Expert: David Beckett - 4/23/2001

Question
david,  my wife and i are flying to burlington 050501-051401 and staying in an intervaal ownership exchange condo.  we do not know side trips by time to take while sightseeing.  i understand the knotch will be closed so it would mean travelling around the mtn. range i assume to gp south.  we have vised the southern half of vermont, so would not be going further than probably rutland.  i know this a broad question, but i thought ther might some nice 'loop' trips to consider.  thanks for your help.

Answer
Charles-

There are loads of great trips.

I'd suggest the following, in no particular order:

1) Middlebury. Scenic as heck, great shopping and dining.
2) The Champlain Islands. Visit Heroes Welcome General Store-buy a sandwich and eat on the deck across the street overlooking the Lake.
3) The ferries. There are 3 places to cross. Go to Charlotte Vt-right down Rt 7 from Burlington. Cross to Essex NY. Have lunch at The Old Dock restaraunt. Then drive up to Plattsburg or Port Kent and come back across.
4) I'd urge you in the strongest possible terms to visit Montreal. It's an hour and 3/4 drive from Burlington. The city is VERY easy to drive into and out of and all around. There are superb art museums, ancient cathedrals, an IMAX theatre, a fabulous old port area that's been revitalized, and an old city (Old Montreal). There is a FABULOUS botanical garden that's worth half a day to see. It's a European city that's been plopped down in North America. Just as beautiful as many European cities. I'll gladly give you more ideas if you wish to go to Montreal.
5) The Colchester Causeway-an old railway trestle that has been turned into a walking trail You can walk or bike 2 miles out into the Lake. Few people go there, word hasn't got out yet. It's stunning-spectacular ...and free.
6) Stowe. Ride the Gondola. Enjoy the town of Stowe. Stop at Cold Hollow Cider Mill and Ben and Jerry's.
7) The Shelburne Museum. The largest collection of American objects (Folk Art, Fine Art, 2 dozen buildings) outside of The Smithsonian in the world.
8) Breakfast or Lunch at The Inn At Shelburne Farms. This is a bit like dining at one of the grand "Cottages" in Newport Rhode Island. Breathtaking building and grounds.

Have FUN!

David Beckett 802 846 5615 drcwb@hotmail.com