Burlington, VT Travel Guide

Where to Stay

The Essex:

This gorgeous culinary resort and spa situated just 10 miles outside of Burlington in the cozy Vermont town of Essex. Your culinary journey at The Essex begins at check-in, where you can grab fresh baked goods at the concierge desk. While traveling to your room, you will notice decor infused with the colors and textures of food. Offering cozy guests rooms to full kitchenettes, the resort makes a great space to reconnect with the girls, the family, the kids, or just a solo trip.

The Essex is also home to a fitness center, indoor pool, and two restaurants. While the Burlington area has so much to offer – you could make a full day tackling the resort’s offerings. We enjoyed the spa and the experimental menu at the resident resort eats, The Junction free of charge, but we would recommend a stay at the Essex to anyone.

Where to Eat

The Farmhouse: (dinner) An upscale American pub that offers perfectly cooked burgers and a wide variety of Vermont based brews on tap.

Hen Of the Wood (dinner) – ” a warm inviting atmosphere, a historic and visually appealing setting, seamless service and most importantly outstanding wine and beautiful food”

Four Corners of the Earth: deli in the center of an eclectic art gallery. Cash only, but oh so tasty

The Junction : the resort’s restaurant boasts an experimental menu. An intimate space, it is recommended to get a reservation to this boutique culinary experience. Each night, one of our chefs acts as your personal tour guide, giving menu and wine suggestions and maybe even sharing a few culinary secrets.

Skinny Pancake – have your pick of tasty crepe combinations at this diner specializing in – you guessed it – skinny pancakes

Monarch and the Milkweed: this is our pick for best Maple Latte. Haven’t had one yet – well, you are in for a treat.

Where to Grab a Drink

Go on a self guided brewery tour and hit Foam, Queen City Brewery, and Switchback: nestled along Battery St are these three breweries within walking distance. Great idea for a bachelor party afternoon activity!

Juniper: grab a crafted cocktail with ingredients forged from Vermont

Lincoln’s: A hidden bar where all the menu items you can buy with your favorite president ( a crisp five dollar bill).

What to Do

Shop on Church st – we loved moseying in and out of the stores on this quaint, brick laden street. On the rolling hill up to the university, this street is lined with boutiques, a few familiar upscale chains, along with local thrift stores.

Rent some show shoes or cross country skis – Snow shoes at Shelburne Farms, a working farm with winding trials nestled in the snowy Vermont tundra.

Spa at the Essex: Setting into the spa at the Essex is like stepping into the Narnia of relaxation. The robes are transformative, when you put the silky cotton on it’s like wearing a sigh. Once you are changed, you have the luxurious option of relaxing in the separate men & women lounges – each complete with a roaring fire and warm tea. I grabbed some coffee and my complimentary spa shoes and met Marshall in the adjoining lounge upstairs where we relaxed until we were greeted by our massage therapists. This was the first massage for both Marshall and myself. We were lead into a relaxing room where each therapists focused on our individual relaxation needs. I would recommend this experience to any couple!

Ski at one of the local mountains: we recommend Sugarbush or Stowe Mountain Resort

ECHO science center : take the kids to experience the intricate ecosystem of Lake Champlain at the ECHO science center.

Flynn Theater – check the rotating calendar and grab at this performing center of the arts.

Culinary class at the Essex: Take one of the many culinary classes offered at the Essex Resort and Spa. Take home the best souvenir to your family: the skill of a gourmet meal

What to bring home as a souvenir

Sample the Maple Cask Rum at Mad River Distillery in Downtown Burlington

Grab a bottle of Grade B Maple syrup