Family Adventure to New England: Vermont!

School’s out!  Best way I know how to kick off summer break is making memories with my family. This summer, we kicked off break with a road trip to New England!  We managed to cover 6 states in 8 days!  How?  A LOT of planning and driving!  I’m admittedly obsessed with creating itineraries and planning to see ALL.THE.THINGS to see!  This trip did NOT disappoint!

First up- VERMONT!  Did you know that Vermont was named by French explorer, Samuel de Champlain because he called it “Very Mont” which literally means Green Mountain!?!?!?  His 1647 map was the birth of this great states name!  And he’s also credited with humbly naming the gorgeous Lake Champlain after himself.

Driving into Burlington, VT you can see the Lake from various points in the town.  It’s a wonderful town!  Almost reminded us of Wilmington, NC.  Bustling, a true city, but still quaint, historical, charming, and clean.  We enjoyed viewing the lake from the pier path where there were swinging benches, PLENTY of adorable pooches being walked by their friendly owners, sail boats to observe, and street vendors selling artwork, food, and drinks.  But really, what better way to see Lake Champlain than ON the actual lake?

Swinging benches looking out on lake

Ticket booth on pier

The Spirit of Ethan Allen invited my family to sail with them.  It was a beautifully sunny day for our tour!  My family first chose to sit on the bench just below the Captain’s window.  But once we started moving my daughters felt the wind, so moved to an inside covered area where they had a great view, minus the elements.  Below us were tables for people to sit at.  No matter where you sat though, there was a wait staff attendant going around seeing if anyone needed a drink or snack.  A pleasant surprise!

While sailing, the Captain taught us about the geography and history of the lake.  My son LOVED the story about Champ, the rumored sea monster.  He was intensely seeking out this mystery monster the entire tour.  And at dinner, we all were looking up You Tube videos to learn more about the sea monster.  It’s so interesting!

If you are heading to Vermont, we highly recommend you putting this experience onto your itinerary.  There are cruises that offer meals as well as sunset cruises.  After dinner, we walked around the lake to take in the sunset.  INCREDIBLY gorgeous!  To see those skies from the water would be breathtaking, I am sure!

This quad squad gave our experience TWO THUMBS UP!

Disclaimer:  In exchange for my honest opinions, Spirit of Ethan Allen gave my family comped tour tickets.