What to See and Do in Northern Vermont
If you like being cooped up inside, northern Vermont probably isn't for you. Then again, if you only plan to ski or hike or fish or bike, you'll miss some of the quirky attractions that make this region unique. Be sure to interrupt your outdoor pursuits to visit a few of these local highlights.
Family Amusements
Animals enchant children, and in northern Vermont, roadside bovines aren't the only critters that will tickle their fancy.
ECHO at the Leahy Center for Lake Champlain
1 College Street, Burlington
802-864-1848
Open year-round, this waterfront lake aquarium and science center is home to more than sixty fish, amphibian, and reptile species. Watch as 800 million years of history zip by in six minutes inside the Awesome Forces Theater; then immerse yourselves in the ecology, history, culture, and opportunity of the Lake Champlain Basin through interactive exhibits. Children can meet some of ECHO's inhabitants up close during three daily feeding and demo sessions.
Vermont Teddy Bear Factory
Route 7, Shelburne
800-829-BEAR
Tours of the Vermont Teddy Bear Factory, offered daily year-round, offer a behind-the-scenes glimpse at the creation of one of Vermont's best-loved products. After you see where bears are born, head to the Make a Friend for Life area, where you can actually create your very own bear. Just don't overstuff him!
Museums and Historic Sites
Museums and historic places celebrate this region's riches and the individuality of Vermonters.
Ethan Allen Homestead
1 Ethan Allen Homestead, Burlington
802-863-5744
Get to know Vermont's founder and flamboyant Revolutionary War hero at his final home, situated just outside Burlington on scenic grounds overlooking the Winooski River. Tours are available daily May through October.
Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium
1302 Main Street, St. Johnsbury
802-748-2372
This Victorian building contains more than 160,000 objects including an expansive collection of mounted New England mammals and birds. Founded in 1889 by local industrialist and naturalist Franklin Fairbanks, the museum also has permanent exhibits devoted to art and history, plus Vermont's only public planetarium.
Lake Champlain Maritime Museum
4472 Basin Harbor Road, Vergennes
802-475-2022
Hands-on exhibits help to tell Lake Champlain's storied history at this museum, where you can even climb aboard a replica of the Revolutionary War gunboat
Shelburne Museum
Route 7, Shelburne
802-985-3346
This forty-five-acre complex is home to a compendium of folk art, Americana, and traditional New England structures including a lighthouse. Late May is the most colorful — and fragrant — time for a visit, when more than 400 lilac bushes bloom.
Outdoor Recreation
You'll be surrounded by opportunities to explore the great outdoors when you spend time in northern Vermont. Here are a few outdoor experiences you may want to enjoy.
Burke Mountain Toll Road
Off Mountain Road, East Burke
802-626-7300
From May through late October, follow the winding and scenic toll road to the summit of Burke Mountain, and then climb the steel tower for sweeping views.
FAST FACT
The Northeast Kingdom's Lake Willoughby, framed by Mounts Pisgah and Hor, is one of the Northeast's top ice-climbing destinations. On frozen winter days, you can often observe adventurous climbers scaling these sheer walls of ice. If you're interested in giving this extreme sport a try, Vermont Adventure Tours (802-773-3343,
North Beach
Institute Road
Burlington's North Beach is one of the nicest beaches on Lake Champlain. There is a parking fee, and facilities include a snack bar, picnic area, playground, and restrooms. Lifeguards monitor the beach in season.
Spirit of Ethan Allen III
Burlington Boathouse, College Street, Burlington
802-862-8300
Aboard this 400-passenger cruise ship, which departs from the waterfront in downtown Burlington, you can dine, drink in the views, and even keep your eyes peeled for Champ, the Lake Champlain monster.
Shopping
If you're ready to invest in some warm woolies or a set of moose antlers, then you've come to the right place. Even window-shopping can be an adventure in northern Vermont.
Church Street Marketplace
Church Street, Burlington
802-863-1648
If shopping is in your genes, you will adore the Church Street Marketplace, which runs along four blocks in downtown Burlington and features more than 100 retail stores. To encourage visitors, two hours of free parking is provided at the following downtown garages: Marketplace Garage, South Winooski between Bank and Cherry; College Street Garage at the Wyndham Hotel, 60 Battery Street; Burlington Town Center, Cherry Street; and Lakeview Parking Garage, Cherry Street.
Johnson Woolen Mills
Main Street, Johnson
877-635-WOOL
You'll find discounts on woolen wear and blankets at the Johnson Woolen Mills, an authentic factory store that has been a fixture in Vermont since 1842.
Moose River Lake & Lodge Store
370 Railroad Street, St. Johnsbury
802-748-2423
You're bound to find something of interest at this store, featuring taxidermy and antlery, hickory furniture and other lodge decor, Vermont-made products, and a wine vault.
Stowe Craft Gallery
55 Mountain Road, Stowe
877-456-8388
This Stowe shop showcases fine jewelry, pottery, blown glass, home furnishings, and kaleidoscopes made by American craftspeople.
