Welcome back to our Weird Places in New England series! In this fifth installment, we’re venturing to Vermont, a state rich in strange sights, legends, and delightful quirks. From a monster legend to peculiar windows, Vermont’s curiosities are just waiting to be discovered.
1. Ben & Jerry's Flavor Graveyard
A sweet start to our journey, the Ben & Jerry’s Flavor Graveyard is tucked behind the main factory in Waterbury. Here, you’ll find tombstones honoring flavors that once graced the freezer aisles, such as “Peanut Butter and Jelly” and “Miz Jelena’s Sweet Potato Pie.” With tongue-in-cheek epitaphs, this graveyard pays tribute to lost flavors, making it a surprisingly whimsical stop for ice cream lovers with a taste for nostalgia.
2. Dog Chapel
In St. Johnsbury, a heartfelt memorial awaits at Dog Chapel. Created by artist Stephen Huneck, this chapel is a loving homage to our furry friends. Covered in tributes, photos, and mementos left by visitors, it’s a peaceful spot where dog lovers can honor familiars both past and present. Dog Chapel invites you to reflect on the enduring bond between humans and dogs, with Huneck’s carved wooden sculptures offering a warm welcome.
3. Tallest Filing Cabinet
Standing 38 drawers high, the Tallest Filing Cabinet in Burlington is an absurdly tall structure, symbolizing bureaucratic overload and unfinished projects. Artist Bren Alvarez created this quirky stack in 2002, and it has since become a beloved roadside oddity. This towering filing cabinet may not hold many documents, but it certainly holds a place in Vermont’s heart.
4. Bellows Falls Petroglyphs
These mysterious petroglyphs along the Connecticut River date back to ancient Indigenous tribes. Depicting strange faces and figures, the Bellows Falls Petroglyphs have sparked many theories, with some claiming they represent spiritual symbols or ancestral beings. Though somewhat faded by time, they offer a haunting glimpse into the region’s history and are a reminder of Vermont’s ancient roots.
5. Green Mount Cemetery
More than just a resting place, Montpelier’s Green Mount Cemetery is known for its stunning Victorian sculptures, intricate headstones, and an eerie, majestic beauty. Notable among its monuments is the statue of a cloaked figure, nicknamed “Black Agnes.” According to local lore, sitting on her lap at midnight can bring a haunting experience, a dare only the bravest visitors undertake.
6. Floating Bridge
The famous Floating Bridge in Brookfield is an unusual marvel. This buoyant bridge, which has been rebuilt several times over the years, spans Sunset Lake, allowing cars to drive across the water as it sways gently underfoot. It’s the only bridge of its kind in Vermont, offering a one-of-a-kind, almost magical crossing experience.
7. Wilson Castle
Built in the mid-19th century, Wilson Castle in Proctor is a true oddity, a Victorian-style mansion with turrets, stained glass, and a mysterious aura. Legend has it that the castle is haunted, with reports of ghostly figures and unexplained noises. Guided tours take you through its eclectic rooms, leaving you with a sense of wonder and a shiver down your spine.
8. Emily's Bridge
Emily’s Bridge, or the Gold Brook Covered Bridge in Stowe, is rumored to be haunted by the ghost of a young woman named Emily. Visitors have reported strange noises, scratch marks on their cars, and cold spots. As legend has it, Emily’s heartbroken spirit lingers here, making this bridge an eerie yet picturesque stop.
9. Flying Monkey Sculptures
In Barre, you’ll find bronze sculptures of flying monkeys, an homage to The Wizard of Oz. Crafted by local artist Bozenna Happel, these quirky sculptures hang from downtown buildings, adding a playful and surreal touch to the city’s streets. Barre’s flying monkeys are a whimsical testament to the town’s vibrant art scene.
10. Jennings Hall - Hill House
Rumored to be haunted, Jennings Hall (also known as Hill House) is part of Lyndon State College. It's supposedly the inspiration behind Shirley Jackson's 'The Haunting of Hill House'. Students and visitors have reported hearing strange footsteps, doors opening on their own, and glimpses of ghostly figures in the halls. It’s a hotspot for paranormal enthusiasts, who are drawn to its spine-tingling atmosphere and eerie history.
11. Grave of Timothy Clark Smith
In Evergreen Cemetery in New Haven lies one of Vermont’s strangest graves. Timothy Clark Smith, terrified of being buried alive, designed a coffin with a window above ground and an air tube, just in case. Visitors can peer down through the window, which adds an eerie twist to his final resting place and an unusual look into 19th-century burial customs.
12. Lake Champlain Monster Monument
Nestled by Lake Champlain, this small monument pays tribute to “Champ,” the lake’s legendary sea monster. Stay tuned for a future article on cryptids in New England. The monument celebrates the folklore of this elusive creature, with sightings dating back centuries. Some say Champ is Vermont’s answer to the Loch Ness Monster, and while he remains unseen, the legend is alive and well.
13. Santa's Land
A holiday theme park open year-round, Santa’s Land in Putney offers a nostalgic glimpse into Christmas magic. Though it has seen wear and tear over the years, Santa’s Land remains a curious mix of holiday cheer and vintage kitsch, attracting families and those seeking a little Christmas spirit, no matter the season.
14. Phineas Gage Memorial
The Phineas Gage Memorial in Cavendish honors the remarkable survival story of Gage, a railroad worker who survived an iron rod piercing his skull. Known as a medical marvel, Gage’s story altered our understanding of the human brain. His memorial captures a piece of Vermont’s unique history and celebrates his resilience in the face of the bizarre.
15. Witch Windows
Vermont farmhouses hold a curious architectural feature called “witch windows.” These diagonal windows are said to prevent witches from flying into homes, as folklore claims witches cannot fly through tilted spaces. They’re a quirky bit of local superstition, adding an air of mystery to traditional Vermont homes. Don't worry, tilted or not, we'll still find our way in. Gosh, what will they believe next?
16. Trapp Family Lodge
In Stowe, the Trapp Family Lodge was established by the family that inspired The Sound of Music. This Alpine-inspired lodge offers a glimpse into the Von Trapps’ post-war life in Vermont, combining Austrian charm with New England scenery. It’s a place where history, family legacy, and mountain views come together.
17. Queen Connie
In Leicester, you’ll come across the unforgettable Queen Connie, a giant gorilla statue gripping a VW Bug high above her head. Originally built as an attraction for a go-kart track, she’s become a beloved roadside oddity, drawing travelers with her towering, quirky presence. Queen Connie stands as a proud reminder of Vermont’s knack for unexpected and delightful sights, giving a little shock of humor to anyone driving by.
18. World’s Tallest Ladderback Chair
Finally, in Bennington stands the world’s tallest ladderback chair, towering at 19 feet. Originally built as a furniture company’s showpiece, the chair now serves as a beloved local landmark, standing proudly as an emblem of Vermont’s craftsmanship and charm.
From haunted bridges to a ladderback chair for giants, Vermont’s weird and wonderful attractions offer plenty to explore. These curious sites capture the state’s love for art, history, and a little mystery. Join us next time as we complete the series with our final, northernmost state of Maine! We're almost feeling sad it's coming to an end.
Eccentric Vermont: The Weird and Wonderful Places
