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Located in the state of Vermont is the Green Mountain National Forest Destination. The majority of the region is comprised of the destination’s namesake, the Green Mountain National Forest. In total, the forest covers 821,040 acres of land, with only about 399,000 of those acres being federally owned and protected.[1] Hiking is a reportedly popular activity in the forest; various trails are available such as Haystack Mountain, Little Rock Pond, Harmon Hill, and Bald Mountain, all varying in length.[2] Other activities available in the forest include cross-country skiing, bicycling, snowmobiling, and horseback riding.[1] Dover, a city in the region located near the forest, also offers various activities for those in the area. Winter sports are relatively popular in the town, which has led to the area becoming known as a ski destination.[3] Dover’s temperatures range from 10 to 76 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on the time of year. Late June to the end of August is reportedly the “best time of year to visit Dover for warm-weather activities.”[10]
Green Mountain National Forest Destination is located primarily in the state of Vermont. It is most notable for the national forest it is named after due to a fairly large portion of the region being comprised of the forest. Specifically, Green Mountain National Forest encompasses 821,040 acres of land, although only approximately 399,000 acres are federally owned. This national forest is one of the only two located in the New England area, the other being the White Mountain National Forest. The forest offers a variety of activities, namely hiking, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, bicycling, and horseback riding.[1] Popular hiking trails within the forest include Haystack Mountain (4.2 miles), Harmon Hill (3.6), Bald Mountain (3.8 miles), and Little Rock Pond (34.8 miles). Waterfalls can be found in the area, specifically the Lye Brook Falls, Thundering Falls, Texas Falls, and Falls of Lana, among others. Camping is common within Green Mountain National Forest. Places visitors can camp at are Grout Pond, Silver Lake, and Hapgood Pond.[2]
Other notable locations in the destination include Dover, Brattleboro, Dummerston, Bennington, and Wilmingham, among others. Brattleboro is located 10 miles away from Vermont’s state border with Massachusetts. The town has two colleges: Community College of Vermont and Vermont Techincal College. Vermont Jazz Center, New England Center for Circus Arts, and Brattleboro Retreat are also situated within the town.[6] As of the 2020 census, Brattleboro was reported to have a population of 6,429 people.[5]
Dover, Vermont, is located relatively close to the Green Mountain National Forest and has been developed as a ski destination, previously being recognized as a summer destination. The area is known as the Mount Snow Ski Area, which rests on Mount Pisgah, also known as Mount Snow. Attractions in Dover include the aforementioned Mount Snow Resort; Southern Vermont Natural History Museum, which is surrounded by a conservation area; and Snowmobile Vermont, which has become recognized as “the most experienced, largest, and oldest snowmobile tour operators in New England.”[3]
The Green Mountain National Forest Destination is mainly undeveloped due to a large portion of the region being comprised of the Green Mountain National Forest, the namesake of the destination. Approximately 821,000 acres of land make up the forest, which is home to a variety of wildlife. Species of fauna found in the park include beavers, moose, black bears, coyotes, white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and ruffed grouse.[1] Flora found in the forest include yellow birch, green ash, beech, black ash, red maple, white ash, hemlock, and paper birch.[7] The forest also offers a variety of activities for visitors, such as hiking, camping, swimming, fishing, and various views of the surrounding area, with fall being a popular time to come due to the fall foliage.[2]
Green Mountain National Forest is specifically located in the western corner of Vermont, near the state’s borders with Massachusetts and New York. Notably, the forest is “split up into two non-contiguous sections within Vermont,” but altogether, it offers a total of eight recreation areas. The mountains within the forest are a subrange from the Appalachian Mountains. The forest also covers a total of six counties, namely Bennington, Rutland, Windsor, Washington, Addison, and Windham.[7] Green Moutain National Forest is also one of only two national forests in the Northeastern part of the United States.[8]
Situated next to the Green Mountain National Forest is the city of Dover. In total, the town is 35.3 square miles and is known for the Mount Snow ski area.[9] Temperatures in Dover range from 10 to 76 degrees Fahrenheit on average, depending on the season. December to March is classified as the cold season, with the average daily high temperature being 36 degrees. During the hot season, between May to September, the average high temperature is 75 degrees.[10]
Before the official establishment of the Green Mountain National Forest, the area was inhabited by various groups of people for thousands of years. Some of these groups include the Wabanaki Confederacy and the Mohicans. Eventually, the first European settlers came to the region in the 1500s; it’s speculated that “the French sailor Cartier was perhaps the first to see the Green Mountains.”[7]
The development of the Green Mountain National Forest was a result of “uncontrolled overlogging, fire, and flooding.” Acreage for the national forest has fluctuated throughout the years; originally, it was 102,100 acres, with only 1,842 of those acres being federally owned. By 2011, the government acquired more land, owning 399,151 acres of the 821,040-acre forest.[1]
