Grand Isle County

Grand Isle County is made up of several islands in the middle of Lake Champlain as well as a large peninsula at the northern end of the lake. Most people refer to Grand Isle County simply as "the islands." It is not connected by land to any other part of the U.S.. Grand Isle County has a milder climate than the rest of the state because of the presence of the lake.

By car

Grand Isle County can be reached by car using US Route 2 using either the bridge from Rouses Point, NY or the causeway from Colchester, VT. There is also a bridge connecting Grand Isle County to Swanton, VT. Grand Isle County is about 1.5 hours from Montreal, 4 hours from Boston, and 30-45 minutes from Burlington.

By ferry

Lake Champlain Ferries runs a 24-hour service connecting Plattsburgh with Grand Isle.

Most people will need a car to get around the islands as there is no public transportation. Although the attractions are fairly spread out, the terrain is relatively flat so some people may enjoy cycling. U.S. Route 2 is the only major road, running north to south from South Hero to Alburgh where it crosses a bridge into New York State.

The islands aren't exactly packed with things you can see in the traditional sense (i.e. I came to take a picture of this specific attraction). However, the islands are one of the most beautiful parts of Vermont and gorgeous scenery is the norm. Obviously, the islands are surrounded by Lake Champlain, which is quite scenic on its own. To the east, you can see the Green Mountains rising in the distance. Look southwest and you will see the Adirondacks meeting the shoreline.
Here are some specific things to see:

• Chazy Reef FormationPossibly the world's oldest coral reef.

• Grand Isle Art Works

  phone: +1 802 378-4591
  address: 259 US Route 2 Grand Isle, VT 05458
• Hyde Log Cabin, Route 2, +1 802-828-3051. Considered one of America's oldest log cabins and is home to the society collection. Open Th-Mo, 11AM-5PM.
• St. Anne's Shrine: Isle la Motte +1 802-928-3362. Visit this shrine marking the site of the oldest European settlement in Vermont. There is a visitors center and gift shop.

• Vermont Shakespeare Company

  address: Knight Island State Park
• The Lake Champlain Monster, Otherwise known as Champ, this prehistoric seamonster supposedly lives in Lake Champlain.

One reason many people come to the islands is to simply do nothing. There aren't any cities, crowds, or traffic. You may just want to relax. If you do feel like doing something, there are many outdoor activities.

• Alburgh Golf Links

  phone: +1 802 796-3586
  address: 230 Rte 129South Alburgh, VT 05440
  18 hole lakeside golf course.

• Biking/HikingBike along the Champlain Bikeway or along a quiet road. Trails can be found around the islands.

• FishingCharter a boat or bring your own

• Vermont Flight Academy

  phone: +1 802 863-5988
  address: 237 East Shore North Grand Isle, VT 05458
  Take a seaplane ride of learn how to fly one.

• Wilcox Cove Golf Course

  phone: +1 802 372-8343
  address: 3 Camp Vermont Court, Grand Isle, VT 05458
  9-hole golf course with attached cottages. Call first to make sure you can play if you aren't staying here.

State Parks

• Alburg Dunes State Park

  phone: +1 802 796-4170
  address: 151 Coon Pt Rd, Alburgh, VT 05440
  Home to one of the longest beaches on Lake Champlain

• Grand Isle State Park

  phone: +1 802 372-4300
  address: 36 East Shore South Grand Isle, Vermont 05458
  This state park is one of the largest in the state in terms of number of campsites.

• Knight Point State Park

  phone: +1 802 372-8389
  address: 44 Knight Point Rd, North Hero, Vermont 05474

• Burton Island State ParkYou will need a boat to explore this uninhabited island. Primitive campsites are also available

• North Hero State Park

  address: 3803 Lakeview Drive North Hero, Vermont 05474

Grand Isle County certainly isn't a shopper's mecca, however you will be able to find antiques, VT made crafts & art, and specialty foods. Listings for South Hero can be found in its respective article.

• The Back Chamber

  phone: +1 802 372-5544
  address: 3585 US Rte 2 North Hero, VT 05474
  Antiques and crafts

• Island Craft Shop

  phone: +1 802 372-4152
  address: 1457 US Route 2 North Hero, VT 05474

• Lakes End Cheeses

  phone: +1 802 796-3730
  address: 212 West Shore Road, Alburg, VT 05440
  Buy some cheese and chocolates at this small dairy farm.

• Vermont Nut Free Chocolates

  phone: +1 802 372-4654
  address: 10 Island Circle Grand Isle, VT 05458

• The Green Frog

  phone: +1 802 372-5031
  address: 7 Ferry Rd
  A small store that has numerous little toys, mini cars, model kits, puzzles and various items for the lake and beach for all the kids out there. Moccasins, decorative items, small jewelry items, and over a hundred kinds of t-shirts are available for the adults interests. You can also stop in for a refreshing drink, a candy bar or a candy stick.

• Silver By Tish

  phone: +1 802 372-5527
  address: 11 South St
  This small, privately-owned store is a favorite jewelry store among many locals. All repairs are done on site, right in front of you, and their friendly service will help you make all the right decisions when finding that perfect piece of jewelry. Notable for having many sterling silver items, they also carry gold items and they even let you design your own jewelry.

The islands are not exactly a dining destination. Some of the bed & breakfasts and inns will have a restaurant in them and there are a few other standalone spots. Most of the options consist of snack bars and general stores that sell sandwiches or maybe pizza. There are some apple orchards in the islands so if you come in the fall, grab a bag of apples and maybe some donuts.
South Hero is home to most of the islands' restaurants. Here is a listing of restaurants in the rest of the county.

