10 Small Things About West Vermont You Never Thought Would Make You Homesick

1. The Endless Dirt Roads

West Vermont is laced with thousands of miles of dirt roads—8,696 miles, to be exact. These winding, tree-lined byways are more than just routes; they’re the backdrop for Sunday drives, autumn leaf-peeping, and the quiet, everyday beauty of rural life.

2. Unusual Mountain Ridges

Mount Ascutney in West Windsor stands out because its ridge runs east-west, unlike most Vermont peaks that run north-south. This subtle geographic quirk is a unique part of the local landscape that you might not notice until you’re gone.

3. Covered Bridges Everywhere

Vermont is home to 106 covered bridges, many tucked away in the western valleys. Their weathered wood and classic red paint are a nostalgic sight, especially in the fog or after a snowfall.

4. The Smallest City’s Big Heart

Vergennes, in western Vermont, is the smallest city in the state and one of the smallest in the country—just two square miles. Its compact downtown and close-knit community are easy to miss once you’ve left.

5. Ominous Mountain Names

West Vermont’s mountains have names that stick with you: Terrible Mountain in Weston, Hurricane Hill in West Windsor, and Vulture Mountain in Stockbridge. These names are a reminder of the region’s wild, storied past.

6. The Lost Hamlet Under the Reservoir

Mountain Mills, a once-thriving hamlet, now sits beneath the Harriman Reservoir in Wilmington. The idea of a whole community hidden underwater is a haunting, uniquely Vermont memory.

7. The Smell of Maple Everything

From sugar shacks to roadside stands, the scent of boiling maple sap in spring is unforgettable. Maple sugar candy, lollipops, and even maple ice cream are local treats that can trigger homesickness with just a whiff.

8. The Quiet of Forests and Fields

With more than 70% of Vermont forested, the hush of the woods and the open fields of the west are a constant, calming presence. The sound of wind in the trees or the crunch of snow underfoot is hard to find elsewhere.

9. The Absence of Billboards

Vermont banned billboards in 1968, so the views—rolling hills, barns, and mountains—are uninterrupted. It’s a small thing, but the uncluttered scenery is something you might not appreciate until you see highways elsewhere.

10. The Community Spirit

Whether it’s a town meeting, a local fair, or just neighbors helping each other out, the sense of community in West Vermont is strong and genuine. It’s the kind of everyday kindness and connection that can make you unexpectedly homesick when you’re far away.

These small details—quirky geography, local foods, hidden histories, and a sense of belonging—are what make West Vermont linger in your heart long after you’ve left.

Sources: