Burlington VT

 

Burlington

June 2021

 Marjorie likes to refer to her “Birthday Festival,” so maybe I can at least call this trip part of my birthday “celebration.” I’m still basking in birthday greetings. Marjorie’s brother-in-law Jeff’s BlueMountain e-card with gospel singers serenading me: “Still lookin’ good. Can I get an Amen!” Plenty of other greetings via e-mail & Facebook. A round of applause from my CARGO golf league. But it’s time to let go and enjoy our jaunt up to Burlington. It’s so nice that travel options are beginning to expand. We enjoyed an “interstate” trip to Nantucket in mid-May. Now Vermont, one of the most stringent states for COVID testing & quarantine requirements (14 days!) for out-of-state visitors, is easing its restrictions; it’s the 1^st state with 80% vaccinated. We’ve been briefly thru Burlington a couple of times, most recently 2010 coming back from a trip to Montreal with Steve & Jill Messner, but haven’t really seen much of the city. On the shores of Lake Champlain, Vermont's largest city, population 42,500, Burlington is “known for its ultra-liberal environment and free-thinking spirit.” It reminds us of Madison WI.

Thursday, June 17^th: “Panoramas and Markets”

           A gorgeous day heading out at 7am for the 3-hour 140-mile drive north. Down into the high 40s last night, lots of sun with temps in the 70s today. Good thing we’re not headed out West: a “dangerous heat dome” bringing temps of 115-120 to Phoenix, Las Vegas, and other places. Crossing below Lake George, passing a large horse farm and several big stone companies (lots of granite around here). Into Vermont, a stop at a Welcome Center. 

A scenic drive: farms, pretty towns, mountains on both sides. Past “Devil’s Bowl” racetrack (seems like Lebanon Valley Speedway near us) and Shelburne Museum (we visited in 1977 with little Matt and Marjorie’s Mom).

        Into town, first stop, after circling to find parking on a nearby dead-end street, Battery Park, high overlooking Lake Champlain. A military camp during the Wat of 1812, a decorative cannon commemorates a battle defending against the British. Now a park with promenade, playground, and bandshell for summer concerts. “Beanie’s Bus” (a converted school bus) also seems to be a mainstay for lunch, snacks, even an ATM. Most notable for us: “Wow!” panoramas of the lake and Adirondack Mtns in the distance.