The first two days of our Vermont road trip followed Route 22a and Route 30, driving north and south across the Champlain Valley. On the third day we drove up Route 7 to the ineffably scenic Route 125, cutting southeast across the mountains and letting the car coast down the eastern slope.

Take a slight detour from Route 7 and you’ll find Route 53, one of many beautiful hidden roadways in our extraordinary state. You’ll have the chance to drive past Lake Dunmore, which is over 3 miles long and 1 mile wide. Vacation rentals are available at the shore year-round.

Cutting east, we began the winding ascent of Route 125. One of our favorite stopping points is the Waybury Inn – constructed in 1810 – because of the friendly people and weighty sense of history that infuses every wall. As the road climbs, you will pass the Robert Frost Farm in Ripton. Frost lived and wrote here in the summer months from 1939 until his death in 1963.

Route 125 is one of those best enjoyed leisurely. Take a detour, park the car and go for a hike, pack a picnic, bring your skis just in case. You may see something unexpected.