A Message From Rural Vermont

A message from rural Vermont (We can all use a good laugh from time to time...)

Because of misunderstandings that frequently develop when flatlanders cross into Vermont, the Tourism Council has adopted a set of information guidelines. In an effort to help outsiders understand Vermont, the following list will be handed to each driver entering the state:

1. That farm boy standing next to the feed bin did more work before breakfast than you do all week at the gym.

2. It's called a 'gravel road.' No matter how slow you drive, you're going to get dust on your Navigator. I have a four wheel drive because I need it. Drive it or get it out of the way.

3. We all started hunting and fishing when we were seven years old. Yeah, we saw Bambi. We got over it.

4. Any references to "corn fed" when talking about our women will get you whipped... by our women.

5. Go ahead and bring your $600 Orvis Fly Rod. Don't cry to us if a pike or a large mouth bass breaks it off at the handle. We have a name for those little trout you fish for...bait.

6. Pull your pants up. You look like an idiot.

7. If that cell phone rings while a bunch of mallards are making their final approach, we will shoot it! You might hope you don't have it up to your ear at the time.

8. That's right. Whiskey is only eight bucks. We can buy a fifth for what you paid in the airport for one drink.

9. No, there's no "Vegetarian Special" on the menu. Order steak. Order it rare. Or, you can order the Chef's Salad and pick off the two pounds of ham and turkey.

10. You bring Coke into Vermont, it better be brown, wet, and served over ice.

11. So you have a sixty-thousand dollar car you drive on weekends. We're really impressed. We have quarter of a million dollar tractors that we use two months a year.

12. Let's get this straight. We have one stoplight in town. We stop when it's red. We may even stop when it's yellow.

13. Our women hunt, fish, and drive trucks--because they want to. So, you're a feminist. Isn't that cute.

14. Yeah, we eat pike. Carp, too--and turtle. You really want sushi and caviar? It's available at the bait shop.

15. They are pigs. That's what they smell like. Get over it. Don't like it? Interstates 87 and 89 go two ways. Pick one and use it accordingly.

16. The "Opener" refers to the first day of deer season. It's a religious holiday. You can get breakfast at the church.

17. So every person in every pickup waves. It's called being friendly. Understand the concept? Ever heard of it before?

18. Yeah, we have golf courses. Don't hit in the water hazard. It spooks the fish.

19. That State Police Officer that just pulled you over for driving like an idiot...the name is "Sir" or "Ma'm"...no matter how old they are.

Now, enjoy your visit.