They may be small states, but New Hampshire and Vermont deliver in romantic vibes when it comes to romantic drives. From rolling hills and lush national forests to sweeping coastal views and idyllic New England towns full of cozy stops, these two states are great options for a romantic road trip.
Known as the “Currier and Ives Corner” in southwestern New Hampshire, the Monadnock Region is the ideal place for a romantic road trip. The undulating countryside, quaint villages, and quintessential country charm of this region have inspired writing greats from Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau to Mark Twain and Thornton Wilder, and the romance of the area’s many covered bridges attract sweethearts as well. Plan a pit stop in Peterborough, the town after which Wilder modeled his fictional Grover’s Corners from the play Our Town. While there, catch a performance at the historic Peterborough Players and sample some of the local flavors at the historic Post & Beam Brewery (they even have a New England IPA named “Our Town”). Go snowshoeing on the Cranberry Meadow Pond Trail and experience an old-fashioned sleigh ride at Stonewall Farm in Keene.
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For a romantic jaunt down the coast, head for the easternmost part of the state, a wonderful option, especially in winter months when crowds thin out but the scenery remains. Begin at historic Portsmouth and check out the town’s Market Square, bustling with local shops and locally owned restaurants. Several restaurants in the area have been James Beard nominated, including Portsmouth’s Vida Cantina and Vino e Vino, a wine bar in nearby Exeter. Plan a stop at Fezziwig’s Food & Fountain for a pastry or something sweet from the soda fountain, or try the landmark Petey’s Summertime Seafood (despite the name, it’s open year-round). Drive down the New Hampshire’s Coastal Byway along Routes 1A and 1B and wind your way through local seaside communities including Rye, North Hampton, and Hampton. Hit the trails at Odiorne State Park, and marvel at the seaside mansions along the way.
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The Kancamagus Highway, known locally as “The Kanc,” is one of the most beloved scenic drives in New Hampshire, stretching over 30 miles from Conway to Lincoln in the lush White Mountain National Forest. Drive across the Honeymoon Bridge, then into the romantic village of Jackson, where you’ll find no shortage of quaint local shops, including Flossie’s General Store & Gift Emporium next to the picturesque covered bridge. Stop by Thompson House Eatery for artisanal cheese boards, inventive appetizers and hearty mains like braised pork and coriander-crusted tuna. For private sleigh rides, ice skating, and snowshoeing, head over to Nestlenook Farm. In January, the popular Snow Sculpting Competition attracts ice and snow carvers and visitors from far and wide. Ride the SnowCoach Tour up Mt. Washington or try the historic Cog Railway.
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Along this 41-mile stretch, you’ll cross through the heart of Vermont, through the gorgeous Green Mountains. In Rutland, which has gained traction as a popular art town, hit up a few galleries, view the many impressive town murals, and take a stroll through the town’s sculpture trail. For a cozy dinner, head over to Roots for a sampling of Vermont’s best flavors. Local cream, cider, and beef are all incorporated into the menu. Killington is one of the country’s most popular ski areas, with miles of trails dedicated to downhill and cross-country skiing, plus snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and more. In nearby Bridgewater, visit the state’s oldest brewery, Long Trail Brewing Co. Charming Woodstock is definitely worth a stop. Stroll along the many parks, pay a visit to Billings Farm and Museum – a historic dairy farm that offers wagon and sleigh rides – and make reservations at The Prince and The Pauper and share a prix fixe menu, decadent desserts, and specialty cocktails. For an outdoor adventure in this region, be sure to visit the Quechee Gorge, known as “Vermont’s Grand Canyon” for its deep gorge, sweeping natural landscape, and incredible views of the Ottauquechee River below.
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Part of the well-known scenic Route 100 corridor, the Green Mountain Byway takes you from Cambridge to Waterbury, passing through popular Stowe. Take the historic Auto Toll Road up to Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak, for stunning views of the dramatic landscape. Stowe offers a downtown shopping district, plus great skiing in the winter season, and hiking. Take the easy route to stunning Moss Glen Falls. For a picture-perfect romantic hike, try the popular mountain-top Sterling Pond Trail. Sweet and tasty stops are plentiful in this region, including Vermont’s famed maple syrup. Stop by the Nebraska Knoll Sugar Farm and experience an up-close process of sapping sugar from maples to produce syrup. Pop into Stowe Cider for an array of year-round and seasonal ciders. In the taproom, split a barbecue plate and take in some live music. Waterbury is a great stop for a few reasons. First, be sure to snag some sweet treats and take a tour of the Ben & Jerry’s Factory. The Cabot Creamery, known for its Vermont cheese and other dairy products since 1919, is another tasty stop. And for an incredibly romantic outdoor adventure, visit the Waterbury Reservoir, where you can share a picnic amid stunning lakeside scenery, or rent stand-up paddle boards, canoes, or kayaks and explore the water in tandem.
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Vermont’s only designated National Byway, the Connecticut River Byway hugs the Connecticut River for roughly 130 miles along the western border of New Hampshire. Make a pit stop in Windsor and swoon at the romantic Cornish-Windsor Covered Bridge, which was built in 1866. Peruse the 14-acre Path of Life Garden sculptures, and then toast to your sweetie at the Harpoon Brewery. Just north of Windsor, in Norwich, share a warm chocolate croissant at the flagship shop of King Arthur Baking. In Springfield, head over to Wellwood Orchards for seasonal you-pick produce, including strawberries, apples, and pumpkins. Make a date to catch a show at Springfield Community Players, a playhouse with over 100 years of history.
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Hop on the Lake Champlain Byway and hug the west coast of Vermont for 185 miles south of the Canadian border. Stops range from bustling towns, like Burlington, to sleepy farm communities. Road trippers will come across everything from local shops and top-notch dining to endless adventures and outdoor recreation on the country’s 6th largest lake. In Burlington, visit the Shelburne Museum to catch a popular collection of American art – during the holiday season, the museum twinkles with romantic lights – then share a meal at Hen of the Wood. In the fall season, be sure to visit Shelburne Orchards for apple-picking. The orchard is also home to a distillery that uses the orchard’s apples to make brandy and pommeau. At nearby Shelburne Vineyard, sample a few of Vermont’s best wines and cheeses, listen to live music in the tasting room, or enjoy a private cellar tasting. With all the changing colors, the grounds are especially romantic in the fall.
For a truly romantic experience, watch the sunset over Lake Champlain. Several outfits offer sunset and other themed cruises along the lake, leaving from Burlington, including the Spirit of Ethan Allen and the Whistling Man Schooner Co. For other lake adventures, opt for tried-and-true cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, and ice fishing, or try something new, like Nordic skating or kiteboarding. Along the byway, breathtaking mountain and lake views collide, as the lake meets with Vermont’s Green Mountains and New York’s Adirondacks. Cultural stops range from fascinating museums and charming lighthouses to historic libraries and shrines.
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