Vermont: Maple Syrup and Montpelier

I don't have much memory of Vermont but I went there as a kid on a road trip up to Maine. This trip was during autumn, which as you can imagine was phenomenal with all the leaves changing. Vermont is such an important state so below is some history and also, some fun food facts about the state.

Photo by: John Holm

Some history about Vermont:

• It declared independence from New York and New Hampshire in the late 18th century. It operated as an independent republic from 1777 to 1791 and was admitted to the Union as the 14th state on March 4, 1791.

• Vermont was the first state in the United States to abolish adult slavery through its state constitution in 1777. This made Vermont a beacon for abolitionists and free African Americans.

• In 1853, it established the first state forest reserve in the United States, and in 1965, it passed the Vermont Environmental Protection Act, one of the nation's first comprehensive environmental laws.

Photo by: Wei Chen

Here are some fun food facts about Vermont:

• Vermont is the largest producer of maple syrup in the United States. It's famous for its sugaring season in late winter and early spring.

• Ben & Jerry's, one of the world's most famous ice cream brands, was founded in Burlington, Vermont in 1978.
  

• Montpelier, Vermont's capital city, is the only state capital in the United States without a McDonald's restaurant.
  

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If you want to visit Vermont, here's a list of possible things to see and do:

1. Ben & Jerry's Factory Tour: Visit the Ben & Jerry's Factory in Waterbury for a guided tour to learn about ice cream production, sample flavors, and visit the Flavor Graveyard.

2. Church Street Marketplace: Explore this pedestrian-only shopping and dining area in downtown Burlington, known for its historic buildings, boutiques, cafes, and street performers.

3. Lake Champlain: Enjoy scenic views, boating, fishing, and waterfront activities on Lake Champlain, which spans across Vermont, New York, and Quebec.

4. Green Mountain National Forest: Discover hiking trails, scenic drives, camping, and wildlife viewing opportunities in this expansive forested area.

5. Mount Mansfield: Vermont's highest peak offers hiking trails, scenic gondola rides, and skiing and snowboarding in winter at Stowe Mountain Resort.

6. Shelburne Museum: Visit this museum in Shelburne featuring a diverse collection of art, Americana, and historic buildings spread across 45 acres of gardens and grounds.

7. Quechee Gorge: Known as Vermont's "Little Grand Canyon," explore this stunning gorge with hiking trails, a scenic overlook, and opportunities for picnicking and photography.

8. Vermont Covered Bridges: Drive or bike through picturesque covered bridges scattered throughout the state, such as the iconic Bridge at West Arlington or the Windsor-Cornish Covered Bridge.

9. Maple Syrup Farms: Visit a maple syrup farm during the sugaring season (late winter to early spring) to learn about the maple syrup-making process and enjoy tastings.

10. Fall Foliage: Witness Vermont's breathtaking autumn foliage with scenic drives along routes like Route 100, hiking trails, and festivals celebrating the season.

If you want more suggestions on what to do in Vermont, I suggest you check out their tourism website.