Chittenden County
Photo: Andy Duback
Vermont’s most populous county is also its most “destination-diverse.” The state’s highest peak is here; so, many would argue, is its greatest cultural treasure. Electra Havemeyer Webb’s vast collection of fine and folk art at the Shelburne Museum is one of the best in the world. But the “gallery” experience could not be less intimidating.
Seven Days Pick: Biking
Charlotte-Essex, NY Ferry
The Charlotte-Essex, NY Ferry offers a good glimpse of Vermont’s gold coast. Twenty minutes later, you’re in Essex, New York, a historic little village with its own leafy charm. You can explore the downtown on foot, but the better way to go is by bicycle. The whole area, from Westport to Willsboro Point, is a two-wheeler’s paradise. Not as much traffic on that side of the lake, either.
Sponsored Pick: Food & Drink
Owl's Head Blueberry Farm
Chill out, enjoy the views and sample Vermont’s agricultural bounty at Owl's Head Farm in Richmond. The long shadows on the green Vermont hillsides are soothing after a hectic day at work or in the 'burbs. On Tuesday and Thursday nights during blueberry season, you can enjoy live music while you pick Tuesday and Thursday 5 p.m. - sunset, Wednesday 10 a.m. - sunset, Friday-Sunday 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Closed Mondays. Concerts will be canceled in the event of inclement weather or unfavorable picking conditions. There's a two-quart minimum purchase for adults. Families welcome.
Owl's Head Blueberry Farm, 263 Blueberry Farm Road, Richmond, 802-434-3387
Seven Days Pick: Swimming
Bolton Potholes
Running alongside the road up to Bolton Valley Resort, Joiner Brook tumbles downstream to make five separate waterfalls. The stream’s curves, and distance between individual potholes, makes the swimming area seem bigger and more private than it is. You can hang upstream, far from the madding crowd, or watch adolescent boys diving through an impossibly narrow chute of rock into a deep pool. Yikes. Photo: Matthew Thorsen
Sponsored Pick: Food & Drink
Magic Hat Brewery Artifactory
As the summer sun shines down, beer abounds within the walls of the Magic Hat brewery in S. Burlington. It is your destination for refreshing libations and kindred spirits. Stop in for guided and self-guided tours, tastings and all your summer fashion needs. The doors to beer bliss are open Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.
Magic Hat Brewery Artifactory, 5 Bartlett Bay Road, Shelburne, 985-0328
Seven Days Pick: Hiking
Mount Philo
The views of Lake Champlain, the Champlain Valley and the Adirondacks are breathtaking from this hillock that also happens to be a state park. It’s a short, winding climb to the top — on a road that you have to share with cars, and you have to pay either way — but somehow the exhaust fumes don’t spoil the experience. Must have something to do with all those happy people at the top.
Sponsored Pick: Attractions
Shelburne Farms
Shelburne Farms gives you a glimpse of yesterday and a vision of tomorrow. Founded in the 1880s as an agricultural estate with a sweeping landscape by the Father of Landscape Architecture Frederick Law Olmsted, it is now an educational nonprofit teaching and demonstrating rural land use that is environmentally, economically and culturally sustainable. Hear the compelling story on daily property tours, enjoy a hands-on experience for all ages at the Children’s Farmyard. Step back to the Gilded Age at the Inn and enjoy the best of Vermont produce showcased at breakfast, dinner, Sunday brunch and Sunday supper. Eight miles of walking trails network the Farms.
Shelburne Farms, 1611 Harbor Rd., Shelburne, 985-0328
Sponsored Pick: Attractions
Groovin' on the Green at Maple Tree Place
Maple Tree Place is not just a great place to shop and dine; it’s also a great place to hear live music in a family-friendly outdoor setting, Thursday evenings from June 18 to August 27. Each week features a different band and genre of music. Concert-goers are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs and spread out on the plush grass. No time to pack a picnic? Come early and grab a bite to eat. The June 18 concert will begin at 5:30 p.m. with a dedication and ribbon cutting of the brand new band shell on The Green.
Maple Tree Place, corner of Route 2 and 2A, Williston, 879-9100
Seven Days Pick: Attractions
Birds of Vermont Museum
A happy obsession is in evidence at the Birds of Vermont Museum — home to 479 life-sized wooden birds expertly carved by Bob Spear. The loon family alone took him 850 hours to carve and paint. Spear founded Vermont’s first chapter of the National Audubon Society in 1962, and the octogenarian is still carving birds. Photo: Matthew Thorsen
Sponsored Pick: Lodging
Coventry Club & Resort
The road less traveled leads to Coventry Club & Resort, a nudist destination that lets you enjoy summer as it should be. Leave your troubles at the gate and relax on our spectacular garden beach. Family-friendly Coventry tolerates absolutely no nonsense, just good clean fun in and out of our pristine, 80-acre pond. Don’t miss the 5K run on June 27, the “AANR World Record Skinny-Dip Across North America” on July 11, the Hawaiian Luau on July 18, the Coventry Ball on August 1 or the Fall Harvest Feast on August 29. Events subject to change, check our website for updates.
Coventry Club & Resort, Milton, 802-893-7773
Seven Days Pick: Food & Drink
Tiny Thai
Over the past few years, Asian restaurants have blossomed all over Chittenden County like lotus flowers on a pond. The Queen City recently gained a pan-Asian noodle bar, and another is on the way. Where once there was a single source of Vietnamese pho in the Greater Burlington area, now there are seven. Keep reading... Photo: Matthew Thorsen
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Seven Days Pick: Arts & Entertainment
Sunset Drive-In
The towns surrounding Chittenden County are full of surprising finds — you just have to know where to go. A car comes in handy. At the area’s last-remaining drive-in, certainly, you’ve gotta have wheels. Colchester’s own al fresco movie theater shows double features on four screens every night at sunset. Bring bug spray.
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Articles
- Getting By: Summer, For Free
- Shelburne Museum Goes "Hog" Wild
- Stars Under Stars: Sunset Drive-In
- Three for the Road: Champlain Valley Folk Festival
- Quirky Clubs Not to Miss: Monkey House
- Gallery Profile: Furchgott Sourdiffe Gallery
- Electra's Complex: The Shelburne Museum
- An Artist's View of the Shelburne Museum
- Handmade Tales: designer Claudia Venon
- Handmade Tales: potter Ed Racicot
- Onion Appeal: Documenting Winooski's Many Layers
- A River Run: Exploring the Winooski
- Slow Boats: Lake Champlain Paddlers' Trail
- Westford Ho! One Town Embraces History
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- Taste Test: The Spot
- Taste Test: The Belted Cow
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- Grilling the Chef: Sonoma Station
- On the Rise Bakery Serves up Community with its Wood-Fired Pizza
- Chittenden County Can’t Get Enough Bosnian Food
- Taste Test: Dragonfly Café and Woody’s Pub
- Grilling the Chef: Kitchen Table Bistro
- Grilling the Chef: 3 Squares
- Hot Comfort
- Getting Fried at the Fair
- Taste Test: Pulcinella’s
- Taste Test: Pho Dang Vietnamese Café
- Need Mead?
- Taste Test: Zen Garden
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