Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Copy Link
The Ultimate Guide To Summer In Burlington, Vermont
Written By: Brittany Blazey
At Sarah Harrington Real Estate, we have had the privilege of assisting our clients with their relocation to the beautiful state of Vermont. Over the past year alone, we have guided countless newcomers towards finding their dream homes. Throughout this journey, we have noticed a common curiosity among new residents – a desire to uncover the most delightful dining spots, shopping destinations, recreational activities, and exploration opportunities. To satisfy this longing for discovery, we have crafted an exceptional guide featuring a carefully curated selection of our team’s personal favorites in Burlington, Vermont. With our in-depth knowledge of the area, we present to you an assortment of extraordinary experiences that capture the essence of this vibrant city!
1. Beautiful Town Parks.
Ask a Vermonter what they do on their summer weekends and you can guarantee that their plans will include getting outside. Red Rocks Park is a 100-acre hiking area and relaxed swim spot offering 700 feet of waterfront. Traverse the beautiful cliffs and then hop in for a refreshing swim in Lake Champlain. Finish off your day with a BBQ at the picnic area complete with grills–just bring your own supplies, charcoal, lighter fluid, etc…Summer gate hours are 8:00AM to 7:00PM daily starting the Tuesday after Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Leddy Park is another favorite park of ours in Burlington, Vermont. Bring your own barbecuing supplies to use the public grills and enjoy swimming at the beach nearby. There are activities for everyone to enjoy from public tennis courts, basketball courts, softball field, soccer field, pickleball, and more!
2. Bike Path.
Burlington, Vermont is one of the most bike friendly cities to live in. This is why we encourage cruising around downtown and the waterfront like a local on a bike from Local Motion! You will enjoy riding down the beautiful Island Line Trail to the Local Motion Bike Ferry. This ferry brings you up to the Champlain Islands with an encouraged $10 donation for the trip. The summer daily service runs from Friday, June 18th to Monday, September 6th.
Island Line Trail Video:
Need a snack after your ride? Your best summer day in Burlington, Vermont is not complete without a visit to Bob’s Creemee Stand. Higher in butterfat content, creemees are like soft serve ice cream, but better!
3. Libations.
Vermont is known for its wide variety of craft selections from beer, cider, liquor, and wine to even soda and tonic waters. For craft beer fanatics’, you can’t go wrong with Zero Gravity Brewing and Switchback Brewing. Zero Gravity offers a wide selection of beers including IPA’s, Sour Ales, and Stouts. They also offer food from the phenomenal restaurant next door The Great Northern with our favorite dishes including: Maine Smoked Scallop Poke and Frank’s Dry Aged Steak Sandwich. At Switchback Brewing, enjoying a cold brew on the outdoor patio is a special treat. This ultra dog-friendly tap room is sure to please the pickiest of IPA’s lovers in your life. After you finish your brew, take a walk down to Oakledge Park to hike around and watch the sunset.
Beer not your thing? Try Citizen Cider including our favorite, Dirty Mayor which is a hard-apple cider with lemon and ginger. They also have a new hard seltzer offering including: “Apple All Day,” “Lemon Spritz,” “Ginger Love,” and “Hibiscus Lime.” Enjoy outdoor seating, pub food, and mingle with the locals at their relaxed taproom.
Walk a few blocks down the road on Pine Street and you’ll hit Dedalus Wine Shop. This summer Chef Micah and the Dedalus team are bringing BBQ on the Terrace to Burlington from Wednesday to Saturday, 4PM to 10PM with no reservation needed. The menu includes everything from champagne, white wine, red wine, rosé to savory culinary creations like wagyu flank steak, and chorizo!
4. Eateries.
Now, let’s walk you through a day of eating in Burlington, Vermont.
Breakfast.
We fell in love with women-owned TomGirl Kitchen for their delicious and nutritious menu items including fresh pressed organic juices and Instagram-worthy smoothie bowls. You have the option to take your breakfast to-go or sit down on their outdoor patio. We recommend that you explore the Soda Plant and others shops on Pine Street either way!
Lunch.
