If you’ve ever called Vermont home, it’s often the little things that tug at your heartstrings when you’re away. Here are ten unexpected small Vermont details that can make anyone who’s lived there feel a pang of homesickness:
1. The Scent of Maple Syrup in the Air
Spring in Vermont means sugar shacks firing up and the sweet, woodsmoke-laced smell of boiling sap drifting through the countryside.
2. Covered Bridges on Quiet Country Roads
Vermont’s iconic covered bridges—some still in regular use—dot the landscape, each with its own story and weathered timbers.
3. Handwritten Signs for Fresh Eggs and Maple Products
Roadside stands with simple signs for “Maple Candy,” “Fresh Eggs,” or “Pick Your Own Blueberries” are a familiar sight on backroads.
4. The Sound of Church Bells in Small Towns
Whether in Stowe, Grafton, or Chester, the gentle ringing of a church bell marks the hour and echoes through the valleys.
5. The Crunch of Autumn Leaves Underfoot
Vermont’s fall is legendary, and the sound and smell of crisp leaves on a chilly walk is pure nostalgia.
6. General Stores with Wooden Floors and Penny Candy
Stepping into a local general store—like the ones in Chester or Grafton—means creaky floors, shelves of local jams, and a jar of old-fashioned candy on the counter.
7. The Taste of Cheddar Cheese and Apple Cider
Local cheese and fresh-pressed cider, especially in the fall, are staples at farmstands and farmers’ markets across the state.
8. Snowbanks Taller Than Your Car
Winter in Vermont means real snow—sometimes so much that the plowed piles along the road dwarf your vehicle.
9. The Glow of a Small-Town Parade or Town Fair
From the Tunbridge World’s Fair to Fourth of July parades, the sense of community at these gatherings is hard to replicate elsewhere.
10. The Quiet Beauty of a White-Steeped Church in Autumn
A classic Vermont scene: a white church with a tall steeple set against a backdrop of fiery foliage, like the one in Stowe.
These small, everyday details—so easy to overlook when you live there—are what make Vermont feel like home, no matter how far you roam.
Sources:
- https://in.hotels.com/go/usa/us-must-visit-small-towns-vermont
- https://www.tripadvisor.in/Attractions-g28966-Activities-Vermont.html
- https://www.atlasobscura.com/things-to-do/vermont
- https://vermontvacation.com/places-to-visit/downtowns/