Craft beer, native artisans, scrumptious meals, and outside enjoyable — the place must you begin? Follow this information to one of the best issues to do in Burlington VT!
Does “Vermont” conjure photographs of coated bridges, pastoral farm scenes, snow-covered slopes, or small village skylines accented by pristine white church steeples? Yes, that’s quintessential Vermont. But Burlington is one thing completely different.
Burlington is Vermont’s largest metropolis, however with a inhabitants below 45,000, that’s not saying a lot. But whereas it’s small in dimension, it’s giant in character.
Burlington is the aspect of Vermont the place craft beer-loving hipsters share co-working house with start-ups constructing rockets. Where University of Vermont school college students mingle with millennials on the native espresso store after yoga class. And the place Brooklyn transplants mix with multi-generation farmers and makers to create a youthful metropolis that also feels very…Vermont.
Yes, it provides off some Portsmouth, NH vibes, however with extra outdoorsy, college-town, local-focus traits, than a touristy, wannabe Portland really feel.
If you’re in search of a enjoyable weekend getaway vacation spot, put Burlington in your record, particularly if you happen to can mix a stick with a while within the Green Mountains or having fun with Lake Champlain.
I’ll cowl the place to remain, nice locations to eat, and one of the best issues to do in Burlington, Vermont — it doesn’t matter what season you go to!
Getting to Burlington, VT
Burlington is situated in northwestern Vermont, on the banks of Lake Champlain, with the peaks of New York’s Adirondack Mountains clearly seen throughout the lake. Not too removed from the Canadian border, the simplest option to get to Burlington is by flying into Burlington International Airport (BTV), which is conveniently situated simply three miles from downtown. Alternatively, you may take a 7.5-hour practice trip from New York City‘s Penn Station on Amtrak’s Ethan Allen Express.
If you like driving, Burlington is a couple of 4-hour drive from each New York City and Boston, making for an important Vermont highway journey, and it’s solely a 2-hour drive from Montreal. Once you’re there, Burlington is a really walkable metropolis, though you might need to have a automobile to take some day journeys or to achieve among the locations I embody under.
Best Things to Do in Burlington, Vermont
Given its location in northwestern Vermont, it’s no shock that what there’s to do varies by season. However, lots of the issues to do in Burlington are related in any climate, making it a four-season vacation spot — which in Vermont is outlined as winter, mud season, summer time, and fall/stick season.
If you’re keen on craft beer, good meals, buying, reside music, and outside actions, you’ll love Burlington Vermont. Plus, in case you are visiting with a household, there are such a lot of enjoyable issues to do in Burlington with children too!
Stroll Through the Church Street Marketplace
The first place locals will let you know to go when visiting Burlington is the Church Street Marketplace, a brick-paved outside pedestrian mall lined with outlets, eating places, and music venues. This four-block space covers Church Street from Main to Pearl Street within the heart of downtown Burlington.
There are some lovely historic buildings, together with a mixture of native boutiques, bookshops, and a scattering of nationwide manufacturers corresponding to Black Diamond, Fjällräven, and Helly Hansen.
One factor you’ll discover when strolling round Burlington is that the locals want to purchase domestically. Local espresso outlets over Starbucks. Local cafes over quick meals. And native boutiques over big-name manufacturers.
Church Street Marketplace can also be dwelling to over 30 eating places, bars, and cafes, from women-owned Honey Road (Mediterranean), Black Cap Coffee and Beer, and Leunig’s Petit Bijou (bakery), to locally-owned Gaku Ramen (Japanese) and Burlington Bagel Bakery. Church Street Marketplace is an ideal place to begin for exploring Burlington.
Bike or Walk on the Burlington Greenway
The Burlington Greenway Bike/Walk Path runs for eight miles alongside the shores of Lake Champlain, connecting many main parks with residential neighborhoods and downtown Burlington business districts. Vermonters are hardy people and the Greenway is in use year-round for strolling, working, biking, and even cross-country snowboarding (however comply with the principles).
You can simply hop on the Burlington bike path at Waterfront Park, a brief stroll from the Church Street Marketplace. When you notice how a lot meals you’ll be consuming in Burlington, you may be blissful concerning the train! There are a number of locations round city to hire bikes, together with North Star Sports in Church Street Marketplace and Local Motion Bike Rentals (open seasonally.)
Take a Cruise on the Spirit of Ethan Allen (seasonal)
If you’re visiting Burlington in the course of the hotter months, the Spirit of Ethan Allen presents an impressive option to get pleasure from Lake Champlain and get views of the town from the water. The Spirit of Ethan Allen presents every day, narrated sightseeing cruises in the summertime months, and a extra restricted schedule in the course of the shoulder seasons.
