Located on the shores of Lake Champlain, Burlington is the perfect mix of outdoor adventures, charming shops, breweries, and great restaurants. During our weekend, we explored Church Street, spent time along the waterfront, ventured out to Stowe and Waterbury, and found some of our favorite spots along the way.

Vermont holds a special place in my heart, so keep reading to see all of my favorite things we did during our weekend in Burlington.

WHERE TO STAY

For this trip, we stayed in a cozy treehouse Airbnb just outside of Burlington. It was such a fun change from staying in a traditional hotel and made the weekend feel like a true Vermont getaway. The crisp air was so refreshing to wake up to.

The location was also convenient for exploring Burlington and taking day trips to places like Stowe and Waterbury. If you're looking for a more unique place to stay, I'd definitely consider a vacation rental for a Vermont trip like this.

→AIRBNB LINK

Other Places to Stay

If a vacation rental isn't your style, here are a few hotels and inns I'd consider for a future Vermont trip. I haven't personally stayed at these, so these are recommendations based on what stood out to me when planning our trip.

Hotel Vermont

Address: 41 Cherry Street, Burlington, VT 05401

Located in downtown Burlington, Hotel Vermont is a great option if you want to be close to Church Street Marketplace, the waterfront, and some of the city's best restaurants. It's a locally owned boutique hotel with a cozy, modern Vermont feel, making it a good choice if you want the convenience of a hotel while still getting that Vermont atmosphere.

→ Check availability at Hotel Vermont

Blind Tiger Burlington

Address: 349 South Willard Street, Burlington, VT 05401

If you're looking for something a little more unique, Blind Tiger Burlington is a boutique guesthouse located in a historic 1881 mansion. The interiors are beautifully designed, and the property has a cozy, residential feel that makes it feel more like staying in a stylish home than a traditional hotel. It's also within walking distance of downtown Burlington.

→ Check availability at Blind Tiger Burlington

GETTING AROUND burlington

For our trip, we had a car, which I would definitely recommend if you want to explore beyond Burlington. Having a car made it easy for us to visit places like Stowe and Waterbury without having to worry about coordinating transportation.

If you're mainly staying in downtown Burlington, though, you won't necessarily need one. Church Street Marketplace, the waterfront, restaurants, and many of the city's hotels are all within walking distance. Burlington also has a local bus system, Green Mountain Transit, that connects downtown with other parts of the city and surrounding areas.

Do You Need a Car?

If you're staying in Burlington: Not necessarily. You can walk around downtown and use public transportation or rideshare when needed.

If you're planning day trips: I would recommend renting a car. It's much easier for exploring Stowe, Waterbury, Shelburne, hiking trails, and other spots outside the city.

If you're flying into Burlington, the Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport (BTV) has several rental car companies located right at the airport, making it easy to pick up a car when you arrive.

→ Compare rental car prices

THINGS TO DO IN BURLINGTON

Church Street Marketplace

Address: 131 Church St, Burlington, VT 05401

One of the first places I'd recommend visiting in Burlington is Church Street Marketplace. This pedestrian-only street runs through the heart of downtown and is lined with shops, restaurants, bars, and cafes. It's an easy place to spend a couple of hours wandering around, grabbing a drink, and popping into the local shops.

I especially loved the atmosphere here in the fall. The colorful trees, brick sidewalks, and historic buildings make it feel like the quintessential Vermont downtown.

My tip: Give yourself some time to explore rather than just walking through. There are plenty of little shops and restaurants along the way, and it's an easy stop to combine with the waterfront.

You never know, you could run into Bernie Sanders among these streets.

WATERFRONT PARK

Address: 20 Lake St, Burlington, VT 05401

After exploring downtown, head toward Lake Champlain and walk along the Burlington waterfront. The views across the lake toward the Adirondack Mountains are beautiful, especially around sunset.

