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Activities & Experiences

Activities & Experiences

Vermont, USA

Outdoor Adventures

Explore diverse trails and enjoy Lake Champlain's waters.

Hiking & Trekking Routes

Easy Trails

Burlington Greenway (Bike Path) is paved and flat, perfect for a leisurely walk or run with scenic lake views.

Moderate Hikes

Mount Philo State Park (Charlotte) has several trails to the summit, giving rewarding views with manageable elevation.

Challenging Further Afield

Camel's Hump and Mount Mansfield (Stowe area) have strenuous climbs that need full hiking gear and preparation.

Water Sports & Activities

  • Kayaking and Paddleboarding: Rentals available at Burlington Waterfront for Lake Champlain and Winooski River. Find Kayaks on Amazon
  • Sailing and Boating: Rent boats or take a scenic cruise on the Spirit of Ethan Allen III from Burlington's waterfront.
  • Swimming: Public beaches like North Beach, Oakledge Park, and several state parks have safe swimming areas.
  • Fishing: Lake Champlain is known for bass, pike, salmon, and trout. A Vermont fishing license is needed.

Cycling Routes

  • Burlington Greenway (Bike Path): Excellent for road cycling, giving flat, paved terrain with scenic lake views.
  • Mountain Biking: Limited dedicated trails in the immediate valley, but networks appear at nearby ski resorts or state forests.
  • Scenic Road Cycling: Numerous quiet country roads throughout the Champlain Valley have beautiful routes.
  • Explore on two wheels.

Wildlife Encounters

  • Birdwatching: Especially good at Dead Creek Wildlife Management Area for migratory birds and raptors.
  • Lake Champlain: Opportunities to spot waterfowl, bald eagles, and various fish species.
  • "Champy": While a legend, searching for the Lake Champlain monster gives a fun element to lake cruises.
  • A fun, mythical search.

Adventure Sports

  • Rock Climbing/Bouldering: Opportunities exist at indoor climbing gyms (e.g., MetroRock in Essex Junction).
  • Winter Sports: Downhill skiing and snowboarding are major attractions at resorts like Stowe, Sugarbush, and Smugglers' Notch.
  • Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are available on many local trails once snow arrives.
  • Seasonal adrenaline.

Safety Reminder

Always check weather conditions and bring appropriate gear for outdoor activities. Respect nature and stay on marked trails.

Cultural Immersion

Engage with the local culture through various workshops, performances, and community initiatives.

Workshops & Classes

  • Burlington City Arts (BCA): Has various art classes and workshops (painting, pottery, printmaking).
  • The Essex, Vermont's Culinary Resort & Spa: Has hands-on cooking classes at their "Cook Academy."
  • Local Craft Shops: Some may have short workshops (e.g., pottery, jewelry making) for visitors.
  • Community-Based Tourism Initiatives: Consider volunteering for a short period if you are staying longer.

Cultural Performances

Live Music & Theater

Flynn Center for the Performing Arts hosts a diverse schedule of music, dance, and theater performances, from Broadway shows to classical concerts.

Major Venues

Higher Ground is a premier venue for live music, from local bands to national acts.

Local Stages

University of Vermont has various student and faculty performances, lectures, and cultural events throughout the academic year.

Music Festivals

Burlington Discover Jazz Festival (June): Downtown Burlington comes alive with jazz performances across multiple venues.

Agricultural Fairs

Champlain Valley Fair (Essex Junction, August/September): A traditional agricultural fair with rides, exhibits, and live entertainment.

Community Celebrations

Vermont Pride Festival (September): A celebration of the LGBTQ+ community in Burlington.

Relaxation & Wellness

Find opportunities for rest and rejuvenation in the Champlain Valley.

Spa & Wellness Centers

  • The Spa at The Essex (Essex Junction): A full-service luxury spa with treatments and pools.
  • Mirror Mirror Salon & Spa (Burlington): A popular local salon and spa with various services.
  • Smaller Studios: Several smaller massage and wellness studios throughout Burlington.
  • Natural Hot Springs: No natural hot springs exist in the Champlain Valley.

