Vermont: the name comes from the French for ‘Green Mountain’. So, it is fitting that this is one of America’s most eco-friendly states, with green hotels, organic farms and enthusiastic recycling. The landscape, too, is green, with the Green Mountains and farmlands providing a backdrop for red covered bridges, gray stone walls and white fences. Country lanes lead to photogenic villages and towns where community spirit remains strong. Instead of a seashore, Lake Champlain, stretching for all of 120 miles, offers beaches and watersports. But say ‘Vermont’ to an American and up pops a mental image of fall and the the ‘foliage season’, when the leaves turn to red, gold and purple for mile after mile. The brightest reds are maples; come spring, the sugar maples are tapped and their sap boiled down for yummy maple syrup. But, Vermont is a state for all seasons: in summer, hike the trails or paddle a canoe; in winter, go for a sleigh ride, go skiing or boarding – after all, the snowboard is a great Vermont invention (see below).

TERRIFIC TOWNS
In the heart of the state is Montpelier, the state capital – the country’s smallest, with a population of only 8,000. You cannot miss the golden dome of the handsome state house; you will miss the golden arches of a McDonald’s, since this is the USA’s only state capital without a franchise. Overlooking Lake Champlain, bustling Burlington is the largest community in the state (pop 40,000). Recently named the ‘Best Green Place’ to live in America by Country Home magazine, the buzz is provided by local college students.

Bennington’s massive monument commemorates a 1777 defeat long forgotten in Britain, but remembered here with a holiday – August 16, Bennington Battle Day. This small town makes a fine base for exploring the area. Bennington Potters is one of the country’s best-known, while nearby are three photogenic covered bridges. Up in the Northeast Kingdom, with gigantic paintings by Bierstadt, and the Fairbanks Museum and Planetarium, a fascinating look at local life – both animal and human! And, thanks to an internet poll, Springfield (pop 9,000) hosted the world premier of The Simpsons Movie in 2007, because it ‘best represented the spirit’ of Homer, Marge and Co!

SCENIC ROUTES
Perhaps the most popular drive is on Route 100, but there are equally pretty runs elsewhere. Crossing the Green Mountains, Route 9 is better known as the Molly Stark Trail, a tribute to the wife of revolutionary General John Stark. Follow the 48-mile route from Brattleboro to Bennington, through small towns such as Marlboro, Wilmington and Searsburg. More dramatic is the short, sharp 5.2-mile ascent up Mount Equinox. Off Route 7A, the Skyline Drive requires concentration and very low gears, but the panorama at the 3,848-ft summit is spectacular. Turn through a full 360 degrees and you see the Green, White, Adirondack, Berkshire and Taconic mountain ranges. And, cutting right through New England is the 410-mile Connecticut River with its glorious National Scenic Byway linking communities such as Brattleboro, White River Junction and Colebrook.

SKIING & BOARDING
With its picture postcard villages and stylish resorts, Vermont has long been a favorite. Boarders come to ride where Jake Burton revolutionized winter sports, foodies enjoy the classy dining and those who don’t want to ski enjoy the spas, shops and just being outside in the clear frosty air.

Bromley Mountain
In the Green Mountain National Forest, this may be one of America’s oldest ski resorts, but it does not rest on its laurels. With a southern exposure, the mountain boasts 43 trails, all leading back to the base lodge. Ideal for intermediates and beginners, Bromley is also board friendly – Jib Park has fat bumps, rails, spines, slides and spools.

Jay Peak
The state’s northern-most resort receives tons of snow, but the 80 per cent snowmaking coverage provides a back-up. Vermont’s only aerial tramway is one of eight lifts that sweep skiers up two mountains to the 76 diverse trails, glades and chutes in the 2,153 vertical feet of skiing. Close to Montréal; half-pipe; terrain course; snowshoeing.

Killington
‘The Beast of the East’ is the region’s largest ski and snowboard area, with six interconnected mountains, plus nearby Pico Mountain. The 3,050 foot vertical is the greatest in New England and the terrain park is the longest in the East. As well as over 87 miles of trails, there are cross-country skiing, sleigh rides and ice skating. Killington is also close to Manchester and Woodstock, with factory outlets, antique shops and country stores.

Okemo
Spreading across five mountains, southern Vermont’s highest vertical (2,200 ft) is coupled with a modern lift system. Snowboarders love it for the exciting Zaugg Pipe Monster and the Dew Zone, with its rails, boxes, table tops, quarter pipe and superpipe.

Smugglers’ Notch
Although consistently voted No 1 family ski resort in North America, ‘Smuggs’ has something for everyone. With a 2,610 feet vertical drop, its three interconnected mountains offer trails for beginners to experts. The Black Hole is the East’s only triple black diamond. Go cross-country skiing and snowshoeing from your door in the self-contained slopeside resort village, where baby-sitting, restaurants and entertainment are a stroll away.

Stowe
On Mt Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak (4,393 feet), Stowe is a whole community, with gourmet restaurants, shopping and entertainment, as well a variety of terrain on two mountains. Mt Mansfield suits all abilities; Spruce Peak caters for novices and intermediates. With the world’s fastest gondola and long, long trails, you maximize your skiing time.

Stratton Mountain
With its shops and restaurants right at the base of the mountain, Stratton is a favorite with New Yorkers. But, skiers from all over the world enjoy the 2,003-foot vertical drop, the 92 trails for beginners to experts and the ski school that is particularly good with children. Sixteen lifts, including the summit gondola, minimize queuing. The US Open Snowboard Championships are held at the five terrain parks, with the world-famous half-pipe.

