Which is more awesome: Vermont or Maine?

It’s summertime, and the travel is easy—or at least easier with the absence of icy roads and snowbanks. Such travel can mean jaunts to our sparsest of northern New England neighbors, Maine and Vermont.

Together, the states’ populations do not even equal half of the population of the Boston metropolitan area. That’s part of their charm, though, much as it’s part of western Mass.’ charm, too.

What else is? Well, each state has quirky enticements—covered bridges, lighthouses, etc.—and, for some Bostonians, these enticements prove so powerful as to warrant relocation altogether.

But which is awesome-er: Maine or Vermont? Why is one better than the other? Or, more to the point, what makes each unique enough to spend significant time in? That is our latest open thread. Sound off in the comments section below.

• Where does ‘western Mass.’ start? [Curbed Boston]
• Maine lighthouses free to the public one day only this September [Curbed Boston]
• Portland, Maine, top U.S. destination for people looking to leave Boston: Report [Curbed Boston]
• Vermont covered bridges: 9 of the most beautiful the Green Mountain State has to offer [Curbed Boston]
• New England fall foliage: Best areas to watch the leaves change [Curbed Boston]