A Summer Day in Burlington, Vermont! – Aug. 29th

🍁 Burlington Vermont Escape! 

Lake Views • Charming Downtown • Scenic Stops • The Perfect Summer Escape

Burlington, Vermont is a fun and lively New England day trip with the perfect mix of energy and scenery. Set right on Lake Champlain, this vibrant town is full of personality – from the buzz of Church Street Marketplace to the waterfront views that that are seriously hard to beat!

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👉 Pricing: Early Bird Sale ends June 1st – Save $10 per person!

 –> $154 per person  – Price includes round trip Motorcoach transportation, itinerary assistance, tour services by your host (Beth), water & snack on bus, and all taxes, fees, and gratuities.

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Spend the day exploring local shops, enjoying a scenic cruise, grabbing coffee or a craft beer, enjoying great food, and maybe even catching some live music or street performers. There’s always something going on, and the atmosphere makes it easy to keep moving and take it all in.

If you’re looking for a day that feels upbeat but relaxed, and FULL of things to do, Burlington is a great pick! It’s the kind of place where you can pack a lot in, have a ton of fun, and still leave wishing you had more time!

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🚌 Departure Information 🌅  

2 pick-ups to choose from:

• Plymouth Park & Ride (off Route 3, exit 35): 6:00 AM
• Rockland Commuter Lot (off Route 3, exit 13): ~6:20 AM

Sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride—we’ll make a quick stop along the way.

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🌄 Morning Scenic Stop (A Hidden Gem!)

Quechee Gorge

We’ll stretch our legs and take in one of New England’s most stunning views—often called “Vermont’s Little Grand Canyon.”

• Easy, quick walk to overlook
• Gorgeous views of the gorge below
• Perfect photo opportunity 📸

👉 A beautiful way to start the day!

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☕ Late Morning Arrival in Burlington

📍 Church Street Marketplace

Arrive in the heart of Burlington, where everything is walkable, lively, and full of charm.

• Outdoor pedestrian street (no cars!)
• Coffee shops, bakeries, boutiques everywhere
• Street performers + great energy

  

Local favorites:

• ☕ Muddy Waters Café (cozy + quirky)
• 🥐 August First Bakery (amazing pastries)

👉 Perfect “wander, explore, and take it all in” vibe

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🚤 Optional Midday Experience

Lake Champlain Cruise (optional – not included – find link below if you’d like to purchase tickets) 

Relax and take in the scenery from the water:

• 1–1.5 hour cruise
• Indoor + outdoor seating with a cafe/restaurant on board
• Views of Lake Champlain + Adirondack Mountains

Scenic Narrated Cruise  (<– click here if you’d like to purchase tickets)

Daily times to choose from:
12:00 – 1:30pm  |  2:00 – 3:30pm  |  4:00 – 5:30pm*

Menu: View Full Menu

Entertainment: Narration

Rates: Adult $36.99  |  Child $15.99

👉 A peaceful break in the middle of your day

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🍽️ Lunch in Burlington (So Many Great Choices!)

Burlington is a foodie’s dream—there’s something for everyone!

 

Top Picks:

• 🍔 Farmhouse Tap & Grill (VERY popular)
• 🥗 Leunig’s Bistro (charming + upscale casual)
• 🥙 Plenty of quick, casual options

👉 Tip: Spread out and explore—there are so many great spots!

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🌿✨ Your Afternoon, Your Way

Choose your perfect afternoon:

🚶‍♀️ Option 1: Waterfront Walk

• Flat, scenic path along the lake
• Stunning Adirondack views
• Benches + peaceful spots to relax

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🛍️ Option 2: Shopping + Treats

  

• Local boutiques + bookstores
• Maple goodies 🍁
• Street performers + fun energy

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🚴‍♀️ Option 3: Bike the Burlington Path

• Rent bikes near the waterfront
• Ride along one of the most scenic bike paths in New England
• Easy, mostly flat ride

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🍦 Late Afternoon Treat + Regroup

Before we head out, grab something sweet:

• Ice cream or a classic Vermont maple creemee 🍦

We’ll regroup, do a quick headcount, and get ready for the ride home.

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🚌 Departure

Depart Burlington: 6:30 PM
(Rest stop along the way)

Return Home: ~11:00 PM

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💛 Why You’ll Love This Trip

• A perfect mix of scenery + fun + flexibility
• A bonus stop at Quechee Gorge (a total hidden gem!)
• No stress—just show up and enjoy your day
• Ideal for friends, couples, or a fun solo day out

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✨ If you’ve been craving a day that feels like a mini vacation… this is it!

