When most people think of Vermont, they envision skiing down snow-covered slopes, drinking hot chocolate by a roaring bonfire or riding a horse-drawn sleigh across a snowy meadow. But Vermont is also a fabulous destination in warmer months, and one of my favorite areas to visit is the region that includes Burlington and Waterbury. Small-town charm and healthy vibes make this area a fun place to visit with family or friends.
Here are a few top places to visit in Burlington and Waterbury:
In Waterbury, visit the original factory of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream and enjoy one of their newest flavors, like Netflix & Chill’d, a co-branded concoction featuring peanut butter ice cream, sweet and salty pretzel swirls, and fudge brownie chunks. The famed ice cream shop’s first factory was built here in 1985 and the site continues to manufacture about 350,000 pints of ice cream per day. Visit the Scoop Shop on-site. Factory tours are set to resume this year, so follow Ben & Jerry’s Facebook page for updates.
World-class art and Americana are housed in Shelburne Museum’s 39 buildings spread across 45 acres in Burlington. Many of the buildings represent historic New England architecture styles, such as a Shaker design round barn. Inside the museum, you’ll discover a wonderland of antiques including horse-drawn vehicles, Vermont firearms, vintage dolls and automata, which are mechanical toys that will bring a smile to your face. Don’t miss exploring the 220-foot sidewheel steamboat, Ticonderoga, and 22 landscaped gardens. The museum is open May 15-Oct. 16 this year.
The centerpiece of downtown Burlington is a pedestrian-friendly shopping street created in 1981. Lined with shops, businesses and restaurants, you’ll find plenty of outdoor seating so you can people watch. If you’re a shop-aholic you’ll love the wide variety of boutiques selling everything from apparel to home décor, much of it Vermont made. Restaurants feature burgers, bagels and bistro fare. Church Street Marketplace’s calendar of events is packed with activities throughout the four seasons including a holiday light display, winter ice bar, a jazz fest and a festival of street theatre, featuring circus arts, music and comedy—all family friendly, of course.
Peggy Sijswerda, MFA, has written about travel and wellness for 25 years, covering myriad topics from design trends in Stockholm to spa treatments in Spain. She loves riding horses and hanging out with family and friends around a campfire. Follow Peggy on instagram.com/peggywrites and facebook.com/ifyouseekadventure. Visit www.ifyouseekadventure.com for more adventures.
by Peggy Sijswerda