Vermont: The Maple Sugar Capital of the World

Nestled along the northern shores of Lake Champlain, Saint Albans, Vermont is a charming city with a population of around 10,000 people.  Known as the Maple Sugar Capital of the World, winter is a perfect time for visitors for it is in the late winter/early spring when sap starts running and maple boilers get busy creating the tasty, golden syrup.  If you come to Saint Albans at the end of winter in late April, be sure to attend the annual MapleFest.

http://www.vtmaplefestival.org/

By the time visitors reach Saint Albans, most children are ready to run around.  Taylor Park is located up the hill from the Amtrak Station—right up Lake Road across from the Main Street Business District.  Taylor Park is a large park that features numerous war monuments, two huge water features (turned off in the winter), and many walking paths.  This is a nice place to allow children to burn off some energy.  At the top of Taylor Park is the Saint Albans Historical Museum.  Younger children may not appreciate this two-floor museum, but older children usually enjoy the exhibits.

http://www.stamuseum.com/

Winters can be very unpredictable throughout Vermont, and Saint Albans is no different.  While the snow may start flying in October, recent years have found little snowfall until after Christmas.  Those coming to Saint Albans must be ready to adapt their plans around the weather.  Saint Albans Bay Park is closed in the winter, but there is parking around the dock.  Located less than two miles from the Amtrak Station down Lake Street, families wanting to view Lake Champlain will find the views from the park are exceptional and when the ice is thick enough, this is a perfect location for ice skating. 

Hard'ack Recreation Park is a major attraction in the winter months.  Activities are solely dependent on the snowfall and temperatures, however, so tourists will need to be prepared to find alternate activities.  Hard'ack Recreation Park offers a skiing/sledding area, outdoor skating rink, and cross-country ski trails.  Located at 179 Congress Street, the park is just up the hill, about two miles, from the Amtrak Station. 

http://www.hardack.org/

For indoor activities, Pizzarena is located two doors down from the Amtrak Station at 10 Catherine Street.  While Vermont lacks any Chuck-E-Cheese franchises, Pizzarena is even better.  Children absolutely love this pizza restaurant/game center featuring miniature golf, games awarding tickets, and video games.  With 3,000 square feet of space, there is plenty for children and adults to do.  Also, at the end of their visit they can cash in their tickets for prizes, which is always exciting to children! 

http://www.pizzarenavt.com

Along Main Street are a number of boutique stores selling toys, books, clothing, gifts, and much more.  There are also many of the area's best restaurants located long this three-block stretch of brick stores.  Sweet Nothings is the favorite of all area children.  The candy store/ice cream parlor is an old-fashioned candy store complete with bins of decadent candies and a wide selection of Hershey's Ice Cream products.  For those who do not often experience or have never tried maple syrup, definitely try a maple creemee, they are exceptional!  For restaurants, visitors can choose from Jeff's Maine Seafood, Chow Bella, Eastern Dragon, Mimmo's Pizza, Subway, and a couple of bakeries.

http://www.sweetnothingsvt.com/

If you head a mile north of the city center, you will find the Highgate Shopping Plaza.  Pie In The Sky Pizzeria is exceptional and caters well to children.  Hungry visitors will find a Pizza Hut, Chinese restaurant, and slightly more upscale Rail City Grille within the plaza.  Stores in this shopping center include JoAnn's Fabric, Radio Shack, Staples, Hannaford, Olympia, Lenny's Shoes & Apparel, Yankee Dollar, Payless, T.J. Maxx, Peebles, Fashion Bug, and a Hallmark store.  McDonald's is also adjacent to the shopping plaza features a large Play Place with climbing structures and slides.

One thing is certain, weather changes at the drop of a hat throughout the winter.  While it may be seasonably warm and sunny one day, snow is bound to fly the next.  Make sure you bring warm clothing and sunglasses.  Enjoy your stay!

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