• Hero's Welcome

  phone: +1 802 372-4161
  address: 3537 Route 2, North Hero
  Choose from a variety of sandwiches at this general store. There are also baked goods and coffee for sale and a small convenience store area with packaged food for sale. The sandwiches are all named after a local landmark or historical figure. Across the street is a patio which overlooks the ironically named "City Bay" and the Green Mountains beyond.

• North Hero House

  phone: +1 802 372-4732
  address: 3643 U.S. 2, North Hero, VT 05474
  This fine dining restaurant features views of the lake, a pub, and outdoor seating in the summer.

• Ruthcliffe Lodge & Restaurant

  phone: +1 802 928-3200
  address: 1002 Quarry Rd., Isle La Motte

• Shore Acres Inn & Restaurant:

  phone: +1 802 372-8722
  address: 237 Shore Acres Dr, North Hero, VT

• Steamship Pier Bar & Grill:

  phone: +1 802-372-4732
  address: 3643 Route 2, North Hero

• South End Cafe

  phone: +1 802-928-3091
  address: 4445 Main St, Isle La Motte

• Zach's Cafe at the Gallery

  phone: +1 802 378-4591
  address: 259 US 2, Grand Isle, Vermont
  Grab a sandwich or salad at this art gallery cafe.

• Kim's Snack Bar

  address: Route 2 at Route 314
  Kim's Snack Shack-best burgers, fries, and clam strips on the north end of the island

• The Blue Paddle

  phone: +1 802 372-4814
  address: 316 US Route 2
  This bistro is the perfect place to eat with all your friends and family. The Blue Paddle offers entrees for lunch, dinner and brunch. It has a nice "homey" feel to it, large deck outside, full service bar and a nice "campy" theme that blends well with the atmosphere of South Hero. All food is available for take-out, morning pastries and coffee are available and the bistro is open year-round!

• Pan's South Hero Pizza

  phone: +1 802 372-4729
  address: 326 Route 2
  Pan's Pizza is the place to order from when it's a rainy night and there's nothing else to do. Although they don't do delivery, you can call up and order take-out. Very friendly service and great pizza makes this place a very popular eatery for all Vermonters.

• Seb's Snack Bar

  address: Route 2 and South St
  A good place to stop after a long day on the water, featuring an old style pickup window and a selection including burgers, fries, red hots , and grilled cheese. It also has an ice cream counter with over 20 different kinds of ice cream flavors, and they make milk shakes too. Outdoor seating available and gift shop attached to building.

• Wally's Place-Bagels & Deli

  phone: +1 802 372-4666
  address: 3 Ferry Road right next to the Mobil Station and right by Route 2
  Wally's Place-Bagel & Deli was established only two years ago, but has quickly become a popular destination. They have over a dozen different types of bagels, spreads and breakfast sandwiches, baked goods and they always have fresh Green Mountain Coffee brewing along with other sodas and juices.

The islands are home to East Shore Vineyards in Grand Isle and Snowfarm Vineyard in South Hero. Both have tasting rooms, but East Shore's is actually located in Burlington

• Hall Home Place Cidery

  phone: +1 802 928-3091
  address: 4445 Main St. Isle la Motte, VT
  Hall Home Place is part of the Hall family farm which has been on Isle LaMotte since the late 18th century. The tasting room is located in a stone farmhouse built in 1828. It is a simple affair with a single table and a few chairs. This remote farm is really off the beaten path. Hall Home Place produces a variety of ice ciders from the farm's apple orchard that you can taste on-site or purchase a bottle to take home with you.

• Snow Farm Vineyard

  phone: +1 802-372-9463
  address: 190 West Shore Rd
  Offers many different types of wines that are made right on their vineyard. With all the able space on their vineyard, they are always open to host weddings and receptions. Also, they host many live concerts in the summer time that occur once to twice a week. They also have a year round tasting area located in Stowe, Vermont, which is on the mainland located minutes away from the Ben and Jerry's Factory. Snow Farm's South Hero tasting room is located near Crescent Bay at the south end of the island. The property contains the highest point on the island and you are free to walk the vineyards. Inside, you can order a tasting, a full pour, or even a full bottle to enjoy at the bar or on the patio. They also offer a selection of meats and cheeses to have with your wine.

You won't find any chain hotels in the islands, just B&Bs and family owned inns.

• Adams Landing Bed & Breakfast

  phone: +1 802 372-4830
  address: 1 Adams Landing Rd. Ext. Grand Isle, VT 05458

• Ferry Watch Inn

  phone: +1 802 372-3935
  address: 121 West Shore Rd Grand Isle, VT 05458
  Lakeside B&B.

• North Hero House Inn

  phone: +1 802 372-4732
  address: 3643 US Rural Route 2 North Hero Village, VT

• Ransom Bay Inn

  phone: +1 802 796-3399

• Ruthcliffe Lodge

  phone: +1 802 928-3200
  address: 1002 Quarry Road Isle La Motte, VT 05463

• Shore Acres Inn

  phone: +1 802 372-8722
  address: 237 Shore Acres Dr North Hero, VT 05474

• The Old Schoolhouse

  address: 172 School Street Isle La Motte, VT 05463
  Bicycle hostel and B&B

• Crescent Bay Farm Bed and Breakfast

  phone: +1 802 372-4807
  address: 153 West Shore Rd
  Set up in an 1820s style farm house, with three different kinds of rooms to choose from, each with its own theme to match the area that it's near: The Garden Room, The Mountain Room and The Winery Room. The Bed and Breakfast is on a farm that has llamas on site for visitors to see and feed. No smoking or pets.

• Heron's Way Bed and Breakfast

  phone: +1 802 372-8352
  address: 424 Route 2
  Set in a very nice area of South Hero with its own private beach, internet access and satellite television.

There is almost no crime in the islands, just don't get eaten by Champ.

The Islands are a quick drive or ferry ride from:

• Burlington
• Montreal
• Plattsburgh