Vermont is not only a favorite for small-town lovers but is a beautiful place to settle down because it has so much to offer. Keep reading to learn some interesting facts about living in the Green Mountain State.
The largest producer of maple syrup in the US
A few things have come together to make Vermont the Maple Syrup Capital of the World, producing over a half-million gallons a year. Being the land of small towns combined with the 6 million maple trees tapped every year to supply all of the farmer’s markets, grocery stores, restaurants, etc., is the perfect formula to fuel Vermont and its maple syrup tradition.
But all those maple trees aren't without some risk. It is crucial to make sure your home has adequate coverage during heavy weather and to make sure that you keep any trees or shrubbery on your property properly maintained to avoid possible damage.
Bragging rights to the nation's highest ratio of cows to people
With one cow for every 3.8 Vermonters, that old joke about there being more dairy cows than people isn’t entirely accurate, but this state can still brag on their cow: person ratio. Vermont’s terrain makes it ideal for raising livestock. Because it is also so easy to grow hay, it’s no wonder that dairy accounts for more than 70% of the state’s agricultural economy.
Ben & Jerry’s is headquartered in Waterbury, Vermont
Childhood friends Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield, armed with a $5 correspondence course completion certificate in “Ice Cream Making,” the two opened up their first ice cream parlor in a renovated gas station in beautiful downtown Burlington, Vermont.
60+ flavors and a huge acquisition later, this vast company still headquarters in Vermont. Not only does the state reflect the company’s views on environmental and social issues, but with the access to some of the best dairy in the nation, it continues to be a match made in dessert heaven for everyone.
The Von Trapp family that inspired The Sound of Music moved to Stowe, Vermont in 1942
Settling with family that had already come to the US, the VonTrapps turned their 27 room home into a ski lodge. Descendants of the VonTrapps are still running it, and have dialed up the Austrian theme and expanded it into 93 rooms.
People who live and visit Vermont know that they take their winters pretty seriously or just that their winters can get pretty serious. From Snowshoeing to snowmobiling and a winter that people joke about lasting 9 months, a little preparation and a proper home maintenance checklist can make all the difference.
Sure, you could stay in all winter, and as long as you have done your proper fireplace maintenance, taken care of your pipes to protect them from freezing and invested in some smart home devices to make things even more manageable, then go for it. But with some of the most wonderful winter wonderlands in the US, maybe throw on a layer or two and take yourself and the family for a brisk winter walk.
Mud season is a thing
When winter ends and spring begins, mark your calendars because mud season has just set in. Lasting around 6 weeks, this is when the snow melts, leaving the ground wet and muddy, perfect for your best 2 or 4 legged friend to track it all over your home. Because of this, lots of Vermont homes have mudrooms where muddy boots can be removed, and the rest of your winter gear can be stored.
While not every home is equipped with a dedicated mudroom, there are plenty of ways to winterize or ready your home for spring, like adding a boot scrubber or anti-slip floor mat to your entryway. As seasons change, the needs of your home also shift. Paying attention to and anticipating these shifts will almost certainly pay dividends. Don’t procrastinate! Minor issues have a way of becoming major issues which will cost quite a bit more money if left ignored. If you’re unsure where to start your home’s spring cleaning, contact the experts at Hippo Home Care to make a plan. Or check out our post on the top spring cleaning apps to get help right at your fingertips.
INDOOR waterparks
Because winters can seem to go on...and on, Vermonters bring the summer to them with indoor waterparks. Open year-round and unroofed on warm, sunny days, these (that’s right, there are more than a few to choose from) waterpark hotel resorts offer year-round fun and activities for Vermonters or Vermont-visitors looking for warm waters and balmy temperatures.
If you are a homeowner who invested in bringing warm waters directly to your own home by way of a hot tub or sauna, make sure your homeowners insurance is up-to-date. Especially after the pandemic, most homeowners made the choice to make adjustments to their homes and outdoor spaces to make them even more inviting, and if you made the investment, you, of course, need to protect it. Hippo can help. We offer customizable home insurance that will put you at ease, with the great coverage you expect, plus extras like 4x higher coverage limits on your electronics than other providers.
The Rock of Ages
In Barre, you will find a nearly 600-foot deep granite quarry so very ancient, alien-looking that Hollywood used it for the 2009 “Star Trek” movie! If you are a DIY type of person, you can even sandblast your own souvenir with the help of their pros. Still looking for some pre-historic fun? There is even a Flinstone-esque, outdoor bowling alley complete with granite bowling balls.
At Hippo, we understand how important it is to protect all of your assets, even your special, hand-made granite bowling ball. Scheduling coverage for those high-dollar items is something people forget when it comes to their home insurance. But having insurance for these items that you cherish and bring you fun memories, will give you peace of mind.
The world’s largest grilled cheese sandwich
With a state that brags on its dairy production, you already know the cheese is going to be amazing. But the Cabot Creamery of Vermont holds a delicious title of making the world’s largest grilled cheese sandwich! Festival-goers at the Second Annual Everglades Cheese Cracker Festival on November 4, 2000, got a mouthwatering view of a shockingly large, 320-pound sandwich that measured 5ft x 10.5ft. The Guinness Book of World Records has a picture of this enormous sandwich, and it still holds the record!
With all this dairy and amazing fresh produce in Vermont, making sure your refrigerator and other large appliances are also protected by your homeowners insurance policy is extremely important. Check with your home insurance agent to ensure you have insurance protection covering the cost of appliances that break down. Not to brag, Hippo policies may cover what other home insurers usually won’t, including repairs for appliances that break accidentally.
Hippo is proud to offer home insurance in Vermont. We can streamline your homeowners insurance policy, and our hands-on care will do more than surprise you if you ever require our services. If you're ready for a new kind of homeowners insurance, get a 60-second quote or give us a call at (877) 838-8866 to see what Hippo can do for you.
