Burlington
Day Trips
Make the most of your day with our curated plans, packed with Burlington's hidden gems and unique experiences!
Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at a local café, enjoying freshly brewed coffee and Vermont-inspired pastries. Afterward, take a stroll through Church Street Marketplace, where you can admire the vibrant local shops and street performers. Absorb the historical significance of the area as you pass by beautiful architecture and unique storefronts.
For lunch, indulge in a farm-to-table meal at one of Burlington's renowned eateries, showcasing local ingredients. Spend your afternoon visiting the Burlington City Arts Center, where you can explore contemporary exhibitions and perhaps participate in a creative workshop. Take a relaxing walk along the waterfront to enjoy stunning views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains in the distance.
As the sun sets, find a cozy spot at a waterfront restaurant for dinner, savoring fresh seafood or local specialties. After dinner, catch a live music performance at one of the local venues, where Burlington's vibrant music scene comes to life. Conclude your day with a stroll along the lakefront, enjoying the cool evening breeze and the shimmering reflections on the water.
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at a lakeside café, enjoying views of Lake Champlain. Afterward, rent a kayak or paddleboard to explore the tranquil waters, soaking in the natural beauty surrounding you. Keep an eye out for local wildlife as you navigate the shoreline and discover hidden coves.
Gather for a picnic lunch at one of the scenic parks along the lake, where you can relax and recharge for the afternoon. Spend the rest of the day on a scenic boat tour, learning about the history of Lake Champlain and its importance to the region. Enjoy the fresh air and breathtaking views as you glide across the water.
After returning to shore, head to a nearby brewery for a casual dinner, sampling Vermont’s famous craft beers. Engage with locals and fellow travelers as you share stories about your day on the lake. Wrap up your evening with a sunset walk along the boardwalk, reflecting on your adventures.
Begin your day with breakfast at a local diner, savoring classic Vermont fare such as maple syrup pancakes or a hearty breakfast burrito. After fueling up, join a guided food tour that highlights Burlington's culinary scene, starting with visits to artisanal cheese shops and local bakeries. Learn about the farm-to-table movement and how it influences the city's dining culture.
Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a popular bistro, sampling dishes made with seasonal ingredients sourced from nearby farms. Spend your afternoon visiting the farmers' market, where you can meet local producers and taste fresh, organic produce. Engage with the community as you browse handmade goods and learn about sustainable practices.
For dinner, treat yourself to a fine dining experience at one of Burlington’s top-rated restaurants, where inventive dishes showcase the rich flavors of Vermont. Pair your meal with a selection from the extensive wine list that emphasizes local vineyards. After dinner, stop by a local dessert shop for a sweet treat to cap off your culinary journey.
Kick off your day with an early breakfast at your accommodation before setting off for a hike in the nearby Green Mountain National Forest. Choose a scenic trail that suits your skill level, and immerse yourself in the serene beauty of nature. As you hike, take time to appreciate the diverse flora and fauna that thrive in this beautiful landscape.
After a morning of exploration, enjoy a packed lunch surrounded by the tranquility of the mountains, with views that stretch for miles. Continue your hike, perhaps reaching a summit that offers breathtaking panoramic vistas of the region. Capture the beauty of your surroundings with photographs as you traverse the trails.
Return to Burlington in the evening and unwind with a casual dinner at a local pub, sharing stories of your hiking adventure. Afterward, find a cozy spot to enjoy a bonfire at a nearby campsite or park, roasting marshmallows and reflecting on the day. As night falls, gaze at the stars and enjoy the peacefulness of the outdoors.
Start your day with breakfast at a café that doubles as an art gallery, where local artists showcase their work. Afterward, visit the Fleming Museum of Art to explore its diverse collections and special exhibitions, gaining insight into different artistic expressions. Take your time to appreciate the intricate details of each piece and learn about the artists.
For lunch, enjoy a meal at a restaurant that features art-inspired dishes, where creativity extends to both the cuisine and the ambiance. Spend your afternoon visiting local galleries and studios, engaging with artists and learning about their creative processes. Participate in a hands-on art workshop, allowing you to unleash your creativity under the guidance of a local artist.
