Lake Champlain Islands, Burlington Vermont

What a change of pace, from the heat and humidity of a smoldering summer day in Houston to a crisp cool cloudy late fall stroll around the lake. Ah twenty four hours can make all the difference. I left Houston behind and arrived in Burlington Vermont. A sunny 50 degrees when I arrived its now 38 and raining. Sitting in the living room at the cottage on the lake, the fog rolling over the water and the last of the fall color glimmering on the trees, and it is perfect.

Burlington is a little city by my L.A. standards and serious big time for Vermont. The largest city in Vermont, with a population at around 40,000, Burlington is home of The University of Vermont which contributes significantly to the population. Sitting on the edge of Lake Champlain, Burlington is between the Adirondack and Green Mountains.

Yesterday I took a drive up thru the islands. The Lake Champlain Islands are a string of islands in the middle of Lake Champlain on Route 2 that stretch from Burlington up to the Canadian Border. Quaint towns and rolling hillsides with great views of both mountain ranges make this a picturesque drive. There is also Grand Isle State Park, which unfortunately I missed as it was closed for the season.

Even at the tail end of the foliage season, Vermont is remarkable. Stop by the Vermont Tourism Office for more great trip ideas for any season.