11 Small Things About Vermont You Never Thought Would Make You Homesick

Here are 11 small things about Vermont that people often don’t expect to miss but find themselves homesick for after leaving:

1. Self-Sufficient Community Vibes
   The tight-knit communities where neighbors help each other and life revolves around sharing local goods create a comforting, self-sustaining culture that’s hard to replicate elsewhere.
2. Farmers Markets and Local Produce
   The abundance of farmers markets brimming with fresh vegetables, homemade baked goods, apple cider donuts, and handcrafted items makes daily life special and memorable.
3. The Five Seasons
   Locals speak of five unique seasons: Foliage, Stick (mud season), Winter, Mud, and Summer—each with its own distinct mood, weather, and activities.
4. The Quiet Small Town Pace
   Vermont’s reserved and private locals create a peaceful lifestyle that feels slower and more genuine compared to busy city life.
5. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) Awareness
   Residents acknowledge the impact of long, gray winters with limited sunlight, where daily routines adapt to managing this challenge, something outsiders might overlook.
6. Stark Natural Beauty
   Vermont’s lush green mountains, crisp air, and clean, scenic environments provide a natural backdrop that residents quietly cherish.
7. Mild Summers and Cool Breezes
   The relief from extreme heat common elsewhere is a subtle joy—summers here are mild enough to enjoy outdoor activities comfortably.
8. The Craft Beer and Cider Culture
   An off-the-chart craft beer and cider scene offers a vibrant local taste, making social gatherings and small breweries essential to local culture.
9. Bug Battles in Summer
   Despite the stunning outdoors, the abundance of mosquitos, ticks, and black flies during warmer months is a small annoyance that becomes part of the local experience.
10. Internet and Cell Reception Woes
    Spotty internet and inconsistent cell service especially in rural areas is a challenge that many miss once they leave, as it shapes how people interact daily.
11. Fall Foliage Tourist Crowd
    Residents have a love-hate relationship with the spectacular fall foliage season that draws tourists in huge numbers, disrupting the usually quiet towns but also supporting seasonal local jobs.

These small, often overlooked details contribute deeply to Vermont’s unique lifestyle and community feel, making people nostalgic once away.

SOURCES

(https://thehonestlocal.com/pros-cons-living-vermont-moving/)
(https://www.vtrural.org/programs/question-1/)
(https://www.businessinsider.com/surprising-things-about-vermont-after-moving-from-south-photos-2022-6)
(https://thefactfile.org/vermont-facts/)(https://www.reddit.com/r/NewToVermont/comments/1f9br7l/thinking_about_moving_to_vermont_whats_the_best/)