TOP REASONS TO VISIT BURLINGTON, VERMONT IN THE SUMMER AND FALL
WHAT MAKES BURLINGTON, VERMONT THE ULTIMATE WEEKEND GETAWAY IN THE SUMMER AND FALL?
Enjoying the natural beauty of Lake Champlain and the nearby mountains is one of the top reasons to visit Burlington, Vermont in the summer and fall. Hike a trail to a spectacular 360-degree scenic viewpoint in Stowe and bike for miles along the gorgeous coastline of the Burlington Waterfront.
Then relax at a local restaurant before browsing the unique shops of downtown Burlington and Stowe, or exploring history at the Shelburne Museum and seeing the Ben & Jerry’s ice cream factory.
Lake Champlain
Lake Champlain stretches for 107 miles between Vermont and New York and extends north to Canada. Burlington is situated on its eastern coast and offers numerous activities to enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
Waterfront Park
After crossing the train tracks from the downtown Burlington area, a wide boardwalk offers expansive views of Lake Champlain and the mountains on the far side. People filled the benches and green spaces, taking advantage of the gorgeous weather on the days I visited the park.
The Burlington Greenway stretches along the coast, offering a relatively flat, paved path with lovely scenery perfect for strolling, running, or cycling. I rented a bike at Local Motion on Steele Street. The shop is conveniently located adjacent to the bike trail and offers maps and expert advice.
I headed north up the Island Line Trail to the Colchester Causeway with the intent of reaching the ferry ten miles away. Unfortunately, I hit a small bump on a bridge, which jarred loose my water bottle. It rolled off the bridge and into the water before I could jump off my bike.
I decided the ferry would have to wait for another day, but the ride was still worth the trip. There is nothing like piloting a bike along a gravel path with water stretching out on either side.
Sailing Lake Champlain
Visitors can enjoy being out on the water by renting a vessel or booking a cruise. The Community Sailing Center rents paddleboards, kayaks, and boats.
The Spirit of Ethan Allen provides a more relaxed tour, with indoor and outdoor seating. I enjoyed a cruise with friends that included a buffet dinner. After eating, we lounged on deck watching the sunset reflecting off the lake.
Burlington Bay
For those looking for a snack or lunch, Burlington Bay sits a half-block from the Waterfront. It offers snacks, sandwiches, salads, local beers, and coffee, along with a patio that boasts a great view of Lake Champlain. I visited the ice cream window a bit too often, but it was challenging to resist stopping by on my way out to the Waterfront.
Church Street Marketplace
The pedestrian mall along Church Street in downtown Burlington features over 60 shops and more than 30 restaurants, all with an earthy Vermont feel. Small chain stores, such as Ecco clothing and Ten Thousand Villages, sit alongside locally owned boutiques, including Harbour Thread, Little Istanbul, and Lake Champlain Chocolates. Shop for apparel, books, art, and home goods while enjoying a lovely day.
When I strolled down Church Street, street musicians and a band playing outside Red Square bar provided entertainment. I enjoyed purchasing some interesting gifts and home. items. My two meals at Leunig’s Bistro and Church Street Tavern were delicious, accompanied by quick and friendly service.
Parking lots are available nearby, but I usually had good luck finding street parking. Meters are linked to an app that makes paying easy.
Side Trip to Stowe, Vermont
From Burlington, a 45-minute scenic drive along Interstate 89 leads to the can’t-be-missed town of Stowe, Vermont. On the day I spent there, I hiked up to an expansive view, had lunch downtown and browsed the shops, then rode a gondola up a mountainside, and toured Ben & Jerry’s on my way back out of town.
Stowe Pinnacle
On my first trip to Burlington, I hiked up to Stowe Pinnacle and had to return when I visited Vermont again. The small lot at the Upper Hollow Road Trailhead was full both times, but there was plenty of space along the road for parking.
The 3.6-mile round trip started flat and then wound up through the trees through patches of boulders. During the autumn, the collage of changing leaves along the ground and clinging to the treetops offered a good excuse to pause and catch my breath on the steep sections.
The final scramble to the peak turned out to be a bit tough and not very easy to decipher. I waited for a couple who had hiked the trail many times to pass by and lead the way on my first visit. The pain was worth the reward as I topped the final outcropping of rock to a 360-degree view of fall colors rolling into the distance.
My advice: wear hiking shoes with good grip and pace yourself.
Downtown Stowe Restaurants and Shops
The historic buildings along Vermont Route 100’s main strip provide an idyllic scene straight out of a movie. Boutiques and restaurants provide a welcome respite after the hike to the pinnacle. Stop at the Go Stowe Visitor Information Center to learn more about the area and available activities.
