A Long Weekend in Burlington
TRAVEL TO VERMONT BY TRAIN
FRIDAY EVENING
Train arrives at Burlington station BTN, 1 Main Street, Burlington, VT
Check in at the Hilton Burlington Lake Champlain, about a five-minute walk from the station, or Hotel Vermont, about ten minutes away on foot, which offers restaurant service and their own selection of beers on the premises.
SATURDAY
Enjoy breakfast with a waterfront view at the Skinny Pancake, making sweet and savory crepes with local ingredients. Afterward, head up to Church Street Marketplace to explore the award-winning pedestrian mall, named the nation’s best public square by USA Today. Church Street is home to more than 100 places to shop and dine.
After lunch, Pine Street hosts the Burlington Farmers Market on Saturdays, featuring live music, locally grown produce and meats, and jewelry, art, and clothing handmade in Vermont. City Hall Park also comes alive with artists selling pottery, jewelry, fused glass, and more on Saturday afternoons.
Families can walk to the ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, Vermont’s science and nature museum on the Burlington waterfront. See 3D films about marine life and the natural world, explore a life-size recreation of a ship that sank in 1876, and get a first-hand glimpse of some of the biggest and most impressive fish species that call Lake Champlain home. Enjoy a beautiful summer evening cruise aboard the Spirit of Ethan Allen, or enjoy a show at the Flynn Center for Performing Arts. In the winter, ice skate outdoors at Battery Park or take a snowy walk along the waterfront.
Cap off the day with dinner at Pizzeria Verita and enjoy a creemee (Vermont lingo for rich, delicious soft ice cream) at Burlington Bay’s creemee window during warmer months. If you’re looking for nightlife, take in a show at Vermont Comedy Club.
SUNDAY
Start the day with brunch made from scratch at The Friendly Toast then head to Local Motion to rent classic bikes, hybrids, or e-bikes. (Local Motion offers the option to reserve ahead of time so you’re sure to get what you want.) From there, take the Island Line Trail, which includes a four-mile section that crosses Lake Champlain and offers beautiful views and photo opportunities. During summer, take the bike ferry to nearby South Hero and have lunch at the Blue Paddle Bistro before heading back into Burlington. The Island Line remains open during winter.
Cool down with a refreshing treat at Shy Guy Gelato and end the day with another waterfront meal at Shanty on the Shore.
MONDAY
10:10 a.m.: Train leaves for NYC
Grab breakfast at August First, with a focus on what’s local, and while you’re there, pick up sandwiches for the train ride home. Bring some Vermont home with you in the form of beer, cheese, or maple syrup with another stop at the Burlington Bay Market and Café before you hop on your train home.
For more lodging, shopping, and dining in Burlington, visit the directory.