Vermont is for Lovers (and Hikers, and Bikers, and Foodies, and All Your Friends)
Oh, Vermont. What can I say about you, besides I love everything you are? Have you guys been there? Do yourself a favor and go. It’s gorgeous all the time (seriously, all.the.freakin.time). I know is Virginia is for Lovers. But it’s really Vermont. We discovered Vermont a couple years ago as it’s just a short trip from New Hampshire, where my mom lives. It was the peak of autumn and had the desire to go on my own Fall Foilage Tour, as only a pair of yuppies can.
When we decided to turn our cross-country move into a roadtrip adventure, of course Vermont made the list. We only stayed for two days, which is way to short, and we definitely didn’t get to revisit all of our favorite things so this is just a snippet of why Vermont is so great.
Food & Drink
Vermont has beer. A lot of it. And it’s all really good. My first experience with it was Magic Hat, which may be one of my favorite breweries. If there was a place like Willy Wonka’s Factory for grown-ups, Magic Hat is that place. We didn’t go this time, which was a bummer, but we discovered a brand new brewery, which was a pleasant surprise. Foam Brewery, literally is brand new. As in, they have been open for a few months. And it’s pretty solid. They have an amazing location just steps from Burlington’s Waterfront and the beer is tasty. I sent Steve in for drinks while I stayed outside with the puppy – Oh, yeah, they are dog friendly too – and when he cam back he brought me a pink beer. And it was delicious. Drinking beer with your best pup, favorite guy, ad amazing view of Burlington boathouse? Yep, pretty much paradise.
Remember when I said Magic Hat is one of my favorite breweries? Well Long Trail is my actual favorite. Anyone who like delicious things, and gorgeous scenery will also make this your favorite. We’ve been here a few times and they always have delicious beer but one of the most amazing things is that you can drink this beer outside on the patio overlooking a picturesque creek. It’s the perfect backdrop to a typical Vermont day. Long Trail is short drive from Woodstock, VT, another smallish town full of general stores, farm stands, and old timey town halls. Why is it that breweries also have delicious food to go along with you beer you drink by the water? I don’t know, but I’m glad that is a fact of life, and Long Trail is no exception. They even serve you crackers made out of their hops. And I’m obsessed. Our dog, Ella is definitely a Cali girl because she just loves herself some swimming times. Which is evident of her refusal to leave the creek she insisted upon swimming in.
What’s the next step after beer? If you said ice cream, you would be correct. But also, ice cream is the next logical step after anything. And Vermont just happens to be the birthplace of Ben & Jerry’s, which will always be my fall back when I need to dig my through a pint. I opted for the tour, which is $4.00 but you also get a sample at the end, which is pretty much worth the admission fee. Do you have Ben & Jerry’s flavors that have been retired and sent to the Flavor Graveyard? Well, this is probably my favorite part about Ben & Jerry’s in Waterbury, VT. The Flavor Graveyard is a thing and it really does exist. Each flavor is designated it’s own tombstone and you should go and pay your respects to flavors like Bovinity Divinity, or Purple Passion Fruit, two of my favorites. Don’t be alarmed by the ominous crow hanging out at the graveyard. Go visit your favorite flavors that you wish still existed.
Camping & Hiking
I’m not sure you know this, but Vermont is really green. There are a lot of trees. So we camped in the Green Mountains National Forest at Moosalamoo Campsite. It was quiet, beautiful, and perfect to start off this trip. Ella, our golden retriever was in heaven chasing chipmunks who are way too fast for her. But also a little nervous to live in a tent. But that is currently our humble little home for the next few months, so she better get comfy quick.
Since our time in Vermont was so short we only did one hike. Texas Falls was on our way back to our campsite after an awesome day of beer, boats, ice cream and snacks. And it was short, but oh, so sweet. Steve discovered a mini hike (it is more of a walk, really). But it was perfect right before our first camping dinner of cheesy, garlicky sausage, and our best bottle of wine.
Vermont I will always love you and even though I’ll be far away there’s not really any other place that quite feels as hometown-hippie with lots of trees, like you. So let’s recap: beer, green mountains everywhere, ice cream, friendly hippies. Vermont is definitely the place to lose yourself for a few days or a week.
Vermont Favorites
Bicoastal Surf 
I’m loving this site. Keep it up Sarah and Steve
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