Vermont could easily be considered one of the most beautiful states in America. Known for its European-inspired small-town charm, Vermont has no shortage of stunning historical buildings, adorable bed and breakfasts, and museums perfect for learning something new. Vermont is also famous for its maple syrup, which can be found at the various sugar houses. Make sure to pick up a bottle or try some syrup-based treats like lollypops and chocolate. Driving through Vermont is a treat on its own, full of iconic covered bridges, rolling hills, and breathtaking fall foliage. A fantastic weekend getaway destination, especially if you’re in the neighboring states of New York or New Hampshire or even across the border in Canada, you’ll surely find something the whole family will enjoy.

Montpelier

The capital of Vermont, Montpelier, is located off Interstate 89 and resides on the Winooski River. Come for the historic downtown and stay for the endless trails and sugar farms nearby. Visit the Lost Nation Theater and catch some live poetry, choir, or a play. At the Vermont State House, take a guided tour and dive into the state’s deep history. On the first Friday of alternating months, catch the Montpelier Art Walk, featuring local artists and vendors.

For those who want to embrace nature, walk the trails at the North Brand Nature Center, or explore nearby Hubbard Park with its 54-foot stone tower. Get the true Vermont experience and head to a sugar house. You can choose from either Bragg Farm or Morse Farm, where you can try various maple-based treats. Back in town, dine along the river and get some shopping in at a bookstore, or pick something up at the Barr Hill Distillery. Want to bring home some fresh produce? Anderbell Acres offers fresh fruit as well as a beautiful array of flowers. When it’s time to call it a night, rest comfortably at the Inn at Montpelier, a downtown boutique hotel with 19 rooms, all in a Victorian style.

Burlington

Located on Lake Champlain, which separates it from the state of New York, Burlington is a quaint waterfront town with all the charm. Enjoy a delicious meal and a one-of-a-kind experience on the Champlain Valley Dinner Train, and afterward take a romantic hot air balloon ride. For dessert, indulge in some iconic Ben and Jerry’s ice cream. Rest up at the Lang House on Main Street bed and breakfast. A converted 19th-century Victorian home, it also has onsite liquor sales of unique, local beverages. In the morning, grab a coffee at a coffeehouse, and browse the shops, including jewelry stores, glass-blowing studios, pottery boutiques, collectible shops, record stores, and vintage clothing storefronts.

Also make sure to stop in at Tinkering Turtle, an adorable toy shop perfect for younger travelers or those looking for a gift to bring back home. Spend your afternoon at Adam’s Apple Orchard, or at Shelburne Sugar Works, which specializes in maple syrup-based products. In the evening, hit the town and try something new at a brewery, a pub, a nearby vineyard, or even a tiki bar. If you’re visiting in the summer, go sailing on Lake Champlain, or take a trolley tour. You can also explore the trails of Camels Hump State Park, or take in the views at Oakledge Park. Visiting in the winter? There’s no shortage of ski trails. Choose from either the Bolton Valley, Jay Peak, or Smugglers Notch ski hills.

Stowe

A lovely mountain town, Stowe is also right next to the Stowe Mountain Resort, which has over 116 ski trails, a summer gondola, indoor rock climbing, and ice skating in the winter. Nearby is the Arbortrek Canopy Adventure Park, which has ziplines and an obstacle course. Want even more of a rush? Book an Air Stowe helicopter tour. In the fall, get lost in the Percy Farm Corn Maze. In the summer, visit the Stowe Golf Park, a mini golf course perfect for both adults and kids.

For travelers over 21, take a brewery tour or try some local drinks at Stowe Cider. When it comes time for dinner, you have plenty of options, including flatbread pizza joints, steakhouses, delis, creperies, and artisanal bagel cafes. For those who love to shop, check out a bookstore, a natural body care shop, a toy store, or pick up some maple syrup to bring home. There are also plenty of options for outdoor gear if you plan to spend your trip exploring the many trails and parks surrounding the town. When it’s time to get some rest, check in at the Trapp Family Lodge, located right in town. It is home to four restaurants, a spa, as well as amenities like disc golf, tennis, and a swimming pool. You’ll also love the Austrian-inspired decor and architecture.

