Explain this wingnuts; VT rated as one of the worst states to do business in: Unemployment 4%

[Atman]

5. Interesting. No industry except maple syrup?

I drive to Vermont virtually every weekend. This weekend we'll be cutting through the entire state, South to North, ending up in Sutton, Quebec. We're always amazed the people actually live there! It's achingly beautiful in places, and Appalachian-desolate in others. But the harsh climate makes for rugged, resolute, hard-working people. And you'll find lots of windmills and solar panels. Many of the small towns seem to have nothing at all, you can't figure out where the people go to work...there is a gas station, a propane dealer and a diner...what supports these places? What the article didn't mention is TOURISM. I don't what the percentage is, but Vermont has more ski resorts than just about any state in the union. Ski resorts aren't cheap, and most of them have converted to year-round resorts with golf, water parks, mountain biking, etc. The people that travel from Connecticut and New York and New Jersey to visit these resorts are stopping for gas, for liquor (at the few state-run liquor stores you can find), food, and of course, $90 lift tickets. They stop for factory tours for everything from breweries to Jerry's Ice Cream. We never come home to Connecticut without a carload of local cheeses, smoked meats from the local "Guns, Liquor, Deli" store. We've also spend a lot of money on white water rafting trips.

I just heard a report on NPR the other day that Vermont ranks near the top (it might actually have been #1) in FITNESS. People up there don't have much else to do except hike, ski, raft, and chop wood. When the snow finally melts in June you run outside and make the most of it until ski season starts again. Maybe what Vermont has going for it are the intangibles. The bean counters can't figure out how a state can succeed without billowing factories and heavy industry, yet Vermont has a thriving arts scene, some of the most beautiful lakes and mountains in the U.S., and a work-ethic you won't find in too many other places. Because many of them really have to work to survive. Chop wood, sell some antiques, be nice to the tourists.

To be rainbows and unicorns about it, I find Vermont to be almost a state of mind. Resilient, unique, and while there isn't much there people flock to the state from all over the northeast just to hang out at a small riverside lodge, or vacation at a huge resort. I've been to Tahoe and out west, and while it's beautiful out there, I am always impressed at the beauty of Vermont by comparison. And I guess there is good money in cheese, maple syrup, skiing and golf.