Food

Eat like the locals do (not that you’ll have much of a choice; restaurants are few and far between on most islands) and you won’t go wrong. Start at the Blue Paddle Bistro (316 Rte. 2, South Hero, 802/372-4814, www.bluepaddlebistro.com [1], 5:30–8:30 p.m. daily, $9–16) for friendly service, town gossip, and terrific gorgonzola-stuffed meatloaf. The bar is crowned with a full-sized canoe.

For memorable views of the lake and mountains, grab a table at Links on the Lake (230 Rte. 129, Alburg, 802/796-3586, www.alburggolflinks.com [2], 5–8 p.m. Tues.–Sun., $11–15) in Alburg Golf Links public golf course. The casual restaurant is open May through October and serves staples like clam chowder, scampi, and fish-and-chips.