Local
Attractions
 Addison:
Addison became one of the first
settlements in Vermont in 1761. Located here is the John
Strong D.A.R. Mansion, and both the Dead Creek and McCuen
Slang Waterfowl areas.
These Wildlife management Areas (WMA’s) are composed
of cultivated farmland, wetlands, grasslands, and early
and late succesional harwood forest. Several dams were
constructed to greatly increase open water and permanently
flood wetland areas. Vermont Natural Community types include
Cattail Marsh, Deep Bulrush Marsh and Valley Clayplain
Forest.
Birds:
 In
winter Dead Creek hosts resident and northern raptors
including Snowy and Short-eared Owls, Peregrine and Gyrfalcon,
Bald Ealges, Northern Harriers, Rough-legged hawks and
mixed flocks of Snow Buntings, Horned Larks and Lapland
Longspurs. In summer the marsh supports populations of
waterfowl, rails, waders, and representative songbirds.
The grasslands support Grasshopper Sparrows and Upland
Sandpipers. During periods where the state draws down
the impoundments large numbers of shorebirds can be found
on the exposed mudflats.
Dead
Creek WMA is also hosts Snow and Canada geese which
number as high as 20,000 during fall migration and several
state and federally threatened and endangered avian
species. Some of these include Bald Eagle, Osprey, Sedge
Wren, and Black Tern.
Vermont Bald Eagle/Raptor
Viewing Area:
The Vermont Bald Eagle Restoration Initiative maintains
a bald eagle station inhabited by various numbers of eagles
and raptors at the Dead Creek WMA.
Boat Launches:
The State of Vermont Department
of Wildlife maintains over 10 boat launches within a 5
mile area from the property. Thus, providing boating/fishing
access to Lake Champlain, Otter Creek, Dead Creek and
McQuen Slang.
Additional
Points of Interest:
 The
Red Mill: Dinner, Drinks
& bands on the week-end. Located on the local Golf
Course.
The
Bridge Diner: Burgers, Dogs
& Ice Cream all year
Tooties’
Ice Cream Stand: The largest
Ice Cream Cones know to mankind (seasonal)
Mini-Golf
Golf
at Basin Harbor Club
Sky
Diving at Sky Dive Vermont just minutes away
West
Addison General Store: The
local Country “General Store” that can accommodate
most daily general food needs, Video rentals, pizza, sandwiches,
household goods & supplies, fishing & hunting
licenses & small tackle.
Lake
Champlain Maritime Museum
Boat
Rentals & Marina’s close by
Crown
Point State Historical Site (Below)
Long before the Revolution,
the British and the French both claimed Crown Point in
the struggle for a North American empire. Four failed
campaigns to oust the French between 1755 and 1758 were
mounted by the British. It was not until 1759, however,
that the abandoned French Fort St. Frederic was taken
over by the British.
The British immediately began construction of "His
Majesty's Fort of Crown Point." This extremely ambitious
fortification complex contributed to the British conquest
of Canada, the last French stronghold, and control of
Lake Champlain as a communication highway.
In 1775, at the outbreak of the Revolutionary War, the
rebellious colonists captured the fort and secured sorely
needed cannons and heavy ordnance. Crown Point was occupied
by General John Burgoyne's army in 1777 after the American
evacuation to Mount Independence and remained under British
control until the end of the war. The ruins of Fort St.
Frederic, "His Majesty's Fort of Crown Point,"
and surrounding lands were acquired by the State of New
York in 1910.
Today, visitors
can explore the ruins of the original 18th-century structures
and tour the newly renovated museum which includes an
auditorium where visitors can watch an award-winning
multimedia orientation program before touring the exhibits
and grounds. Across the street, the historic Crown Point
Pier and Champlain Memorial Lighthouse also beautifully
restored last year are open to the public.
Vergennes: Approximately
10 minute drive
At the base of Main Street are the forty-foot Otter
Creek Falls that generated the wealth which provided
the basis for the growth of the area. The Falls' basin
is 7 miles inland from Lake Champlain and forms the
only inland port in the state. Today, the City of Vergennes
provides water and power hook-ups free of charge to
all boating visitors. The city recreation park located
at the Falls provides a picnic area, and fishing from
the docks is fun for folks of all ages.
Points of interest in Vergennes include the Opera House
built in 1897, the Rokeby Museum - a well preserved
1790s home on the Underground Railroad, the Lake Champlain
Maritime Museum featuring naval exhibits and working
displays of boat builders, the Bixby Memorial Library
- a fine example of 1911 Greek Revival architecture,
and the picturesque Grand Lady of Vergennes - an exquisite
example of 1870s architecture.
