RV Road Trip: Burlington, Vermont
Small-Town Feel Meets Lake-Town Vibes in This Charming Green Mountain State Gem
Image Caption: Photo Credit: Getty
In the northern part of Vermont lies the charming city of Burlington. Bordered on one side by gorgeous Lake Champlain and surrounded on the other three sides by tree-covered hills, Burlington is a fabulous place to visit any time of year.
While the most populous city in Vermont, Burlington has a small-town feel. The state’s iconic white steeples dot the landscape. Historic red-brick buildings line pedestrian streets. The verdant countryside demonstrates why Vermont’s nickname is “The Green Mountain State.”
Lake Champlain defines Burlington with numerous trails, boardwalks, parks, stores, museums, and restaurants along the water’s edge. Myriad opportunities for enjoying the lake are available, ranging from a ferry ride to New York, sailing, cruising, canoeing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, or even biking on a causeway into the middle of the lake! Whatever your mode of transportation, experiencing the lake on your visit is a must.
While a mere 40 miles from the Canadian border, Burlington is well worth the drive north to relish the area’s beauty and revel in the multitude of things to do in the area.
Retired RVers
Photo Credit: Getty
Must-Do
Set aside a day to wander through Church Street Marketplace. The pedestrian street has more than 60 stores and 30 restaurants in four blocks of beautiful architecture. For entertainment, the open-air mall hosts festivals, street entertainers, and musicians.
Photo Credit: Shelburne Museum
Off the Beaten Path
Put on your walking shoes to tour the Shelburne Museum. The museum includes 39 structures on more than 40 acres. The eclectic collection ranges from Impressionist paintings to a display of shorebird decoys!
Photo Credit: Shanty on the Shore
On the Menu
Shanty on the Shore believes in serving the freshest seafood based on the catch of the day. Enjoy New England clam chowder or shrimp scampi while admiring the beautiful view of Lake Champlain.
Stay Here
Shelburne Camping Area is close to Burlington but has a quiet and secluded feel. Their spacious campsites allow for a laid-back visit. The campground is one of the few in the area that is open year-round.
Full-Time RVers
Photo Credit: Spirit of Ethan Allen
Must-Do
Be sure to get out on Lake Champlain. There are a variety of options, from riding on a ferry, relaxing on a sailing sloop, or cruising on the Spirit of Ethan Allen. The Ethan Allen offers scenic, narrated tours around the lake and passes by three lighthouses. Enjoy an evening sunset cruise or a lunch, brunch, or dinner cruise.
Photo Credit: Getty
Off the Beaten Path
Visit Shelburne Sugarworks and hike or mountain bike in a forest of sugar maple trees. Take a tour of the 170-acre farm and see the fascinating way maple syrup is harvested. Pick up a bottle of maple syrup as a souvenir and try the maple syrup ice cream, the most delicious flavor I have ever tasted!
On the Menu
American Flatbread Burlington Hearth takes pride in its artisanal crusts cooked in a wood-fired oven. With so many yummy choices, order a half-and-half pizza to try more great flavors! Pair your pie with a lager or IPA.
Stay Here
What a view! Good Sam-approved Apple Island Resort is on Grand Isle in the middle of Lake Champlain. The resort boasts a pool, hot tub, oversized sites, and a par 3 golf course. Choose a Platinum site for a lake view.
Family RVers
Photo Credit: Ben & Jerry’s
Must-Do
Just down the road in Waterbury is the home of Ben & Jerry’s. Go on a short tour, visit the tasting room, and then stop for a delectable scoop (or two!) of their famous ice cream. There are plenty of photo ops, including their “Flavor Graveyard” of ice cream flavors that didn’t make the cut.
Photo Credit: ECHO
Off the Beaten Path
Take your budding scientist to ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, and try out one of their more than 100 interactive experiences. The science and nature museum has 70 live species, rotating exhibits, and an immersive 3D theater.
Photo Credit: August First Bakery & Café
On the Menu
Let the kids have breakfast for lunch at August First Bakery & Café. Seasonal muffins and made-from-scratch maple biscuits are their specialty. Order at the counter of the remodeled garage and enjoy plentiful open-air seating.
Stay Here
There is plenty to do for the whole family at Lone Pine Campsites. The Good Sam Park has 265 campsites surrounded by trees. Join a free weekly ride on a 1952 fire truck or try one of the campground’s other fun activities.
Weekend Warriors
Photo Credit: Island Line Rail Trail
Must-Do
The Island Line Rail Trail is a former railway that was converted into a spectacular bike and walking path. The causeway extends three miles into the lake and ends at The Cut, a 200-foot gap in the trail. Turn around or take the ferry to finish the trail and end at South Hero Island.
Photo Credit: Ethan Allen Homestead
Off the Beaten Path
Learn about statesman, Revolutionary War hero, and one of the founders of Vermont at the Ethan Allen Homestead. Guided tours are offered at the historic site that show what Allen’s life was like in the 1780s. open daily from 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
Photo Credit: The Gryphon
On the Menu
The Gryphon takes pub food to a whole new level with creative spins on classic dishes. Enjoy the laidback atmosphere while you sip a delicious cocktail. We recommend the Sweet Potato Nachos with a Green Tea Mojito or other fun combinations.
Photo Credit: North Beach Campground
Stay Here
You can’t beat the location of North Beach Campground, tucked on the shores of Lake Champlain. Enjoy nearly 45 acres of woods and natural sand beach, and relax at one of the shaded campsites. Canoe, kayak, and stand-up paddleboard rentals are available.
