It was once again a journey to discover the scenic states within New England, located in the northeastern region of the United States. New England comprises six states: Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, and Rhode Island. Rhode Island, the smallest state in the nation, borders three states and has a coastline along the North Atlantic Ocean.
New England is characterized by its iconic white-steepled churches, rugged coastlines, and timeless landscapes of serene farmlands, which are depicted in the accompanying photographs. These features present a stark contrast to the beaches of New York. As we embark on our travels during the first week of November, we observe that the trees have already begun to shed their leaves, yet the roadways do resemble the picturesque scenes often found in calendars.
New England region is often referred to as the “cradle of American civilization,” as its history is intertwined with the broader narrative of America. Comprising six states, it is characterized by its white-steepled churches, rugged coastlines, historic villages, and serene landscapes of peaceful farmlands, alongside the sophisticated city of Boston. This region is often referred to as the “cradle of American civilization,” as its history is intertwined with the broader narrative of America.
Vermont is renowned for its ski resorts and rolling farmlands, while New Hampshire is celebrated for its dense forests and breathtaking mountain passes, particularly during the fall. Maine is known for its dramatic coastline, Massachusetts boasts a rich tapestry of history, culture, and prestigious universities; and Connecticut is famous for its charming postcard-worthy villages. The island we are visiting today is particularly noted for its grand mansions.
Vermont has been recognized by Forbes as the safest state in the United States. The residents of Vermont, known as Vermonters, are characterized by their warmth, readiness to assist others, and commitment to their local communities. The lifestyle in Vermont is leisurely, yet the cultural offerings are refined. The state boasts pristine mountain air and stunning views at every turn, along with a variety of year-round recreational activities such as skiing, hiking, biking, and sailing. These attributes contribute to Vermont’s consistent ranking as one of the most desirable places to reside in the nation. However, the rural appeal of Vermont does come with certain drawbacks. In smaller towns, social activities may be limited, and accessing essential services like major hospitals or specialty shops often necessitates a lengthy drive. Additionally, the winter season can heighten feelings of seclusion, as snow-covered roads may isolate some regions.
Itinerary
Total distance covered: 1200 KM
Day 1
9 PM North Bergen, New Jersey to Burlington 4 PM
Stay at Burlington, Dinner at a Nepali restaurant
Day 2
9 AM Burlington to Stowe ? AM
Visit Apple pick farm and pumpkin farm, Stowe gondola ride
Return from Stowe 3 PM via the scenic routes of downtowns and New Hampshire green mountains and National Park. Dinner in Nepali Indian restaurant at Messachussets, reach home North Bergen, New Jersey 2 AM night
It was a Saturday when we embarked on our third trip to New England, specifically covering the route from New York to Burlington and Stowe before returning to New York. Our departure was scheduled for 9 AM. During our journey, we were treated to stunning views of the New York maple trees, which were resplendent in their autumn colors.
The roads were excellent, and all drivers adhered to traffic regulations diligently. However, I could not shake off the apprehension of potential accidents, as I hail from India, where high-speed travel is less common. We made a stop at Starbucks for coffee, where we enjoyed our beverages and captured photographs of the “I Love New York” sign. It was surprising to see a museum in this Starbucks shop. Some prototype scientific equipments donated by some science museums. These are
Radio III, with headphones 1924
This radio belonged to radio and television pioneer Ernst Alexanderson who designed the equipment for the world’s first voice radio broadcast, which took place on December 24, 1906. Alexanderson immigrated to America in 1902, and spent much of his life working with Schenectady’s innovating General Electric and Radio Corporation of America.
Sound powered telephone headset 1944.
Headsets were used during WWII by lookouts aboard ships, such as the destroyer escort USS SLATER, as they kept watch for ships, submarines or aircraft that might be approaching. Still used today, these phones allow communication without needing external power.
By 5 PM, we arrived in Burlington. Although we had initially intended to stay in Stowe, we were unable to secure accommodations there due to the influx of leaf peepers, so we opted for a room at the Sunnydays Hotel in Burlington. Upon checking in, we were greeted by the chilly weather. After freshening up, we ventured out to explore Lake Champlain and downtown Burlington. The lake was expansive and a popular destination for visitors to Vermont.
Burlington is a serene, sprawling, and picturesque town. Beginning in the early 1900s the area directly to the east housed numerous emigrants. Many moved here from Italy with hopes to build better lives. Some worked in the lumber mills and railroad yards that bordered the lake.
In the process, they created a community of over 140 homes, lush gardens, thriving and Catholic schools businesses, community social centers, and churches.
In the 1960s this area became the center of Vermont’s largest urban renewal project. The final home was razed in 1968. Displaced families were scattered into the outskirts of Burlington. In place of this once vibrant family neighborhood stands a social and dynamic downtown district. Internationally known as
economic center of Vermont and historically known as Little Italy.
