Shelburne Farms - An incredibly well-preserved 1,400 acre 19th century working farm with landscaping by Frederick Law Olmsted (famous for New York’s Central Park and Boston’s Emerald Necklace). Originally a Vanderbilt summer home, it’s now a non-profit education center where Sarah spent a lot of time as a child. The “farm barn” features a charming petting zoo with cows, goats, sheep, and other livestock and critters. Its wooded walking trails and beautiful vistas of Vermont’s Green Mountains and New York’s Adirondacks make it a wonderful place for an early-morning walk or run.

Shelburne Museum - A treasure trove of Americana – and the Ticonderoga, an impeccably preserved early 20th century Lake Champlain ferry, is worth the price of admission alone. The museum includes hundreds of thousands of pieces of art and exhibits – from paintings to duck decoys to 19th century barber tools and a 500-foot-long hand-carved scale model of a circus parade – all spread across three dozen buildings (many of which were relocated to the property from all over New England). Sarah suggests checking out the apothecary, the Round Barn filled with historic carriages, and the replica of founder Electra Havemeyer Webb’s upscale New York apartment (“definitely haunted”).

Shelburne Country Store - A quintessential New England experience. Inside this quaint nine-room shop you can still buy penny candy that actually costs $0.01. Sarah would walk there after school with a 50 cent budget and eat her treats on the way home. The store is filled with Vermont tchotchkes, great souvenirs, and fantastic fudge – there’s even a year-round Christmas room. According to Sarah, Shelburne Country Store always had the best Beanie Babies, and her mom once stood in line in the cold to snag the Princess Diana bear.

Vermont Teddy Bear Factory - According to Sarah, “this is where childhood dreams come true.” You’ll be transported back to 1995 (or 1975, or 1955), as you lick your fingers clean from an ice cream sandwich and feel your troubles evaporate through the magic of stuffed animals. In here it’s always sunny, and always the Friday afternoon before a three-day weekend. The tour is charming and delightful – your “ticket” is a swatch of teddy bear fabric as you get a first-hand glimpse of how they’re are made. Your heart will melt at the “bear hospital.” It’s interactive and great for kids – but parents beware, these bears ain’t cheap. Imagine an American Girl doll – both in quality and price tag. And of course, it is Vermont, so keep an eye out for the “Bernie bear” in the gift shop.

Ben & Jerry’s Factory - From Sarah: “Eh. It’s a solid 6/10. It’s mostly a bunch of tourists in small spaces looking at pipes.” The “graveyard” filled with retired flavors is fun, and the free samples are generous, but you might as well just go to downtown Burlington and get a proper cone. However, it’s a fun half-day activity if you want to visit Waterbury and drive through beautiful mountains.

Church Street - Quaint downtown shopping in Burlington – a pedestrian mall near city hall. Also great for souvenirs, it’s a vibrant downtown with a lot to do. Make sure to head down to the Lake Champlain waterfront while you’re there and stop at Burlington Bay for a creemee (Vermont’s take on soft-serve ice cream – maple-flavored is a must).

Burlington Bay

Folino’s Wood Fired Pizza

The Bearded Frog Bar & Grill

Rustic Roots

Klinger's Bread Company

Leunig's Bistro & Cafe

Honey Road

The Farmhouse Tap & Grill

American Flatbread

Hen of the Wood

The Gryphon