Nestled along the gentle shoreline of Lake Champlain, Appletree Point stands as one of Burlington’s most beloved and picturesque neighborhoods. With its tree-lined roads, historic charm, and a palpable sense of community, Appletree Point’s rich history is both deeply rooted and ever-evolving. As a longtime resident, I’m always happy to share how this lakeside enclave became the special place it is today.
Early Origins and How Appletree Point Got Its Name
Long before Lakeview Terrace had houses or people sunbathed at nearby North Beach, Appletree Point was dense forestland traversed by Abenaki peoples, who depended on the lake and woods for sustenance. The name “Appletree Point” dates back to the late 18th century when European settlers arrived and began clearing land for farming. According to local lore, early residents planted apple orchards along the point’s rocky peninsula for both fruit and cider — a vital staple in New England life. These orchards soon became a defining feature, giving the area its enduring name.
Benjamin Pine, one of the neighborhood’s first landowners, is often credited with popularizing the moniker in the 1790s as “Pine’s Appletree Point.” By the mid-19th century, the surrounding Burlington community simply called it Appletree Point.
Key Historical Milestones
- Early Homesteads and Farms: In the 1800s, homesteads dotted what are now Appletree Point Road and Staniford Road. Many families, such as the Stanifords — for whom Staniford Road is named — grew apples, raised livestock, and traded at Burlington’s waterfront, only a couple miles south.
- Lakefront Industry: The proximity to Lake Champlain played a crucial role. Timber from Appletree Point was floated over to the lumber yards on what is today North Avenue. Boat launches and small docks once clustered along the shore, some traces of which can still be found at the ends of neighborhood access points.
- Summer Retreats: By the early 20th century, Appletree Point became a summer sanctuary for Burlington’s urban dwellers. Modest seasonal “camps” — often little more than one-room cottages — sprang up along Appletree Point Road, Staniford Road, and Tracey Drive, giving families cool reprieve and unforgettable lake views. Some of these charming structures, now winterized, are still standing.
- Postwar Growth: After World War II, Burlington expanded northward, spurred by economic growth and transportation improvements. Many camps became year-round homes. Streets like Van Patten Parkway and Appletree Point Lane were developed, bringing with them a wave of new neighbors and a mix of mid-century and contemporary architecture that characterizes the area today.
Notable Landmarks and Buildings
Several spots showcase the area’s layered past and vibrant present:
- Appletree Point Beach: A small but beloved sandy pocket at the end of Appletree Point Road, with public lake access, free parking, and panoramic sunsets. In the summer, you’ll see families gathering for picnics and swimmers cooling off from the midday sun.
- Staniford Schoolhouse: Standing proud on Staniford Road, this quaint one-room schoolhouse is a rare survivor from the days when education was local, personal, and often just a short walk away for area children. Though no longer in use as a school, its silhouette remains a neighborhood icon and occasional host to community meetings.
- Appletree Park: A true heart of the neighborhood, Appletree Park offers grassy open fields, a playground, barbecue areas, and winding trails. The park buzzes with activity year-round, from little league games to autumn leaf-peeping.
The Evolution of Community
Despite the area’s growth, Appletree Point retains a tight-knit spirit. Block parties, annual picnics at Appletree Park, and informal gatherings at the beach reinforce a sense of belonging among longtime locals and newcomers alike. The neighborhood’s shoreline is a haven for birdwatchers, kayakers, and anglers — and there’s a near-constant parade of walkers and cyclists on nearby Burlington Bike Path, which hugs the lakeshore and connects the neighborhood to downtown Burlington and points north.
Appletree Point has also become a sanctuary for those seeking a quieter pace while still being part of Burlington’s vibrant tapestry. Modern families mingle with retirees and creative professionals, all drawn to the interplay of natural beauty and community warmth.
The Lasting Charm of Appletree Point
Ask any resident, and they’ll tell you: it’s the mix of old and new, the lakeside breezes, and the sense that history still hums quietly beneath your feet. From Appletree Point’s earliest days as an orchard outpost to its status today as a cozy neighborhood with some of Burlington’s best lake access, it continues to grow — gently, thoughtfully, and always with an eye to its storied past.
If you stroll down Appletree Point Road at dusk, you might catch the sweet scent of apple blossoms in spring or the call of loons over the water in summer, reminders that this little corner of Burlington has always been a place to gather, to grow, and to call home.