Where's the coat factory?

Odometer:13607

Gas: 2.59

We left Lake Placid as the rain returned. A short drive to Port Kent for the ferry across lake Champlain to Burlington Vermont. We arrived early to make sure we got a ride on the RV 'friendly' ferry - but as we arrived to the dock, the regular ferry was still loading and they assured me they could get us on "no problem". And sure enough, with about 1 inch to spare in between the roof and the RV A/C we made it on. We then had a great ride across the lake, the water stayed calm and the rain stayed away. After getting set up just north of Burlington, we headed back into town to look around the outdoor walking/shopping area just north of the University. Pretty cool place, but it made us think of Telegraph avenue in Berkeley with all of the eccentric mixed in with the Gap and the tattooed locals asking for money as well as we walked by. Something about a tattooed 18 year old, with a skateboard and hundred dollar shoes asking me for money that makes me want to send in my next tax bill to Mr Obama.

Burlington was a very cool place none the less. Missy read about a special bagel shop that dips in honey before the final bake - anyway, the place is under construction - the pic with the blazer in front - but we found it and had some good bagels none the less.
Then we ventured down the street to Lake Champlain Chocolate factory for a tour and sample. Since it was only 9am, we had a private tour. The tour was actually a raised area above the retail shop with glass windows overlooking the production floor. But we did learn quite a bit about chocolate and its production - very similar to coffee actually. And the samples were amazing!

Of note randomly - we have never seen more jay-walkers or people walking against the light than in Burlington.

From the Chocolate factory to the Shelbourn museum we went. We had been hearing about this museum for at least a week and it was on every tourist handout or website for Burlington area. We still aren't completely sure, but it seems to be 45 acres of stuff collected by a wealthy family over about 70 years or so. It had everything from a full size ferry boat, classic and original chopper collection, classic french paintings - including Monets, original carousel (Zoe rode 4 times), to a collection of hats, perfumes, old train sets, and an old Vermont jail moved to the site to avoid demolition. Lots of fun, and plenty of room for Zoe to run and expel a little energy.

And of course, we had to go to the original Ben and Jerry's factory for the tour. It is off the freeway about 15 miles down the hill from Stowe ski area - these guys were onto more than just ice cream! Fun place, looks like the employees enjoy themselves. There is another plant an hour north and between the two they produce 80% of the US Ben&Jerry ice cream supply. The other US plant is in Henderson NV with the parent company having a few sits all over the US and world making up the rest.

We enjoyed a natella crape along the outdoor mall from the famous 'skinny pancake' - although Zoe refrained because she didn't want to share with Mom and Dad. :( Oh the horror.

Another random note - while in Vermont, do NOT miss your exit on the freeway - the next exit is at least 6 miles away, more likely 15-20 miles away!! And many only had on or off for one direction, not for both! Made for some unique tours of the area though. :)