Mr. Urban:

Regarding groceries, do you want quality or price? Shaw's in Lebanon NH is as cheap as they come. But Mehuron's in Waitsfield (or is it Irasvile? Whatever.) is by far the best quality for meat, poultry and produce. Nice folks, too. Not like Shaw's. Worth something to me.

As far as driving . . . it's like this: 89 to exit 9 at Moretown and 100B south to 100 is a green. 89 to Bethel stay on 107 to 100 north is a blue. 89 to Bethel to 107 to 12 briefly to Bethel Mountain Road (a left just past the "narrow bridge" sign . . . my pick 'cuz it's paved and plowed) is a black. 89 to Bethel to 12 to Randolph and 12A to the infamous Roxbury Gap is a double-diamond . . . you really need a guide! Sheesh, feel like I'm giving away a tree stash or something! Drive safely and happy cooking!

[Yard Sale]

A couple of weeks ago about 10 pm as I was on my final approach to the top of Roxbury Gap I could see over the rise some irratic headlights swaying side to side like someone had put a lighthouse up there. Sure enough, as I came over the rise there was a bat signal like spot lite coming out of the woods to the left. Some guy somehow had put his pick up truck down about a twenty foot drop off the road backwards. It was almost standing vertical on its rear bumper. Luckily the truck and the guy appeared to be virtually undamaged.

I've lead several people over the gap in vehicles behind me for their maiden voyage the general consensus is that first timers or people who aren't used to winter/mountain driving get a little freaked out. Once you get used to it its just part of the trip. I think it'd be wise to take a dry run during the day. Otherwise, my plan B is Bethel Mountain Road.

[Dawn Patrol]

The Roxbury Gap is definitely the fastest way.

Depending on how much food you need, I recommend bringing the bulk of your supplies up so you don't have to make a trip to Waitsfield, little things can be bought at Paradise Deli or the Warren Store.

Driving advice: In the name of all that is good and holy, keep right except to pass..... [I'm looking at you guys with MA, NY or CT plates, VT'ers seem to have this one down....]