 

 

Things to do in Burlington, Vermont:

1.  Visit Vermont’s Best Chocolate Brand

The sun is shining and the temperatures are rising, which can only mean one thing — summer is on its way!  Excitement fills the air as Burlington comes alive with activity.  This year, make the most of your summer in Vermont!  Whether you are visiting for a week with your family,  planning an extended vacation, or just looking for a new adventure, here are some great things to do in our hometown of Burlington, Vermont.

2.  Bike the Island Line trail

Grab your bikes enjoy one of the most scenic bike rides in Vermont! Take in the sights of beautiful Lake Champlain as you cruise the fourteen-mile long bike path known as the Island Line.

3.  Shop the Church Street Marketplace

After you are done perusing the Burlington Farmer’s Market, head on over to the Church Street Marketplace. This open-air marketplace offers something for everyone. Grab a decadent, dark chocolate iced mocha, savor a farm-to-table meal at the Farmhouse Tap and Grill, watch a street performance by a local artist, or shop the boutiques for great Vermont-made gifts to bring home to friends.

4.  Relax on Lake Champlain

Right along downtown Burlington is Lake Champlain! There’s a park area by the docks, so you can walk around and relax by the lake for beautiful views. There are also some stacks of rocks along the lake, and I couldn’t find what they’re there for but still cool to see. If you want to see more of the lake, there are some cruise options to go around the lake.

We didn’t get a chance to go, but the Skinny Pancake is right near the waterfront and came highly recommended if you’re interested in getting some crepes!

5.  Get a Great Cup of Coffee

Burlington has some great coffee shops and roasteries if you need a caffeine boost! We got some coffee at Speeder and Earl’s, and I loved how fun and retro it is. You can also buy coffee beans or grounds for a Vermont souvenir!

6.  Bike the Burlington Greenway Along Lake Champlain

If you’re looking for a way to get outside and enjoy the fabulous Vermont weather and spectacular mountain views, look no further than the Burlington Greenway, also known as the Burlington Bike Path.

I would definitely argue that the Burlington Greenway is one of the prettiest paths in the country and one of the absolute best things to do i n Burlington, Vermont.

The paved trail runs along the water for eight miles, from Oakledge Park in the south to the Winooski River in the north. It connects several awesome parks and recreation areas, including the Burlington Waterfront, North Beach, and Leddy Park.

Wear your bathing suit because you’ll have lots of opportunities to cool off in Lake Champlain, and if eight miles isn’t enough, you can continue north on the Island Line Trail into the Lake Champlain Islands and beyond. The trail is open to walkers and joggers if you don’t have a bike of your own, or you can rent a bike for an afternoon or weekend.

7.  Take a Cruise on Lake Champlain

 Scenic Narrated Cruise  (<– click here if you’d like to purchase tickets)

May 2 – October 23

Days & Times: 
Daily
12 – 1:30pm  |  2 – 3:30pm  |  4 – 5:30pm*

Menu: View Full Menu

Entertainment: Narration

Rates: Adult $36.99  |  Child $15.99

8.  Stock up on Local Goodies at the Burlington Farmers Market

Locals love shopping for fresh produce, meat, and cheese at the Burlington Farmers’ Market each Saturday, but the market is truly an event that is enjoyed by everyone.

Visit the market, and you will quickly discover why it’s so special. There are special events, live music, fabulous prepared foods, and locally produced crafts.

There are many farmers’ markets throughout Vermont, but the Burlington Farmers’ Market is one of the biggest—definitely worth checking out!

The Burlington Farmers’ Market is held on Saturdays from May 7 to October 29 at 345 Pine Street in Burlington, from 9 am to 2 pm.

9.  Visit the Shelburne Museum

Explore more of Vermont and the rest of the world at the Shelburne Museum in Shelburne, Vermont. This is the largest art and history museum in northern New England and one of Vermont’s best attractions.

The Museum’s 45-acre campus includes a Shaker design Round Barn, a General Store, a carousel, and the 220-foot sidewheel steamboat Ticonderoga. Meander through acres of beautiful gardens outdoors and check out the Webb Gallery, which features important American paintings by Andrew Wyeth, Winslow Homer, Grandma Moses, John Singleton Copley, and more.