Vermont

Vintage card - Vermont in Early Fall

Vermont is one of the northernmost states in what is commonly called New England.  In each of the New England states you will find some kind of historical building or marker or museum recalling the colonial period and the Revolutionary War.  Vermont has its own place in our history although it was originally a sovereign state rather than one of the thirteen original colonies.  It was the first state to be added to the United States. 

Vermont is a small state with the smallest U.S. big city, Burlington (42,417), and the smallest U.S. state capitol, Montpelier (7,855).  It only measures 37 miles wide at the border with Massachusetts although it widens to about 89 miles at its widest.  From the Massachusetts border to the border with Quebec, Canada is only about 159 miles.  It is bordered on the east by the Connecticut River.  On the western border with New York State, Lake Champlain makes up about half of the border.

Harlow's Sugar House at the foothills of the Green Mountains

This is a state that we visited often when we lived in Massachusetts.  The fall leaf colors make it a wonderful afternoon drive on the weekends when our kids were not in school.   We often would take a picnic lunch and stop at one of the farmers market stands for fresh produce.  The kids always enjoyed the times when we would pick apples.  During the early spring, a trip to the sugar house at a maple farm was a treat.

The Creamery Covered Bridge in Brattleboro, Vermont

The covered bridges throughout the state are very picturesque.  They number only around 100 now; at one time there were almost 600.  A museum following their history is located in Bennington. 

There are a number of stores for those who enjoy finding unique items.  I always enjoyed Basketville, one of the many craft type stores, since a woman never has quite enough baskets.   During a more recent visit, my husband and I enjoyed a leisurely stroll through the Yankee Candle Store with all their special areas.  I love the Christmas ornaments and other decorations in the Christmas rooms.  The Vermont Country Store is another unique place where you can find Advent Calendars.

Basketville in Putney, Vermont

The Green Mountains offer camping, hiking or snowmobile trails depending upon the season.  Christmas Tree Farms are fun outings just before Christmas each year.   Open Studio, a weekend in May each year when art studios of all kinds in the state open their doors and allow visitors to watch.  Whatever you are most interested in, you can find it on their website at http://www.vermontvacation.com/

Utah

Early 1900s postcard of the Great Salt Lake

Utah is one of those states that I've technically been in but have not really seen at all.  When traveling I have landed or changed planes at the Salt Lake City airport.  That really isn't the same as seeing the state.  So this is one of those states that I would like to actually visit.  Flying across the state and landing in Salt Lake City you do get to see some interesting views.  From the air it is always so interesting to see the geological layers that have been formed over time.  

The Great Salt Lake looks like any other lake from the air, but I would like to experience the water myself.  Since I never learned to swim, it would be relaxing to know that I could float easily.  I’m sure the salt in the water would provide some healing properties so my skin would feel different after a dip, similar to the amazing feeling of ocean water.

Vintage postcard of the Mormon Temple in Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City is the capital city of Utah and the Headquarters for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (or Mormons).  Salt Lake City is where the Mormon pioneers settled.   I would love to tour Temple Square where the Temple, the Tabernacle, the Museum of History and Art and the Family History Library are all located.

The same type of erosion that formed the Grand Canyon has formed unique shapes from different types of rock to make cream, pink, gray, white, red and chocolate colors in the rock formations found in the five National Parks of Utah.  Shuttle buses are available in some of these parks along with camping, hiking and other active options.  I would love to see each of these parks.

The Narrows in Ogden Canyon
Vintage/Antique postcard

Arches National Park has the world’s largest number of arches in one area while Bryce Canyon National Park has hoodoos and many cliffs.  Canyonlands National Park is a desert area divided by the Colorado and Green Rivers.  The rivers have formed four distinct areas with mesas, buttes and canyons.  The white water of Cataract Canyon in a heavy snow year is the largest in North America.  Capitol Reef National Park has a 100 mile long monocline called the Waterpocket Fold.  Zion National Park is one of the best places to go canyoneering with many canyons including slot canyons which are sometimes just wide enough to squeeze through. 

Utah is famous for powder snow each winter.  Ski enthusiasts have more than a dozen world class ski resorts to choose from, most within an hour of travel time from the airport in Salt Lake City.  Snowboarding, mountaineering and many other outdoor sports are available to enjoy,  Lake Powell in the southwestern edge of the state is a large reservoir formed by the Glen Canyon Dam.  Houseboats are available to rent for those looking for a leisurely vacation.  The website for checking out all that Utah has to offer is http://www.utah.com/