Mud season is upon us in Vermont. Stick season doesn’t always get the best rap but with a little creativity and an adventurous spirit, there are plenty of activities to enjoy during this transitional time of year. From scenic walks to unique events, here are 10 ways to make the most of mud season in the Green Mountain State.

Bike Along The Island Line Trail

As the snow melts and the trails become muddy, take advantage of the Burlington Greenway. The iconic Island Line Trail is a 14-mile rail trail that runs along the shores of Lake Champlain and takes you from Burlington out to the Colchester Causeway which runs three miles into the middle of Lake Champlain! This scenic route is great for a stroll or bike ride offering stunning views of Lake Champlain, the Adirondacks, and the Green Mountains along the way.

Find Live Music

Vermont has a vibrant music scene, even during mud season. Check out venues such as Higher Ground or restaurants and bars such as Nectars in downtown Burlington for live performances ranging from local indie bands to moody jazz ensembles.

Tastings at Local Breweries

Vermont is known for its craft beer, and in between weather is the perfect excuse to go sample some local brews. Visit breweries like Zero Gravity Brewery in Burlington, Vermont or Two Heroes Brewery in South Hero, Vermont for tastings and lunch!

Visit a Sauna or Spa

Take advantage of the milder temps and treat yourself to a spa day! Warm up at Madbush Falls, which features two Savu saunas, or unwind at Topnotch Resort in Stowe, The Essex Resort & Spa, or the Vermont Salt Cave Spa in Montgomery. The perfect way to embrace winter wellness

Go See Baby Farm Animals

Springtime in Vermont means baby animals are being born on farms across the state. Visit local farms such as Shelburne Farms in Shelburne, Vermont, or Dreamwalker Farm in Grand Isle, Vermont to see adorable lambs, fluffy chicks, goat chicks, calves, and more! 

Go Shopping on Church Street

Nestled in the heart of Burlington, Vermont, Church Street Marketplace offers an eclectic and vibrant shopping experience like no other. As mud season transitions the landscape, this pedestrian-friendly street remains bustling with activity, inviting visitors to explore its charming boutiques, art galleries, and specialty shops.

Visit Local Maple Sugarhouses 

Experience the magic of the sugaring season by visiting local sugarhouses. Mark your calendar for the annual Maple Open House Weekend when sugarmakers invite folks into their sugaring operations. Learn how maple syrup is made, sample fresh maple syrup, and other maple treats such as maple donuts and hot dogs. 

Spring Skiing in the Green Mountains

While the ski season may be winding down, there's still time to hit the slopes in Vermont. Enjoy warmer temperatures and softer snow before the mountains close for the season. There are a handful of top-notch ski resorts, all just a stone's throw away from Burlington, Vermont. Before planning your spring skiing adventure, be sure to check the closing dates for local mountains. Typically, ski resorts in Vermont close in April, so seize the last opportunity to carve some turns! 

Mud season in Vermont may be muddy and unpredictable, but it's also a time of renewal and transition. With these activities, you can embrace the unique beauty and charm of this season in the Green Mountain State. So grab your boots, bundle up, and get ready to make some muddy memories in Vermont!

As the countdown to the 2024 total Solar eclipse begins, Vermont finds itself in a unique position. On April 8th, 2024, the northern region of the Green Mountain State will be in the path of totality for this historic celestial event. During the eclipse, expected around 3:20 to 3:30 pm, the moon will entirely obscure the sun, plunging the area into a surreal darkness for approximately 3 minutes.

Amid this cosmic spectacle, the Lake Champlain Islands region of Vermont emerges as a premier destination for eclipse enthusiasts. As anticipation builds, local businesses are gearing up to welcome visitors and host a variety of special events to celebrate this rare astronomical occurrence. Below we explore the event lineup for the best places to view the eclipse in the Lake Champlain Islands. 

Snow Farm Vineyard - South Hero, VT

Snow Farm Vineyard will be hosting three days of fun events at their winery on April 6th, 7th, and 8th. Get ready for live music performances, a farm and craft market, a food truck from Parking Lot Pizza, specially brewed eclipse draught beer from Zero Gravity and so much more! 

