Sleep under the stars with close friends and family at a Lake Champlain camp when exploring Vermont. I’ve been there so I know the Lake Champlain Islands guarantee the summer’s most peaceful getaway.
I was lucky to enjoy just that with John and Diane, who are kind of like family because we have prepared meals, celebrated holidays and traveled together, like families do. The fun we had on our weekend camping in the Lake Champlain Islands of Vermont inspires me to share our experience with others looking to travel in that area.
We set out for our camping trip on a July morning, with a trunkful of tents, sleeping bags, coolers, and backpacks. The drive from Ipswich, Massachusetts to northwestern Vermont (predominantly on Route 89) would take about four hours. Our ‘family’ knew that we would stop to see things on the way because we always do.
Picnicking along the Way to Your Lake Champlain Camp
Our first sightseeing stop, and a convenient place for a picnic lunch, was well into Vermont. The well-visited Quechee Gorge crosses paths with Route 89 in the eastern part of the state. A high bridge spans over this deep gorge with bright green trees and white water below.
Travelers can just drive over to catch a glimpse. For the full effect, you must park in the adjacent lot and walk onto the bridge. You will feel the traffic make it shake and have a majestic photo op.
Some trails around the gorge leave from the bridge, making quick hikes easy. Picnic tables, a gift shop, and restrooms stand nearby. The gorge is part of Quechee State Park, a large recreation area with a campground. Do check this out as another option for a budget overnight. The facilities are small so you will probably have to book ahead — in summer for sure.
For dessert, don’t miss a stop at the Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Factory Tour, a total treat.
See Burlington On a Day Away from Lake Champlain
Burlington is a cool “little town.” Though it’s the largest city in Vermont, it has somewhat of a small college town feel. Most people walk with great purpose and direction on Church Street, but this pedestrian area looks more suitable for slow meandering past its many restaurants and storefronts. After dinner at Ri Ra, the local Irish pub, we went for a stroll, ducking in and out of book and kitchen shops. We watched a street performer do some wacky things on a high wire, impressing his sizeable crowd.
Another pleasant place to hang out in Burlington is down by Lake Champlain. Walk down the hill to the end of College Street, and you’ll be there. The sturdy, porch-like swings that line the waterfront are perfect for restfully watching the boats and the sunset. There’s also a nine-mile bike path for those more interested in active pursuits.
Exploring Our South Hero Camp at Lake Champlain
From Burlington, we phoned our campground and then drove another half-hour to South Hero Island to claim our spot. We raised our tent on a plot at Skyland (more on this campground later), then headed back for our only non-smelly night on the town.
A neighboring brewery festival provided us with musical entertainment and craft beers too.
What a full day we had on Friday. Sometimes I have trouble sleeping on the ground, but I conked right out with childish abandon when we returned to our tent.
From our Vermont Campsite to Isle la Motte
Our camp was located in South Hero, on one of the five Lake Champlain Islands: North Hero, South Hero, Grand Isle, Isle la Motte, and Alburg (which is technically a peninsula, but who cares?) This rural community is connected by bridges and is about 30 miles long. In the areas we passed through, tourism development was present but quiet, mainly contained to peaceful lodgings, farms, and orchards open to visitors.
Not seeing much around in the way of hiking, John, Diane, and I drove to Isle la Motte to go for a long walk. Our five-mile loop followed along the roadside. We walked past farmland, quaint homes and residents riding lawn mowers who wave as you pass. Maybe this wouldn’t be the best walk with kids, but we enjoyed seeing a tiny town library, and ruins of old buildings that reminded me of rural Ireland.
We started and finished in front of St. Anne’s Shrine, located on the original site of Fort St. Anne, the first settlement in Vermont. Constructed in 1666, this was the site of the first mass celebrated in the state. Now, in addition to statues of Catholic saints and an outdoor altar, there is a snack shop, restrooms, and picnic tables right on the water.
This is another decent spot for a dip in the lake, especially after a long, paved hike on a hot day. Cyclists will want to download the cool Lake Champlain Bike Trail Map to scout out new routes.
