Discover Lake Champlain - Vermont's Inland Sea Adventure

• Day 1: Lakeside Welcome & Market Charm

  • Morning (10:00 AM - 1:00 PM) Arrive in Burlington and head straight to the vibrant waterfront. Start with a leisurely stroll along the Burlington Waterfront Park, taking in the fresh Lake Champlain air and views of the Adirondacks. From the park, walk north along the Burlington Greenway Bike Path (paved, flat) for about 0.5 miles to the ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain (1 College St). Explore the interactive exhibits focused on the lake’s ecology and history. Allow 1.5-2 hours.
    • Practical Tip: Parking is available near Waterfront Park or in nearby garages like Lakeview Garage.
    • Cost Estimate: ECHO admission: $18.50 per adult x 2 = $37.
  • Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:30 PM) Enjoy a casual lunch at The Skinny Pancake (60 Lake St, just a short walk from ECHO), known for its sweet and savory crepes made with local ingredients. Expect to spend $30-45 for two. After lunch, walk (approx. 10 minutes, 0.5 miles) or take a short bus ride up Main Street to the pedestrian-only Church Street Marketplace. Spend the afternoon browsing unique boutiques, local artisan shops, and soaking in the lively atmosphere. Don’t miss stopping by Lake Champlain Chocolates (75 Church St) for a free sample and perhaps a sweet treat ($10-15).
    • Practical Tip: Wear comfortable shoes for walking on Church Street.
    • Cost Estimate: Lunch $40, Snacks $15.
  • Evening (5:30 PM onwards) For dinner, experience local flavor at Farmhouse Tap & Grill (160 Bank St, a block off Church St). They offer an extensive selection of Vermont craft beers and farm-to-table pub fare in a lively setting. Make a reservation if visiting on a weekend. Expect to spend $70-90 for dinner and drinks for two. After dinner, if the weather is clear, head back to Waterfront Park for a beautiful sunset over Lake Champlain, often featuring stunning colors.
    • Cost Estimate: Dinner $80.
    • Daily Total (Activities & Food): $37 (ECHO) + $40 (Lunch) + $15 (Snacks) + $80 (Dinner) = $172.

• Day 2: Lake Views & Craft Brews

  • Morning (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM) Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Penny Cluse Cafe (169 Cherry St), a beloved Burlington institution known for its delicious, creative comfort food (expect a wait on weekends). Budget $40-50 for two. After breakfast, head to the Burlington Boathouse to catch the Lake Champlain Ferry (King St Dock, route to Port Kent, NY) as a walk-on passenger. Enjoy a scenic 1-hour round trip across the lake and back, offering panoramic views of the Burlington skyline and the Adirondack mountains. It’s a budget-friendly way to experience the lake’s expanse.
    • Practical Tip: Check ferry schedules online beforehand. Bring a jacket, as it can be breezy on the lake.
    • Cost Estimate: Breakfast $45. Ferry Walk-on: $5.75 per adult x 2 = $11.50.
  • Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:30 PM) Upon returning, rent bicycles from a shop near the waterfront, such as Local Motion (1 Main St, inside the Boathouse). Rent bikes for 2-3 hours ($20-30 per person) and explore more of the Burlington Greenway Bike Path. Cycle north towards North Beach Park, enjoying lakeside views and maybe even stopping for a quick dip if the weather is warm. Alternatively, if it’s a Saturday (May-October), visit the Burlington Farmers Market (Pine St, 9 AM - 2 PM) for local produce, crafts, and food truck snacks ($20-30).
    • Practical Tip: If renting bikes, reserve in advance, especially on sunny weekends.
    • Cost Estimate: Bike Rentals $50, or Farmers Market snacks $25.
  • Evening (5:30 PM onwards) For a taste of Burlington’s renowned craft beer scene, head to Foam Brewers (112 Lake St). They offer unique, small-batch brews with lakefront views. Enjoy a flight or a pint. For dinner, walk over to American Flatbread Burlington Hearth (115 St Paul St), famous for its organic, wood-fired pizzas and cozy atmosphere. Budget $60-80 for pizza and drinks for two. Conclude the evening with a classic scoop (or two!) from the original Ben & Jerry’s Scoop Shop (169 Cherry St).
    • Cost Estimate: Beers $25. Dinner $70. Ice Cream $15.
    • Daily Total (Activities & Food): $45 (Breakfast) + $11.50 (Ferry) + $50 (Bikes) OR $25 (Market) + $25 (Beers) + $70 (Dinner) + $15 (Ice Cream) = $216.50 (with bikes) or $191.50 (with market).

