Part of the New England Hub • See also: Stowe VT • 1.5 hours from Montreal
Burlington, Vermont sits on Lake Champlain’s eastern shore. Famous for Church Street Marketplace, ECHO Leahy Center, Island Line bike path, and craft breweries. This guide covers restaurants, breweries, Lake Champlain activities, parking, hotels, UVM, and day trips to Stowe and Montreal.
Church Street Marketplace: 4 Blocks, No Cars
The Church Street Marketplace in Burlington, Vermont, is an award-winning, four-block open-air pedestrian mall renowned for its historic brick architecture, vibrant local shops, diverse restaurants, and lively street performers.🅿️ Parking Guide
Convenient parking options surround the marketplace, making it easy to access the car-free zone:
Market Place Garage: $2.00/hour ($16 daily maximum). Full by 11am weekends.
On-Street Parking: $1.50/hour with a strict 2-hour time limit.
Waterfront: Hotel lots usually free. Street parking easier. Waterfront Park lot $2/hr.
University of Vermont (UVM) campus. UVM strictly enforces its parking permits in designated faculty, staff, and student residential lots between 7:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. or 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. depending on the specific lot's posted signs
🛍️ Highlights & Amenities
Pedestrian Only: Completely closed to vehicle traffic across all four blocks.
Historic Charm: Beautiful brick-paved streets lined with historic buildings.
Local Culture: Features year-round street performers, local boutiques, and outdoor dining.
The downtown pedestrian mall features renowned dining options that blend farm-to-table New England ingredients with French-inspired flair.A quick overview of these notable dining destinations:
Restaurants:Hen of the Wood Located just a block off Church Street at 55 Cherry Street, this critically acclaimed, woodsy-chic spot is famous for its elegant dining experience and ever-changing seasonal menu.
Vibe: Upscale, contemporary, and intimate.
Highlights: Parker House Rolls, local raw bar offerings, and thoughtfully sourced, upscale entrees. Reservations on Resy are highly recommended.
Farmhouse Tap & Grill Situated at 160 Bank Street, this award-winning gastropub is celebrated for its locally sourced, world-class burgers.
Vibe: Lively, rustic, and casual.
Highlights: Tamarack Farm Lamb Burger, Cheddar Ale Soup, and an unmatched selection of Vermont craft beers. During warmer months, take advantage of their stellar outdoor beer garden.
Leunig’s Bistro Located right on the corner of Church and College Streets, Leunig’s has been a Burlington Vermont staple since 1980. It brings the elegance and panache of a Parisian café to the Green Mountains.
Vibe: Historic, vintage-glam, and the best people-watching on Church Street.
Highlights: Duck Confit Poutine, Onion Soup Gratinée, and Steak Frites. Book a table on OpenTable for a classic French-Vermont experience.
Deep City in Burlington, Vermont.The legendary home fries recipe from the beloved, now-closed Penny Cluse Café was brought over by its original founder, Charles Reeves, who took over as the food director.
Location: 112 Lake St, Burlington, VT
Cost: Around $9 for a massive portion that easily feeds one or two people (often enough to take half home).
Details: You can get them plain, order them loaded with eggs, or get the signature Sesame-Peanut Tofu Scramble with spuds on the side.
Hours: The restaurant is open for brunch Thursday through Monday from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
Vibe: It is a walk-in-only concept (no reservations) situated next to Foam Brewers.
Distinctive Shops
Home to over 100 shops and restaurants, it seamlessly blends local Vermont commerce with a lively, community-focused atmosphere that shifts with the seasons.
Frog Hollow: As the nation’s first state craft center, this nonprofit gallery features stunning, handmade work from over 100 Vermont artisans. It is the perfect stop for unique fine art, ceramics, and locally crafted gifts.
Outdoor Gear Exchange: A beloved local institution since 1995, this massive, multi-level outfitter supplies new and consigned outdoor equipment, footwear, and apparel for any Vermont adventure.