Mornings Swimming at Our Camp at Lake Champlain
Using what turned out to be incredibly green wood purchased on the honor system from someone’s yard on Isle le Motte, we prepared a dinner of hot dogs and s’mores that evening. The novelty of cooking on sticks, of course, made the meal, just as it did for me countless times at Girl Scout camp. An ongoing struggle involving lots of newspaper and a borrowed hatchet kept the fire going just barely enough to cook.
Late that night, we watched a surprising spectacle from inside the tent – our fire flared up by itself, with no cajoling at all!
Remember to look up in the sky at night, especially if you live in an urban area. I saw more stars from Skyland than I had seen since traveling across rural Montana.
The next day was a typical early morning in a tent. Awakening to the squawking sound of birds, we breathed in the stale air heated by the rising sun. It was refreshing to exit into the fresh air, go for a swim with John in Lake Champlain (Diane, the swimmer of our group, had already gone in), and look around the campground.
Pick Your Family Site at Skyland Camp Lake Champlain
Camp Skyland has overlooked Lake Champlain, the Green Mountains, and New York’s Adirondack Mountains since 1927. It’s a straightforward spot with a breathtaking view and plenty of families playing together.
Of the 33 campsites, 11 are tent sites with picnic tables and fire rings. There are also 12 cabins for two to six people with toilets, hot showers, porches, bedding, refrigerators, and cooking facilities. A building with flush toilets and showers is available to all guests of the campground.
We assumed this would not be the case, so having not brought any soap or shampoo, we washed our hair with careful amounts of dish soap. Not long after our trip, the person cutting Diane’s hair commented on how healthy it felt. Lake Champlain water and dish soap turned out to be a good styling routine!
Skyland is Just One of the Perfect Vermont Family Camps
Camp Skyland has several other features that make it a fun place to relax. Row boat and canoe rentals are available, and the small wooden docks are perfect for dangling bare toes into the chilly water. Guests can try their hands at horseshoes. (John was definitely the champion.) For rainy days, the main office building has shelves full of books and board games (think beach reading and vintage games like “The Waltons”). We enjoyed reading, napping, and listening to our French Canadian neighbors chatter over their camp stove throughout the day. Remember it’s only open June 1 to September 30 so the weather is likely to be temperate.
By the way, the camp swing set has the best vantage point I’ve seen for playground equipment – and don’t think I didn’t try it out – as it directly overlooks the lake. Children meet new friends on these swings, bicycle around the grounds, and play frisbee with their parents in the central, grassy field. This is classic stuff – nothing fancy, but everyone looked like they were making some nice memories.
You don’t have to do all the work yourselves. Vermont has several organized camps that cater to families and novice campers. And many are perfect family camps. One option near Lake Champlain is Camp Common Ground, a 700-acre center in Starksboro, Vermont. Located about 50 miles south, its family camp runs full weeks in August, with up to 165 overnight accommodations in a big lodge or rustic cabins with shared bath. Camp Kaleidoscope runs one week each June to provide family camp activities to those with a family member on the autism spectrum.
Too Soon to Head Home from Camping at Lake Champlain
Sunday morning was the time to head back to Massachusetts, but we weren’t exactly in a hurry. After a leisurely breakfast, wash-up, and packing routine, we began the long drive (by East coast standards, anyway) home. It didn’t take us long to make a stop.
Allenholm Farm is one of the many visitor farms in the area and the oldest, at more than 150 years. After surviving the pandemic shutdown, it is operating as an apple orchard. It has a cute shop and loads of interesting residents. Visitors can hang out with the farm’s donkeys, sheep, rabbits, horses and Scotch Highland Cow (it’s surprising to drive past the farm and see a “hairy coo” from the road). The shop does sell a variety of Vermont products, honey, natural foods, and homemade pies.
Traffic heading back toward the Boston area on Route 89 supposedly gets really heavy on summer Sunday afternoons/evenings, but we seemed to get through before the worst of it. Our silence in the car expressed that feeling of comfortable exhaustion that results from spending a weekend together outdoors.
