DC to Vermont (Okemo Mountain area) in December

[nsk]

We are planning a Christmas break trip from DC to Okemo ski resort in Vermont. Google Maps show about 9 hours driving time, and I would like to spend a night somewhere mid-trip (say, 5 hours of driving first day, 4 hours next day) . Ideally, would not want to wonder too far from the route. And if this is a place with something to see - even better!

Thank you!

[Mass Tim]

Well, the first place that comes to mind is the Catskill Mountain area in New York. This should not be too far off your route and certainly offers nice views and small-town atmosphere.

A second option is to head east and explore some of the Berkshires in western Massachusetts. Places such as the Herman Melville home Arrowhead, the Norman Rockwell museum, and the Hancock Shaker Village with its notable round barn.

[AZBuck]

Where you'll stop depends, obviously, on which route you plan to take to Ludlow. I strongly suspect, and apparently so does Tim, that you will not be taking the 'direct' route up I-95 through New York City to I-91 north. There are certainly routes that are much more scenic, much less hectic than that, and aren't much longer, and offer small towns rather than large cities for your overnight stop. The one I would suggest is I-83 north out of Baltimore to I-81 north at Harrisburg. Then at Scranton use I-84 east to connect with either I-87 (the New York State Thruway, toll) or The Taconic State Parkway (free, but still controlled-access) north to the Albany area. For the last stretch, NY-7/VT-9 will connect you with either US-7 or (better yet) VT-100 north to the Ludow. area. Since all the places Tim suggested as sites to see are near this route, I suspect he had something like this in mind as well. A 5/4 hour split would put your overnight around Newburg NY, an historic town on the Hudson.

AZBuck

[nsk]

Well, the first place that comes to mind is the Catskill Mountain area in New York. This should not be too far off your route and certainly offers nice views and small-town atmosphere.

A second option is to head east and explore some of the Berkshires in western Massachusetts. Places such as the Herman Melville home Arrowhead, the Norman Rockwell museum, and the Hancock Shaker Village with its notable round barn.

Norman Rockwell museum sounds really interesting, if we decide to stop there, will have to leave early on Saturday to make it there before the closing time. Thank you for your advise!

[nsk]

I have not given much thought to the route yet but what you are suggesting sounds nice! Thank you for your suggestions!