After leaving Niagara Falls, we headed east toward Vermont and stayed at Lake Lauderdale Campground in Cambridge, New York, just minutes from the Vermont state line. Being so close made it easy to spend our days wandering the scenic back roads of Vermont, and that's exactly what we did.

One stop we couldn't pass up was the Vermont Country Store in Weston. Walking through the store felt like stepping back in time. Every aisle held memories, from candy and household items we remembered from the 1970s to products dating back even further. After browsing, we enjoyed big, juicy burgers followed by delicious ice cream before making our way back to the campground. The sunsets from what we jokingly called our "front yard" at the campsite were simply beautiful and the perfect way to end each day.

My biggest goal for visiting Vermont was to see two things: covered bridges and a moose. I accomplished one of those goals.

Sadly, the moose never cooperated.

We drove countless miles along both paved and gravel roads, winding through forests, farmland, and tiny villages convinced that around the next bend we'd finally spot one. Instead, we found abandoned cars, weathered barns, old farmhouses, and quiet ponds tucked away in places that seemed untouched by time. I remember one particular dirt road leading us to a peaceful pond in the middle of nowhere. It wasn't on any map we had planned to visit, but it became one of those unexpected moments that has stayed with me all these years.

Even though I never saw my moose, Vermont more than made up for it with its covered bridges.

I've always loved covered bridges because they make me wonder about the people who crossed them long before automobiles existed. Did they travel by horse and buggy? Did families gather nearby? How many stories have these old wooden bridges witnessed over the last century and a half? I have always been fascinated by history, and there are days I truly think I should have lived in another era.

One thing that stood out to me was how well these bridges had been preserved. Earlier on our travels through Ohio and Kentucky, I was disappointed to see several historic covered bridges covered in graffiti. Vermont was the complete opposite. Every bridge we visited was beautifully maintained and treated with the respect these historic landmarks deserve.

Because I enjoy the history behind these bridges almost as much as seeing them, I wanted to share a little about each one we visited. Thankfully, although my original 2016 blog no longer exists online, I preserved every post in a printed book, allowing me to revisit these memories and share them again.

West Arlington Covered Bridge (Bridge of the Green)

Located in West Arlington, Vermont, just off Route 313 in Bennington County, the West Arlington Covered Bridge was built in 1852. The bridge measures 80 feet long and 17½ feet wide. It was damaged during the flooding caused by Hurricane Irene on August 28, 2011, but was carefully restored and reopened to traffic shortly afterward. Its picturesque setting makes it one of Vermont's most photographed covered bridges.

(click on pics for larger version)

Burt Henry Covered Bridge

Also known as the Henry Covered Bridge, this bridge near Bennington spans the Walloomsac River. Originally constructed in the 1830s, it was completely rebuilt in 1989 while maintaining its historic appearance. The bridge is 121 feet long and 18½ feet wide.

Paper Mill Village Covered Bridge

Known by several names—including the Paper Mill Bridge and Bennington Falls Covered Bridge—this bridge was built in 1889 by Charles F. Sears. Located just northwest of downtown Bennington on the south side of Vermont Route 67A, it spans 125 feet and measures 18½ feet wide.

Silk Road Covered Bridge

Built in 1840, the Silk Road Covered Bridge sits between downtown Bennington and North Bennington along Silk Road, connecting Vermont Routes 67A and 279. Measuring 88 feet long and 15 feet wide, it is conveniently located near both the Burt Henry and Paper Mill Village bridges, making it easy to visit all three in one outing.

Creamery Covered Bridge

The Creamery Covered Bridge in Brattleboro was built in 1879 and closed to vehicle traffic in 2010. A pedestrian sidewalk was added around 1920. Measuring 80 feet long and 19 feet wide, it is the last remaining covered bridge in Brattleboro and can easily be seen from Route 9.

West Dummerston Covered Bridge

The West Dummerston Covered Bridge quickly became one of my favorites simply because of its incredible size. Built in 1872, it stretches an impressive 267 feet, making it one of the longest covered bridges in Vermont. Constructed in two spans, the western section measures 143 feet while the eastern section measures 124 feet, with an overall width of 22 feet.

When we visited in 2016, the bridge was still open to traffic. What I remember most, however, wasn't the bridge itself—it was watching local families swimming beneath it. It seemed like the perfect place to cool off on a warm Vermont afternoon, and it's one of those little memories that has stayed with me.

Rexleigh Covered Bridge

Although technically located in Salem, New York, we discovered the Rexleigh Covered Bridge while traveling toward Vermont. Built in 1874, it crosses the Batten Kill River in Washington County. The bridge measures 107 feet long and just under 18 feet wide and was still open to vehicle traffic during our visit.

Looking back, Vermont became one of my favorite states to explore. The peaceful countryside, winding back roads, and beautifully preserved covered bridges made every mile worthwhile.

The photographs are wonderful reminders of our journey, but they still don't capture what it feels like to stand beside these remarkable pieces of history. If you ever find yourself traveling through southern Vermont, I highly recommend taking the scenic route and visiting as many of these bridges as you can.

As for the moose...I'll be back someday. Hopefully next time one decides to show up.

This destination is just one stop from our original full-time RV adventure. Every place we visited left us with unforgettable memories, beautiful scenery, and lessons learned along the way.

Ready for another adventure?