Planning a getaway? Check out Burlington, VT, a small New England city known for its arts and culture scene, nature, and top-notch breweries.
City Editor Sara here. I’ve visited Burlington in almost every season, and while it’s magical any time of year, it’s a perfect fall destination. Make plans to visit during peak fall foliage, holiday gift shopping season + when the hiking mood strikes.
Why go?
- There’s truly something for everyone with activities for every season (think: riding along bike paths on warm summer days + skiing or ice skating in the snowy winters).
- Chill out at the Hotel Vermont Ice Bar in the winter or enjoy tunes at the Burlington Jazz Festival in the summer. Browse the local events calendar for more year-round fun here.
- Check out Eater’s essential restaurant guide to the vibrant and varied food scene + the New York Times’ piece on spending 36 hours in the city.
Act like a local:
- Food: Dine on fresh pasta plates at Pascolo, fill your plate with the self-serve buffet at Zabby & Elf’s, and don’t skip brunch at Penny Cluse Cafe (we recommend the blueberry coffee cake + huevos rancheros).
- Drink: Grab a brew or two from the independent craft brewery Foam Brewers or a hard cider from Citizen Cider.
- Outdoors: Spend some time at Waterfront Park along the Lake Champlain Shoreline — the Burlington Bike Path runs along the eastern border.
- Learn: Check out the ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, a science + nature museum right by the water.
- Listen: Jam out to local tunes at the live music bar Nectar’s or catch a musical performance at The Flynn.
- Explore: Shop ‘til you drop along Church Street Marketplace. City Editor Sara recommends visiting Crow Bookshop, Dear Lucy + Wild Lark.
Where to stay:
- Vrbo: Downtown Burlington home with a private outdoor hot tub (~$371/night)*
- Airbnb: A homey apartment in The Old North End (~$196/night)
- Splurge hotel: Hotel Vermont (~$495/night)
- Save hotel: Anchorage Inn (~$159/night)
Have a cozy stay right in Downtown Burlington.
Photo via Vrbo
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