Discover Burlington, Vermont - Lakefront Charm Meets Mountain Adventure

Day 1: Lakeside Charms & Downtown Delights

• Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM) Begin your Burlington escape by checking into your accommodation (budgeting around $275/night, e.g., Hotel Vermont or Courtyard Burlington Harbor, if available within budget, or a charming B&B just outside downtown). Drop off your bags and head straight to the vibrant Church Street Marketplace, Burlington’s pedestrian-only outdoor mall. For breakfast, enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and quality coffee/pastries at Muddy Waters Cafe (194 College St). Expect to spend around $30 for two. Afterwards, spend some time exploring the unique boutiques, local art galleries, and street performers. Everything is easily walkable within the marketplace.
• Afternoon (12:00 PM - 5:00 PM) For lunch, savor a classic Burlington experience at American Flatbread Company (115 St Paul St), known for its organic ingredients and creative pizzas. Budget around $45 for two. After lunch, take a leisurely stroll down to Waterfront Park, a mere 5-10 minute walk from Church Street. Enjoy the breathtaking views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains. Walk or rent bikes (approx. $20/hour per person) to explore a section of the Burlington Greenway, a scenic path along the lake. Don’t forget to pop into the Lake Champlain Chocolates Flagship Store (75 Battery St) for a sweet treat or souvenir. Most activities in this area are free, with optional bike rental or treats.
• Evening As the sun begins to set, find a spot along the waterfront or the Burlington Community Boathouse to capture stunning lake views. For dinner, indulge in the farm-to-table excellence at Farmhouse Tap & Grill (160 Bank St), a local favorite renowned for its craft beer selection and elevated pub fare. Reservations are highly recommended. Expect to spend $100-$120 for two including drinks. After dinner, if you’re up for it, enjoy a nightcap at Foam Brewers (112 Lake St), offering creative local brews with lake views (a 5-7 minute walk from Farmhouse).

Day 2: Lake Wonders & Burlington’s Best Bites

• Morning (9:00 AM - 12:30 PM) Start your day with a true Burlington institution for breakfast: Myer’s Bagel Bakery (377 Pine St). While a slightly longer walk (about 15-20 minutes from Church Street) or a short ride, their Montreal-style bagels baked in a wood-fired oven are worth it. Budget $20-$25 for two. Afterward, immerse yourselves in the natural and cultural history of Lake Champlain at ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain (1 College St). This interactive science museum is located directly on the waterfront, about a 5-minute walk from Myer’s Bagels or a 10-minute walk from Church Street. Admission is $18.50 per person ($37 for two). Plan about 2-3 hours for your visit.
• Afternoon (12:30 PM - 4:00 PM) For lunch, experience authentic Neapolitan pizza at Pizzeria Verità (156 St Paul St), just a few blocks from Church Street. Their wood-fired pizzas and fresh ingredients are a delight. Budget $50-$60 for two. After lunch, you can spend some relaxed time revisiting your favorite shops on Church Street for any last-minute souvenirs or simply enjoy a coffee at a cafe like Onyx Tonics (126 College St). Alternatively, take another leisurely stroll along the waterfront or find a quiet bench to soak in the lake atmosphere one last time. This afternoon is designed for flexibility and relaxation before your evening departure.
• Evening For your farewell dinner, treat yourselves to the charming European bistro experience at Leunig’s Bistro (115 Church St), located right on the marketplace. With its classic French-inspired menu and vibrant ambiance, it’s a perfect way to end your Burlington getaway. Reservations are highly recommended. Expect to spend $120-$150 for two including drinks. After dinner, take one final walk through the illuminated Church Street Marketplace, enjoying the evening charm before heading back for departure.

Day 1: Burlington’s Lakeside Charm & Urban Delights

• Morning (10:00 AM - 1:00 PM) Arrive in Burlington and check into your accommodation (e.g., Hotel Vermont, Courtyard by Marriott Burlington Harbor). After settling in, begin your exploration with a walk to the vibrant Church Street Marketplace (approx. 0.2-0.5 miles from most downtown hotels). This pedestrian-only mall is perfect for browsing local shops. Grab a coffee and pastry from a local cafe like Onyx Tonics or Uncommon Grounds to kickstart your day.
  • Practical Tips: Parking garages are available downtown; many hotels offer parking.
  • Estimated Cost: Coffee/Pastry ~$15.
• Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:30 PM) Enjoy lunch at American Flatbread Burlington Hearth on Church Street for their renowned wood-fired pizzas (approx. $50 for two). Afterward, stroll down to Waterfront Park (approx. 0.5 miles from Church St) to take in the stunning views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains. Consider renting bikes from Local Motion Trailside Center at Waterfront Park to cycle a portion of the scenic Burlington Greenway (approx. $25/person for a 2-hour rental). Conclude your afternoon with a visit to the ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, an interactive science museum focusing on the ecology of the lake (admission ~$18/person, located right on the waterfront).
  • Estimated Cost: Lunch ~$50, Bike Rental ~$50, ECHO Admission ~$36.
• Evening (6:30 PM onwards) Indulge in a pre-dinner drink at Juniper Bar at Hotel Vermont, known for its creative cocktails and local ambiance. For dinner, experience the farm-to-table excellence at Farmhouse Tap & Grill (upscale casual, reservations recommended, approx. $100-150 for two) or, for a finer dining experience, Hen of the Wood Burlington (reservations essential, approx. $150-200 for two). After dinner, enjoy a leisurely stroll along the illuminated Church Street.
  • Estimated Cost: Drinks ~$30, Dinner ~$125.

