Things to Do Archives - Page 3 of 31 - Snow Farm Vineyard & Winery

Journeying through Vermont is much more than just getting from point A to point B.

It’s an opportunity to see some of the most spectacular landscapes in the country.

If ‘backroad adventures’ and ‘scenic drives’ are music to your ears, Vermont has you covered — from the lush, green mountains to the rolling valleys and picturesque lakes.

Burlington is a great starting point, especially if you’re visiting and looking to get off the beaten path.

These chosen routes promise a scenic adventure with plenty of options for pit stops along the way.

Discover the Charm of the Champlain Islands

Spanning the Lake Champlain Basin, the Champlain Islands are a tranquil retreat. Brimming with history and rurally rooted charm, these islands beckon with their orchards, vineyards, and the allure of the lake.

The Lake Champlain Byway

Route: Burlington to South Hero to Alburgh via Route 2. To head back, make it a loop and go through Swanton and St. Albans back to Burlington.
Length: Two hours plus stops
Distance: ~95 miles round trip

The drive through the Champlain Islands via U.S. Route 2 is known for its picturesque views of the Adirondack Mountains in New York, sprawling farm landscapes, and panoramic views of Lake Champlain. This is a leisurely drive, with plenty of opportunities to stop and take in the scenery. This is a great option for foodies as there are dozens of farm-to-table dining experiences along with craft breweries and vineyards.

Be sure to stop at Snow Farm Vineyard and find stunning views over the vine-dotted landscape!

Other recommended stops:

Arbor Farm Market in South Hero for snacks and farm-fresh goods
The Sand Bar State Park in Milton or Niquette Bay State Park in Colchester
St. Albans for lunch
Alburgh Dunes State Park
Devyn’s Creemee Stand in Swanton

Click on the maps below for directions and additional places to stop on the byway.

Adventure into the Woods

Take a trip alongside Vermont’s scenic Mount Mansfield—the highest peak in the state. You’ll find yourself in dense forests with opportunities to hike to waterfalls or pose for a photo in a sprawling meadow with the mountains as your backdrop.

The Green Mountain Byway

Route: Burlington to Essex Junction, Underhill, and then Morrisville via Route 15. Return along Route 100 through Morrisville and Stowe and onto Route 2 in Waterbury back to Burlington.
Length: 2.25 hours plus stops
Distance: ~93 miles round trip

Driving along Route 15 will bring you up close with Vermont’s biggest mountain range. You’ll have plenty of options for lunch and some seasonal shopping. Be sure to hit the brakes for the Snowflake Bentley museum in Jericho, maple gift stores, orchards, Johnson Woolen Mills, the Vermont Flannel factory store in Johnson, and Moss Glen Falls in Stowe.

See this guide for events happening along the byway organized by month.

Click the map below to see the directions.

Find Breathtaking Views Atop The Appalachian Gap

This scenic route offers a taste of Vermont’s mountainous landscape. For the more adventurous driver, Route 17 takes you through the mountain pass known as the Appalachian Gap, a thrilling ride through the heart of the Green Mountains.

Route 17 - The Appalachian Gap (App Gap)

Route: Burlington to Hinesburg via Spear Street to Starksboro via Route 116 to the Appalachian Gap Trail Head via Route 17. Then to Hancock via Route 100, to East Middlebury via Route 125 and then back to Burlington via Route 116.
Length: 3 hours plus stops
Distance: ~123 miles round trip

The App Gap road is particularly popular with motorcyclists for its numerous twists, turns, and elevation changes. However, its magnificent views make it a must-see for anyone visiting the area, especially during the fall season when the mountains are ablaze with color.

Recommended stops along the way:

- - Photos atop the App Gap
  - The Warren Store, a two story country store, for shopping all things Vermont
  - Warren Falls
  - Mad River Valley for lunch
  - Bristol Falls AKA Bartlett Falls on the way home (off 116)

Click the map below to see the directions.

Enjoy These Vermont Scenic Drives; We Hope to See You Soon!

If your adventures bring you north, don’t miss out on the chance to savor a glass of wine with us at Snow Farm Vineyard while soaking in the beauty of the vineyard against the mountainous backdrop.

Whether you’re nearby or far, you can always experience a taste of Vermont by shopping online or catching up on the latest happenings at Snow Farm Vineyard.

Safe travels and cheers to unforgettable journeys and the tasty sips along the way! 🍷✨

South Hero, Vermont began as an agricultural town and it’s a tradition that is still honored today.

At Snow Farm Vineyard at Crescent Bay in South Hero, the Lane family has cared for the land for three generations as dairy and beef farmers, maple syrup producers, and, finally, winemakers. The farmland surrounding what is now Snow Farm Vineyard got its start in agriculture over 200 years ago.

Here’s a bit of what we know and love about South Hero!

Where is South Hero?

South Hero, Vermont, is one of the five towns that make up the Lake Champlain Islands, located just north of Burlington. The towns are known just as “the Islands” and are about 30 miles in length from north to south. The widest point is about 8 miles across. The first town you’ll come to as you enter the Islands from I-89 is South Hero. As you head north, you’ll enter Grand Isle, North Hero, Isle La Motte, and lastly, Alburgh.

South Hero is the second most populated town in the Islands, with 1,600 people recorded in the 2010 census. If you’re looking for a friendly small town, you’ve found it. The population of all five towns combined is only about 5,500.

What is There to Do in South Hero?

It wouldn’t be a visit to South Hero without a stop at one of the many farms. Whether you’re after fresh blueberries, apples, craft wines, or local meats, you’ll find something to enjoy in South Hero. Here’s a listing of some of the farms you can visit. Call ahead for hours.

Allenholm Farm – apple orchard, farm stand, farm animals
Hackett’s Orchard – apple orchard, farm stand, tours & wagon rides
Health Hero Farm – grass-fed beef
Pigasus Meats – pastured pork and eggs
Snow Farm Vineyard – grape vineyard & tasting room

For more things to do in South Hero:

Find the miniature fairy castles hidden throughout the town
Throughout South Hero are magical fairy castles built by South Hero local, Harry Barber, during the first half of the 20th century.

Go for a bike ride on the many trails including the Island Line Trail
The Island Line Trail connects South Hero all the way to Burlington across the lake via an old railroad causeway (see photo below).

Hike Fox Hill for expansive views of Lake Champlain and the mountains
The short hike up Fox Hill above Snow Farm Vineyard offers breathtaking views of Lake Champlain. It’s one of the few hikes in the Champlain Islands.

Other trails to explore include Round Pond Natural Area, the Landon Community Trail, and the Roy Marsh Trail.

Visit and explore the beaches at Grand Isle State Park
With over 4,000 feet of beautiful natural shoreline, Grand Isle State Park has some shoreline areas that are nice beaches and others that are nice secluded more rugged areas to explore.

What Else Makes South Hero Unique?

South Hero is a place where you’ll meet lots of people who believe in civic duty and giving back to their community. It’s what draws families to South Hero and makes them want to stay. It’s easy to get to and close to Burlington and other more populated towns. There’s a lot of older farming families, so people have been here for many generations. The South Hero landscape makes it difficult to build homes, so it’s never going to be a place with huge developments.

To stay up to date on Snow Farm Vineyard events and what’s happening in South Hero, visit our ‘What’s New’ page or join our newsletter below. We hope to see you soon!

Category: Things to Do

3 Scenic Vermont Drives from Burlington