If you’ve spent a significant amount of time in Vermont, you’ll know you’ve truly become a local when certain experiences feel utterly normal—even if the rest of the country would find them quirky or downright baffling. Here are ten experiences that mean you’ve lived in Vermont for far too long:
You Judge People Based on Their Maple Syrup Choices
If you’ve ever debated the merits of real versus fake syrup as if it were a matter of life or death, you’re a true Vermonter. Anything less than pure maple syrup is considered sacrilege.
You Treat Flannel Like a Year-Round Fashion Statement
You own more flannel shirts than you can count, and you’ll wear them to weddings, funerals, and town meetings without a second thought.
You’ve Scheduled Your Life Around “Mud Season”
Your calendar accounts for mud season, and you know exactly when to avoid dirt roads or invest in new tires.
You’ve Argued Over Who Makes the Best Cheddar Cheese Like It’s a Supreme Court Case
Cheese is serious business, and you have strong opinions about which local creamery crafts the sharpest cheddar.
You Know a “Quick Trip to the Store” Means Driving at Least 20 Minutes
If it’s snowing, you add another 30 minutes and say a little prayer for your Subaru’s traction.
You’ve Given Directions Using Landmarks Like “The Big Red Barn” or “Where the Covered Bridge Used to Be”
GPS is useless here; you navigate by memory and local lore.
You Think 20 Degrees Is “Good Sledding Weather”
You bundle up, slap on some duct-taped boots, and hit the hills with enthusiasm.
You’re Personally Offended When Someone Suggests Pancake Syrup Is the Same as Maple Syrup
The mere thought makes you shudder, and you’ll defend the honor of real Vermont maple syrup to the death.
You Know That the True State Religion Is a Mix of Bernie Sanders, Ben & Jerry’s, and the Weather Forecast
You’re oddly proud of this fact and consider it a badge of honor.
You Believe a Good Day Involves a Dirt Road, a Maple Creemee, and Absolutely No Cell Service
Disconnecting is a way of life, and you wouldn’t have it any other way.
If these experiences sound familiar, congratulations—you’ve lived in Vermont for far too long, and you’re probably never leaving.
Sources:
- https://wheninyourstate.com/vermont/you-know-youve-lived-in-vermont-too-long-if-these-11-things-seem-totally-normal/
- https://thehonestlocal.com/pros-cons-living-vermont-moving/
- https://www.businessinsider.com/surprising-things-about-vermont-after-moving-from-south-photos-2022-6
- https://www.tripadvisor.in/ShowTopic-g28966-i656-k236767-Which_is_better_Vermont_or_New_Hampshire_to_live_in-Vermont.html