Our camping trip was one of my favorite journeys of this summer and I would recommend the Lake Champlain Islands to families looking for a no-frills kind of getaway. And remember, dish soap makes a decent shampoo!
Things We Didn’t Have Time to Visit but Maybe You Will
When John was working for a University of Vermont summer program a couple of years ago, he brought a group of kids to the Vermont Teddy Bear Factory. In addition to the factory tour, visitors can enjoy the Bear Shop, café and ice cream parlor, and even make your own “Friend for Life” (for a much larger, additional fee, of course). Located in Shelburne, Vermont; take exit 13 from 89.
The same exit takes you toward Shelburne Farms, a 1,400-acre, environmentally sensitive working farm and a National Historic Landmark. In addition to checking out the Visitor Center and Farm Store, visitors can wander the 8 miles of walking trails. Stop to watch cheese being made or visit the Children’s Farmyard, where farm representatives and guests share chores like milking cows, churning butter, and collecting eggs. There are also guided tours, an inn, and a restaurant open in the summer. Check their web site for a calendar of special family programs.
ECHO, or Ecology, Culture, History and Opportunity at the Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, is located right on the Burlington waterfront, near those pleasant porch swings. It was closed by the time we passed by in the evening, but it looked like an interesting museum. Join tours about the science and past of New England with animal care experts. Watch a 3D movie. In addition, toddlers through age 6 children have their own Champ Lane early learning center.
Surprising Lake Champlain Area Attractions in Vermont
Those who embark on the Spirit of Ethan Allen III can choose between scenic narrative, lunch on the lake, Sunday brunch, or a variety of dinner cruises. This 500-passenger luxury yacht departs from the Boathouse on Burlington’s College Street. While cruising, keep an eye out for Champ, Lake Champlain’s resident sea monster. Discounted rates for children ages 3-11 years are available during the spring to fall sailing season.
Find out about the man the boat is named for at the Ethan Allen Homestead Museum just outside of town. This was the last home of the Vermont folk hero and leader of the Green Mountain Boys. The education center has a multi-media show and hands-on exhibits, while outside there are trails, picnic areas, gardens, and a children’s history playground. Another plus for little ones is the Kid’s Corner with its 18th century clothing and games. Tours are available all summer.
Ed Weed Fish Culture Station on Grand Isle offers an up-close view of the salmon and trout being raised in its hatcheries. The Visitor Center (temporarily closed for renovation) has educational displays, while visitors can watch and feed the fish. Best of all, it’s free.
Jennifer’s Guide to Helpful Camping Lake Champlain and Camping Vermont Websites
There are several websites for the different regions in this part of Vermont. For general tourism information, maps, a visitor’s guide and lodging information, please see the Lake Champlain Islands Chamber of Commerce or Vermont’s official tourism and travel planner.
When you’re ready to book, please check the Camp Vermont directory for the latest updates on what’s open as things change due to weather and unforeseen circumstances. The Vermont Attractions Association has an informative web site for advanced research. Their Attractions Guide and Road Map are super useful.
Do check Vermont State Parks for the latest healthy and safety rules for camping and other outdoor activities. And while you’re there, check out Hero’s Welcome, a landmark gift shop in North Hero with all the souvenirs you’ll ever need.
Dear Reader: This page may contain affiliate links which may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Our independent journalism is not influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative unless it is clearly marked as sponsored content. As travel products change, please be sure to reconfirm all details and stay up to date with current events to ensure a safe and successful trip.
0 Replies to “Explore Vermont Camping On Lake Champlain”
Comment on this article
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
For summer vacation St John in USVI is an excellent place to visit. St. John is a true gem in the Caribbean with crystal clear waters, lush green mountains and gorgeous white sand beaches. Though it is the smallest of the three U.S. Virgin Islands, St. John’s unspoiled beauty is perhaps the greatest found anywhere in the Caribbean. Sixty percent of the island is national park land, creating the illusion that you are as far from civilization as possible. However, fine shopping such as upscale jewelry stores and boutiques are just a short distance away. Boating is also a popular activity for visitors of the islands. Rent a boat and island hop to neighboring islands and cays or enjoy a day of snorkeling, swimming, picnicking and relaxing aboard one of many day sail charter boats.