There are many choices to select from together with 90-minute daytime cruises, buffet lunch cruises, 2 – 2.5 hour sundown sailings, dinner cruises (together with Friday night time lobster buffets!), and even a “Champagne on Lake Champlain” boozy brunch cruise on Sundays.
Check out the Artists and Makers at The Soda Plant
All round Burlington, you’ll discover outdated mills and factories which have been restored and repurposed to assist the town’s thriving arts scene and entrepreneurs. The Soda Plant, within the South End Arts District, is such a constructing. Once the Coca-Cola bottling plant, the house has been reenvisioned to assist over 35 producers, makers, and artists.
On a cease on the Soda Plant, you’ll discover locals lining up for contemporary smoothies and vegan treats at Tomgirl Kitchen, selecting freshly-pickled kimchi from Pitchfork Pickle, or looking on the many outlets from jewellery designers like Jennifer Kahn, artists, and different makers.
Shop your Way Down Pine Street
From the Soda Plant, you may wander down Pine Street, by means of the South End Arts District, buying on the quirky and funky boutiques, present outlets, vintage shops, and residential furnishing outlets alongside the way in which. Should you get hungry or thirsty, there are many choices to fulfill you, together with Citizens Cider and Myer’s Bagel Bakery, or it’s a quick drive to Zero Gravity Brewery or The Spot, a Hawaiian-themed brunch cafe.
Watch Glass Blowing at AO Glass
Simon Pearce could have put Vermont on the map for glassblowing, however AO Glass has taken up the mantle and creates lovely glassware and residential decor. The studio on the AO Glass Factory Store on Pine Street is open to the general public six days every week for buying and glass-blowing demonstrations. Just remember to test the web site for hours.
Go Wine Tasting at Dedalus
Dedalus is a wine store, market, and wine bar situated within the Southern Arts District proper close to AO Glass. Locals can be part of the wine membership, however everybody is ready to join and attend one of many many particular occasions that happen month-to-month and teams can prepare for a non-public tasting with one of many very educated and personable employees members.
If none of that works out, make a reservation on the wine bar, which options mild bites and wines from small producers world wide.
Enjoy a Craft Beer (or Cider) Flight
Vermont leads the nation within the variety of craft breweries per capita, with over 15 per 100,000 folks! It is not any shock that the Queen City, Burlington, additionally the state’s largest metropolis, leads the pack. Queen City Brewery, Switchback Brewing Company, Burlington Beer Company, Foam Brewers, Zero Gravity Craft Brewery, and Magic Hat Brewing Company are only a few.
Most specialise in hazy IPAs and New England Pale Ale, however additionally, you will discover sours, porters, stouts, and every kind of particular maple concoctions. Vermont is unquestionably a spot for beer lovers but when that isn’t you, it is usually up-and-coming on the cider scene with gamers like Citizen Cider in Burlington.
Fill up on Breakfast (and Maple Syrup)
Burlington is a city with nice breakfast choices…from conventional greasy spoons like Henry’s Diner to hip bakery-cafes the place cell telephones and laptops aren’t allowed like August First to Mediterranean brunch joints like The Grey Jay.
You even have Vermont mini-chains like The Friendly Toast and The Skinny Pancake. If it’s essential treatment a hangover, strive the well-known breakfast sandwich at Kountry Kart — the Triple Threat Shiner is heaped with bacon, sausage, ham, three eggs, three hashbrowns, and three layers of cheese. The good factor about breakfast in Vermont — none of that faux maple syrup stuff.
Listen to Live Music
Did you understand that the band Phish bought its begin in Burlington at Nectar’s Lounge? That isn’t the one spot for reside music. The Flynn Center has a 1930 artwork deco theater that has been dwelling to a wide range of reside performances and a serious venue in Burlington’s annual Jazz Festival, which has been working for 40 years. The Jazz Festival, which takes place in early June, options famend artists in venues throughout the town.
You also can see reside music at ArtsRiot, Red Square, and Radio Bean, which additionally hosts theater productions or poetry readings.
Chillax at a Local Coffee Shop
Like many cities, Burlington appears to have a espresso store on each nook. Except, as a substitute of it being Starbucks or Dunkin’, Burlington is buzzing with native espresso joints. A number of price placing in your record to go to when you find yourself on the town embody Kestral Coffee Roasters, Speeder & Earl’s, Oynx Tonics, Kru Coffee Collective, Vivid Coffee Roasters, and Cosmic Grind.
Taste Chocolate at Lake Champlain Chocolates
Lake Champlain Chocolates is a family-run firm that has been producing premium-quality chocolate utilizing the best substances since 1983. They are a Certified B Corporation targeted on social and environmental sustainability initiatives. They work carefully with different Vermont producers for substances and use solely Fair Trade Chocolate to provide over 1 million kilos of deliciously tempting merchandise every year.
