We have explored every corner of the Green Mountain State, up and down both sides and across the middle on most major roads, but somehow we always managed to bypass the farm country below the western slopes of Ascutney Mountain. This is the area north of Chester as far as I-89 at Bethel. There's no reason to avoid the area, but it's not on the way to anywhere, and it has no specific attractions that aren't more easily reached via I-91, I-89, and Route 4. It is very pretty, with rolling hills and mountains, open fields and plenty of livestock. Along the way we saw sheep, horses, cattle, goats, and alpacas.  

Chester is a fine starting or ending point for this short trip; it has B&Bs, dining, and antiques. 

Woodstock is in the middle on Route 4, offering easy access (and speed traps!) to Killington/Rutland to the west and Quechee Gorge/I-89 to the east. Woodstock is a prosperous tourist center with plenty of attractions. The surrounding countryside is horse country.

At the northern end Bethel is right on I-89 so you have easy access to the rest of the world. You take Route 106 for the drive south of Woodstock, and Route 12 for the northern part.

Best of Show for this trip was On the Edge Farm farmstand in Woodstock, on Route 12 north of Route 4. The farmstand market is comfortable, clean, and well-lit, and stocked with a fine array of local products, including baked goods and foodie gifts as well as produce and their own meats. I bought a bottle of maple vinegar that I can't wait to experiment with. I also bought a pound of excellent bacon, which went into a fine Beef Burgundy.