This past weekend, I visited Vermont for the first time in my life. It was really the first time I had visited the Northeast since I was young. I was immediately taken aback by the beauty of the scenery. As I was driven away from the airport, I could not believe how breathtakingly beautiful the mountains were. We also drove through some of the cutest little towns I have ever seen.

Vermont left such an impression on me, which is why I feel like everyone needs to visit there at least once.

1. The mountains

The mountains here are absolutely gorgeous. The guy I was with has attended college in Vermont for three years, so we took a scenic drive where he showed me and named all the mountains for me. All of these great mountains mean great hiking (a personal favorite hobby) as well.

2. The cute little towns

I only visited Stowe while I was in Vermont, but I also drove through Burlington. Stowe is so cute, though. We ate at this lovely diner called McCarthy’s. They prepared the most amazing brunch two days in a row. Stowe also had adorable little shops dedicated to a variety of things such as chocolates, maple syrup and knickknacks.

3. Food

As I mentioned before, I had the opportunity to dine at the sweetest little diner twice, and it was nothing less than perfect each time. We also tried some local pizza, which we ate while we sat on our porch, listened to some music and gazed upon the mountains. One of the reasons I was so excited to go to Vermont is because the guy I was with constantly brags to me about how amazing the food is there. He tells me of ramen, cheese and quaint restaurants, which all have enticed me to return to fully experience the food.

P.S. You’ve never had pancakes until you’ve had them with maple syrup made there.

4. The alcohol (especially the beer)

The condo I stayed in was right next to The Alchemist, a famous brewery. We went there and I watched as the people I was with sampled a variety of beers. We got to learn about their distillation process as well as see the inner workings of their factory. One of the funniest things to me about Vermont was that they sold a vast variety of craft beer in their gas stations. I tried some amazing beer while in Vermont because the guy I was with loves craft beer, so if you’re a fan of that you won’t be disappointed.

5. The weather

The Northeast is notorious for harsh weather, but man is that weather beautiful. When I stepped off my plane it was cold and snowing, but they were the most beautiful snowflakes I had ever seen. As we walked to the military ball I attended, the snow descended on my dress and I felt like a princess. Similarly, the mountains look majestic covered in snow. However, the rest of the weekend it was perfect spring weather. Vermont can definitely do it all.

6. The cheese

I had the privilege of sitting next to a high-up manager of Cabot cheese on my flight into Vermont. I had no idea that cheese was as big of a deal as it is in Vermont until the guy I was with flipped out when I told him who I was sitting next to and talked about cheese with for my entire plane ride. I can attest: the cheese is worth the hype. The man was actually flying back in from a Wisconsin cheese show, where their Cabot cheese took top prizes in a variety of categories. I did not have a large sample of cheeses at a factory, but the sampling I did was nothing short of spectacular.

7. Ice cream

Are you an ice cream fan? Especially a fan of Ben and Jerry's? Well, they were founded in Vermont, and you can even tour their factory!

8. The art

Vermont is a beautiful state naturally, but the variety and plethora of artwork present only amplifies that beauty. There are so many galleries and workshops covered in art, as well as murals and museums.

9. The cuteness

Just to reiterate, Vermont is ADORABLE. How can you not love a state full of covered bridges?

Whether you are there for a weekend (like me), a week or a lifetime, the scenery, food and drinks alone are enough to keep you hooked in Vermont. There is beauty and adventure around every corner. If you’re especially lucky like I was, you’ll have someone who can show you all the best spots, touristy and off the beaten path.