For visitors, transplants and natives alike, the state of Vermont just feels homey. From its winding scenic roads and two-lane highways, to the friendly and hospitable people who inhabit the state--you can't help but feel comfortable and at ease here.

When I was younger, it baffled me why people would come from around the globe to visit a place where there seems to be nothing going on. Now, I realize that that's the exact reason why people come here: they seek the serenity and uninterrupted landscape that the state offers around almost every corner. (I say "uninterrupted" because we have no billboard advertisements, no vast cities and in turn, no skyscrapers, either.) Twice as many people live in Vermont's rural areas, as opposed to urban.

The Green Mountains of Vermont are some of the most beautiful in the country. Hikers, bikers, snowboarders, skiers, rock climbers, and really just about anybody can find something enjoyable to do on and amongst the mountains. When you decide to adventure through our unique paradise you will be pleased to find hidden waterfalls, quarries and, of course, incredible views.

In the Fall, the Green Mountains are unlike anything you have ever seen. You haven't fully lived until you've visited Ludlow or Stowe, Vermont during the foliage season. The vibrant and varying colors of the trees mixed with old churches, covered bridges, farms and quiet mountain towns make for views that out-of-staters may have only thought existed in magazines.

Speaking of farms, Vermont has plenty of them. Whether they are new or old, they help complete our landscape and are all different and unique in their own way. Some have one corn silo, or two or three; some have cow stalls whereas others have chicken coops; some have brown barns and some have red or white. One thing they do all have in common, though, is the distinct smell of manure when it's time to fertilize fields--something every person who has driven the length of the state during summertime has surely smelled during some part of their route.

Thanks to these farms, in a state with one of the smallest populations in the country, Vermont has been able to produce home-style, high-quality products, some of which are distributed internationally. Cabot Cheese, King Arthur Flour and Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream are a few of our most successful businesses. The strong reputation of the products produced by these companies can be attributed to the fact that many of the ingredients used to make their products (like milk, cream, or corn) come directly from Vermont farms.

Our hundreds of family-owned farms and businesses also contribute to the state's homey feel. Vermonters take pride in their roots and in tradition. Ask any Vermonter if they know someone who makes maple syrup, or if they themselves ever have, and the answer will be yes nearly every time. Teaching and learning how to make maple syrup is just one iconic Vermont tradition--and we don't like to change tradition. How else would we have preserved the state's old-time and friendly feel, as well as our gorgeous landmarks?