ECHO Lake Aquarium & Science Center

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Disclaimer: I was not paid for this blog post, however I did receive discounted admission in exchange for this post. As always, all opinions are my own.

In the heart of Burlington situated on Lake Champlain lies the ECHO, the lake aquarium and science center. ECHO is a prime destination for visitors looking for an interactive way to learn more about the Lake Champlain Basin. Whether you have children, a family, are a teacher, love the outdoors and environment or are simply visiting the area this is a place where you will receive a view on what makes Lake Champlain so important. There’s something for everyone!

On a recent trip back to Vermont, I took my mom, sister-in-law and two nieces to ECHO for a day of exploration!

Burlington, Vermont, Aquarium, Science Center, Children, Lake Champlain

Animals
ECHO holds over 70 species of live fish, amphibians, reptiles and invertebrates. They can be viewed and some you can even touch! The exhibits are really interesting and they’re all unique.
Burlington, Vermont, Aquarium, Science Center, Children, Lake Champlain Frog World offers 15 different frogs from six continents. Some are pretty cute and others are so “ugly” they’re super cute as my sister-in-law liked to say. It was also great to show to my niece how well they blend into their surroundings to protect themselves and have her try to find them. There was also a frog photo booth where you can blend yourself into a frog. I think my mom and little Jo had a great time playing around with that!
Burlington, Vermont, Aquarium, Science Center, Children, Lake Champlain The aquariums have to be my favorite part. Coming in all shapes and forms they encompass every aspect of the lake. Whether it be the a deep dive to see what species survive down under or a graceful visit at the surface, life is blooming.
Burlington, Vermont, Aquarium, Science Center, Children, Lake Champlain There were some pretty large fish in some of these tanks and Jo ate them right up! (Not really, they’re still there.) She loved them!

Hands-On Approach
One of the things that I loved most about ECHO was how they really took a hands on approach with children. Not only is the visual interaction obviously there, the physical interaction is well in place and assists on leaving a lasting impression. In addition to their traveling exhibits we found these two which were great (even for the big kids).

Touch a starfish!
After seeing these creatures in aquariums, wouldn’t you (or your children) like to touch one? They have that opportunity here – stepping stools included.

Burlington, Vermont, Aquarium, Science Center, Children, Lake Champlain Learn about the basin! The basin, waterways and shores all have an integral part of what is being put into that lake. The 20 foot long tabletop provides a hands on approach including boats, buildings, animals and a waterfall on approach on how susceptible the waterways are in our ecosystem. Step stools and bibs also included to stay dry.

Burlington, Vermont, Aquarium, Science Center, Children, Lake Champlain

Education & Awareness
Obviously, there’s a huge focus on education and awareness. Throughout the center there’s gentle reminders on how big the ripple can be from one small choice.
Burlington, Vermont, Aquarium, Science Center, Children, Lake Champlain

History is prevalent throughout the exhibit whether it be on the landscape, history of the Burlington Waterfront or even going as far back as a look at the people who have lived here for over the last 11,000 years. A history lesson on Lake Champlain wouldn’t be complete without a view on Champ, the lake monster!

It’s a great reminder to help protect and take care of the things that we love, including the environment which is often times overlooked.

Burlington, Vermont, Aquarium, Science Center, Children, Lake Champlain The View
One of the best things about ECHO isn’t inside, but outside. During the course of the day, we were inside learning about Lake Champlain, the animals, the ecosystem and history. The best part is looking out the window or stepping outside to the patio and seeing it for yourself. Although we went on a very rainy day, the view wasn’t diminished. This is one of my favorite parts of Burlington and something that I loved dearly while attending school in the city. It really puts into perspective that we need to take care of the environment to preserve what we love.

Burlington, Vermont, Aquarium, Science Center, Children, Lake Champlain
Have you ever been to ECHO? What did or would you and your family love about this experience?

For More Information:
ECHO / One College Street, Burlington, VT 05401 / (877) 324-6386
Admission: Be sure to review the admission information pricing information as well as discounts and an admission coupon.

Backroad Signs

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Traveling down some of Vermont’s backroads are what I love to do the most when I’m home. There’s no telling what you’ll see. Perhaps a wild animal, friendly dairy cows, a fisherman throwing out a line, or how about some odd signs. There’s nothing like being “lost” on some old dirt road and having to come to a stop, stick it in reverse and take a good ole ponder.

Here are a few of my favorites from my last trip back to the Green Mountain State!

Vermont, Signs, Funny Signs, Maple Syrup

Have you come across any great little spots such as these?

You Can Do Anything!

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Time for some honesty – sometimes I psych myself out or try to convince myself out of things because accomplishing something seems so, oh I don’t know, accomplishing. Sounds messed up doesn’t it? Well, it is. It’s like being scared of succeeding. It’s not the fact that I don’t think I can do it, I know I can.

Well – that theory has gone right out the window. See ya later!

I have a love for the outdoors. For mountains, bodies of water, sunlight, moonlight and fresh air. I have a vision of standing at the highest peaks with my arms stretched out as far as they can go and basking on the beauty of the Earth. There’s no greater view than on top of a mountain. I want to stand in the center of dirt roads in the middle of nowhere and be swallowed in the sound and pureness of my surroundings. I want to encourage others to live life outside, to put yourself out there, to experience everything that the world has to offer because something different will come everyday when you do. Most importantly, it doesn’t matter if you do it all with a friend or solo. Don’t miss out!

Would you rather be the one looking out the window watching people play or being the one out there playing?

All of those things are powerful and can change your life but you can’t change someone else’s life until you do all of those things yourself. My giant hump is getting out of my comfort zone. Knowing that I can do things on a solo trip, no matter how crazy it may seem, whether I have a friend by my side or if I’m doing it by myself.

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This past weekend, I participated in Fort Worth’s Oktoberfest activities, aka a 5k followed by a 15 mile bike ride with German beer as my prize. Go big or go home, right? Why I had the desire to do this, I have no idea. The love of the outdoors? My ambition for someday participating in a mini-triathlon? A challenge? Being around like-minded people? Who knows really but I signed up a day before the event.

Did I try to talk myself out of it? Sure did.
Did I succeed? Yes, I succeeded the 5k run and 15 mile ride!

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I asked a few friends (and tried to convince with beer) to partake with me. I didn’t have any takers. I did it anyway. I ran (let’s be honest, I didn’t run the entire thing) the 5k. I took a short break and then headed out on my 15 mile ride, in the blazing sun. It shouldn’t be this hot anywhere at the end of September. I met about eight hills to go up (I peddled every.single.one) and only went down about two (who designed this course?!). I encouraged myself. I envisioned myself completing the challenge and I wasn’t at all upset that I was doing it solo, because, for once, this was for me.

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It’s sometimes hard to get out of a zone. It’s sometimes hard to do things for yourself. Sure, it’s always more fun when there’s people doing things with you. I’m a huge advocate of the more the merrier! Doing this event myself was just a beginning. It was a push in the direction of what I want my life, both professionally and personally. A drive, a challenge, fresh air and well being.

If I can do this without training, imagine the possibilities if I pushed myself just a little bit more. Sometimes, the push we really need is within! Here’s to 30!