Vermont might be known for maple syrup, flannel shirts, and fall foliage—but there’s way more to the Green Mountain State than clichés and cabin-core TikToks. Like any state, Vermont has picked up its fair share of stereotypes over the years, many of which are either outdated, exaggerated, or just plain wrong. Here are 12 common Vermont stereotypes that seriously need to be put to rest—right now.
1. Everyone’s a Maple Syrup Farmer
Yes, Vermont produces more maple syrup than any other state. No, that doesn’t mean every Vermonter has a sugar shack in their backyard. For most locals, maple syrup is something you buy, not something you tap from your own tree.
2. They All Wear Flannel 24/7
Flannel? Sure, it’s comfy and warm. But not every Vermonter walks around looking like a lumberjack. People wear jeans, hoodies, and—gasp—even business casual. This isn’t a state-wide L.L. Bean fashion show.
3. There’s Nothing to Do Except Ski and Hike
While Vermont is known for its stunning outdoors, the state also has craft breweries, live music, art galleries, farmers markets, indie bookstores, and more. It’s got way more culture than it gets credit for.
4. It’s All Small Towns and No Cities
True, Vermont doesn’t have big cities like Boston or New York—but Burlington, Montpelier, and Brattleboro pack a surprising punch with food, music, and creativity. They may be small in size, but they’re big in personality.
5. Everyone’s a Liberal, Bernie-Loving Hippie
Yes, Vermont leans politically left. Yes, Bernie Sanders is wildly popular. But no, not everyone is a granola-crunching socialist. Vermont has a mix of political views, especially in rural areas.
6. It’s Always Freezing Cold
Vermont winters are cold and snowy—but that doesn’t mean it’s winter year-round. Spring and summer bring lush greenery, waterfalls, and warm weather, and fall foliage season is nothing short of magical.
7. You Can’t Live There Without a Subaru
Subarus are popular for a reason (they handle snow like champs), but plenty of Vermonters drive trucks, Jeeps, Toyotas, and everything in between. You’re not kicked out of the state if you don’t drive a Forester.
8. Vermont Is Just for Retirees and Hippie Transplants
While it’s true that some people move to Vermont for a quieter life, the state is also full of young professionals, artists, students, and entrepreneurs building careers and communities.
9. Everyone Lives Off-Grid or in a Cabin
Sure, there are off-grid homes and cabins tucked into the woods—but most people live in regular houses with Wi-Fi, plumbing, and yes—Netflix. Vermont isn’t an 1800s reenactment.
10. People from Vermont Are All the Same
Vermont may be small, but it’s not one-size-fits-all. Southern Vermont feels different from the Northeast Kingdom, and Burlington isn’t anything like Barre or Rutland. There’s a surprising amount of regional diversity packed into this little state.
11. There’s No Diversity in Vermont
It’s no secret Vermont is one of the least racially diverse states, but that doesn’t mean there’s no cultural richness. The state is home to New American communities, indigenous Abenaki people, and a growing focus on inclusivity and education.
12. There’s No Reason to Visit Unless You Ski
Come on. Between the fall foliage, covered bridges, maple festivals, hot air balloon events, and brewery tours, there are plenty of reasons to visit Vermont—even if you’ve never touched a pair of skis in your life.
Vermont is a beautiful, complex, and often misunderstood state. It’s more than just syrup, snow, and stereotypes. From bustling college towns to peaceful mountain valleys, Vermont offers a lot more than meets the eye. So let’s stop boiling it down to tired clichés and give the Green Mountain State the credit it deserves.
SOURCES
[1] https://www.reddit.com/r/vermont/comments/obwsn1/can_you_help_me_understand_the_vermont_culture/
[2] https://www.vermontpublic.org/programs/2020-12-17/where-do-the-terms-woodchuck-and-flatlander-come-from
[3] https://www.cntraveler.com/video/watch/50-americans-home-state-most-popular-stereotypes-cliches
[4] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6aUOtOSJEB0
[5] https://www.movoto.com/guide/vt/vermont-stereotypes/
