Make the most of the Summer months by exploring all that the Lake Champlain Islands have to offer. We've created a guide for the top must-try activities in each Champlain Island town to add to your summer bucket list.

1. Rent a Boat in South Hero

What better way to explore the Lake Champlain Islands than on a boat? Apple Island Marina is conveniently located right over the Sandbar Causeway. They offer full and half-day boat rentals available throughout the summer months. 

2. Go Camping in Grand Isle

Grand Isle State Park is Vermont's most visited state park; it has great camping and even nature trails. The extensive shoreline is set up nicely for both fishing and swimming. Make sure to reserve your campsite before you plan your getaway.

3. Paddle to Knight Island in North Hero

Knight Island State Park is an island located around two miles from the North Hero Village on Lake Champlain's Inland Sea. Hero’s Welcome General Store has kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards available to rent for the day. On a calm day, launch from City Bay and head out to explore the unique Vermont State Park.

4. Bike Through History in Isle La Motte

Isle La Motte’s flat terrain, scenic views, and roads that run along the Lake make for a very relaxing bike ride. We recommend taking a break to explore the oldest fossil reef in the world, Chazy Fossil Reef or stopping by the town beach at Saint Anne’s Shrine for a picnic.

5. Golf in Alburgh 

Alburgh Golf Links is a sprawling 18-hole links style golf course that is open to the public. The course features incredible vistas of Lake Champlain and both the Adirondack and Green Mountains. After playing, drop by the clubhouse-taproom for some locally sourced eats and delicious brews by Kraemer & Kin. 

The Champlain Islands incomparable state parks, close knit community, thriving local businesses and countless outdoor activities make it a wonderful place to enjoy year-round or seasonally.

Learn more about Life in the Lake Champlain Islands. 

July's Hidden Home is a delightful lakefront cottage located on North Hero’s east shore. Tucked among the trees is this well-cared-for cottage that has outstanding views of Lake Champlain, the Green Mountains and Butler Island.

Looking for a unique adventure in Vermont? Visit the iconic Island Line Trail! This 14-mile trek takes you from Burlington, Vermont up to the beautiful Lake Champlain Islands located in the Northwest region of Vermont. Run, bike, or even rollerskate on the path while enjoying captivating views of the Adirondack and Green Mountains.

Historically, the trail was not meant for recreational use. It was built in 1899 by the Rutland-Canadian Railroad for coastal market connections from New England to the Great Lakes. Eventually, in the 1980s, the railroad was converted for recreational use. 

The historic path attracts around 150,000 visitors per year! There are three major entry points for folks to begin their trek. Enter from Oakledge Park in Burlington, Airport Park in Colchester, or Allen Point Access in South Hero. 

Shortly after passing Airport Park you will reach Causeway Park in Colchester. This portion is four miles long with a ten foot wide compact stone path that runs across Lake Champlain. There is a 200 foot gap near the end of the causeway, locally known as “the cut”.

The local motion bike ferry takes passengers across this gap and connects you to Allen Point Access in South Hero. The Bike Ferry welcomes all passengers and just asks for a small donation. However, do note, the ferry operates seasonally. See the bike ferry schedule before you plan your trip. 

The Island Line Trail is a great way to explore the outdoor recreation opportunities that Vermont has to offer. Whether it’s with friends, family, or your furry friend, all will be certain to love this Vermont adventure. 

Learn more about the Lake Champlain Islands here. 

After two years of record-setting activity, there are signs the housing market might be cooling. High home prices and a surge in mortgage interest rates are slowing buyer activity, with home sales declining for the third consecutive month under the weight of soaring homeownership costs. The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) reports existing home sales were down 2.4% from the previous month, while pending sales fell 3.9% as of last measure, extending the trend of recent months. Economists predict sales will continue to soften in the near future, which may put downward pressure on home prices.

