Antiques and Artisans: A Woodstock to Windsor Self-Guided Drive

Discover Vermont’s Charm with the Antiques and Artisans Self-Guided Drive

If you’re looking for a leisurely way to soak up Vermont’s picturesque scenery, this self-guided drive from Woodstock to Windsor might catch your eye. While we haven’t personally taken this tour, what’s on offer sounds like a relaxed, charming way to explore some of Vermont’s loveliest spots at your own pace. Priced at just $19.99 per group, it’s an accessible option for those who love scenic drives, quaint towns, and a touch of local craftsmanship.

What makes this experience appealing are its focus on iconic covered bridges and the chance to browse through vintage and artistic treasures along the route. Plus, the flexibility to explore at your own speed means you can linger as long as you like or breeze through parts that catch your interest. However, a potential downside is that the tour relies heavily on your phone’s GPS and internet connection, which can be spotty in rural Vermont, possibly complicating the navigation.

This tour is likely best suited for travelers who appreciate scenic drives, want an inexpensive way to see Vermont’s iconic sights, and don’t mind a bit of digital troubleshooting if needed. It’s not designed as a guided experience with a dedicated guide, so if you prefer more structured tours with commentary, this might not be your best fit. But if you’re comfortable exploring independently and value the freedom to make your own schedule, it could be just right.

Key Points

• Affordable at just $19.99 for groups up to 15, making it budget-friendly.
• Self-guided format allows for maximum flexibility and control over your pace.
• Focus on scenic highlights like covered bridges, Vermont antique shops, and charming small towns.
• Potential technical hiccups due to spotty internet could hinder navigation.
• Includes offline access to GPS, maps, and audio once downloaded.
• Great for lovers of scenic drives, antiques, and Vermont’s classic views.

Why Consider a Self-Guided Vermont Drive?

Vermont is full of postcard-worthy scenery, and driving through its small towns is a surefire way to experience its quiet beauty. This tour’s main appeal lies in its easy, no-pressure format: you set your own timetable, stopping when something catches your eye. We loved the way it takes you over historic covered bridges like the Taftsville Covered Bridge, known for its distinctive red hue—a true Vermont icon.

You’ll also get to see the Quechee Gorge, affectionately called “Vermont’s Little Grand Canyon,” which offers some stunning views, especially if you’re into dramatic rocky cliffs and river scenery. Although visiting the gorge itself might involve extra costs (these are not included in the tour), the lookout points along the route give you plenty of photo opportunities.

The highlight for many is the chance to browse Vermont’s unique antique stores like the Vermont Antique Mall and BF Southgate & Company. These spots are treasure troves of vintage finds and local curiosities, perfect if you enjoy hunting for one-of-a-kind items or just soaking up local flavor.

However, some travelers have reported issues with the navigation app, noting that “the internet is definitely needed to follow the route,” and that “it kept bringing us back to previous spots.” While the app offers offline access once downloaded, spotty service can cause frustration. If you’re not comfortable troubleshooting or don’t have a reliable data plan, this could be a challenge.

The Itinerary in Detail

Starting Point: Woodstock

Your journey kicks off in Woodstock, often called one of the most beautiful small towns in America. It’s a delightful place to start—quaint streets, lovely shops, and a peaceful atmosphere. From here, you’ll head towards Quechee, passing through the historic Taftsville Covered Bridge. This bridge is a real highlight, with its vibrant red color and classic wooden structure making for fantastic photos.

First Stop: Taftsville Covered Bridge

This is one of Vermont’s oldest covered bridges. Its historic charm is undeniable, and many visitors love seeing a genuine piece of Vermont’s architectural past. The reviews confirm this, with one saying, “Loved it – can’t see too many covered bridges! It was very Vermont and the app worked perfectly.” If you’re a fan of rustic architecture or just enjoy iconic sights, this spot is worth a quick stop.

Scenic View: Quechee Gorge

Next, you’ll get a peek at Quechee Gorge, known as Vermont’s Little Grand Canyon. It’s famous for its dramatic cliffs carved by the Ottauquechee River. Although visiting the gorge itself might involve some extra costs, the views from the roadside or designated lookout points are impressive enough to make your drive worthwhile.

Antique and Artisan Stops: Vermont Antique Mall & Simon Pearce

The route includes a pass-by of the Vermont Antique Mall, a haven for vintage lovers. It’s not included in the tour price to go inside, but browsing the shelves can be fun. You’ll also pass by Simon Pearce, a well-known glassblowing workshop and shop. Again, specific visits are not included, but the sight of their beautifully crafted glassware adds to the Vermont artisanal feel.

Crossing the Longest Covered Bridge: Cornish-Windsor

One of the most striking parts of this drive is crossing the Cornish-Windsor Covered Bridge. It’s the longest wooden covered bridge in the U.S., spanning the Connecticut River between Vermont and New Hampshire. It’s a perfect photo moment and a notable piece of Vermont’s bridge-building heritage.

