Weekend Getaways: What to Do in Burlington VT
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When searching for great weekend getaways, add Burlington, Vermont to your short list. In the Green Mountain State’s largest city, you can explore sites like the Church Street Marketplace and Lake Champlain waterfront on-foot. Our article on what to do in Burlington VT includes all of the best things to see, eat, and experience on a walkable weekend getaway.
Burlington is known for its great food with many farm-to-table restaurants, an epic farmers’ market, and nearby Ben and Jerry’s ice cream factory. Luckily, you can work off all the calories on the Burlington bike path and Lake Champlain waterfront. If you are into craft breweries, sustainable living, and the outdoors – a bit of time in Burlington VT is the perfect place for you.
THINGS TO DO IN VERMONT
GETTING TO & GETTING AROUND BURLINGTON VT
The city of Burlington is located in northwestern Vermont. It sits about 95 miles south of Montreal and 125 miles north of New York City. Burlington was built on the shores of the “sixth Great Lake,” Lake Champlain, and is surrounded by the Adirondack Mountains of New York and the Green Mountains of Vermont.
It is easy to get to Burlington VT:
By Car: Interstate 89 connects Burlington to Canada to the north and US destinations to the south. Click on this link to investigate rental cars.
By Bus: Greyhound and Vermont Translines provide intercity travel. Local traffic is handled by the Green Mountain Transit (GMT) commuter and express buses. Investigate bus tickets via Omio
By Air: Burlington International Airport (BTV) is a short drive from downtown (10 minutes) with many direct flights from many major airports. Click on this link to investigate air fares to Burlington VT.
By Train: Amtrak services Burlington from New York City or New Haven, CT. The train ride disembarks on the waterfront at Union Station. Click on this link to train tickets via Omio..
Burlington is a walker-friendly city with wide sidewalks and pedestrian-safe intersections. It's main neighborhoods (Downtown/Church Street Marketplace, Waterfront, South End Arts Corridor, and Hill Section) are all within a compact area.
If the weather is inclement or you don’t want to walk, the city has taxi, shuttle, and ride share services. In addition, rental shops rent e-bike, pedal bikes, and scooters by the day.
HOTELS IN BURLINGTON VT
For a relaxing weekend getaway, we recommend looking for accommodations in the Downtown, Waterfront, or South End neighborhoods. In these districts you will find a good selection of full-service chain hotels, bed and breakfasts, and boutique establishments. Most hotels offer for-fee parking.
Try one of these well-reviewed Burlington Vermont hotels:
Courtyard by Marriott Burlington Harbor: Close to the Church Street Marketplace and waterfront. Indoor pool and bike rentals.
Hilton Garden Inn Burlington Downtown: Located on Main Street in downtown area. Fitness room, indoor pool, and valet parking.
Hotel Vermont – Boutique hotel in downtown area. Acclaimed onsite restaurant, Juniper. Complimentary bicycles for Burlington Bike Path (2 hour limit).
Lang House: Short walk to downtown area. Queen Anne Victorian bed and breakfast with free parking.
BURLINGTON VERMONT MAP
THINGS TO DO IN BURLINGTON VT
Church Street in Burlington VT
An epicenter of Burlington’s vibrant urban culture, the Church Street Marketplace consists of four pedestrianized blocks that are home to tap houses, crafters, cafes, and eclectic retail in the downtown area. Look for street performers, twinkling lights, and a mix of locals, visitors, and university students.
Burlington VT Bike Path
The Burlington Greenway (bike path) is a paved, pet friendly trail that runs between the City of Burlington and the shores of Lake Champlain. With gorgeous water and mountain views, the path stays busy with bikers, walkers, joggers, and scooters.
Lake Champlain Waterfront
The Lake Champlain waterfront area is dotted with marinas, piers, rocky beaches, parks, and the Greenway. In spring, summer, and fall, water sports are popular lake pastimes (kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing). The Spirit of Ethan Allen cruise ship offers scenic cruising and dining.
Burlington Food Scene
The countryside around Burlington is brimming with agriculture. The farm-to-table concept is a major force in the city (look for the Hen of the Woods and Farmhouse Tap & Grill restaurants). Try some local cheeses, apple and maple syrup products, and visit the Pine Street Farmer’ Market. The city is also a short drive from the Ben & Jerry’s factory store & tour in Waterbury.
Booming Craft Beer Scene
Burlington has a thriving craft beer scene with around a dozen breweries in and around the city. Beer lovers recognize the city as a top tap house destination. Some city favorites include Foam Brewers, The Vermont Pub and Brewery, Zero Gravity, Burlington Beer Co., and Switchback.
THINGS TO DO IN NORTHERN NEW ENGLAND
WEEKEND GETAWAYS: WHAT TO DO IN BURLINGTON VT
What Randy and I love about this itinerary is it allows you to a park the car and walk everywhere. Even in the winter months, when the wind is blowing off the lake, with the proper outerwear – it’s still enjoyable.
Friday Itinerary
After check-in, head straight to the Church Street Marketplace. In the center of downtown Burlington, the area spans roughly four blocks along Church street between Main Street to the south, and Pearl Street to the north. The brick-paved, open air pedestrian mall is bordered by over 100 stores, eateries, and pubs.
