I enjoyed Howe Caverns when I went as a kid and feel its worth the stop. My Mom didnt feel so when she went. Her and my Dad went down. She freaked out and went back up the down elevator...

We did a girlfriends long weekend in Burlington a couple years ago and I call it to food tour trip. Along with Ben and Jerrys, Cabot Cheese, and the Cider place, we also saw the factory for Lake Champlain Chocolates and Magic Hat Brewery. The last two were the best of the trip and I've developed a definite love for Lake Champlain Chocolates!

Not to confuse you even more, but the Berkshires (Western MA)are beautiful and the weather will be fine in May. We were there this past January & had a great time. If you like museums, I highly recommend the Norman Rockwell Museum, Berkshire Museum and Clark Art Insitute. There is live theater in Pittsfield. Great Barrington is cute with interesting shops & restaurants. We had one of our best meals at the Greek restaurant in GB. I think the name is Aegean Breeze.
If you think you will go to the Berkshires, you can click on my name & read my trip report. Weather permitting, there is hiking & boating, too.

Forgot to ask you how much time you have after your leave Albany. You are trying to squeeze in a lot. Maybe you should leave Montreal for another trip.
I definitely recommend the Ben & Jerry's factory tour!

Albany-Rensselaer, NY (ALB) to Montreal train leaves at 11 AM everyday. It gets to Montreal a little after 7 PM.
The fare each way is $48/PP. www.amtrak.com

If you are going to Ben and Jerry's there are two must try beer spots a few minutes away -across the highway in downtown waterbury.

Unfortunately the alchemist opens at 4 pm and Backblack at 3pm, although it opens at noon on weekends.


Blackback Pub

Tiny pub and flyfishing shop. I do mean tiny.
The reason you should go there is to try one of Vermont's Hill Farmstead ales. One of the most sought after ales in the country and only available in a few places outside Vermont. It's even hard to find here. Hoppy and a bit pricey but worth it.

Alchemist Brew Pub

Highly acclaimed. Good ales-somewhat advanced. Good food too.
Try the belgian fries -get regular and sweet potato -with garlic mayo and spicey ketchup. Best fries I've had anywhere.



http://www.alchemistbeer.com/
http://blackbackpub.com/