The last time I was in Burlington, I was visiting friends at UVM, and that was nearly 20 years ago. I remember that it was a really beautiful area, and I had a good time just being there. So, I’m planning another trip for July, just to spend some time and be a pesky tourist, and I’m wondering if anyone has any suggestions for things that I simply shouldn’t miss while I’m there. I’ll go to the ECHO center, the Church Street Market, and probably swing by Nectar’s. But what else would you suggest? It could be anything - restaurants, indoor or outdoor activities, lodgings, etc… Thanks…
Church Street pedestrian mall.
Shelburne Museum (5 miles south on US 7).
Gravy fries at Nector’s.
Round trip across Lake Champlain on the ferry (cheap date).
Burlington Bike Path (bridge to Mallet’s Bay causeway, ferry across gap, continue to South Hero).
Bove’s (cheap Italian restaurant with loads of character, popular with UVM students).
Mount Mansfield gondola and Cliff House restaurant (in Stowe, about 40 miles).
Vermont State House (Montpelier, about 40 miles).
Seconding Bove’s, the Statehouse, Ben & Jerry’s, Church Street, the lake. I’ll very likely be in Burlington on business the first few days of August myself and am looking forward to some off-time, was last over a couple of days in March (also for the first time in 10+ years) and it was as pleasant as I remembered it.
Don’t forget to visit the old Burlington train station. They have a bust dedicated to the long-time janitor at the station (Ed Blow)! He was (I think) the ubiquitous Joe Blow’s brother.
I agree with the above (esp. the Shelbourne Museum) and would add
-One of the waterfront parks a little ways outside of town, such as Red Rocks or Oakledge.
-American Flatbread (right downtown) for amazing pizza (try the specials)
-Go to PennyCluse (also downtown) for breakfast
It really depends on how you’d like to spend your time. Flatbread does indeed have great pizza, and brews terrific beer as well. Speaking of; Magic Hat Brewery is only a few miles out of town and is worth a stop in, tour, and free tasting!
There’s tons of hiking around if that sort of thing appeals.
There’s a great farmer’s market on Saturday mornings in city hall park.
Church & Maple glass studio - very laid back, you can hang out & watch them blow glass, and they have shelves of very affordable “seconds” and “thirds” for us poor folk.
The only time I was ever in Burlington was to see the Minor League Vermont Expos (now called the Lake Monsters). Sounds like I missed a lot while in town, but I did have a good time at the ball game!
For those with the Nectars recommendation. I will tell you that it changed ownership a year or two ago, and things are a little different. It’s similar, but probably not how you remember it, if you haven’t been recently.
Brewpubs:
Vermont Pub and Brewery
Zero Gravity/American Flatbread
Three Needs
The Alchemist (about an hour away in Stowe)
Bobcat Cafe (about 40 minutes south in Bristol (which, despite what my user info says, is where I actually live.))
Plus regular breweries:
Magic Hat
Switchback (a very small brewery, and I don’t think they do regular tours. But it’s great beer, so make sure to have a pint or two. Almost every bar or restaurant in town has it on tap.)
Otter Creek (in Middlebury, about an hour south)
Long Trail (probably too far away to visit, though.)
