The Smugglers' Notch Loop Driving Tour - The Green Mountain Inn, Stowe, Vermont

As winter wanes in earnest, this scenic highway opens for through traffic, as well as easy access to great hiking on Vermont’s Long Trail and access to many quaint small villages that are fun to explore. The "Notch" - as the locals affectionately call it - is a narrow pass with 1,000 foot cliffs towering on either side. Rock outcroppings and cliffs can be viewed – many have names – including Elephants Head, The Singing Bird, Hunter & His Dog and The Smuggler. Many endangered species of plants are only found in the Notch, and more recently, the endangered Peregrine Falcon has successfully nested in the cool, damp cliffs.

Smuggler’s Notch has a rich, colorful history. In the early days, there was only a footpath and horse trail for traveling. In 1807, President Thomas Jefferson placed an embargo on trade between the U.S. and Canada, making it very difficult for Northern Vermonters, as Montreal was a much closer location in which to move goods. "Smuggling" became commonplace over this route, when herds of cattle transported the products northward. In addition, fugitive slaves were known to escape and find refuge in Canada by using the Notch, and when Prohibition became a reality in the 1920s, smuggling resumed as liquor was transported to and fro.

Once you reach the top of this hair-pin turn, narrow road, you will descend into the village of Jeffersonville. Just west of Jeffersonville, at the Junction of Route 15 and 104 in Cambridge, is the Boyden Valley Winery. One of Vermont’s unique attractions, you can walk through the vineyards, take a tour of the fermentation and barrel room, learn about the passion of winemaking and enjoy free samples of international award-winning wines. Vermont specialty products and maple syrup are also available for sale in the renovated barn. The winery is open from June 1 – December 31, Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00am-5:00pm, and January 1 - May 31 on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Visit BoydenValley.com for further information.

Traveling east on Route 15, you will pass numerous antique sellers, and will enter the town of Johnson. Unique shops, including the Johnson Woolen Mills, and cafes line the main street. The Vermont Studio Center, also on Main Street, is an international, non-profit creative community that was founded by artisans in 1984. It is now the largest artist and writers residency program in the country. Ask our front desk for a "Covered Bridge Driving Map" – several of the bridges are located just off the beaten track from this nice driving tour.