A Weekend in Burlington, Vermont: Three Day Itinerary
As a proud Nutmegger, there’s something about a getaway that still feels like home. Burlington, Vermont, is just that. Tucked between Lake Champlain and the Green Mountains, Burlington is a laid-back college town at its best – crisp air, farm-to-table dining, and views made for postcards. If you’re also a New Englander, Burlington is the perfect long weekend getaway. It’s close enough for a scenic drive, yet far enough to feel removed from the hustle of home.
Burlington has something for everyone, no matter the season. Fall foliage, winter skiing, or a lakeside summer make for year-round adventures. Here’s how to spend three days enjoying the best Burlington has to offer.
Day 1
Arrive in Burlington and check in at your hotel of choice. (There are many options, from boutique B&B’s to larger brands like Hilton.) Start your trip with a stroll through Church Street Marketplace, the lively pedestrian road filled with local shops, cafes, and street performers. It’s a great first taste of Vermont’s friendly and small-town energy.
Tasting room at Smugglers’ Notch Distillery
When you’re ready for a break, stop in at Smugglers’ Notch Distillery for a tasting of locally made spirits. A couple of their standouts include the Vermont Maple Cream Liqueur and Maple Bourbon. Then, wander down the hill to Waterfront Park, where you can catch golden-hour views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains beyond. End your evening with dinner at Frankie’s, where you can find elevated food and a warm, candlelit setting. Don’t bother looking up the menu, because Frankie’s menu changes every single day, ensuring only the freshest and most local seasonal ingredients.
Lake Champlain from Waterfront Park
DAy 2
Start your morning with a bike ride along the 8-mile Burlington Bike Path, that stretches along Lake Champlain with nothing short of postcard views. (Pro tip: check with your hotel to see if they have bikes you can rent for free!) For lunch, hop in the car and drive about 30 minutes to the Cold Hollow Cider Mill in Waterbury. In the fall, sip fresh-pressed cider, watch donuts be made, and pick up a “Made in Vermont” souvenir. In the spring, make sure to grab a bottle of homemade Vermont maple syrup, which I believe is the best in New England. The on-site cafe has numerous sandwiches, snacks, and entrees for a cozy lunch filled with locally sourced ingredients.
Just down the road from Cold Hollow Cider Mill is the Ben & Jerry’s Factory. Take a tour (only $6 per person, going every 30 minutes), sample exclusive flavors, and walk up the hill to the famous Flavor Graveyard. If you’re lucky, you’ll get to see some ice cream production in real time.
Back in Burlington, unwind with dinner and a pint at the Vermont Pub and Brewery, which is one of the state’s first craft breweries, and considered by locals to be one of its best.
Day 3
Ease into your final day with a walk or coffee by Waterfront Park (check out The Skinny Pancake if you’re in the mood for a sweet or savory crepe). Then, stop at Lake Champlain Chocolates for handcrafted truffles, maple chocolates, and numerous sweet souvenirs. Before you leave Burlington, drive up the road to Rock Point Trails, for an easy 45-minute hike providing stunning lake views.
Lake Champlain from the Rock Point Trails.
If you enjoyed this itinerary, you’ll love what I send to my email list. On Wednesday’s, you’ll receive destination guides, travel tips, and a little inspiration to help you plan your next trip. Join our list of luxury travelers below, and let’s start planning your next vacation together.