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. At any time of year, 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 islands are home to five historic towns, five state parks and 200 miles of shoreline filled with remote, farm-filled views
Note: Check websites to confirm business hours for the day you visit.
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.
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.), beer at Two Heroes brewery and public house (252 Route 2), and wine and spirits at Snow Farm Vineyard & Distillery (153 W. Shore Rd.).
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.
316 Route 2, South Hero
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