295 US-2, South Hero, VT 05486
Route 2 and corner of South Street
Drive up Route 2 to the islands of Lake Champlain on the Vermont side, and the first town you will reach is South Hero. South Hero, the town, is fittingly enough located on South Hero the Island. The islands of South Hero, North Hero[1] and Grand Isle, Vermont were given to the Allen Brothers (Ethan and Ira) in 1779 for their service to the state. The islands were not settled until 1783 by Ebeneener Allen and Alexander Gordon. In the early days of the Island, the economy was very much driven by farming and timber work. Today, while there is still farming, tourism plays a much larger role in the local fortunes.
Serving the tourists who come, largely seasonally,[2] to South Hero and the Islands, one of the attractions in South Hero includes the Allenholm Farm, a fully functional farm complete with petting zoo and homemade pies.
Biking is very popular on the Islands, and most will find it surprising and maybe quaint that the most of the roads are still dirt over much of the Island. The largest attractions revolve around lake activities. Renting a boat or a cabin on the water remain some of the most common reasons and draws to the town. Fishing and swimming can be enjoyed during the small window of seasonable weather for those activities in Vermont, and locals take full advantage of the time to cool off and enjoy their natural assets while they can.
There’s a real fish hatchery on Bell Hill Road where one can observe the stocking of fish that populate Lake Champlain. It is fun to see the fish jumping in the breeding ponds that attract great blue herons looking for a free meal on the sly. The popularity of wines, and the making and production of them, has not eluded Vermont, even on this small island. If you’re so inclined, stop by the Snow Farm Vineyard. Founded in 1992 as a way to preserve agricultural land from development, the vineyard specializes in cooler climate grapes such as Pinot Noir and Riesling. They are especially known for their ice wine, a product of the climate and temperature of Vermont and cold weather vintors.
You can come to the islands of Vermont either by car, or more interestingly enough, by ferry. If you are coming from Plattsburgh, New York, you can take the ferry right over to South Hero.
Around a curve on Route 2 is the Apple Farm Market and Seb’s Snack Stand in South Hero, Vermont. The Apple Farm Market is your typical road-side souvenir stand/market. You can find your typical local theme tee shirts and bric-a-brac along with apple cider donuts. Attached to the Apple Farm Market is Seb’s Snack Stand, counter service only. You order outside, and you eat outside. There are tables by the crushed gravel parking lot and two separate windows to order ice cream or food, largely fried, your typical road-side fare. The amiable staff waits upon you from behind the windows and screened in doors of Seb’s Snack Bar. While you do eat outside, there is plenty of covered seating.[3] Seb’s is not open year round, so it should be noted that they open the first week of April and continue until after Labor Day.
The onion rings are large cut. Light and flakey, they are not what you might expect form a snack stand. Not over cooked or greasy, they have nice flaky batter and are hand-cut and battered.
RING RATING: Three out of five stars
[1] At the time, the islands of North and South Hero were called “Two Heroes Islands.”
[2] Seasonally, meaning the months that are NOT winter.
[3] A must in the ever-changing weather of Vermont.
