Vermont
Vermont’s Green Mountains provide unlimited woodland recreation opportunities, while its border along Lake Champlain has numerous parks and water recreation areas. Monuments across the state commemorate the patriotic roles of its citizens.
Burlington is Vermont’s largest town. Go to the pedestrianized area, Church Street Marketplace, for over 100 restaurants and shops. Look for the large mural, Everyone Loves a Parade, showing over 100 people important in the town’s 400-year history. Ben and Jerry, of the famous ice cream shops, started their ice cream industry here in 1978. They feature prominently in the mural alongside Vermont singer Grace Potter and local politicians.
Burlington lies on Lake Champlain, a 125-mile-long (201-kilometer) body of fresh water separating Vermont and New York. Walk or bike along the paths next to the lake. Rent a boat to sail or waterskii or have a picnic, swim and sunbathe on the shore. Look for the legendary Lake Champlain monster, first reported over 400 years ago. After visiting wineries bordering the lake, you might believe you see this mythical creature.
The four islands in Lake Champlain were given to Ethan Allen and the Green Mountain Boys, patriots who served the new nation during the American Revolutionary War.
Vermont has nearly 50 alpine and cross-country ski resorts, making the state a top ski destination in the eastern U.S. Try Killington for extensive terrain and great nightlife or Mad River Glen for a more laidback atmosphere. Snowmobile, skate and dog-sled when you tire of skiing. In spring, try pond skimming over the melting snow at the base of ski hills. At other times in the Green Mountains, hike, bike, camp, fish and enjoy fall foliage.
Visit Vermont in spring to participate in maple syrup production. Watch farmers tap trees and collect sap, then boil it to make the deliciously sweet amber syrup. If you can’t attend the sugaring, buy plenty of authentic Vermont maple syrup to take home as gifts.