If you’re looking for a quintessential long weekend in New England with picture-perfect scenery and a relaxed vibe, head to Burlington, Vermont.
The state is small, and you’ll have cute towns and the Green Mountains to explore in one or two-hour drives, so renting a car is a great option.
Hungry after your flight? Head to Myers Wood Fired Bagels for Montreal-style, wood-fired bagels. Refueled, make your way to downtown Burlington, and explore the pedestrian-only Church Street marketplace and shops celebrating local arts and crafts.
In Burlington, rent a bike to admire the 127-mile long and 14-mile-wide Lake Champlain on its designated bike trail.
Google Vermont, and you’ll likely find a photo of Stowe, a ski town in a post-card worthy setting. About a 45-minute drive from Burlington, this is the perfect home base. Its ski hills are available for mountain biking and hiking in the summer and fall. You’ll be hungry after either of those activities, so you’re in luck. Vermont takes its cheese and its farm-to-table restaurants seriously. Celebrate a special occasion at Hen of the Wood in Waterbury (there is also a second location in downtown Burlington) or grab a bite at Doc Ponds, the Bench, or Harrison’s in Stowe. There are breweries and don’t forget apple or hard cider. For breakfast, there is no need to ask if the maple syrup is real. There’s no fake syrup in Vermont.
Vermont is also home to the most covered bridges in the country. In Quechee, visit the Simon Pearce retail store and watch its skilled crafts people blowing glass to create vases and glassware. In Woodstock, browse gift shops and snap a photo at the Village Green. In Bristol, at the Tillerman Inn, order the mushroom pizza with Vermont cheddar.
For a family-friendly activity, the kids will love the factory tour at the home of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream in Waterbury.
Then, take some time to relax and admire the view.
The flight to Burlington is just a little over two hours, making it the perfect weekend getaway. Get to Going.