The one thing that surprised my kids and I when we were on our East Coast US History tour last year was how each place we visited *felt*. For example, the overwhelming awe we experienced at the Wright Bros NP at Kitty Hawk was completely unexpected. It was as if we were walking on hallowed ground. It was so unexpected and yet was experienced by the adults and 20 teens alike. Boston, on the other hand, had a completely different feeling and vibe. So, the thing I would add to such a list was identifying the overarching feeling of each stop.
Since Covid, I have spent much time traveling the “blue highways” of the country in a camper van, making a point to spend time in flyspeck towns and happen-upon places not on any tourist’s itinerary. It has been so rewarding. I suspect you will find some “magic moments” on your travels around Vermont and I look forward to reading them. I shall subscribe!
I have a friend who does that in Texas. He keeps a photographic log of county courthouses. There are over 250 counties in Texas. He’s like 70% there. He goes to the county seat, takes a photo of the courthouse, and then just chills in the town for awhile. When he’s done, he’ll really know Texas.
I live in Duxbury, which is one of the Vermont towns most people drive through rather than to. We don't really even have a downtown, and actually have very few businesses at all. The last gas station closed a decade ago. We're bisected by Camels Hump, which means despite being a relatively small area, it can take upwards of an hour to get from one part of Duxbury to another.
Duxbury also sits between Waterbury and Waitsfield, which are much more town-like, and have a lot more going on. Waterbury's mid-summer night life can get pretty bustling, or about as bustling as a small town can be.
We don't have a library (unless you count the ones in the Middle and High Schools), or a post office (we share Waterbury's zip code), or fire/police departments. What used to be Duxbury elementary is now a daycare and apartment building.
The coolest part of Duxbury is probably Camels Hump (it's on the state quarter!), which if you're feeling energetic, is a 3-5 hour hike to the summit, depending on your pace. Great views and on a clear day you can see New York and New Hampshire.
Maybe an actual postcard from the place, sometimes. Thanks!
The one thing that surprised my kids and I when we were on our East Coast US History tour last year was how each place we visited *felt*. For example, the overwhelming awe we experienced at the Wright Bros NP at Kitty Hawk was completely unexpected. It was as if we were walking on hallowed ground. It was so unexpected and yet was experienced by the adults and 20 teens alike. Boston, on the other hand, had a completely different feeling and vibe. So, the thing I would add to such a list was identifying the overarching feeling of each stop.
Since Covid, I have spent much time traveling the “blue highways” of the country in a camper van, making a point to spend time in flyspeck towns and happen-upon places not on any tourist’s itinerary. It has been so rewarding. I suspect you will find some “magic moments” on your travels around Vermont and I look forward to reading them. I shall subscribe!
I have a friend who does that in Texas. He keeps a photographic log of county courthouses. There are over 250 counties in Texas. He’s like 70% there. He goes to the county seat, takes a photo of the courthouse, and then just chills in the town for awhile. When he’s done, he’ll really know Texas.
Great idea.
We drove through Vermont often, from a university in Quebec to weekends in Boston.
Going to enjoy Canada in the foreseeable future, but wish you well in your travels.
This is great, and daunting.
I live in Duxbury, which is one of the Vermont towns most people drive through rather than to. We don't really even have a downtown, and actually have very few businesses at all. The last gas station closed a decade ago. We're bisected by Camels Hump, which means despite being a relatively small area, it can take upwards of an hour to get from one part of Duxbury to another.
Duxbury also sits between Waterbury and Waitsfield, which are much more town-like, and have a lot more going on. Waterbury's mid-summer night life can get pretty bustling, or about as bustling as a small town can be.
We don't have a library (unless you count the ones in the Middle and High Schools), or a post office (we share Waterbury's zip code), or fire/police departments. What used to be Duxbury elementary is now a daycare and apartment building.
The coolest part of Duxbury is probably Camels Hump (it's on the state quarter!), which if you're feeling energetic, is a 3-5 hour hike to the summit, depending on your pace. Great views and on a clear day you can see New York and New Hampshire.