Vermont
Unlike the coastal states of New England that offer a maritime flare, this gloriously green inland state has a personality all its own. With its versatile mix of unspoiled wilderness, elegant cities and tiny Pre-Revolutionary War villages, this diverse state is a delightful mix of wonderful treasures for visitors.
Aptly named the "Green Mountain State," Vermont is dominated by the Green Mountains, one of the oldest and most striking mountain ranges in the world. With some 223 mountains over 2000 feet in elevation, they stand sentry over the fertile plains and valleys that nourish the state’s farming industry.
Bounded by the Canadian province of Quebec to the north, New Hampshire to the east, New York to the west and Massachusetts to the south, Vermont is the second-largest state in New England after Maine. Yet, at only 150 miles (241 km) long and 90 miles (145 km) across at its widest point, the Green Mountain State is also surprisingly compact. Vermont’s two major interstates (89 and 91) and well-maintained network of state highways are fast and uncongested for motorcoach traffic and the entire state can be traversed in a matter of hours.
Unlike the other New England states, where the principal attractions tend to be clustered along the coast, Vermont’s attractions are liberally distributed throughout the state. Mountains, forests and the fjord-like Lake Willoughby dominate the central and northern areas of the state, while Lake Champlain and its islands on the westernmost reaches of Vermont provide a stunning backdrop to the elegant city of Burlington. Pre Revolutionary War villages grace the south and make good jumping off points for groups looking to trek the Appalachian Trail or to enjoy the verdant splendor of the Green Mountain National Forest. Also, try the Long Trail which is known as Vermont’s “Footpath in the wilderness,” built by the Green Mountain Club between 1910 and 1930, it is the oldest long-distance trail in the U.S.
An excellent year-round destination for group tours (during the winter the state’s picturesque towns become bustling ski centers), Vermont’s recreational facilities focus on the great outdoors. Farm visits (popular on group tour itineraries), fairs and field days highlight the wonderful produce for which the state is known, while Vermont’s 50 state parks are havens for hiking, fishing, biking and hunting. Vermont is also one of the few states with underwater preserves, a true treat for divers interested in a close-up look at a wreck, and it also boasts some 63 golf courses, only six of which are private.
