For one of the smallest states in both area and population, Vermont undoubtedly has loads to offer. With authentic local products, infinite outdoor adventures, adorable cities and some of the friendliest people you'll meet, you can understand why so many love to call Vermont home. So here are the 20 undeniable reasons to love Vermont!

1. Gorgeous Scenery

Over three quarters of the state is covered in forests. Everywhere you go, there’s always something eye-catching that will leave you in awe. This is probably one of the best known reasons to love Vermont and it's easy to see why.

2. Endless outdoor opportunities

From discovering hidden waterfalls, to walking under beautiful covered bridges, to jumping from cliffs into water-filled potholes - you will never get bored exploring nature in Vermont.

3. We'll keep you healthy, active and in shape.

Whether you enjoy hiking, skiing, kayaking, rock climbing, snow-shoeing, swimming - you name it. You can definitely find your exercise of choice.

4. Adorable little cities and historical sites perfect for any family vacation

From a visit to Rutland, Middlebury, or the capitol in Montpelier, to exploring Shelburne Farms or the Museum, even the Trapp Family Lodge - there are always tons of learning opportunities living in Vermont.

5. Locally grown food

We have countless farmer’s markets, co-ops and farm-to-table restaurants for any taste.

6. Amazing craft beer

Vermont ranks 1st in the country for craft breweries per capita. You can't leave without trying the Alchemist’s infamous "Heady Topper."

7. You can enjoy all of the seasons, to their fullest.

When the snow melts, the flowers bloom, and you're on your first hike of the season thinking about how much you miss the slopes, don't worry. The snow will be back before you know it.

8. The absolute best maple syrup you will ever taste

Vermont tends to find ways to incorporate maple into everything, so don’t be alarmed if you come upon maple flavored ice cream, chocolate, bread and even beer across the state--they are all delicious, I swear.

9. The most outstanding cheese

Once you step into Cabot Creamery and take a walk around their sample table, you’ll understand.

10. You can never get too much Ben & Jerry's.

At the iconic Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream Factory in Waterbury, you can learn how the ice cream is created AND make a flavor suggestion of your own. And no, "Phish Food" does not taste like fish.

11. Speaking of Phish Food...the band Phish originated in Vermont.

Local venues are always hosting live music and several other amazing artists have gotten their start here.

12. We have A LOT of cows.

Where do we get all of this great dairy, you may ask? Like craft breweries, Vermont is home to the most cows per capita.

13. We're a very “green” state.

And I’m not just talking about the mountains. Burlington has already become the first city to receive all of its power from renewable sources, while the state is working toward the goal of obtaining 90% its energy from sustainable supplies by 2050.

14. We're a pretty progressive state in other ways, too.

Home to Bernie Sanders, Vermont was also the first state to allow same-sex marriage by ruling the denial of this against the Vermont Constitution.

Fun fact: Vermont used to be its own independent country for a short time.

15. We're very sustainable as well.

Sure, many of the locally made products (and best things about Vermont--at least in my opinion) include food, but there are plenty of other non-food items worth noting. Flannel shirts, cleaning products (Seventh Generation) and even teddy bears come right from our home state.

16. We're extremely dog-friendly here.

Don't worry, we won't make your pup wait outside in the cold.

17. Lake Champlain, AKA the “sixth” Great Lake

Spanning the border between New York and Vermont, Lake Champlain never ceases to impress with its glorious sunsets and serenity.

18. We've got a quality education system.

Sure, I may be a little bit biased as a UVM graduate, but I can guarantee that students from any of the 23 colleges and universities would agree .

19. The serenity

There’s always a peaceful place to just kick back, relax, and get away from it all.

20. We're home to some of the happiest people in America.

Vermont is always hitting top ranks for happiness, health and intelligence...I wonder why! ;)

I guess you could call these Vermont bragging rights. There's really no reason not to love it here. What reasons to love Vermont would you add to the list?

We know our state is great, but if you want to find out why our locals are amazing, check out this previous article.