Fall Family Fun in Vermont: Part One

One of my favorite things about moving up to the northeast is getting the opportunity to really experience all four seasons. In Florida we didn’t have much of a change in the weather and you were never able to tell what season it was just by looking out your window. As much as I loved the warmth most of the year, I missed the look and the feel of those cold weather months.

Living in a new part of the country that neither MacKay or I have ever lived in allows us to be so much more grateful for the little things in life. One of those being the gorgeous fall landscape we are surrounded with. The first year we moved here we rented a car  and took Harlan to go apple picking out in the suburbs of New York. It was the first time I had the chance to get out and see what life was like beyond the concrete jungle that is Manhattan. I was blown away at how gorgeous the landscape was and how it seemed to just go on like that forever.

Since that trip, we’ve made it a point to find a new place to visit every fall. This year MacKay picked Burlington, Vermont. We visited this gorgeous city a couple of weeks ago and I am still on cloud nine from the trip away. It is by far one of the most gorgeous cities to visit during the fall.

Our first day there we spent outside exploring the city. Before dinner we had a chance to walk around Church Street, which has the cutest little shops and restaurants. The girls stopped in their tracks as soon as they saw this blue grass band playing in the middle of the marketplace. Avery danced by herself in front of everyone, oblivious to the crowd she was gaining as they watched her get lost in the music. It took Harlan a while to warm up to the crowd, but once she saw how much fun Avery was having, she knew she had to join in.

Burlington has the cutest farmers market right in the middle of downtown. We just happened to come across it after eating breakfast and had to take a look at what they were selling. I love that the city is very involved in having all locally produced food. They had everything from maple syrup to fresh meats from a local farm. I was so sad we couldn’t take anything home.

Downtown is just small enough that you are able to park you car in one spot and just walk. As city dwellers, we love walking and exploring. The city was so vibrant with fall hues that we could just walk around and stare at the architecture and scenery for hours.

Shortly after lunch we walked over to the aquarium and science center that sits right on Lake Champlain. As a former science teacher, I was right in my element. The girls had the best time exploring and getting their hands on anything that they could touch. 

Har found a big microscope to take an up close look at some bugs, leaves, and seeds!

Both girls had to get down to get a close look at the turtle.

As a former weather girl, I loved seeing this little girl in action. Maybe one day she will follow in her mama’s footsteps (and hopefully really go for it.)

The center had so many activities that the girls loved so much because they could touch anything they wanted without getting into any trouble! 😉

Har made a mask that she wanted to keep on for the rest of the day. Eventually we had to convince her to take it off for a little ice cream.

This pregnant mama lived out a dream at the Ben & Jerry’s ice cream factory. We toured the facility where they make that delicious ice cream and even got to sample some of our own. Yum!

We also made sure to make a stop to get some fresh Vermont apple cider and maple syrup. I love little places like this that are family run and have so many great goodies to take home. We left with enough maple syrup to last through the year as well as some fun little Christmas gifts for family!

I have so many more photos from our trip to Vermont, but I didn’t want to overwhelm you with so many photos in one post. I’ll post our apple picking adventure later this week!!