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Trip Ideas|Unique Trips

Few People Know That Island Living Exists Right Here In Vermont

Published Aug 2, 2017

Written by 

Kristin Grimes

Vermont is famous for its mountain vistas, but there are some areas in the Green Mountain State where you can have the mountains while relaxing on an island. That's right folks, island living in VT is alive and well, and you'll want to visit this magical area. From gorgeous State Parks to colorful birdhouses, there are too many highlights to list every one, but here are a few things about the Lake Champlain Islands we think you'll love.

Lighthouses

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Flickr/Mark

This is one of a number of scenic lighthouses that line the shore of Lake Champlain.

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Scenery

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Flickr/Barbara Wells

There's nothing quite like gazing out at the blue waters of Lake Champlain with mountain vistas in the background.

St. Anne's Shrine

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Flickr/Mike Mahaffie

Situated on thirty-two acres on the shore of Lake Champlain with gorgeous mountain views, this shrine is wonderful for reflecting. It's also a great picnic spot for the family! The cafe is open Sundays in July and August for a bountiful breakfast.

Sailing

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Flickr/Richard Due

Whether you sail your own boat or simply watch them from the shore, there is no better way to spend a relaxing day.

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Harry Barber's miniature castles

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Flickr/Don Shall

These miniature castles have an amazing story behind them. For more information, click here.

Best biking around!

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Flickr/Richard Due

You'll love taking in the sights from your bicycle. Whether you bring your bike by car or by boat, it's unlike any other place in Vermont for sure.

Hyde Log Cabin

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Flickr/Don Shall

The Hyde Log Cabin in Grand Isle was built in 1783, and occupied by the Hyde family for 150 years. It is believed to be the oldest log cabin in the US!

Allenholm Farm

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Facebook/Allwnholm Farm

This seven-generation apple orchard is a must visit, especially when it's prime picking time!

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Snow Farm Vineyard

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Facebook/Snow Farm Vineyard

Go for the wine, stay for the views. You might even catch an outdoor concert at this winery in South Hero.

Hero's Welcome

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Yelp/Management

You won't want to miss the best general store in the area! In fact, it's so much more than just a store, it's an experience! For more information about the awesome place, click here.

Another thing you'll want to see while you're enjoying island living in VT is the Chazy Reef, which is the world’s oldest biologically diverse reef in the history of Earth!!! It's AMAZING!

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Trip Ideas|Unique Trips

The Spectacular Fall Foliage Train Rides In Vermont You Don’t Want To Miss

Experience Vermont's vibrant fall foliage through scenic train rides offered by the Vermont Rail System.

Updated Jul 31, 2024

Written by 

Natalie Clunan

With summer winding down, you might be feeling blue. So, why not bring some color to your life with one of these vibrant fall foliage tours in Vermont? Perk up Vermonters, soon the yellows, oranges, and red hues of autumn will delight you with a bold and beautiful display. As we head into the harvest season, scenic hikes and country drives might be at the top of your list to take in the views. Treat yourself to something extra special through two journeys offered by the Vermont Rail System: Cocktails on the Rails and the Dinner Train.

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Rediscover romance on the Green Mountain Railroad, a subsidiary of Vermont Rail System, aboard the Champlain Valley Dinner Train.

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Vermont Rail System Passenger Services/Facebook

This love affair with food and scenery takes place on weekends through Oct. 27th. Book a seat on the Vermont Rail System website.

Find the best place to sit and wait for the most extraordinary three-course gourmet meal crafted right here in the kitchen car.

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Vermont Rail System Passenger Services/Facebook

This train begins boarding on the Amtrak Platform in Burlington at 3:00 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

Embark on a three-hour round-trip scenic train ride to Charlotte.

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counting50/TripAdvisor

Keep watching out the generous windows for the crisp, vivid leaves.

We love to watch the stunning views go by as we roll along the countryside awaiting our sumptuous dinner on one of the best fall foliage train rides in Vermont.

