Burlington to Malletts Bay: Top Five Popular Attractions
Welcome to Vermont, where the Green Mountains meet Lake Champlain! Looking for a great road trip? Check out this guide to the top five popular attractions on the way from Burlington to Malletts Bay.
Halfway Point: Colchester, Vermont Before we get started, let's talk about the midway point—Colchester. Located just 10 minutes north of Burlington, Colchester is a quiet town with plenty of things to do on Lake Champlain. You can rent kayaks or stand-up paddleboards, take a hike on the nearby trail systems, or explore some of the cool historic architecture that dates back to the town's founding in the 1760s. Plus, there are plenty of local restaurants for a quick lunch or a snack before you hit the road again.
Top Five Places to See:
Vermont Wildflower Farm Are you a fan of flowers and gardens? Then you won't want to miss the stunning Vermont Wildflower Farm. Located on Route 2 just outside of Jeffersonville, this large farm offers stunning displays of wildflower fields, butterfly gardens, and all kinds of native Vermont plants. It's a great spot for some Instagram-worthy photos or a leisurely stroll.
Ben & Jerry's Factory Tour What's a trip to Vermont without a visit to the world-famous Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream factory in Waterbury? Take the guided factory tour to learn about the company's mission and history, visit the Flavor Graveyard where all the retired flavors go to rest in peace, and of course, enjoy some tasty ice cream cones or cups. Be sure to try some of the special Vermont-only flavors that you can only get at the factory.
Lake Champlain Islands One of the best things about traveling along Route 2 through northern Vermont is the opportunity to explore the Lake Champlain Islands. Drive across the historic Sand Bar causeway from Milton to South Hero, and continue on to North Hero, Grand Isle, and Isle La Motte. Take in the stunning views of the Adirondack Mountains across the lake, visit local farm stands, wineries, and breweries, and enjoy the peace and quiet of island life.
Smugglers' Notch State Park If you're looking for some outdoor adventure and breathtaking mountain scenery, be sure to visit Smugglers' Notch State Park in Stowe. The park offers hiking and mountain biking trails, swimming holes, and stunning mountain views. The highlight, of course, is the "Notch" itself—a narrow pass between towering cliffs that was historically used by smugglers to evade customs agents.
ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain Last but not least, ECHO is a must-see attraction for anyone interested in the ecology and history of Vermont's largest lake. Located on Burlington's waterfront, ECHO is a world-class aquarium with interactive exhibits, live animal demonstrations, and plenty of opportunities to learn about the science of Lake Champlain. Don't miss the "Champlain Discovery" exhibit, which features a life-size replica of an historic ship that sailed on the lake in the 1700s.
The Best Route Overall, we recommend taking Route 2 east out of Burlington, enjoying the charming towns and scenic views along the way, and then continuing on to Malletts Bay for some more lakeside fun. But if you have time, don't be afraid to take some detours and explore the many other gems that Vermont has to offer. Happy travels!