Top 22 Things Vermont is Known For & Famous For
Vermont offers breathtaking nature and is a nature lover’s dream. This iconic state is not just a winter wonderland but offers summertime entertainment, cuisine, and a colorful history. Whether you wish to explore the trails, ski the slopes or enjoy the unique small-town ambiance, Vermont has loads to offer.
Vermont is known and famous for its wide choice of pristine ski slopes and mountain ski resorts. It also offers wineries and breweries, maple syrup, Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, and its beautiful autumn colors. Visitors will also enjoy the vibrant arts scene and numerous festivals throughout the year.
This article will explore some of Vermont’s most famous and well-known destinations. I will also include some lesser-known attractions that you can visit if you’re looking to explore more of this stunning state.
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Nicknamed Green Mountain State
Vermont is known as the Green Mountain State because of the lush forests covering most of its land. During an early expedition, the French geographer Samuel de Chaplin coined the term for the area Vert Mont (which translates to the green mountain).
The nickname is quite fitting, as Vermont has over 78% forest cover – the highest percentage of any state in the US. This area is where the foot soldiers led by Ethan Allen put up their famous fight against the British in the mid-1700s.
However, this nickname is not formally adopted in the state’s constitution. But “The Green Mountain State” is mentioned in numerous state documents, and they even print it on license plates. So, even though it’s not an official nickname, most Vermonters seem to like it.
Green Mountains National Forest
I have traveled the world in search of picture-perfect fall color. And I can say without a doubt that the Green Mountain National Forest is one of the best places to catch autumn leaves.
The forest, located in central Vermont, is over 400,000 acres (1618.74 square kilometers) and is split into the north and south units. The north unit has the higher elevations and is the most popular for hikers and campers. The south unit has a wider variety of landscapes, including wetlands, farmlands, and mountain ranges.
There are over 1,500 miles (2414.02 kilometers) of trails in the Green Mountain National Forest, so there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re a hiker, biker, skier, or just looking for a scenic drive, this forest is worth visiting.
Farms
The “Vermont way of life” is often associated with farming. And for a good reason – Vermont has the highest number of working farms per capita in the US.
There are over 700 dairy farms in Vermont, and most of them are small family-owned operations. There are also over 100 milk processing plants in the state, so it’s no wonder that Vermont is known for its delicious dairy products.
In addition to dairy farms, there are also several vegetable and fruit farms. Some of the most popular crops include potatoes, apples, carrots, and sweet corn. And if you’re looking for a tasty snack, stop by a local farm stand and try some of Vermont’s fresh produce.
Animal farms are also famous in Vermont. You can find everything from sheep to llamas to alpacas on the farmlands of Vermont. This farm is a great place to take the kids for a day of fun and learning.
Lamb
If you are a meat lover, you will want to try Vermont lamb. These are some of the best lambs in the world, and it’s all-natural, hormone-free, and pasture-raised.
Vermont lamb is available throughout the state, but the best place to buy it is from a local farmer. You can also find it at farmer’s markets and some grocery stores.
Lamb is an excellent choice for dinner, but it can also be used in recipes like shepherd’s pie, lamb curry, and rack of lamb.
Cheddar Cheese
Ahh, Vermont cheddar cheese. This cheddar is one of the best cheeses in the world, and it’s made right here in the Green Mountain State.
There are many cheddar cheese factories in Vermont, and most of them are open to the public for tours. You can also buy cheddar cheese at grocery stores and farmer’s markets throughout the state.
Vermont cheddar cheese is great for snacking, cooking, and even making cheese boards. You can’t go wrong with a little bit of Vermont cheddar cheese.
Wineries and Breweries
If you’re a fan of wine or beer, you’ll want to come back to Vermont. The state has several wineries and breweries, and the best part is that many of them are open to the public for tours and tastings.
The winery at Shelburne Farms is a great place to start. It is located in the heart of the Green Mountain National Forest, and it offers tastings of both wine and mead.
If beer is more your thing, check out the Hill Farmstead Brewery. It is located in Greensboro, Vermont, and has won numerous awards for its craft beers. They offer tours and tastings seven days a week.
