72 Hours in the Lake Champlain Valley
Two nights and
Three Days in the Champlain Valley
The Lake Champlain Valley cradles the shore of Lake Champlain, and with every season, the landscape transforms showcasing local character. Diverse experiences abound. Outdoor recreation, events, independent restaurants, farmers markets, and a vibrant performing arts scene await.
Use this itinerary to explore Vermont’s Lake Champlain Valley, from Colchester to Shelburne.
Visit At a Glance
These three days offer suggestions for things to do surrounding lodging, dining, shopping, and nearby attractions. Use this itinerary as a guide for further discovery – bookmark these locations and walk the downtown. Another great way to find a hidden gem is to ask a shop owner for their favorite local spot.
Key Points of Interest
Each day is comprised of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions.
- Day 1: Start your Lake Champlain Valley getaway in the charming coastal-inspired town of Colchester.
- Day 2: Spend the day taking in all the Burlington waterfront has to offer.
- Day 3: Wrap up your trip exploring Shelburne, including a massive collection of historically significant Americana in an outdoor museum and a Vermont winery offering tastings.
Start your Lake Champlain Valley getaway in the charming coastal-inspired town of Colchester.
– DAY 1
Sam Mazza’s Farm Market
This bustling farmers market is open year-round, offering baked goods, Vermont and specialty foods, and in-season produce. Known for their fields of pick your-own produce in the warmer months.
The Pickled Perch
Experience the stunning lake views while dining on the patio and enjoy rotating seasonal menus and weekly specials.
Rozzi’s Lakeshore Tavern
This neighborhood hangout is serving up an extensive menu of delicious food and a variety of local microbrews.
Lakeshore Vermont
Relax in a vacation rental located in the heart of Malletts Bay. Take in the incredible lake and mountain views and enjoy a private sandy beach and dock.
Colchester Causeway Path
Experience Lake Champlain from this four-mile-long gravel path. An extension of the Burlington Bike Path, this section of path takes visitors out onto the lake, by foot or by bicycle. Start in Burlington and explore the shores of Lake Champlain all the way to South Hero using the Island Line Trail Bike Ferry (operated seasonally).
Bayside Beach and Paddle Sports
A 22-acre park overlooking Malletts Bay offers beach access and park facilities such as volleyball and tennis courts, pavilion, and more. Seasonal equipment rentals are available from Bayside Paddle sports.
Spend the day taking in all the Burlington waterfront has to offer.
– DAY 2
ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain
Vermont’s premier science and nature museum located on the Burlington waterfront offers over 100 interactive family experiences, 70 live animal species, seasonal changing exhibits, and more.
Spirit of Ethan Allen
Enjoy a scenic narrated cruise on Lake Champlain to learn about the region’s history, geology, and wildlife.
Foam Brewers
This funky brewery serves unique beers on the shore of Lake Champlain. Enjoy craft beers and local cheese and charcuterie while listening to live music or taking in the lake views.
Shanty On the Shore
This coastal inspired restaurant offers fresh seafood and local fare. The sweeping view from the back porch is unlike any other.
Hotel Vermont
Located a short walk from the waterfront, Hotel Vermont showcases the finest of Vermont. Utilize the complementary bike and snowshoe rentals to explore Burlington.
Waterfront Park & Burlington Bike Path
A hub for Burlington featuring a grassy area for games and picnics. The Burlington Bike path features a boardwalk and benches to relax and enjoy the view.
Don’t have a bike? Rent a bike from Local Motion’s large selection of bikes for the entire family.
Burlington Surf Club
Located on the Burlington Bike Path, visitors can partake in lessons, fitness classes in the pavilion, or rent watercrafts by hour, half day, or full day.
Wrap up your trip exploring Shelburne.
– DAY 3
Farm Craft VT
A self-serve Farm Shop selling botanical body care and household products, all manufactured from raw materials grown on the farm’s 15 acres.
Shelburne Museum
The largest art and history museum in northern New England. View the collections displayed in historic buildings, stroll the beautiful grounds, and enjoy summer concerts.
Shelburne Vineyard Winery & Tasting Room
Stop by Shelburne Vineyard’s tasting room, retail shop and vineyard grounds, offering frequent evening concerts and special events.
Folino’s Wood Fired Pizza
Enjoy a fresh-made, wood-fired pizza in this rustic eatery, serving Neapolitan-style pies made with fresh, simple, and local ingredients.
Visit the Fiddlehead Brewing Company next door to purchase a can or growler to pair with your pizza.
The Inn at Shelburne Farms
Open seasonally, the property was the 19th-century lakefront country home of Dr. William Seward and Lila Vanderbilt Webb. Stay in one of the Inn’s guest rooms or cottages, featuring most of the original furnishings and fixtures.
Shelburne Farms Walking Trails
The walking trails are open year-round for walking, skiing, and snowshoeing. Follow the trails from the Welcome Center, through the working farm, to the Inn and take in the rocky shoreline of Lake Champlain.
Shelburne Bay Park
This 104-acre park offers beach access, trails for walking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing, a boat ramp, and fishing access.
About the Vermont Inspiration Guide
This itinerary comes from the Vermont Inspiration Guide through a partnership between the Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing and the Vermont Chamber of Commerce. This free annual publication highlights Vermont’s restaurants, retailers, attractions, and outdoor adventures and can be ordered online along with other trip planning resources.