Addison County is a county located in the western part of the state of Vermont. It is bordered by Chittenden County to the north, Washington County to the east, Rutland County to the south, and New York to the west. The county seat is Middlebury, and its largest city is Vergennes. Addison County has a population of about 37,000 people as of 2020 and an area of 811 square miles.
History: Addison County was created in 1785 from a portion of Rutland County. It was named for English statesman Joseph Addison who was an early advocate for independence in America. According to theinternetfaqs.com, the county has seen much economic growth over the years with many industries such as farming, logging, dairy production, and manufacturing becoming prominent in its economy.
Attractions: There are many attractions in Addison County including several museums such as The American Precision Museum in Windsor which showcases tools used during the Industrial Revolution; Shelburne Farms which offers educational tours and activities for families; The Vermont Marble Museum located in Proctor which houses artifacts from Vermont’s marble industry; and many more. There are also several parks located throughout the county such as Branbury State Park which offers camping sites and hiking trails along with beautiful views of Lake Dunmore; Dead Creek Wildlife Management Area where visitors can hunt or observe wildlife; Buttermilk Falls Natural Area which features a waterfall that cascades down limestone cliffs; and numerous other outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy.
Famous People: Several famous people have lived or been born in Addison County including Ulysses S Grant who served as President of the United States from 1869-1877; Robert Frost who wrote some of America’s most beloved poems such as “The Road Not Taken”; William Sloane Coffin Jr., a civil rights activist and former chaplain at Yale University; Calvin Coolidge who served as President from 1923-1929; John Deere who invented his famous steel plow that revolutionized agricultural production worldwide; and many more.
Addison County is home to many unique attractions that make it an ideal place to visit or live. From its rich history to its abundant outdoor activities there are plenty of things for people to explore when visiting this beautiful part of Vermont.
Climate and weather in Addison County, Vermont
According to ehuacom.com, the climate and weather in Addison County, Vermont is highly varied and can range from cold and snowy in winter to hot and humid in summer. In the winter months, temperatures can drop as low as -20°F (-29°C) with snowfall averaging around 60 inches (152 cm). Temperatures begin to rise in late March when the county usually sees its last snowfall of the season. Spring temperatures will range from 40-60°F (4-16°C) with occasional rain showers. As summer approaches, temperatures can reach up into the 80s (27-32°C) with high humidity levels. Summer is also known for thunderstorms that bring heavy rain and sometimes hail.
Fall brings cooler temperatures with highs ranging from 40-60°F (4-16°C). Autumn is a beautiful time of year to visit Addison County as foliage turns vibrant shades of orange, yellow, and red. The county also receives an average of 35 inches (89 cm) of rainfall each year with most rain falling during the spring and summer months.
Addison County is home to many unique outdoor activities such as hiking trails throughout Branbury State Park or exploring Shelburne Farms which offers educational tours for families. For those who enjoy skiing or snowboarding, there are several nearby ski resorts such as Sugarbush Resort or Mad River Glen which offer plenty of slopes for all skill levels. No matter what time of year you visit Addison County, you’re sure to find something enjoyable to do.
Transportation in Addison County, Vermont
Addison County, Vermont is well connected with an extensive transportation network. Public transport options include bus and rail services operated by Green Mountain Transit (GMT) and Amtrak. There are also several taxi companies that operate throughout the county.
Green Mountain Transit (GMT) provides regular bus services throughout Addison County, connecting towns such as Middlebury, Vergennes, Bristol, and Brandon to larger cities like Burlington and Rutland. The routes are designed to accommodate commuters and travelers alike with multiple stops along the way. GMT also operates a commuter bus service between Middlebury and Burlington during peak times.
Amtrak operates a daily passenger rail service between Middlebury and Rutland with stops in Vergennes, New Haven, Brandon, Pittsford, Proctor, Castleton-on-Hudson, Whitehall/Fort Ann Junction and Castleton Junction. The Amtrak trains offer comfortable seating as well as dining cars for longer trips.
Taxi companies such as Addison County Cab Co., Taxi Vt., and S&S Taxi & Limo offer reliable transportation around the county for those who prefer not to drive themselves or don’t have access to public transport options.
For visitors wishing to explore the area by car, there is plenty of car rental companies located in nearby towns such as Burlington or Rutland which provide rental cars for short-term or long-term periods.
In addition to public transport options, there are several bikeways throughout Addison County that connect towns like Middlebury with outlying rural areas like Weybridge. There are also several walking trails located within the county that provide a great way to experience the natural beauty of Vermont while staying active.
Cities and towns in Addison County, Vermont
Addison County, Vermont is a rural area located in the western part of the state. With a population of 38,000, it consists of several small towns and cities, each with its own unique character and charm.
According to COUNTRYAAH.COM, the largest city in Addison County is Middlebury. Located in the heart of the county, Middlebury is home to Middlebury College and serves as the main commercial center for the region. Visitors will find an array of shops and restaurants as well as cultural attractions such as The Vermont Folklife Center and The Vermont Marble Museum.
Vergennes is another popular destination located on the eastern side of Addison County. This charming city is known for its 19th-century architecture and vibrant downtown area with a variety of galleries, antique shops, cafes, and restaurants. It’s also home to Vergennes Falls Park which offers spectacular views of Otter Creek Falls.
Bristol is a small town situated at the base of Mount Abraham in Addison County. This former mill town has an active art scene that includes galleries, studios, and performance spaces. Visitors can explore Bristol’s historic district or take advantage of one of its many outdoor activities such as hiking or bird watching at Mount Abraham State Park.
Brandon sits at the edge of Lake Dunmore in central Addison County and boasts a variety of attractions for visitors to enjoy. From historic sites like Brandon’s Town Hall Theater to recreational activities like boating on Lake Dunmore or skiing at Neshobe Ski Area, there’s something for everyone here.
Other towns located within Addison County include Shoreham (home to Green Mountain Orchards), Weybridge (a quiet rural community), Ripton (home to Bread Loaf Mountain), Lincoln (known for its rolling hills), New Haven (located near Lake Champlain) and Salisbury (a small village tucked away in the hills).
No matter where you go in Addison County you’re sure to find something enjoyable. From quaint villages to bustling cities there’s something here for everyone.