You can spend as little as 30 minutes walking along the water or make a longer outing of it by renting bikes and following the Burlington Bike Path. If you're visiting in the fall, this is also a great place to slow down and take in the scenery.

Fun fact- Lake Champlain is the 13th largest lake in the United States. Keep a look out for Champ, the lake monster.

burlington Breweries scene

If you like craft beer, Burlington is a fun place to explore. Vermont has more craft breweries per capita than any other state, with 14.6 breweries for every 100,000 adults over 21. So while Burlington may be a small city, there's no shortage of places to grab a local beer.

We made a few brewery stops during our trip, and it ended up being one of my favorite ways to spend an afternoon and evening in Burlington. There are breweries throughout the city, so you can easily work a few into your itinerary while exploring different neighborhoods.

My tip: Don't try to visit every brewery in one trip. Pick a couple that look interesting and give yourself time to actually enjoy them.

Zero Gravity

Address: 716 Pine St, Burlington, VT 05401

Zero Gravity's beer hall is located in Burlington's South End and has a larger indoor space with outdoor seating. It's a good option if you want somewhere to hang out for a while rather than just stop in for one drink. They also serve food, so you can easily make this part of your evening.

Switchback Brewing Company

Address: 160 Flynn Ave, Burlington, VT 05401

A Burlington classic, Switchback has been brewing in the city since 2002 and is best known for its iconic Switchback Ale. Their taproom is in the South End and now includes a beer garden and smokehouse, so you can grab a beer and something to eat while you're there.

Queen City Brewery

Address: 703 Pine St, Burlington, VT 05401

Queen City Brewery is a smaller South End brewery with a focus on classic European-inspired beer styles. If you're looking for something beyond the typical IPA-heavy brewery scene, this is a fun one to add to your list.

Foam Brewers

Address: 112 Lake St, Burlington, VT 05401

Located right along the waterfront, Foam Brewers is a great stop if you want to combine a beer with views of Lake Champlain. The brewery has a rotating selection of beers and a laid-back atmosphere, making it an easy addition to a day exploring the waterfront.

Go Hiking

One of the best parts about visiting Burlington is how easy it is to get out into nature. You don't have to go far from the city to find trails with beautiful mountain and lake views, especially in the fall.

Fun fact: Vermont has more hiking trails per square mile than any other state in the U.S.! With thousands of miles of trails throughout the state, there are plenty of opportunities to get outside and explore. (Vermont Department of Forests, Parks & Recreation)

Here are a few hikes to consider depending on how much time and energy you have:

Mount Philo State Park in Charlotte, Vermont

If you're looking for a shorter hike with a big payoff, Mount Philo is a great choice. The summit offers panoramic views over the Lake Champlain Valley and toward the Adirondack Mountains, making it an easy addition to a Burlington weekend.

Camel's Hump in Huntington/Duxbury, Vermont

For a more challenging hike, Camel's Hump is one of Vermont's most recognizable mountains. At just over 4,000 feet, the summit offers beautiful views of the surrounding Green Mountains and Lake Champlain. This is a better choice if hiking is going to be one of the main activities of your day.

Mount Mansfield in Stowe/Underhill, Vermont

Mount Mansfield is Vermont's highest mountain, reaching about 4,393 feet at its summit. It's a great option if you're looking for a more challenging hike with incredible mountain views. If you're already planning a day trip to Stowe, you can easily combine the two.

My tip: If you're visiting Burlington for a weekend and don't want hiking to take up your entire day, I'd choose Mount Philo. If you want a more challenging hike, Camel's Hump or Mount Mansfield are better options.

Things to Do Near Burlington

Once you've explored Burlington, there are plenty of things to see just outside the city. Having a car makes it easy to explore nearby towns and attractions, and we spent part of our weekend venturing out to Waterbury and Stowe.

