I have really been enjoying my road trips across the Northeast this summer. Recently, I spent the weekend in Vermont. The city of Brattleboro is home to the only all-vegan restaurant in the entire state. It lies in the southern part of the state. The region is also known for food coop markets. I made a stop at the Brattleboro Food Coop Market(Brattleboro Food Coop) for lunch on my drive up from Massachusetts. The selections were plentiful and varied! The vegan deli items were clearly marked. I chose the rigatoni pasta with tomatoes, herb crusted tofu, and sweet potatoes. My beverage was the “Green Mountain” smoothie made with bananas and greens. For dessert, a chocolate fudge cake hit the spot! It was a fabulous meal!

The first attraction on my itinerary was the Brattleboro Museum & Art Center (Brattleboro Museum & Art Center). This museum houses unique and creative exhibits from local artists. The current exhibit on display is a row of rubber duckies lined up, sitting in their little chairs and wearing a variety outfits. Simply precious! The displays run the gamut from childhood toys to contemporary sculptures.

After replenishing my body with a nutritious, vegan meal, it was time to get in some healthy exercise. I headed over to Fort Dummer State Park. This state forest, at the southern tip of the Green Mountains, was the first non-indiginous settlement in the state of Vermont.

The city of Burlington was my next destination. This quaint college town is not sleep! Many shops and cafes line the downtown streets. I strolled along the perimeter of Lake Champlain at the end of Main Street. Tourists may take a lunch time or sunset cruise or even take the ferry for a one hour ride to upstate New York. I decided then to wander about town.

Dinner time had arrived. One of the best places for vegans to eat in town, is Stone Soup(Stone Soup). This cafe offers a nice variety of items, many vegan, at their buffet station. I opted for a plate of jollof rice, tofu pot pie, sweet potatoes, kale, African leaf soup, tempeh stew, and potato/carrot/pea curry. For dessert, I purchased a cranberry chocolate scone. The cafe offers several vegan desserts such as cookies, macaroons, and muffins. I munched on a tasty rhubarb ginger apple cookie and packed the remaining portion in my bag, as a travel treat. The meal was very flavorful and the sweets are not to be missed!

After dinner, I found a juice bar fairly closeby on Main Street. The “Muddy Waters” juice was a refreshing blend of carrot, apple, and orange juice.

The Lake Champlain chocolates are popular across the northeastern part of the USA. Their headquarters are in Burlington, VT. I stopped by their downtown shop to purchase some treats. The knowledgeable salesperson showed me several vegan items in the display case. I purchased a dark chocolate apricot piece, three dark chocolate mini-squares, and a dark chocolate almond bark. All I can say is “Yummy”!

I drove further south to the state capital of Montpelier after my chocolate rush. Night time was upon us and it was time for me check into my lovely bed and breakfast inn, The Gamble Inn.

After a pleasant and comfortable night’s sleep, I woke up feeling hungry. In the center of town, the Hunger Mountain Coop(Hunger Mountain Coop) can be found which has both a market and a cafe on its premises. Vegan-friendly produce and foods are offered.

My morning meal at their cafe included a tofu scramble with mushrooms and peppers, a side of home fries, and a plum ginger muffin. A rooibos herbal tea washed down my delicious food. Everything was superb!

The Artisan’s Hand shop in town was where I paid my next visit. Visitors can find crafts, unique jewelry and many other artsy goods here.

I drove over to Main Street for the July 4th weekend festivities. The Vermont Historical Society Museum(Vermont Historical Society Museum) gave free admission to visitors that day. The state’s history from the 17th century on, was represented in all of the exhibit halls. From Ethan Allen’s Green Mountain Boys to trains and telegraphs to the shoe mill era, the museum has it all. I highly recommend this fascinating museum to familiarize yourself with the region’s history throughout the decades.

Music filled my ears as I walked up and down the main street. I noticed the beautiful, gold-domed state capitol building. A music group was performing in front of its facade. The gardens were filled with gorgeous flowers.

Tucked away in the nearby woods, Hubbard Park offers a wide range view of the Green Mountains region from atop of an observatory tower. I climbed the three flight staircase to the upper level. The Green Mountain range can indeed be seen from every direction.

I had to drive back to downtown Montpelier for my lunch time meal. The Tulsi Tea Room(Tulsi Tea Room) had a booth at the downtown holiday festival. I decided on a lunch time meal of various Indian vegetable pakoras made of potato, spinach, and other veggies. What a nice variety of savory morsels! My beverage was a refreshing herbal tea. Their cafe in town offers some vegan items on the menu.

I was so excited about the next stop on my schedule! The city of Burlington offers the only all-vegan bakery in the state! My drive back to the northwest was well-worth the trip! I had the opportunity to speak with owner. Sabertooth Bakery is basically a pushcart which is pulled by a bicycle. The owner of the company pedals to the downtown area and parks on College Street several times a week. On those afternoons, hungry tourists can find cupcakes, cookies, and other treats. I purchased a raspberry cheesecake slice, a lavender cream chocolate cupcake, and a maple coconut “bacon” donut. Wow! My tastebuds were ecstatic! Travelers have got to seek out this place! The prices are good and tastes are amazing!

There was one more place I just had to visit! On the way home, I made a final stop in Brattleboro to have dinner at Vegetarian Paradise, the only vegan restaurant in the state. The menu consists of Jamaican Ital food. I spoke with owner Harold. He is a gentle, peace-loving soul who extends gracious hospitality to his customers. The menu offers a huge variety of ever-changing options. Ital stew, curry chunks,kale or cabbage, veggie patties, plantains, ackee and tofu, rice and peas are among the offerings. Several Jamaican beverages are also on the menu. I dined on Ital veggie stew, cabbage, rice and beans, veggie patties in a wheat pastry, and plantains. The homestyle cooking with authentic spices was truly a delicious, memorable meal. I tried both the ginger juice and Jamaican Ting(grapefruit beverage) to accompany my dinner. The traditional beverages were quite refreshing. I highly recommend every vegan visitor to Vermont to be sure to include a meal at this phenomenal restaurant.

And my weekend in Vermont came to a close. Mountainous views, gorgeous forested landscapes, scenic lakes, crafts and arts, and wonderful vegan dining are all good reasons why travelers should visit the state of Vermont for a wonderful summer adventure!