Burlington, VT Travel Guide

Happy Wednesday, everyone! I received a lot of questions about where I stayed/ate/played in Burlington, VT, when I was there a few weeks ago, so I figured a Travel Guide would be helpful for anyone who was thinking of visiting! I have been the past two Septembers and honestly it is my very favorite trip I go on every year. The temperatures are amazing (60s/70s during the day in September), the food is even better (think local and fresh!) and the nearby mountains are breathtaking. Plus it’s a very friendly place… I am already dreaming about going back. 🙂
I’m rounding up some of my instagram photos from the trip first so that you can see what I wore… scroll down to the bottom of the post for the full review!
Oversized sweater and faux leather leggings
B.P. sweater (less than $40) // Clare V Sandrine tote, similar HERE
old faux leather leggings, similar HERE & HERE // lace-up pumps
Travel Guide to Burlington VT
Gucci disco handbag // Zara jeans, similar HERE
Off the shoulder sweater dress
Leopard scarf, faux leather leggings, lace-up heels
leopard scarf (less than $30) // white tee // similar faux leather leggings HERE & HERE
How to wear a poncho in the fall
Gucci Dionysus bag
(The photos below were taken in Winston but feature some recent fall outfits so I’m including them!)
White on white in the fall
Fall neutrals
Clare V Sandrine tote, similar HERE // Aquazzura heels, similar HERE & HERE

leopard flats, cozy cardigan, AG jeans
Valentino leopard flats, similar HERE // Givenchy Antigona handbag
Like I said before, Burlington, VT, is my very favorite trip we go on every year! Here are some of our favorite restaurants and some tips: 
WHERE TO EAT
*Skinny Pancake: Hands-down my favorite restaurant! The Skinny Pancake is a breakfast restaurant that serves a million different types of crepes – both sweet and savory – they are the best crepes in the entire world (in my opinion 🙂 When we’re in Vermont, we go every single morning for breakfast. I seriously wait all year for it! 
*Cold Hollow Cider Mill: This little cider mill is off the beaten path and located about 30 minutes from Burlington, but worth the drive. It’s an absolutely adorable cider mill that serves up fresh cider donuts and hot apple cider (and maple coffee if you’re a coffee person). You can even walk to the back of the store to see where the cider is made. There’s also a restaurant located right across from the cider mill – I had some sort of apple panini last year that was delicious!
*El Cortijo: This Mexican joint inhabits an old 1950s diner – and serves up some of the freshest, best Mexican food I’ve ever had. It’s very small inside so come early or be prepared to wait a little bit. Try the Passionfruit Margarita and order a taco plate (they’re all drool-worthy).
*The Farmhouse Tap & Grill: This restaurant is another farm-to-table restaurant that almost every single person recommended to us when we got to Burlington. They have a cool craft beer garden in the back, but the food is the real winner – their burgers are amazing. 
*American Flatbread: We went here a couple times for lunch for a pizza and diet coke. Again, the food is really fresh. All of the flatbreads are made with organic flour, organic tomatoes, and many organic and locally-farmed meats, veggies and cheeses. The “pepperoni and peppers” flatbread is amazing! Also, be warned, they ask you not to use your cell phone in the restaurant.
*Leunig’s Bistro & Cafe: Another place that EVERYONE recommended. Located right on Church Street, it’s really fun to sit on the patio and eat outside. The menu is French but they serve some American dishes too.  
*Uncommon Grounds: If you’re looking for a great, local coffee shop, Uncommon Grounds is it. You can’t visit Burlington or Vermont in general without trying a maple latte! DELISH!
WHERE TO STAY
*Hilton Garden Inn: This is where we stayed this past September. There were some pros and cons, so I thought I’d go through them! The upside is definitely the location: it’s right downtown, walking distance from the park and all of the shops and restaurants. We didn’t have to use our car once! The hotel room was also very spacious and we had a great view of the lake from our window. The downsides were that almost every single member of the hotel staff that worked at the front desk was never in a good mood! We had a couple of questions and tried to interact with them a few times and they were almost downright rude!
*Stowe Mountain Lodge: The lodge is actually located in Stowe, VT (about 45 minutes away from Burlington) but completely worth the drive. This place is a GORGEOUS ski lodge, with spacious rooms and beautiful views. We had a private deck, fireplace, large bath tub (I love baths!) and even a full kitchen in our room. I heard that it’s even prettier in the Winter when everything is covered in snow! 
GENERAL TIPS
*Visit Church Street: Church Street is the main street in downtown Burlington where all the “good stuff” is located – coffee shops, pubs, cafes and boutiques. You could spend an entire week there trying different restaurants on Church Street! It’s also very scenic and quaint – you’ll want to take pictures.
*Rent a car: If you are flying into Burlington, you could definitely survive without a car if you’re staying close to downtown (everything is walkable). But then you’d miss the amazing views that are only a short drive away! One day we picked a highway and headed northeast with no destination in mind, it was breathtaking – rows and rows of rolling mountains. I imagine that October is the prettiest month with all the leaves changing.
*Visit Stowe, VT: We stayed in Burlington for a few nights and then drove to Stowe, VT, to stay at Stowe Mountain Lodge. I’d definitely recommend breaking up the trip in two parts – plus you can stop at Cold Hollow Cider Mill for lunch on your drive to Stowe. Both Burlington and Stowe are so beautiful, but completely different – you really have to see them both!
*Pack warm clothes: Despite what you may think, Burlington is very cool in September unlike the rest of the country (and Stowe even colder). It was in the 60s during the day and dropped down into the 40s at night while we were there. We were worried we didn’t pack warm enough clothes – everyone else was walking around in beanies and had gloves on! If you during the Winter, you’ll really want to bundle up.

