When we decided to move to Vermont eight years ago, Burlington was our only reference point. We had traveled to this city by the lake for years, indulging in its food, beer, and quirkiness—elements our lives needed more of. Once we had kids, we saw Burlington as a haven for families. However, our search for a place to live revealed that finding a home in Burlington is quite challenging.

Having lived in difficult markets like North Jersey, New York, and San Diego, I knew that the difficulty was often a testament to the worth of the location. When we couldn’t find a place in Burlington, we discovered Shelburne. This town, with a population of less than 8,000, boasts almost as many sights and activities, making it an ideal spot to visit on your way to Burlington.

In Shelburne, there is ongoing talk of economic development. However, I hope it retains its small-town charm, unlike a town we recently left in Delaware, which lost its charm to developers, gaining only traffic in return. While we’ll see how things evolve here in Vermont, there’s already plenty to do. Personally, I’d cap economic development as soon as we can get some decent Mexican food in town.

One of the first things you learn moving to Vermont is that New Englanders don’t customarily share personal details. Publicly, they share two things: current leaf hues and whether it’s a rainy season or a dry season.

As a nearly eight-year resident, I’ll give you the lowdown on Shelburne. I’ll break this down in a few posts.

Things to do in Shelburne (Part 1) Unlike some of my other stories about Vermont these places actually exist.

Fiddlehead Brewing Company: Vermont is the only state where its most popular beer doesn’t come from the Miller Coors Budweiser empire. Fiddlehead serves as the gateway for many northbound travelers, being one of the first things you see when entering town. The brewery has grown since we moved here and plans to open a second location in a neighboring town soon. The tasting room is usually packed, but people come and go quickly. Second Fiddle is my go-to.

Folino’s Pizza: If Fiddlehead is your first stop on your beer-cation, you might as well get some pizza while you’re there since they share a building with Folino’s. The Firecracker Shrimp and the Buff Chick are local favorites, but I can eat a Hawaiian on my own. You can order via mobile, so it’s ready for you, or get a table on the Fiddlehead side and have it delivered.

Hike LaPlatte: After consuming those calories, the closest place for a hike is LaPlatte. When there’s snow on the ground, you can sled behind the post office or hike to the falls. Ticks can be incredibly bad here, so it’s a great spot for a dog walk if they are treated. Otherwise, you may want to stay away. I once pulled 30 ticks off my treated border collie after a twenty-minute walk.

Walk Shelburne Bay: You can mostly avoid ticks on your hike at the bay. There are two trails: the gravel trail near the entrance and the trail by the bay, which has its own parking. It can be muddy, so leave your fresh kicks at home. Your pup can swim in the spring and early summer, but by July, the stagnant water will make them sick.

Pierson Library: When we moved here, the library was pretty sorry, being a long-term but temporary solution. A few years ago, a new library was approved, and it’s fantastic. Great light, tall ceilings, and a perfect place to spend an hour or two with kids. Check out their website for current activities.

Owl Cottage at the Shelburne Museum: If you’re looking to kill time with kids, check out Owl Cottage at the Shelburne Museum. It’s open May through October and has games, puzzles, books, costumes, and a craft room for kids 10 and under.

Webby’s Art Studio: The Shelburne Museum hosts a year-round craft program on Saturdays at 11 am in Webby’s Art Studio inside the Pizzagalli Center. The projects usually mimic their current exhibits, and your kids are guaranteed to go home with something cool.

Shelburne Pond: Located on the eastern end of the town, Shelburne Pond is a quiet spot with lots of wildlife, including snakes and eagles. There’s ice fishing and skating in the winter and boating in the summer. It’s off Shelburne’s last unpaved road, and hopefully, it’ll stay that way. We like our cars dirty and don’t look for a car wash within town limits.

Shelburne Orchards: Picture fall in Vermont: trees ablaze in color, old trucks, hills lined with apple trees overlooking Lake Champlain, and the smell of cider donuts. Shelburne Orchards embodies this scene and is the best way to start a long car ride back to New Jersey with a bag full of cider donuts.

Shelburne Country Store: This looks like a touristy place, but locals frequent it too. Get yourself a creemee (soft serve). This old-school general store has great housewarming gifts, fudge, and things you didn’t know you needed until you walked in.

Gas Station Coffee in Shelburne is good. The Jiffy on route 7 has the pizza your kids love with no wait, but not available on weekends. They also have warm breakfast sandwiches and burgers and chicken at lunch.  The Mobile right down the streets can work on your car, or serve you great coffee and creemes. They stock Heady Topper too so if you’re on your way out of town it’s.

Vermont Teddy Bear Factory: When I lived in New York City, I constantly heard ads for the Vermont Teddy Bear Factory on Howard Stern. Little did I know I’d live half a mile from their headquarters. While their PajamaGram brand is likely their biggest seller, the bears are front and center. Tours are free and frequent, with a well-stocked bear store where you can choose or design your own bear. For state residents, they run the Vermont Cub Project, where every 4-year-old Vermonter can make their own bear at no charge.

Vermont Zen Center: Shelburne has a number of wonderful spiritual centers. The Vermont Zen Center, a Buddhist community, offers courses ranging from Lovingkindness Meditation to Indian cooking. They have beautiful gardens seasonally.

Upper LaPlatte River Natural Area: If you’re a solo practitioner looking for a quick hike, check out the Upper LaPlatte River Natural Area. This is an easy, pet-free, no-cost hike that meanders a little over a mile through meadow and grass.

All Souls Interfaith Gathering: It’s amazing to have one spiritual center in a town of less than 8,000 residents, but Shelburne also has the All Souls Interfaith Gathering. Overlooking Lake Champlain, the center offers classes, workshops, and retreats. My kids have had their Cub Scout meetings there, and I can’t imagine too many troops are lucky enough to be surrounded by these views.

The Country Christmas Loft: Shelburne has a year-round Christmas store. After creemees and swimming holes, the next best way to cool down is a winter visit. A stroll through their Christmas village is appropriate any day of the year, though I think a coffee shop or Christmas-themed brewery would be a cool addition.