Additional Points of Interest:
Vergennes
Falls: Boating, fishing,
Swimming & Recreation Area
Black Sheep Restaurant: Fine
dining and reasonably priced. Highly Recommended
Antidote:
Fine cocktails & light fare.
Local Shopping Center &
Grocery Store (major chain store)
Middlebury:
Approximately 15-20 minute drive
 Middlebury,
Vermont is an historic, cultural, and educational center
and a popular Vermont vacation destination. Located in
the Champlain Valley, Middlebury is in the center of Addison
County.
Middlebury has long been a leader of invention, agriculture,
education and business. Middlebury is the site of many
firsts, such as Vermont's marble industry, the first institution
of higher learning for woman, the first community-founded
college, the first chartered village museum, and first
state symphony orchestra. In 1814, famous educator Emma
Willard established the first American college for women
in Middlebury.
 Middlebury
is the home of the first Morgan horse - Justin Morgan,
and of the inventor John Deere, whose famous invention
was "the plow that broke the plains."
Some the most impressive homes in Vermont are located
in Middlebury, where you will see fine examples of early
American architecture. Today, Middlebury is a thriving
community nestled between Lake Champlain and the Green
Mountains. The town is home to many fine dining establishments,
retail stores and businesses.
Middlebury area attractions and businesses include; The
Frog Hollow Craft Center, Middlebury College Center for
the Arts, UVM Morgan Horse Farm, The Champlain Valley
Weekender, Otter Creek Brewery, Woody Jackson Vermont
Store and the historic Henry Sheldon Museum.
Burlington:
Approximately 30-40 minute drive
Burlington was settled in 1773 and is Vermont's fastest
growing city. Major Vermont products include electronic
equipment, steel and wood items, maple syrup, business
machinery and textiles.
Burlington is a bustling college town. The University
of Vermont (UVM), Champlain College, Trinity College and
Burlington College are all located here.
Church Street Marketplace is a popular four-season destination
with its many shops, boutiques, nightclubs, and restaurants.
Burlington was the home of Ethan Allen, a hero of the
American Revolution, and is the birthplace of American
philosopher John Dewey. Burlington, Vermont is named for
the Burling family, early settlers of the Champlain Valley
of western Vermont.
Regional
Attractions
Dakin Farm:
Visit Vermont’s tastiest attraction! Vermont’s
finest cob-smoked ham, aged cheddar cheese, pure maple
syrup & other specialty foods. See how syrup &
other specialty foods. See how they’re made! Free
samples, ongoing exhibits, Bring the family. Open 7 days,
year-round on Rte. 7, Ferrisburgh & 100 Dorset St.
(Near Barnes & Noble) exit 14E off I-89 in South Burlington.
Rokeby Museum:
 Tour
this national historic landmark and meet the Robinsons
- a remarkable family of Quaker pioneers, farmers, abolitionists,
authors and artists. Rokeby was their home from 1793
to 1961, a prosperous sheep farm and a stop on the Underground
Railroad. Today, it offers an intimate look into tow
centuries of family and rural life in Vermont. Open
mid-May to mid-October, Thursday - Sunday, Route 7,
Ferrisburgh, VT. (802) 877-3406
Shelburne Farms:
Visit a 1,400 - acre working farm, national historic
site and non - profit environmental education center.
Milk a cow in the Children’s Farmyard, wander
scenic walking trails, join a guided property tour.
The Welcome Center and Farm Store, open year-round,
features a slide presentation and farm products including
Shelburne Farms farmhouse cheddar. Call (802) 985-8686
for info. Jct. of Harbor and Bay Roads, Shelburne, VT
05842
Shelburne Museum:
 Nationally
celebrated collections of American folk art, artifacts
and architecture. 37 buildings, 45 acres. 80,000 objects.
Steamboat Ticonderoga, a national historic landmark.
Private rail car. Steam Engine. Covered Bridge. Museum
Stores. Cafe. Free Parking. Admission. Open every day,
10-5, late May to mud-October. Limited winter schedule.
Store open year-round. Rte. 7, Shelburne, VT. (802)
985-3346.
Mad River Glen:
At Mad River Glen you will find a ski area like no other.
A place where skiing is still a sport, not an industry
and where skiing remains an outdoor adventure in a pristine,
natural setting. A place so perfect, its loyal skier
banded together to protect and preserve it forever.