Kiss the Cook: A staple gourmet kitchen store, offering high-quality cookware, local Vermont specialty foods, and a popular professional knife-sharpening service.
Seasonal Highlights
Winter: The pedestrian mall transforms into a festive wonderland anchored by a glittering public ice rink and illuminated by hundreds of thousands of holiday lights draping the historic architecture.
Summer: The street comes alive with extended sidewalk patios for outdoor dining and is filled with the sounds of local musicians and street performers (buskers) providing daily entertainment.
Lake Champlain Waterfront: Bike Path & ECHO Museum
Explore the scenic Burlington-Colchester waterfront, where the 14-mile Island Line Trail spans Lake Champlain via a historic causeway to the Islands. Immerse yourself in hands-on STEM at the ECHO, Leahy Center before relaxing on local beaches or enjoying sunset views over the water. Church Street noise, the bars open until 2am. Hotel Vermont + Hilton get street noise. Light sleepers stay Waterfront.Top Things to Do & See
Island Line Trail: This 14-mile, mostly paved trail stretches from Oakledge Park in Burlington to Colchester’s causeway. The spectacular 3-mile causeway features water on both sides and a seasonal bike ferry that bridges a 200-foot gap to South Hero Island. Bike ferry $10 across “cut” summer weekends only. Otherwise 4-mile detour.
ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain: An interactive science and nature museum featuring live animal exhibits, an aquarium, and 3D films. Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily. Exhibits: Aquarium + science (features 70+ species and 100+ interactive exhibits). Time to See It: 1.5 to 2 hours is the recommended time. Admission: Adults: $23, Kids (3-17): $16, Adults (VT Residents): $20 Kids (VT Residents): $17, Kids 2 & Under: Free, Seniors/Students: $21
Lake Champlain Ferries: The seasonal car and passenger ferry connects Burlington Vermont to Port Kent, NY in approximately 1 hour. It's a great summer-only option to easily cross into New York. Ferry to NY: 1 hour to Port Kent, $12.25 car + driver, $4.25 passenger. Summer only. Reservations needed Fri/Sun. Closed Oct-Apr.
Lake Champlain swimming: North Beach $7 parking. Oakledge Park free but fills by 10am weekends. Water 65-75°F July-Aug. Closed after heavy rain.
Parks & Beaches
North Beach Park: Burlington’s largest public swimming beach offers seasonal amenities, a playground, and a campground. Paid vehicle parking is available via the Parkmobile App or park kiosks (typically around ($3/hour).
Oakledge Park: A beautiful south-end park with sandy coves, a rocky coastline, a universally accessible treehouse, and prime cliffs spots.
Sunset & Atmosphere
Prime Sunset Spots: Catch breathtaking sunsets over the Adirondack Mountains at Waterfront Park or Perkins Pier.
The Fog Horn: Keep in mind that the lake’s marine fog horn is very loud at night during low visibility, which can occasionally be heard from nearby hotels and rentals.
Best Breweries in Burlington VT: Foam, Switchback & Zero Gravity
Burlington has 15+ breweries in a 3-mile radius. Most are walkable from Church Street or in the South End Arts District. Here are the 6 you can’t miss:
| Brewery / Establishment | Flagship Beer / Cider | Taproom Location | Food Options | Brewery Tours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foam Brewers | Experimental IPAs (e.g., Lake Of Fire) | Lake Champlain Waterfront | Cheese, charcuterie, and rotating local food trucks | No public tours |
| Switchback Brewing Co. | Switchback Ale (Unfiltered & naturally carbonated) | South End Arts District | Full on-site Smokehouse serving Southern BBQ | Production floor visible via taproom windows |
| Zero Gravity Craft Brewery | Green State Lager & Conehead IPA | Pine Street Arts District (Beer Hall) | Full kitchen menu (burgers, bratwurst, snacks) | No public tours |
| Burlington Beer Company | It's Complicated Being a Wizard (Double IPA) | South End (180 Flynn Ave, near Oakledge Park) | Full-service restaurant featuring elevated pub fare | Production floor viewable from the barrel house |
| Citizen Cider | Unified Press (Hard Cider) | Pine Street Corridor | Full pub menu including cider-braised burgers and wings | No public tours |
| The Farmhouse Tap & Grill | 50+ rotating Vermont craft taps (Hill Farmstead, Lawson's) | Downtown (Near Church Street Marketplace) | Farm-to-table burgers and locally sourced cheeses | N/A (Craft beer bar/restaurant) |
Bottom line: Start at Foam for lake views, hit Zero Gravity + Citizen Cider on Pine St, end at Switchback for BBQ. Designated driver or Uber required — most are 1-2 miles apart.
