Lazy days in a leisurely lakeside setting
Located in northwestern Vermont, the quaint, 18th-century town of Charlotte offers a rural landscape you won't soon forget. Nestled in the lush Champlain Valley, and along the shores of Lake Champlain's deep blue waters, thick forests give way to dramatic, rolling green hills. As you'll soon discover, there's no such thing as a bad time for booking a Charlotte vacation rental, as the pastoral setting lends itself to a host of year-round recreational activities. Make sure you also set aside time to explore the quaint villages of East and West Charlotte, home to an array of charming boutiques and eateries.
When nature calls: wandering through the wilderness
There's still plenty of nature to enjoy at the Charlotte Park and Wildlife Refuge, a 290-acre property featuring woodlands, wetlands, and trails for skiing, hiking, and horseback riding. Looking for a challenge? Hike up 950 feet to the summit of Mount Philo for sweeping views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains. After that workout, you've earned a treat, such as a glass of vino at the Charlotte Village Winery. Before returning to your Charlotte vacation rental, stop by the Charlotte Berry Farm, where colorful strawberries, raspberries, black raspberries, and blueberries are ripe for the picking.
From sand in your toes to snowflakes on your nose
If you're visiting Charlotte from December through March, find someone to snuggle with, as conditions frequently drop below freezing and a torrent of snow blankets the region. It's still chilly in the spring, with highs barely climbing into the low 40s and mid-50s. The town finally warms up in the summer when the mercury reaches the high 70s and low 80s, and its partnered with plenty of sunshine. But summer is also the wettest season, with June through July seeing nearly 4 inches of rain each month. Temperatures cool off again in the autumn, dipping into the 50s and 40s.
Exploring the natural landscape of Charlotte
Whether you're an adventurous traveler or just want to take in the scenery, you'll be sure to find the perfect setting for your vacation in Charlotte. These are some of the area's most enchanting features, all within 30 miles (48.2 km) of the city center:
- Mt. Philo State Park (3.1 mi / 5 km)
- Shelburne Bay Park (6.9 mi / 11.2 km)
- Waterfront Park (11.8 mi / 19.1 km)
- Battery Park (12 mi / 19.3 km)
- North Beach (12.7 mi / 20.4 km)
- Ausable Chasm (17.8 mi / 28.7 km)
Transportation to and around Charlotte
Fly into Burlington Intl. Airport (BTV), the closest airport, located 12.2 mi (19.6 km) from the city center. If you're unable to find a flight that fits your schedule, you can also fly into Plattsburgh, NY (PBG-Plattsburgh Intl.), which is 26.6 mi (42.8 km) away.