Lake Champlain Islands

The Champlain islands dotting the north eastern corner of the state just below Montreal and Canada are Isle La Motte, Grand Isle, North Hero, South Hero, and the Alburg Peninsula. The winters out here on the 80 square miles of land are so quiet but things rev up each summer just 30 minutes away from downtown Burlington. The serenity of water defines. You can make it to Montreal and the Atlantic Ocean on a boat; get that french dictionary ready.

The geography is different. Gently rolling hills and lots of relatively level landscapes with farms and beautiful lake views are a stark contrast to the steep mountains in so many other parts of Vermont. It's another world with amazing Knight Point, Grand Isle, North Hero and Woods Island state parks as well as the Alburgh Dunes, gift of the glaciers. Knight Point and Woods Island are accessible only by boat or across deep, frozen ice. And there's the 460 million year old paleozoic Chazy Reef.

Coming from Burlington, stop right away @ Sebs Snack Bar to fill your tank with window served delectables. 

Summer is all about the lake swimming, boating and fishing. Kiteboard, sail, water ski or windsurf and rent canoes, kayaks and paddleboards at Hero's Welcome where there are so many other provisions and general store items that if they don't have it you probably don't need it. Isle La Motte is so tiny the population is about 500 souls, where the Europeans first landed in Vermont when Samuel de Champlain made a stop and french soldiers later built a southern Quebec outpost fort. Bike the three mile Island Line Trail for water views in every direction. Check out the Farmers' Markets on South Hero and Grand Isle, Island Arts in North Hero, camp in the Knight Point or Woods Island state parks, make a pilgrammage to St. Anne's Shrine on Isle La Motte or visit the Pomykala Farm or the Breakaway Farm with 160 acres of trails on Grand Isle. For the serious sailer, don't miss the Apple Island Marina with bingo, cribbage, chair yoga and a general store and deli on top of all those masts and nautical beauties. Serious RV camping at the Apple Island Resort.

Fall, apple picking galore at Allenholm Farm, the Harvest Fest in South Hero, or dine at the Blue Paddle Bistro in South Hero.

Winter, snowshoeing and wine tasting at the Snowfarm Vineyard, skate on the ice in Hero Island Bay, attend the Great Ice festival or take part in the February Winter Carnival at the Kraemer & Kin Brewery. The annual Ice Fishing Derby in South Hero is fantastic. 

Looking for an 1830 3BR farmhouse short term rental? Try the Mott House.