Church Street vs Waterfront: Where to Stay in Burlington
| Feature | Church Street | Waterfront |
|---|---|---|
| Vibe & Crowds | Historic, pedestrian mall, buskers, restaurants, bars. Loud until 2am weekends. Tourist hub. | Quieter, Lake Champlain views, ECHO Museum, bike path. Families, sunsets. Fog horn at night. |
| Hotels | Hotel Vermont, Hilton Burlington, Courtyard Marriott. $300-500/night summer. No parking included. | Hilton Garden Inn, Doubletree, Courtyard Lake Champlain. $250-400/night. Free parking often included. |
| Restaurants | 50+ spots. Hen of the Wood, Farmhouse Tap, Leunig’s, Penny Cluse. Reservations needed. | 10-15 spots. Splash at the Boathouse, Shanty on the Shore, Foam Brewers. Walk-ins ok. |
| Parking | Market Place Garage $2/hr, $16/day. Street $1.50/hr 2-hr limit. Full by 11am weekends. | Hotel lots usually free. Street parking easier. Waterfront Park lot $2/hr. |
| Walkability | Walk to everything: shops, bars, ECHO. 0.5 miles to Waterfront. | 5 min walk to Church St. On Island Line Trail. Ferry to NY 10 min walk. |
| Best For | First-time visitors, no car, nightlife, shopping, UVM parents, winter | Families, lake views, bike path, quiet, summer, better parking |
University of Vermont UVM: Parents Guide
Navigating the University of Vermont (UVM) is a breeze with key logistical details. Move-in runs August 24-26; secure local accommodations a year in advance as rates easily exceed $400/night. For campus visits, free 2-hour tours are available, and the Davis Center offers great dining options.Move-In Weekend (August 24–26)Lodging: Hotels book a full year in advance for late August. Expect rates of $400/night or higher due to high demand. Consider booking early at highly-rated spots like Hotel Vermont or DoubleTree by Hilton.
Parking Logistics: For move-in, follow specific university directional signs. If you are visiting campus regularly, short-term visitor parking is available at the Votey Hall or Gutterson garages for about $2/hr. Permits are typically required on weekdays from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm, though rules vary.
Car Restrictions: Note that first-year students living in residence halls are generally not permitted to register or bring vehicles to campus without a waiver (e.g., medical needs or off-campus employment).
Campus Tours & Daily Visits Tour Details: Guided admissions tours are completely free and take about 2 hours, led by current student ambassadors.
Visitor Parking: Park for your tour at the Jeffords Lot, accessible via the Beaumont Avenue entrance. You must use designated "Admissions Visitor" spaces to avoid citations.
Dining & Amenities: The Davis Center is the central student hub and houses the main campus food court, a marketplace, and the UVM Bookstore.
UVM Weekend (Parents & Family Weekend)
Event Timing: The university hosts "UVM Weekend" (formerly Alumni and Family Weekend) every fall, usually spanning October 2-4.
Accommodations: Because this is a major campus event, hotel availability drops quickly. Proactively book your rooms early at Hotel Vermont or the Delta Hotels by Marriott in South Burlington.
1-Day Burlington Itinerary: Lake & Beer
Experience Burlington’s best with a morning on Church Street Marketplace for a maple latte and local boutique shopping, followed by hands-on environmental exhibits at the ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain.