Woodstock

Right on the Ottauquechee River, Woodstock covers all the Vermont getaway checkboxes. Visit the Billings Farm and Museum, which has farm animals you can snap some pictures with and pet, as well as an onsite garden, and homemade cheese shop. For even more treats, head to Sugarbush Farm, which also makes cheese as well as maple syrup goodies. The area surrounding Woodstock is perfect for many outdoor activities, including mountain biking on forest trails, horseback riding through the trees on guided tours, and fishing on the river or at a nearby pond.

If you’re exploring town, stop in at the Yankee Bookshop, featuring local writers as well as worldwide bestsellers. Grab a latte at a cafe and enjoy the boutiques, fantasy stores, and galleries. In August, attend the Taste of Woodstock festival, which brings together the town’s restaurants. In September, take part in the Woodstock Art Festival and meet local artists, shop the vendors, and watch some live art creation take place. Looking for somewhere to lay your head? Check out the Woodstock Inn and Resort, a New England-style accommodation with four restaurants including a tavern, grill, and pour house. It also has a gift shop, spa, pool, and complimentary rental bikes. You can also take advantage of their falconry display, and observe a real falcon as well as its handler and learn about the magnificent bird.

Newport

Just off Interstate 91, Newport is also right near the border into Canada, and a short drive to the province of Quebec and the beautiful French Canadian city of Montreal. It lies on the shores of Lake Memphemagog, which offers fishing, swimming, and plenty of park space for picnics. You can also book a cruise on the Northern Star, which offers shoreline sightseeing cruises as well as Sunday brunch sailings. The town offers both bike and kayak rentals, which make exploring the water as well as the surrounding trails a breeze. You also have the option of staying at the Prouty Beach and Campground, which has disc golf, tennis, basketball courts, and lake access.

In the town of Newport, stop by the farmers market and stock up on some fresh produce as well as sample local vendors. Or browse the shelves at the Newport Natural Market and Cafe. On the streets of downtown, find your next favorite read at Nevermore Bookstore, or pick out a great outfit at Rad Rags Boutique. Catch a movie at City Cinema, and after, try something delicious at Eden Speciality Ciders. Hungry? Newport has a handful of dining options, including Italian, Thai, and classic pub fare.

Brattleboro

Next to the New Hampshire border, only separated by the Connecticut River, Brattleboro offers something for everybody. At Retreat Farm, enjoy the trails, as well as the petting zoo, forest playgrounds, and its adorable storybook-themed paths. In the nearby Fort Drummer State Park, take part in some hiking or mountain biking, as well as learn about the park’s revolutionary history. Afterward, make sure to travel through the covered bridges, a Vermont staple. When you make it back into town, park the car and walk the streets of downtown, stopping in at the bead stores, bookshops, thrift stores, and botanical shops.

For dinner, choose from options like Italian bistros and fish and chips restaurants, and for dessert, pick up a delicious pastry from a bakery. Want to keep the night going? Stop in at the Hermit Thrush Brewery, or at the Whetstone Beer Co. You can also catch a show at the Latchis Theater, whether it be a Hollywood recent release, an art film, or a live performance. Depending on when you visit, you can also take part in events such as the Valentine’s Day Bratt Luv Crawl, as well as the Brattleboro Film Festival and the Brattleboro Literacy Festival. Looking for the perfect hotel? Consider the Inn on Putney Road, a French Baronial bed and breakfast right near downtown.

Grafton

Located on the Saxtons River, Grafton is an adorable little farm town perfect for a relaxing getaway. Stay at the Grafton Inn, which has a unique Barn Pub, as well as the 1801 Tavern perfect for a late-night drink. It also has a daily breakfast and a seasonal swimming pond. Although small, Grafton has everything you need, including the Grafton Village Store. You can find local goods, a deli, a restaurant, and fantastic to-go picnic baskets here. Once you’ve purchased a basket, head to the Grafton Trails and Outdoor Center for some exploring, or to the Hamilton Falls hiking area.