Ben & Jerry’s

Address: 1281 Waterbury-Stowe Rd Route 100, Waterbury Village Historic District, VT 05676

Cost: Under $10

The famous ice cream company was founded in Burlington in 1978. The original store is in downtown Burlington but you can also do a factory tour a few towns over in Waterbury. The Ben & Jerry’s factory offers a 30 minute guided tour that includes a free ice scoop of ice cream while checking out the manufacturing floor with photos ops around. If you do want to do a tour, book in advance as we went the day of and it was sold out. If you aren’t interested in doing a official tour, you still have the option to buy a sweet treat and head to the flavor graveyard where the failed flavors are to find eternal rest.

Shelburne Farms

Address: 1611 Harbor Rd, Shelburne, VT 05482

Just south of Burlington, Shelburne Farms is a 1,400-acre working dairy farm and education nonprofit overlooking Lake Champlain built by a member of the Vanderbilt family. It's a beautiful place to spend a few hours walking the trails, exploring the farm and farm animals, get some homemade cheese and baked goods and taking in the views.

The property has more than 10 miles of walking trails, along with the Farm Barn, Farm Store, and seasonal tours. It's a great stop if you want to experience a quieter, more scenic side of Vermont.

→ Check current tours & activities

The Cold Hollow Cider Mill

Address: 3600 Waterbury-Stowe Rd, Waterbury Center, VT 05677

A trip through Vermont wouldn't be complete without stopping for some fresh apple cider and cider donuts. Cold Hollow Cider Mill in Waterbury Center is a classic Vermont stop and an easy addition to a day trip between Burlington and Stowe.

You can watch the cider-making process, grab something from the country store, and—most importantly—try one of their famous cider donuts.

STOWE, VERMONT

Stowe is one of the most popular towns in Vermont, and it's easy to see why. About 40 minutes from Burlington, Stowe has charming shops and restaurants, mountain views, and plenty of outdoor activities. It's especially beautiful in the fall when the surrounding mountains are covered in colorful foliage.

During your visit, spend some time exploring downtown Stowe before heading into the mountains.

Stowe Gondola Skyride

Address: 7416 Mountain Rd, Stowe, VT 05672

Cost: $37

The Stowe Gondola Skyride brings you to the top of Mt. Manfield where you can admire the foliage from up top. I would book in advance as it does sell out quickly. The ride is around 20 minutes but you are free to stay up at the top as long as you want. There is a restaurant and a gift shop to enjoy as well.

Mount Mansfield is Vermont's highest peak, reaching 4,393 feet. Its ridgeline is famously said to resemble the profile of a person's face, with features named the Forehead, Nose, Chin, and Adam's Apple.

If you're already planning to hike during your trip, this is also an area where you can find some of Vermont's most popular trails.

Von TraPp family lodge

Address: 700 Trapp Hill Rd, Stowe, VT 05672

If you're a fan of The Sound of Music, this is a fun stop to add to your Stowe itinerary. Trapp Family Lodge was founded by the von Trapp family, the family that inspired The Sound of Music, after they settled in Vermont following their escape from Austria.

The 2,500-acre property sits in the mountains overlooking Stowe and has beautiful grounds, hiking trails, restaurants, and Austrian-inspired food and beer. Even if you're not a huge Sound of Music fan, the scenery alone makes it worth visiting.

Give yourself some time to explore the property and take in the mountain views. If you're visiting in the fall, the drive through Stowe and the surrounding mountains is especially beautiful.

→ Check availability at Von Trapp Family Lodge

where to eat in burlington

Burlington has a surprisingly great food scene for a city its size, with everything from casual breweries and coffee shops to nicer restaurants. We tried a few different spots during our weekend, and these are the places that stood out to us.

I've included the restaurants we actually visited first, followed by a few others I'd keep on my list for a future trip.

Hen of The Wood

Address: 55 Cherry St, Burlington, VT 05401 (Burlington location) and 14 S Main St, Waterbury Village Historic District, VT 05676 (Waterbury location)

Cuisine: American

If you're looking for a nicer dinner in Burlington, Hen of the Wood is one I'd put at the top of the list. The restaurant focuses on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients and has a cozy, intimate atmosphere that feels perfect for a fall Vermont weekend.