The flagship retailer is situated on Pine Street, within the location of the unique manufacturing facility. This location is about to get a facelift to broaden the cafe and supply guests new glimpses into the innovation kitchen. In addition to chocolate truffles, chocolate bars, and specialty and bulk objects, the cafe presents decadent and wealthy sizzling chocolate and low drinks, together with pastries and ice cream to fulfill your candy tooth.
Eat Ice Cream at Ben & Jerry’s
This space of Vermont is prominently related to a number of well-known folks…Bernie Sanders (btw, you should purchase copies of his well-known mittens on the Vermont Teddy Bear Company retailer) and Ben & Jerry. Ben & Jerry’s has a scoop store in downtown Burlington, off the Church Street Marketplace, if you happen to simply need some ice cream.
However, in order for you the complete expertise, take a day journey over to Waterbury and go to the Ben & Jerry’s Factory and Ice Cream Shop. It is well worth the 30-minute drive to get a glimpse of the primary manufacturing facility to provide these scrumptious concoctions. The Factory is closed on Sundays and Mondays and it’s useful to guide your tour on-line prematurely. Make positive to go away time to go to the Flavor Graveyard out again.
Have Cocktails at Paradiso Hi-Fi Lounge
If cocktails are extra your vibe, the Paradiso Hi-Fi Lounge is a listening lounge and restaurant, that includes craft cocktails in a lounge/speakeasy atmosphere. Paradiso has a set of 1,500 – 2,000 high-quality LPs (typically from unique pressings) that closely function jazz, worldwide psychedelic and progressive rock, traditional rock-and-roll, digital and ambient music, and R&B.
Visit a Maple Sugar House (seasonal)
If you’re keen on all issues maple, then head to Burlington in mid-to-late March throughout maple sugaring season. Palmer’s Sugarhouse, only a few minutes exterior of the downtown space, is a well-liked spot with guests and locals alike.
On sugaring weekends, they function reside music, contemporary pancakes, and so many maple merchandise together with maple cotton sweet, maple sugar, maple cremees, maple cookies, and sugar on snow (maple syrup on shaved ice or snow in order that it freezes like taffy.) And, apparently in Vermont, they get pleasure from sugar on snow with a pickle on the aspect to steadiness out the candy.
If you don’t go to throughout March, don’t fear, you may nonetheless buy maple syrup and different Vermont merchandise all year long each on the town and at native farms like Dakin Farm, simply south of Burlington on Route 7.
Visit the Ethan Allen Homestead Museum (Seasonal)
The Ethan Allen Homestead is a historic web site that was constructed by Ethan Allen, a distinguished determine within the Green Mountain Boys, a gaggle of Vermonters who fought within the Revolutionary War. Today, guests can discover the restored home and be taught concerning the life and occasions of Ethan Allen and his household.
There are additionally reveals on the historical past of the Green Mountain Boys and their position within the American Revolution. In addition to the historic home, the homestead options lovely gardens and nature trails that provide guests an opportunity to benefit from the pure fantastic thing about Vermont. The web site is open from May 1st by means of October thirty first.
Enjoy Dinner with a View
In the summer time, it’s simple to have dinner with a view of Lake Champlain at Spot on the Dock or Splash on the Boathouse in Waterfront Park. A great view within the winter months is somewhat tougher to return by, but when you may get a desk by the window at Waterworks in close by Winooski, you’ll have a beautiful view of the waterfalls. Go with associates as a result of the meals is so scrumptious, you’ll need to share.
The Essex Resort & Spa, which is about 20 minutes from Burlington, makes an important romantic getaway, particularly for foodies because the resort has a top-notch culinary program. However, even if you happen to don’t keep on the resort, you may nonetheless get pleasure from a beautiful dinner with a view at Junction. Request to take a seat on the Chef’s Table and you’ll watch Chef Nicole and her fabulous staff put together your dishes, which makes you recognize every chew much more.
Browse the Burlington Farmer’s Market (seasonal)
From mid-May to late October, Pine Street is full of folks going to the Burlington Farmers Market. Over 70 farmers, specialty meals distributors, and artisans fill the market each Saturday with one of the best and freshest that Burlington has to supply.
Take Pictures in Front of Burlington’s Street Art
The brick partitions of downtown Burlington are lined with road artwork and delightful murals. Go on a mural hunt and take images in entrance of some to recollect your journey! Check out the general public arts web site on the Burlington City Arts web site.
Kayak or Paddleboard on Lake Champlain (Seasonal)
In the summer time, Lake Champlain as a result of a playground for water sports activities corresponding to boating, water snowboarding, kite browsing, windsurfing, kayaking, canoeing, and paddle boarding. You may even go scuba diving to see some shipwrecks from the French and Indian War and the Revolutionary War.
