When glaciers carved Lake Champlain centuries ago, they left a strip of narrow islands stretching between mainland Vermont and New York State, anchored by a peninsula that borders Canada. While many of the Champlain Islands’ seasonal haunts don’t open ’til Memorial Day, you don’t need summer weather — or a boat — to get there. Even in April, driving across the causeway from Milton to South Hero with the lake lapping on either side can put you in an island state of mind. The parking spots along that scenic drive might be hard to come by on eclipse day, but the islands are home to five historic towns, five state parks and 200 miles of shoreline filled with remote, farm-filled views. Here’s a suggested itinerary.
Note: Check websites to confirm business hours for the day you visit.
Related
Where the Sun Don’t Shine: How to View Vermont’s 2024 Total Solar Eclipse
Wally’s Place
South Hero’s bagel shop, café and bakery has been an island staple for 15 years. A new owner took over in 2023, bringing back seven-day-a-week service and adding a few vegan options to the menu of New York-style bagels and sandwiches on housemade breads.
54 Community Lane, South Hero
Goodsell Ridge Fossil Preserve and Fisk Quarry Preserve
Isle La Motte is part of the Chazy Fossil Reef, formed 460 million years ago from a shallow tropical sea near what is now Zimbabwe. In its prized limestone, visitors can see swirling shapes of the gastropods, sea sponges and cephalopods that once inhabited it. Both preserves — only two miles apart — offer access to the reef via walking trails.
69 Pine St., and 4039 W. Shore Rd., Isle La Motte
Kraemer & Kin
The islands’ first brewery left its founding garage for a golf course with an expansive lake view in 2022. The family-run biz’s taproom serves up locally sourced burgers, salads and sandwiches with a line of beers that further emphasize the Kraemers’ deep affinity for seasonal, local ingredients. Options might include a lilac sour, a garlic mustard saison, a lemon balm pilsner and a rose hip pale ale. The brewery is also a good viewing area for the eclipse itself.
230 Route 129, Alburgh
Tasting Tour
Roadside stands, farm markets and tasting rooms dot the mostly agricultural islands. In South Hero alone, you can stock up on produce at Arbor Farm Market (324 Route 2), apples and cider at Hackett’s Orchard (86 South St.), wine and spirits at Snow Farm Vineyard & Distillery (153 W. Shore Rd.), and beer at Two Heroes brewery and public house (252 Route 2). Snow Farm will host a free weekend of eclipse-related fun, April 6 to 8, with live music, a craft market, an eclipse circle with a fire ritual and more.
Hero’s Welcome
The owners of this general store say customers arrive “by car, bike, horse, ferry, seaplane, kayak, canoe, water skis and even ice skates.” Shop through three buildings’ worth of games, books, homewares, gifts, clothing and souvenirs, or grab a sandwich from the deli.
3537 Route 2, North Hero
Blue Paddle Bistro
Near the shores of Keeler Bay, chef Phoebe Bright serves crowd-pleasing plates amid artsy décor — there’s a wooden canoe suspended over the bar. The cozy bistro will celebrate the eclipse with a Dimming Brunch and themed trivia on Sunday, April 7. On eclipse day, it’ll host a watch party with cosmic cocktails and appetizers and a Moonlight Delight Dinner.
316 Route 2, South Hero
Alburgh Totality Festival
This small town on the shores of Lake Champlain is throwing a big party to celebrate the once-in-a-lifetime celestial occurrence. The free festivities kick off with storytelling and live music on Friday, April 5, and continue through the main event on Monday, April 8. In between, revelers enjoy a parade, food trucks, beer tents, a drum circle, mud volleyball, a mac and cheese cook-off, a hot dog eating contest, a pig roast, and a full lineup of musical acts. Check the website for the schedule and locations of events.
Related Stories
Where the Sun Don’t Shine: How to View Vermont’s 2024 Total Solar Eclipse
Got something to say?
Send a letter to the editor and we'll publish your feedback in print!
