Visit Vermont: The Majestic Green State

As you all may have known that Vermont is nicknamed "The Green Mountain State" and if you have already visited the place could possibly know why. You will literally and visibly feel the entire state is outlined by the lush green mountains, rolling green field. And when this green color bursts into the flaming and blazing colors in Fall, Vermont looks even more majestic and brighter. The shimmering red-hot color surrounds the place like heaven.

Although the season of Autumn looks beautiful in Vermont, the state is also known among the exquisite ski-resorts in the country. There are plenty of things to do in Vermont in each and every season and the beautiful state never fails to amaze people with varied interest.

We explored Vermont in Summer, and of course, experienced a wet day too. Starting our trip from Burlington, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Vermont, we were totally blown off by the beauty and charm of this city. Based on the shores of gorgeous Lake Champlain, the city will definitely impress you with its European architecture and the bustling streets in downtown.

The downtown is called the famous Church Street Marketplace, lined with beautiful local boutiques and tons of restaurants suiting everyone's taste and preference.

While having some snacks and local drinks or coffee, seated outside the fantastic cafes, you can enjoy some street performances and music concerts. Church Street is the perfect destination for spending a nice day in Vermont. The charm and beauty of this place will fascinate the visitors and make them come back again and again.

After spending a perfect day in Church Street you have to take a stroll towards the Lakefront Park to enjoy a beautiful sunset over Lake Champlain. There are even cruises available on the lake to experience the ever beautiful sunset. It feels so refreshing to sit and enjoy the fascinating sight of the sunset from the lakefront area.

We got some added adventure to see the fantastic fireworks over the lake, as we visited the place during the 4th of July weekend. I can tell you this is one of the most amazing fireworks I have ever seen.

Our next day was not so good for some outdoor adventures, as it was rainy and humid day in Burlington. Summer in Burlington is often rainy, humid, and warm too for the close proximity of the lake. Thus we planned to spend the day at the ECHO Lake Aquarium and Nature Center with the kids.

Located in the lakefront neighborhood, this nature and science center is one of the great attractions in the city for families with kids and youngsters. The attraction of this place will easily take your 2-3 hours and that proved to be very convenient for us to escape the rainy weather. Kids had a wonderful time spending inside this nature center.

As we were already in the lakefront neighborhood, did not want to miss the chance to have a walk along the beautiful Lake Champlain and enjoy the burst of evening colors over there. You will have plenty of local shops and boutiques to look over and have some local shopping done. The city of Burlington with its lovely 1900 architecture offers all kinds of entertainment and attractions for everyone.

Next day we were excited to visit the village of Stowe, of which we heard and read a lot before visiting Vermont. Stowe is one of the most spectacular mountain resorts or ski resorts in the country.

The picturesque location of the village at the bottom of Mount Mansfield attracts worldwide travelers. Mount Mansfield is the highest peak of Vermont and there is a number options available to reach the summit point of the peak. If you are adventurous enough to hike and walk through the trail, you are most welcome to do that. But people like us prefer the Auto Toll Road which offers an unforgettable drive through the scenic Adirondacks Mountains and the stunning view of Lake Champlain. Even Gondola Rides are also available to reach the top point of the peak.

After a few miles from the village of Stowe, there is another spectacle called The Smugglers' Notch. You will experience some interesting bike paths and hiking trails surrounded by an amazing greenery.

The nature offers unending charm and beauty to this place. If you are a true nature lover, this place is a perfect destination for you boasting some mesmerizing waterfalls, serene green walking trails and beautiful landscape.

As of now reading my prolonged travel story, if you are thinking that kids are not finding enough interesting places for them, except ECHO Nature Center, you may be wrong. For my kids, the star attraction of this trip was the Ben & Jerry's Factory Tour. Yes yes, you are on absolute right track...America's one of the leading homemade ice cream and frozen yogurt manufacturer.

There is no doubt in the fact that not only the kids, but we all scream for ice cream. Located in Waterbury, this factory is few miles away from Stowe. Visitors can enjoy an exclusive factory tour experiencing how the creamery works and this was one of the few first factories run by Ben & Jerry. The added attraction was having your favorite flavor after the tour ends from the own den of Ben & Jerry....can you believe that!!!



The tour does not end here as we were going towards New Hampshire. But that story will be told in another blog as this one is  already getting very lengthy. The purpose of this travel story is to give a vivid picture of our trip to Vermont and to inspire people to go out and explore the world around you.