It is the unique goal of travel adventurers to visit all fifty states in America. To boost this objective, each week we shall explore one state. Alphabetically, the 45th to visit is none other than Vermont, abbreviated VT. Regardless of the order in which you explore them, the Green Mountain State is rich in natural beauty.
Visit state # 45–VT
| State Motto | Freedom and Unity |
| State Flower | Red Clover |
| State Bird | Hermit thrush |
| State Gem | Grossular garnet |
| State Capital | Montpelier |
| Famous Foods | Maple sugar on snow, mac & cheese, maple baked beans, gravy fries and/or poutine, corn fritters, venison, apple pie, strawberry rhubarb pie, grilled cheese, creemees, fiddleheads, Vermont cheddar cheese, maple syrup, cider donuts and more. |
Vermont sits in the northeast New England region of the United States. It is bordered by the states of Massachusetts to the south, New Hampshire to the east, New York to the west, and the Canadian province of Quebec to the north. From the Canadian to the Massachusetts border, the Connecticut River separates Vermont from New Hampshire. The landlocked state has a rich history. Before European settlers arrived, native Americans, among them the Abenaki and Mohawk tribes, lived in the region. The French eventually claimed the land but there was a dispute over borderlines. Ultimately, Vermont was brought to join the Thirteen Colonies owned by the British. Vermont became home of a major Revolutionary War battle, The Battle of Bennington fought in 1777, where American soldiers in the end rose to victory. Vermont was admitted to the union in 1791 as the 14th state.
The name Vermont is a combination of the French word meaning green (Ver) and (mont) meaning mountain. People come from all over to spend time in Vermont’s abundant forest lands and green mountains, from which the state’s nickname is derived. The state boasts a small population, with heightening tourism during the winter months, and manufacturing, agriculture, and forestry as other main industries. In terms of tourism, Vermont is known for its pristine hiking trails and destination-worthy skiing adventures. The state also boasts over 100 picturesque wooden bridges, great for folks seeking scenic views combined with historic architecture.
In terms of attractions, they are bountiful. Among the most popular tourists sites are the Burlington Bike Path, converted from the Central Vermont Railway, Hildene, Robert Todd Lincoln’s home, Church Street marketplace, flea and street market, Shelburne Museum, a specialty museum, Stowe Recreation Path, hiking trails, Waterfront Park, with miles of bike trails, Quechee Gorge, a geologic formation featuring Vermont’s deepest gorge, Billings Farm & Museum, an historic site, and Mount Mansfield, featuring the tallest point in the state.
Vermont is known for the best skiing in the Northeast. An abundance of ski resorts provides visitors with choices, from rustic mountain cabins and cozy romantic hideaways to luxurious upscale hotel suites. Stowe, Vermont, offers lodging and dining in New England’s quintessential ski resort region. Visitors will enjoy the Winter Wonderland appeal, ideal for skiers, snowboarders, and for those seeking respite in front of a crackling fire. Package deals offer accommodations in the breathtaking Alpine atmosphere, world-class amenities, lift-tickets, and more. As a top ski destination, the town features two different mountains, Spruce Peak and Mount Mansfield, with a gondola connecting the two. More than half the resort’s runs are intermediate, making it ideal for most folks who enjoy skiing. The internationally acclaimed Stowe Mountain Resort since the 1940s features 116 ski trails and 13 lifts.
Of course, a visit to Vermont is not complete without exploring other cities, such as the state’s capital. Montpelier is known for its maple sugaring and wide selection of maple products. In addition, it is home of the Vermont State House, a beautiful and iconic gold-domed government building that is one of the oldest and best preserved of the nation’s state capitols. Though Montpelier is the smallest capital city in America, it is big on charm. The building is home to some of the state’s most important art and the House and Senate chambers are among the oldest active legislative halls in the United States that have preserved their original interiors. The State House is currently open to the public for self-touring and is well worth the visit.
Sources:
Encyclopedia Britannica (VT History)
onlyinyourstate.com (VT food)
https://statehouse.gov (Official govt site)
www.tripadvisor.com (15 best things to do in Montpelier)
Google (Top sites of VT)
https://gostowe.com (Alpine skiing)