Coffee & City Culture9:00 AM - Coffee on Church Street: Start your day at Muddy Waters or August First (just off Church Street) for artisanal espresso and fresh-baked pastries.
10:00 AM - Stroll & Shop: Walk the vibrant, brick-paved Church Street Marketplace. Pop into local favorites like Common Deer for Vermont-made gifts.
11:00 AM - ECHO Museum: Head down to the waterfront to explore the ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, a science and nature museum right on the lake.
Midday: Biking & Beach
12:30 PM - Island Line Bike Rental: Rent a bike at Local Motion right on the waterfront.
1:15 PM - Bike the Causeway: Pedal the Island Line Trail. The Colchester Causeway is an old railroad bed that extends 3.5 miles directly across the water, offering 360-degree views of the Adirondacks and Green Mountains.
2:30 PM - Swim at North Beach: On your ride back, lock your bike and cool off at North Beach Park, Burlington’s largest public swimming beach.
Afternoon: Waterfront Breweries
4:00 PM - Foam Brewers: Kick off your craft beer crawl at Foam Brewers. Located right by Waterfront Park, grab an IPA on their outdoor patio overlooking the lake.
5:30 PM - Zero Gravity Craft Brewery: Take a 15-minute walk down to Pine Street in the South End Arts District to visit Zero Gravity. Enjoy their flagship Green State Lager in the airy beer hall.
Evening: Dinner & Sunset
7:00 PM - Dinner at Hen of the Wood: Indulge in Vermont’s celebrated farm-to-table dining at Hen of the Wood, located right downtown.
8:30 PM - Sunset at Waterfront Park: End your day by grabbing a spot on the Adirondack chairs at Waterfront Park to watch the sunset over Lake Champlain.
Day Trips from Burlington: Stowe & Montreal
Burlington's central location makes it the perfect launching pad for diverse regional day trips. Head 45 minutes east to Stowe for alpine recreation, 1.5 hours north to cosmopolitan Montreal, 15 minutes south to explore the sprawling Shelburne Museum, or 2 hours west for Adirondack Olympic history in Lake Placid.Alpine Adventures & Sweets (Stowe & Waterbury)
Drive time: ~45 minutes eastThe Vibe: Outdoor mountain thrills followed by world-famous sugary treats.
Must-Dos:
- Drive the scenic switchbacks of Smugglers' Notch.
- Visit the Stowe Mountain Resort for scenic gondola rides or world-class skiing.
- Tour the original Ben & Jerry's Factory in nearby Waterbury, making sure to stop by the quirky Flavor Graveyard outside. You can book your Ben & Jerry's Factory Tours online before you arrive.
2. Urban Culture & International Flair (Montreal)
Drive time: ~1.5 hours northThe Vibe: A bustling, European-style metropolis across the Canadian border.
Requirements: A valid passport is strictly required.
Must-Dos:
- Walk the cobblestone streets of Old Montreal and visit the Notre-Dame Basilica.
- Make sure to budget for the current exchange rate so you can grab a classic Canadian poutine and Montreal bagels.
Art, Gardens & History (Shelburne Museum)
Drive time: ~15 minutes southThe Vibe: A sprawling, eclectic showcase of American folk art, quilts, and historic buildings.
Must-Dos:
- Explore the beautiful gardens and step aboard the restored 1906 steamship, the Ticonderoga.
- Founded by Electra Havemeyer Webb, the massive campus features 39 distinct historic structures spread across 45 acres. Plan your visit using the Shelburne Museum Tickets & Hours portal.
Olympic Glory & Scenic Crossings (Lake Placid, NY)
Drive time: ~2 hours via ferryThe Vibe: A scenic lake crossing leading to legendary Adirondack mountain history.
Must-Dos:
- Take the scenic Lake Champlain Ferry (crossing time is about 1 hour) over to New York and drive a short distance west.
- Explore the Olympic sites, including the ski jumps, the bobsled track, and the Herb Brooks Arena where the 1980 "Miracle on Ice" occurred.
Lake Placid NY via ferry for Olympic sites and Whiteface Mountain.