greenmountainpeaks

[greenmountainpeaks]

Smugglers’ Notch: A Journey Through Vermont’s Secret Past

Tucked between the towering cliffs of Mount Mansfield and Spruce Peak lies one of Vermont’s most breathtaking drives and most legendary mountain passes: Smugglers’ Notch. Today, it’s known for jaw-dropping foliage, rugged hiking trails, and world-class skiing. But for those who pause long enough to look beyond the scenic views, the Notch has a far more rebellious past. For over two centuries,…

[greenmountainpeaks]

Underground Railroad in Vermont: Sites, Stories, and Hidden History

When most people think of Vermont, they picture rolling hills, sugar shacks, and covered bridges. But beneath the idyllic scenery lies a powerful legacy of resistance and moral courage. Vermont was more than just a bystander in the era of slavery—it was a state of active defiance. During the height of the Underground Railroad, Vermont’s rugged landscape and fiercely independent spirit made it one…

[greenmountainpeaks]

Rainy Day Fun in Vermont: Explore Local Favorites

If you’ve spent any amount of time in Vermont, you’ve probably learned one thing fast: the weather doesn’t always cooperate. You could wake up to sunshine and end the day in a thunderstorm, especially in the mountains. But that’s part of the charm. Vermonters don’t cancel their plans when it rains, they just pivot. Whether you’re a tourist visiting for the weekend or a local looking to salvage a…

[greenmountainpeaks]

Guide to Vermont's Best Picnic Locations: From Mountains to Lakes

There’s something timeless about a good picnic. It’s a simple pleasure: great views, good food, and a little time to slow down and take in your surroundings. If you’re in Vermont, you’re already halfway there. As a lifelong local and outdoorsman, I’ve spent more afternoons than I can count hiking to ridgelines, paddling across still lakes, and rolling out a blanket beside some of the prettiest…

[greenmountainpeaks]

Experience Unforgettable Vermont Sunsets

Vermont sunsets aren’t just pretty. They’re unforgettable. Locals know the moment golden hour hits, the mountains, lakes, and valleys turn into a canvas of purples, oranges, and deep blues that photos never quite do justice. Whether you’re a visitor catching your first Green Mountain evening or a lifelong Vermonter looking for a new favorite spot, chasing sunsets in Vermont is a hobby worth…

[greenmountainpeaks]

Discover Vermont's Best Waterfalls and Hiking Spots

Looking to explore Vermont without spending hours scrolling through travel blogs or flipping through outdated guidebooks? I’ve made it easy. If you’re planning a trip, live here year-round, or just want to find a new place to stretch your legs, check out the two new map pages on Green Mountain Peaks: one for waterfalls and one for hiking. These pages aren’t packed with photos or writeups (yet),…

[greenmountainpeaks]

Ethan Allen: Icon of Vermont's Independence

A Short History of Ethan Allen (And Why He’s Everywhere in Vermont) If you’ve spent any time in Vermont, you’ve probably noticed a name that keeps popping up: Ethan Allen. There’s the Ethan Allen Homestead. Ethan Allen Park. Fort Ethan Allen. And of course, the famous Ethan Allen furniture company. But who was this man, and why is he still such a big deal in the Green Mountain State? I think…

[greenmountainpeaks]

Strange Laws of Vermont: Quirky Legal Trivia

Vermont has always marched to the beat of its own drum. From banning billboards to letting towns govern themselves with near-total autonomy, this little state in the Northeast is filled with quirks that reflect its fiercely independent spirit. And nowhere is that more evident than in its laws. While many have been updated or repealed over time, some strange ones are still on the books,…

[greenmountainpeaks]

Best Vermont Summer Hikes for Beginners: Easy Trails With Big Rewards

Vermont is a hiker’s paradise in the summer, offering endless opportunities to explore the state’s natural beauty. But if you’re new to hiking or looking for trails that are perfect for kids, it can be hard to know where to start. The good news is that Vermont is filled with beginner-friendly hikes that still offer the kind of scenic views, fresh mountain air, and peaceful forest immersion that…

[greenmountainpeaks]

Vermont Farmers Market: Seasonal Recipes to Savor

There’s nothing quite like the smell of fresh basil on a humid July morning in Vermont, or the crisp snap of a just-picked Sugar Snap Pea at the farmers market. As a Vermonter, I’ve come to see these markets not just as a place to shop, but as a rhythm of life. They’re where community happens, where seasons shift in real time, and where the best meals begin. Whether you’re a local trying to eat…

[greenmountainpeaks]

The Spirit of Independence: How Vermont Celebrates the 4th

Independence Day in Vermont is more than fireworks and grilled hot dogs. It is a deeply rooted celebration of what it means to stand up, push back, and do things your own way. From the state’s early days as a self-declared republic to the modern-day town meetings that still shape its political character, Vermont has always taken independence seriously. And on the Fourth of July, Vermonters do not…

[greenmountainpeaks]

How Bipartisanship Works in Vermont Politics

Why Republicans and Progressives Can Actually Get Along Here In a time when politics often feels broken, Vermont stands out. While most headlines focus on division and dysfunction, this small state quietly operates on something that feels almost radical in 2025: cooperation. Vermont’s political system is not perfect. But it is effective. And in many cases, it’s because the people here refuse to…

[greenmountainpeaks]

The Mountain Rule: Vermont’s Unwritten Code That Shaped a Century of Politics 🏔️

Before Bernie Sanders, progressive politics, and maple syrup fame, Vermont operated under one of the most unique political systems in American history. It had no legal code. No formal documentation. And it was never voted on by the people. Yet for over 100 years, it quietly governed how power was shared in the Green Mountain State. This was the Mountain Rule, an unwritten agreement that…

[greenmountainpeaks]

What Makes a Town Truly Vermonty?

There’s no official definition of the word “Vermonty,” but if you’ve spent any time in the Green Mountain State, you probably know the feeling. It’s that specific kind of charm that’s hard to describe and even harder to fake. A town might be beautiful, but that doesn’t mean it’s Vermonty. To qualify, it needs a perfect blend of quirk, character, community, and of course, cows. Whether you’re a…

[greenmountainpeaks]

Explore Vermont's Best Ice Cream Stops: A Scenic Road Trip Itinerary

Vermont knows how to do summer right. Crisp mountain air, lake breezes, winding country roads, and farm stands on every corner. But ask any local what really defines a perfect summer day, and you’ll probably hear the same answer: ice cream. Of course, Vermont is home to Ben & Jerry’s, and their factory tour in Waterbury is a popular stop for first-time visitors. But if you ask a Vermonter where…

[greenmountainpeaks]

Beat the Heat: Cool Off in Vermont Without a Lake

When the thermometer starts creeping toward triple digits, the first instinct in Vermont is usually to jump into a lake. But what happens when you’re far from a body of water, the beach is overcrowded, or you just want something different? Whether you’re a local looking for creative relief or a visitor without easy lake access, there are still plenty of ways to cool off across the Green Mountain…

[greenmountainpeaks]

Top Independent Ice Cream Shops in Vermont

Vermont is known for a lot of things: stunning fall foliage, maple syrup, winding dirt roads, and, of course, Ben & Jerry’s. Tourists line up at the Waterbury factory each summer for a scoop of Cherry Garcia or a tour of the flavor graveyard. And while there’s nothing wrong with grabbing a pint of Half Baked, there’s so much more to Vermont’s ice cream scene than one famous brand. Ask any…