One of the great things about living in Vermont is the abundance of scenic byways that cut through the Green Mountain State. It’s not uncommon to find yourself driving down a two-lane route, surrounded by lush forests and picturesque views. The roads mostly follow the shape of the state, winding down the hillsides and through the valleys to allow for expansive panoramic vistas. While there are no set times for when the bridges will close, you may find that many of them are forced to close due to snowfalls or other inclement weather conditions. This can create problems if you are trying to get somewhere in a hurry – not to mention the potential of being stranded if you are not prepared for those circumstances. Here is some general information on how to get to Bear Ridge Speedway in Bradford, Vermont.
By Plane
The closest airport to Bear Ridge is Burlington International Airport. It’s not far from the main village of the town, and provides easy access to a number of New England destinations, as well as Boston, which is just a few hours away by car. Even if you aren’t planning on renting a car, flights to Burlington are usually very affordable, with the cost not exceeding that of a domestic flight to a smaller airport.
If you’re looking for a way to get to Bear Ridge from a different location, there are a number of options. The airport in St. Albans, about 30 minutes away, provides connections to the Greater Boston area and New York City, while the airport in Essex Junction provides direct access to the Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Plant and the Montreal ski resorts.
By Car
The best way to get to Bear Ridge from most locations is by car. Located just off of I89, the route is clearly signposted and there are plenty of rest areas and gas stations along the way. Make sure to bring some gas cans along as well – no matter what kind of car you have, it will use some fuel.
If you’re looking for a specific place to eat or stay while you’re visiting the motorsport venue, there are a number of options located in the nearby towns of St. Albans and Essex. Make sure to eat at someplace other than Starbucks while you’re in the area though, as the coffee giant has its own track on the grounds!
By Bus
Buses are another option for getting to Bear Ridge from elsewhere. While there is no direct bus service from outside the region, a number of companies provide regularly scheduled shuttles from the nearby towns and cities. These are often highly discounted if you are planning to visit the track – especially on race days, when there will be a lot of people traveling to the venue. Make sure to check the bus schedules before you leave, so you don’t miss your ride.
By Train
The Amtrak stop in Burlington is located just a few minutes from Bear Ridge, offering passengers a quick and easy connection to New York, Boston, and Montreal. There is also a nearby branch station in St. Albans.
Amtrak passengers traveling to or from Montreal may find it convenient to get a bus or taxi to the neighboring town of Winooski to connect with the Thruway Bus, which runs between the two locations. From there, it’s only a 30-minute drive to reach Bear Ridge.
By Taxi
Taxi service is available in nearby towns and at the airports, so getting to Bear Ridge from most locations will only take a few minutes. The cost should not be more than a one-way trip to the track, and given the short distance, it may even be less expensive than taking a car or bus to the venue. If you are trying to save money and are in a hurry, consider taxiing to Bear Ridge – even if it’s a short distance, it may be cheaper than traveling by car or bus.
By Vaping
If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to get to Bear Ridge from the airport in Burlington, you can also use the nearby SkyVapor store and lounge to avoid the long security lines at the airport. Vaping is allowed inside the airport, so you don’t have to worry about bringing a traditional cigarette with you on the plane. Once you arrive at your destination, you can easily find another outlet to use or you can carry your vape with you everywhere you go.
By Foot
If you’re really in a hurry, you can also get to Bear Ridge by walking. It’s a 10-mile hike from Burlington – not that bad given that most of the route is on a historic trail, but after spending some time in the country, you may want to skip the exercise!
Getting to Bear Ridge from most areas of Vermont is pretty straightforward. The route is well-maintained and there is lots of signage along the way. If you’re visiting the motorsport venue and are on your way to a horse-racing event, be sure to check the local calendar – especially if you want to make the most of your visit. Sometimes the season can influence when the bridges will be closed, so you may find that some of them are only opened at certain times of the year. That being said, it’s still possible to drive across Lake Champlain in the winter if you know where to look for openings. The worst case scenario is that you will reach the end of the route and be told the bridge is currently closed and you’ll have to turn around and go back the way you came. While there is no shame in having to return home because there are no cars available to take you where you want to go, at least you’ll have the opportunity to view some breathtaking landscapes along the way!