Day 19 of a Year Long Road Trip Along America’s Scenic Byways
Burlington, Vermont
Ahhh…the sun! I’d almost forgotten what it looked like after a week on the road in soggy weather. I had to spend a few minutes hunting for my sunglasses! Today, I continued my drive south along the east side of Lake Champlain in Vermont. My first stop was in Burlington. Bundled up in jeans, a fleece and windbreaker, I wandered the pedestrian-only streets and browsed the farmers market.
I couldn’t help but think of my niece and nephew, Mollie and Sam. Being from Steamboat Springs, they would be walking around in shorts and a T-shirt without shoes in 46 degree weather. I, on the other hand, returned to VANilla’s heater after an hour in the cold and headed to Shelburne Farms.
Shelburne Farms
Shelburne Farms was the country estate of William Seward and Lila Vanderbilt Webb. Built in 1886, it includes a Farm Barn, Breeding Barn, Coach Barn, and Shelburne House on 3,800 acres. Today it is known for its cheeses, so I took a tractor ride along with other visitors up to the cheese making factory where we watched the cheese processing and enjoyed a tasting.
After visiting the cheese factory, I spend a short time with the barnyard animals and then hiked up Lone Tree trail to the highest point on the property. At the top of the hill, I helped myself to an apple from the apple tree as I enjoyed the panoramic view of Lake Champlain.
Upon my return to the farm area, I met Dan and Kate. Dan was visiting Kate for parents weekend at the University of Vermont, where she is a first year student majoring in Environmental Science. Dan was a corporate lawyer for the NYSE and for the last few years has been acting in plays, commercials, and the like. He is currently working on a TV pilot called B Sharp about music. It would be cool if it became a hit. I’m glad they took a detour from the University activities because it was really fun to meet them.
Mt. Philo State Park
Further south on the Lake Champlain Loop, is Mt. Philo State Park. Here, Scout, Petey, and I hiked a mile up to the top of the mountain, two miles round trip. This extremely popular trail was a little steep and rocky, but the summit afforded magnificent views of the lake and surrounding mountains in New York. It is supposed to be especially nice at sunset.
Button Bay State Park
After the hike, we continued along the Lake Champlain scenic drive through Vergennes, Vermont’s smallest chartered city, to Button Bay State Park. Upon pulling into my campsite, I met Kord, also a Eurovan owner. He is from Georgia, has been traveling for 6 weeks, and is camping with his kids for his birthday weekend. He had a nice fire going and invited me over to watch the sunset. Until tomorrow…ETB
Map of My Road Trip Across the USA
For a summary about my road trip across the USA, click HERE. For the interactive map, see the below link.
Other Articles About Vermont You May Like
- Day 18 – Lake Champlain Loop
- Day 20 – Lake Champlain Loop and the Adirondacks
- Day 21 – Green Mountain Highway
- Day 22 – Green Mountain Highway – Part 2
- Day 24 – Vermont’s Quiet Corner
Shop
Check out the photographic note cards and key chains at my shop. Each card has a travel story associated with it. 20% of proceeds are donated to charity.
Hurray — sun! Isn’t it glorious!!!! Glad you were able to dry out and tat you found your sun glasses.
Did you happen to go by Twin Farms when in Burlington? Also, the Stave Puzzle headquarters is around that area.
Happy camping tonight!
xo’s M
loving the pics (of course it took me till yesterday to figure out I could click on them and enlarge, ahhahaha) what kind of camera are you using. The pics are so clear and the colors are so good. So, the pic of the van with the man in front of it, is this what your van looks like?
similar, you can see my van on itinerary page…he doesn’t have the refrigerator, stove or sink in his
I’m using two different cameras. One is a canon digital elph, point and shoot. Think it is the SD1200, but they put out a new model every year. It is great. Fits in my pocket…takes great sunset and indoor photos…sometimes I take it on my hikes…it depends on how hard I think it will be to lug my good camera around. The good camera is the Canon Rebel T1i. I have a 18/270 Tamron lense on it for a good zoom as well as a polarizing filter. The T2 is out now, but doesn’t offer much more than what I have so opted for it.
mike and I got married in Stowe Vt.(the first time)
I go there in a few days!
Did you get your heater working
No. Not yet
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ask your euro van buddy how the propane system works….do it ealry before he drinks too many of those beverages (see right front wheel in picture….I am paying attention)
Haha. You always make lol. Find the manual online yet?
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