After taking photographs and strolling through downtown, we decided to dine at a Nepali restaurant, where we ordered our dinner to go. The meal was satisfactory, featuring naan, chicken tandoori, and chicken chili.
We enjoyed a restful night at the hotel, although the beds in the United States tend to be quite soft, which made for a somewhat uncomfortable experience. Nevertheless, we managed to get sufficient rest. The following morning, we were treated to a complimentary English breakfast, which included juices, apples, bread with butter, tea, and omelets.
At 8:30 AM, we resumed our journey to Stowe, known as Vermont’s skiing paradise. Along the way, we planned to participate in an apple-picking activity, which turned out to be a delightful experience. The
apple orchards were scattered along our route, surrounded by charming homes, and we took numerous photographs. October in America is synonymous with the Halloween season, so our first stop was a
pumpkin farm. Although we had no particular interest in Halloween, we relished the picturesque farm and its surroundings before continuing on our way. Words fail to capture the beauty of the pumpkin farm, and from there, we proceeded to the ‘apple-pick’ activity.
The experience was truly remarkable. The farm owners provided us with a bag and instructed us to fill it with as many apples as possible for a fee of $20. They guided us to the apple orchard, which featured hundreds of apple trees adorned with colored ribbons to indicate their varieties. Each of us was given a ladle to pick apples and fill our bags. It was an exceptional experience that took approximately 1.5 hours to complete.
Following this, we embarked on our journey to Stowe, which was about a two-hour drive. The scenery was indescribably beautiful, showcasing vibrant maple and oak trees alongside lush green Christmas trees. The road meandered like a serpent through a picturesque forest, dotted with charming cottages, hills adorned with colorful foliage, and small bodies of water.
Upon arriving at the visitor center in Stowe, we encountered hundreds of tourists from around the world, all eager to experience the fall foliage via the Gondola skyride. After waiting in a long queue, we
purchased tickets for $28, which included parking. It took exactly one hour to board the Gondola, and the ride lasted about ten minutes, offering us breathtaking views of the colorful mountains.
The Gondola traversed the skiing path, but as snow typically falls in December and January, we could only see the barren ski trails below. Once we reached the summit, we spent approximately two hours capturing photographs and admiring the stunning natural landscape that unfolded before us.
It is important to note that one must time their visit to coincide with the peak of fall foliage, which usually occurs in mid-October. This timing can vary slightly; in the Vermont region, peak foliage is typically mid-October, while further south, it may extend to the end of October or even the first two weeks of
November. For instance, fall colors can still be observed in New York during the first week of November.
At approximately 4 PM, we embarked on our return journey by car. I would like to reiterate that our route back from Stowe took us through New Hampshire state, a region renowned for its autumn scenery, comparable to that of Vermont.
The state of New Hampshire boasts remarkable natural beauty, ranging from the rugged heights of the White Mountains to the tranquil banks of its numerous lakes and rivers, offering stunning vistas throughout the year. It is recognized for its low crime rates, consistently ranking as one of the safest states in the United States, with a strong commitment to public safety.
Our drive traversed the Green Mountains and the White Mountains, which are named for their distinctive characteristics rather than their colors, as they are adorned with vibrant fall foliage.
The demographic composition of the state is predominantly white, with a notable majority of residents having French-Canadian ancestry, a trend observed throughout the New England region. Surrounding New Hampshire are states such as Maine, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and New York, all of which are among the most expensive places to reside in the country. New Hampshire attracts professionals, retirees, and business owners due to its favorable tax structure.
Although we did not extend our stay in New Hampshire, I recommend considering camping activities in the national parks surrounding the Green and White Mountains.
Regardless, we continued our journey and arrived at a Nepali restaurant in Massachusetts around 9:30 PM. We enjoyed dinner there, which amounted to $65, providing ample food for a family of four.
We finally reached home by 1 AM. I advise against driving after 11 PM in the United States, as fatigue may set in.
Epilogue
The East and West coasts of North America present a striking contrast. The West is characterized by a rich tapestry of cultures and a mix of various ethnic groups, including Hispanic, non-Hispanic, Asian, African, and Latin American communities. In contrast, the East Coast, particularly the New England region, predominantly comprises individuals of Hispanic, Irish, British, or Dutch descent, making up approximately 99% of the population. The New England experience offers a unique perspective of America that is worth exploring. The region’s flora and fauna appear lush and vibrant, the oceans are pristine, and the residents seem to relish their leisurely evenings, often gathered in the open courtyards of restaurants and along the waterfront. The overall ambiance is one of purity and freshness.
Vermont presents itself as a lively haven of diverse plant and animal life, characterized by its mountains, apple and pumpkin orchards, charming cottages, and splendid bungalows. The state exudes an atmosphere conducive to relaxation, with its surroundings encouraging a harmonious connection with nature. This essence is shared with New Hampshire as well.
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