More Event Information

Camp Hochelaga - South Hero, VT

Experience the eclipse at Camp Hochelaga where they will be inviting visitors to an unforgettable eclipse viewing experience where they will have local artists showcasing their talents, local musicians, and food vendors. 

More Event Information

Breakaway Farm - South Hero, VT

Breakaway Farm will be celebrating the full eclipse and invite folks to a bonfire and warming tent, hay wagon rides to and from the viewing site, and short horse trail rides before and after the eclipse. They will also have options for a lunch package and a s'more package, as well as eclipse sunglasses available for sale onsite. 

More Event Information

Grand Isle Lake House - Grand Isle, VT

The historic Grand Isle Lake House will be hosting a viewing party where you can lounge on the lawn overlooking Lake Champlain and enjoy lunch by Let’s Pretend Catering before the eclipse starts! Make sure to bring your chairs or blankets; hot coffee and snacks will also be available. Reserve your spot today! 

More Event Information 

Grand Isle State Park - Grand Isle, VT

Grand Isle State Park will open for the day and will be a great place to see the solar eclipse. The park is Vermont's most visited state park with 4,150 feet of shoreline and it even has some nature trails to explore! 

Vermont State Park Eclipse Information

North Hero House Inn & Restaurant - North Hero, VT

The North Hero House will be hosting a viewing party on the Pier from 1pm to 6pm. They will have hors d'oeuvres as well as a cash bar. Space is limited so purchase your tickets on their website! If you book a night at the Inn, the viewing party tickets are included.

More Event Information

Knight Point State Park - North Hero, VT

Located right by the North Hero Drawbridge on Lake Champlain’s “Gut”, Knight Point State Park will be open on April 8th. The 54-acre park is a great place to snag a picnic table and enjoy lunch by the water before the big celestial event! 

Vermont State Park Eclipse Information

2024 Alburgh Totality Festival - Alburgh, VT

This free festival celebrates the eclipse with a weekend-long lineup of fun festivities including music, events, food, exhibits from local artists, and more to celebrate this historic event for Alburgh.

 More Event Information

Kramer and Kin Brewery - Alburgh, VT

This local family brewery will have a viewing party at their taproom at Alburgh Golf Links where you can expect to find stunning lake views and access to outdoor and indoor seating. The tickets will include an all-you-can-eat buffet, one set of solar eclipse glasses, and a pour of their special release beer! 

More Event Information

The Lake Champlain Islands region is a unique and beautiful place located in Grand Isle County in Northwest Vermont. Located conveniently close to three major cities and airports; Burlington, Vermont, Montreal, Quebec, and Plattsburgh, New York it makes for ideal spot to travel to for the 2024 solar eclipse. Make sure to plan ahead if visiting the Lake Champlain Islands as it is projected to be quite the viewing hotspot. Learn more about the upcoming solar eclipse and how to safely prepare in Vermont here. 

 

Looking for more things to do in the Lake Champlain Valley area this spring? Explore 8 Things to do during mud season in Vermont.

Hello March! From sap to sales, we have you covered this month with home maintenance tips, a maple sugaring event guide, a tour of a hidden Island home, hot market stats, and featured properties.

The Ultimate Spring Cleaning Checklist

It's time to tackle that critical home maintenance. Keep your home in good condition and prevent costly repairs down the road with our foolproof guide below. 

Get The Checklist

Maple Open House Weekend: Best Sugarhouses to Visit

Don't miss out the annual Maple Open House Weekend. Vermont sugarmakers invite folks to visit their sugarhouses for maple samples, guided tours, and much more. Find a sugarhouse near you below. 

Explore Sugarhouses

---

Market Report 

These stats are key for Vermont buyers and sellers, guiding decisions on purchases, upgrades, and sales. If you're curious about how these trends specifically impact your area of interest, please reach out for a personalized market analysis. By leveraging the expertise of a seasoned real estate professional, you can navigate the complexities of the market with confidence and clarity.

---

Hidden Home

March’s move-in ready home is hidden in plain sight! From the moment you pull up the driveway, you'll be wowed by the privacy and peaceful setting of this four-bed, two-bath home. The residence is located on 5.24 beautiful acres in a convenient Grand Isle location with views and pristine lake frontage. This home is currently for sale.

