auer family boathouse

RockingGiraffe

If you are traveling the bike path and would like a cold drink, roll down to the Auer Family Boathouse and say hello to Charlie and Christine. This is not a tourist destination, this is just a quaint spot, run by people with hearts of gold. Sit at the picnic table and chat, swing on the hanging bench, roll up your pant legs and go for a walk in the water or rent a boat. Slow down, feel the breeze, enjoy the sun, turn off the noise in your head. Simple snacks are available. If they aren't busy Charlie and Christine will give you the history of anything and everything. They are a local treasure.

taylork56

This funky old boat house stands just a few yards off the bike path as it nears the bridge over the Winooski River. One can rent boats, buy fishing gear and bait and the like, and some food: hot dogs, burgers, chips, candy, soda etc. Munching a snack while sitting on the porch swing or picnic tables and looking out on the lake makes for a pleasant pause on a bike ride.

Glenntherestranteur

Great place on the Burlington Bike Path at the mouth of the Winooski River on Lake Champlain. A throwback to another era, with brother sister owners who can tell you stories till the cows come home. Oh, and they also rent boats, yaks, and serve lunch, bevies etc.

EJL545

This is a nice stop along the bike path in Burlington, VT. Historic. A place to pick up an inexpensive drink or snack and take a little rest.

swimminggirl57

Charlie and his sister, Christine, still own the boathouse that has been in their family for ages. I cannot believe that it took us so many years of living in this area to go check it out! Charlie's a delight, the parking and launching fees are very reasonable, and it's a great spot to sit and gaze at the lake. The food options are limited, but you can bring your own. Loved it and we'll be back!

Nmcleveland

We are trying to do "tourist" stuff in our area and visited the boathouse. Based on the reviews I thought it would be great but I just wasnt impressed. We quickly moved on.

Lea05408

The photo was taken when lake was at historic flood stage a few years ago. Many beautiful videos on you tube -- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNa1xQE7ccc is one of the best. There are picnic tables, a family swing, boats for rent, and Charlie and Christine! "The one true original thing in Burlington!"

05408

Charlie and Christine are an old Burlington family who know the history of this area with a rich heritage. The Wabanaki camped here for thousands of years, the railroad ran through it, a scenic bike path and recreation trail connects the boat house restaurant and water craft rental shop with downtown and the waterfront, as well as the causeway path that follows the old railroad bed 2miles put into Lake Champlain.

bbrodie

The Auer Family boathouse is a great stop along the Burlington bike path and it's about the mid way between Burlington and the Colchester Causeway. I suppose there is a way to get there by car, but I couldn't begin to tell you how. The food (from a fairly limited menu) comes out at whatever pace they're working on that day, and the ambiance looks like something out of your parents' (or grandparents') era. But the experience of sitting out on the chairs drinking a soda waiting for your burger while gazing across at the Adirondacks is priceless. They also rent kayaks I believe and maybe a canoe or two, but I have just used it as a stop on my bike. BTW, you can easily miss it...here's the hint: right before you get to the bridge on the causeway, there's a steep little path to the left (if you're headed north) that leads to Auer's.

LindaVNewEngland

The folks that run this little snack bar by the side of the bike path have weathered floods and winds time and time again. If you love charm and a throwback to a simpler time stop here for a snack. Sit on the dock and watch the world go by. Time stops here.

Cef1

The Auer family boathouse was recommended to us by a friend, who had grown up around the area, and have had family members even tying the knot there.We wanted to do something relaxing and different on the last day of my holiday before returning to Edinburgh,Scotland, and I'm so glad we went there to hire a row boat. Christine was such a wonderful lady who helped us with our needs, and was extremely friendly, advising us on the best place to row as it was a slightly windy day. We got the boat for a really cheap price, and she even gave us a little extra time too.We went up the river, and basked in the gorgeous sun, taking on the calmness of being on water. Of course I tried to row the boat, but failed miserably. My boyfriend however, turned out to have a knack for it, luckily!I want to thank Christine for her wonderful customer service, and for the pencils she gave us as a departing gift! I really hope you can come to Scotland at some point, and also that I can come back and visit. I left Vermont with a lot of fond memories, and this was definitely one. Thank you so much!

ChipH247

Our kayak renting experience today was one of those "I should write a tripadvisor review" moments where you have such a great experience that you want to tell others about it and want the business to do well.Even if you ignore the interesting environment, the better pricing (than downtown), and the fun food options...it's an amazing place to drop-in. You can go up the river or head towards around to the bay.

JohnB363

I used to go to the boathouse when the parents Charlie & Ida were in charge and am still going with my family and friends for a one day picnic to visit Christine & Charlie (Chuck). When visiting you can treat yourselves to delicious hamburgers and other snacks, sit and enjoy the beautiful scenery, rent a boat or kayak or go fishing. Everything is available there as well as a history lesson from either Christine or Charlie. There is a walking/cycling trail up on the hill that goes from the city of Burlington to across the Winooski River. If you go there once, you will definitely want to return.

nycjstar

Charlie's boathouse along the Burlington bike path just before the bridge over the winooski river ... Around 4 miles north from downtown. What a great stop along the path. Charlie showed the kids how he fed his fish worms, then (washed his hands and then) made us up a Charlie burger: a cheeseburger with lettuce, tomato, onions .... Looked like real ground beef - substantially sized burger .... Not a little thin pattie. Beautiful burger ... A steal for $4 or so. He rents boats, and it's a nice paddle up the river. With the bike ride, the eating, and the boat ride, it makes for one of the best days here in Burlington ...

LynnPT

You will not find many places like this anymore! I guess you could say its a glimpse of a bygone era. While on the bike path, look for signs for Charlie's Boat House. Stroll down the hill, and take a break from your ride. Have a bite to eat and talk to he owners. Christine is just so sweet! Don't miss this.