The Gorgeous Green Mountain State (Vermont)

I lived in northern Vermont, in the Burlington area, for nearly twenty years. I arrived on the campus of the University of Vermont and nearly immediately fell in love. In love with the easy-going lifestyle, in love with Lake Champlain and the views of the Adirondacks behind, in love with Vermont’s mountains, gorges, lakes, streams and creeks, in love with Burlington’s downtown. My love affair with Vermont kept me here for many years after graduation (“UVM: 5-6 of the best years of your life”, the T-shirt said, or in my case 4.5) through the launch of my professional career with two great Vermont companies.

I’ve now been gone nearly as long as I was here. But, fortunately, I’ve had the opportunity to continue to work with Vermont companies since, to return often and have many close friends that still call the Green Mountain state home.

On our eastward trek, we spent a little over a week in the confines of Vermont rolling green hills (in Burlington and in Woodstock). We didn’t do much sightseeing (we’d planned to visit the Calvin Coolidge State Historical Site, but it was closed until late May), but here’s my list of favorite things to do if you’re visiting:

1. Burlington waterfront and downtown. A visit to Burlington, VT is not complete without a visit to Waterfront Park, in my book. Gorgeous views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks. The Burlington bike trail runs right through it and you can just sit, stroll, go to the ECHO museum or set off on a cruise on Lake Champlain on the Spirit of Ethan Allen. Afterward, stroll up to Battery Park, which was originally a military camp during the War of 1812, but now offers a more tranquil setting to watch the sun sink below the mountains of New York. Later, adjourn to the Church St. Marketplace or surrounds for dinner or drinks. Our three favorites still remain intact: Leunig’s Bistro, the Daily Planet or American Flatbread Pizza.

2. Hiking in the Green Mountains. There are so many hiking trails in Vermont that I won’t even attempt to list them all here. I’ve done most of these and would also recommend Mt Philo State Park in Charlotte or Snake Mountain in Addison.

3. Visiting Stowe and von Trapps. The hills are alive. Many tourists don’t miss an opportunity to visit Stowe’s village or the Stowe Mountain Resort/ski area. The resort has changed a lot since I lived here and the base had only a simple parking lot vs. a fancy resort. Stroll around the village, take a walk up the Stowe bike path and then check out the von Trapp property. The Trapp Family Lodge is run by descendants of the Baron and Maria von Trapp who lived there and then operated it as a ski lodge after fleeing Nazi-occupied Austria. Today, there’s a substantial trail network for cross-country skiing in the winter or hiking/biking in the summer, the Inn itself (which is Austrian-inspired quintessential rustic Vermont) or the von Trapp brewery which also has a good restaurant. Combine a Stowe-area hike from the list above with a visit to the village or a beer at von Trapps too.

4. Shelburne Farms. A turn of the 19th century mansion estate and working farm transformed into an Inn and Restaurant on beautiful grounds on which you can take a stroll, Shelburne Farms also offers educational programs on site. I like it just to enjoy the grounds. In any season when they are open, it’s a beautiful place to unwind and enjoy the outdoors. The restaurant is also fantastic, for a splurge, if you can get in.

5. Golf. I’m a golfer. I love being out on the course and there’s nothing like a Vermont golf course on a beautiful Vermont day. I’ve played a lot of courses in Vermont but some of my favorites are: Basin Harbor Club in Vergennes, Jack Nicklaus-designed Vermont National Golf Club in South Burlington and Sugarbush Golf Club in Waitsfield. It’s been a long time, so hopefully my memories are still a fresh representation of the beautiful golf courses Vermont has to offer.

6. Vermont Festivals and Big Weekends. Vermonters love to be outside and on a beautiful day. They also love a good festival or party. This list seems to be a pretty good one. I’ve personally been to the Jazz Fest in Burlington, the Warren 4th of July parade, Burlington’s Independence Day celebration and the Champlain Valley Fair many times. The Maple Festival in St. Albans is one-of-a-kind and you have to try sugar-on-snow if you go. If you’re in Burlington, over the summer in particular, there’s always something going on every weekend. Marathon weekend (Memorial Day) is a personal favorite of mine as all the locals come out to cheer the runners from their yards and city streets. I’m biased as I participated for a decade, but this event exemplifies Burlington’s spirit and vibe. If you’re visiting for the first time, expect traffic disruptions on Memorial Day Sunday morning.

7. Vermont Beer. When microbrews were first making their start in the USA, I remember two of them from Vermont. Otter Creek and Long Trail. They were pioneers around here but have now been joined by a crowded field of colleagues. Heady Topper is famous in these parts for its taste and alcohol content, but there are so many more. So, when in Vermont, try the local brew. It will be hard to be disappointed.

8. Lake Champlain Islands. A somewhat hidden gem and local secret, the islands have quaint little villages, B&Bs, a vineyard and are a great place to enjoy the water, the views of it from land or, if you’re lucky enough, a boat. Our favorite spot is the North Hero House in North Hero.

9. American Flatbread Pizza. Already mentioned above in #1, it’s so good it needs its own bullet. For our money, the Punctuated Equilibrium could possibly be the best pizza on earth, but you really can’t go wrong. You can find the pizzas in frozen food sections of supermarkets across the country but there’s nothing like eating it at the source. The original restaurant is still open in Waitsfield (near Sugarbush ski resort if that’s what brings you to Vermont) and there are multiple other locations in New England as of this writing.

10. Breakfast at Sneakers. Disclaimer: a friend of mine from college owns this place. That editorial formality out of the way, it’s been my favorite breakfast spot for decades and we always find ourselves here at least once per visit. It’s located in Winooski VT just next to Burlington. Check it out for their benedicts, omelets and try the home fried potatoes. Not good for the waistline, but good for your soul.