Vermont’s story begins with the Green Mountain Boys—Ethan Allen’s militia who helped shape a fierce independent streak—then runs through dairy farms, maple forests, and the shores of Lake Champlain. The state was an independent republic before joining the U.S. in 1791, and that self-reliant spirit shows up in its artisans, cheesemakers, and brewers. Burlington, the state’s cultural heart, mixes college-town energy with lake views and mountain horizons.

Expect seasons with personality. Summer means lake cruises and bike-path picnics; autumn delivers the legendary fall foliage; winter calls skiers and snowboarders to the Green Mountains; and spring’s “mud season” is for uncrowded museums and sugarhouse visits. Pack layers year-round—the lake breeze can surprise even in July.

This 2-day Burlington trip balances classic sights—Church Street Marketplace, Waterfront Park—with local flavor: small-batch coffee, farm-to-table plates, and a brewery scene ranked among the best anywhere. It’s walkable, family-friendly, and delicious. If you’re smitten, Stowe, Waterbury, and the Route 100 Scenic Byway make easy extensions.

Burlington

Burlington sits on a bluff above Lake Champlain, with the Adirondacks on the far shore and the Green Mountains at its back. Strollable, mural-splashed streets end at a sunset-ready waterfront. Street musicians, indie boutiques, and café patios make Church Street Marketplace the city’s living room.

Food and drink punch far above the city’s size. Think wood-fired pizza at Pizzeria Verità, mezze and Vermont produce at Honey Road, and seasonal plates at Hen of the Wood. For beer lovers, Foam Brewers and Zero Gravity headline a deep roster; cider and natural wine are rising too.

• Top sights: Church Street Marketplace, Waterfront Park & the Burlington Bike Path (aka Island Line Trail), ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, Ethan Allen Homestead, and nearby Shelburne Museum (seasonal, usually May–Oct).
• Neighborhoods to wander: Downtown/Church Street, the South End Arts District (studios and breweries), and Winooski’s riverfront dining strip.
• Getting there: Fly into BTV (Burlington International). Search fares on Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com. Typical nonstop times: NYC ~1h20, D.C. ~1h35, Chicago ~2h20; expect ~$150–$450 roundtrip depending on season.
• Driving distances: Montréal ~2 hours; Boston ~3.5 hours; NYC ~5.5–6 hours. Parking garages cluster around Cherry, Bank, and College Streets.

Where to stay: For lake views, look near the Waterfront and Battery Park. For dining and shopping, base around Church Street. Apartments in the Old North End feel local and quiet.

• Compare hotels: Burlington hotels on Hotels.com (typical rates $170–$400+ depending on season).
• Home-style stays: Burlington vacation rentals on VRBO (great for families or groups near the Bike Path).

Insider bites and sips: Coffee at Onyx Tonics (rotating roasters) or Vivid Coffee (nutty house espresso). Breakfast at Penny Cluse (ricotta pancakes and home fries), August First (sticky buns, breakfast sandwiches), or Barrio Bakery (Old North End, superb croissants). Dinner standouts include Honey Road (mezze and seasonal plates), Hen of the Wood (wood-fire, reservations recommended), Pizzeria Verità (VPN-style Neapolitan), Leunig’s Bistro (classic French), and Pho Hong (local favorite for steaming bowls on chilly nights).

Day 1: Lakefront Arrival, Church Street, and Burlington Brews

Morning: Travel to Burlington. If you arrive early, grab a light bite at August First’s sunny bakery-café or a maple latte at Vivid Coffee. Drop bags and lace up—Burlington is best on foot.

Afternoon: Orient yourself with a flexible, self-paced city walk that layers in history, architecture, and lake views.

Smartphone-Guided Walking Tour of Burlington

Start at Waterfront Park for lake breezes, then wander up to Church Street Marketplace for street performers and shops. Pop into ECHO, Leahy Center if you’re traveling with kids or duck into Onyx Tonics for a mid-walk espresso. Late lunch picks: The Skinny Pancake (savory buckwheat crêpes, local sourcing) by the waterfront or The Gryphon (New American classics) near the park.

Evening: Dive into Burlington’s nationally ranked beer scene with a guided tasting and behind-the-scenes look at how IPAs, sours, and lagers get their character.

Burlington Signature Guided Brewery Tour

Afterward, dinner options abound: Honey Road for shareable mezze, Hen of the Wood for wood-fired Vermont fare, or Pizzeria Verità for blistered pies and a savvy wine list. Nightcap at Foam Brewers on the waterfront—often with live music and views of the Adirondacks at dusk. Night owls can add a quirky, lore-filled stroll:

Burlington's Famous Ghosts Smartphone Guided Walking Tour

Day 2: Sunrise Bikes, Local Flavors, and Lake Views

Morning: Welcome the day with an easy spin along the Burlington Bike Path (rentals available in season near the waterfront). The flat trail hugs the lake, with quiet morning light on the Adirondacks. Prefer a stroll? Head for Oakledge Park’s shoreline and the whimsical treehouse.

Fuel up at Penny Cluse (a local institution—arrive early) or Barrio Bakery for a maple morning bun. Then play your way through downtown with a bite-sized challenge that doubles as sightseeing:

Awesome Scavenger Hunt: Burlington Beauty

Afternoon: If your departure is later in the day, duck 15 minutes south to Shelburne Museum (seasonal) for folk art, a lighthouse, and the steamboat Ticonderoga. With tighter timing, shop Church Street for made-in-Vermont goods like maple candies, pottery, and woolens. Lunch picks before you go: Leunig’s Bistro for a French café vibe, Pho Hong for quick, warming bowls, or Misery Loves Co. in nearby Winooski for creative sandwiches and salads.

Leaving by air? BTV is close—plan ~20 minutes from downtown, plus time for rental car return if you picked up wheels for countryside detours. If you’re staying an extra night or visiting in fall, consider a countryside tasting day next time:

Small Group Wine & Cider Tour in Vermont

More local gems (save for a future visit or a bonus half-day):

• Shelburne Farms (walking trails, historic barns; seasonal; 20 minutes south).
• Ethan Allen Homestead (Ranger-guided history walks by the Winooski River).
• South End Arts District: studios, murals, tasting rooms (don’t miss Zero Gravity’s Pine Street taproom).
• Lake cruise aboard the seasonal Spirit of Ethan Allen for Adirondack sunsets (May–Oct).
• Route 100 Scenic Byway day trip (best for an extra day; classic foliage drive).

Practical tips: Book dinner reservations on weekends, especially in leaf-peeping season. Comfortable shoes are a must for brick-and-stone streets. In colder months, bring a windproof layer—the lake breeze adds a chill.

In two days, you’ll have tasted what makes Vermont special: fresh, inventive cooking, small-batch brews, and views that tug you outdoors. Burlington is an easy base with big personality—come back for foliage, a Route 100 road trip, or a snowy weekend on the slopes.