Vermont Gold - My Family Travels
101_0179 (1280x959)

Born and raised in Vermont, I have experienced the splendor of the Green Mountain’s five seasons: spring, summer, fall, winter and mud.  Whether the trees are covered in piercing green leaves teasing summer to come or lightly covered with the most recent shimmery, white snow fall, there is always a shocking experience for flatlanders1 to discover this small and often overlooked state.

Quarter Finalist 2013 FTF Teen Travel Writing Scholarship

Many travel to Vermont to join in on leaf peeping, hitting the slopes in and eating (and drinking) Vermont’s Liquid Gold2.  These are all must do activities while here, but there is much more gold to see that will leave you saying “Vermont’s wicked3 cool”, so play some Phish songs and ride the winding roads of Vermont.  And don’t be surprised when you hear, “You can’t get there from here”.

The Stowe area has many attractions to offer, including the Cold Hollow Cider Mill where you can watch them make cider and taste it for yourself, along with their addicting cider donuts.  Ski season is sometimes cut short but in the summer you can still ride down Spruce Peak at Stowe Mountain Resort on a 2,300 foot Alpine Slide.  Then when you get hungry take a ride up the famous Stowe gondola and eat lunch at the Cliff House Restaurant high up Mount Mansfield.  Of course, while in Stowe you can’t miss Ben & Jerry’s Factory for a tour and ice cream.  If you decide to tackle the Vermonster at Ben & Jerry’s, good luck!

Burlington is the largest city in Vermont, with a population of only a little over 42,000, with scenic views of Lake Champlain.  What better way to explore the waterfront in Burlington than a cruise on Lake Champlain?  While out on the water see if you can spot the friendly but shy sea monster, Champ.  The Lake doesn’t stop at the shore; you can tour Lake Champlain Chocolates Factory or go to a Lake Monsters baseball game.  A perfect activity for younger kids near Burlington is touring the Vermont Teddy Bear Company Factory, and making your own teddy bear.

Barre prides itself on its granite; considering it’s the granite capital of the world. Make sure to stop by Rock of Ages to tour a 600 foot granite quarry featured in Star Trek and Batman movies, observe artisans carve granite and sandblast your own granite souvenir.   Since you are in Barre, travel a few miles north and visit the capital of Vermont: Montpelier.  Visit the state capital building with a gold dome, shop at local stores and notice that there are no McDonalds in Montpelier: the only state capital without one.  Then, head to East Montpelier to check out Bragg Farm to discover how maple syrup is made, and taste a maple creemee4.  

Cabot Creamery in Cabot is the place to go to view cheese making and buy cheese not available anywhere else.  If you spot a Farmers Market on the way to Cabot, pick up some fresh produce, maple lemonade and switchel5 to boost your energy the Vermont way. 

 While in Vermont remember that you don’t always need to follow a schedule; do things the Vermont way and go with the flow.  You never know, you may find yourself waiting for a cow to cross the road, spot a family of deer in a meadow or a moose on the side of the road.  Those little things make Vermont different and add to the experience.

1Vermonters use this to describe someone from out of state

2maple syrup                      

3“really” in Vermont lingo

4soft serve

5farmer’s Gatorade

Dear Reader: This page may contain affiliate links which may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Our independent journalism is not influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative unless it is clearly marked as sponsored content. As travel products change, please be sure to reconfirm all details and stay up to date with current events to ensure a safe and successful trip.

0 Replies to “Vermont Gold”

  • 50

    I like the helpful info you provide in your articles.
    I will bookmark your weblog aand check again here frequently.
    I’m quite certain I’ll learn plenty of new stuff right here!
    Good luck for the next!

  • fashion

    Hi there! Would you mind if I share your blog with my facebook group?
    There’s a lot of people that I think would really enjoy your content.
    Please let me know. Many thanks

  • ht

    We absolutely love your blog and find most of your post’s to be just what I’m looking for.

    Do you offer guest writers to write content
    for yourself? I wouldn’t mind writing a post or elaborating on many of the subjects you write concerning
    here. Again, awesome site!

  • Ulysses Meads

    Essential bags: Remember to bring commonly used medicines, prescription medicines, motion sickness medicine, cold medicine, wound closures, etc.

  • Ulysses Meads

    Thanks for sharing

  • atlan

    Very nice article. I certainly love this site.
    Contine the good work!

  • average

    Wow, Fran Falkin’s pet travel tips are a lifesaver! ? Planning our pet-friendly vacation has been a breeze thanks to these insightful tips. We followed tip #2, and now our fur baby practically loves their carrier, making our journey stress-free. Plus, we found a cozy hotel that welcomes our pet, so they’re enjoying the adventure just as much as we are. Thanks, Fran, for turning our pet travel worries into tail-wagging excitement!

  • sites

    Hey There. I found your weblog using msn. That
    is a really smartly written article. I’ll make sure to bookmark it and return to learn more of
    your useful info. Thank you for the post. I will certainly
    comeback.

  • dewanye worthy

    i wish i was chinese

  • 2022

    I am genuinely pleased to read this weblog posts which includes plenty
    of helpful information, thanks for providing
    these kinds of statistics.

  • Multimedia Broadcasting

    Greetings! Very helpful advice in this particular
    article! It’s the little changes that will make the biggest changes.
    Thanks for sharing!

  • familytoursrilanka

    Explore the beauty of Sri Lanka with our family tours. Discover unforgettable experiences for all with Family Tours Sri Lanka. Book your adventure today with Sri Lanka Family Tours.

  • Nelson saving

    Yes, recent trends suggest that Americans are regaining confidence in vacations and travel. As travel restrictions ease and vaccination rates increase, many Americans are showing a greater willingness to travel and explore destinations again. However, it’s important to stay updated on travel advisories and safety measures to ensure a smooth and enjoyable travel experience.

  • res

    Reading Fran Falkin’s insights took me back to my first trip with Whiskers, my feline companion. The chaos of ensuring he was comfortable amidst the hustle of the airport was a lesson in patience. Had I come across these invaluable tips earlier, our journey would’ve been as smooth as a calm sea.

  • Ernastnab

    Thank you! I value it!

  • Ernastnab

    Great information. Cheers.

  • sbo

    Very good write-up. I certainly appreciate this website.
    Continue the good work!

  • Supraja Lakshmi N

    I read your article on the Sheep of Sun Valley and I found it very fascinating and enjoyable. You have given a detailed and colorful account of your experience at the Trailing of the Sheep Festival, which celebrates the history and culture of sheepherding in Idaho. I think your article is a great way to introduce this unique and fun event to other travelers and families who are looking for a different and memorable adventure.

  • guidance point

    This is something new I saw on the internet today I want to thank you for writing such a great and helpful blog. I really appreciate your efforts.

Comment on this article

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.