Vermont

Second smallest state by population, the serene Green Mountain state of Vermont is home to a number of parks, ski resorts and Ben and Jerry’s. While tourists flock to the state all year around, fall foliage and powdery snow attracts more visitors here. Vermont is known for its liberal history, for example it legalized gay marriage even before any laws came into effect in other parts of the country.

Brief Background

Vermont was the first to enter the Union in 1791, after the original 13 states. Long before this, it was inhabited by native Indians, who conceded their land to French in the seventeenth century. British won the land from French in the Seven Years’ War in 1763. Conflicts with the neighboring territories and colonies lasted decades before it became a sovereign republic, after British were defeated in the American Revolutionary War in 1777. The name Vermont appears to have come from the french name of Green Mountain (vert for green and mont for mountains).

The Green Mountains, that sits in the northern end of the great Appalachian Mountain Range, dominates the land area of the state. The wilderness trails, moderately high mountains and ski slopes attract thousands of adventure loving tourists every year in Fall and Winter. Although Canada boasts the credits for producing the finest maple syrup, Vermont is the state that holds the podium as the largest producer of maple syrup in the country.

Things to do

While different seasons bring different activities to the fore, most of the things to do here is outdoorsy. Between quaint towns and long stretches of mountain roads, one can find a lot of ways to be engrossed in the scenery. As New England residents, we list out a few below that will help you plan your itinerary to travel as a local.