Vermont

Hi Puzzlers,

Over the holidays I noticed a trend. I had either given or received a gift that came from Vermont. Now, how cool is that? I live in New England and absolutely love that state! Have you ever been to the Vermont? If you haven’t and are planning a trip to New England I would highly recommend visiting this gorgeous place. In addition to all its natural beauty, it is the second least populated state in the union. Ah let’s see, beautiful location, check; getting away from it all; check, getting away from people; check. Oh, come on, you know sometimes you just want to get away from all the hustle and bustle of a big city and go to a place that is less hectic and more relaxed. Vermont is this place!

Vermont’s first inhabitants were the Abenaki and Iroquios Indians. During colonial times Vermont was governed by France. Many believe it is the French who gave Vermont its name. The French would say les Verts Monts, which means "the Green Mountains ". After the French and Indian war of 1763Great Britain took over control, but the state remained plagued by territorial disputes with New Hampshire and New York. During this time Vermont was called the New Hampshire Grants, but thanks to the Green Mountain Boys militia, the independent sovereign state of the Vermont Republic was founded in 1777. While independent, Vermont abolished slavery, and in 1791 joined the United States, it was the 14th state to do so.

Did you know that Vermont is the leading producer of maple syrup in the United States and it was the first state to establish a mandatory maple law? This law established purity and quality regulations. Vermont maple syrup100% pure & natural! Yum! Also, be sure to visit a sugar house so you can see for yourself how maple syrup is made and so you can pick up a few tasty treats.

Ah…what could be cozier then relaxing in front of a blazing fire in your flannel pajamas? That brings me to my next great Vermont product, flannel. I came across Vermont Flannel at the Big E in Springfield, Massachusetts. They have an outstanding product! High quality flannels made here in the USA! My daughter loves them so much she makes me promise to wash and dry them immediately so she continue to live in them! Note, buy several extra pairs to avoid this dilemma!
So, flannel and maple syrup aren’t your thing? How about the cheese? Not just any cheese, award winning Cabot Cheese. When they say the “World’s Best Cheddar”, that is no exaggeration! This wonderful creamery is a farm cooperative locate in Cabot, hence the name, Vermont. When you go, take the cheese tour. I happened across my first tour while camping in the 80’s. Let’s just say it wasn’t my first choice of “cool” things to do, but, once the tour got going I was hooked. Yup! I’m a Vermont cheese head! Relaxing in my flannels, shkoffing down pancakes with tons of maple syrup, far away from all the hustle and bustle of the city!

Happy Puzzling!