Vermont is known for its picturesque landscapes, maple syrup, and quirky charm, but there are plenty of odd and strange aspects of life in the Green Mountain State that often go unmentioned. Here are eight that will surprise you:
Winter Is Practically an Extreme Sport
Locals don’t just endure winter—they embrace it as a lifestyle. Skiing, snowshoeing, and ice fishing are expected, and you’ll quickly learn to love (or at least tolerate) months of snow and cold.
You’ll Have to Pick a Side in the “Cheese War”
Vermont is a cheese lover’s paradise, but you’ll soon find yourself embroiled in rivalries between local favorites like Cabot and Shelburne Farms. Defending your cheese choice is practically a rite of passage.
“Traffic” Means Cows or Tractors
Forget about bumper-to-bumper cars. In Vermont, being stuck in traffic often means waiting for cows to cross the road or following a slow-moving tractor through town.
You’ll Live by the “One Store, One Town” Rule
Most small towns have just one general store, and it becomes the heart of the community. Everyone knows your name—and your business—whether you like it or not.
You’ll Be Awash in Flannel
Flannel is more than a fashion choice; it’s practically the state uniform. You’ll join the unofficial “flannel-clad community” before you know it.
There’s a Law About Pie and Cheese
In Vermont, it’s illegal to serve apple pie in a restaurant without offering cheese, milk, or ice cream as an accompaniment. The cheese slice must be at least half an ounce.
Public Nudity Is Legal (Sort Of)
Vermont law allows public nudity, but public disrobing is considered lewd. So, you can walk down the street naked if you start out that way, but you can’t strip down in public.
The State Capital Has No McDonald’s
Montpelier, Vermont’s capital, is the only state capital in the U.S. without a McDonald’s. When McDonald’s tried to offer artificially flavored maple syrup, Vermont made them use the real thing or go without.
These quirky details are just a taste of what makes Vermont life so unique and endearing6.
Sources:
- https://wheninyourstate.com/vermont/8-quirky-and-unusual-things-no-one-tells-you-about-living-in-vermont/
- https://vermontexplored.com/what-nobody-tells-you-about-living-in-vermont/
- https://www.hippo.com/blog/interesting-facts-about-living-in-vermont