If you are planning a family road trip to Vermont, New Hampshire, or Maine, you’ll find our New England family vacation recommendations across multiple blog posts, starting with our 3 day/4 night stay in socially conscious Burlington, Vermont (one of my favorite places on Earth).
Burlington, Vermont
Days 1 and 5 of our 18 day New England family road trip where spent in Burlington, Vermont. First, full disclosure, I’m totally biased here because I used to live in Burlington and I love Vermont beyond measure. Vermont is my happy place. And Burlington, Vermont, is one of my ultimate happy places.
Where To Stay: We loved camping at North Beach Campground, which is in Burlington, on the bike path, and just a two minute walk to the beach on Lake Champlain. Every morning I was able to walk down to the water to do my morning practice (mild yoga and meditation). Being able to be that close to the water (and the views of the Adirondacks Mountains) was priceless.
What To Do: 1) Watch the sunset from Burlington’s Waterfront Park. It’s one of my favorite places on Earth for watching sunsets. 2) Spend as much time as you can on the Burlington Bike Path. This eight mile trail offers amazing views of the lake and mountains with many places to stop and enjoy along the way. 3) Experience Church Street, especially if you love to shop and people watch. 4) Visit the ECHO lake aquarium and science center. 5) Play, swim, and fish in Lake Champlain.
Bonus Day Trip: Head to Waterbury, Vermont to tour the Ben and Jerry’s Factory and visit the Waterbury Reservoir to swim, paddle, fish or picnic as you take in all the beauty.
We were in Burlington for the July 3rd Independence Day Celebration on the Burlington Waterfront. Instead of joining the thousands of people at Waterfront Park, we were able to casually walk down to North Beach from our campsite to watch the fireworks.
Things To Eat and Drink: 1) Going to Ben and Jerry’s on Church Street is an obvious must. 2) Anything with Vermont maple syrup, including maple creemees. 3) If you’re in Burlington on a Saturday, be sure to find time to stroll through Burlington’s Farmer Market to sample some of the best Vermont made produce, cheese, snacks, meals, and treats. 5) There are many local beers in Burlington, but my favorite is still Magic Hat #9. 4) And if you like Thai food, we highly recommend eating at Thai Dishes on lower Church Street.
Burlington, Vermont will always have a special place in my heart… and a piece of my heart will always remain in Burlington.
