Day Trips

Location, location, location. One of the best things about Burlington is…you guessed it, our location. We’re easy to get to from NYC, BOS, and MTL, but we also make a great base camp for fun day trips around the region. Here are a few ideas to get you started!

Camel’s Hump Day Trip

Ready to explore beyond city limits? You don’t have to go far outside Burlington to get to the heart of the Green Mountains. From high peaks to river plunges, an exhilarating day in nature is just within reach.

There are tons of hiking options to choose from east of Burlington, but if you want to go big, hike Camel’s Hump, Vermont’s most iconic silhouette, just 45 minutes outside the city. Camel’s Hump State Park has many trails to choose from, ranging from easy to difficult. No matter which route you take, you will be surrounded by nature’s beauty and rewarded with spectacular views. But, of course, nothing beats reaching the summit, where the full grandeur of the Green Mountains is on display.

Grab a quick breakfast at Sweet Simone’s in Richmond, just twenty minutes east, en route to Camel’s Hump State Park. Flaky croissants, crumbly scones, and other baked goodies are the order of the day, and the coffee alone is worth the trip. 

Once you’ve made the hike and soaked up the incredible view, you might be ready  to cool off with a plunge in mountain waters after that big hike? There is no shortage of swimming holes in Vermont—you just have to know where to look. Bolton Potholes, off the Bolton Valley Access Road, is a gorgeous spot to swim and sunbathe. Picture dramatic rock formations, and waterfalls cascading into pools of crystal-clear water. The Potholes truly are a Marvel.

Towel off and head back to Richmond to enjoy dinner at one of several stellar restaurants. Hatchet has an inventive menu with dishes as tasty as they are fun: Dirty Burger Cat Fries or the Sichuan Sweet and Sour comes to mind. Or try The Big Spruce, Richmond’s newish Mexican joint serving, and we quote, “Tacos & Tequila & Mezcal, Oh My!”

On your way out of town, swing past the famous Old Round Church, a beautifully preserved sixteen-sided meeting house from the early nineteenth century. Take a pic; your Instagram followers will thank you. With bellies full and bodies tuckered out, you’ll be good and ready to head back to Burlington for a good night’s rest.

Day Trip to Shelburne

Just a short drive south on Route 7 or Shelburne Road Shelburne is a great day trip from Burlington. 

Start your day with a handmade breakfast at  Rustic Roots (try the popovers!) and then set off to the Shelburne Museum. You’ll find the world’s largest collection of duck decoys, Impressionist masterpieces, an actual steamboat and many other exhibits and artifacts that are unique to Vermont.

The next stop includes a visit to Shelburne Farms, a local 1,400 acre working farm and National Historic Landmark on the shores of Lake Champlain. A walk through the beautiful gardens or along the grounds is a great way to enjoy an afternoon

From there, relax over at Shelburne Vineyard or Fiddlehead Brewery and quench your thirst after a day of adventure. If you’re hungry, visit Folino’s Pizza for some delicious flatbread!

Waterbury Day Trip

Looking for a day trip excursion from Burlington? 

Waterbury is a great day trip destination from Burlington. Just a short drive South on I-89 and designed for an adventure loving foodie, Waterbury outdoes itself as a small town with a lot of great eats. If you are heading to Waterbury for the day, bring your appetite for great food, amazing adventures, and good times.

Start your day with a trip to Henders Bake Shop & Cafe on Main Street in Waterbury for a delightful coffee, breakfast sandwich or scrumptious pastry. 

If you want to hit the trails and meander under the canopy of the Green Mountains, take a hike up Hunger Mountain. Not for the faint of heart or thigh, this climb pays off with the view. Or dip your oars in Waterbury Reservoir and have a go at paddling through the pristine waters. 

Once tuckered out, head into downtown Waterbury and hit one of the home town classics; Prohibition Pig or the Blackback Pub for a cold brew and a deliciously deserved snack before heading back to Burlington.