Helpful Post
I would suggest a car seat cover it helped me and my wife a lot from our last trip to Hawaii with my baby daughter here it is
Trunk Bay, Cinnamon Bay, Hawksnest Bay, and through the termites’ nests of Virgin Islands National Park. These are some beautiful places which are really attracts travelers to visit the islands.
Yes! Go to the Dominican Republic at least one time in your life.
Travel Forum are always helpful
Hello Clary, we are not attorneys but we do not see a need to have a power of attorney over your cousin for your trip. A permission to travel letter from the guardians, as well as a medical authorization letter — in case your cousin needs medical treatment — should be fine for your trip. This letter should come from the guardians, not you, so they should do it now rather than wait till your arrival to finish the paperwork. When they fill it out does not matter, since the letter will have the travel dates that your cousin will be with you. Have a safe trip and enjoy!
Hello
I’m traveling with my cousin who is a minor to South Korea in July 2018 its less than 20 days away along with the travel to consent letter should I get a temporary power of attorney. Also should I set a specific time frame to do these things or can I do it the day before we leave. I ask because I have to travel to where she lives and we are flying out of her city two days after I get there.
Its a lovely place. My experience was very excellent. I enjoyed such an amazing camel ride. Staff was well-trained & well-dressed up. Very helpfull staff ,I am very impressed. I suggest to all to go there & have some fun.
Royal Desert Camp is one of the best tent camps in Sam, Jaisalmer. We had visited on 31st Dec and stayed here for the night. There was an extra charge for the Gala Dinner, but it was worth the money spent. We were 3 girls on a road trip and it was a safe and good place to be at.
Being in the city of Royal Tents in Jaisalmer of moving sand ridges, you can’t get away from the seat travel. A rough ride on a camel in the Thar Desert is one of the energizing things to do in Jaisalmer Royal Camps. It enables you to investigate the remote and segregated spots tucked amidst the abandon. Absolutely, the additional time you give on your safari, the more remote spots you are probably going to see and the more you may acclimate to and appreciate the abandon serenity.
Jaisalmer luxury camp in Sam Sand Dunes is an unquestionable requirement visit in the province of Rajasthan in the environs of the city of Jaisalmer. It is likely that you are going for a Desert Safari when wanting to visit Thar Desert or the consequences will be severe, the purpose of going there is pointless, making the Sam Sand Dunes an expanding significant vacation spot of the city.
Visit Us : http://www.desertdreamroyalcamp.com/rooms.php
Sharing link
There is a reason why Iceland is a favourite travel destination. It’s natural beauty of mountains, volcanoes, and bodies of water make this country seem surreal … https://www.merrchant.com/daily/2/travel-blogs/
Indeed Caribbean islands are popular with families in the summer because of less rates than in winter, and the beaches and cultural attractions are just as appealing.
If you are interested in visiting Cusco, getting in touch with its people, volunteering in our Nutrition and education projects, then visit http://www.takemeinyourheart.org
My wife and I (US citizens) want to to take my 16 year old niece (who is a FIlipino citizen) to Korea for a graduation gift. We plan to pick her up in Philippines and fly together to Korea. We have all parental permissions and have proof of ability to support her trip. Is it possible for my niece to obtain the visa? A travel agent in the Philippines is telling us no.
What a wonderful graduation present! We cannot speak on behalf of the government of Korea, as they determine their visa policy for citizens of all countries who want to visit. What we suggest is that you contact the Korea Embassy in the US – 202-939-5600 – as you are U.S.citizens, and ask them for their advice.
Regardless of the visas, it is important that when you travel with your minor niece you have the Permission Letters, so that is a great first step.
Have a safe trip, please let us know if we can be of help.
I want to know how much cost the whole trip can be required to visit this destination. I would like to specific answer on thanks in advance.
