Discovery Series Ornament – Vermont

I could not return from my trip to Burlington empty-handed, so I picked up this nice Discovery Series Ornament – Vermont. Tucked into the upper Northeast, Vermont has a way of getting into your system — the views, the calm, the pride people take in where they’re from.

Vermont’s history is marked by independence. Before it joined the United States in 1791 as the 14th state, it was its own republic for 14 years. It was the first state to outlaw slavery and played a crucial role in the abolitionist movement. Agriculture, forestry, and small-town grit shaped its early identity, and that self-reliant spirit still defines it today.

Here are some symbols of the state as seen in the design of the Discovery Series Vermont Ornament:

– The Green Mountains run like a backbone through Vermont, grounding the landscape and feeding everything around them. They aren’t just scenery – they’ve shaped how people live, farm, and move here for centuries. Their name is no accident; in the right light, they seem to hum with deep green energy. Every hike, every turn on the road, seems to frame them in a new way.

– There’s a rhythm to biking in Vermont that’s hard to beat – roads that roll and wind, and trails that dip into the woods like secret paths. Whether it’s a back road through dairy country or a gravel ride deep in the Northeast Kingdom, the terrain keeps you honest. The state embraces cyclists with bike-friendly towns, repair stations, and events that celebrate the ride. It’s a place where biking is more than a hobby; it’s a way to see the land.

– You can feel the pull of the water on a summer morning, especially with a kayak ready at the shore. Vermont’s lakes and rivers are clean and quiet, perfect for slipping through with a paddle. Paddling on Lake Champlain at sunrise feels like being let in on a secret. The stillness, the light, the sense of space – they stay with you.

– The bear is part of the wild Vermont you don’t always see, but always feel nearby. Black bears roam the forests and mountains, mostly unnoticed, but unmistakably present. They symbolize the rugged and untouched parts of the state that people here deeply respect.

– You can’t talk about Vermont without mentioning ice cream, especially Ben & Jerry’s. Born in a gas station in Burlington, the brand took its quirky, chunky style national – but it never lost its Vermont roots. The factory in Waterbury is still a pilgrimage spot for fans, complete with a flavor graveyard. More than dessert, it’s a symbol of local creativity and conscience.

– The tradition of maple syrup collecting runs deep in Vermont – and it’s not just folklore. The state produces more maple syrup than anywhere else in the U.S., accounting for nearly half the national supply. From early spring sap runs to the unmistakable steam rising from sugar shacks, it’s a full-season ritual grounded in skill and patience. For many Vermonters, it’s both livelihood and legacy, proof that something simple and sweet can define an entire state.

– The red clover, Vermont’s state flower, might seem small, but it’s everywhere – in fields, by roads, in hay. Its bright purple-pink bloom stands out against the green, a little burst of beauty that farmers and bees both appreciate. Hardy, useful, and quietly pretty, it fits the Vermont style. It’s the kind of detail you notice once, then start spotting everywhere.