Vermont Travel Notes

Here's another reason to visit the Shelburne Museum, a magnificent facility that I consider a must-see in Vermont.

This Labor Day weekend, the Vermont Balloon Rally will be held on the grounds of the museum from September 4 through 7. About 30 balloons are expected to attend.

Spectators will be allowed to walk among the balloons and watch the flights each day early mornings and late afternoons. Children are no only allowed, they're encouraged to come see this colorful event. There will also be face painting, bounce house, free rides on the museum's antique carousel, nighttime balloon glow and a balloon walkabout where kids and adults can actually walk through a partially inflated balloon lying on the ground.

Rides will be offered including tethered rides and full flight rides. If you would like to do a full flight, it's best to make reservations in advance which you can do on the website.

Thanks to some generous corporate sponsorship, prices for the event are very low: children 12 and younger are free; children 13 and older (yes, that includes adults) are $7 for a four day pass. Or, just pay $20 for a carload up to a maximum of 6 people. The value of the museum and this event far exceeds those prices.

The Shelburne Museum is located Route 7 a few miles south of Burlington on the shore of Lake Champlain. This Google map has it on the wrong (east) side of the road but it will get you close enough.


Balloon walkabout

(c) 2009 Jeff Connor (except the photos) Grunberg Haus