South Hero Travel Guide
Discover the best places to visit, food to try, activities to do, and tips for traveling safely to South Hero, Vermont. Read on for a week-long itinerary and more!
- Introduction to South Hero
- List of Places to Visit in South Hero
- Hiking/Biking Routes of South Hero
- South Hero Bike Trail
- The Island Line Trail
- Best Things to Do in South Hero: Activities and Tours
- Champlain Valley Alpacas
- Island Arts
- Week-Long Itinerary for South Hero
- Food and Drink Scene of South Hero
- Where to Stay in South Hero: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- The North Hero House Inn and Restaurant
- The Snow Farm Vineyard and Winery
- What to Buy in South Hero: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Vermont Maple Syrup
- Handmade Crafts and Artwork
- Local Culture and Customs of South Hero
- Best Time to Visit South Hero
- Do’s and Don’ts of South Hero
- Safety and Health
- Getting to South Hero: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in South Hero
- Where to Go Next from South Hero: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Burlington
- Stowe
- Conclusion
Introduction to South Hero
Located in the Champlain Valley of Northwest Vermont, South Hero is a tranquil and charming rural town that boasts scenic views, abundant greenery, and a vibrant local culture. With a population of just over 1,600 people, this picturesque destination is perfect for travelers who are looking for a peaceful getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city. South Hero is a must-visit for those who seek outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and a taste of Vermont’s local cuisine.
List of Places to Visit in South Hero
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
South Hero Historical Society Museum
Located in the heart of South Hero, the Historical Society Museum takes visitors on a journey back in time with its collection of exhibits, artifacts, and archives. Get a glimpse of what life was like for South Hero’s early settlers and learn about the town’s rich history.
Snow Farm Vineyard and Winery
Get a taste of Vermont’s local wine scene at Snow Farm Vineyard and Winery. Established in 1996, this winery offers visitors the opportunity to savor their award-winning wines while enjoying stunning views of Lake Champlain.
Natural Attractions of South Hero: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Allenholm Farm
Allenholm Farm is a working farm in South Hero that offers visitors the opportunity to pick their own fruits and vegetables, visit the farm animals, and enjoy the stunning views of Lake Champlain.
Sand Bar State Park
Located on the outskirts of South Hero, Sand Bar State Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers. The park offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, swimming, and fishing.
Hiking/Biking Routes of South Hero
South Hero Bike Trail
This 9-mile paved bike trail runs along the western shore of South Hero and offers stunning views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains.
The Island Line Trail
The Island Line Trail is a 14-mile recreational trail that connects South Hero to Burlington. The trail runs along the waterfront and features stunning views of Lake Champlain.
Best Things to Do in South Hero: Activities and Tours
Champlain Valley Alpacas
Experience the unique charm of rural Vermont at Champlain Valley Alpacas, where visitors can interact with these friendly animals, learn about their care and maintenance, and purchase alpaca products.
Island Arts
Discover the vibrant local arts scene of South Hero at Island Arts, a non-profit organization that promotes local art and culture. The shop features a variety of locally-made arts and crafts, including paintings, ceramics, textiles, and more.
Week-Long Itinerary for South Hero
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Explore the South Hero Historical Society Museum and Snow Farm Vineyard and Winery. |
| Day 2 | Take a bike ride on the South Hero Bike Trail and visit Allenholm Farm. |
| Day 3 | Hike at Sand Bar State Park and relax by the lake. |
| Day 4 | Spend the day in Burlington, visit the nearby Church Street Marketplace and go on a Lake Champlain cruise. |
| Day 5 | Visit Champlain Valley Alpacas and Island Arts. |
| Day 6 | Drive to nearby Stowe and go on a hike in Mt. Mansfield State Forest. |
| Day 7 | Relax and unwind by the lake with a picnic or try some local Vermont delicacies. |
Food and Drink Scene of South Hero
Must-Try Dishes
Maple Syrup
No visit to Vermont is complete without trying some of the state’s famous maple syrup, which is made from the sap of sugar maple trees.
