Vermont is not just trees and cows it’s also…well, it’s mainly trees and cows. But those trees provide quality maple syrup and those cows produce renowned Vermont cheddar cheese, plus goodies like locally churned ice cream. (The state beverage is, of course, milk.) Vermont may not have a coastline (the only landlocked member of the six New England states), but makes up for a lack of beaches by packing 9,250 sq miles (24,000 sq km), full of scenic countryside. The Green Mountains run through the state as does the Appalachian trail; Vermont also claims the popular vacation spot, Lake Champlain, with a diversity of fishing, hiking and backpacking opportunities.The particularly cold winters in the north of the state make Vermont a favorite spot for winter activities. There are numerous areas for downhill and cross-country skiing, such as Killington Peak, Stowe, Smuggler’s Notch, Sugarbush, Mount Snow and Mad River Glen. Vermont also prides itself on the quantity and quality of snowmobiling trails. Of the summer attractions, Woodstock is arguably the best well-known. Established as tourist destinations, each of these locations has a range of hotels, restaurants and souvenir shops. If you’re planning a trip to Vermont, consider scheduling your visit around one of the state festivals, such as the Apple Festival, Marlboro Music Festival, Festival on the Green, Vermont Maple Festival or Shakespeare Festival.When you stop in one of the smaller towns in Vermont, you’ll notice that there has been a recent boom in the sale of Vermont branded items, particularly food. You can pick up a brick of Cabot Cheese, a pint of Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream or a box of Lake Champlain Chocolates. Maple syrup is long-standing part of the Vermont tradition; the local wine industry is beginning to take off. Vermont also has a high number of micro breweries, which means you’ll have a chance to grab a pint when you come in from the cold.