Burlington Bliss: A Lake Champlain Long Weekend
Craft Beer, Mountain Views, and Lakeside Charm
Trip Overview
This three-day itinerary captures the colorful, laid-back spirit of Burlington, Vermont. Travelers will experience the crowded Church Street Marketplace, savor excellent craft beer and farm-to-table cuisine, and soak in the impressive natural beauty of Lake Champlain and the nearby Green Mountains. The pace is moderate, blending leisurely strolls, cultural visits, and active exploration. Highlights include a sunset sail on the lake, a tour of the iconic Ben & Jerry's factory, and immersive visits to local breweries and historic sites. It's the perfect blend of urban energy and lakeside relaxation.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrival & Downtown Delights
Where to Stay Tonight
Downtown Burlington (Hotel Recommendation: Hilton Burlington Lake Champlain)
Central location puts you within easy walking distance of Church Street, the waterfront, and most evening dining and entertainment.
Brews, Views & Sweet Scoops
Where to Stay Tonight
Downtown Burlington (Same as Day 1)
Maintaining a downtown base minimizes travel time after the day trip and keeps you in the center of the evening action.
Island Escape & Mountain Farewell
Where to Stay Tonight
Downtown Burlington (Same as previous nights)
Convenient for your final evening and easy access to the airport or interstate for departure the next morning.
Practical Information
Getting Around
Burlington is very walkable downtown. A car is highly recommended for Day 2's trip to Ben & Jerry's and Day 3's island/museum explorations. Rental cars are available at the airport (BTV). Local buses (GMT) serve the city, and rideshares are available. The Lake Champlain ferry is a scenic must-do for drivers.
Book Ahead
Book accommodations well in advance, for summer and fall weekends. Reserve timed tickets for Ben & Jerry's Factory Tour and consider booking the Whistling Man sunset sail. Make dinner reservations for popular spots like Hen of the Wood.
Packing Essentials
Comfortable walking shoes, layered clothing (weather changes quickly), a light rain jacket, sunscreen, a reusable water bottle, and a cooler bag if you plan to buy local cheese or beer.
Total Budget
$510 (for 3 days, excluding flights and pre-booked accommodations)
Customize Your Trip
Budget Version
Stay at a hostel like The Burlington Hostel. Pack picnics from the City Market Co-op. Focus on free activities: hiking at Oakledge Park, touring the UVM campus, and enjoying the free concerts at Waterfront Park. Use the free local bus system.
Luxury Upgrade
Book a lakeview suite at Hotel Vermont. Charter a private sailboat on Lake Champlain. Dine at the chef's counter at Honey Road. Arrange a private guided hiking tour in the Green Mountains. Enjoy a spa day at the Topnotch Resort in Stowe.
Family-Friendly
Swap brewery tours for the ECHO Science Center and the Burlington Surf Club (kayak/paddleboard rentals). The Ben & Jerry's tour is a huge hit. Visit the Vermont Teddy Bear Factory in Shelburne. Choose accommodations with a pool and consider a condo rental for more space.
Book Activities for Your Trip
Tours, tickets, and experiences in Burlington