UPDATE POST VACATION:
Hi everyone. I received lots of suggestions, so I wanted to take a moment to give a quick update. We spent a couple of days with extended family on Isle La Motte on Lake Champlain. The weather wasn't great, but the kids were able to get a couple of bike rides in between the storms. From there we drove to TFL via the Smuggler's Notch Scenic HWY. It was a beautiful drive, but it was still raining, so we didn't get out to explore. The first few days at TFL the weather was gloomy & chilly with occasional rain showers, but towards the end the weather was PERFECT! The kids loved the bike trails. (Bike rentals start to add up when you multiply by 4 or 5 so, if anyone lives close enough to drive, I highly recommend taking your own bikes!) We did the Ben & Jerry tour which was interesting. The next day we visited the Cold Hollow Cider Mill. The cider was delicious, but the cider donuts were even better (not overly sweet). We tried to visit the Granite Quarry, but the hours didn't work with our other plans. We were there a little early in the season, so not everywhere was operating on summer hours. We also spent an afternoon driving through Montpelier.
After leaving TFL we drove through New York to Niagra Falls where we spent 3 days. The first day was on the USA side. We did Maid of the Mist. I was shocked to find our boat wasn't packed. Anyone who wanted a position against the railing could have one. It was one of the most exciting ways to view the falls. The rest of the day we walked around and enjoyed all the beautiful views from Goat Island.
The next 2 days were spent on the Canadian side. We purchased the Niagra Falls Pass (thanks
@jorcus for the recommendation!) We did the Journey Behind the Falls during the day and the Niagra Parks Power Station + Tunnel at night. Since we did the Power Station tour at night, we got to view the light show and fireworks from the bottom of the falls at the end of the tunnel! WOW!
This was such a memorable vacation. My kids (11, 13 & 14) LOVED it. Two of them liked it better than Disney World and the third thought is was equal. I want to go back with just my hubby so we can get a room with a view. LOL. I wanted that this time, but getting a room with a view is expensive when traveling with 5. I couldn't justify the expense when we could get a junior suite at the Court Yard Marriott for free using points.
If anyone is going to visit Niagra Falls, I highly recommend early to mid-June. Schools are still in session up North and while it was busy, it wasn't crazy. We got several photos of us with the falls in the background and no one else in the photos! The Canadian side offers a Niagra Falls Passport similar to the US National Parks passports. These were free with the pass and we could get them stamped at each attraction. It makes a nice souvenir.