Yoga & Beach Access

Yoga & Meditation Retreats

Various yoga studios in Burlington have drop-in classes for visitors. Some smaller retreat centers may appear in the broader Vermont region.

Traditional Healing Practices

Some local practitioners may have holistic or alternative therapies. Research and verify credentials before engaging with specific practices.

Beach & Pool Clubs

North Beach Park (Burlington) is a public beach on Lake Champlain, for swimming and sunbathing. Many hotels have indoor or outdoor pools for guests.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Live Music Venues

Higher Ground, Flynn Center, and Nectar's host diverse acts. Foam Brewers often hosts live music in its taproom.

Theater & Performance

Flynn Center for the Performing Arts and Off-Broadway Theatre at Main Street Landing have productions.

Comedy & Nightclubs

Vermont Comedy Club has stand-up and improv. Limited traditional nightclubs; nightlife centers on bars and pubs.

Nightlife & Shopping

Experience the lively evenings and explore unique shopping.

Bar Districts & Pub Crawls

  • Church Street Marketplace and surrounding blocks are the main areas for bars and pubs with late-night service.
  • South End Arts District: Has a growing number of breweries and cideries with taprooms, giving a more casual bar scene.
  • Late-Night Entertainment: Bars and pubs on Church Street remain open, and Higher Ground hosts late-night concerts.
  • Some restaurants may have late-night menus or snacks for evening cravings.

Shopping & Markets

Traditional Markets

Burlington Farmers Market (Saturdays, May-Oct at Pine Street; Nov-Apr indoors at Old North End Community Center) has local produce, crafts, and prepared foods.

Artisan Workshops & Crafts

South End Arts District has numerous artist studios and galleries. Vermont Hand Crafters display high-quality, handmade products at fairs.

Luxury & Boutique Shopping

Church Street Marketplace has a mix of national retailers and local boutiques. Art galleries in the South End have unique, high-quality pieces.

Souvenir Picks

  • Maple Products: Pure Vermont maple syrup (Coombs Family Farms Organic Maple Syrup), maple candy, and maple cream are iconic.
  • Vermont Cheddar Cheese: From local creameries, giving a taste of Vermont's dairy industry.
  • Craft Beer/Hard Cider: Purchase bottles or growlers from local breweries or cideries as a souvenir.
  • Vermont Teddy Bears: A unique souvenir from the Vermont Teddy Bear Factory.

Local Art & Crafts

  • Support local artists by purchasing paintings, pottery, jewelry, or textiles from galleries or markets.
  • Find unique, high-quality pieces in the South End Arts District.
  • A way to support local creatives.
  • Personalized and distinctive gifts.

'Champy' Merchandise

  • Items featuring the legendary Lake Champlain monster make for a fun, quirky souvenir.
  • A unique local legend.
  • Great for all ages.
  • Adds to the lake's mystique.

Ethical Shopping & Shipping

Ethical Shopping
  • Prioritize purchasing directly from local farmers, artisans, and small businesses for local economy support.
  • Look for "Made in Vermont" labels for genuine local products.
  • Choose reusable items when shopping to reduce waste.
Shipping Information
  • For international shipping of perishable goods, check the customs regulations of your home country.
  • Most shops can arrange shipping for larger items directly from their premises.
  • U.S. Postal Service (USPS), FedEx, and UPS are available for shipping packages domestically and internationally.

Activity Planning Summary

Visit the Burlington Farmers Market on a Saturday morning. You will find a wide array of local food, crafts, and a lively atmosphere, giving a true taste of the Champlain Valley's community.

General Planning Notes

Pre-Trip Organization

  • Plan visits to outdoor trails, cultural events, and unique shops based on your interests.
  • Check event schedules for festivals, performances, and markets to align with your trip dates.
  • Budget for diverse activities, from free park visits to paid tours and classes.
  • Consider transportation options (car, public transit, bike) for different areas of the valley.

During Your Visit

  • Prioritize activities that truly resonate with your interests for maximum enjoyment.
  • Be open to discovering new favorites beyond the main attractions and popular spots.
  • Capture memories through photos, especially at scenic spots, unique landmarks, and during outdoor activities.
  • Engage with the local community, from farmers to artisans, for a richer and more connected experience.