Vermont’s nickname, “The Green Mountain State,” is an homage to the Green Mountains, which extend from one end of the state to the other. Located in the New England region of the US, Vermont experiences winters that are too cold for snow and early, mild summers punctuated by hot Augusts. There are 21 accredited colleges in Vermont, and two that are unaccredited. Middlebury College, Castleton University, and the University of Vermont all claim to be the oldest institution in the state, but Middlebury alone has the most selective admissions process.
The leading producer of maple syrup in the state, agriculture is one of Vermont’s leading industries, along with livestock. Mining is also a leading industry, particularly of granite, marble, slate, and talc. Ben & Jerry’s is one of the primary tourist attractions in Vermont, along with the Green Mountain National Park, Stowe, and Lake Champlain.