The town also has the Grafton Village Cheese Company, where you can purchase some delicious cheeses and watch how they’re made. Nearby is Mercantile, which sells local handmade goods. Near Grafton is Plummers Sugarhouse, which has a gift shop with dozens of maple-based treats, as well as tours of the facility. For those who love history, stop at the Grafton Historical Society, and learn about the town and the state’s history, or get to know the local plants and other living things at the Nature Museum.

Chester

The town of Chester is near the border between Vermont and New Hampshire and is surrounded by lush forests, rolling hills, and the William’s River. Explore the trails of the Okemo State Forest, and while you’re there, spend the day at the Okemo Mountain Resort, which offers skiing in the winter, and mountain biking opportunities in the summer. The Chester Town Forest is also right next to town, providing even more ways to stretch your legs and perhaps even bring along a picnic. Sites to see around Chester also include Sunshine Acres, a beautiful and colorful nursery, and Leaning Ladder Farm, which offers gluten-free products. Make sure to also stop in at Mitch’s Maples Sugar House and stock up on some maple syrup goodies. If you’re looking to gather some fresh produce, baked goods, and other homemade finds, the Stone Village Farmer’s Market has just what you’re looking for.

In town, spend the afternoon at Pinnacle Park, which has a swimming pool, tennis courts, a disc golf course, and skating in the winter. As for shopping, check out an antique store, a quilting shop, a pottery studio, or a natural foods grocery store. And when you want to rest, sit down to some tea at the tearoom in the Rose Arbour. Chester is also full of history, which can be viewed at one of the historic buildings still standing in tow, including the old firehouse and train station. When it’s time for dinner, choose from options like Country Girl Diner or MacLaomainn’s Scottish Pub, and for dessert, check out the Southern Pie Cafe. For accommodations, the Inn Victoria is a bed and breakfast located right downtown.

Middlebury

Situated on Otter Creek, Middlebury is close to the border between Vermont and New York, and not far from Burlington. It is covered in lush greenery, and lined with historic buildings. It also has a series of paths that circle the town, making getting around by foot or bike easy. Stop in at nearby Lake Dunmore for some swimming and fishing, or play a game of golf at the Ralph Myhre Golf Course. Middlebury was also home to the famous poet Robert Frost, and you can explore the interpretive trail dedicated to him, which features his poems throughout. Looking for more ways to explore? Check out the Happy Valley Orchard, which lets you pick your own apples in September and October.

For the adults, the Woodchuck Cider Mill and Golden Rule Mead both offer delicious, local beverages. In town, shop for fruits, veggies, crafts, and pastries at the farmers market. The main streets also have quaint shopping options, including jewelry stores, florists, leatherwork studios, antique stores, candy shops, and stationery stores. When it comes to meals, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are covered. In the morning, pick something up from a juicery or cafe. In the afternoon, stop by a sandwich shop and grab something to go. In the evening, enjoy some classic pub fare. When the sun starts to set, retire to the Middlebury Inn, located right downtown. It also has an onsite bar, Morgan’s Tavern, for those who want to keep the night going and perhaps meet some other travelers.

Whichever season you decide to venture into Vermont, know that activities and sights are abundant. Whether you’re into skiing and taking in the views, mountain biking in the summer months, or snapping some pics of the leaves as they change color in the fall, Vermont is a charming paradise where anyone can relax. Escape the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life, and book that much-needed weekend retreat.

Vermont legislators passed a bill to streamline insurance requirements for health care and are urging Gov. Phil Scott to sign the bill into law.

The bill, H.766, will reduce administrative delays and remove barriers to care for Vermont patients, according to proponents. The University of Vermont Health Care Network, the state’s largest health care provider, has been pushing for the bill’s passage.

“We have reached a point where insurance companies can tell us what we can and can’t do, even in life-threatening emergencies, and the victims are always patients,” Dr. Katie Marvin, a family physician at Lamoille Health Partners, said in a statement.

Marvin took particular aim at the insurance company practice of requiring prior authorization for drugs and procedures, putting clinicians in the position of having to ask permission from insurance companies before a patient can receive services.

