Looking for the best places to eat in the Lake Champlain Islands? You’ve come to the right place! This local Vermont guide will direct you to the best eats in the area. 

1. Wally’s Place Bagel and Deli 

Wally's Place has delicious bagels, homemade bread, sandwiches, and sweet treats! Wally's has been South Hero's local bagel shop since 2008 and is conveniently located at Community Lane in South Hero. 

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2. Seb’s Snack Bar

Locally owned and operated this iconic South Hero staple is open daily from 11am to 6pm during the months of May through October. Indulge in fried food in the heart of the South Hero village and don’t forget to grab a creemee post lunch. 

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3. Hero’s Welcome General Store

Head to Hero’s Welcome for the best sandwiches in the Champlain Islands! Enjoy your lunch outside while taking in the views of Lake Champlain and the Green Mountains in the distance. This spot is located right in the North Hero Village on City Bay. 

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4. Steamship Pier Bar and Barbecue

Sit down for lunch on the shores of Lake Champlain at the pier bar located at the North hero Inn and Restaurant. Their lobster roll and BBQ options are some of the best in town. 

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5. Bravo Zulu Lakeside Bar

Bravo Zulu is the most recent addition to the Lake Champlain Islands. This eatery located at Shore Acres Inn and Restaurant. From sandwiches, salads, to larger plates their large menu will be sure to have something for everyone.  

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6. The Hive Cafe

Check out the Hive Cafe for salads, grilled sandwiches, burgers and more! It is located at Allenholm on South Street and is open from 11am-6pm during the summer months. Just note the cafe is closed on Wednesdays!

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7. Keeler’s Bay Variety 

Keeler’s Bay Variety Store and Liquor Store in South Hero has great to-go options if you’re in a hurry. They also have a great deli if you’re looking for a hearty sandwich.

8. Mckees Island Pub & Pizza 

Craving a slice? Mckees in South Hero has you covered. In addition to great pizza, they have an extensive menu with many different Italian options.

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Local eat and drink options are plentiful in the Lake Champlain Islands! Looking to plan your next Island adventure? Read our summer day trip guide. 

 

Make the most of Summer 2022 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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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!

We are pleased to announce the release of our latest video series, Living In Vermont, that highlights life in the Lake Champlain Islands. Our in-house marketing team created these videos to educate viewers about the five Island towns and Grand Isle County. They showcase wonderful elements that give you an inside look at what life looks like living along Lake Champlain. Like, Subscribe and share these videos with anyone looking to move to the islands!

Don't miss our next issue, get Island Insights in your inbox! Subscribe today.

We don’t have a crystal ball to see the future of the real estate market, but we can assess the current conditions and bring an objective eye to the table. In the past year, our REALTORS^® guided over 130 families through this fast-paced market. They have the area expertise, market knowledge and negotiating skills to guide you home. Here are some of the top questions we’re hearing from clients:

1. Will the real estate market shift in 2022?

While there are a number of factors that play into the real estate market, we predict that 2022 will see continued trends of light inventory and high buyer demand. Interest rates are on the rise but remain historically low still making today an opportune time to buy a home.

2. Is it true home sellers are getting offers over asking?

The key to selling a home is pricing it at fair market value, from the start, to attract the most potential buyers resulting in showings and offers. This market is competitive with some homes seeing multiple offer situations that ultimately drive up the sales price.

3. So it’s a good time to sell, but what about buying?

Interest rates are rising but remain at all time lows. They are expected to increase throughout the year and with the rise, the amount buyers would be able to afford will go down. Our real estate advocates will help you put your best offer forward and stand out among the competition.

4. What is my home worth today?

Your home has never been worth more. Median home prices in Northwest Vermont have risen 16% from 2020*. Dreaming of retirement or your next investment? Now is this time to get the most value out of your home. 

*NVRA Market Report December 2021

Wondering if now is the right time to list your home? You may be surprised. Don't wait to list until the spring, get a free market analysis to find out today!