A few miles south of Burlington, the Champlain Valley gives way to fertile farmland, affording views of the rugged Adirondacks across the lake. In the middle of this farmland is the village of Shelburne, chartered in the mid-18th century and partly a bedroom community for Burlington. Shelburne Farms and the Shelburne Museum are worth at least a few hours of exploring, as are Shelburne Orchards in fall, when you can pick your own apples and drink fresh cider while admiring breathtaking views of the lake and mountains beyond.
Just south of Shelburne is beautiful, rural town of Charlotte. Expect to find open farmstands, rolling pastures and grazing cows along these serpentine roads, many of which offer hidden gems like u-pick berries and seasonal barbecues on the farm.
