Essex County, Vermont is located in the northeastern corner of the state and is bordered by Canada to the north and New York to the east. The county seat is located in the city of Newport, which is also the largest city in the county. Essex County has a population of approximately 6,000 people and covers an area of 717 square miles.
According to definitionexplorer.com, the history of Essex County dates back to 1781 when it was established as part of Vermont’s original counties. It was originally a farming community and many early settlers were French-Canadian immigrants who came to work in the lumber industry. In more recent times, tourism has become an important part of Essex County’s economy due to its proximity to Lake Memphremagog and other attractions such as Jay Peak Resort, Burke Mountain Ski Area, Smugglers Notch State Park, and many more.
Essex County offers a variety of attractions for visitors and residents alike. The lakeside town of Newport is home to a bustling downtown area with plenty of restaurants, shops, galleries, museums, theaters, and other entertainment venues. Visitors can also enjoy outdoor activities such as fishing on Lake Memphremagog or exploring one of many nearby state parks including Smugglers Notch State Park or Hazen’s Notch State Park.
Essex County is also home to some notable people throughout history including former U.S President Calvin Coolidge who was born in Plymouth Notch; singer-songwriter Grace Potter; former professional football player John Friesz; author Howard Frank Mosher; musician Gordon Stone; Olympic gold medalist Hannah Kearney; actor Sam Waterston; and many more.
Essex County offers something for everyone with its wide range of attractions from outdoor activities like skiing or fishing at one of its many lakes or exploring its diverse history through its museums or historic sites. With so much to offer from its picturesque lakeside towns to its bustling downtown areas, there’s something for everyone here in beautiful Essex County.
Climate and weather in Essex County, Vermont
According to liuxers.com, Essex County, Vermont has a humid continental climate with warm summers and cold winters. The average temperature throughout the year is around 43°F (6°C). In the summer months, temperatures can reach as high as 85°F (29°C) and in the winter months, temperatures can drop to around 10°F (-12°C).
The county receives an average of 24 inches (61 cm) of precipitation throughout the year, with most of it falling in the form of snow during the winter months. Snowfall usually starts in late November and continues through April. The area also experiences occasional thunderstorms during the summer months.
Due to its close proximity to Lake Memphremagog, Essex County experiences cooler temperatures than other parts of Vermont. During the spring and fall months, temperatures usually hover around 50-60°F (10-15°C). During these times of year, Essex County is known for its beautiful foliage and rolling hills that are covered in vibrant colors from bright oranges and yellows to deep reds and purples.
The summertime brings hot days with high humidity levels that often linger into the evening hours. Temperatures can often rise above 90°F (32°C) during this time but this is usually offset by cool nights with temperatures dipping below 60°F (16°C).
During autumn, Essex County experiences cooler days with shorter amounts of sunlight each day. Temperatures typically range between 40-60°F (4-15°C), making it an ideal time for outdoor activities such as hiking or camping.
Essex County is a great place to experience all four seasons due to its varied climate and weather conditions throughout the year. From hot summer days to cold winter nights, there’s always something to enjoy no matter what time of year you visit.
Transportation in Essex County, Vermont
Essex County, Vermont offers a variety of transportation options for locals and visitors alike. From public transportation to private car services, there are plenty of ways to get around the county.
The main form of public transportation in Essex County is the Green Mountain Transit Authority (GMTA). It operates a number of bus routes throughout the county and into nearby towns. The GMTA also provides paratransit services for those with disabilities or special needs, and operates a dial-a-ride service for those who need door-to-door service. The buses are clean and comfortable, and fares are affordable.
For those who prefer to drive themselves around Essex County, there are several car rental companies in the area. These companies provide a range of vehicles from small sedans to SUVs to vans, allowing travelers to choose the vehicle that best suits their needs. Most companies offer competitive rates and discounts for long-term rentals.
Taxi services are also available throughout Essex County for those looking for door-to-door service or just a quick ride from one place to another. Taxis can be hailed on the street or booked over the phone or online in advance. Rates vary depending on distance traveled but they are generally quite reasonable.
Essex County is also served by Amtrak’s Vermonter line which runs from St Albans through Montpelier and White River Junction before connecting with other Amtrak lines throughout New England and beyond. The Vermonter is an ideal way to travel between cities as it offers comfortable seating with plenty of legroom, free Wi-Fi access, power outlets at each seat, and a cafe car serving light snacks and beverages during your journey.
Finally, there are several airports in Essex County that offer flights both domestically within the United States as well as internationally around the world. These include Burlington International Airport (BTV), Rutland – Southern Vermont Regional Airport (RUT), Middlebury State Airport (MVL), Springfield Municipal Airport (VSF) among others, making it easy for travelers to get where they need to go quickly and conveniently.
Cities and towns in Essex County, Vermont
Essex County, Vermont is home to a wide variety of cities and towns that offer something for everyone. Located in the heart of the Green Mountains, this picturesque region has a long and storied history that can be seen in its many charming villages and bustling cities. See popular cities in Vermont.
The largest city in Essex County is Burlington, located on the shores of Lake Champlain. This vibrant city is home to the University of Vermont, which adds an extra layer of culture and entertainment to the area. Burlington features a bustling downtown area with shops, restaurants, galleries, museums and more. It also has a thriving arts community with numerous galleries and performance venues.
Just north of Burlington lies Colchester, a small town with big charm. Here visitors will find beautiful lakeside parks as well as an abundance of outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, boating and camping. Colchester also offers plenty of shopping opportunities in its quaint downtown area as well as numerous dining options from traditional American fare to more exotic international cuisines.
South of Burlington lies Essex Junction, another quaint small town brimming with charm. Here you’ll find plenty of shops and restaurants in its historic downtown area as well as numerous outdoor activities including biking trails along the Winooski River and skiing at nearby Mount Mansfield State Park.
Further south lies Jericho Center where visitors can explore beautiful countryside views while taking advantage of numerous outdoor activities such as hiking trails through lush forests or fishing along one of its many rivers or streams. Jericho Center also has an abundance of shopping opportunities in its downtown area including antique stores, clothing boutiques and specialty food markets selling locally grown produce from nearby farms.
Heading west you’ll find Milton where you can enjoy stunning views from atop Camels Hump mountain or explore some lovely wooded trails around Lake Arrowhead State Park while enjoying some peaceful paddling on one of its many lakes or ponds throughout the park grounds. Milton also features a number of local shops selling unique items crafted by local artisans or hand-crafted furniture made from locally harvested wood from nearby forests.
Finally, there’s Richmond where visitors can experience all sorts of outdoor adventures such as whitewater rafting down the Winooski River or mountain biking through nearby trails while taking in some breathtaking views along the way. Richmond also has several unique attractions such as Shelburne Farms which is an educational farm that offers tours for visitors to learn about sustainable agriculture practices while sampling some delicious local food products made onsite.