“(Prior authorizations) lead to delays in care, lapses in medications and apathy in providers,” Marvin said. “This bill may change this, which is why I have supported H.766 through the legislative process and spoke to the Governor about it last week.”

Pediatrician: Insurance practices leading to a crisis for kids with asthma

The House passed the bill unanimously on March 13, while the Senate voted 25-2 in favor of the bill on April 26. The Senate added an amendment, approved by the House, which requires insurance companies to give patients access to at least one type of available asthma inhaler without prior authorization.

“Insurance practices are leading to a crisis in caring for kids with asthma right now,” Dr. Kristen Connolly, a pediatrician, said in a statement. “We have had to order multiple types of inhalers to supplement for the one type of inhaler patients actually need. We have heard of rationing and increases in ER visits. This is our health system now − here in Vermont. We can do better.”

More: Vermont health care providers blame prior authorization for compromising patient care

The bill also ends a process where insurance companies could request patient records before paying for health care services that had been delivered.

“The increase in administrative burden required increasing our staffing to process the claims,” Dr. Julie Lin, an independent dermatologist in St. Albans, said in a statement. “There were also times that this policy meant we asked patients if they were willing to come back on two different days for certain services we could have delivered in one appointment so we could get timely payment by the insurance company. This added delays in care and inconvenience for patients. We know how long patients are waiting for dermatology services and this only made it worse.”

Legislators don’t buy insurance companies’ argument that costs will increase due to the bill

Rep. Alyssa Black, D-Essex, rejected the argument insurance companies have been making against the bill that it will drive up costs.

“Payers claim H.766 will lead to increased costs, but prior authorizations are almost always approved, serving only to delay care, and can drive up costs through incentivizing people to go to emergency departments when care is not approved, which is the most expensive location,” Black said in a statement. “Primary care spends less, orders fewer tests, fewer unnecessary labs, and provides the most economic, best bang for your buck.”

Sen. Ginny Lyons, D-Chittenden Southeast, said the bill is a first step in decreasing the administrative burdens on practitioners.

“We all benefit when health care providers can get back to caring for patients, not paperwork,” Lyons said in a statement.

Contact Dan D’Ambrosio at 660-1841 or ddambrosi@gannett.com. Follow him on X @DanDambrosioVT.

The University of Vermont (UVM) has canceled United Nations Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield’s commencement speech amid pro-Palestinian protests on campus as protests sweep colleges across the nation.

“We are looking forward to the upcoming Commencement ceremonies and the opportunity to celebrate our 2024 UVM graduates,” Suresh Garimella, the university’s president, said in a message to the university community Friday obtained by The Hill. 

“After their years of hard work and commitment to success, they deserve a weekend of ceremony and celebration befitting their accomplishment,” Garmimella continued. “It is with regret that I share that our planned speaker, Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, will not be joining us to deliver the Commencement address.”

An Instagram post by UVM’s chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine celebrated the cancellation, calling Thomas-Greenfield a “war criminal.”

Pro-Palestinian protestors on college campuses across the country have aimed their ire at President Biden and his administration for their handling of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas amid the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The Democratic National Committee’s college outreach arm, the College Democrats of America, has also voiced solidarity with the pro-Palestinian protestors and slammed the White House over how it has dealt with the conflict.

“The White House has taken the mistaken route of a bear hug strategy for [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu] and a cold shoulder strategy for its own base and all Americans who want to see an end to this war. Each day that Democrats fail to stand united for a permanent ceasefire, two-state solution, and recognition of a Palestinian state, more and more youth find themselves disillusioned with the party,” a statement by the College Democrats reads. 

President Biden criticized aspects of some recent pro-Palestinian protests including property damage in prepared remarks at the White House Thursday.

“Destroying property is not a peaceful protest, it’s against the law. Vandalism, trespassing, breaking windows, shutting down campuses, forcing the cancellation of classes and graduation. None of this is a peaceful protest, threatening people, intimidating people,” Biden said.

Hundreds of pro-Palestinian protests have erupted across higher education institutions in recent weeks, leading to hundreds of arrests and causing several universities, including UVM, to adjust their graduation plans.