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Since we weren’t in a huge hurry to get home, we took the longer scenic route back and that meant driving through the Northeast Kingdom.

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It’s a rural and mountainous region of Vermont, similar to areas in northern Maine with its low population density and differing political views.

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Unspoiled and undisturbed.

Beautiful? You betcha!

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This region takes their designation seriously so you’ll find “Kingdom” gas stations and “Kingdom” diners scattered throughout the area.

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There’s even a covered bridge staircase.

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While the majority of Vermont is an environmentally friendly, liberal, churn your own butter, Birkenstock type of place… the Kingdom is a bit wilder and leans much farther right. It’s often said there are two Maines, southern and northern.. I find that’s true of Vermont as well.

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And if you’re wondering how far north we were?

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I could see Canada from my window.

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And though we didn’t cross the border, Verizon let us know we might as well have.

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