The Montcalm Club is a reward program offering free membership for all 5-star MontCalm hotels in London. Each of The MontCalm Luxury Hotels is uniquely and elegantly designed to enhance your stay whether you are in London for business, shopping, theatre or sight-seeing. We extend a diverse range of benefits for our valued guests. Become a member by registering online or at reception at any of MontCalm properties and earn 100 points straightaway & 10 points on every pound you spend on your room booking at any of our hotels. Collect the requisite points and redeem them for a free night stay at the Mont Calm Hotels in London. So, what you are waiting for? Join, Earn & Redeem at the montcalmclub. This time montcalmclub offering the loyalty rewarding in that people can save up to 15% on membership.
This is such a piece of paradise.
Love the pictures, outstanding post! You absolutely re-fueled my wish to visit Morocco. It’s been on my bucket incline for fairly some time. Sounds like you had a blast!
Indeed! Agra is one of the most beautiful places in India to visit. Taj Mahal is one of my favourites. Seeing Agra Fort in Person is quite mesmerizing too. Thank for the trip planning details. I will bookmark this for my future India travels.
A very nice information about Agra and its related places. People usually think a lot about making their trip well-organised. This will gonna help them.
Hurricanes strike without intimation, we need to take some preventive measures to reduce the impact of hurricanes. The information given here is really useful. I would like to add some of the tips that help to survive a hurricane like, create a plan for the family, secure your home with hurricane resistant products, always have a survival kit with you. Take some helpful hints from the professionals and secure your home and make sure you have an escape route ready with you.
Of course! Christmas is a magical time for children – and equally unusual for moms and dads who love nothing more than to see their little ones’ faces smiley with festive joy.
There are so many countries and their cities where people can enjoy these festivals, but I think London is the most popular place to enjoy the lightning of the festivals like Christmas.
Christmas is magical especially for kids. We were lucky enough to take our kids to Lapland when they were younger. Meeting the real Santa and his elves was wonderful.
Great article with good information
thanks for it
If anyone is looking for anything else to do in London, there is a Christmas market in Hyde Park that lasts through New Years. There are several other seasonal events that you can enjoy.
https://londonconnection.com/upcoming-events-london/
Great products!
Volunteer vacations, or voluntourism, is one of the fastest growing trends in the travel industry. By taking a volunteer vacation, you’ll be able to do good as well as have fun and make a difference in the world. Whereas volunteer is always appreciated by all people. One of my friends is a working as a volunteer for voyage humanitaire, these trips offer a great charity experience, Where you can offer your support to the needful people.
Nothing is more beautiful than Europe. Would definitely travel to Europe one day.
Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand is known for its vibrant street life and ornate shrines. It is a city which is exquisitely decorated with Buddhist temples all around along with various natural beauties. The city of Bangkok welcomes more visitors than any other city in the world and is known as a hot and chaotic city.
How did Halloween get to be so big? The most fun we ever had was at the Day of the Dead celebrations in Oaxaca, but I see now that in the US, it’s gone to a whole new level of madness.
A road trip through New England is beautiful at any time of year, but when the leaves begin to turn (anywhere from early September to late October) it can be spectacular.
The common wisdom is that the leaves get their signal to change color when night time temperatures drop below 40 F degrees. The farther north you go towards Canada, and the higher the elevation, the sooner this occurs. By mid-September you may see a whole range of colors in northern Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine.
In New York, Pennsylvania and Connecticut, those colors could reach their peak around early October. In Manhattan, New York City where my family lives, we always count on Columbus Day as being the height of leaf color around us, but a big storm or early frost can change all that.
The safest bet is to ask the source — tourism offices in the states you are interested in — as they monitor the climate and moisture in the leaves very closely. Here is a round up of resources for leaf peepers:
Leaf Peekers Guide Americas Fall Foliage
What a great list this is — I just got back from Norway and have to say that the Raumer railway, from Alesund up to Bergen, is another gorgeous ride. The Norway fjords are very beautiful.
I never knew South Dakota was an ice-cream hotspot, sounds like a great place for foodie familes. The local dishes–I need to try chislic–are making my mouth-water. Thanks for such an informative peice on a part of the country I know so little about.
