We spent five hours at this museum and still didn't see everything! Every structure on the grounds of this museum is packed with artifacts so you feel like you have been transported back in time. Each structure is staffed by a knowledgeable guide who can answer questions and give demonstrations. There are shuttle stops throughout the grounds so if you are not up to walking a lot you can ride the shuttle. Also, each admission ticket is good for the day you bought it and the next day so you can go back if you don't see it all in one day (which is very likely).

If you ever get the chance to see an outdoor concert at the Shelburne Museum, don't pass it up! The sound is great, the scenery is beautiful, and the people are low key and nice. It's a mix of locals, college kids, and tourists. Definitely a local flavor place overall though. They have excellent and reasonably priced food during most shows, and the show I was at also had a Magic Hat stand.

This place is especially unique if you are seeing a popular band that you'd have to see from a mile back at most venues. I recently saw Wilco there, and we put our blanket down within twenty feet of the stage. We didn't even get there very early, just in time for the doors to open.

Only downsides: if it rains, there's nowhere to hide really and the only seating is grass. The bathroom lines were also really long. The parking lot is a disaster post-show, so get out early!

The Shelburne Museum in Shelburne, Vermont (20 minutes south of Burlington) is a must-see attraction. Spread out over several acres are historic buildings that have been moved to the site. Exhibits include a 1906 steamship, a blacksmith shop (with a blacksmith!), art (Georgia O'Keefe and Tasha Tudor were displayed when we were there), incredible quilts, toys, decorative arts, gardens, an old jail, a train and train station, carriages and much more. The museum was started by a wealthy collector, and you can take a separate 2-hour tour ($25) of the Brick House, her summer home. This is one of the finest historic homes you will see, with a fabulous view of Lake Champlain and incredible woodwork, wall coverings, furniture and collectibles. The docent does a fine job of explaining and entertaining. The museum costs $18 for adults, which is good for two consecutive days (and you'll need both days to see everything). Parking is free.

If you are a fan of history, folk art or americana, this is your mecca.
You should allow more than one day to tour everything Shelburne has to offer. This is many types of museum displays rolled into one property.
From gardens, a lighthouse, a gorgeous train car, a paddleboat undergoing restoration, and the round barn, to American artifacts of all types and periods. Home restoration hobbyists are wild about Shelburne too. Go in Summer when you can walk about the buildings freely. Bring your camera and some bottled water.