Shop one-of-a-kind clothing stores, specialty food stores, antique galleries, and international outlets. Nibble on fine gourmet chocolates, Canadian poutine, and maple sugar products. Veer off of the main promenade onto side streets that lead to more potter, noodle and yarn shops.
In this area, there are many street fairs and festivals held in the spring, summer, and fall. The area is a favorite with buskers and bands playing outside. In the colder months look for live music (and sports) inside the many bars and brew houses – like Ri Ra’s Irish Pub.
In the late afternoon, embark upon a sunset dinner cruise upon the Spirit of the Ethan Allen cruise ship. The floating restaurant can accommodate 363 passengers. Embarking from the waterfront area, enjoy narrated scenic sightseeing of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack and Green Mountains. An executive chef prepares dinner for the evening cruise. Listen to music and watch the sunset.
In the colder months, do a pub crawl in the South End district. Hit the Citizen Cider, Switchback, Burlington Beer Company, and Zero Gravity breweries.
NEIGHBORING NEW YORK ATTRACTIONS
Saturday Itinerary
Begin your morning with a trip to the Burlington Farmers’ Market. The market is open 9am until 2pm from May till October (Saturdays only). Located on Pine Street in Burlington’s South End, the Farmers’ Market is a good place for vendors, restaurateurs, and tourists to meet.
Meander the rows of tables and stalls for fresh produce, crafts, artisanal cheeses, wines, and much more. Speak with farmers who grow berries, flowers, cows, goats, llamas, and botanicals – to name a few. Have breakfast here, and buy some gifts for home.
Winter Alternatives: On Dorset Street in South Burlington (between Downtown and UVM) check out the University Mall. The enclosed indoor shopping mall has over 70 stores. Or, check out the ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain to learn about the area’s marine and health.
Leaving the Farmers’ Market, explore the rest of Burlington’s Arts District. The neighborhood, once an industrial center, is now home to fun mix of galleries, distilleries, breweries, and studios. While in the area, keep an eye out for these hot spots:
Burlington Beer Company: Unique beers and IPAs; traditional classic pub food with a modern twist.
Citizen Cider: Hard crafted ciders with NY and VT apples.
Conant Metal & Light: Handcrafted lighting and decorative metalworks.
Lake Champlain Chocolate Factory: Milk and dark chocolate delights.
Myers Bagels: Hand rolled, wood fired bagels.
New World Tortilla: Counter-served burritos and wraps on house-made tortillas.
Queen City Brewery: Brewery with classic beer styles, tasting room, and comfortable pub setting.
Speeder and Earl’s Coffee: Family run coffee shop. Try iconic Maple French Roast.
The Soda Plant: Small business hub with over 40 artists, makers, and producers.
The S.P.A.C.E. Gallery: Art collective featuring woodworkers, painters, sculptors, and more.
Switchback Brewing: Unfiltered, naturally carbonated beers.
Zero Gravity: Craft beer brewpub with tasting room, patio, shuffleboard, and popcorn.
This afternoon rent a pedal or e-bike from a local shop and take a ride along the Burlington VT bike path. The Greenway stretches north of the city with sweeping views of Lake Champlain and the surrounding mountains. The fully paved path is lined by trees. It passes through residential neighborhoods and past small rocky beaches.
Winter Alternatives: Walk the waterfront area or see a film downtown at the Partizanfilm indie micro-cinema or at the Main Street Landing Film House (classic film screenings).
This evening, have dinner at the Hen of the Wood restaurant for an authentic farm-to-table experience. The well-known eatery is located next to the Hotel Vermont (reservations accepted up to two months in advance). The restaurant’s goal is to “promote a true Vermont dining experience and showcase the region’s most vibrant foods.” Other great dinner choices include Luenig’s French Bistro and Pascolo Italian Ristorante.
If you are a theater lover, check out the calendar for The Flynn. The performing arts center keeps a full schedule of concerts, theater, and dance.
Sunday Itinerary
Stroll Church Street one last time and have brunch along the pedestrian mall. Then, head to the waterfront and stretch your legs walking the long boardwalk that winds along the harbor connecting marinas, pebbled beaches, and parks. If you are a science lover, there is one last opportunity to stop in at the ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain.
If you have time, as you leave town, make a stop in nearby Waterbury to tour the Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream Factory. Or, just south of the city, stop by the Shelburne Museum and experience a combination of art and history with collections featuring folk art, Americana, Shaker architecture, the circus, and more.
WEATHER & BEST TIME TO VISIT BURLINGTON VT
Burlington has four distinct seasons with dramatically different temperatures. Here is a rundown of the months of the year in terms of temperatures and things to do:
June - August: (Summer 70-80’ F) Best for boating, swimming and other water activities, biking, walking waterfront. All businesses, breweries, and eateries open.
September – October: (Fall 50-60’ F) Gorgeous autumn colors and foliage. Great for Church Street and waterfront activities (out of the water). All businesses, breweries, and eateries open.
December – March: (Winter 20-40’ F) Great for winter sports, holiday decorations, and winter festivals. Most businesses, breweries, and eateries open.
April – May: (Spring 30-50’F) Mud season and maple sugaring. With brown and grey foliage, mud, and cooler temperature this is the least desirable season. Most businesses, breweries, and eateries open.
Hope you enjoy visiting the Green Mountain State’s “Queen City,” Laura and Randy
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