Brattleboro, another city in the destination, was first inhabited by the Abenaki people, who originally called the area “Wantastiquet,” which can be interpreted as “lost river,” “river of the lonely way,” or “river that leads west.” Eventually, the area was settled as a result of the Massachusetts Bay Colony defending itself against Chief Gray Lock during what is known as Dummer’s War. Since then, the town has grown and has become known as “both a commercial and touristic getaway for the state of Vermont” and is also recognized for the art community present within the city.[6] Currently, the town has a population of 7,346 people, which is a 14.26% increase since the 2020 census, which reported 6,429 residents. Currently, the primary demographic of those living in Battleboro is white, making up 94.79% of the population.[5]
Another city in the destination is Dover, which is located relatively close to Green Mountain National Forest. The town of Dover was initially settled in 1779 by Captain Abner Perry. In the 1900s, the area started to grow from tourism. Dover was first recognized as a summer destination, commonly visited by those looking to explore and stay at farms located in the town. Walter Schoenknecht aided in the development of winter activities after purchasing the Ruben Snow farm and converting it into the Mount Snow Ski Area, which supposedly “marked the beginning of the Dover we see today.”[11]
In 1769, Colonel William Williams bought the property in Malboro, Vermont, and built a farmhouse for his family. Now, the original building is Colonel Williams Inn. The land has passed through many different hands throughout the years but was most recently purchased by John, Nancie, and Peter Marinaro, the current owners. The buildings have been kept accurate to their 1700's colonial style and still have historic features such as four 18th century fireplaces. The Barnhouse is three stories and contains nine rooms, and not far from the main house is the Carriage House that has two rooms in its two-story structure. Common areas are found in the main building on the first floor, with a small lounge on the second. The property makes up nine acres of land. On the premises is a pond that has become the home to a family of beavers. The barn located on the property has been converted into a wedding venue, with a max capacity of 185 guests.
...Read MoreThe Frog Meadow Farm Bed & Breakfast is located on top of Newfane Hill, a few miles outside the village of Newfane in southern Vermont. It is owned and operated by Dave and his husband Scott as a men-only gay resort. Created to serve as a safe haven for men to socialize and relax, Frog Meadow has various unique features such as a swimming pond, a wood-fired hot tub, a massage studio, and extensive grounds covered in woods and meadows. Close by is also the city of Battleboro, which is known by some for its artistry, surrounding scenery, and counterculture.
...Read MoreThe Reluctant Panther Inn and Restaurant
The Reluctant Panther Inn and Restaurant is located in Manchester Village, Vermont. Visitors to the establishment are given the option to choose from 20 available guestrooms that are divided among three separate buildings on the premises. Complimentary breakfast baskets are provided for all patrons who are staying at the inn. A few food items that may be offered in the basket are a bagel with cream cheese and smoked salmon, a yogurt and granola parfait, and cereal, to name a few. The Reluctant Panther Restaurant can be found in the Main House, as well as 11 of the guestrooms. Inside the Mary Porter House and the Carriage House, the other nine units can be found. In 2005, the Main House was reconstructed after having suffered an unfortunate fire; however, before this fire took place, the buildings dated back to circa the 1850s, according to Morgan, the general manager.
...Read MoreFour Columns Inn
The Four Columns Inn is currently owned by the Newfane Hospitality Group and managed by the mother and daughter duo of Andrea Jourdan and Francesca Jourdan. The inn is located in the town of Newfane, Vermont. The original building, today referred to as the Four Columns Building, which ultimately became the Four Columns Inn, was constructed in 1832 by the state militia general Pardon T. Kimball. Today, the bed and breakfast establishment includes three buildings with 15 available rooms for rent. Additionally, the property is equipped with a restaurant and a tavern open to both the public and guests of the inn. The property overlooking the Smith Brook also contains various ponds and creeks, as well as a garden that produces some of the food for the restaurant. The Jourdans strive to create an atmosphere where visitors feel "comfortable." The Four Columns Inn has received various reviews, with the quality of both the food and service being the most commonly mentioned items in such reviews.
...Read MoreSnow Goose Inn is located in West Dover, Vermont, which is a city found on the southern side of the state. The establishment is only open from December to April and June to October. A total of 13 rooms can be reserved in the inn. Amenities that are provided in each unit include television, Wi-Fi, heating, air-conditioning, and a private bathroom. Patrons who stay at the inn can receive breakfast in the morning, provided by a business that is partnered with Snow Goose Inn called Betsey's Dot's of Dover, a restaurant within walking distance. Also near the inn is Mt. Snow, a mountain that skiers can utilize in the winter. Visitors can also find hiking trails and a reservoir in the vicinity. Snow Goose Inn is a pet-friendly business.
...Read MoreBoardman House Bed and Breakfast
The Boardman House Bed and Breakfast is located in Townshend, Vermont, and has a total of five rooms available for guest reservation. Each of these rooms features amenities such as private bathrooms, tables, chairs, and either a twin or queen-size bed, depending on the room. The house’s architecture is described by Sarah, one of the owners of the property, as being a “Greek revival” style. One will find that the property is also situated next to the Townshend Church, which Sarah says is the “most photographed church in Vermont.” Sarah says she wants her guests to feel comfortable during their stay, striving to create a quiet environment for them in the house. While some small events take place throughout the year, the main draw for many people to the region occurs each fall when the region’s trees change color. Another activity that many visitors may engage in during the winter season is skiing at some of the resorts near the bed and breakfast.
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