I have driven through St. Johnsbury, Vermont, several times only stopping at the visitor center in the old railroad station — it was time to finally spend some time exploring there. However on the way home from St. Johnsbury (the only St. Johnsbury in the world) I decided there is so much to share about what I saw and learned about St. Johnsbury that that would have to be a separate post to encourage your visit.

So here I will tour you up and back — back roads of course except for “cheating from home and back” on super slab I-91, exiting at Bradford, and getting back on in Bradford. You can follow on the map below.

I have headed west on Route 25 before, swinging up see East Corinth only to later learn its “cult significance”.

You see, filming locations for BEETLEJUICE included this remote village. CLICK ON THIS LINK for some details and to compare movie stills to what I am sharing. (Note to Gary – put on our “watch list”)

First below is Miss Shannon’s School for Girls on Village Road, which is the “main drag.” The image below that is Maitland Hardware, which is across the street before you get to the “school”

The Adam and Barbara crash is at Village Rd. and Chicken Farm Road – Chicken Farm Road on the left just after the old store.

Continuing north on Village Road towards Groton I entered East Topsham, and fortunately did not blink and miss it. Before entering the main intersection (with a couple buildings) I passed the post office – well so marked. Inside were a few post office boxes for residents, and outside four big cubbies for packages.

The image below the post office appears to have been the “center of town” and the white building with the porches most likely the local store at one time. Then on the hill to the left this great brick residence. Remember you may “click” the images in my galleries for larger views.

I really enjoyed this road, and it only got better. In Groton I turned left on US 302 and then right on VT 232 eventually traversing through GROTON STATE FOREST. Now, if you were happily driving along and saw a sign “BOULDER BEACH ROAD” would you “hit the brakes” and turn? Remember my recent writings of my enjoyment of glacial erratics? I even just found, and immediately purchased – ERRATIC WANDERING by Jan & Christy Butler. Here not the biggest erratics I have seen, but certainly not a disappointment. Directly below a few lining the beach, and then along the path through the woods. There was a light rain, but hey if you are erratic about erratics you do not feel it.

Probably the biggest I saw here, but hidden some.

Reaching US 2 I turned right (Betty that is east) soon arriving in West Danville (below) and its store and postoffice. Of course I have a spool cabinet desk as they have below (don’t worry I saw a second one Friday in a general store).

Arriving in St. Johnsbury a tad after 3 pm (only been on the road almost five hours for a trip that takes an hour and a half directly on I-91) I stopped again at the visitor center to see what is new.

And then to my B&B just off the amazing Main Street — CHERRY HOUSE BED & BREAKFAST – to save you guessing, owned by Sue and Martin Cherry.
Little dead end street off Main – Victorian and comfortable. To the rear is the transformed Carriage House. I had the downstairs room, and the entire common area to myself. Could even have used the kitchen and dining room, but I did spend time on the porch.

As you know I usually plan a busy full day between my two nights, and Thursday the 13th was no exception. As I mentioned, my explorations in town will come later — hopefully not too later as I am finding more posts from long trips that I have not yet completed.

So, now coming home on Friday 14 August. My plan was to head east to Littleton, New Hampshire before heading south. Perfect because on US 2 leaving Littleton is MAPLE GROVE FARMS – America’s #1 source for pure Vermont maple syrup. I will later share the other prominent business that basically “made Littleton.”

Below Maple Grove Farms gift shop.

I continued into Littleton (not on super-slab) but on quiet NH 18. Always a busy little town, it was again as I drove through and turned around to pick up US 302 south. BUT – you should visit, and at least take a look at my detailed visit in April 2019. In fact, you may wish to review that post. Remember the quiz/test with prizes I said is coming? One answer may be found on that post.

US 302 south takes you to Woodsville through Bath. I had not been on this route for a long time, but had read the General Store (supposedly the oldest country store in America) had closed. Pleasantly I found it had reopened after a five year closure, a family from Burlington, MA, purchasing it and opening it to serve locals and tourists alike. A special place made more special with the covered bridge behind it.

Built in 1832, the Bath Covered Bridge is one of the oldest in New Hampshire.

great workmanship.

below a “rocking chair study” – and when have you last seen a “souvenir coin” machine that for 50 cents rolls and stamps a penny? Not working, but existing.

some interior shots – and yes many of the old items I also own and have on display in my bookshop which I have always decorated as a late 19th century country store – and the second spool case desk seen on these trip.

Crossing over the Connecticut River into Wells River, Vermont, I headed south on US 5 to this time go inside the Newbury Village Store. I bought a sandwich, and sat in the green rocker on the right on the porch – watching the world go by…

and looking across US 5 to the town office, post office and bank.

so, soonest I will prepare a post of my explorations in St. Johnsbury, Vermont, which hopefully you will replicate to enjoy and learn some fascinating history.

Stay safe and well, luv RAY,