TravelGuides

(TGA) - Hello,

I'm driving from Boston MA to Brattleboro on October 17th and am wondering if I should do it by Massachussets (via MA-2 and I-91) or New Hampshire (via NH-101). Which is most scenic/pleasant drive?

Thank you for your help.
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I looked up the NH/101 route on googlemaps and it was not as much of a difference as I thought it would be. I assume you mean take 3N towards Nashua. You should know that after you pass through Nashua you will be on local roads the rest of the way. It's certainly a nice area. I would suggest doing this if it's daytime and you want to dawdle along the way. Route 2 would be better if it's late in the day, as there is better visibility.

Route 2 alternates between a 2-lane highway and a local road on the way to 91.

Your other choice is the Mass Pike (90W) out of Boston to 91N, but no one would consider that scenic!

Not sure if there will be much colorful foliage left at that point, but you never know!
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Yes, I considered driving through 3N towards Nashua and then NH-101. Indeed my first idea was to take Route 2 and then 91N, as it seems more logical and easy, but a friend just said to me: "You Have to drive through New Hampshire, it is beautiful!". Anyway, if there is no such a difference between these options, in terms of scenery or foliage, I would rather take the most direct route through MA and save a little time to enjoy Brattleboro and Bennington.

Thank you for your help!
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There may be more foliage left to see on Rt. 2 in Massachusetts, to the south, by that date. So this route may make more sense for a couple of reasons.
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Be aware there is a major consruction project on rte 91 n betwwen holyoke and northampton and it is slowing down the leaf peepers M D
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I drive this route often (and will be tomorrow). I definitely prefer route 2 to 91. The drive from Nashua is actually rather boring.

I usually leave route 2 in Millers Falls (right after Erving) and drive north on route 63 - very pretty. some debate in our family whether this is faster than just continuing on directly to 91 but it's about the same.

From route 63, take a left onto route 10 in Northfield. Either continue from there to pick up 91 North or take a very sharp right onto route 142 off of route 10. Route 142 is particularly scenic and interesting. You could also take route 63 to Hinsdale and then pick up route 119 all the way to Brattleboro, but I don't think I've ever done that. Basically route 142 and route 119 are on opposite sides of the river all the way to Brattleboro.

If you take route 10 to interstate 91 (or if you stay on route 2 all the way to 91) there is a really nice Vermont state visitor's center off the highway with lots of brochures, nice restrooms, and often coffee and cookies for sale.
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