Things to do / Travel Guide
The founding fathers of the United States had enough foresight to carve out the states of New Hampshire and Vermont as perfect vacation destinations. In terms of location, the region is a reasonable weekend drive from the major population centers of the northeastern United States. In terms of nature, the region features a well-preserved and varied landscape of mountains, lakes, valleys, bogs, meadows, canyons, notches and gaps (mountain passes), and even an ocean beach.
The residents of New Hampshire and Vermont are known for their independence, ingenuity, honesty, and for in general being a hard-working, nature-loving bunch, with infinite respect for the environment that they have been blessed with. This, along with the fact that the region isn't too densely populated, adds to the region's appeal for travelers. There's something for visitors to do in every season of the year - skiing in the winter, hiking, biking, and boating in the spring and summer, and enjoying the world's best foliage in the fall. And speaking of trees, they stimulate all your senses in this region, from the explosion of colors in the fall to the smell of a pine forest to the taste of pure, sweet maple syrup.
The region's towns and villages feature architecture that harks back to colonial times, with covered bridges, churches, and bed and breakfast establishments that are quietly stunning in their quaintness and Old World charm. And in the vast rural expanses outside the cities, the region teems with wildlife in the form of fish to catch, moose and deer to admire, and even whales to watch. Though not quite wild, the grazing cows provide many a pastoral scene, and, of course the inspiration for Waterbury-based Ben and Jerry's ice cream.
Every area of the Granite State of New Hampshire, from the Great North Woods down to the Merrimack Valley, is abundant with fantastic landscapes as far as the eye can see. The sparsely populated and rural Monadnock area is where nature thrives and where visitors can experience a welcome dose of peace and quiet. And of course the popular Lakes area and Seacoast area offer a plethora of gorgeous views, with clear waters lapping at the shores.
New Hampshire's White Mountains bloom with rugged beauty and are home to the highest summits in the northeastern United States. The roads that traverse this area are forced through mountain passes, known as notches, which offer excellent views as well as hiking access to the region's many peaks.
Vermont's Green Mountains are very different - they are older and have eroded much more over time. Rather than being rugged, they are mostly rounded. The dense forests are excellent for hiking. By East Coast standards they are high; Mt. Mansfield, for instance, rises up 4,393 feet. At that elevation, the climate zone is arctic and the land is permafrost. The Vermont mountain passes are mostly called gaps.
Arriving in the region is usually quite dramatic. No sooner does one cross into Vermont from the south than he or she is smack in the middle of the Green Mountains. The boat crossing or the drive across Lake Champlain with the mountain backdrops on all sides is pleasant. And most drives are marked on the map as scenic, even the Interstate Highways.
Vermont and New Hampshire have been attracting out-of-state visitors since 1781, when Clarendon Springs, Vermont, opened a retreat with “medicinal waters” to the public. With the subsequent advent of country and village inns and city hotels, New Hampshire and Vermont became a favorite destination for city dwellers from Boston, New York City, and beyond. Grand resorts, like New Hampshire's Balsams and Vermont's Equinox, and deluxe luxurious ski lodges, like the Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, have been luring vacationers in search of rest and relaxation for decades. The state parks offer attractive camping as well.
The New Hampshire and Vermont region is home to slightly less than 2 million people and welcomes several million visitors a year. Fortunately, they do not all come at the same time, although in peak fall foliage season and at the ski resorts during winter break it certainly seems that they do.
One of the most popular tourist activities in the United States is viewing the fall foliage, and New Hampshire and Vermont are world-class destinations for this. The combination of hardwood forests, perfect weather conditions, rolling hills, tranquil lakes, and a church steeple, bridge, or old farm thrown in for good measure bring people to New Hampshire and Vermont year after year.
The region's skiing is the best in the United States, east of the Rocky Mountains. It can be cold and icy, but that does not stop the masses of skiers and snowboarders from shuttling downhill. There are excellent Nordic trails as well as all levels of Alpine trails - from extreme runs to bunny slopes.
Visitors need not worry about sustaining themselves on natural beauty alone. The New Hampshire and Vermont region is home to delectable delicacies that you can watch the locals make, such as the excellent cheddar cheese produced in the Cabot Creamery, and savory ice cream at the Ben and Jerry's factory. Chow down on some corn or clam chowder or some delightful French-Canadian cuisine that is sure to satisfy. For dessert, try some of Vermont's world-famous maple syrup candy, and you'll be sure to leave the region with a great taste in your mouth!
The New Hampshire and Vermont region is on Eastern Time, three hours ahead of Pacific Time.
While moose-watching is one of the most popular pastimes in the region, it is of cardinal importance to watch for moose darting across the roads and highways while you are driving. Moose crossing signs are plentiful and well-posted on the region's roads. Though they occur rarely, moose/car encounters are usually a lose-lose situation, and the consequences to you can potentially be dire.
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