Including Burlington, Stowe & More
Vermont, known as the Green Mountain State, is a picturesque destination in the northeastern United States, celebrated for its stunning landscapes, outdoor recreation, and charming small towns. Vermont is renowned for its natural beauty, characterized by rolling hills, verdant forests, and, of course, its namesake Green Mountains. Visitors can explore scenic byways like the Route 100, which offers breathtaking views of the state’s pastoral landscapes and quaint villages.
Regions
Vermont is typically divided into several main regions, each offering distinct landscapes and experiences
- Lake Champlain Valley: This region encompasses Burlington, Vermont’s largest city, as well as the picturesque Lake Champlain. It’s known for its vibrant arts scene, historic sites, and outdoor recreational opportunities.
- Green Mountains: Located in the central part of the state, the Green Mountains are a prominent range running north-south. This region is ideal for hiking, skiing, and exploring charming mountain towns like Stowe and Manchester.
- Northeast Kingdom: The northeastern corner of Vermont is known as the Northeast Kingdom. It’s characterized by its rural charm, rolling hills, and pristine lakes, offering a peaceful retreat away from bustling city life.
- Southern Vermont: This area includes towns such as Brattleboro and Bennington, known for their rich history, arts communities, and scenic beauty. Southern Vermont is a popular destination for leaf peeping in the fall and outdoor activities year-round.
- Eastern Vermont: The eastern part of the state includes areas like Montpelier, the capital, and the Connecticut River Valley. This region features historic villages, agricultural landscapes, and opportunities for exploring the state’s colonial past.
The Same
Living close to Vermont, The Family has had more opportunities to explore the state than The Dinks. However, they share common ground when it comes to appreciating Vermont’s quintessential charms: skiing, covered bridges, artisanal cheese, and pure maple syrup. These iconic symbols of Vermont’s rural beauty and culinary delights bring both The Family and The Dinks together, creating shared experiences amid their differing encounters with the Green Mountain State.
Green Mountains
The Green Mountains in Vermont are a beautiful and iconic mountain range that runs north to south through the state. Known for their lush forests, scenic landscapes, and recreational opportunities, the Green Mountains are a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, especially for hiking, skiing, and leaf-peeping during the fall.
Covered Bridges:
Vermont boasts the title of having the most covered bridges per square mile in the entire United States. There are over 100 historic covered bridges scattered throughout the state, making Vermont a haven for covered bridge enthusiasts. These bridges are not just functional crossings but beautiful and historic landmarks that offer a glimpse into Vermont’s rich heritage. Drive down any small road and you will come to one.
Farmers’ Markets and Culinary Delights:
Vermont is known for its farm-fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and craft beverages. Visitors can sample local specialties at farmers’ markets, cidery tours, and cheese trails, or dine at farm-to-table restaurants showcasing the best of Vermont’s culinary offerings.
- Artisanal Cheese Producers: Vermont is home to numerous artisanal cheese producers, ranging from small family-owned dairies to larger creameries. These producers craft a wide variety of cheeses, including cheddar, gouda, brie, blue cheese, and more, using traditional methods and high-quality milk sourced from local farms.
- Vermont is famous for its maple syrup, and for good reason. The state’s climate and geography are perfectly suited for growing sugar maple trees, which produce the sap that is boiled down to make syrup. Vermont maple syrup is known for its rich flavor and amber color.
The DINKs
Brattleboro – Southern Vermont
Beer, Cheese & Covered Bridges: Those three things pretty much sum up our time in Vermont. I mean what more do you really need?
- Craft Beer: Vermont has been at the forefront of the craft beer revolution, with a thriving community of breweries producing a diverse range of high-quality, innovative beers. Whetstone Beer Co. is a popular brewery and taproom located in Brattleboro, Vermont. Known for its craft beers and welcoming atmosphere, Whetstone Beer Co. offers a variety of brews on tap, often featuring a selection that appeals to both locals and visitors alike. The brewery is celebrated not only for its quality beers but also for its cozy setting, making it a favored spot for enjoying a drink in southern Vermont.
- Farmers’ Markets and Specialty Shops: Vermont’s farmers’ markets and specialty food shops are excellent places to discover and purchase locally made cheeses. These markets often feature a wide selection of cheeses from different producers, allowing visitors to taste and purchase their favorites to enjoy later. They also have samples so you can try it before you buy it. The one we stopped at also had maple syrup.