Come experience America's most unique ski experience
Sugarbush:
Stop and take a deep breath. The tops of 4,000 foot
peaks embrace you. Surrounding you. Everywhere you look.
This is the classic Vermont mountain. 4,000 acres, 115
trails connecting six mountain areas, 2,650 ft of vertical.
UVM Morgan Horse Farm:
 World
famous “Home of the Morgan” breeding arm.
This beautiful property of rolling green pastures and
woodland is a national historic site and an actual working
farm for 60+ morgans. Morgans for sale. Apprenticeship
program. Guided stable tours, video presentation and
Gift Shop daily from May 1 - October 31. Open 9-4. Admission.
Under 5 free. Follow the signs from Middlebury (2 1/2
miles to Weybridge). (802) 388-2011.
Middlebury College Snow
Bowl:
 New
to the Snow Bowl this year will be glade skiing. Glades
will be found on both the Sheehan and Worth Mt. chairs
and will serve intermediate through advanced skiers.
Add these to the existing exceptional variety of terrain
at the Bowl and there will surely be something to please
every skier or snowboarder in the family.
The Vermont Teddy Bear Company:
Delight in the fun-filled tour where teddy bears come
to life before your eyes. Browse for gifts in the Bear
Shop or create your own teddy in the “Make A Friend
For Life” fun factory. This is a magical place
where teddy bears and memories are crafted for a lifetime.
Open Daily. Tours $1 for 12 and over. 1/2 mile south
of Shelburne Museum on Rte. 7 in Shelburne, VT. For
more information (802) 985-3001 ext. 1800.
Stowe:
Vermont's highest peak, longest average trail length
in the east, Yurt, halfpipe, terrain park, night skiing,
gourmet mountain-top dining, web cafe, slopeside lodging,
Cross Country Center, part of East's largest X-C network,
new demo center offering an array of skiing, snowboarding,
telemark and snow blading equipment.
Spirit of Ethan Allen II:
Escape to the Lake aboard a 500 passenger luxury cruise
ship. Cruise on Lake Champlain and experience breathtaking
scenery on a daily Narrated Scenic Cruise, Sunset, Brunch,
Dinner, Murder Mystery or Variety Show Dinner Cruise.
Search for Champ, the elusive lake monster. Two enclosed
and heated decks. Departs at Spirit Landing, Burlington
Boathouse, College St., Burlington, VT (802) 862-8300.
Ben & Jerry’s:
 COMPANY
HISTORY: Ben & Jerry's Homemade, Inc., the Vermont-based
manufacturer of ice cream, frozen yogurt and sorbet,
was founded in 1978 in a renovated gas station in Burlington,
Vermont, by childhood friends Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield,
with a $12,000 investment ($4,000 of which was borrowed).
They soon became popular for their innovative flavors,
made from fresh Vermont milk and cream. The company
currently distributes ice cream, low fat ice cream,
frozen yogurt, sorbet and novelty products nationwide
as well as in selected foreign countries in supermarkets,
grocery stores, convenience stores, franchised Ben &
Jerry's scoop shops, restaurants and other venues.
Cabot Creamery:
 Visit
us at either of our locations! In Cabot, enjoy a video
and a tour of our factory. Watch our products being
made and nibble your way around our gift shop. Factory
Specials! Tours $1 (children under 12 free). Call ahead
for cheese making days. Rte. 2 to Rte. 215, Cabot, VT
05647. (802) 563-2231. In Waterbury, visit our Cabot
Annex Store. Discover many dairy products, cheeses and
VT specialty foods. Watch our video, taste our products.
Rte. 100, Waterbury 05676 (802) 244-6334.
ECHO Lake Aquarium and
Science Center at the Leahy Center for Lake Champlain:
 Boston-based
exhibit designer, Amaze Design, Inc. has developed the
ECHO experience which interprets the ecological, geological,
biological, and cultural history of the Lake Champlain
Basin and includes Awesome Forces Theater (800 million
years compressed into 6 minutes of crashing, flashing,
caving glaciers and continental collision!), a water-play
space for kids to build dams and float boats, and an
Atlantic tide pool touch tank with periwinkle snails,
horseshoe crabs, sea stars, anemones and urchins. Young
visitors may enjoy the working miniature lighthouse
or pop in on a painted turtle in Discovery Place, while
other kids may control a high-tech underwater adventure
as they get a glimpse of the replica historic General
Butler shipwreck. From Abenaki story-telling to the
dynamics of Lake Champlain's underwater wave the ECHO
adventure immerses guests in the sights, sounds, smells
and feel of past and present life in Lake Champlain.
|
