need some advice-

[biermeister]

I just bought a home outside of Brattleboro. I've lived in North New Jersey all my life (46 years) and am wondering if someone can shed some light on what to expect. I am not planning on moving there full time until next year but will be visiting quite often. Are there any rules? Do and more importantly do nots?

thanks in advance
fran

[handmade34]

1. Vermont has become pretty much homogenized

I can't really offer much in way of information about the Brattleboro area specifically (I have lived mostly in the Northeast Kingdom area and my kids are in Stowe now) but Vermont natives are a mixture of all that is good and bad everywhere in the U.S. The weather is not as extreme in the southern part of the state, but will certainly be snowier and colder than NJ. I surely am not any help but I do want to say congratulations and enjoy... I really, really miss Vermont.

[Mopar151]

2. You're on a good plan now

Make the acquaintance of your neighbors, learn your way around. Far as rules go, you can operate on the #1 system, i.e. Rule #1 Don't be an asshole! All further rules are merely clarifications of rule #1!

[rolfboy]

3. Welcome to the People's Republic of Brattleboro

Brattleboro is easily (IMHO) the most progressive city/town in VT. it's especially nice being close to Northampton, MA. we have lived in VT (Lincoln, specifically, which is mid-way between Burlington and Middlebury) for 5 years now.

Some do's and don'ts:
* don't honk your horn
* don't be impatient when things take just a little bit longer in restaurants, stores, etc
* do say hi to your neighbors, wave to them from your car often.
* do buy local whenever possible
* do be friendly with everyone, including postal carriers, clerks, neighbors
* do hang out naked in town (especially in Brattleboro, check the web for articles on public nakedness in Brat)
* don't be surprised if old-timers (you'll recognize them when you see 'em) don't warm up to you quickly, or as quickly as you warm up to them. VT is an interesting place these days--a mix of transplants and old-timers (old-timers=at least 5 generations of VT born and bred).

that should get you going, and feel free to ask more questions as they come up,
weolcome to heaven!
Robert