Lake Champlain, bordering northwestern Vermont (as well as New York and Quebec), was "discovered" by French explorer Samuel de Champlain in 1609. Towns throughout the Champlain Valley will stage quadricentennial celebrations this summer, including a blowout on the Burlington waterfront between July 2 and July 14 featuring a parade, street vendors, and an eclectic lineup of musicians, including Tony Bennett, Aimee Mann, and Steve Earle. Go to champlain400.com for details.