Burlington, at our pace.

There is a very good Vermont trip in those pictures. A little time outside. Something familiar to eat. Water to get into. A Christmas tree dressed in black-and-white checks, because apparently even the decorations had packed appropriately.

For our family, those ordinary pieces deserve room in the story. James loves the water, and the swimming photographs belong right alongside the sightseeing ones. The pool is part of the trip.

A swim at The Essex

The indoor pool at The Essex Resort & Spa has a lovely setting: wood walls, white beams, large windows, and blue-green water. In our photographs, James is wearing his life jacket with his dad beside him. In another, the two of them are wrapped up in a poolside hug.

The covered walkway is another detail I like in the album: two white robes, a long row of columns, and stripes of sunlight across the path. It is a useful reminder to ask about the journey between a room and a pool. The Essex’s spa is in a separate building; the practical notes below include the resort’s current access information.

A treehouse you can actually get into

At Oakledge Park in Burlington, the treehouse is built around the tree itself. Thick branches frame the view; the floorboards and rustic railings make a little room in the woods. James’s orange jacket stands out against all that weathered wood.

The access is part of what makes this place worth knowing about. Its builders describe it as a universally accessible community treehouse, created with the City of Burlington. That matters: the experience of being up among the branches should have room for more people.

Our photographs capture the inside, rather than the full approach. For a future visit, I would check the route and current conditions with the park, especially after wet or icy weather. A lovely wooden walkway still has to contend with Vermont.

Red booths and a Vermont shirt

Our stop at Al’s French Frys in South Burlington looks exactly like the sort of place you hope to find on a New England trip: red booths, little pendant lights, and a black-and-white tiled floor. James is standing by the table in his Vermont shirt, with his device close by.

That is a useful little travel detail in its own right. A communication device belongs at the table, within reach. New surroundings need not mean leaving familiar supports behind.

Al’s current menu lists its namesake fries alongside burgers, sandwiches, and ice cream. The photo is our souvenir of the stop; for a particular food preference or allergy, check the current menu and preparation details directly.

A little holiday sparkle

And then there is this picture. James, smiling beside the Christmas tree, blue Crocs and all. The ribbon is coordinated. The family travel wardrobe is taking a more independent approach.

Looking through this trip again, what stands out is the variety without the need for a grand production: the treehouse, the pool, the diner, the decorations. There is plenty here for a family album, and plenty to build a manageable Burlington visit around.