State of the week: Vermont

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Where are we? The Green Mountain State. Known for cows and a tricky-to-pronounce state capital (think back to when you were a kid), Vermont is one of the six New England states -- though PGATOUR.com's T.J. Auclair (a Rhode Island native) will be quick to tell you it's not the best of the six.

Patty Sheehan, 35-time LPGA winner, was born in Middlebury, Vt. (Getty Images)

Vermont history: Ratified as the 14th state in 1791, the state previously used the name "Vermont Republic" before gaining statehood and after splitting from the British provinces of New York and New Hampshire. However, before Britain had control of Vermont, France claimed the land -- hence the name (which some believe means green mountains and others believe means toward mountains). Settled during the 1600s, Vermont became the site of the first Catholic mass on American soil, and the state remains largely Catholic today despite America's protestant trend throughout history.

Vermont on the course: Green Mountain National Golf Course in Killington tops the list for courses in Vermont. Though stunning year round, the course beckons in the fall when the famous New England foliage coats the course in every color but green. The rolling hills of the course complement the steady rise of the Green Mountains from which the fairways were carved. You can enjoy a mountain setting without losing your breath from the climb. Green Mountain National Golf Course's 16th tee boasts splendid panoramic views of the landscape, and you can still see rock formations in the surrounding mountains created by glaciers hundreds of years ago. The course plays to par 71 over 6,589 yards of Bent grass.

Vermont off the course: OK, I'm a girl so forgive me -- or mock me -- for this, but I can't help it. For an off-the-course activity, you have to tour Ben & Jerry's Factory. Before you scoff manly men, remember you like ice cream, too. And how can the temptation of possible free samples of "Phish Food," "Chunky Monkey," or "Coffee Heath Bar Crunch" not make you want to spend an afternoon here? Sure, Vermont has plenty of outdoorsy attractions with fresh air and pretty scenery, but I really like ice cream. So between your trips to Lake Champlain, the Quechee Gorge and Grand View Winery, fit your good old friends Ben and Jerry in for a sugar-sweet trip and some "Cherry Garcia," too (see, even that is somewhat golf related...).

Vermont eats: Whether all states have official state pies is a mystery to me, but Vermont sure does. And what pie is it? Why apple, of course. Everyone likes to mix it up now and then with a little peach or blackberry, but apple always comes up trumps. All that tasty brown sugar, apple flavor and flaky pastry -- 'mmm 'mmm good.

View of the pool and the mountains at Topnotch Resort and Spa (Courtesy of Topnotch Resort and Spa)

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Vermont resort: For the best Vermont hospitality -- from horse-drawn sleigh rides to maple candy -- choose the Topnotch Resort and Spa in Stowe. In case you didn't catch it from the name there, this five-star hotel is topnotch. Located at the foot of Mount Mansfield, which -- at 5,000 feet -- stands the tallest of Vermont's peaks, Topnotch obviously offers fantastic skiing in the winter months, but there's plenty to keep you busy when the temperature gauge gets above zero, too. For the active types, the mountain trails and streams make biking, hiking and piking (OK, a little fishing rhyme there) a pleasure, while the pampered types can relish in spa treatments or even enjoy a private hike if they're really adventurous. For more winter fun, don't miss out on booking a dog-sled ride or going outdoor ice skating, which your concierge can advise you about. Lastly, for some civilization, head into nearby Stowe for antiquing, eating and a tipple or two.

Vermont culture: While Vermont, as mentioned earlier, has a largely Catholic population (around 25%), the state also has roots in another famous religion. Not even close to Catholicism, though, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints -- also known as the Mormon Church -- has Vermont to thank, in a way, for its inception. The founder of the Utah-centric church, Joseph Smith, was born in the Green Mountain State, and you can visit his birthplace memorial. Constructed in 1905 -- 100 years after Smith's birth -- the 52-foot, polished-granite monument draws 1000s of visitors every year.

Vermont golfer: Let's change it up a little this week and point out a famous LPGA player instead. Patty Sheehan -- born in Middlebury, Vt. -- made her LPGA debut in 1980 and has won 35 tournaments, including six majors.

Next week: This state got a mention this week. Look out for it next week ... bzzzzzzz.