Okay, so. I hear you, and I’m not saying you’re wrong. But…Vermonters do the same shit. When I complained to my brother that I would move back if it wasn’t so expensive, he just said you can cough up the dough to live in the best state ever, or live in a crappy state. He’s a 6th generation Vermonter.

My uncle has operated a small (extremely small, donation based) business on his property for 40 years. The Vermonters who bought the property next to his filed complaints with the county and town because of the “traffic” and noise on the weekends. He folded and closed off his property. My mother has walked her dogs off leash in the town forest for 40 years. A neighbor came running across his yard, into the woods, down the trail, harassed her and kicked the dogs for being off leash. They were 10 year old basset hounds who NEVER left the path and would sooner drive a car than run. My mum had done this walk with them since they were puppies, but the guy said his elderly mother “doesn’t like dogs”. Dude went to high school with my dad.

Also, Vermonters are the most ridiculously slow drivers I’ve ever had to deal with. Did you guys know that you can in fact go 5 miles over the speed limit in good driving conditions? Vermonters can’t decide if back roads are for speeding or for going extra slow, so that’s a fun mix.

I love Vermonters. I love Vermont. I understand feeling protective. But Vermonters also do dumb shit, Vermonters are also rude AF a lot of the time, and Vermonters definitely aren’t the nicest when visiting other states. Many, many times I’ve heard Vermonters openly talking shit about the places they’re visiting right in front of locals.

One time in Vermont I remember in particular was a Southern family who came into a local sandwich shop. The father politely asked “What’s a panini? I’ve never heard of that.” The owner replied “It’s a grilled sandwich.” The father said “okay well, I’m not picky but I love ham. Which ham sandwich do you recommend?” The owner scoffed and said “If you want a ham sandwich, go down to the gas station. I serve grilled, pressed paninis.” The man gathered his family, said “I’m sorry to have bothered you.” and left. After the door closed, the owner muttered “stupid fucking southerners” under her breath. I’ll never forget it. When my husband, who has a heavy southern accent, came to Vermont the first time, I warned his people might be mean to him because they have decided to hate the south.

Come on. We can all do better. Including Vermonters.