Submitted by Twisted_lurker t3_ybgx1h in vermont
I visited a few weeks ago, here are my thoughts
The great: The fall foliage is amazing. I have never seen anything like it. The views from creek beds to mountaintops were beautiful.
October weather was a very nice break from the dry 90 degree heat that I live in.
Vermont drivers are super-polite. I was “waved in” to merge more times in one Vermont day than a month in Texas.
Restaurants were good. I love that you both take pride in locally sourced food, and at the same time experiment with more exotic flavors.
The odd: I had expectations of progressivism (and I lean that direction). We stayed in a ski area, and I understand it caters to the most fit. I was still a little surprised at how few accommodations for the disabled there were.
Most restaurants were booked up or had multi-hour waits. I am just not accustomed to having to make reservations everywhere.
The bad: Vermont has a reputation for racism, and there is something to that. We are a middle-aged, upper middle class couple; my spouse is Hispanic. There was a “vibe” in some places that we are not welcome. There was a store where the cashier kept a weirdly close eye on us, but greeted other customers. There was a restaurant where we were completely ignored after they seated us while other customers who came in later were served. When several other restaurants claim they are booked up, you wonder if they are telling you the truth or making up an excuse. This definitely didn’t happen everywhere, most establishments were very friendly, but it did happen.
We had a great visit, most of it was very positive.