Burlington New England, USA Travel Guide
Burlington’s natural setting on Lake Champlain and near the Green Mountains makes it a prime location for outdoor adventures year-round.
Local trails at Red Rocks Park, Ethan Allen Park; nearby Mount Philo State Park for easy-moderate trails. For challenging hikes, Camel's Hump State Park (1-hour drive east).
Kayaking/Paddleboarding rentals at Waterfront, Local Motion, Paddle Surf Champlain. Sailing opportunities on Lake Champlain. Swimming at North Beach Park. Fishing for bass, pike, salmon.
Burlington a base for accessing ski resorts like Stowe Mountain Resort, Smugglers' Notch Resort, and Sugarbush Resort (all ~1 hour drive). They feature rentals and lessons.
Always research trail conditions and difficulty before setting out on outdoor adventures.
Burlington offers opportunities to immerse yourself in local culture through hands-on experiences, performances, and community events.
Burlington hosts annual festivals celebrating culture and music. The Burlington Discover Jazz Festival (June), Festival of Fools (June on Church Street), Burlington Winter Lights Festival, and Grand Point North (August at Waterfront Park).
While English is standard, local community centers or UVM might offer short courses or conversation groups in other languages, especially French, due to proximity to Quebec.
Check local event calendars, notably those published by Seven Days Vermont, for up-to-date information on smaller and larger events.
Buying from independent shops and dining at local restaurants directly funds the community.
Workshops with local artisans provide a direct link to Burlington's creative community.
Festivals mark the seasons, offering unique ways to experience local culture.
Burlington provides opportunities for relaxation and wellness, whether you seek a pampering spa day or a tranquil moment.
North Beach Park offers a public beach for relaxation by Lake Champlain during warmer months.
Many hotels in Burlington and South Burlington feature indoor pools for year-round swimming and relaxation.
For a full range of wellness activities, consider booking through GetYourGuide.
Check individual yoga studios for drop-in class schedules and pricing.
Online directories list local spas and therapists, often with reviews.
Parks along Lake Champlain offer serene settings for personal reflection.
Burlington offers a lively nightlife scene with diverse options for live music, performances, and casual gatherings.
Burlington has limited dedicated nightclubs. Many bars, especially on weekends, feature DJs or live bands that invite dancing.
Church Street Marketplace and surrounding streets have many bars and pubs, making it easy to walk between establishments. Popular spots: Three Needs Brewery & Pub, Finnigan's Pub, Burlington Beer Company's downtown outpost.
Most bars close between 1 AM and 2 AM. Check local listings, specifically in Seven Days Vermont, for venues with later hours or special performances.
From jazz to rock, Burlington's music venues present a wide range of musical styles.
South End brewery taprooms provide an unique nightlife atmosphere focused on local craft drinks.
Downtown Burlington's density of bars makes for easy walking between establishments.
Downtown areas, especially Church Street, can be noisy, notably on weekends. Plan accordingly for noise sensitivity.
Burlington provides a diverse shopping experience, from traditional markets to unique artisan crafts and local souvenirs.
Maple products (syrup, candy, cream), Vermont Cheddar cheese, local craft beer/spirits. A Vermont's Own cookbook also makes a culinary souvenir.
Handmade items from local artisans (pottery, jewelry, textiles), Ben & Jerry's merchandise (T-shirts, ice cream-themed items).
Church Street hosts local boutiques with unique clothing, jewelry, home goods. Look for "Vermont Made" labels for local support. Consider certified B Corporations.
Maple products and local art make for memorable keepsakes of your Vermont visit.
