Vermont Topics
The Vermont Mystique
It is hard, perhaps impossible, to visit Vermont and not develop a special fondness for this state.
There is something about it... a character, a personality... that is easy to like, and to be smitten by.
Part of that character, certainly, is derived from it's rich New England history. Vermonters played a key role in the American Revolution. The strong spirit of independence that took root in those times was passed on from generation to generation and remnants of that spirit still influence, every now and then, some of the actions of state and local governing bodies, and also the personality of many native Vermonters.
Part of that character is based on some of the constructs or elements of past generations that can still be found in Vermont, and which tend to evoke nostalgic reminiscences of bygone eras. Constructs such as covered bridges, village greens with their gazebos, some remaining traditional old architecture in charming villages here and there. Since such elements contrast dramatically with the settings of large, highly developed metropolitan regions, they serve as reminders that alternatives to fast-paced urban lifestyles, if desired, are still available in Vermont... that this is a place where life can be lived at a more relaxed pace, a more civil pace, and that bliss might be easier to find here.
But even to those who have little if any interest in things that evoke nostalgia, and no interest at all in changing the pace of a familiar lifestyle... and those who might consider covered bridges and small traditional country stores to be simple anachronisms that have no practical place in today's modern world ... there is always the scenic beauty of Vermont to grab their attention, to give them ample reason to develop a special affection for this state, and to want to return.
It is a state that is rich with gentle forested mountains and pastoral valleys. The unique diversity of this topography (containing five major, distinct physiographic regions) and the diversity of the forests that cover over 70% of that topography... concentrated in an area of only 9600 square miles... that provide the basis for Vermont's scenic beauty, form the backbone of it's special character and charm, and serve as major roots of it's mystique.
Unquestionably, Vermont also has modern elements, and the positive and negative attributes that come with them. It has first-rate facilities in areas such as medicine, computer chip developmen/ manufacturing, education and recreation. It also has large chain stores, strips choked with fast food outlets, car dealerships and movie theaters... at least in a few of the larger population centers. But even if you are in Vermont's largest urban center- the greater Burlington area- you are only a short drive away from the pastoral and majestic charms of "Classic Vermont".
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Vermont's Treasures
Mountains
The state's name is based on the French words for green and mountain... and hence the nickname "Green Mountain State".
There are many mountains in this compact state and, with their dense forestation, they are indeed very green.... at least in the summer.
These are old, gentle mountains. Formed some 300 million years ago to heights comparable to those of today's Alps, they have been smoothed and reduced by erosion and glacier action to about a third of their original prominence.
Most of Vermont's higher mountains are concentrated in the dominant Green Mountain Range. This range runs south to north along the middle of the state and forms what has been called Vermont's spine or backbone.
With relatively few easy passages across this backbone, it is easy to understand the basis of the old Vermont saying, "you can't get there from here."
Lakes
Although Vermont does not have many lakes, and all except one are modest in size... the majority having an area of less than a quarter of a square mile... several have settings that are exceptionally beautiful. In autumn, when they are surrounded by spectacular color, some of them are treasures whose beauty may very well be unsurpassed, anywhere.
Lake Champlain is Vermont's largest lake. Being well over 100 miles in length, up to 12 miles in width, and having depths approaching 400 feet, it is the sixth largest body of fresh water in the US, and has been referred to as the 'Sixth Great Lake'. Approximately 70% of it's 430 square mile area is part of Vermont, 25% part of New York, and 5% part of Quebec Province.
While much has happened on this lake after Samuel de Champlain led an expedition on these waters in July of 1609... including America's first naval battle in 1776... today it is primarily a source of water, a scenic treasure, and an outstanding recreational resource.
Communities
There are over 600 cities, towns, villages and gores in Vermont. Some are elegant. Most are modest. Many have natural surroundings that are endearing and easily smitten by.
The greater Burlington area- comprised of Burlington and surrounding communities such as South Burlington, Colchester, Winooski, Essex Junction, Williston and Shelburne- is home to approximately one-sixth of Vermont's six hundred thousand (plus) residents and is the state's largest urban center. It is economically robust, offering many amenities expected of a vital urban center. While it is a great place in which to live and raise a family... and to visit... one needs to meander beyond it's boundaries to locate 'Classic Vermont'.
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Some Vermont Sayings, Proverbs, Quotes
"From away." (referring to someone who is not a Vermonter)
- Vermont saying
You can't get there from here.
- Vermont proverb
Don't talk unless you can improve the silence.
- Vermont proverb
Vermont has two seasons- winter and the 4th of July.
- Vermont proverb
She's one of the two best states in the Union. Vermont's the other.
- Robert Frost, in his poem "New Hampshire"
I love Vermont, because of her hills and valleys, her scenery and invigorating climate, but most of all because of her indomitable people.
- Calvin Coolidge
If Vermont was flattened, it would cover the entire state of Texas.
- George Aiken, former Vermont Governor and US Senator
Vermont has more hills in what they call their valleys than Dakota can produce on top of their hills.
- Will Rogers
All in all Vermont is a jewel state, small but precious.
- Pearl S. Buck
If you don't like the weather in New England, just wait a few minutes.
- Mark Twain
Yes, one of the brightest gems in the New England Weather is the dazzling uncertainty of it.
- Mark Twain
...Vermont, perhaps more than any other state, has more people that claim it as their emotional homeland than there are native Vermonters.
- Dan Nesbett, travelleader.com
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This page was updated on 5/11/2006
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