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/