Montpelier is the capital of Vermont State. The largest city in Vermont is Burlington. Vermont is known for its natural beauty and the mosaic of colors it presents in fall season. The state is also called “Green Mountain State”. Visitors come to Vermont through the Burlington International Airport.
There are several mountains in Vermont including Mount Mansfield, Killington Peak, Camel’s hump and Mount Abraham. Most of the state is covered by forests and the remaining area has meadows, uplands, ponds, lakes and swampy wetlands. Vermont has a continental moist climate with warm, humid summers and cold winters. Annual snowfall may average around eighty inches.
In winter, Vermont prides itself on of some of the best skiing and snowboarding activities in New England. In fall seasons, the myriad of colors that pain the area brings in most visitors to that state.
The land in Vermont is suited to diary farming. The world famous ice cream maker Ben & Jerry started out in this state. Ben & Jerry’s Ice cream Factory at 1401 Waterbury-Stowe Road – VT 05676 has regular tours for visitors to see the way this ice cream is made and packed. Many people may have heard of their strange name combinations for their ice creams such as Chunky Monkey, Cherry Garcia, Karamel Sutra, etc. The ingenious partners have a loyal following at home and abroad. This Green Mountain Ben & Jerry’s creamery offers guided tours, short films and samples.
Stowe Mountain Gondola (5781 Mountain Road – VT 05672) traverses the height of Mount Mansfield which is in this area. The riders who travel in the Gondola may get down at the top of the mountain and hike back to the starting point or they may return in the Gondola itself. The view from the top of the mountain is not to be missed. There is also a small eatery at the top of the mountain which allows visitors to gaze at the idyllic surroundings while munching on a sandwich. Other views from this resort lead to the amazing Lake Champlain area with a glorious view of the Adirondacks mountain ranges.
Lake Champlain Shoreline Cruises (348 Flynn Ave – VT 05401) allows the visitor to enjoy the Lake Champlain in style. The grand view of the Adirondacks, the shimmering waters of the lake, Sunset views of Vermont and other rare sights are a must see. There are also guided Lunch-on-the-Lake cruises and Murder Mystery with Lobster on the Lake cruises. The cruises depart from the Burlington Boathouse on College Street.
Vermont Teddy Bear Company (6655 Shelburne Road – VT 05482) was founded by Joe Sortino in the early 1980s. This company ships out more than 350,000 teddy bears in a year. The Bear-Gram idea allows buyers to order custom-made bears and send them with personalized cards and other gifts. Tours are allowed in the factory where visitors may design their own bears. The Vermont Teddy Bear Company is the United States’ leading teddy bear manufacturer.
Lake Champlain Chocolate (750 Pine Street – VT 05401) offers award winning chocolates for those sweet-toothed visitors. The company was started in 1983 when Jim Lampman started an upscale chocolate company specializing in truffles which he planned to sell in his restaurant, the Icehouse. Incredible demand forced the plant to relocate to the new 24,000 square foot facility. More products were added including flavored chocolates of Vermont, Five Star bars and Signature bars.