• Day 3: Scenic Retreat & Departure

  • Morning (9:00 AM - 12:30 PM) Savor a final Burlington breakfast at The Daily Planet (15 Center St), known for its eclectic menu, vegetarian/vegan options, and relaxed vibe. Budget $35-45 for two. After breakfast, drive or take a short bus ride (approx. 2 miles north) to North Beach Park. Enjoy the sandy beach, walk along the shoreline, or simply relax and take in the beautiful lake views. This offers a different perspective of Lake Champlain away from the downtown hustle.
    • Practical Tip: North Beach has parking ($5-10 fee seasonally) and public restrooms.
    • Cost Estimate: Breakfast $40. North Beach Parking $10.
  • Afternoon (12:30 PM - 2:00 PM) Before departing, grab a quick and delicious lunch. Consider Zabby & Elf’s Stone Soup (128 Pine St) for gourmet deli sandwiches, salads, and soups made with fresh, local ingredients, perfect for a grab-and-go meal. Or revisit Church Street Marketplace for any last-minute souvenir shopping. Expect to spend $30-40 for lunch for two.
    • Cost Estimate: Lunch $35.
  • Evening (2:00 PM onwards) Head home from Burlington, carrying memories of Lake Champlain’s beauty and Burlington’s vibrant charm.
    • Daily Total (Activities & Food): $40 (Breakfast) + $10 (Parking) + $35 (Lunch) = $85.

Trip Totals (Estimated for 2 people):

• Total Activities & Food: Approximately $470 - $490 (depending on Day 2 choice).
• Budget Used: Approximately $490 out of $800.
• Remaining Buffer: ~$310. This buffer provides ample room for more souvenir shopping, a nicer meal, an extra coffee, or unexpected expenses.
• Note: This itinerary assumes accommodation costs and transport to/from Burlington are separate from the $800 budget.

• Day 1: Burlington’s Heart & Waterfront Charm

  • Morning (11:00 AM - 1:00 PM) Arrive in Burlington, Vermont. Check into your accommodation (Budget Note: Consider a charming B&B like Lang House on Main Street or a comfortable motel/inn slightly outside downtown for value, budgeting ~$180-220/night). Grab a casual lunch at a spot near your lodging or on Church Street. A great option for a quick, delicious bite is The Daily Planet (15 Center St, Burlington, VT 05401) for creative comfort food, budget around $30 for two.
  • Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:30 PM) Head to the Burlington Waterfront Park for stunning views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks. Stroll along the Burlington Greenway (a paved bike path) for as long as you like. Then, immerse yourselves in the lake’s ecology and history at the ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain (1 College St, Burlington, VT 05401). Allow 2-3 hours. Admission is approximately $18 per person ($36 for two). After ECHO, walk a few blocks up to the vibrant Church Street Marketplace (a pedestrian-only mall) for unique shopping and people-watching.
  • Evening (5:30 PM onwards) Enjoy dinner on Church Street or nearby. For a classic Burlington experience with excellent pizza and local brews, dine at American Flatbread Burlington Hearth (115 St Paul St, Burlington, VT 05401), budgeting around $50-60 for two. Afterwards, take a romantic sunset stroll back along the waterfront or enjoy a final walk through the illuminated Church Street.

• Day 2: Island Breezes & Rustic History

  • Morning (9:00 AM - 12:30 PM) After breakfast (either at your accommodation or grab a coffee and pastry from August First Bakery & Cafe (149 S Champlain St, Burlington, VT 05401) for ~$20), embark on a scenic drive north on US-2 into the Lake Champlain Islands. Your first stop is the Hyde Log Cabin (2267 US-2, Grand Isle, VT 05458), one of the oldest log cabins in the U.S. (built 1783), offering a glimpse into early settler life. It’s free, but donations are welcome. The drive from Burlington to Hyde Log Cabin is about 30 minutes (20 miles).
  • Afternoon (12:30 PM - 5:00 PM) Continue north along the causeways and bridges that connect the islands. Enjoy a picnic lunch (packed from a Burlington deli like City Market Co-op (82 S Winooski Ave, Burlington, VT 05401) for ~$25-30) at Grand Isle State Park (3461 US-2, Grand Isle, VT 05458), which offers beautiful lake access and views (day-use fee $5/person, $10 for two). You can walk the trails or simply relax by the water. Explore the small, charming towns of North Hero and Isle La Motte. Consider stopping at the Island Craft Shop (3283 US-2, North Hero, VT 05474) for local crafts.
  • Evening (5:00 PM onwards) Dine at the Shore Acres Inn and Restaurant (237 Shore Acres Dr, North Hero, VT 05474) for excellent food and breathtaking lake views from their porch. Budget $70-90 for two. The drive back to Burlington from North Hero is approximately 45-50 minutes (30 miles), offering a beautiful twilight drive.

