Franklin County, Vermont is located in the northwestern corner of the state and is bordered by Canada to the north and Lake Champlain to the west. It encompasses a total area of 855 square miles and has a population of around 49,000 people. The county seat is St. Albans which is also the largest city in the county with a population of around 7,500 people.
According to dictionaryforall.com, the history of Franklin County dates back to before Vermont was even an independent state as it was originally part of New Hampshire’s land grant from 1741. The area was then divided into two counties; Chittenden and Franklin in 1787 following Vermont’s separation from New York.
Franklin County offers visitors plenty to explore including its numerous outdoor activities such as hiking trails, fishing spots, mountain biking trails, kayaking or canoeing on Lake Champlain, or simply taking in some breathtaking views at one of its many scenic overlooks. Additionally, there are also several historic sites located throughout the county such as the Enosburg Falls Covered Bridge or Hubbardton Battlefield which commemorate important battles fought during the Revolutionary War.
The county also features numerous attractions such as golf courses, ski areas, museums, art galleries or even boat tours on Lake Champlain. There are also several events held throughout the year such as their annual Maple Festival which celebrates all things maple syrup or their famous Fourth of July celebration featuring fireworks displays.
Franklin County has produced several notable figures over its history including former U.S President Calvin Coolidge who was born in Plymouth Notch in 1872 and Senator Patrick Leahy who currently serves as Vermont’s longest-serving senator since 1975. Additionally, Franklin County has also been home to several notable musicians including jazz saxophonist Branford Marsalis who grew up in St Albans and singer-songwriter Grace Potter who attended St Johnsbury Academy located in Lyndonville.
Climate and weather in Franklin County, Vermont
According to mcat-test-centers.com, Franklin County, Vermont has a humid continental climate, with four distinct seasons of constant change. Summers are warm and humid with temperatures ranging from the 70s to the low 80s. During this time, thunderstorms are frequent as well as occasional heat waves. Winters can be cold and snowy with temperatures ranging from the teens to single digits. Snowfall is usually heavy during this time of year and often lasts until late spring or early summer. Springtime is mild and pleasant with temperatures ranging from the low 40s to mid-60s while fall is usually cool and crisp with temperatures dropping into the 30s during the night.
The county experiences an average of around 45 inches of rain per year spread out over all four seasons, but especially in spring and fall when thunderstorms are most common. The snowfall averages around 94 inches annually, usually falling in large amounts from December through February but occasionally extending into April or May depending on the year. In addition to snowfall, Franklin County also experiences sleet throughout winter months as well as freezing rain during certain times of year which can make for treacherous driving conditions.
Despite its cold winters, Franklin County enjoys consistently sunny days throughout each season thanks to its location in Northern Vermont which allows for ample sunshine even in winter months. This means that outdoor activities such as skiing or hiking can be enjoyed even during colder times of year due to bright sunny days that make for great outdoor recreation opportunities.
Franklin County offers a wide variety of climates and weather conditions throughout each season making it an ideal destination for anyone looking for a unique place to explore. Whether you’re looking for adventure during winter months or just a pleasant day outdoors during warmer times of year, Franklin County has something for everyone.
Transportation in Franklin County, Vermont
Transportation in Franklin County, Vermont is served by a variety of options including roads, buses, and rail lines. Roads in the county are generally well maintained and provide easy access to most of the area’s towns and cities. The major highways in Franklin County are Interstate 89 which runs north-south through the area as well as US Route 2 which runs east-west through the county. In addition to these two major highways, there are several other smaller roads that connect towns within Franklin County.
The Franklin County Transit Agency provides public bus service throughout the county with routes connecting all of its major towns and cities. The buses have regular schedules with multiple stops along their routes making them an efficient and convenient option for transportation within the county.
In addition to road and bus transportation, Franklin County also has rail lines that connect it to other parts of Vermont as well as New Hampshire and Massachusetts. These rail lines provide easy access to larger cities such as Burlington, Montpelier, Concord, and Boston which makes them a popular choice for travelers looking to explore beyond Franklin County’s borders.
Finally, air travel is also available in Franklin County via the Burlington International Airport located just outside of Burlington. This airport serves many domestic airlines providing flights throughout the United States as well as international destinations such as Toronto, London, Paris, Rome, Tokyo and more making it an ideal option for those looking to travel further abroad from Franklin County.
Franklin County offers a wide variety of transportation options that make getting around easy whether you’re traveling within or outside of the county’s boundaries. From its highways to its public bus system to its rail lines and airport connections – there’s something for everyone when it comes to getting around in Franklin County.
Cities and towns in Franklin County, Vermont
Franklin County, Vermont is home to a variety of vibrant cities and towns. The county seat is St. Albans, an idyllic city located on the shores of Lake Champlain with a population of around 7,000 people. The city is known for its historic architecture and charming downtown filled with antique shops, restaurants, and boutiques. St. Albans also has a thriving arts scene with galleries, music venues, and community theater groups. See top 3 cities in Vermont.
The largest city in Franklin County is Burlington which lies on the eastern shore of Lake Champlain and has a population of around 42,000 people. Burlington is home to the University of Vermont as well as several other colleges making it a popular destination for students and young professionals alike. The city also boasts an array of cultural attractions including art galleries, museums, music venues, and theaters that make it one of the most vibrant cities in Vermont.
In addition to these two major cities there are several smaller towns throughout Franklin County that offer their own unique charm including Enosburg Falls which has a population of around 2,500 people and is known for its annual Maple Festival held every March as well as its quaint downtown featuring art galleries and independent shops. Richford is another small town located in the western part of Franklin County with a population of around 1,100 people that’s known for its outdoor recreation opportunities such as fishing, hunting, camping, hiking trails and more that make it an ideal destination for nature lovers looking to explore the area’s natural beauty.
Other notable towns in Franklin County include Swanton which lies along the banks of Missisquoi River; Highgate Center which features rolling hillsides dotted with farms; Sheldon which has been called “the little village at the foot of Mt Mansfield”; Montgomery Center which offers scenic views from its mountain peaks; Bakersfield which sits at the base of Jay Peak; Fairfield which features rolling hillsides surrounded by farmland; Enosburg Center known for its beautiful covered bridges; East Fairfield which lies along Lake Carmi; Berkshire Junction whose main attraction is its historic railroad station; Montgomery Village where visitors can explore old-fashioned general stores; Fairfax Station known for its scenic views from atop Mount Mansfield; Cambridge Junction boasting beautiful lakeside views from atop Camels Hump Mountain and finally Fletcher whose main attraction is its stunning waterfall located near town center.
No matter what type of experience you’re looking for – whether it be outdoor recreation or culture – you can find something special in each one of these charming towns throughout Franklin County.