Right off Church Street Marketplace is the infamous restaurant Hong’s Chinese Dumplings. Her team serves up the most delicious, mouthwatering, and pillowy soft dumplings in the country. Don’t believe us? Watch the episode of Diners, Drive-In’s, and Dives, where Guy Fierri puts his stamp of approval on this once popular Church Street Marketplace food cart turned to a successful restaurant!
Dinner.
In the heart of Burlington right on the end of Church Street Marketplace is the locally owned Mediterranean restaurant called Honeyroad. If you’re looking for a taste of the eastern Mediterranean, look no further than this local gem in Burlington, Vermont. Chefs Cara Chigazola-Tobin and Allison Gibson have created a restaurant that is truly a feast for the senses. From the silky smooth baba ghanoush to the succulent braised lamb chops, every dish is cooked with love and crafted to perfection!
5. Events & Activities.
Pack up your sunscreen, towels, and a picnic lunch! We’re heading down to the Lake Champlain Sailing Center for a fun day of sun and surf! From August 2 to September 6th drop-ins are welcome to rent water crafts (for 2 hours maximum) including dinghies, paddleboards, kayaks, and canoes at the CSC. Looking to stay on land? The Sailing Center also offers Yoga On The Dock (and deck) for $15 (drop-in) from May 1 to September 5th. WND&WVS’ is also an option for those looking to enjoy some waterfront fun. Join a group of passionate watermen and women for day-use paddleboard rentals and prime beachfront at Burlington Surf Club. Whether you choose the CSC or WND&WVS’, both will give you the opportunity to make local connections while relaxing and taking in the views of Lake Champlain!
Want to keep the lakefront fun going? Hop on The Spirit of Ethan Allen for a scenic narrated cruise, Champagne brunch cruise, or sunset cruise among others. Prices will vary depending upon the types of cruising adventure that you choose to take!
6. Church Street Marketplace.
It’s time to shop until you drop! It’s hard to not fall in love with Church Street Marketplace. With Vermonter owned shops throughout you’re helping our economy and supporting a neighbor’s dream by shopping here. A few of our favorite boutiques include Monelle, Ecco, and Dear Lucy Shoes. As for other local shops to explore, some of our favorites include Kiss The Cook and Homeport for the best unique home gadgets and décor items.
7. Burlington Farmers Market.
You can’t come to Burlington in the summer and not attend the farmer’s market. It’s a Burlingtonian staple. We love perusing the vendor stands and conversing with local makers and producers. It’s a fun way to make community connections! Our team loves Barr Hill for the best local gin for cocktails. Nomadic Kitchen Confections for their “Dulce de Leche” marshmallows that make the best campfire smore. Maple Wind Farm for the highest quality pasture-raised meats as needed for your barbecuing festivities. There are so many more local vendors that we love too, but recommend that you visit to see which might be your new personal favorites. You can discover other local BFM vendors to support within their Summer Vendor Directory.
There are so many fun things to do in Burlington, Vermont during the summer. From dining to docking, there’s something for everyone to enjoy! We hope that you found our article to be helpful and look forward to helping you find a home here. Contact Sarah Harrington at sarah@sarahharringtonre.com to begin the process of finding your perfect home in Vermont today!
The Ultimate Guide To Fall In Chittenden County, Vermont
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Vermont’s autumn, as the “Green Mountain State” transforms into a kaleidoscope of vibrant hues. Witness nature’s stunning display as the mountains come alive with hues of orange, red, and yellow, captivating both leaf-peeping enthusiasts from afar and locals seeking front-row seats to this mesmerizing spectacle. Get ready to embrace the spirit of fall as we don our finest Vermont flannels and embark on a journey of seasonal delights. Our team has curated this guide to reveals the best autumn activities in Chittenden County, Vermont, ensuring an unforgettable experience during this enchanting season!
Discover the breathtaking serenity of Shelburne Farms in Shelburne, Vermont, where nature’s splendor unfolds before you. This expansive sanctuary beckons you to embark on an enchanting afternoon stroll or invigorating run. With 10 miles of picturesque lakefront and sprawling farmland, this idyllic haven offers a boundless canvas for exploration. Immerse yourself in awe-inspiring vistas that encompass Vermont’s majestic Mt. Mansfield (Vermont’s tallest peak), the verdant Green Mountains, glistening Lake Champlain, and the rugged Adirondack Mountains. Entry is by donation, making this extraordinary experience accessible to all.