We’ve just heard the good news that Finnair is increasing airlift to five airports in Lapland for the winter 2017-2018 season. Between Jan 1- March 24, 2018, Finnair will add four weekly frequencies to Rovaniemi, three to Kuusamo, and extra flights between Helsinki and Ivalo and Helsinki and Kittilä.
During the winter 2017-2018 season, Finnair will also operate new non-stop flights to Lapland airports from London Gatwick, Paris and Zurich.
we love this idea, to add actual storybooks to the amazing storytelling that goes on at Disneyland. Imagine you can follow up on the excitement of a thrill ride with the moral tale that influenced it, how much more meaningful that would become for our kids. thanks for sharing it!
My 16 yr old is planning to go to Costa Rica with an 18yr old and a 19 yr old. What papers do I need to fill out and have him bring?
Submitted by D.A. to moderator
This article explains the forms that we recommend and why they are needed for the 16-year-old: https://myfamilytravels.com/content/14513-permission-travel-letters-and-why-you-need-them
There is a field within the article where you can input your email address to request that blank forms are sent to you. Please check your Inbox and spam filter for a confirmation email that will ‘confirm’ your request, and once you have clicked on it, you should get a second email with the forms themselves.
My family has been in the wholesale end of the souvenir supply business dating back to 1952 when my Grandfather came out of retirement at age 51 and bought a local wholesale jobber distributor that sold some small wooden novelties made in the Ozarks.
Along with my father’s youth, energy and drive they built a small regional business into a national Importer/Distributor with regional warehouses serving the souvenir needs of Tourist attractions throughout the US. It’s an interesting story and one that started with cheap trinkets Made in Japan that transformed Asia into the powerful Manufacturing Revolution that feeds thousands of Big box Retailers today.
One of our oldest and most popular local attractions here in the midwest that is still operating under the original Family is Meramec Caverns. The attraction has been largely shut down early this spring due to some troubling environmental problems which I believe developed after a regional Flood of the Meramec washed out the visitor center. I believe its set to reopen soon. This is the type of “Attraction” that has kept families on the road and vintage souvenirs making a comeback.
Fairway Mfg. Company
Mark Sobelman, President
2424 Schuetz Rd.
Maryland Heights, MO 63043
Thanks for the feedback, that travel stroller you got looks like a great solution with 2 kids, but it’s pricey! Let us know how you like using it on your trip.
Congratulations!
Traveler Carla K asks:
My eleven year old son will be traveling with his grandmother to Vietnam and Cambodia. They will have a plane change in Korea (which will be a port of entry, so I assume they will go through immigration and customs here as well).
This is my question: Do I need to sign and notarize three separate forms (one per country)?
Our answer:
We are not attorneys but we recommend that you have several copies of the same form, and that the form include the travel information about the whole itinerary. In terms of changing planes, there may not be a need to go through Immigration in Korea. However, if you have an original form that mentions all the flights/countries within a broad range of travel dates, and have photocopies that grandparents can leave behind if requested by an Immigration official, they should be fine.
We wish your son and his grandmother a safe and fun trip — it certainly sounds like a fascinating journey to us.Thank you and please get in touch with other questions.
The CPB has some useful advice on this topic on their web page: http://ow.ly/Q2WEY
Well the 1st of June started out soggy. I, along with most all the captains had to cancel due to the fact that it rained and lightened most of the day. The rest of the week was beautiful. None of my clients this week wanted to Tarpon fish, so I stayed inshore most of the week, but the reports I’m getting are still saying that the tarpon bite is remaining strong at Bean Point and along the beach. All my clients this week wanted to stay inshore to take home some fish for the dinner table. The bite this week was slow in the morning but picked up at the tale end of the high tide and was good through the outgoing tide. Most days we were able to catch 20 or so trout with about half being in the keeper range. The big trout of the week was 23″ with most of the trout being caught in 3′-4′ of water on small grass patches. The Redfish bite has been slow but we are managing to catch a couple each trip during the higher water along the mangroves. The Snook bite has been good as long as the tide is moving. Most trips we were able to catch around 15-20 with most being in the 25″ range. If you are looking to book at fishing charter or fishing trip and are near Anna Maria Island, Bradenton Beach, Holmes Beach, Longboat Key, Bradenton, Sarasota, St. Pete, or Tampa areas book with Anna Maria Inshore Fishing, LCC call Fishing Guide Capt. Kyle (941) 345-7182 http://www.annamariainshorefishing.com or check out my brother Fishing Guide Capt. Ryan (941) 812-7435 http://www.bradentoninshorefishing.com
I just wanted to inquire how much a cruise is how long it is what the fees and baggage charges etc are there accommodation for children that are autistic _ is there a discount for people that are Disneyland annual pass holders
By Deb L, moved by Forums moderator
Disney cruises are really fun, and their staff is so well trained to work with all kids, that I think you will find them able to include a child with autism in the regular children’s programming. (Royal Caribbean is the only cruise line I know — see story — that has specific accommodations and loaner toy kits, for example, for guests on the spectrum.)
