SHELBURNE & BURLINGTON - VERMONT
Thursday, June 19 - We drove from Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA Park in Wilmington, New York to Shelburne Camping Vermont in Shelburne. The drive took us through the small towns of Jay and Ausable Forks, where the two rivers meet. As we drove on two-lane Highway 2, we crossed the Korean Veterans Memorial Bridge into Vermont. The day is too overcast and dreary to take pictures. We started seeing farms and wheat fields.
The park is not very large, and does not cater to big rigs. Mostly small trailers with permanent residents live in the park. The location is what we wanted, near shopping and Burlington.
Park History: Many local senior citizens remember when land on both sides of Shelburne Road (U.S. 7) was open farmland. This started changing in the mid ‘20 is when on this property, where the Dutch Mill Restaurant - Motel - Shelburne Camping Area now stand, the original windmill building and 25 overnight cottages were built in a crescent lined with poplar trees. Two houses were built and each was destroyed by fire. A third house was built with 12 rooms where the Bissonettes raised three sons and a daughter. In 1982, the house was remodeled into the present gray office building just north of this restaurant.
The cottages were the only accommodations of their kind in the northeast. Two outhouses were the only toilet facilities for the whole complex. The linens were laundered and hung to dry along the walk down through the spacious lawn. Many fascinating stories have been told about activities during the prohibition days. Seniors also relate to the thrills of seeing the lighted dome and windmill blades. Since it was built, there have been six owners. Charlie and Corrine Bissonette purchased the property from Carlton Hicks in 1968. They added 14 cedar chalets (moved down from Canada) and the Bissonettes received an award for preserving this landmark. Some of the cottages had to be removed; material was then used to build the dwelling at the end of the motel. 
Shelburne Camping Area was established in 1973 behind the motel. Since opening, the Bassinette’s have owned the campground involving family as much as possible. Four generations operate hands on day-to-day. Rt. 7 and the Burlington area have grown, but when entering the campground drive it still has a country setting. Although Burlington and interstate 89 are only four miles away. The Dutch Mill Family Restaurant opened in July 1995--- construction again being done by the Bisonettes. Much of the material from the older cottages was used in this restaurant. The counter section was built from one of the dying poplar trees from the crescent.
The cottages were the only accommodations of their kind in the northeast. Two outhouses were the only toilet facilities for the whole complex. The linens were laundered and hung to dry along the walk down through the spacious lawn. Many fascinating stories have been told about activities during the prohibition days. Seniors also relate to the thrills of seeing the lighted dome and windmill blades. Since it was built, there have been six owners. Charlie and Corrine Bissonette purchased the property from Carlton Hicks in 1968. They added 14 cedar chalets (moved down from Canada) and the Bissonettes received an award for preserving this landmark. Some of the cottages had to be removed; material was then used to build the dwelling at the end of the motel. 
Shelburne Camping Area was established in 1973 behind the motel. Since opening, the Bassinette’s have owned the campground involving family as much as possible. Four generations operate hands on day-to-day. Rt. 7 and the Burlington area have grown, but when entering the campground drive it still has a country setting. Although Burlington and interstate 89 are only four miles away. The Dutch Mill Family Restaurant opened in July 1995--- construction again being done by the Bisonettes. Much of the material from the older cottages was used in this restaurant. The counter section was built from one of the dying poplar trees from the crescent. Ray’s Reflections: Our park, Shelburne CG, was located four miles south of Burlington. The history behind the business was interesting. Shelburne Mill restaurant and motel with 25 cabins was the only over-night stop motel between Montreal, Canada and Boston, Massachusetts during the 1920s. They also had a small airport (grass field) adjacent to the motel. Needless to say, many political officials and gangsters (how do you tell the difference?) frequently visited. Today there are about 12 cabins for rent, and the RV park in the back started in 1982.There are two sons remaining of the original family, one owns the restaurant and motel, the other runs the small campground. We really liked the area, all of our electronics worked and shopping was very close. We visited Ethan Allen’s estate just north of Burlington. He was a wealthy landowner and farmer during the American Revolution, played a big part in his area during the conflict, and actually was put in jail for treason against the British for several years. He was a big strong man for the time and was noted to stand by his word, but one not to be crossed. His original house and barn from the 1700s still stands. The barn, which is very large, was converted into the Museum. His home is quite small by today’s standard, but large for the era, the stone walled well outside is still in tack. Flax was grown on the property for the production of linen. Worth a visit for history buffs. East of Burlington at Waterbury VT, We visited Ben & Jerry’s ice cream factory. The tour introduced the two friends who started their business in their garage and now supplies ice cream to most of the civilized world. By the way today they have very little to do with the business, but still own it.
