Vermont is a peaceful and beautiful state with its rolling hills, maple trees, and small-town charm. But if you’ve been living here for a long time, there are some things you start to do, say, or enjoy that might seem strange to outsiders—but totally normal to you! From snow routines to maple syrup obsession, here are 10 clear signs you’ve been in Vermont for just a bit too long.
1. You Use Maple Syrup on Everything
And we mean everything—pancakes, coffee, bacon, even roasted vegetables. If you believe real maple syrup is liquid gold, then yes, you’ve officially turned into a true Vermonter.
2. You Own More Flannel Than Formal Clothes
Flannel shirts aren’t just for fashion—they’re part of life here. Whether it’s winter, fall, or even spring, flannel is the answer to most clothing decisions.
3. You’ve Shovelled Snow in Your Pyjamas
Early morning snowstorms don’t scare you anymore. You’ve woken up, pulled on boots, and cleared your driveway in your nightwear because, well, life has to go on.
4. You Treat Mud Season Like a Real Season
Forget just summer, winter, and fall—mud season is very real in Vermont. You even plan your wardrobe and travel around it. If you’ve got a “mud season” strategy, you’ve definitely stayed a while.
5. You Know Exactly Where “The Notch” Is
If someone says “The Notch is closed,” and you know what they mean instantly, you’ve been here way too long. Locals know all the shortcut roads and scenic passes by heart.
6. You’ve Bragged About Vermont Cheddar
Cheddar is cheddar, right? Not for you. You know the difference between average cheese and Vermont sharp cheddar. And yes, you’ve told your non-Vermont friends about it proudly.
7. You Don’t Even Notice the Cold Anymore
While others bundle up in five layers, you’re out and about with just a fleece jacket. At this point, cold weather feels completely normal.
8. You Complain About Tourists Every Fall
Yes, the foliage is stunning—but the traffic? Not so much. If “leaf peepers” and their out-of-state license plates annoy you every October, it’s a sure sign you’ve been here too long.
9. You’ve Been to a Maple Festival More Than Once
You’ve not only been to a maple festival—you’ve probably looked forward to it all year. It’s not just an event, it’s a celebration of everything you love about Vermont.
10. You Think a “Big City” Is Anything with a Walmart
If your idea of a big city involves a supermarket, a chain restaurant, and more than one traffic light—you’ve been living that small-town Vermont life for quite some time.
Living in Vermont for a long time shapes you in funny, unique ways. You get used to the quiet roads, the crisp mountain air, and a slower pace of life. But along with that, you develop habits and preferences that only fellow Vermonters understand. These 10 signs might seem small, but they prove just how deeply this beautiful state becomes a part of you. And honestly? That’s not such a bad thing.
SOURCES
[1] https://www.helloburlingtonvt.com/blog/post/50-things-to-do-in-vermont/
[2] https://www.tripadvisor.in/Attractions-g28966-Activities-Vermont.html
[3] https://www.airbnb.co.in/vermont-united-states/things-to-do
[4] https://darntough.com/blogs/the-alternate-stitch/local-guide-visiting-vermont
[5] https://matadornetwork.com/read/8-experiences-vermont/