Well I think that’s it folks! 🙂 If you have a question about Burlington definitely let me know in the comments and I’ll respond there. Happy Wednesday!

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49 Comments

  1. OMG this could have have come at a better time! I am heading to Burlington on a girl's trip next month and already wrote down the Skinny Pancake {can't wait to try the nutella crepe!} and El Cortigo but this is gold!! Thanks for much for sharing <3
    xx Tess | Sequins are the New Black

    9.28.16Reply
    • I been going to Vermont since I started dating my husband 8 years ago! He went to school at UVM. You have to stay at Hotel Vermont! It is one of my favorite hotels I have stayed at! Even just to grab a drink and the hotel bar and seat by the beautiful fire or seat outside by the fire pit and you can see the sun setting on Lake Champlain! Leunigs is by far is my fav restaurant there! Also you need to check out August Fresh bakery, their maple biscuit is amazing!!

      9.29.16Reply
    • You guys should stay at hotel Vermont! My girlfriends are taking a girls trip in March and we are staying there and my husband and I stay there every Feb also! Or at least grab a drink there, such a cute lobby!! Leunigs is a must! And check out August First bakery, amazing maple biscuit

      9.29.16Reply
  2. LOVE Burlington! Great outfits and travel tips!
    xo, Caitlin
    http://thesolcompass.com

    9.28.16Reply
  3. Love your outfits especially the off the shoulder dress! I've never even thought of going to VT, but I think I need to go!

    xo, Carey
    https://thedaintydetails.wordpress.com

    9.28.16Reply
  4. Sounds like SUCH a fun trip and I love all your outfits! That plaid Asos scarf is so adorable!

    http://www.rosyoutlookblog.com

    9.28.16Reply
  5. You make me want to visit Burlington!! Everything looks so gorgeous there. Love your looks, as always 😊

    9.28.16Reply
  6. That blanket scarf from Asos is so cute! Love seeing all the fall outfits!

    Ashley // MyWellDressedLife.com

    9.28.16Reply
  7. Always looking wonderful and so stylish in all of your outfits! Thanks for sharing your trips and tips with us, it's very appreciated!

    http://lartoffashion.com

    9.28.16Reply
  8. You should check out Myers Bagel in Burlington! They have homemade bagels and maple cream cheese. Winnoski also has some great place to eat and is super close to Burlington.

    9.28.16Reply
  9. Vermont is an amazing state I love it there thanks for these tips I will keep them in mind the next time I am down there!
    Xo, Kelsey
    petiteinherpearls.blogspot.com

    9.28.16Reply
  10. Since I am from Maine, I grew up when I was very little vacationing on a little lake in Northern Vermont with my parents called Caspian Lake. Some of my best childhood memories are from there!! We went back to Vermont a couple times when I was in middle school, and I wasn't into it so much and thought it was kind of a quiet place to visit. But now that I'm older and live down south, I would love to go back in the fall especially!! I really miss the pretty New England foliage here in the South. 🙂 Love this travel guide!

    xoxo A
    http://www.southernbelleintraining.com

    9.28.16Reply
  11. Thanks, Caitlin! This was actually really great to read! I've been trying to think of somewhere like this for a quiet family vacation. Do you recommend about how long you should stay to get the full experience? Is it something you could do in a long weekend, or do you suggest a full week. I'm from New England, so this is within driving distance for me! 🙂

    Erin
    http://www.topknotsandsweatpants.com

    9.28.16Reply
  12. That white sweater dress is amazing!

    9.28.16Reply
  13. Love all of the outfits on this post!

    memoriesandmacchiatos.wordpress.com

    9.28.16Reply
  14. Such cozy fall outfits!

