Vermont - 802, Eat More Kale, and Moose Crossings

My most recent and anticipated trip was to Vermont. I hesitate to say the next part because I want to clarify that I'm not rich by any means. Most of the time, I live paycheck to paycheck because I use most of my "free" money on gas in order to do trips like these. The reason we were able to go to Vermont was because my mom has a timeshare that she can use on even-numbered years. This year, she wasn't using all of her points, and if she doesn't use all of them, they don't roll over but simply disappear. So, it was nice that she extended her points to me to use at pretty much any location I could afford to go to. New England has always been a place of mystery for me since, until two summers ago, the furthest north I had traveled to was New York City. So, I decided to pick Vermont. We stayed at Smuggler's Notch Resort, which is more family friendly and definitely at its peak during the winter months. However, overall, ended up being the perfect choice, and here's why:

1. There's a little something for everyone. My boyfriend is a lover of craft breweries and cheese. Vermont has both of those, in abundance. There are over 40 craft breweries alone, and they even have a passport that you can use to get free stuff (as well as free samples - without the passport). Cheese is also a famous product - think Cabot Creamery. Yeah, that's Vermont.
2. Maple Syrup. Homemade. Pretty much at every house along a semi-busy road, available in ice cream flavors (soft serve is called a creemee), cotton candy, hard candy, bacon . . . everything.
3. Small towns - Burlington, one of their biggest towns, is a college town of 45-48,000 normally. With students coming in to the four major colleges in the area (UVM included), it can swell to over 100,000. However, it feels small and quaint most of the time. Montpelier, their capital, is only 8,000 people and it's counted between Montpelier and East Montpelier. You'll definitely feel secluded and at home, if you dig the small town vibe.
4. Outdoor activities abundant. In the winter, skiing and snowboarding is a must. During the summer, Lake Champlain supplies avid opportunities for waterskiing, sailing, and everything else that goes along with water activities. Not to mention, hiking and biking in the mountains. Vermonters are outdoorsy people, so there's usually something to do in nature for all seasons.
5. Local everything. Not only do they have food options for pretty much any preference (almost every restaurant you go to, they have vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options), but most of their businesses aim to use local products. They have an open mind to all cultures, lifestyles, and world views, but they are locally centered. It's pretty cool.

I had the Fodor's Guide to New England, which was really helpful in at least giving a starting point for things to do. We had an outline of ideas for every day we were in Vermont, but we ended up finding other cool things to do instead. And, most of our excursions were in the northern part of the state. Because it's New England, there is a lot of history. Most of it is Revolutionary History, and the wars that happened before and after (French and Indian War, the War of 1812, etc.). Since we were only up there for three full days and were on a budget, we didn't see as many historical sights as probably a next trip will warrant, but here are some activities that you can look into depending on your interests. (Read: the things we didn't really see, but maybe will next time - because there will for sure be a next time.)

For Those Who Love History

• Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park. In Woodstock, it's Vermont's only national park and the first in the US to focus on national resource conservation. It has Billings' mansion and gardens as well as guides that services every hour on the hour. Their website is here. Tours are $8.
• Wilson Castle. In Rutland, it was completed in 1827 and belonged to a Vermonter who married a British aristocrat. It took eight years to build, but is a 32-room mansion that brags 84 stained-glass windows, 13 fireplaces, and hand-painted Italian frescoes. More information can be found at their website. Tours are $10.
• Stephen A. Douglas Museum. In Brandon, about 15 miles northwest of Rutland, the American statesman was born here. If you're interested in his early life, as well as early history of the town and the anti-slavery movement in Vermont, this sounds like a good stop. Free of charge, and open daily from 9 am to 5 pm. Information at their website.
• Vermont Museum. In the capital of Montpelier, this museum recounts the 150 years of state history. For $5, you can learn about everything from Ethan Allen to the now extinct catamount. Visit their website for more information. Be sure to check out their State House while in Montpelier. Tours are free, but donations are accepted. You can't miss it - it's a gold-domed structure surrounded by smaller, less memorable buildings.
• Trapp Family Lodge. This is located in Stowe, which is about 22 miles northwest of Montpelier, but was built by the von Trapp family from the Sound of Music. You can take tours, stay there, and during the winter, there is a ski-accessible-only cabin that serves food. There is also the Trapp Lager Brewery with local brews that are worth a try and also on your Vermont Brewers Passport. More information at their website.
• The Ethan Allen Homestead Museum. During the Revolutionary War-era, Ethan Allen was a guerrilla fighter who lived an elaborate life. His house, in Burlington, gives you a look into that life. It costs $5 to tour, and offers scenic hiking trails along the Winooski river. Information can be found here.
• Lake Champlain Maritime Museum. Located in Vergennes, this museum is central to Vermont history because its location along Lake Champlain. It's $10 for entry, but it seems like a really fun and educational stop if you enjoy Maritime history. More information can be found at their website.

Because of the length that this post is getting, I'm going to call it quits on things to do and see in Vermont. However, all of my information was from the Fodor's guide I mentioned earlier. You can purchase it at your local bookstore or on Amazon (for cheaper). My other posts on Vermont from here on out will be what we did while we were there, so I hope you enjoy.

Adieu Caribou! xoxo