Things To Do
Burlington Activities: Church St. Marketplace
Local shopping, restaurants, street musicians, etc. on one of the United States' first pedestrian malls (initiated in 1962 by Senator Patrick Leahy!).
Burlington Activities: Waterfront Park
Lots to do along the waterfront for all: enjoy a stroll or picnic, take a Lake Champlain cruise on the Spirit of Ethan Allen, or - for kids especially - visit ECHO, the Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, Vermont's science and nature museum where you can learn all about the ecosystems and the people who call Lake Champlain home. Fun fact: Benjamin's old boss Mayor Bernie Sanders initiated waterfront redevelopment in the 1980s.
Burlington Activities: Burlington Farmers Market
Enjoy selections from an assortment of Vermont's countless local artists, artisans, farmers, dairies, butchers, and more. Every Saturday from 9am-2pm.
Burlington Activities: The Soda Plant
Tons of food and drink options, along with artists' studios and a small business hub. Use this as your base to explore the South End. Find some local artifacts to bring home, or enjoy a coffee and a bun as you walk around. The afterparty will take place here.
Burlington Activities: Ethan Allen Homestead Park
The Ethan Allen Homestead Park hosts the home of the leader of the Green Mountain Boys and Vermont's revolutionary champion. “There is an original something in him that commands attention,” George Washington once said about Ethan Allen, which we feel reflects our time in this place and we hope is also true of your time at our wedding. The park is also home to Alnobaiwi (https://www.alnobaiwi.org/), a nonprofit committed to preserving the cultural heritage of Vermont's first people, the Abenaki. Take some time to wander, take a tour, and learn about Vermont's history and cultures.
Burlington Activities: Shelburne Farms
Just South of Burlington, Shelburne Farms is a globally-recognized nonprofit committed to sustainable agriculture, conservation, and education -- situated on the site of a former Vanderbilt estate. Visit the working farm, take a tour of the historic property, and pay a visit to the farm store. Not to be confused with the Shelburne Museum up the road -- which is also worth a visit!
The Northeast Kingdom (aka Odile's favorite part of Vermont)
Details TBA for how to spend a perfect NEK day. The NEK is about a 90 minute drive from Burlington (where you can travel via Stowe or Montpelier) and is so worth the trip if you can make it.
Food and Drink: August First Bakery
Odile's favorite Burlington bakery (celebrating her favorite month). Come here for coffee, pastries, etc. to start your day.
Food and Drink: Muddy Waters Coffeehouse
One of our favorite coffeehouses. No wifi, immaculate vibes. Stop in and check out the community board to find events and happenings to fill your weekend.
Food and Drink: Four Corners of the Earth
A Vermont classic. Cash only sandwiches, spices, and merch. Tons of vegetarian options.
Food and Drink: American Flatbread
Wood-fired pizza in a cozy courtyard with brewery attached. Now available all over New England, but started in Vermont! We listed the Burlington site, but we highly recommend the original Lareau Farm location if you're able to make it out to Waitsfield.
Food and Drink: Hen of the Wood
One of Vermont's very best farm-to-table restaurants. Benjamin is still comparing his meals to the steak with harvest vegetables that he had here. We listed the Burlington location at the Hotel Vermont, but there is one in Waterbury as well.
Food and Drink: Honey Road
Always popular, always bustling Mediterranean small plates. Check out their sister restaurant The Grey Jay for brunch.
Food and Drink: Citizen Cider
Local cidery brewing from fresh-pressed apples, with many other goods for sale in their brand-new South End location. Located right next door to the Burlington farmers market, for your Saturday enjoyment. We will host the welcome party here on Friday night.
Food and Drink: Zero Gravity Brewery
One of Vermont's best-known craft brewers, with several of Odile and Benjamin's favorite hazy IPAs on offer, along with great food. Less than a mile to downtown Burlington.
Getting Outside: Rock Point Commons
Short loops with views of Lake Champlain and the city of Burlington, near North Beach. Talk to Odile for insider info on the best lake jumping options.
Getting Outside: Red Rocks Park
Miles of trails, a quiet beach, and stunning views of the cliffs of Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks on the other side.
Getting Outside: Lake Champlain Community Sailing Center
Community nonprofit committed to getting folks out on the water, regardless of age, ability, or income! Rent kayaks, canoes, or stand-up paddleboards, take a sailing lesson, and more. Lots of information available on their website about program timing and options.
Getting Outside: Camel's Hump State Park
Several options for challenging trails that take you to the Camel's Hump alpine summit (~4000 feet). ADA-accessible trails on the Duxbury side of the park that offer views of the summit.
Getting Outside: Mount Mansfield
Many trails of varying difficulty to take you to the top of Vermont's highest mountain (4,393 feet). For those comfortable with a VERY steep climb (2,000 feet in under a mile), we recommend scrambling up via the Hell Brook trail and descending on the Long Trail (a segment of Vermont's well-known through-hike). The address here is for the Hell Brook trailhead, but there are many other options. We recommend AllTrails or the Green Mountain Club website to explore your choices. The Stowe Gondola or a toll road will also take you above the ridge line and close to the summit. Either way, pay a visit to Bingham Falls for a dip in the swimming hole once you've concluded your hike!
Getting Outside: Elmore State Park
A Vermont state park with something for everyone! On one of Benjamin's first visits to Vermont, Odile took him on a hike to the Elmore Fire Tower, with 360 views of the Northeast Kingdom. We highly recommend this hike, or a day spent relaxing on Elmore Lake! Accessible to all ages and abilities.
Getting Outside: Other Hiking
There are hundreds of parks and thousands of trails to explore in Vermont. For seasonal and up-to-date recommendations, we encourage you to check out the Green Mountain Trail Club. This membership organization has been maintaining, protecting, and improving the Long Trail and the Appalachian Trail in Vermont since 1910.
