Welcome to our new video series, Community Beat. Follow us as we interview people and businesses to learn more about Lake Champlain and Northwestern Vermont. Through this series, we hope to gain insight into the local community and what makes our area so unique.

In our premiere video, we sit down with the co-owner and founder of Hero’s Welcome General Store, Bob Camp, to learn more about this small business. This century-old general store and marina is located on North Hero Island on Lake Champlain. The summer months are bustling with activity from boaters docking for gas and patrons lining up for one of their delicious sandwiches made on a homemade roll. You can find a gift for anyone in their extensive gift shop that spans two floors. To learn more about Hero's Welcome visit their website.

Interview Highlights:

Full-Length Interview:

Photo Sources: Hero's Welcome General Store website photo gallery and Facebook Business Page.

Happy 4th of July! We hope everyone had a wonderful day and beat the heat by enjoying some time on the lake. The Islands have been busy the last two days with boating, campers, and beach goers. On Tuesday, July 3rd, Knight Point State Park hosted the Fireworks Extravaganza with live music, food and swimming. There was a huge turn out and it was the best fireworks show yet! Boaters anchored near the drawbridge and got an amazing view of the fireworks. On Wednesday, July 4th, South Hero and Alburgh held their annual parades. It was beautiful day for a parade. It is wonderful to see the community come together and put on such great events.

If you live around Lake Champlain, you live for summer. We endure the cold Vermont winters waiting for the warmer months. After Memorial Day the Islands become a hub of activity with people returning to their summer homes, enjoying the lake either by boat or on the beach, snack bars and restaurants opening back up and summer music happening all over. Lake Champlain does not disappoint. There are many events happening all summer long such as the Champlain Islands Farmers Market, the Summer Concert Series at Snow Farm Vineyard, the Annual Duct Tape Regatta and more! At the end of a fun-filled summer day you are reminded of what makes this place so special to many. It is truly a unique corner of Vermont and we are grateful to call this place home!