Travel & Adventure Touring the ‘Main Street’ of Vermont On A Honda GoldWingExploring the best spots of iconic Rt. 100

Words & Images Michael Hilton

mj_hilton

Running from the southern village of Wilmington to the northern town of Stowe, Route 100 is a scenic byway known as the ‘Main Street of Vermont’. It is a spectacular 150-mile stretch that hugs the spine of the Green Mountains as it connects world-class ski resorts and picturesque villages packed with first-rate restaurants, art galleries, classic country stores, local farm stands, and prime lodging locations.

Combine that with the fact that it’s a ribbon of deliciously smooth asphalt twisting its way along rocky rivers, crystal lakes, and deep mountain passes with little traffic, and it’s easily one of my favorite motorcycle routes in all of New England. I recently got the opportunity to test-drive a 2022 Honda GoldWing so my wife and I packed our things and headed for the 100.

I had successfully avoided riding giant, luxury cruisers until this point in my life, steadfastly holding to the opinion that they were built for, you know, older riders, ones well past their prime. But with the chance to try it out, I opened my mind to see what the GoldWing experience was all about. Having never ridden a bike this big before I was a bit intimidated…until we got on and I hit the throttle. The GoldWing handled the two of us and our luggage like a champ. Spine-tinglingly powerful, yet surprisingly nimble, and loaded with cutting-edge tech like the automatic 7-speed DCT transmission, it was a true joy to navigate on our tour of the Green Mountain State.

STAY: The Snowed Inn

The Snowed Inn is conveniently located at the midway point of Rt. 100 on the Killington Resort access road. With 19 clean, comfortable rooms, a small bar, hot tub, healthy breakfast, and cozy sitting areas, gracious hosts Ken and Carolyn have created the perfect place to unwind, spend the night, and get ready for the day ahead.

Snowed Inn

EAT: Piecasso

To stand out in the crowded restaurant scene of Stowe isn’t easy but Piecasso does just that. With a nod to the founder’s Sicilian heritage, they craft mouthwatering artisan pizza and creative Italian dishes all served up in a lively, comfortable atmosphere. Their al fresco dining is the perfect place on a summer evening in the valley.

Piecasso

VISIT: Lawson’s Finest Liquids

Founded in 2008 in Warren Vermont, Lawson’s has played a huge part in putting Vermont on the map for having some of the best micro-breweries in the world. Check out their new facility in nearby Waitsfield and try some samples.

Lawson's