Ben & Jerry’s
If there’s one thing that Vermonters are famous for, it’s ice cream. And the best ice cream in the world is made right here in Vermont.
Ben & Jerry’s is a world-famous ice cream company founded in Burlington, Vermont. They offer tours of their factory seven days a week, and you can buy their ice cream at grocery stores and ice cream shops throughout the state.
Ben & Jerry’s is known for its unique flavors, and some of the most popular ones include Cookie Dough, Cherry Garcia, and Chunky Monkey. Be sure to try them all!
Maple Syrup
Vermont is the birthplace of maple syrup, and the state produces more than 60% of the maple syrup in the United States.
There are several syrup factories in Vermont, and most of them are open to the public for tours. These tours usually include demonstrating how maple syrup is made and tasting different syrup flavors.
Vermont is also home to the world’s largest maple syrup festival, held every year in early April. This festival attracts over 100,000 visitors each year, most of whom come to sample the various foods made with maple syrup.
Ski Resorts
If you’re a fan of skiing or snowboarding, Vermont is the closest you can get to heaven. The state has several ski resorts, and most of them are open from November to April.
The most popular ski resort in Vermont is Stowe Mountain Resort. It is located in the town of Stowe, and they offer downhill skiing and snowboarding, as well as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Another popular ski resort in Vermont is Killington Resort. It is located in Killington, Vermont, and it offers downhill skiing, snowboarding, and tubing. It’s also home to the largest vertical drop in the state.
Here are some more popular ski resorts in Vermont:
Jay Peak Resort
Jay Peak Resort lies on the peak of the same name in the beautiful Green Mountains. It offers the fifth-largest vertical drop in Vermont of 2,153 feet (656 m). This famous resort offers year-round activities and is a nature lover’s dream, offering 78 beautiful trails. Jay peak also boasts the most snowfall of any ski area in the Northeastern US.
Mad River Glen Resort
Mad River Glen Resort also lies in the Green Mountain range with a vertical drop of 2000 feet (610 m). This resort offers some of the most challenging terrains in New England and offers traditional narrow skiing trails as opposed to large and commercial slopes.
This more natural terrain means that the resort carries a much lower skier density as well as banning the use of snowboards on their slopes.
Mount Snow Resort
Mount Snow Resort is based in the Green Mountains and offers one of the best intermediate terrain in the United States, as well as blue cruisers and challenging black diamonds. Skiers may access 600 acres of terrain on 20 snow lifts on a wide variety of terrains. The resort also offers a golf club and biking and hiking trails for the warmer months.
Okemo Mountain Resort
Okemo Mountain Resort lies in the town of Ludlow in Vermont and offers the largest vertical drop in Southern Vermont at a spectacular 2200 feet (670 m). The resort offers terrain to suit both novices, intermediate and expert skiers alike. They also provide access to two 18-hole golf courses and lift-served mountain biking for the warmer months.
Sugarbush Resort
Sugarbush Resort is located in the Mad River Valley in Warren, Vermont, and boasts the second-highest vertical drop in Vermont at a staggering 2,600 feet (790 m). Sugarbush Resort is also one of the largest ski resorts in New England, with over 4000 acres (16 km²). The resort is not only a skiing mecca but offers summertime activities such as an 18-hole golf course, hiking and biking facilities, and an 800-foot (240 m) zip line.
Stratton Mountain Resort
You will find Stratton Mountain Resort in the Stratton Mountains in the town of the same name. The resort offers a vertical drop of 2,003 ft (611 m) serviced by 11 lifts. The resort holds 99 trails on 670 acres (2.7 km2) of beautiful terrain to accommodate all levels of skiing ability. Summer activities include a 27-hole golf course, a bike park, and mountain top yoga.
Mount Mansfield
If you’re looking for a challenge, climb Mount Mansfield. This mountain is the highest peak in Vermont, and it offers some of the best views in the state.
The easiest way to climb Mount Mansfield is to take Toll Road. This road runs from the town of Stowe to the mountain summit, and it’s open from late May to early October.
However, if you’re looking for a more challenging hike, take the Long Trail. This trail runs the length of Vermont, and it passes by the summit of Mount Mansfield. The best time to hike the Long Trail is from June to October.