On the recommendation of my friend who lives near Burlington, I turned left onto Route 108 when I arrived in town. I traveled two miles to Idletyme Brewery Restaurant for lunch. The spacious back deck included an outdoor bar and tranquil views of the changing leaves.
Von Trapp Family Lodge & Resort
After leaving Idletyme, I drove a few minutes up the road to the Van Trapp Bierhall Restaurant for dessert. I sat under the lofty crossbeams of the lodge, enjoying apfelstrudel while gazing up at a taxidermy jaguar and antelope.
The von Trapp family toured the United States and then settled in Stowe in the 1940s. The original home burned down in 1980, and the family subsequently upgraded it to a luxury lodge, featuring a spa, gym, gardens, and outdoor activities spanning over 2,600 acres. Johannes, the youngest son of the Von Trapp family, started a brewery using a mineral spring he discovered on the grounds.
Gondola Sky Ride at Stowe Mountain Resort
Riding a swinging gondola up a mountain made me a bit nervous, but the incredible view from the top made it well worth it. The Stowe Mountain Resort, a ten-minute drive further up Route 108 from Idletyme, takes advantage of the warmer months to run the Gondola Sky Ride up and down the mountain. Cliff House Restaurant offers lunch, and The Waffle has snacks.
Ben & Jerry’s Factory Tour
On my way back to Burlington, I stopped near the highway at the original Ben & Jerry’s factory. The fascinating tour of the production process included many cow puns and a sampling of ice cream flavors. I planned my visit for after my activities in Stowe so that I could bring back a couple of pints.
Book your tickets online in advance to secure your spot on the tour. You can also visit the Flavor Graveyard and purchase a cone of your favorite flavor at the Scoop Shop.
Shelburne Museum
The Shelburne Museum is so extensive and interesting that I had to return for a second day of exploration. Fortunately, my ticket included a return trip the following day. The 45-acre grounds include 39 buildings, most of them historic structures transplanted there.
This museum ranks among my favorites in the world. I walked through a historic lighthouse, an apothecary, a general store, a schoolhouse, a steam locomotive, several houses, and a 220-foot steamboat, the Ticonderoga.
These buildings are laid out among beautiful gardens and filled with collections of paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, duck decoys, weathervanes, dolls, carriages, circus figurines, and household items. You can wander freely throughout the property and join a tour of certain buildings at scheduled times.
Electra Havemeyer Webb, the daughter of art collectors, began her own collection of all aspects of American life. She founded the Shelburne Museum in 1947 to display her carriages and added to the site with acquisitions from around New England.
Plan to spend at least an entire day at the Museum, or two if you have the time. The Weathervane Café opens from 11 am to 3 pm for lunch, snacks, and drinks to sustain your voyage through time. The drive from Burlington is a straightforward 20-minute journey through scenic countryside.
Shelburne Farms
Shelburne Farms is a scenic 1400-acre working farm near the shore of Champlain Lake south of Burlington. I enjoyed visiting with a group of friends as a restful break from a business meeting. We hiked a portion of the 10 miles of trails and rode a wagon on a tour of the rolling fields, dotted with sheep, and took in expansive views of the countryside.
We also wandered through the barns to see cows, goats, and other animals, and browsed the shop, with locally grown and produced cheese, produce, and other goods. From the lovely English garden filled with colorful blooms, we could gaze out over the lake or take in the 19th-century red brick, Tudor-style inn.
Red Rocks Park
Less than nine minutes south of downtown Burlington, Red Rocks Park offers tranquil paths through a forest filled with birdsong. With two loops of trails, a lakeside view, and a beach, the park offers options for getting in your exercise or relaxing by the water.
Uncommon Coffee in Essex
For part of my time in Vermont, I stayed in Williston and discovered an excellent coffee shop where I could work. As Uncommon Coffee is only 10 miles from downtown, it is worth a visit regardless of where you stay.
Comfortable couches and armchairs, as well as more traditional tables and chairs, are spread out around the small central kitchen and counter. Wood paneling and a bookcase stretching across one wall made me feel like I was in an estate library.
I recommend the Pesto Besto sandwich, which features egg, cheddar, pesto, tomato, and arugula, as well as the chocolate scones.
Conclusion
Visiting Burlington, Vermont in the summer and fall is the ultimate weekend getaway. Its location along Lake Champlain and near the mountains offers numerous opportunities to enjoy the beautiful weather, local culture, and cuisine.