As evening approaches, attend a theatrical performance at the Flynn Center for the Performing Arts, where you can experience the vibrant cultural scene of Burlington. Enjoy dinner at a nearby restaurant that celebrates local flavors, discussing the performances and art you experienced. Conclude your night with a visit to a local bar featuring live music, enjoying the rhythm of Burlington's nightlife.
Begin your day with breakfast at a family-friendly café, where kids can enjoy colorful pancakes while parents sip on coffee. After breakfast, head to the ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, where interactive exhibits will engage kids and adults alike. Spend the morning learning about the lake's ecology and history through hands-on experiences.
For lunch, pack a picnic to enjoy at Battery Park, where children can play and explore while adults relax with views of the lake. Spend your afternoon at the nearby Burlington Skatepark or the local playground, allowing everyone to enjoy some outdoor fun. Don’t forget to take a scenic walk along the waterfront to see the boats and perhaps catch a glimpse of a local artist at work.
After a fun-filled day, treat the family to dinner at a pizza place known for its creative toppings and warm atmosphere. As the sun sets, head to a local ice cream shop to indulge in a sweet treat, enjoying the last moments of the day together. Wrap up your evening with a relaxing stroll back to your accommodation, chatting about your favorite parts of the day.
Start your day with a healthy breakfast at a wellness café, featuring smoothies, acai bowls, and wholesome options. Afterward, immerse yourself in a rejuvenating yoga session at a serene studio, focusing on mindfulness and relaxation. Feel the stress of the week melt away as you connect with your body and mind.
For lunch, enjoy a nutritious meal at a nearby health-focused restaurant, where you can choose from a variety of fresh salads and grain bowls. Spend your afternoon indulging in a spa treatment, such as a massage or facial, designed to promote relaxation and well-being. Take some time to unwind in a sauna or steam room, allowing the soothing atmosphere to envelop you.
As the day comes to a close, enjoy a calming dinner at a restaurant known for its organic and locally-sourced ingredients. Reflect on your day of relaxation and wellness while sipping herbal tea in a tranquil setting. End your evening with a peaceful walk in a nearby park, taking in the beauty of nature as you contemplate the next steps on your journey.
Kick off your day with a hearty breakfast at a popular brunch spot, fueling up for a day of exploration. After breakfast, take a guided brewery tour to learn about the craft beer process, from brewing to tasting. Engage with the brewers and discover the unique flavors that Vermont’s craft beers have to offer.
For lunch, enjoy a meal at a brewery restaurant, sampling dishes that pair perfectly with their house-made beers. Continue your afternoon with visits to local distilleries, where you can learn about the craft of distillation and sample local spirits. Discover the stories behind each distillery and how they contribute to Burlington's vibrant drinking culture.
As evening falls, join a guided beer and spirits tasting event, where you can meet fellow enthusiasts and share your experiences. For dinner, choose a restaurant that highlights local brews and spirits in its menu, celebrating the flavors of the region. Conclude your day with a nightcap at a cozy bar, enjoying the lively atmosphere and reflecting on your day of discovery.
Begin your day with breakfast at a café near the waterfront, enjoying views of the lake while you prepare for a day of wildlife exploration. After breakfast, join a guided bird-watching tour at the nearby wetlands, where you can observe a variety of local and migratory birds in their natural habitat. Bring your binoculars to get an up-close view of these beautiful creatures.
Enjoy a packed lunch in a scenic spot within the wildlife refuge, where you can relax and take in the beautiful surroundings. Spend your afternoon hiking the trails of the refuge, keeping an eye out for other wildlife such as deer and foxes. Capture photos of the stunning landscapes and the animals you encounter along the way.
As the day winds down, return to Burlington and have dinner at a restaurant that specializes in locally-sourced fare, sharing your wildlife experiences with fellow diners. After dinner, take a peaceful sunset walk along the lakefront, reflecting on the day's adventures. End your evening by stargazing at a local park, enjoying the quiet beauty of nature.