I go there fairly often, seeing as my love is from that granola-y state. I know that in the fall there are quite a few city folk that like to venture up there for its quiet, scenic beauty. The locals call them Leaf Peepers, and get very annoyed when they drive erratically in order to take pictures out of car windows. There is a lot more to this state than leaves however.
The green mountain state is home to a number of gorgeous mountains, including some of the East’s favorite skiing locations. Everyone sells maple syrup, Christmas trees, and honey. Everyone is generally happy, and sweet. Be forewarned there is a lot of camo, and hunting garb around. I have been to some of the best hole in the wall dinners in that state also.
When you go you should try the local dairy, after all Vermont is home to Cabot Cheese, not to mention the ice cream. The home of Ben & Jerry’s can be found here, along with multiple other places to stop for a “Creamy”, or soft serve ice cream to the non-local. Cider mills, and sugar houses dot the entire state, and make great little pit stops for a taste test, shopping, and even some education on the processes.
If you would like to talk about breweries well, this place has about a million and one. I am a big fan of breweries, unique tastes in both brews and food, and I always look for them wherever I travel. The same can be said of wineries, as there are numerous local wineries that offer tastings and/or tours.
Summers on any one of the many lakes are magical. Since everything is done, at a slow and relaxed pace anyway, you can’t ever be in anyone’s way. Oh and I swear there is a town wide garage sale every darn weekend. Those things are everywhere.
Each little town is packed full of quant little shops with a ton of local products, as well as historical homes, and monuments. There are a lot of monuments. Take some time to chat with a few of the locals chances are their town is famous for something, or there is something nearby that you have to see, or at the very least which bar has the best grub.
Seriously, check out this place. It’s a good time.