You can hire Hobie Cats, wind surfboards, or stand-up paddleboards on the Burlington Surf Club. Once the lake warms up, you may go swimming and benefit from the sandy seaside at North Beach Park.
Enjoy Farm-to-Table Dining
Hen of the Wood is a real Vermont eating expertise that includes farm-to-table delicacies in a country but refined setting. This is the toughest reservation to safe in Burlington, so guide early. Your dinner could also be pricier than the extra informal locations on the town (for scrumptious pizza at an excellent worth, strive American Flatbread or Pizzeria Verita), however the creativity, presentation, and distinctive substances make it an expertise price splurging for.
Best Things to Do in Burlington with Kids
Enjoy Hands-on Learning at ECHO Leahy Center
The ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, situated on the Burlington waterfront is likely one of the high Burlington sights. Part interactive science heart, half aquarium, and half youngsters’s museum, the ECHO Leahy Center is enjoyable for the entire household, however geared towards the under-12 set.
The museum is devoted to inspiring and interesting guests with the ecology, tradition, and historical past of the Lake Champlain Basin. It options over 100 interactive reveals, together with reside animal encounters, hands-on science actions, and multimedia shows that discover the connections between the lake, its inhabitants, and the individuals who reside and work within the area.
Visit the Animals at Shelburne Farms (Seasonal)
Shelburne Farms is a 1,400-acre working farm and National Historic Landmark situated simply south of Burlington within the city of Shelburne. The Farm is open to the general public from May by means of October and presents a wide range of actions and sights for guests of all ages, together with the formal gardens and Children’s Farmyard, in addition to academic applications and occasions that concentrate on sustainable agriculture, environmental stewardship, and conservation.
You also can hike on the numerous trails that wind by means of the property or pattern the farm’s award-winning cheese and different domestically sourced merchandise.
Step into History at Shelburne Museum (Seasonal)
The Shelburne Museum is a world-renowned museum situated in Shelburne, simply quarter-hour south of Burlington. It was based in 1947 by the collector and philanthropist Electra Havemeyer Webb. The museum’s assortment options over 150,000 artworks, design, and Americana displayed in 39 historic buildings set on 45 acres of scenic land.
Some of the museum’s hottest sights embody the Ticonderoga steamboat, a 220-foot-long ship that after sailed on Lake Champlain, and the Webb Gallery, which showcases a surprising array of American people artwork. Other buildings on the museum’s expansive grounds embody a one-room schoolhouse, a coated bridge, a lighthouse, and a wide range of historic houses and barns. The museum is open from May by means of October.
Take a Tour of the Vermont Teddy Bear Company
Just a couple of minutes from Shelburne is one other attraction that may thrill the youngsters…the Vermont Teddy Bear Company. The firm handcrafts practically 500,000 bears a 12 months and has been a Vermont staple for 35 years.
They are open every single day and supply manufacturing facility excursions all through the day. Visitors also can store on the present store and even create their very own bear.
Tip: If you’re visiting Burlington on a “workcation”, you should purchase a day cross to Hula, a surprising and vibrant co-working house on the jap shore of Lake Champlain. This facility presents a espresso store, cafe, kitchen, privateness cubicles, assembly areas, open-plan workstations, and every day actions for members. Day passes are free for the BIPOC neighborhood on Fridays.
Where to Stay in Burlington
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There are many choices in downtown Burlington however if you happen to get pleasure from boutique resorts, Hotel Vermont is the whole lot you’d hope for. The foyer bar is common with locals and visitors, together with the outside patio in the summertime. The rooms are spacious and cozy, outfitted with locally-made merchandise from the cleaning soap to the mugs to the Vermont Flannel Company robes.
Each ground has a beverage station with a nonetheless and glowing bottle refill station, an electrical tea kettle, mini-fridge with milk, and a deluxe espresso and espresso maker. Guests may even borrow snowshoes within the winter and make the most of the Peloton within the health heart. A considerate contact is the bedtime menu, that includes sizzling toddies, milk and cookies, or a Vermont Teddy Bear. The plush beds make it simple to go to sleep, however the aromatherapy diffuser and customized scented oil makes your keep much more snug.
While Burlington has a lot to supply 12 months spherical when it comes to beer, meals, and small metropolis enjoyable, it actually shines in the summertime when you may totally get pleasure from its setting on Lake Champlain. Summer can also be hopping on the waterfront with many festivals and concert events like Ben & Jerry’s Concerts on the Green, the Burlington Food & Wine Festival, and the Vermont Brewers Festival.
For household enjoyable, take a look at Church Street’s Festival of Fools, a weekend of road performer enjoyable up and down {the marketplace} and the Champlain Valley Fair.
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