2 Ways to Spend the Day
in Burlington, VT
If you have read my Vermont posts, you know I am in love with this state and all that it offers. I have so many places on my “must visit” list and we always enjoy exploring when we come to visit our son at the University of Vermont. It can be overwhelming to narrow down your choices, so here are 2 day trip suggestions for the Burlington area.
Lodging
Option 1 would be The Courtyard Marriott in downtown Burlington. We have always liked this pet-friendly, clean and centrally located hotel…the bonus being the view of Lake Champlain from our room!
If you would like to try something unique, you will hit the jackpot with option 2…an Airbnb 20 minutes outside of Burlington in Hinesbury, VT at the Valley View Green Mountain Carriage House.
This charming carriage house, set on a quintessential Vermont horse farm, was immaculate and even had a window in the family room peaking into the horse’s stable.
But the big surprise for us were the views!!! We arrived at night in the dark, so waking up to a kaleidoscope of reds, oranges and yellows was truly breathtaking.
You could see the incredible scenery from the large picture windows in the bedroom, family room and even out the kitchen window while making coffee. There were also adirondack chairs and a fire pit so we could enjoy the landscape from the patio.
Breakfast
Now let’s talk about options for my favorite meal…breakfast! During this trip, we really wanted to spend time as a family, talking and catching up, so we decided to take the time to enjoy a sit down breakfast. The first morning, we drove to Winooski, just a few minutes outside of Burlington, and had an incredible breakfast at Sneakers Bistro.
I am personally not a coffee drinker, but after tasting Scott’s maple coffee I could be convinced to convert if I could order this daily.
Not only was their coffee outstanding, but their breakfasts were hearty and delicious! Jared and I LOVED their special…pumpkin creme brulee oatmeal layered with cranberries and pure maple syrup…INCREDIBLE!!!
The following day, we ate breakfast at The Friendly Toast right in Burlington. With a HUGE menu full of breakfast goodness, it will take you some time to figure out which yummy option to order. I recommend the New Hampshire’s Finest Scramble…scrambled eggs with asparagus, bacon and goat cheese…Yum! But Jared ordered the most interesting dish…Doghnut Stop Believin’…a breakfast sandwich on French toasted donuts filled with scrambled eggs, chipotle maple sour cream, sausage & cheddar cheese topped with a powdered sugar and a side of strawberry habanero jam. Needless to say…it was much better than his usual dining hall meals and he was in heaven!
TIP: Neither breakfast spot takes reservations but they both have an online waitlist you can join which will get you seated quickly.
Day Trips
Now that you’re full, here are a couple options for hiking near Burlington…
The first is the 4.1 mile dog-friendly Preston Pond Libby’s Lookout trail near Jericho VT.
This mostly moderate trail is extremely well marked and leads to a spectacular cliff overlook…towering over hills dripping with foliage colors.
If you continue on, you will pass two peaceful ponds…
We hit this trail perfectly during foliage season…hiking under canopies of golden yellow trees with a carpet of colorful leaves below.
TIP: Since there is little to no cell service at this trailhead, I recommend downloading the trail map and also looking at directions to your next destination ahead of time.
After your hike, if you have worked up an appetite, head over to Palmer Lane Maple for delicious creemees. In addition to the traditional maple creemees, they usually offer a couple other yummy flavors like pumpkin or coffee to twist in.
TIP: Be sure to ask for their famous maple sprinkles!
Hungry for lunch? On your way back to Burlington, stop off at The Mad Taco in Essex Junction. Their tacos and burritos with house-smoked meats are out of this world and you can taste test their 5 hot sauces ranging from mild to “Dracarys”.
While you wait for your food, play a game of table shuffleboard and then enjoy your lunch on their outdoor patio or at the picnic tables on the lawn by the pavilion.
The second option for your day is to go a little north of Burlington to Ethan Allen Park. This very dog-friendly park is a gem and offers unparalleled 360 degree views of Lake Champlain and the mountains surrounding Burlington…all from a stone tower you can climb up!
Continuing your walk you’ll find a peaceful grassy pavilion that also overlooks the lake with the Adirondacks silhouetted in the background…a wonderful place to relax.
After spending the morning in the park, the guys wanted to watch Sunday Football. Since it was a beautiful October day, we took a scenic drive to The Mill Market in South Burlington, where we picked up some amazing sandwiches and their famous cider donuts, then made our way to Frost Beer Works so Scott could enjoy one of his favorite beers during the game.
We all had such a great afternoon relaxing in the sun, enjoying a picnic and watching football…with great Wifi!
Evening Activities
My #1 evening recommendation will always be to take out dinner from one of the many Church Street area restaurants and eat at Waterfront Park on Lake Champlain to enjoy the sunset.
After the sun goes down, I would also suggest getting tickets to a University of Vermont sports game...they are inexpensive and so much fun to attend! We happened to be there when the talented UVM men’s soccer team was playing. We loved sitting in the student section with my son and his friends, experiencing all their excitement at the game!
I hope you found some great options you can mix and match to create YOUR perfect day trip when visiting Burlington!