As we moved from New Hampshire back into northern Vermont, we had a plan to learn about maple syrup, visit the state capitol, and wander an iconic ski town, Stowe, Vermont. While Stowe was beautiful, we found a town more suited to RVing and our liking, but I digress.
First stop? Bragg Farm for real Vermont maple syrup! Not only did we learn about tapping the trees and collection, but also the cooking process. We also taste-tested 5 different syrups and of course, bought a few that were worth every penny. Yum!
Since Bragg Farm was located on the outskirts of the state’s capitol, it was a quick trip into Montpelier. The gold-domed state house stands on one end of the small town’s main street. We took a free, self-guided tour. Inside, we met a volunteer who said that 2022’s fall colors were some of the best he’d ever seen. He also told us that he used to be a reporter who covered the Vermont state house and that when he and his colleagues were unhappy with the “guy in charge”, they would often reposition the podium in the press room so that the speaker was standing directly behind the horses ass of a large historic painting that hung in the room. Later, they’d laugh at the news reel footage.
Downtown Montpelier 
White horse’s rear end
We drove out of our way that afternoon to visit Stowe, Vermont, which is known as the “Ski Capitol of the East”. Just before reaching town, we passed through Waterbury, home to the Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream Factory. The parking lot was jammed and we hadn’t made tour reservations in advance, so didn’t stop, although it looked like fun. Stowe sits at the base of Vermont’s highest peak, Mount Mansfield, and is surrounded by the kinds of vistas that are downright cinematic, making it one of the most photographed towns in Vermont. In fact, you’ve probably seen it on a calendar. This town is also where the Sound of Music’s Von Trapp family chose to settle in the 1940s, but today it bustles with high end coffee shops, bars, jewelry, clothing, and outdoor gear shops. By mid-afternoon when we’d arrived, the small main street was already claustrophobic. People packed the sidewalks and crosswalks. There was no parking and truth be told, it was stressful just to get out of its chaos in the RV. At on point, I had to jump out and move a road barrier just so we could turn tail and escape.
Waterbury
Stowe
Back on the road, we headed for our boondocking overnight in a parking lot in Middlebury, Vermont. The lot serves nearby restaurants and exhausted from navigating Stowe, we got some take-out Indian food and fell asleep pretty early. The next morning we walked around quiet Middlebury. With its pretty churches, brick downtown, waterside park, well-cared-for homes and friendly residents, we really loved the town! Our advice, particularly if you’re in an RV, is to skip the sardine pack that has become Stowe and spend a day in Middlebury instead. You’ll get a more authentic, small-town Vermont experience.
Middlebury