VERY VERMONT
Villages are a Vermont specialty. Their clapboard homes, tidy village greens and white-spired churches have long appeared on calendars. Their country stores continue a long tradition, as much community centers as shops. But, which is the prettiest? Woodstock or Weston? Newfane or Grafton? Brandon or Craftsbury Common? The only way to find out is to visit them all.

When it comes to museums, the Shelburne Museum, near Burlington, is in a class of its own. Impressionist paintings and hand-made quilts; 25 historic buildings and a steamboat; there really is something for everyone.

Manchester is a must for fly-fishermen. As well as the American Museum of Fly Fishing, there is Orvis. Their flagship store sells casual clothing, outdoor gear and everything to do with fishing. They will even teach you how to cast. 

LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
There is every kind of shopping in Vermont. In Manchester, the Designer Outlets feature 50 top-of-the range stores, from Escada and Brooks Brothers to Versace. As for crafts, head for Frog Hollow, the Vermont State Craft Center galleries in Burlington, Manchester and Middlebury and the Northeast Kingdom Artisans Guild in St Johnsbury.

Vermont is the USA’s top producer of pure maple syrup. Visit sugarhouses throughout the year to talk to producers, taste syrup, sugar and candies. Spring brings the Vermont Maple Open House Weekend and the Vermont Maple Festival in St Albans.

Hawks, eagles, vultures and owls – those are just some of the residents at the VINS (Vermont Institute of Natural Science) Nature Center, near Woodstock. Summer events include raptor programs and guided nature walks into Quechee Gorge.

Near Manchester, Hildene is the Georgian revival home of Abraham Lincoln’s son, Robert. Tour the lovely gardens and the house; the collection of Lincoln memorabilia includes one of only four stove pipe hats worn by the US president. To appreciate how farmers worked in the 19th-century, pay a visit to Billings Farm & Museum, near Woodstock. This model farm, boasting one of the finest Jersey herds in America, adjoins the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park, with some 20 miles of forest trails.

FAMILY FUN
Far from the sea, Lake Champlain saw a 1776 battle between the Royal Navy and the Colonists. Next door to the popular family resort of Basin Harbor, Vergennes is the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum with a full-size replica of Philadelphia II, a Revolutionary gunboat. Create your very own cuddly at the Vermont Teddy Bear Company, near Shelburne. Watch how bears are stitched and stuffed during the 30 minute tour; then design your own.

Tour an ice cream factory? You bet! In Waterbury, the Ben & Jerry’s tour has to be one of Vermont’s top must-dos. Watch the ‘moovie’, see how ice cream is made, then hit the FlavoRoom to taste.

FOOD, GLORIOUS FOOD
Montpelier is home to NECI, the New England Culinary Institute’s downtown campus. There is a bustling market just off Main Street, and many restaurants in town are part of the Vermont Fresh Network, which builds partnerships between farmers and chefs. Above all, Vermont is famous for dairy products. As well as making famous cheddar-style cheeses at Cabot Creamery, there are dozens of award-winning artisan cheesemakers. Then, there is Ben & Jerry’s!

As well as their ice cream factory, the Waterbury area has other foodie destinations. At the Cold Hollow Cider Mill, for example, you can watch the 1920 cider press in action, then buy some cider. (In the USA, cider is fresh apple juice and non-alcoholic.) Stop in at the Green Mountain Coffee Roasters Visitor Center and Café in the renovated 1867 train station in Waterbury. Or, the Lake Champlain Chocolates Café and Shop; the chocolates are made across in Burlington, where you can tour the factory.

ART, MUSIC AND MORE
Vermont may have the smallest population of all the New England states, but the cultural life is thriving. Bennington , for example, has two galleries: the Bennington Museum is known for works by ‘Grandma Moses’, a farmer’s wife-turned-painter, who only began painting in her seventies. At the Bennington Center for the Arts , just outside town, changing exhibitions augment the Wind Sculptures and the Covered Bridge Museum. For many people, the good, old days of 50 or 60 years ago, were portrayed every week on the cover of Saturday Evening Post. The images were created by Norman Rockwell, and you can see them in a converted church in Arlington. For the social side of art, be in Brattleboro on the first Friday of the month for Gallery Walk . As well as the art, there are street musicians, shops which stay open late and, of course, cafés and restaurants. As for music, from mid-July to early August, the Vermont Mozart Festival takes place in a dozen venues across the state. Bring a picnic, spread a blanket and enjoy music in the open-air. For well over 50 years, the Marlboro Music Festival has brought young and established professionals together to play chamber music. Away from the classical music, the Discover Jazz Festival brings big names to Burlington, while the Northeast Regional Old Time Fiddlers’ Contest & Festival in Barre celebrates a traditional – but living – folk form.

2008 HIGHLIGHTS Jan - Stowe Winter Carnival -zany sports, ice carving competitions. March - state-wide, Vermont Maple Open House Weekend – sugarhouses open to the public for the start of the maple sugaring season. June - Essex Junction, Vermont Quilt Festival – New England’s oldest and largest quilting event. June 13-15 29th - Quechee Hot Air Balloon Festival – 20 hot air balloons take flight July - Stowe, Stoweflake Mountain Resort Balloon Festival – hot-air balloons in the sky, live music on the ground. Aug/Sep - Essex Junction, Champlain Valley Fair – Vermont’s largest agricultural and entertainment jamboree, celebrating agriculture, music, food, and fun.