We’ve Officially Visited Every State in the Northeast! 🍁

Vermont was a special stop for us because it marked a huge milestone! It’s the last state we needed to complete states in the Northeast!

What better place to celebrate than the home of one of the world’s most famous ice cream brands?

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Our first stop was the Ben & Jerry’s Factory in Waterbury. Tours operate on 30-minute timed tickets, giving us plenty of time beforehand to explore the beautiful grounds. We wandered through the outdoor seating areas, enjoyed the mountain views, snapped photos at the many photo ops, and even watched visitors making tie-dye T-shirts. With the Green Mountains stretching across the horizon, it was the perfect place to relax before our tour began.

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Inside, we got a behind-the-scenes look at how Ben & Jerry’s ice cream is made. We learned that this was the original Ben & Jerry’s factory, where they once produced just one flavor at a time. Today, the company operates multiple manufacturing facilities in the United States and overseas, producing more than one million tubs of ice cream every day.

Every tour includes a free sample, and we were lucky enough to try flavors that are only available at the factory. We also visited the famous Flavor Graveyard, where retired flavors are “laid to rest” with clever headstones, making it one of the most unique attractions on the property. The factory also has a playground, making it a fun stop for families with young children.

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After leaving Waterbury, we headed to Burlington to check out one of Vermont’s quirkiest roadside attractions! The World’s Largest Filing Cabinet on Flynn Avenue. Standing 38 drawers tall, this unusual sculpture was created in 2002 by local artist Bren Alvarez as a playful commentary on the endless paperwork surrounding a delayed highway project. It’s one of those wonderfully odd landmarks that’s worth a quick stop and a photo.

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As we drove through Burlington, we also caught a glimpse of the famous Whale Tails art installation along the highway. Created by Vermont artist Jim Sardonis, the giant black whale tail sculptures honor the endangered North Atlantic right whale and serve as a reminder of the importance of protecting our environment. Unfortunately we did not get to stop to see them as they came out of nowhere on the highway exit but if you’re in the area, definitely stop by and snap some pics.

Before beginning our journey home, we made one final stop at a marina along Lake Champlain to watch the sunset. The calm water, colorful sky, and peaceful atmosphere were the perfect way to end our time in Vermont.

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Vermont may be one of the smallest states, but it certainly didn’t disappoint. Between scenic mountain views, delicious ice cream, quirky roadside attractions, and a beautiful sunset over Lake Champlain, it was the perfect way to complete our journey through the Northeast.

Northeast complete… now it’s time to see what part of the country is next!

@victoriaam