#vermontforests

Two Traveling Lanes

The smell of Christmas in Vermont

David lived in Vermont for a few years before we met and we knew we wanted to make it part of our New England trip, but he lived pretty far north near Burlington and we didn't want to travel that far into the state. Studying the map during our drive, we decided a stop in the Southern Green Mountains near Bennington would be perfect, both in terms of distance and scenery. The mountains of Vermont are legendary, after all, and in a completely new way that few travel pieces note: they smell like Christmas trees!

On a trail near our campsite where the trees towered overhead creating a beautiful path into the woods. Yes, you read that right. For someone who grew up in the woods of Kentucky and has trekked through countless forests in southern states, I was not prepared for the delicious smell of Balsam firs, white spruce and white pine that permeated my senses as soon as I stepped foot in the lush green forest on a chilly June afternoon.The familiar, intoxicating smell of Christmas trees is something I had previously enjoyed only on those magical occasions when our Florida family had sought out a Christmas tree lot in December to choose our verdant holiday symbol. To this day, the smell instantly transports me back to those wondrous years when our children were young and real Fraser firs were an integral part of the joyous season.Hiking in VermontNow, with the kids grown and an artificial Christmas tree replacing those live varieties, I was experiencing the magic of the season all over again -- in June! I was surrounded by thousands of living, breathing firs and spruce in all their majesty, from 1-inch seedlings to giants too massive to decorate with a star on top. The smell was wonderful and followed us wherever we hiked throughout the Green Mountain National Forest. We even managed to find a superb campground right in the forest. Greenwood Lodge and Campsites had its own magnificent hiking trails and two ponds, one of which was open to dogs. Sonny had a great time swimming in the pond, and there were even free canoes available to use. The owners were very helpful and opened the

The smell of Christmas trees is in the air! clubhouse, reading room and bathroom for guests 24-7.Where to eat in BenningtonThey also recommended a fabulous place nearby to eat and relax: The Publyk House. There was a beautiful view of the mountains on the expansive patio outside but we opted to dine indoors because it was a little chilly and rainy. With its all-wooden interior, cozy fireplace and rustic charm, it was a picture-perfect vacation retreat with home-cooked food and an ample salad bar.Afterwards we moseyed around the cute, historic downtown and swung by the towering Bennington Battle Monument. It's a 306-foot-high stone obelisk that commemorates the Battle of Bennington during the American Revolutionary War. Standing next to it, you realize just how big it is.We only spent a few days in Vermont because the main attraction was hiking and the weather was calling for more rain. Still, I'll always cherish how it delighted all our senses, and I understand why Vermont residents chose to label it "the Green Mountain State" on license plates. It truly is a gem.