- Covered Bridges: Near Brattleboro, Vermont, there are several charming covered bridges that are worth visiting. We stopped at several. A few of our favorites were
- Creamery Covered Bridge: Located in Brattleboro itself, this historic bridge spans the Whetstone Brook and is a beautiful example of a classic covered bridge.
- West Dummerston Covered Bridge: Just a short drive from Brattleboro, this bridge crosses the West River and offers picturesque views of the surrounding countryside.
- Scott Covered Bridge: Also known as the Round Mountain Covered Bridge, it’s located in Townshend, a bit farther from Brattleboro, but well worth the visit for its scenic setting.
Killington – Green Mountains
Killington Mountain Resort & Ski Area, nestled in central Vermont’s Green Mountains, stands as the largest ski area in the eastern United States. Renowned for its extensive terrain, it offers diverse skiing and snowboarding experiences across six interconnected mountain peaks. The resort’s vibrant apres-ski scene, with numerous restaurants, bars, and shops, complements its reputation as a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure and relaxation in a picturesque alpine setting.
Here’s a revised version of your story:
It was both my first and last time skiing. My best friend, an avid skier, convinced me to join the ski team on a trip. We started on one of the easier trails after taking the lift to the top. Impressed by my progress, my friend suggested we cut across to a black diamond trail. That turned out to be a terrible idea. While I managed the skiing part well, stopping was another story. I zoomed past my friend and several others at speeds I never intended. Eventually, the trail ended abruptly, and I found myself tumbling into a snowbank like an idiot from a YouTube fail video. Needless to say, we stuck to the easy trails after that, and I never ventured back up.
The Family
Living in New York, we are only an hour from the Vermont border so usually visit at least once a year.
Burlington – Lake Champlain Valley
Burlington, Vermont is a charming city nestled on the shores of Lake Champlain, offering a beautiful natural backdrop, a vibrant downtown area, and a rich history.
- Echo Lake Aquarium and Science Center, formerly known as the Lake Champlain Basin Science Center, is a science and nature museum on the Burlington waterfront in northern Vermont. The center is home to more than 70 species of fish, amphibians, invertebrates, and reptiles, major traveling exhibitions, and the Northfield Savings Bank 3D Theater
Stowe – Green Mountains
Spruce Peak is a resort known for its luxurious accommodations, ski-in/ski-out access to Mount Mansfield, and year-round recreational activities. Nestled at the base of Mount Mansfield, the highest mountain in Vermont, Spruce Peak offers stunning mountain views and easy access to all the outdoor activities the area has to offer. We booked a stay at The Lodge at Spruce Peak which offers ski-in/ski-out access, multiple restaurants, a spa, and an award-winning Adventure Center. The kids enjoyed ice skating and swimming in the heated pool in the evening.
The Battenkill River – Southern Vermont
The Battenkill River is a 59.4-mile-long tributary of the Hudson River that rises in Vermont and flows into New York. It’s the longest Hudson tributary on the river’s east side. The Battenkill River winds its way through a picturesque valley with rolling hills, lush forests, and charming villages. It’s a beautiful place to relax, enjoy nature, and take in the fresh air. The tubing season on the Battenkill River typically runs from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend, depending on water levels. It’s always best to check with a local outfitter before you go to ensure safe water levels and availability. There are plenty of companies that offer a variety of rentals, including tubes, kayaks, and canoes. They also offer custom trips based on your desired length of time on the river. However, to make this trip even more affordable we decided to do it on our own.
Summary
Visiting Vermont’s varied regions offers contrasting experiences that highlight the state’s diverse offerings. The DINKs, exploring Brattleboro and Killington, encountered the dichotomy of Vermont’s charm—enjoying covered bridges and farmers’ markets while enduring unexpected challenges. Conversely, the local family’s regular visits to Burlington, Stowe, and the Battenkill River reveal a deep connection to the state’s natural beauty and culinary delights. Whether navigating bustling towns or serene rivers, Vermont’s allure lies in its ability to cater to diverse preferences, ensuring each visitor finds their own slice of Green Mountain paradise.
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