New Listings decreased 6.7 percent for single-family homes but increased 17.9 percent for townhouse-condo properties. Pending Sales remained flat for single-family properties but increased 20.8 percent for townhouse-condo properties. Inventory decreased 35.8 percent for single-family homes and 28.3 percent for townhouse-condo properties. The Median Sales Price was up 15.8 percent to $439,950 for single-family homes and 26.7 percent to $332,500 for townhouse-condo properties. Days on Market decreased 29.0 percent for single-family homes and 50.0 percent for townhouse-condo properties. Months Supply of Inventory decreased 28.6 percent for single-family homes and 25.0 percent for townhouse-condo properties.

The slowdown in sales has provided a much-needed lift to housing supply, with inventory up 10.8% from the previous month according to NAR, although supply remains down 10.4% compared to this time last year, with only 2.2 months’ supply of homes at the current sales pace. As the nation continues to explore ways to solve the ongoing housing shortage, estimated at 5.5 million homes, the Biden administration recently unveiled the Housing Supply Action Plan, which aims to expand housing access through a number of administrative and legislative actions and help relieve the nation’s housing crisis over the next 5 years.

Do you have questions about the current market? We're here to help. Contact us today.

As we begin to welcome summer, don't forget to find a home for your boat this season! Grand Isle County offers some of the best marinas to make your summer boating experience better than ever. From the top of North Hero to the bottom of South Hero, check out our top spots so you can enjoy some time out on Lake Champlain.

1. Ladd’s Landing Marina

412 US-2, Grand Isle, VT 05458

Located at the Grand Isle - North Hero drawbridge is Ladd's Landing Marina. As a full service marina, Ladd's Landing has a variety of ways to improve your summer experience. They offer rental boats, complete boat services, temporary and seasonal slips for power boats and sailboats, a ship's store, and gathering areas inside and out. The season begins May 15th and lasts until October 1st with their fuel dock and ship's store open daily from 8am - 6pm and when the season is over, winterization is available so you don't have to worry about anything.

2. North Hero Marina

2253 Pelots Point Rd, North Hero, VT 05474

Out on Pelots Point is where you'll find North Hero Marina. If you're looking for a mooring you can have one as soon as May 1st and a dock space by May 15th. The season runs through October 1st. Fueling is available daily and winter storage is also an option so your boat will be ready for you when you come back next year. Rental boats, a variety of services, and a ship's store are included along with amenities at all docks, a pool for members, and even the Island Tiki Bar. The Tiki Bar is a great place to enjoy a meal after a long boat day while looking out at Lake Champlain. 

3. Apple Island Marina

6 Featherbed Ln, South Hero, VT 05486

At the entrance of the Islands sits Apple Island Marina in South Hero. They are located just off of Route 2 where they're open a full 5 months from May 15th to October 15th. The Boathouse is open everyday for your convenience with daily, weekly, and seasonal dock slips available. They have a fuel dock and rental boats but what's even better is that the marina is part of the Apple Island Resort. The resort provides a general store, golf course, RV campground, and indoor/outdoor gathering areas for guests. So when you're putting your boat in at the Apple Island Marina, you might want to consider staying a while and taking a little vacation at the resort too.

4. Keeler Bay Marina

466 US-2, South Hero, VT 05486

Down off of Route 2 is Keeler Bay Marina in South Hero. Open from May 15th to October 15th, they offer 92 seasonal dock slips. Keep your boat in the bay and also get the chance to grab food on your way in or out. Located at the entrance to the marina is a food truck with a brand new vendor offering a variety of delicious options. There is also the Keeler Bay Variety convenience store just half a mile down Route 2.

5. New England Power Boat Marina

98 Bride Rd, North Hero, VT 05474

The New England Power Boat Marina is located by the North Hero - Alburgh bridge. With the recently installed docks you're sure to be a satisfied customer. A gas dock was also installed with access to town water and a pump out station. So get your boat in the water and cruise around the islands. 

Learn more about life on Lake Champlain on our website and don’t forget to always be safe out on the water!