There are many cider mills in the area. Have you ever had a cider donut?
The waterfront and yacht basin in Burlington was very pleasant with a very long breakwater protecting it from Lake Champlain. The Adirondack Mountains in NY across the lake presented a very nice backdrop. As we were sitting in the parking lot of Mansfield Mt ski resort 4300 ft the sky opened up, rain. Forget that. It was pretty area many trails and lifts. We envision snow covering the mountain. Winter would be awesome. The old covered bridges south of Burlington again were interesting. Most of the roads around the area would have made for great riding, but I had a flat tire on the bike left over from NY Adirondacks. Culprit, the tip of a razor knife. Tire only had a few hundred miles left on it anyway. Lucky for me it went flat over night. Took several days to get new one and have it mounted. Good to go.
Burlington, in the northern part of the state along the shores of Lake Champlain, offers a bit of the cosmopolitan in this mostly rural state. Vermont’s largest city with around 40,000 people. Burlington has five colleges, lovely old homes and a lively waterfront. Vermont is a very small state, so Burlington is a perfect base to sample its culture and is in easy reach of much that is unique to Vermont.
Burlington is home to the University of Vermont s (UVN) chartered in 1791 and the fifth college established in New England, after Harvard, Yale, Dartmouth, and Brown. Has long been heralded as one of the elite “public ivies”.
Lake Champlain is, of course, one of Burlington’s biggest attractions during the summer. It is the sixth largest natural lake in the United States; 100 miles long and 12 miles wide, 450 acres. The spring fishing starts with ice cut out for trout and salmon. Fall fishing has grown into a huge bass attraction. If fishing is not your interest, pleasure boating on this beautiful body of water is breath taking.
Saturday - Today is the longest day of the year and the weather was perfect for touring the downtown area of Burlington. We stopped by Dakin Farms to pick up a few items that you cannot get anywhere else. The store was full of samples and show how Vermont's finest specialty foods are made, including Smoked Hams, pure Vermont maple syrup, cheddar cheese, as well as a variety of other specialty foods.
Lake Champlain is, of course, one of Burlington’s biggest attractions during the summer. It is the sixth largest natural lake in the United States; 100 miles long and 12 miles wide, 450 acres. The spring fishing starts with ice cut out for trout and salmon. Fall fishing has grown into a huge bass attraction. If fishing is not your interest, pleasure boating on this beautiful body of water is breath taking.
Saturday - Today is the longest day of the year and the weather was perfect for touring the downtown area of Burlington. We stopped by Dakin Farms to pick up a few items that you cannot get anywhere else. The store was full of samples and show how Vermont's finest specialty foods are made, including Smoked Hams, pure Vermont maple syrup, cheddar cheese, as well as a variety of other specialty foods.
We drove along the waterfront and took pictures of Lake Champlain.
Passed the University of Vermont and the buildings are outstanding. One fine example is the Williams Science Hall at the University of Vermont, c. 1902. Today Williams Hall houses the departments of Fine Arts and Anthropology.
We then located Allen Homestead Museum. The story of Ethan Allen was unfamiliar to us, but we found the history very interesting. The tour guide through the Homestead was very knowledgeable and gave us a genuine slice of 18th century life and an intimate look at Vermont’s most colorful and controversial founder. There is the multi-media show to explain a lot of the history as well. The Homestead was Ethan Allen’s last home. The front lawn has stately black locust trees. 
CEILING OF THE MUSEUM IS (BARN ON HOMESTEAD) IS ORIGINAL
The site commands rolling fields and scenic curves of the Winooski (Onion) River. The farmhouse, historic gardens, descriptive exhibits reveal the man, the myths and a true measure of Ethan Allen’s place in Vermont history. Flax fibers are amongst the oldest fiber crops in the world. The use of flax for the production of linen goes back 5000 years. Flax fiber is extracted from the bast or skin of the stem of flax plant. Flax fiber is soft, lustrous and flexible. It is stronger than cotton fiber, but less elastic. The best grades are used for linen fabrics such as damasks, lace and sheeting. Coarser grades are used for the manufacturing of twine and rope. Flax fiber is also a raw material for the high-quality paper industry for the use of printed banknotes and rolling paper for cigarettes.
