Vermont is at the top of my happy place list.

Maybe I lived there once upon a time in a time before this time .Maybe it’s some sort of cosmic, karmic connection or a home of the heart. All I know is my restless spirit settles down a bit when I’m there.

Vermont’s state motto is Freedom and Unity – two words which totally capture the  Vermont vibe. It’s a kind of place where folks accept other folks. There’s a live and let live sort of belonging. A you do your thing because that’s cool, and I’ll do mine – and let’s just not hurt each other philosophy of living. You can feel it right away.

The air is fresh, the hills are green, and there’s a beautiful old barn on practically every corner. It’s said that cows outnumber people in Vermont, but I’ve not fact-checked it.

I will live in Vermont.

Someday.

For now, I’m grateful I can visit a couple times a year. And live through my photographs the rest of the time.

Here’s the scoop … (a quick wave to Ben & Jerry.)

We stayed at The Inn at Manchester tucked in all neat and tidy next to rolling, green mountains. Picture perfect and welcoming, this beautiful bed and breakfast is owned and operated by a five-star family, the Hanes.  You’ll love the idyllic grounds, the porch, the cozy rooms, the bed sheets and … the breakfasts! A high quality experience, start to finish.

Manchester, Vermont is in the south central part of Vermont just a ways down the road from the New York state border. The green goes on forever, interrupted only by the bluest sky I’ve ever seen. You’ll find old grandeur – and even the occasional polo match – only a hop, skip, and jump away from amazing outlet shopping. Oh – and check out the Northshire Bookstore. Best bookstore. Ever.

From Manchester, head east about 16 miles and you’ll find the little town of Londonderry. If you can make it there for the 4th of July parade, it’s worth the time in photo opportunities alone. Picture little kids pulling red wagons with roosters on top.

We always make time to stop at Taylor Farm.  Take a walk around the farm, visit the animals, and stop by the farm store for some cheese!

And there’s fields and fields of flowers.

If you’re lucky enough to visit Londonderry on a Saturday, stop by the West River Farmers Market!

One last stop: The Vermont Country Store!  Located in lovely Weston, VT, the Vermont Country Store is about 5 miles north of Londonderry on Route 100. It’s like a general store of old with all the concoctions of yesteryear, toys from your childhood, and delicious jams, jellies, and of course, Vermont maple syrup. There’s a huge stock of cheeses, kitchenry, linens, and clothes for men and women. You’ll wander through this place having the time of your life for an hour or more.  It’s a favorite place to visit again and again.

We’ll be going back for another explore in the fall.

Can you even imagine the foliage?