Other mountains in Vermont are also worth climbing, including Camel’s Hump and Mount Abraham. But be sure to do your research before you go, and always use caution when hiking in the wilderness.
Quechee Gorge
This gorge is a must-see for any visitor to Vermont. The Quechee Gorge is a natural gorge formed by the Ottauquechee River, and it’s located in the town of Quechee.
The gorge is about 165 feet (50.29 meters) deep and one mile (1.61 kilometers) long, and it’s a popular spot for hiking, fishing, and kayaking. There’s also a visitors center near the gorge that exhibits the history and ecology of the area.
Check out the Quechee Gorge Village when you’re done exploring the gorge. This place is home to many antique shops, art galleries, and restaurants. It’s a great place to spend a day or two during your Vermont escapade.
Lake Willoughby
Talk about a hidden gem! Lake Willoughby is a beautiful lake that’s located in the town of Westmore, Vermont.
The lake is about 4.9 miles (7.89 kilometers) long, and it’s known for its clear water and rocky shores. It’s a popular spot for fishing, swimming, and kayaking. It also has several hiking trails surrounding the lake.
If you’re looking for a place to stay while visiting the lake, be sure to check out the Willoughby Inn. This inn is located on the shores of the lake, and it offers rooms with beautiful views of the water.
Bennington Battle Monument
This monument is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Vermont. The Bennington Battle Monument is a 306-foot (93.27 meters) tall tower built to commemorate the Battle of Bennington, which was fought in 1777.
The monument is open to the public, and it offers several exhibits about the battle and the history of Vermont. There’s also a gift shop and a café on-site, and the tower offers fantastic views of the surrounding area.
Still, there are plenty of other things to do in Bennington. The town is home to many art galleries, museums, and restaurants, and it’s a great place to spend a day or two.
Hildene
The Lincon family home is a must-see when in the Green Mountain State. Hildene is the family home of 16th president Abraham Lincoln and his wife, Mary Todd Lincoln.
The home is open to the public, and it offers several exhibits about the life and times of the Lincolns. There’s also a gift shop on-site, and it provides a wide variety of Lincoln memorabilia.
The home is located in Manchester, Vermont, and it’s open from May to October. It’s a great place to learn more about one of America’s most famous families.
Rock of Ages Granite Quarry
The Rock of Ages Granite Quarry is the largest open-pit granite quarry in the world. It is 600 feet (182.88 meters) deep and covers more than 600 acres (2.43 square kilometers). The granite from this quarry was used to build the Empire State Building, the Pentagon, and the National Monument at Mount Rushmore.
This site is more of a geological wonder than a tourist destination, but it is definitely worth visiting if you are in the area. You will see some of the most impressive granite formations in the world and learn about how they were formed.
You will also see the mining operations in action and get an idea of how this quarry works. This site is a great place to take the kids, and they will be able to learn a lot about science and geography.
Safe Cities
Safety is a critical factor for any city, and Vermont has several cities that sit high up on the safe city list. They include Burlington, South Burlington, Colchester, Essex Junction, Milton, and Williston.
Each of these cities has its own police department, and the crime rates are low compared to other cities in the United States. In addition, there are several safety programs in place, such as the Safe Routes to School program, which help make these cities even safer.
Vermont is also generally well prepared for terrorist attacks and other emergencies. The state has several emergency management agencies, and it has developed plans to deal with all types of issues.
Down-to-Earth People
The people of Vermont are generally considered to be down-to-earth and friendly. They are known for their sense of community, and they are always willing to help out a neighbor. This is probably because most of the state lives in rural settings or small towns where everybody seems to know everybody.
The people of Vermont are also environmentally conscious. They have some laws that protect the environment, and they are working hard to become more sustainable. This is visible in how they live their lives and how they run their businesses.
Conclusion
Vermont has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to spend a day visiting the Bennington Battle Monument, Hildene, or exploring one of America’s largest granite quarries, you can bet your last dollar that you’ll find something interesting. And, don’t forget the fantastic scenery and down-to-earth people that make Vermont so unique.
I recommend starting your visit in Burlington, the largest city in Vermont. You will find plenty of things to do, and you will be able to experience the true spirit of the Green Mountain State.
Check out what the other US states are known for here.