Vermont

Today, visitors flock to Vermont by the thousands to see the autumn leaves. In the fall the hills of Vermont are aflame with reds and yellows and oranges as the leaves change color. Vermont residents call these tourists "leaf peepers", but the views are well worth the title! Vermont also offers amazing skiing in the winter, and great outdoor sports in the summer. With over 400 lakes and ponds, Vermont is a veritable heaven for outdoor activity, including watersports, and with so many mountains and trees the skiing and hiking is fabulous too. Lovers of nature won't want to miss out on a trip to Vermont.

The first state to join the union after the original 13, Vermont has been home to humans for over 12,000 years. Early humans most likely marveled at the fiery reds and oranges of autumn, and shivered in the snowy cold of winter. Thousands of years later, Native Americans living in Vermont learned to make maple syrup and eventually passed this knowledge on to Europeans moving into the area. Today it's still one of Vermont's biggest exports, and Americans living in the area know well how delicious real Vermont maple syrup is!

Today, anyone visiting Vermont will be amazed by the mountains and forests. Over three quarters of the state is covered in forests, giving it the well-deserved name "The Green Mountain State." No matter where you go in Vermont the mountains will provide plenty of fun and beauty. Most "things-to-do" in Vermont involve the outdoors, but some areas like the Montpelier/Barre area do offer some indoor fun. The State Capitol building has a gold dome that visitors love. There's also the T.W. Wood Art Gallery, which features 19th and 20th century artists. Founded in 1896, the museum is one of Vermont's oldest art galleries named after the artist T.W. Wood and has beautiful artwork of all mediums. Also interesting is the Vermont Historical Society Museum which focuses on the story of Vermont and its residents. Last on the list but not to be missed is the Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks where you can buy all kinds of sugary Vermont souvenirs AND see how maple sugar is made!

White River Junction is another popular spot to visit. Right on the border of New Hampshire and Vermont, the views in the area are absolutely stunning. White River Junction is also an old railroad town that is becoming a booming arts and culture town. The Amtrak still services White River Junction, and the views from the train cars are wonderful. While in town, visitors can check out the New England Transportation Museum to learn more about the origins of the railroad and how it came to Vermont. Also in the area are the Lebanon Opera House, Hood Museum of Art, and the Montshire Museum of Science.

Skiing draws tons of visitors every year to White River Junction. The most popular is the Quechee Ski Hill which reaches 1250 feet and has a vertical drop of 650 feet. Also in the area for skiing are Woodstock and Killington. The views are great and the architecture quaint. Of course, during the summer hiking is great in the area, and many ski resorts offer hiking in the off months. Quechee Gorge State Park offers a great campground and the views of waterfalls and foliage are fantastic. Also nearby is Hanover, NH where visitors can hike the Lake Sunapee region or cruise the lake on a tour boat. The famous Appalachian Trail also crosses through nearby at Norwich.

In the Stowe/Barre area visitors have lots of hiking and camping options. The Trapp Family Lodge Touring Center is a great place to start. Every day there is something different going on, including cross country skiing, snowshoeing, hiking and Nordic walking. All ages are welcome at the Touring Center. To get the best skiing, visit Stowe Mountain Resort. The resort is classic and popular with families and locals. There's a skiing and a snowboarding school for beginners, and a variety of runs for more advanced skiers. Of course, the nearby Ben & Jerry's factory is a must-see. Tour the factory and have some sweet and unique ice cream while you're at it! Yum.

Hotels.bz will see you through with a great list of budget hotels and luxury hotels with more in the middle, too!

For the best budget hotels try these gems:

Stowe Bed & Breakfast - Starting at $79 a night, stay at this charming bed and breakfast close to Stowe Mountain Resort at a great price! They even have a golf course and spa tub!
America's Best Inns - Starting at $65 a night this inn is in Brattleboro, VT. The hotel is comfortable with an outdoor pool, fitness facility, and free Wi-Fi!
Super 8 Motel - Starting at $59 a night, this Super 8 Motel is right in White River Junction right on the border of NH and VT. The motel serves a continental breakfast. Make sure your visit is in the spring or fall, because air conditioning is only in public areas. This inn also allows pets.

For mid-range hotels try these great hotels:

Commodores Inn - Starting at $94 a night this charming Stowe/Barre area inn is right next to Stowe Mountain Resort and the Ben & Jerry's factory, plus the inn features 3 spa tubs and both indoor and outdoor pools!
Holiday Inn Express - Starting at $113 a night this comfortable Holiday Inn is located right in Brattleboro, and has an indoor pool and spa tub!
Applebutter Inn - Starting at $135 a night this great bed and breakfast is right in the mountains! Close to White River Junction, this is a great place to stay if you want to see Quechee Gorge and Silver Lake State Park. The inn serves a complimentary breakfast, and has a library and a fireplace!

If you're taking out all the stops, try these amazing luxury hotels with amenities to make you feel on top of the world:

- Starting at $157 a night and located in Stowe, close to Barre, this inn is right next to Stowe Mountain Resort for Skiing and the Ben & Jerry's Factory! The inn has a restaurant and bar, an outdoor pool and a fitness facility.
Deerhill Inn - Starting at $225 a night this small bed and breakfast is THE place to enjoy a relaxed weekend away! The hotel is located close to Brattleboro in West Dover, and has an outdoor pool and free parking. Other amenities include a complimentary breakfast, designer toiletries and a library!
The Maple Leaf Inn - Starting at $171 a night this inn is about 15 miles outside of White River Junction, and is close to Silver Leaf State Park. If you're headed to Vermont to check out the foliage, stay here! With only 7 guest rooms you're guaranteed great service, and of course a complimentary breakfast! The inn also features a library and video library and satellite TV. Vacationers LOVE this charming Bed & Breakfast!