Day 2: Mountain Views & Iconic Tastes

• Morning (9:00 AM - 12:30 PM) Start your day with breakfast at a local Burlington favorite like The Daily Planet (approx. $30 for two). Then, embark on a scenic drive to Waterbury (approx. 30-40 minutes, 20 miles). Your first stop is the iconic Ben & Jerry’s Factory for a fun 30-minute tour and ice cream sample (tours are popular, book online if possible; ~$5/person). Afterward, head to the nearby Cold Hollow Cider Mill for fresh cider, donuts, and local Vermont products (free admission, allow 1 hour).
  • Estimated Cost: Breakfast ~$30, Gas ~$10, Ben & Jerry’s Tour ~$10.
• Afternoon (12:30 PM - 5:00 PM) Grab a casual lunch at the deli inside Cold Hollow Cider Mill or drive towards Stowe (approx. 20-30 minutes, 10 miles from Waterbury). Once in Stowe, make your way to Stowe Mountain Resort for a breathtaking Gondola SkyRide to the summit of Mt. Mansfield, offering panoramic views of the Green Mountains (operates seasonally, check schedule; ~$34/person round trip, allow 1.5-2 hours). Spend some time exploring the charming village of Stowe, browsing its unique shops and galleries.
  • Estimated Cost: Lunch ~$60, Gas ~$10, Gondola SkyRide ~$68.
• Evening (6:30 PM onwards) Drive back to Burlington (approx. 45-60 minutes, 35 miles). For dinner, enjoy a relaxed meal at Zero Gravity Brewery, known for its excellent craft beers and delicious pub-style food (approx. $80-120 for two). Alternatively, The Great Northern offers an elevated American dining experience with a focus on local ingredients.
  • Estimated Cost: Gas ~$10, Dinner ~$100.

Day 3: Art, Farms & Teddy Bears

• Morning (9:30 AM - 1:00 PM) Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a Burlington cafe like The Friendly Toast or Scout & Co. (approx. $30 for two). Then, drive south to Shelburne (approx. 15-20 minutes, 7 miles). Spend your morning immersed in the diverse collections of the Shelburne Museum, a unique outdoor museum spanning 45 acres with 39 buildings, including historic homes, art galleries, and the steamboat Ticonderoga (allow 3-4 hours, admission ~$28/person).
  • Practical Tips: Wear comfortable shoes, as there’s a lot of walking.
  • Estimated Cost: Breakfast ~$30, Gas ~$5, Shelburne Museum Admission ~$56.
• Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM) Have lunch at a local spot in Shelburne like Folino’s Wood Fired Pizza (approx. $50 for two) or a seasonal cafe at the museum. Afterward, visit the whimsical Vermont Teddy Bear Factory (approx. 10-minute drive from Shelburne Museum). Take a guided tour to see how the bears are made and even design your own (tours ~$5/person, reservations recommended, allow 1-1.5 hours). If time permits, consider a scenic drive through parts of Shelburne Farms (admission for grounds, self-guided tours available).
  • Estimated Cost: Lunch ~$50, Vermont Teddy Bear Factory Tour ~$10.
• Evening (6:00 PM onwards) Return to Burlington (approx. 15-20 minutes, 7 miles). Unwind with a craft beer at Foam Brewers, located right on the waterfront, often featuring food trucks outside (drinks/snacks approx. $40). For dinner, enjoy authentic Neapolitan pizza at Pizzeria Verità (approx. $70-100 for two) or head to Waterworks Food + Drink in nearby Winooski for a beautiful riverside dining experience (approx. $100-130 for two).
  • Estimated Cost: Gas ~$5, Drinks/Snacks ~$40, Dinner ~$85.

Day 4: Sweet Treats & Farewell Views

• Morning (9:30 AM - 12:30 PM) Savor a final Vermont brunch at a popular Burlington eatery like The Skinny Pancake (known for crepes, approx. $50 for two) or the beloved Penny Cluse Cafe (expect a wait for their classic breakfast fare). Afterward, visit Lake Champlain Chocolates’ factory store downtown for samples and to pick up some last-minute sweet souvenirs (browsing free, purchases vary). Enjoy one last stroll along the picturesque waterfront or Church Street for any final souvenir shopping.
  • Estimated Cost: Brunch ~$50, Chocolates/Souvenirs ~$40.
• Afternoon (12:30 PM onwards) Check out from your hotel, filled with cherished memories of Vermont’s charm and adventure. Depart from Burlington.
  • Estimated Cost: Gas for departure.