Vermont

Vermont is known as the "Green Mountain State." In fact, the name "Vermont" comes from a French phrase, "les monts verts," that means "the green mountains." And green accurately describes the state. It is home to vast woodland areas and natural beauty. The state is divided into three regions, appropriately called the central, northern, and southern, all of which offer small towns, scenic drives, and outdoor activities.

Visitors to the state should not go looking for an urban lifestyle. There really are no big cities. The capital, Montpelier, sitting near the middle of the state, is the smallest seat of state government in the country with fewer than 8,000 inhabitants, a number that has been shrinking in recent years, although the overall population of the state has seen a gradual increase recently.

Famous Products

Vermont perhaps is best known for two of its most popular exports – maple syrup and ice cream. The state's vast maple forests account for the syrup and two guys named Ben and Jerry are responsible for the ice cream. The home of Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream is Waterbury, but a key to its success has to be located to the north in the state's largest city, Burlington, on the shore of Lake Champlain, home to the University of Vermont. Everyone knows how "hip" trendy college students love to eat "cool" trendy ice cream.

Another cool aspect of Vermont is its ski industry. The state is home to one of the best known ski resort areas in Stowe. The state offers several ski slopes with vertical drops of near or more than 2,000 feet. Aside from skiing, northern Vermont also is known as a destination for antiques hunters. The state's lakes – and especially rivers – make Vermont a prime destination for fly fishermen. The state tourist office might stress that Vermont has "four distinct seasons," but do not expect temperatures to reach 80 degrees very often.

Firsts, Bests, and Mosts

Vermont also prides itself on being a state of firsts. In 1777, it declared itself an independent republic and that year also became the first of what were to be the United States to outlaw slavery. When the Union was officially formed in 1791, Vermont was the first state admitted. True to its abolitionist roots, Vermont also was the first state to offer up troops for the Civil War.

In addition to having the best maple syrup and ice cream, Vermont also is known for having the most covered bridges. There are some 114 covered bridges remaining, down from more than 600 a century ago, with fire, flood, and age taking their toll. Touted as an important link to the nation's past, most of these covered bridges are still in use.

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