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Facebook/Green Mountain Railroad Passenger Services

Another way to enjoy the outdoor scenery is the Cocktails on the Rails train ride with, in this case, a lovely pastel Lavender Bees Knees.

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Vermont Rail System Passenger Services/Facebook

This relaxing three-hour round-trip goes from Burlington to Charlotte, accompanied by live music, specialty cocktails, and delicious finger foods.

This train also begins boarding on the Amtrak Platform in Burlington at 3:00 p.m. on Saturdays, and Sundays through Oct. 26th.

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Facebook/Green Mountain Railroad Passenger Services

What a unique way to reconnect with friends and family and make memories to cherish forever.

The mountains come alive every fall with vibrancy during the months of September and October.

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Facebook/Green Mountain Railroad Passenger Services

This Vermont fall foliage train ride is a one-of-a-kind way to experience autumn in Vermont.

Celebrate an anniversary, birthday, the season, or just us.

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Vermont Rail System Passenger Services/Facebook

Whatever the reason, we are always warmly welcomed by the staff of the Green Mountain Railroad.

How about it folks: Are you excited for these fall foliage tours in Vermont? Do you know someone who would love to take this trip?

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This scenic overlook is another one of the great many things to do in Vermont in the fall. And bring a taste of autumn in Vermont home with something from Etsy.

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Trip Ideas|Unique Trips

The Less Traveled Island In Vermont You’ll Want To Add To Your Bucket List

Knight Island State Park in Lake Champlain offers a secluded camping experience accessible only by boat.

Updated Jan 23, 2024

Written by 

Natalie Clunan

Lake Champlain is an inland sea with its fair share of islands. But as the warm weather arrives, places like Isle La Motte and Grand Isle experience a population boom. For a more private island experience in Vermont, you'll need to travel off the beaten path (by boat!) to a more remote place. Knight Island State Park is a less traveled island that you'll want to experience at least once.

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Knight Island State Park is a 185-acre paradise in Lake Champlain.

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Google Images/Lorenzo Charles

While open to the public, the island is only accessible by boat making it a secluded and remote Vermont spot less traveled.

Exploring Knight Island is a real treat.

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YouTube/Vermont State Parks

Wander along the shoreline or travel inland for a fantastic outdoor Vermont adventure. The park is open for day use from 10 a.m. - sunset.

But if you are completely entranced by the views, you can always plan to spend the night.

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YouTube/Vermont State Parks

You can camp at one of the seven campsites on this spectacular island.

The campsites are rustic with log lean-tos, composting toilets, and plenty of distance from other campers. You'll have to carry in and out what you need for your stay.

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YouTube/Vermont State Parks

The sites are remotely positioned around the 2.5 miles of Vermont shoreline so you'll have an area all to yourself.

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When traveling to Knight Island State Park, you'll need a place to leave your vehicle behind.

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Google Maps

Choices include Knight Point State Park in North Hero (a three-mile crossing) or Kamp Kill Kare State Park in St. Albans (a five-mile crossing), where there is no parking fee for Knight Island campers. If you don't have a boat of your own, you can always rent a water taxi to get you there.

There is no dock at Knight Island State Park so you'll need to beach your ride or anchor offshore. Reservations are required in advance for camping but not for day use at this spectacular treasure on Lake Champlain.

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YouTube/Vermont State Parks

Learn more about Knight Island State Park on the Vermont State Parks website. Check availability and book your stay through through the reservation call center at 1-888-409-7579.

Have you ever visited Knight Island State Park? Do you know of any other islands in Vermont? What are your favorite state parks in Vermont? Share your experiences and photos in the comments section below. You can also check out Burton Island State Park, another wonderful Vermont State Park island campground.

For those who love hiking, you can find some great trails in and around the area by going to the AllTrails website. For those of you who love to go camping, if you'd like to try it in an RV but don't have one, visit RVShare. Whether you are new to RVing or are a seasoned pro, here are some great RV tips for your next adventure!

Check out a little more of Knight Island State Park in this short video clip uploaded to YouTube by Vermont State Parks.

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