I recently went on an autumn adventure with stops in Montreal, Quebec, and Burlington, Vermont.
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After a few days of uncovering hidden gems in Mile End and Montreal’s Old Port (see: fantasy-romance bookstores, delicious bagels, and photography expos), I headed down to Burlington. More specifically, I was staying in Shelburne, the lovely village located just outside Burlington.
It was like trading one fall fairytale for another.
And while I had an amazing time in Montreal, I was really craving a more country escape. Enter the Burlington area, home to grand, old farming estates turned into charming country shops with artisanal goods and community programming. Even the athletic club had a little something extra—and by something extra, I mean a sauna out back where locals can chat while they unwind.
Sure, Burlington has waded into uncharted social territory since it defunded its police department a few years back, which has been a hot topic of conversation. But whether the move pans out in the long run, it showcases the area’s autonomous spirit.
And the area is still absolutely worth a visit. Whether you’re looking for Hollywood-caliber autumn foliage displays, access to forested and lakeside hiking trails, unique boutique shops and country stores, or a place to drop off the map for a little while, let me put Burlington (and neighboring Shelburne) on your map.
5 reasons to visit Burlington, Vermont
The country stores
If you’re someone who enjoys the (old) Cracker Barrel store layout and design, then you’ll have a field day in Burlington and the surrounding villages. Its country stores come in a range of sizes and offer different specialties. Unsurprisingly, maple syrup, candies, and other products are a mainstay.
But you can also find country stores that act as small cafes and bakeries, and even grocers. You’ll see signs posted for them along the roadsides—I highly suggest pulling over. I only made it to a few when I was in town, but I could have easily spent a week wandering through old-fashioned country stores and stuffing myself with great finds, from aged cheddar to sheep’s yogurt to flatbread.
Here’s where I went in the Shelburne area, along with a few other great spots:
The natural wonders
Lake Champlain is easily accessed from Burlington or, in my case, from Shelburne Bay. If the weather permits, you can kayak, paddleboard, and swim along the lake’s beaches.
If you prefer a cruise, you can also get out on the water via a sailboat or a standard boat. Though I’ve been dying to make it to Lake Willoughby in Vermont, I enjoyed the short hike I did to Lake Champlain.
Nearby, you can also hike through the Adirondacks or even take on Mount Mansfield in nearby Stowe, Vermont. I was personally happy to hike through a few short trails in the Shelburne area, which gave me the chance to soak up the fall foliage. But if you want a longer, more challenging hike, there are plenty of trails to choose from.
The vineyards and orchards
Burlington is home to some of the best vineyards and orchards in Vermont. I visited Shelburne Orchards, which is helmed by Nick Holmes. After sampling the sugar-coated apple donuts, my friends and I realized the brandy tasting room was closed—at which point Mr. Holmes swooped in like Father Brandy to not only let us sample the orchard’s best spirits but also see its small, subterranean distillery.
I’d use the word fairytale to describe the experience, but there was too much brandy involved for that. I went home with a belly full of donuts and brandy, along with a bottle of apple vinegar. How else could I possibly sell you on Shelburne Orchards except to mention that you can also pick your own apples in a large, healthy orchard?
While I didn’t get the chance to visit the area’s vineyards, they’re also readily available throughout the harvest season. Aside from Shelburne Orchards, check out Shelburne Vineyards, Boyden Valley, and Lincoln Peak Vineyard.
The tasting rooms
If you enjoy sampling wine, you can do so at one of Burlington’s many tasting rooms. My partner in travel crime and host in Shelburne actually has a membership with Wilder Wines, which includes discounts on tastings and two bottles of wine each month. They also mail out their wines, meaning visitors can join.
I drank my heart out between Lambrusco and a pet nat. I don’t remember what pet nat stands for, but I know I drained the glass. Other great tasting rooms in the area include Citizen Cider and Mad River Distillers, though I didn’t have the chance to visit them.
The restaurants
You can eat well in Burlington—and from diverse menus. I wouldn’t normally peg Vermont as a foodie capital, but Burlington is home to just about every type of restaurant you could hope for. I had a delicious meal at a Cuban restaurant, Santiago’s Cuban Cuisine.
You can also check out Hen of the Wood, Leunig’s Bistro, Trattoria Delia, and Pho Hong. If you want to keep things old school, go for Henry’s Diner. Or, if you want something classy, book a table at Bistro de Margot.