• Day 3: Art, Americana & Agricultural Beauty

  • Morning (9:30 AM - 1:00 PM) Fuel up with breakfast. Drive south from Burlington (approx. 15-20 minutes, 8 miles) to Shelburne, VT. Spend your morning at the renowned Shelburne Museum (6000 Shelburne Rd, Shelburne, VT 05482), a sprawling collection of 39 exhibition buildings showcasing American folk art, historical structures, and artifacts. Allow at least 3-4 hours to explore. Admission is $28 per person ($56 for two).
  • Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM) Enjoy a casual lunch at The Farmers Daughter (1806 Shelburne Rd, Shelburne, VT 05482) for fresh, local fare (budget ~$35-40). Afterwards, head to Shelburne Farms (1611 Harbor Rd, Shelburne, VT 05482), a National Historic Landmark and working farm. Take a self-guided walk on their trails to enjoy the historic buildings, beautiful landscape, and lake views (walking trail admission $8 per person, $16 for two). Consider an optional tour or visiting their farm store for cheese and bread.
  • Evening (5:30 PM onwards) For dinner, enjoy the charming town of Vergennes, just a 20-minute drive south from Shelburne (12 miles). The Black Sheep Bistro (253 Main St, Vergennes, VT 05491) offers exquisite, locally-sourced dishes in a cozy atmosphere. Budget around $80-100 for two. Alternatively, if you prefer to head back to Burlington, Hen of the Wood (55 Cherry St, Burlington, VT 05401) offers an upscale, farm-to-table experience (budget ~$100-120).

• Day 4: Panoramic Vistas & Historical Insights

  • Morning (9:30 AM - 12:30 PM) After breakfast, drive south again towards the Ferrisburgh area (approx. 20-25 minutes, 15 miles from Burlington). Your destination is Mount Philo State Park (5425 Mt Philo Rd, Charlotte, VT 05445), Vermont’s first state park. You can drive or hike to the summit for unparalleled panoramic views of Lake Champlain, the Adirondacks, and the surrounding farmlands. A short, easy hike takes about 30-45 minutes round trip. Day-use fee is $5/person ($10 for two).
  • Afternoon (12:30 PM - 5:00 PM) Descend from Mt. Philo and continue a short drive to the Rokeby Museum (4334 US-7, Ferrisburgh, VT 05456), a National Historic Landmark focused on the Underground Railroad and 19th-century farm life. Allow 1.5-2 hours. Admission is $12 per person ($24 for two). For a late lunch or snack, stop at one of the local creemee stands (Vermont soft serve ice cream) or grab a sandwich in Ferrisburgh. Before heading back, consider a visit to Shelburne Vineyards (6308 Shelburne Rd, Shelburne, VT 05482) for a wine tasting and to enjoy their beautiful setting (tastings are typically $10-15/person, optional).
  • Evening (5:30 PM onwards) Dine back in Vergennes at Park Squeeze (166 Main St, Vergennes, VT 05491) for a more casual but delicious meal of burgers and pub fare (budget ~$50). Alternatively, return to Burlington for a diverse culinary experience. Try Honey Road (156 Church St, Burlington, VT 05401) for exceptional Eastern Mediterranean small plates (budget ~$80-100).

• Day 5: Lake Farewell & Local Flavors

  • Morning (9:30 AM - 12:00 PM) Enjoy a final breakfast. For an active farewell to Lake Champlain, rent bikes from Local Motion (1 Main St, Burlington, VT 05401) and cycle along the Burlington Greenway, enjoying the lake views and fresh air (rentals around $25-35 per person for 2-3 hours, $50-70 for two). Alternatively, explore the Ethan Allen Homestead Museum (100 W Allen St, Burlington, VT 05401), the preserved home of Vermont’s founder, offering insights into 18th-century life (admission $10/person, $20 for two).
  • Afternoon (12:00 PM - 3:00 PM) Have a farewell lunch in Burlington. Try Bluebird Barbecue (197 N Winooski Ave, Burlington, VT 05401) for delicious, hearty BBQ (budget ~$40-50). Spend your last hour or so browsing for souvenirs on Church Street, perhaps picking up some Vermont maple syrup or local crafts.
  • Evening (3:00 PM onwards) Depart from Burlington, cherishing the memories of your Ultimate Lake Champlain Adventure.

Budget Summary (Estimated for 2 people):

• Accommodation (4 nights): ~$720 - $880 (e.g., $180-$220/night)
• Dining: ~$450 - $550 (mix of casual and nice dinners, some picnic lunches, coffees)
• Activities/Entrance Fees: ~$160 - $200
• Gas/Parking: ~$100 - $150 (depending on driving and gas prices)
• Total Estimated Cost: ~$1430 - $1780 (aiming for the lower end to stay within $1600)

This itinerary offers a comprehensive and diverse exploration of Lake Champlain’s Vermont shores, blending history, nature, culture, and culinary delights, while keeping the specified budget in mind through a mix of paid and free activities, and careful dining choices.