Ok --I am a Dad of 3 daughters (15,12,9)--my wife and I love to travel (we are in Alabama)...as each graduates the 6th grade we promise a great trip--3 years ago--San Fran and environs for 8 days--

This year for my 12 year old we are flying July 4th to Burlington Vermont (an area we are totally unfamiliar with)

July 4 We arrive at noon and I have a room at nice hotel in Burlington--anything open? Bove's? I have noted the big Burlington 4th events are the nite before (3rd)

July 5--I am thinking the Shelburne Museum. (and as a sop to my 9 year- later? the Vermont Teddy Bear place)

July 5 and 6 (no hotel plans but considering a route to Stowe via a stop at Ben And Jerry's, etc. I have not booked anyplace in Stowe or that area--??

July 7 (Monday) I think we are gonna drive north into Canada and I have a place reserved just over the Canadian border (Dunham)--at an apple orchard b and b (we have corresponded in French extensively thanks to babel ha)that I read about in New York Times-a link http://www.niddepoule.com/pages/frameset.html

July 8-11 I have reservations at the Delta Quebec in Quebec City-my girls have not done Europe and I thought they would get a thrill outta this--one is into French at school--crepes etc--also it appears to be the big Quebec Summer Festival days--(one day I'd like to see Montmercy Falls)

July 12 Friday--head back towards Burlington-no hurry---return flight is late on Saturday July 12 so just find a place to crash in US

This is such a new area for us--can anyone shed a light on or assist with the itinerary?

There is some driving but I like exploring and it is part of the experience!
Thanks af

Sound like a wonderful trip for your girls.

On arrival in Burlington, you may want to head for Church Street Marketplace, or take a boat tour on the lake.

Highly recommend the Shelburne Museum. And, a visit to nearby Vermont Wildflower Farm.

If you haven't mentioned Ben & Jerry's to the girls, I recommend skipping it. There will be very, very long lines that week. Waiting is right next to where they sell very expensive ice cream and concoctions. And, there's really not that much too it. A mildly amusing film, and views of the kitchens (industrial) not all that interesting. At the end of the tour, they pass out the tiniest "free samples" imaginable.

You may want to consider Montreal over Quebec City. There's much more to see and do in Montreal without the boring extra three hour drive each way.

I was surprised to see the teddy bear factory is open pretty much year round including July 5 on which some towns are having their big 4th of July celebration. There may be special events at Shelburne but, if not, I would check into where you might go for a parade. (Brandon has a large one but it's probably too far south for you). Benny & Jerry's is also a fun kind of tour but I would check there hours and perhaps avoid doing the factory tours on a weekend due to crowds.
Check to make sure you can take the rental car into Canada. You are right, it ought to be a great visit for your kids since the old part of the city is so European and being among French speakers will be extra interesting esp if your kids are taking French in school. If you like museums you can spend the whole day at Shelburne. Some people do two days. It's in the other direction from Stowe.
Burlington is a wonderful small city with a great pedestrian shopping area on Church St (no cars). You might also take the ferry across Lake Champlain for a visit to Ausable Chasm. Stowe ia a lovely area and perhaps has big plans for the 5th. We've stayed at the Golden Eagle Resort, more a big motel than a resort but the rooms are large and very comfortable. We had a larger room with a balcony overlooking a pond.
Hope you have a great trip!

You might want to check out the Marriott Courtyard in Quebec City. We stayed there (2 adults and 2 kids) and it was very nice. We had considered the Frontenac, but it doesn't get great reviews. This Courtyard is much more upscale than the ones I've been to in the US and is right outside the gates to the old part of the city so you can walk most places. We loved Quebec City. We've not been to Montreal yet (are going this summer) but have been to Europe a handful of times. The reaction I had after visiting was "Wow, this is like Europe, but so much closer." While most people spoke French in the city, they also spoke English. However, we did stop at a McDonalds somewhere between the Vermont border and Quebec City, and nobody working spoke English. We knew enough French to get by (plus pointing to the pictures helped ).

Hi

With regards to the B&B Nid de poule, I can assure you that the restaurant has a stellar reputation. The last time I checked, though, it was a "bring you own wine" type of restaurant.

As for your daughters not having been to Europe, keep in mind that although our language is French, our culture is North American. To live Europe, you have to go to Europe.

That said, I believe that you should take the occasion to visit Québec the city. 2008 will be a year full of festivities and your daughters will love it.

Keep in mind the drive, though. From Dunham to Québec city, the drive will be of around 4 hours.

Here's a site with the planned activities:

http://monquebec2008.sympatico.msn.c...08/?lang=en-ca

You wrote: --(one day I'd like to see Montmercy Falls). The Falls are about 12-15 kilometres from Quebec city. Here's a link to a bus route that links Québec city to the Parc des chutes montmorency. Each way is 2,50$ per person - get tickets prior to embarking the bus or ensure you have exact change!!! So for all five of you, both ways would cost 25$.

http://www.rtcquebec.ca/francais/new...es_ancres.html

Don't hesitate to contact the Quebec city Office of tourism in advance, they could be of great assistance

http://www.quebecregion.com/e/info.asp

Bon voyage!

I would certainly go to Ben & Jerrys. I enjoyed it and I am not a particularly a fan of them (but I am of ice cream in general). There is also a apple cider mill not too far away - excellent cider.

Check about taking a rental car to Canada - We tried (20 yrs ago) and were not able to do so.

If you get over to Montpelier/Barre, take a tour of the granite quarry (Rock of Ages) and drive thru the cemetary. Nearby is Bragg's Maple syrup - enjoyable to see how it is made (film only at that time of year) and to eat their maple iced cream . I still order their grade B (the most flavorful) syrup and have it shipped to Arizona.

I would skip the Ben and Jerry's and Stowe part of the trip and go to MOntreal before your stay in Quebec City. It is a really fun, interesting city with many festivals and outdoor activities in the summer

I realize this might interfere with the Dunham B&B stay. That is a nice area, with lots of vineyards as well as orchards

wow thanks for all the info so far--!!
I think we will enjoy Quebec so worth a tad longer drive than Montreal--(we did big city New York and Philly for 7 nites last Summer)

Thanks
af

Just called thrifty--their cars are unlimited mileage US and Canada
af
(hope to bring a few Cuban cigars back in the trunk)

apparently the Marriot and the delta are the same rate--hmmm
Delta has a pool
not sure re convenience?

I don't know where the Delta is to be able to compare locations, but the Marriott Courtyard was in a good location for seeing the old part of the city. I don't think they had a pool. The Courtyard was similar to the Delta hotels we've stayed at in Nova Scotia. We also drove to Montmorency Falls which was nice. We only had a few days, so I'm sure we missed seeing quite a bit. The kids liked the funicular.

I know there are fireworks on the night of July 4th in Colchester, Vt. in Bayside Park (on Lake Champlain)

Thanks re fireworks--we r going!
we always see the ones here near my house
that will be cool diff

I just pulled together a whole slew of tourist information about Burlington, Vermont on my blog (SoloFriendly.com); look for the SoloFriendly Burlington, VT pages.

It's geared toward adults traveling solo, but you'll find some kid-friendly activities and restaurants on the list as well.

I think you'll all love Burlington. You're visiting us during our best season, IMO.