Stowe, Vermont

We only stayed in Vermont for a week this time around, in the northern part of the state, in the tiny town of Stowe. But then again, everything in Vermont seemed smaller than normal to me, as if all of one's existence has to be miniaturized to fit the scale of this wee state. Vermont measures just 90-miles long in its maximum north-south direction, and 158-miles across at its maximum east-west direction. The feeling of tininess is enhanced by narrow twisting roads surrounded by mountains and forests, with no wide open spaces to be found. Although the population of Stowe is just under 4,400, you wouldn't know it; with tourism in full summer swing, the roads were always bumper to bumper cars, and town always crawling with people. Skiing is a big draw for winter travelers with the Stowe Mountain Resort providing access to Mt. Mansfield, Vermont's highest peak. The two outdoor attractions we took advantage of during our week long stay included the Glen Moss Waterfall in the C.C. Putnam State Forest, and the 5.5-mile Stowe Recreation Path that was filled with creative sculptures as well as natural beauty. I loved the fresh air, the wonderful smells of the forest, the blue-blue skies, and the charming New England ambience (not to mention the bazillion Adirondack chairs everywhere you go - notice the one below constructed from skis!). I would love to come back someday and spend more time exploring Vermont.