    Liz @ ShoppingMyCloset.com

    9.28.16Reply
  15. Love these pictures! I definitely want to go back to Vermont one day, its adorable!

    xo, Nina
    Law of Fashion Blog

    9.28.16Reply
  16. Thank you for sharing! 😛

    Shall We Sasa

    9.28.16Reply
  17. Everything is gorgeous! I am curious, how you pack all of your accessories for a trip like this? You always look amazing!

    9.28.16Reply
  18. what amazing looks you wore <3

    Life is just Rosie
    Instagram

    9.28.16Reply
  19. Love this guide and loving all your outfits. You scarves are so so cute!! Xo

    @stylemelauren
    http://www.stylemelauren.com

    9.28.16Reply
  20. I've been to Vermont but never Burlington – I need to keep this post saved for when I do!

    Kim

    http://bit.ly/2cCMzW3 .. blanket scarf and a chambray dress!!

    9.28.16Reply
  21. Love all your outfits – especially that poncho (looks so warm and cozy)!!

    xoxo
    Sharan
    http://www.MyGoldenBeauty.com

    9.28.16Reply
  22. Love your pictures!!!
    Be Happy with Fashion

    9.28.16Reply
  23. I love seeing your pictures from your trips especially during the fall time! All your sweaters look to cozy and warm! Wishing Dallas experienced the fall with all the beautiful leaves haha

    Hannah
    http://www.ohwhatasighttosee.com

    9.28.16Reply
  24. I am in love with all of your outfits.
    http://societyfix.blogspot.com.eg/

    9.28.16Reply
  25. Thanks for sharing these place with us.

    http://www.amysfashionblog.com/blog-home/

    9.28.16Reply
  26. Sounds like such a great place to visit! I'll have to put it on my travel list!

    xoxo,
    Amy

    http://www.styleandsequins.com

    9.29.16Reply
  27. Ooo nice thanks for the suggestions <3

    xo,

    http://www.saharacouture.com

    9.29.16Reply
  28. Sounds as though you had the most incredible stay!

    Arum Lilea

    9.29.16Reply
  29. I love your style you look so beautyful 🙂
    xo katy

    LA KATY FOX

    9.29.16Reply
  30. 9.29.16Reply
  31. Love seeing others appreciation for Vermont and all it's unique beauty. I grew up in a town right outside of Burlington and this is a spot on guide for all the major things you should check out on a visit. I also highly recommend the Ben & Jerry's factory tour in Waterbury (just south of Stowe), they have a "flavor graveyard" that's a must to check out! My sister actually works at the Stowe Mountain Lodge, so I'm happy to see you especially enjoyed your stay there, I'll pass along the positive review 🙂 unfortunately fall foliage doesn't last very long in Vermont though, so to all those interested in making a fall visit to Burlington/northern VT, by mid to late October almost all the trees have lost their leaves and some years it's already started snowing! Take care 🙂

    9.30.16Reply
  32. You should come visit New Hampshire next! The seacoast is amazing!

    9.30.16Reply
  33. Anonymous
    10.1.16Reply
  34. This sounds like such a wonderful, cozy getaway! 🙂

    xx Kathryn
    http://www.chicandshimmer.com

    10.1.16Reply
  35. Such amazing outfits! Love them all!
    Best
    Eva

    http://www.eva-jasmin.de

    10.4.16Reply
  36. What size is that BP sweater you're wearing in the first pic? It doesn't look as oversized on the model and I love how you're wearing it!

    10.5.16Reply
  37. What size is that BP sweater you're wearing in the first pic? It doesn't look as oversized on the model and I love how you're wearing it!

    10.5.16Reply
  38. I'll take each and every outfit! Gorgeous as always, girl!

    <3
    DrWinesBlog

    10.17.16Reply
  39. Love your post. I was looking at the Check Woven Poncho that you are wearing. The tan at Nordstroms site looks pale in comparison. Is it the richer colors or light colors?

    10.30.16Reply
  40. I love your post! I was wondering if the Check Woven Poncho is bright like shown on your post or more of a muted tone like the one shown on the Nordstrom website. They have the tan available and maybe yours was another color choice.

    10.30.16Reply
  41. How cute! Thats my home town 😉 I think your pictures were absolutely gorgeous and you hit the nail on the head with all your recommendations! Definitely a worthy post of all of vermonts perks <3

    11.10.16Reply
  42. This sounds like such a wonderful, cozy getaway! 🙂

    https://www.myhomeshoppingnetwork.com/

    1.29.17Reply
  43. Wow such a beautiful guide on those travel outfits. Each outfit is crazy fabulous, one is traveling they should for sure check your blog out. Amazing collection and quality choices. Loved it girl. 😉

    2.3.17Reply
  44. Wow, this is really awesome ideas..
    http://brandomart.com/

    11.1.17Reply