“Where maple meets mountains, art meets adventure, and every sunset over Lake Champlain feels like a love letter to New England.”
Perfect For: Families, couples, solo wanderers, foodies, RV explorers, girls’ weekends, guys’ getaways, nature lovers, history buffs, and the simply curious.
Vibe: Bohemian, outdoorsy, intellectual, crunchy, artsy, and quietly electric.
🛏 Where to Stay
🧡 Hotel Vermont – Modern rustic with wood beams, local artwork, and a deep Vermont soul 🧺 Lang House on Main Street – A charming historic B&B with front porch vibes 🚐 North Beach Campground – RV-friendly, walkable to Lake Champlain and downtown 💫 Made INN Vermont – Eclectic boutique inn with rooftop views, clawfoot tubs, and a side of whimsy
🗓️ DAY ONE: Downtown Charm, Lakeside Vibes & Local Flavor
🌞 Morning: Welcome to the Queen City
Begin at Onyx Tonics for serious coffee artistry Stroll Church Street Marketplace, a cobblestone pedestrian mall lined with indie shops, musicians, art installations, and irresistible smells (hello, cider donuts!) Browse Crow Bookshop, Fletcher Free Library, and Common Deer for gifts that scream “I found this in Vermont”
🖼️ Late Morning: Art & Culture
Explore the Burlington City Arts Center – local exhibits in a cool restored firehouse Or hit the ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain – part science museum, part aquarium, great for families and curious adults alike Take photos at Battery Park — epic lake and mountain views with cannon-lined paths and history
🥗 Lunch Stop
Eat at Honey Road, a James Beard–nominated Eastern Mediterranean small plates spot with a killer cocktail menu Or try The Farmhouse Tap & Grill for a local beer and a cheddar-loaded grass-fed burger
🚲 Afternoon: Biking the Causeway
Rent bikes and cruise the Island Line Trail — one of the most scenic bike paths in the U.S., including a marble causeway over Lake Champlain Stop for creemees (Vermont’s beloved soft-serve) at Creemee Stand in Colchester
🌆 Evening: Sunset & Music
Watch the sun dip behind the Adirondacks from Waterfront Park Grab wood-fired pizza at American Flatbread Catch live music at Radio Bean or Higher Ground — everything from bluegrass to indie to electronic
🗓️ DAY TWO: Mountains, Makers & Maple Syrup
🏞️ Morning: Out to the Hills
Drive 30 minutes to Mount Philo State Park – short hike, big payoff Or head to Stowe, 45 minutes east, for mountain village charm, gondola rides, and covered bridges Stop by Shelburne Farms for a tour, cheese tasting, and scenic strolls
📷 Photography Spots
Church Street at night Sunset on Lake Champlain Mount Philo overlook Old barns and dirt roads along Route 7
🧀 Lunch Stop
Grab a grilled cheese and tomato soup at Kountry Kart Deli (casual) Or picnic with goods from City Market/Onion River Co-op
🍁 Afternoon: Maple Magic & Wacky Wonders
Visit Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks or Dakin Farm for tastings and demos Drive through Charlotte or Hinesburg for classic Vermont backroads For something weird: check out the World’s Tallest Filing Cabinet (yes, it’s real)
🧘 Wellness Options
Book a massage at Jivana Green Spa Join a community yoga class at Sangha Studio Stroll the gardens at Shelburne Museum — quirky Americana meets fine art
🥘 Dinner Stop
Hen of the Wood – farm-to-table heaven in a candlelit stone mill setting Or Leunig’s Bistro – Parisian energy, Vermont ingredients, and piano jazz
🗓️ DAY THREE: Antiques, Breweries & the Great Outdoors
🌻 Morning: Antiquing & Hobby Hunting
Browse Stone House Antiques or Champlain Valley Antiques in Shelburne Check out Burlington Record Plant if vinyl is your vibe Book lovers will want to get lost in The Flying Pig Bookstore in Shelburne
🏸 Activities for All Ages
Kids: Echo Center, playgrounds at Oakledge Park Guys Trips: Golf at Kwiniaska Golf Club, brewery hopping (see below) Girls Trips: Boutique shopping, spa day, afternoon rosé at Dedalus Wine Families: Mini golf at Essex Family Fun, ferry rides to NY, bike rentals Solo Travelers: Farmers markets, kayaking, journaling lakeside
🍺 Brewery Tour
Foam Brewers – lakeside views, hazy IPAs, experimental brews Zero Gravity – relaxed taproom with classic Vermont ales Queen City Brewery – local’s favorite, with rare styles and board games
🕯️ Evening: Cozy Final Night
Dine at Juniper Bar & Restaurant at Hotel Vermont Or go local at Penny Cluse Café (yes, they serve breakfast-for-dinner too) End with a creemee walk on the waterfront or live jazz at Deli 126
🧭 Day Trip Add-Ons
Middlebury – A dreamy college town with waterfalls and quaint bookstores Stowe + Smuggler’s Notch – Hikes, ski vibes, craft beer, cider mills Montpelier – Smallest U.S. state capital, full of indie spirit and bookstores Grand Isle – A true island in Lake Champlain with beaches, farms, and peaceful camping
🚐 RV & Camping
North Beach Campground – prime location, beach access, full amenities Shelburne Camping Area – family-friendly and close to attractions Grand Isle State Park – peaceful, scenic, and great for lakefront RV parking
🧭 Final Thoughts: Why Burlington?
Burlington isn’t just a stop—it’s a state of mind. It’s where rugged meets refined, granola meets gourmet, and every season paints a new backdrop for adventure. Whether you’re there for the beer, the biking, the books, or the breeze, this lakeside gem will remind you how to slow down, dig in, and stay curious.
Hagan Happenstance 