Vermont Cheddar Cheese
Vermont is renowned for its cheddar cheese, made from the milk of local dairy cows. Take a tour of a local cheese factory and savor the unique flavors of Vermont’s cheddar cheese.
Local Beverages
Vermont Craft Beer
Vermont is home to a thriving craft beer scene, with a variety of breweries scattered throughout the state. Try some of Vermont’s best craft beers at local breweries such as Fiddlehead Brewing Company and Zero Gravity Craft Brewery.
Cider
Vermont is also known for its delicious apple cider. Take a tour of one of the local cider mills and savor the refreshing taste of Vermont’s apple cider.
Where to Stay in South Hero: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
The North Hero House Inn and Restaurant
This charming inn is located just a short drive from South Hero and features stunning views of Lake Champlain. The inn offers cozy and comfortable rooms and a Vermont-style restaurant.
The Snow Farm Vineyard and Winery
For a unique and luxurious experience, stay at The Snow Farm Vineyard and Winery’s luxury suite, which features stunning views of the vineyard and Lake Champlain. Guests can enjoy exclusive access to the vineyard and winery, as well as a complimentary tasting of their award-winning wines.
What to Buy in South Hero: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Vermont Maple Syrup
Take home a taste of Vermont with some locally-made maple syrup. Stop by a local sugarhouse and pick up some of Vermont’s famous maple syrup to enjoy at home.
Handmade Crafts and Artwork
Support the local arts scene and take home a piece of Vermont’s charm with some handmade arts and crafts, such as pottery, textiles, paintings, or sculptures.
Local Culture and Customs of South Hero
Vermont has a rich and unique culture, shaped by its local traditions, history, and natural surroundings. Residents of Vermont are known for their down-to-earth and friendly demeanor, and visitors are encouraged to embrace the state’s relaxed and inviting vibe.
Best Time to Visit South Hero
The best time to visit South Hero is during the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is warm and the town comes alive with outdoor activities and local events.
Do’s and Don’ts of South Hero
Do:
- try some of Vermont’s famous maple syrup and cheddar cheese
- explore the local arts and crafts scene
- embrace the relaxed and friendly vibe of Vermont
Don’t:
- forget to pack comfortable shoes for hiking and biking
- litter or damage the natural environment
- assume that all of Vermont is rustic and rural - there are plenty of urban areas as well.
Safety and Health
Safety in South Hero
South Hero is a safe destination for travelers, but visitors should exercise caution when participating in outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, or swimming. Wear appropriate safety equipment and be mindful of your surroundings.
Health in South Hero
The local hospital in South Hero is Northwest Medical Center, located in nearby St. Albans. Visitors should also take precautions to protect themselves from tick-borne illnesses, such as Lyme disease, by wearing long-sleeved clothing and using insect repellent.
Getting to South Hero: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near South Hero
The nearest airport to South Hero is the Burlington International Airport, which is located approximately 17 miles from South Hero.
Bus Stations Near South Hero
The main bus station in the area is the Burlington Greyhound Station, located approximately 20 miles from South Hero.
Other Options
Travelers can also rent a car or take a taxi from the airport or bus station to South Hero.
How to Get Around in South Hero
The best way to get around South Hero is by car or bike. Visitors can also rent kayaks or stand-up paddleboards to explore the lake.
Where to Go Next from South Hero: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Burlington
Located just a short drive from South Hero, Burlington is a vibrant and bustling city that offers visitors a variety of cultural attractions, shopping, restaurants, and bars.
Stowe
Drive to nearby Stowe and enjoy the stunning views of Mt. Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak. Go on a hike, take a scenic drive, or relax in one of the town’s many spas and resorts.
Conclusion
South Hero is a small town with a big heart and a lot of charm. With its stunning natural beauty, vibrant local culture, and delicious local cuisine, South Hero is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a relaxing and authentic Vermont vacation. Whether you’re a nature lover, culture seeker, or foodie, South Hero has something for everyone.
