Historical Hideouts and Modern Marvels
There are wonders located in every corner of the Champlain Valley and perhaps no better time to experience many of them then the temperate late days of summer and early Autumn. Labor Day weekend brings traditions of backyard barbecues, The Champlain Valley Fair and preparing for the first days of school. I've had a full schedule of working with sellers and buyers of Vermont Condos, so I was determined to take my free Saturday afternoon to explore.
Crown Point: Beautiful Bridge and Formidable Fort
About an hour South of Burlington off of Route 22A in Chimney Point, Addison County, VT you'll find the Lake Champlain Bridge. Constructed in 2011 as a replacement to the dilapidated Champlain Bridge, this 2,200-foot bridge connects New York and Vermont, spanning Lake Champlain and serving as the only fixed link across the lake between it's most northern and southern points. It's a beautiful modern structure framed by a graceful curving arch and a web of white cables contrasting against the blue of our beautiful lake. It's exhilarating to observe from afar or while driving over.
Once across the bridge, you'll be greeted by the Crown Point State Historic Site where you'll find the magnificent ruins of the fort constructed by British forces in the 1750's largely destroyed by fire in 1773 and eventually seized by Seth Warner and Vermont's own Green Mountain Boys in 1775. The old remains offer a terrific opportunity to walk through history and the old quarters of officers and enlisted soldiers highlighted with flagstone floors and massive fireplaces. I highly recommend stopping at WAGS country store on your way there to pick up a kite for $3.99. The raised meadow makes for excellent kite flying.
Back by Boat
We wanted to do some exploring in the Empire State so we followed 9N North along the western shore of Champlain. It's cool to see our Green Mountains from a different perspective. When we arrived in Essex, we visited our friend Wayne and had some amazing coffee and ice cream at Essex Ice Cream Cafe. Once we were filled up we hopped on the Essex-Charlotte Ferry which allows cars, bikes and pedestrians aboard for the picturesque 30 minute journey back to Vermont. A great way to come home!
What I'm Reading
Millennials Might be the Only Thing Preventing Another Mortgage Collapse Interesting insight into how a generation blamed for their self interest and dependence may be helping avert a crises with their frugality and focus on experiences.
Musings
"Don't just stare out the window; See what's on the other side"
