Burlington, Vermont: Why You’ll Love It
I’ve been to many cities all over the United States, but the majority of them fail to charm me.
Burlington, in Vermont, however… did not fail to do so.
Burlington, Vermont; October 2016
My dad and I agreed that while this wasn’t the most scenic place for the fall foliage in New England, that this city was something special.
Is Burlington Worth Visiting?
Yes, Burlington in Vermont is absolutely worth visiting – especially in the fall for it’s autumn foliage, charming cafés, photogenic streets, and exclusive maple syrup tasting or chocolate shop experiences.
Unique things to do in Burlington, Vermont include:
| Try Vermont-Made Maple Syrup | No trip to Burlington is complete without sampling the state’s signature maple syrup — whether on pancakes, in lattes, or chocolate. |
| Shop Along Church Street | The Church Street Marketplace is a a covered-in-charm, pedestrian-only street lined with local boutiques, cozy bookstores, and independent cafés. |
| Explore Local Bakeries & Restaurants | Burlington has a strong farm-to-table and artisan bakery culture — from flaky pastries to fresh Vermont cheddar grilled cheeses, there’s plenty of unique food to try in Burlington. |
| Embrace the Secluded Charm | Compared to other popular destinations in New England, such as Boston or Providence, Burlington feels slower-paced and more tucked away — making it a perfect for a cozy, unhurried escape into small-town to break up your trip. |
How long should i stay in burlington?
If you’re planning a trip to Burlington in Vermont and wondering how long to stay for, the city is relatively small – meaning a 2 night or 2 full day trip is plenty of time to see everything, even at a relaxed pace.
5 Things to Do in Burlington
There are a few highlights you shouldn’t plan on missing while in Vermont, which include:
Sitting at a local café in Burlington
Checking out Church Street & Main Street
Taking a walk down to Waterfront Park
Touring Lake Champlain Chocolates Factory Store
Here are five things I recommend you do while you’re there:
1. Walk Down Church Street
Most people complain when they get caught in the rain, like myself, but I didn’t mind it this night – because out of it came a stunning picture…
Church Street in Burlington Vermont; October 2016
… it’s a street, essentially, full of quintessential charm, lit up in luminescence both inside and out, with small shops to peruse.
2. Have an Apple Cider at Muddy Waters
During our entire New England trip, all I wanted was an apple cider to pair with the parade of fiery colors we were seeing everywhere.
It wasn’t until Burlington that we finally found exactly what I was looking for.
Inside Muddy Waters in Burlington; October 2016
Muddy waters is not only like a cozy cabin from a movie come to life, but they will make you a real hot apple cider with a real cinnamon stick.
A real apple cider in Vermont!
3. Go to the Lake Champlain Chocolates Factory Store
I’m a huge chocoholic… on the contrary, my dad isn’t…
…yet, we both really enjoyed this museum. They make really fun, atypical flavors to choose from: including bars infused with their maple syrup.
P.S. – do not let yourself leave Vermont without trying their maple syrup… it’s more robust; it tastes so much better than what you’re buying at Costco.
4. Grab a Baked Good at August First
If you’re not into sweets, they also have places to sit down for a savory meal.
Outside August First in Burlington, Vermont.
5. Take a Walk to the Waterfront Park
This one is probably more amusing in the summertime, but it’s a nice walk nonetheless – and the view of the trees popping against the still silver lake is…
Waterfront in Burlington; October 2016
… something.
I hope this gave you some ideas on what to do in Burlington.
Want to see some of our trip to Burlington in action?
Check out my New England travel vlog below!
If you’re looking for other things to do in the U.S., click here.
Last updated: June 1, 2025