---

Featured Listings

9 Canamak West, Grand Isle, VT
Price: $469,900

205 Old Stage Rd, Essex Junction, VT
Price: $1,140,000

---

Greetings, fellow real estate enthusiasts! Today, we're diving into the dynamic market of Northwest Vermont, unpacking key statistics from February 2024 to help you understand the trends shaping buying and selling decisions in our region. Whether you're considering purchasing your dream home or selling your property, knowledge is your greatest asset. Let's explore the numbers and what they mean for you. These statistics are for single-family home sales in Grand Isle, Franklin, and Chittenden County. 

Median Sales Price: $432,250

February saw a 6% decrease from the previous month and a 3.7% decrease compared to February 2023. While this may seem like a downturn, it's essential to understand the broader context. For buyers, this indicates potential opportunities for more affordable purchases, while sellers may need to adjust their pricing strategies accordingly.

Closed Sales: 64

There was a notable 41.3% decrease from the previous month and a 5.9% decrease from February 2023. This decline in closed sales reflects a slowdown in the market, which could be attributed to various factors such as seasonal fluctuations or shifts in buyer demand. Buyers may find less competition, while sellers might need to be patient and strategic in their approach.

Median Days On Market: 6

With a remarkable 76% decrease from the previous month and a 25% decrease from February 2023, homes are spending less time on the market. This swift pace underscores the urgency for both buyers and sellers to act decisively. Buyers should be prepared to make quick decisions, while sellers can capitalize on favorable conditions by ensuring their properties are market-ready.

List Price Received: 99.6%

While there was a marginal 0.1% decrease from the previous month, February 2024 saw a 0.1% increase from the same period last year. This statistic indicates that sellers are generally receiving close to their asking price, highlighting the stability of the market. For sellers, it underscores the importance of pricing properties accurately, while buyers should be prepared to negotiate within a narrow margin.

New Listings: 91

There was no change from the previous month, but February 2024 saw a 1.1% increase compared to the same period last year. This steady influx of new listings provides buyers with a diverse range of options to explore. Sellers, however, may face increased competition and should focus on showcasing the unique features of their homes to stand out in the market.

Active Inventory: 141

Despite a 6.6% decrease from the previous month, February 2024 witnessed a 3.7% increase compared to February 2023. This balance between supply and demand is crucial for maintaining a healthy market environment. Buyers have a reasonable selection of homes to choose from, while sellers should be mindful of market conditions when pricing their properties.

Northwest Vermont Market Review By County:

Chittenden County:

• Active Inventory = 64
• Median Sales Price = $566,500
• Median Days On Market = 6
• Closed Sales = 37
• List Price Received = 100.7%

Franklin County:

• Active Inventory = 54
• Median Sales Price = $339,950
• Median Days On Market = 7
• Closed Sales = 24
• List Price Received = 97.9%

Grand Isle County:

• Active Inventory = 24
• Median Sales Price = $300,000
• Median Days On Market = 64
• Closed Sales = 3
• List Price Received = 101.0%

As you can see, these statistics offer valuable insights for both Vermont buyers and sellers alike. Whether you're looking to purchase your first home, upgrade to a larger space, or sell your current property, understanding the nuances of the Northwest Vermont real estate market is essential for making informed decisions.

If you're curious about how these trends specifically impact your area of interest, please reach out for a personalized market analysis. By leveraging the expertise of a seasoned real estate professional, you can navigate the complexities of the market with confidence and clarity.

In conclusion, the Northwest Vermont real estate market presents a unique blend of opportunities and challenges. By staying informed and proactive, you can position yourself for success in achieving your real estate goals. Happy house hunting!

For a complimentary market analysis tailored to your needs, contact us today!

 

 

March’s move-in ready home is hidden in plain sight! From the moment you pull up the driveway, you'll be wowed by the privacy and peaceful setting of this four-bed, two-bath home. The residence is located on 5.24 beautiful acres in a convenient Grand Isle location with views and pristine lake frontage. This home is currently for sale.