Must see sites/restaurants in Vermont?
 

My husband and I are driving to Vermont (from Buffalo, NY) for our anniversary. We are taking our 7 mo. old daughter as well. We are leaving on a Thursday and returning on a Sunday so we won't have very much time to spend. I think the drive is about 7 hrs and we will be staying at the Sheraton in Burlington. What should we see without question? The site at the top of my list is the B & J's factory tour. And, I hear that Grafton is the embodiment of small Vermont so I'd like to spend a few hours there.

Also, are there any restaurants that are uniquely Vermont (and somewhat kid-friendly)? I am a big foodie and love to sample local cuisine.

Thanks!

Kara

The good news is that you won't have to work too hard, spend much money, or stray very far in order to have a fun couple of days in the Burlington area. Walk or bike around the lovely waterfront path and visit the ECHO museum. Take the ferry {passengers are under $7 roundtrip} for a beautiful view of the lake and sunset,or take your car and explore that area of NY, stroll the closed-to traffic Churchstreet Marketplace {lots of great eateries}, visit the Shelburne Museum, where there's a carrousel for your 7-month old. You can visit a teddy-bear museum, which most people over a certain age seem bored by, but your child might enjoy.

My favorite nearby park is Button Bay State Park,near the Maritime Museum south of Burlington, which has actual fossils imbedded in the rocks, a nature center that describes what "buttons" are,beautiful views and an island you can swim out to. Not much beach for your baby to play in here, though. There are some very good, sandy beaches for your 7-month old to frolic on in the area, if the weather is with you.

People like the nearby Shelbourne Farms, though I've never been, and a friend describes the blueberry-picking in Charlotte as a favorite activity.

Grafton is quite a drive 3ish hours 1-way from Burlington, so I'd scratch that off your list since you'll only be here for such a short amount of time.
Molly2 has lots of great suggestions.
If you do make it over to WAterbury to the Ben & Jerry's factory, continue on up Route 100 to Stowe. If it's a nice day, drive up to the ski area and take the gondola up Mt. Mansfield for some spectacular views. Stowe also has a great recreation path for biking, walking, blading etc.
Restaurants in Burlington...Bove's is a local institution. "Red sauce" italian. Also in Burlington, NECI Commons is great (New England Culinary Institute), as is Leunigs and Smokejacks. Not sure how "kid friendly" they are though. Go to the Red Onion (Church Street, across from City Hall) for a Red Onion Sandwich, and go to the newly opened American Flatbread Burlington Hearth for incredieble "pizza". American Flatbread is kid friendly.
Have a great trip...

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A foodie? Then take note that Burlington is home to New England Culinary Institute --- http://www.necidining.com/
Loved the Shelburne Museum. Great place for all ages.

Thank you! I am sure I will regret not having more time in Vermont. I will definitely head to the NECI Commons and Button Bay.

Consider the Dog Team Tavern in Middlebury. A typically beautiful NE town with an easy drive from Burlington.

I agree with some of the above posts. Grafton is 'picture perfect' Vermont, but is a long drive, and there are many scenic villages closer to Burlington. Just explore some of the back roads - you will see countryside to rival anything in Europe. Stowe is a great day trip, and is in a beautiful mountainous area. Shelburne Farms is a very relaxing, scenic old farm/estate not too far from Burlington. Just realize that Burlington is a city (a very scenic one) with the typical 'mall sprawl' and busy highways surrounding it. You will need to drive a bit to see the stereotypical Vemont.