The magic of little traveled roads
_“Two paths forked in a forest and I,
I took the road less travelled,
And that made all the difference."
One of the best surprises about Vermont is that, as Robert Frost, one of Vermont's most renowned poets, would say (he was born in California, but lived in the state for most of his life and is buried there), choosing the road less traveled is almost always a wise decision. As soon as you take any of its secondary roads, you discover a surprisingly rural landscape, disconnected from the rush of everyday society. The phone signal often doesn't work, something that few of its residents care about. It could be said that time runs at a different speed for them, and a weekend there regenerates the desire to live more in contact with the land and nature.
But not all Vermont is rural and analog. Its capital, Burlington, is a beautiful and vibrant city with a wide cultural and sports offer. . As home to the University of Vermont, the spirit of its residents remains young and increasingly international. The framework in which Burlington is located is unbeatable: among the green mountains, next to Lake Champlain and a step away from excursions of all kinds . The center of the city's social life swirls around Church Street, with historic buildings that today house the names of well-known chain stores and some local businesses as well. Lake Champlain Chocolates, Burlington Records and the Vermont Flannel Company (a company dedicated to flannel garments) are some of them. Here you can stop for a drink at one of their cafes or at the ** Farmhouse Tap and Grill , which offers a good selection of local beers.**
Burlington
Tasting beer is one of the favorite activities of the natives, aware of the prestige of local production, a wide range and excellent flavours. There's even a bus tour that visits Magic Hat, Switchback, Vermont Pub and Brewery, Fiddlehead, Rock Art, Trapp, and The Alchemist, among others. For food, **one of the most popular places for its creative menu based on products from local agriculture is Hen of the Wood**. If it's a sweet snack you're in the mood for, nothing beats one of the ice creams or creamies on offer at Burlington Bay Market and Cafe , which is near Waterfront Park. You can sit there to enjoy it, or stroll along the lake admiring the scenery. Which flavor should you choose? Vermont maple syrup!
One of the Burlington Farmers Markets
MOUNTAINEERING
Burlington is a great starting point from which to get lost on some of those lesser-known paths upstate. If you like hiking, Camel Hump is one of the highest and most recognizable mountains due to its curious silhouette, which resembles the hump of a camel . The ascent to the peak is popular and difficult, so plan your climb, bring warm clothes and something to eat. near the mount there are also many other less traveled and simpler routes to take a good walk in the mountains.
Camel's Hump
If the weather is good, there are many places where you can bathe in the river. The best way to find some of their swimming holes is to ask the locals or just watch. : A group of cars parked on the side of a road, usually indicates that there is a natural pool nearby.
Swimming Hole outside of Burlington
BEER OR ICE CREAM?
Both. For true beer lovers, it's worth a trip to Stowe, the home of one of the most respected firms: The Alchemist, producer of the Heady Topper . This same year, the craft brewery has opened a new and modern visitor center.
A special place to spend the night, also near Stowe, is the Trapp Lodge. Even if it doesn't fit into your sleeping plans and it's not out of budget, m It is worth paying a little visit to the lodging where the royal Von Trapp family lived when they escaped from Austria in the Second World War. Yes. The real stars of Smiles and Tears! The bar-restaurant with mountain views serves a exquisite plate of cheeses and sausages that you can enjoy with a beer brewed, of course, right there. And if you're interested in the true story of Maria Von Trapp, the downtown gift shop has several books about her.
Trapp Lodge
**You cannot leave this area of Vermont without visiting the most famous of its ice cream parlors, Ben & Jerry's **. The company is proud to only use milk from local farmers for its ice cream and a few cows can be seen grazing right next to the factory. Some of the ice creams that went down in history now rest in the “cemetery of flavors”. You can take a guided tour inside and get a souvenir , although the truth is that the best thing is, plain and simple, to have an ice cream... Some of the varieties found here are not available anywhere else.
Do not forget to take the road less traveled to return to your origin, perhaps back home you will find the best surprise that Vermont has kept in its pocket for you.
Always choose the road less traveled