Best for: A special dinner

August First

Address: 149 S Champlain St, Burlington, VT 05401

Cuisine: Cafe

August First is a cozy neighborhood café and bakery that's perfect for a casual breakfast or lunch. It's known for its freshly baked pastries, sandwiches, and coffee, making it a great spot to grab something before heading out to explore Burlington for the day.
Best for: Breakfast, coffee & pastries

Philo Ridge Farm

Address: 2766 Mt Philo Rd, Charlotte, VT 05445

Cuisine: Farm to Table Fine Dining

Located on a working farm just outside Burlington, Philo Ridge Farm is a beautiful spot for a farm-to-table meal. The restaurant focuses on ingredients grown and raised on the property, so the menu changes with the seasons. This was definitely one of my favorites!

Best for: A special farm-to-table meal

The Skinny Pancake

Address: 60 Lake St, Burlington, VT 05401

Cuisine: Breakfast/Brunch

The Skinny Pancake is a casual Burlington favorite known for its crepes, with plenty of sweet and savory options to choose from. It's right near the waterfront, making it an easy stop to combine with a walk along Lake Champlain.

Best for: Casual breakfast or brunch

Leunig’s

Address: 115 Church St, Burlington, VT 05401

Cuisine: French

Located right on Church Street, Leunig's Bistro is a French-inspired restaurant with a cozy, classic atmosphere. It's a great option if you want to sit down for a leisurely meal while you're already exploring downtown Burlington.

Best for: French food & a cozy dinner

American FlatBread

Address: 115 St Paul St, Burlington, VT 05401

Cuisine: Craft beer and wood-fired pizzas

American Flatbread is a casual spot known for wood-fired pizzas and craft beer. It's a great choice when you want something easy and relaxed after a day of exploring, especially if you're looking for a meal that doesn't require dressing up.

Best for: Pizza, beer & a casual night out

The Farmhouse Tap & Grill

Address: 160 Bank St, Burlington, VT 05401

Cuisine: Farm-to-table gastropub & seasonal beer garden

The Farmhouse Tap & Grill is a farm-to-table gastropub in downtown Burlington with a focus on local ingredients, craft beer, and hearty comfort food. It's a good option if you want a casual dinner with a strong Vermont feel.

Best for: Local food & craft beer

A Single Pebble

Address: 133 Bank St, Burlington, VT 05401

Cuisine: Chinese

A Single Pebble is a Chinese restaurant in downtown Burlington that's a little different from the typical Vermont dining options. The menu features traditional Chinese dishes designed to be shared, making it a fun choice if you're traveling with a group.

Best for: Chinese food & sharing plates

Vermont Artisan Coffee & Tea

Address: 11 Cabin Ln, Waterbury Center, VT 05677

Cuisine: Cafe

If you're heading toward Stowe or exploring the Waterbury area, Vermont Artisan Coffee & Tea is a great place to stop for coffee. It's a small, local café where you can grab a drink and something to eat before continuing your day.

Best for: Coffee & a quick stop

More Vermont Travel

If you're planning a longer Vermont trip, don't stop at Burlington! Woodstock is another one of my favorite Vermont towns, especially in the fall. It's about an hour and a half from Burlington by car, making it a great addition to a Vermont road trip.

I visit Vermont every October with my friends, and Woodstock has become one of our favorite fall traditions. The town feels like the perfect mix of charming New England shops, covered bridges, farms, and beautiful fall foliage.

If you're heading to Vermont during peak foliage season, I'd definitely add it to your itinerary.

A FALL WEEKEND TRIP IN BURLINGTON, VERMONT

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Burlington, Vermont at a Glance

Where to Stay in Burlington

How to Get Around in Burlington

Best Things To Do in burlington

best Restaurants in burlington

Burlington, Vermont at a Glance