DCL Cruises run 4 to 7 days typically, pricing varies because some have theme park tickets bundled in, some leave from Florida, others from California and a ship will be in Europe this summer.
You can find out more about Disney Cruise Lines at their site: vhttp://disneycruise.disney.go.com/ – that would be the place to inquire if pass holders get any type of discount. One good cruise travel specialist we know is Magic For Less — http://www.themagicforless.com/ – and they can help you sort through the many choices.
Have a great trip, we don’t think you’ll go wrong!
From a quirky retail store, to a nature park with over 380 live animals, the Shell Factory is “must see” for families visiting The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel in Southwest Florida. Located in Fort Myers, this iconic, offbeat roadside attraction offers a variety of activities, souvenirs and experiences for visitors of all ages to enjoy.
You can shop for Christmas decorations in the Christmas store (which is open year-round!), try out a hurricane simulator, watch hermit crab races, stroll through aisles filled with taxidermy, indulge in homemade fudge, channel your inner pirate in the Pirate room and more.
Thanks to Julianna Bryan for her fun suggestion.
Hello, my name is Joshua. You have a great site. I have a few questions that has branched off from reading your article by Kyle McCarthy about the road trip from Jacksonville Florida to Key West using A1A and also Route 1. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I am in the navy and live in Jacksonville. I recently decided that I am going to take a long (month or longer) backpacking trip from Jacksonville to Miami (or Key west if I can make it). I am having trouble decideing which route to take A1A or Route 1. It seems as if you took both on your road trip. Maybe you can suggest which I take. If you can make any suggestions maybe you could consider I will be backpacking and looking for a decent sized shoulder on the side to walk on. I would like easier access to motels and food. I also wonder if I could plop a tent down anywhere in my travels? Also, I picture myself stopping for a cold beer here and there along my travels somewhere that a dirty backpacker would be welcomed. The problem is I am currently on deployment overseas so my research is limited and I am not very familiar with Florida at all yet. Any help for my backpacking trip would be greatly appreciated so I can start to plan it as much as I can at sea for now. The descriptions of your trip are very well detailed, I am just not sure which route to concentrate on or would be easier, more scenic and fun for a backpacker. I will continue to read your site as I love to travel and you have very detailed and relevant information. Thanks so much.
ubud would be super for a mother-daughter getaway. The Yoga Barn is terrific: it cascades down a hillside, first with welcome bungalow, then a really good restaurant, then a yoga building (photo below), then gardens and what I think are either cottages for accom or treatment rooms. And meanwhile you’re in ubud!
Some people stay at the yoga barn but it’s pretty expensive by ubud standards. I had a beautiful guest house– traditional compound with statuary and pool and ornate platforms — for $25 cDN and I left it for a better one. Plus today I went to beautiful spa, garden setting, 5 mins from yoga barn, and had massage , papaya scrub, and soak in a flower-filled tub — $27 cDN , so that’s maybe $20?
< The patio of my guesthouse.
Ubud is so very beautiful, my room is like a private bungalow by a ravine, beautiful greenery, sounds of cicadas and rushing water, and this little temple where the lady of the house does a ceremony every morning.
Ubud also has Balinese dance performances every night ($6), exquisite meals ($5)…
Contributed by user Teresa Plowright.