Final Stops: West Windsor & South Woodstock

The route loops back through West Windsor and South Woodstock, giving you a chance to enjoy more small-town charm and scenic views. The tour concludes back in Woodstock, at The Green, ending your journey with a sense of Vermont’s peaceful, rural character.

Practical Details and What to Expect

Duration and Pacing

The tour typically takes 3 to 5 hours, depending on how long you linger at each stop. It’s designed as a relaxed drive rather than a race, so you can take your time exploring the bridges, browsing antique shops, and soaking up the scenery.

Cost and Value

At just under $20, this tour offers a cost-effective way to experience some of Vermont’s best sights without the need for a guided group or expensive tickets. However, keep in mind that costs incurred at attractions like the gorge, antique malls, or Simon Pearce are not included. You might find that some stops are just for viewing rather than visiting, which keeps costs low but means you won’t have in-depth guided commentary.

App and Navigation

The tour is delivered via an app available on both Android and iOS, with offline access to maps and audio once downloaded. This is helpful in rural Vermont where cell service can be patchy. Still, one review pointed out that “the internet is definitely needed to follow the route,” so download everything in advance. Keep in mind that if your phone’s GPS isn’t working well or you lose connectivity, you might need to do some troubleshooting.

Group Size and Flexibility

This is a private tour, so only your group will participate. The maximum is 15 people, which should keep things intimate and manageable. You have the flexibility to explore each spot at your own pace, making it ideal for those who prefer not to be on a strict schedule.

The Real Deal from Travelers’ Perspectives

While the overall impressions are mixed, many appreciate the scenic beauty. One review states, “Loved it – can’t see too many covered bridges! It was very Vermont and the app worked perfectly.” That sense of Vermont’s classic charm comes through strongly in their experience.

On the flip side, the technical issues reported by another reviewer highlight the importance of preparing for connectivity problems. They mentioned that “the tour kept bringing us back to previous spots,” which can diminish the experience if not resolved.

It’s also worth noting that this isn’t a guided tour with narration or commentary—your experience is entirely self-directed. If you enjoy driving at your own pace and love the idea of exploring Vermont’s small towns without a tight schedule, this could be a fun, inexpensive outing.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This self-guided drive suits adventurous travelers looking for a budget-friendly way to enjoy Vermont’s scenic beauty and historic sights. It’s great for those comfortable with using their phones for navigation and who don’t mind a bit of technical troubleshooting. If you love photography, antique browsing, or simply want a relaxed drive through Vermont’s charming towns, this is a good pick.

However, if you’re after a guided experience with detailed commentary, or if you prefer having a guide handle logistics and provide insight, this might not be the best fit. It also might not be ideal if you’re worried about spotty internet or need a more structured, in-depth tour.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for families or children?
It’s not specifically marketed as family-friendly, but the drive and scenic stops could be enjoyable for older children who like exploring and sightseeing. Keep in mind that some stops involve outdoor viewing, and there’s no guided commentary tailored for kids.

How much does the tour cost?
The tour is priced at $19.99 per group, which makes it very affordable, especially considering it covers a scenic route and access to the app’s features.

What’s included in this tour?
You get lifetime access to the self-guided audio tour in English, with offline maps and directions. The app is compatible with Android and iOS devices, so you can explore at your own pace.

Are there any extra charges during the tour?
Yes, attractions like Quechee Gorge, antique shops, and Simon Pearce are outside the tour’s cost. You’ll need to pay admission or shopping costs separately if you choose to visit those spots.

How long does the tour take?
Most travelers spend between 3 to 5 hours, depending on how long they linger at each stop and their pace of exploring.

Can I take this tour at any time?
Yes, the tour is available year-round during the open hours (12:00 AM to 11:30 PM), and you can start it whenever it’s convenient for you.

What should I bring?
Bring your smartphone, headphones, and a charger if possible. Since some areas may have spotty service, download the tour content in advance.

Is there any guided narration?
No, this is a self-guided experience, so all narration and directions are delivered via the app, giving you control over your timing.

What happens if I encounter technical issues?
Support is available via email or phone, so if you experience difficulties, reaching out to VoiceMap support can help resolve problems.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a peaceful, scenic drive through Vermont filled with charming sights and a touch of history, this self-guided tour offers a budget-friendly way to do just that. You’ll love the views of covered bridges, the opportunity to browse vintage shops, and the flexibility to explore at your own pace.

However, keep in mind that the experience depends heavily on your device’s navigation capabilities and your comfort with a self-guided setup. If technical glitches or the lack of guided commentary might bother you, consider whether you’re comfortable troubleshooting or supplementing the experience with your own research.

In the end, this tour is perfect for travelers who enjoy independent exploration, want a taste of Vermont’s scenic beauty without breaking the bank, and appreciate the freedom to create their own adventure. It’s a low-cost, laid-back way to see some of Vermont’s most iconic sights—whether you’re a vintage lover, a nature enthusiast, or simply looking for a relaxing day out.

Enjoy your Vermont journey, and don’t forget to bring your camera—those covered bridges and mountain views are hard to beat.