48 Hours in Burlington, Vermont

Burlington strikes a unique balance of small-city charm with outsized scenery, blending New England character with a sophisticated food culture and a showcase of the outdoors along its perch on Lake Champlain. Spend two days here hiking mountains, sipping cocktails, and sailing at sunset—all with Vermont’s laid-back spirit in the air.

Where to stay

Conveniently located on Cherry Street—a central corridor connecting downtown Burlington to the shores of Lake Champlain—Hotel Vermont blends homegrown hospitality with modern design rooted in natural materials. Deeply connected to the local maker scene, the hotel highlights regional artistry in every room, from Lunaroma bath products and AO Glass soap dishes to Jeremy Ayers pottery, Vermont Flannel robes, and a curated library of books by Vermont authors. The community extends to the lobby, where the hotel hosts regular live music and seasonal events. Guests can also borrow from the hotel’s bike fleet for two-hour rides, ideal for exploring the city at a Burlington pace.

Where to dine

Start your morning at The Café HOT, a downtown favorite renowned for the Number 8: Chicken-Fried, a chicken-fried egg sandwich. The crisp, golden slab of battered and fried scrambled eggs, layered with pickled zucchini, tartar sauce, and shredded cabbage on house-made focaccia, earned national acclaim from Bon Appétit magazine as one of the best restaurant meals in America for 2023. The rest of the fully vegetarian menu keeps pace with biscuit “bonuts” and other imaginative meat-free plates.

For a leisurely brunch, head to Bleu Northeast Kitchen, where smoked brisket hash with piquillo peppers sits alongside fluffy buttermilk pancakes drenched in Vermont maple syrup on the comfort food-forward menu. Lunch belongs to The Grey Jay, where Eastern Mediterranean flavors shine in dishes such as a juicy lamb burger with pickled vegetables and tender chicken shawarma. The Farmhouse Tap & Grill is another worthy choice—a gastropub serving local beef burgers, Vermont cheeses, and craft beers from around the state.

When Happy Hour arrives, begin your evening with a cocktail at Juniper Bar & Restaurant, where bartenders highlight Vermont spirits and house-made syrups. Then head to dinner at Frankie’s, a hyper-seasonal restaurant celebrated for refined dishes presented with creative precision and a daily-changing menu. Think black bass with wild leek soubise, littleneck clams with crème fraîche and pickled carrot, or oyster mushroom pappardelle. Spend your second night in the cozy ambiance of Hen of the Wood, where wood-fired cooking and seasonal Vermont ingredients are served in a relaxed space next to Hotel Vermont.

Where to experience outdoor adventures

No trip to Burlington is complete without time on Lake Champlain. Book a sail with Whistling Man Schooner Co., which offers intimate cruises on classic wooden sailboats. Whether you choose a sunny afternoon sail or a golden-hour excursion, the sweeping views of the Adirondack Mountains to the west and the Green Mountains to the east frame an unforgettable ride.

Back on land, lace up your boots for a hike up Mount Philo, just 15 miles south of downtown Burlington. The family-friendly climb to the 968-foot summit delivers panoramic views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks.

If you’d rather stay in town, Burlington’s Waterfront Park and its scenic Island Line Trail offer a flatter way to enjoy the outdoors. Rent a bike or just stroll the paved path that hugs the lakefront for miles, passing beaches, marinas, and plenty of picnic-worthy spots along the way.

Where to enjoy the arts, culture, and shopping scene

Burlington’s South End Arts District has blossomed into a vibrant hub of creativity. Former warehouses now house artist studios, galleries, and craft breweries. Pine Street is the neighborhood’s main artery, with standout stops such as Fiddlehead Brewing Company and The Soda Plant, an eclectic maker space where you can browse more than 40 studios, boutiques, and artisan shops under one roof. Visit in early September during the annual Art Hop, with 100-plus welcoming stops in a two-mile stretch; drop by during an open-studio event for the full experience; or simply wander between murals and microbreweries on any afternoon.

Beyond the South End and the waterfront, downtown Burlington itself rewards exploration. The Church Street Marketplace, a pedestrian-only corridor lined with shops, cafes, and buskers, hums with energy year-round. It’s also a good place to pick up Vermont-made goods, from maple syrup to handmade pottery.

For a dose of culture, the Fleming Museum of Art on the University of Vermont campus presents a mix of global and regional works. Nearby, the ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain focuses on local ecology and science through hands-on, family-friendly exhibits. Together, they round out Burlington’s dynamic mix of nature, art, and innovation.

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Burlington proves that a small city can deliver big experiences for a two-day retreat that feels both invigorating and laid-back.