Vermont

Maple syrup, covered bridges, dairy farms, cheese, fall foliage, small villages, lots and lots of snow. These can all describe Vermont. But other words come to mind, as well—laid back, environmentally friendly, rugged, outdoorsy, liberal thinking. It seems to be a place that is genuine, without pretense. The people are hard-working, some living entirely off the land. There are even a few communities of people working a farm together. A few years back we would have called that type arrangement a commune, but that doesn’t seem to be the word used today.

Vermont is colorful and I don’t just mean the fall leaves. Perhaps it is the long, harsh winters that make Vermonters want to liven things up a bit. Buildings are often painted vibrant colors and yards are landscaped with flowering shrubs, annuals, and perennials. Vermonters seem to know they have a jewel and want to preserve and share it with the outside world. Bridges, churches, historic buildings, and sometimes even entire towns like Grafton—all are preserved.

Vermont is not about high mountains or great vistas but rather it is about the people. Perhaps that is why we enjoy it so much. I’ve put up a few pictures that I hope captures a bit of the taste of Vermont. It is a special place—one that I would like to get to know a little better.