The site commands rolling fields and scenic curves of the Winooski (Onion) River. The farmhouse, historic gardens, descriptive exhibits reveal the man, the myths and a true measure of Ethan Allen’s place in Vermont history. Flax fibers are amongst the oldest fiber crops in the world. The use of flax for the production of linen goes back 5000 years. Flax fiber is extracted from the bast or skin of the stem of flax plant. Flax fiber is soft, lustrous and flexible. It is stronger than cotton fiber, but less elastic. The best grades are used for linen fabrics such as damasks, lace and sheeting. Coarser grades are used for the manufacturing of twine and rope. Flax fiber is also a raw material for the high-quality paper industry for the use of printed banknotes and rolling paper for cigarettes.
BELOW ISTHE ORIGINAL KITCHEN - also a CHILDS WALKER 1800s……….
Mount Mansfield - 4,395 ft. elevation
Tuesday, we drove to visit the famous town of Stowe, a major four-season destination resort area. We stopped for lunch in Stowe at a neat Pizza restaurant, Pie in the Sky. With a wood-fired oven, the pizzas were great and all you could eat. After lunch, we realized we were not going to see the falls in Stowe due to rain. We stopped long enough at the base of Mount Mansfield - Vermont’s highest mountain with elevation of 4395 ft. We passed by many mountain resorts, lodges, retail and rentals of the toys needed to enjoy the winter in Stowe. They also have plenty of summer fun with Alpine Slide, Bungee Trampoline, an Inflatable obstacle course, and more. There are plenty of restaurants to satisfy the most discriminating taste buds. There is also the Trapp Family Lodge, home to the von Trapp family of "Sound of Music" fame.
Mount Mansfield - 4,395 ft. elevation
Tuesday, we drove to visit the famous town of Stowe, a major four-season destination resort area. We stopped for lunch in Stowe at a neat Pizza restaurant, Pie in the Sky. With a wood-fired oven, the pizzas were great and all you could eat. After lunch, we realized we were not going to see the falls in Stowe due to rain. We stopped long enough at the base of Mount Mansfield - Vermont’s highest mountain with elevation of 4395 ft. We passed by many mountain resorts, lodges, retail and rentals of the toys needed to enjoy the winter in Stowe. They also have plenty of summer fun with Alpine Slide, Bungee Trampoline, an Inflatable obstacle course, and more. There are plenty of restaurants to satisfy the most discriminating taste buds. There is also the Trapp Family Lodge, home to the von Trapp family of "Sound of Music" fame.
Nestled in the heart of the Green Mountains, is the Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Factory sitting on a rolling pasture overlooking the Worcester Range, just north of the small town of Waterbury. The guided factory tour was fun and educational for everyone. The movie and tour takes around one-half hour and takes you from “cow to cone”. 
Wednesday, although the weather was showing signs of rain (again), we took a drive to see some scenery and some of the covered bridges around the Lake Champlain area.
Of the 10,000 or so covered bridges that once graced the American landscape, fewer than 800, scattered across 29 states, remain.
Wednesday, although the weather was showing signs of rain (again), we took a drive to see some scenery and some of the covered bridges around the Lake Champlain area.
Of the 10,000 or so covered bridges that once graced the American landscape, fewer than 800, scattered across 29 states, remain.
Holmes Creek Covered bridge has a tied arch and spans Holmes Creek 39’ -
HOLMES CREEK COVERED BRIDGE CHARLOTTE VT. 
QUINLAN COVERED BRIDGE CHARLOTTE VT 1849
QUINLAN COVERED BRIDGE CHARLOTTE VT 1849 87’ with burr-arch spanning Lewis Creek.
Vermont’s State Tree is the Sugar Maple. This tree grows 60 to 100 feet high. The leaves are three to five inches in diameter and have five lobes. The green leaves begin to change color as the days grow shorter. The production of chlorophyll in the leaves stops. Without the dominant green chlorophyll, other colors, which were always present in the leaves, are revealed. Maple syrup is one of Vermont's most famous crops. Maple sap is collected from the trees in the early spring. The main forest is Hemlock - Northern Hardwoods. Some deciduous trees that grow in Vermont include maple, birch, beech, elm, and ash. In the fall, the colors must be magnificent. .
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