Complete your walk with a visit to Shelburne Farms’ cheese making viewing area, where you can indulge in their renowned, award-winning Smoked Cheddar. Craving a delightful dinner idea? Picture yourself savoring a mouthwatering Smoked Cheddar Mac & Cheese, made even more extraordinary with the addition of North Country Smokehouse bacon available at Healthy Living Market & Café in South Burlington, Vermont.
Do you want a unique, sweet, and extra “gram-worthy” treat? Enjoy a delicious seasonal offering, the Pumpkin Creemee, available exclusively during the fall at The Mill Market & Deli in South Burlington, Vermont. While you’re there, explore the market and discover their heavenly apple cider and cider doughnuts, beloved by Vermonters for generations. These delectable treats are made from the finest locally grown apples, ensuring a minimal processing approach and are treated with UV light as an added safety precaution.
3. Leaf Peeping.
Embrace a timeless tradition that spans generations – witnessing Vermont’s breathtaking fall foliage, also known as “nature’s fireworks show.” For beginners seeking a memorable experience, venture to Mount Philo in Charlotte, Vermont, offering a free hike that showcases the season’s beauty. Prefer a more relaxed outing? Discover the serenity of Niquette Bay State Park in Colchester, Vermont, where you’ll be treated to stunning views of Lake Champlain. For a mere $4 admission fee, this picturesque escape is an absolute steal!
4. The Island Line Rail Trail.
Before winter hibernation sets in, seize the final chance to embark on an exhilarating biking adventure from Burlington, Vermont to South Hero, Vermont. Experience the invigorating thrill of a 13.4-mile ride along the picturesque causeway which offers mesmerizing views of Lake Champlain. Gather your closest friends for this active experience and take in the beautiful fall sights around you. Don’t have a bike but want to join in on the fun? Local Motion in Burlington, Vermont offers bike rentals to help you out!
5. Take A Hot Air Balloon Ride.
Soar to new heights and capture unforgettable moments with Above Reality Hot Air Balloon Rides in Essex, Vermont. Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of floating above the hilltops, surrounded by breathtaking vistas. Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, guided by licensed FAA pilots who prioritize your safety and enjoyment. It’s time to check off that hot air balloon ride from your bucket list and create memories that will last a lifetime!
6. Corn Mazes.
Immerse yourself in the magic of autumn at Sam Mazza’s in Colchester, Vermont. As the leaves change color and the air turns crisp, this beloved destination offers an fun corn maze adventure that everyone is sure to love. Not only will you be treated to a delightful array of mouthwatering food options, from delectable pies to farm-fresh produce, but you’ll also have the chance to explore their 3-mile corn maze. Along your journey, make sure to stop at various “checkpoints” to have your card punched–each punch brings you closer to eligibility for a grand prize drawing!
7. Apple Picking.
From September 1st to mid-October, Adams Apple Orchard & Farm Market in Williston, Vermont is offering pick-your-own apples. With over 6 apple varieties, you’ll find the perfect one for snacking or baking the ultimate apple pie. Crave something extra? Try their Maple Glazed Doughnuts with bacon bits or delightful berry pies that even the pickiest eaters will adore.
8. Pumpkin Carving Displays.
Taking place annually on October 30th and 31st, this enchanting event on Cilley Hill Road brings hundreds of glowing pumpkins that illuminate the night. Join in on this beloved tradition that keeps Vermonters returning year after year!
9. Cooking Classes at The Essex Resort & Spa.
Looking to level up your fall cooking skills right before the holiday season? The Essex Resort & Spa professional chefs share their top secrets to making mouthwatering meals every week! You will receive hands-on instruction tailored to cooks of every level, learn new cooking techniques, and hone your existing skills. Their professionals will teach you how to cook everything from eggs benedict to even sushi. View the class schedule here.
From indoor to outdoor adventures, make the most of this vibrant season before winter arrives and the skis come out! We hope that you found our article to be informative and helpful. Are you thinking of buying or selling in Vermont? Contact Sarah Harrington at sarah@sarahharringtonre.com to begin the process today!
