[tmsrsm]

I am going to be living in St. Albans, VT in less than a month for at least 8 months. I am doing a rotational program at Energizer there. I am 27 and lived in a suburb of Chicago my whole life. But, I was stationed in Bremerton, WA when I was in the Navy and I love the outdoors (i.e. hiking and snowboarding) what is the nightlife like in St. Albans? I also signed up for the Green Mountain Marathon. Has anyone done or heard it and could tell me how it's like? If it's possible I would like to hear some bad stuff. I was reading some other blogs and I guess there is a drug problem and theft problem (which is small to suburb chicago crimes) . I just want to know what I am getting myself into. How is the scuba diving in Lake Champlaign? I am really curious how life is like in St. Albans. Any info would be awesome!!

[vter]

Nightlife in St. Albans? None. It's a small town. Good news though...you've got Montreal about an hour north (make sure to get a passport, passport card, or enhanced DL) and Burlington about 1/2 hour south. You may want to consider living in Burlington and doing the commute. It's a much more fun place for a single twenty-something.
Not sure about the marathon you mention. I know the "big one" is the Vermont City Marathon which is coming up Memorial Day Weekend in Burlington.
Not sure about scuba diving in Champlain, but there is a dive shop in Burlington on Maple Street (I think it's Maple). If you google, I'm sure you can find it. They might be able to give you some good info.
There is a Rail/Trail in St. Albans which looks fun (never been on it) and you 've got great skiing/boarding nearby. You shouldnt have a problem finding outdoor activities to do.
Good luck!

[harry chickpea]

Hee Hee! Night life in St Albans! <chuckle> Good wun. You could watch them roll up the streets for the night, I suppose. There might be a hard drinking contest at the VFW, but VTER is right, go to Montreal or Burlington for night life and have a designated driver.

Diving in any Vermont lake is COLD! The thermocline is close to the surface and doesn't get stirred up much. Also, the water weeds get worse each year. There are some wrecks to dive (I think they haven't removed them all, but some are pretty deep) and the history of the lake is fascinating.

Hi thee down to the Shelburne Museum, visit the Ticonderoga, and check out the books in the gift shop. If you like the outdoors and you like water, Vermont has some nice canoeing and kayaking spots.

[Rosanero10]

Here is what I can offer you......I was born and raised in Boston, and have lived in majopr cities my whole life, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, Philadelphia, etc. However, during my college years I was in Vermont. Night life in Saint Albans is non existant. Its a peaceful and small town squarely between Burlington and Montreal.

Outside of local bars (which you won't be writing home about) the local library, and small businesses, there isn't much there. However, Burlington, for being the smallest state capital in the country has some decent things going on. There is a decent bar scene if you are a social drinker, and Lake Champlain is beautiful. However, for any sense of culture whatsoever, Montreal is your best bet.

What you will find about Vermont is that it is a world unto itself. Few people raised there ever end up living anywhere else because their pace of life is very slow, unorthadox, and measured. I met alot of great people there, and saw some things in nature that cannot be offered anywhere else in the country, but I must admit, that some of the rumors are true. The "singles" scene is minimal at best unless you are someone who enjoys idealistic collegiate liberals, and everything you have heard about flannel shirts, maple syrup, and hippies are all true. Like I said, I met alot of great people, but I could have never lived there after my college years. You have to truly love Vermont to be a part of it, and it is a very private state where the people truly treasure their own.

Best of luck.

[tmsrsm]

I really appreciate the info. Thank you so much. If you guys have anything thats really fun to do in VT that you won't see on websites, please let me know. I really appreciate it.

[vter]

Just as an FYI, Montpelier is the capitol of VT, not Burlington.
Welcome to VT and good luck with your move!