hotel vermont activities

A VERMONT SUMMER DAY

Soaking up a Vermont Summer

Summer in Vermont is magical. Days are long, air is warm, and options are endless. With Burlington as your home base, here’s a guide to a Vermont summer day that gives you a little taste of it all.

9am | Fuel Up on the Go

As you head south from your Hotel Vermont home base and kick off your day, don’t forget to fuel up. Pop into Burlington Bagel Bakery’s Shelburne Road location and enjoy a breakfast sandwich as you start your drive.

In just under 20 minutes, pull off for a coffee at Village Wine & Coffee. Maybe you have a gift to give or a picnic planned – browse their ample wine selection in the adjoining wine shop. 

9am | Fuel Up on the Go

As you head south from your Hotel Vermont home base and kick off your day, don’t forget to fuel up. Pop into Burlington Bagel Bakery’s Shelburne Road location and enjoy a breakfast sandwich as you start your drive.

In just under 20 minutes, pull off for a coffee at Village Wine & Coffee. Maybe you have a gift to give or a picnic planned – browse their ample wine selection in the adjoining wine shop. 

10am | Berries from Adam's

Adam’s Berry Farm is your next destination. Throughout the season, it’s the spot to pick-your-own berries and flowers. As you snack on your pickings, be sure to save room for an Adam’s Berry Farm popsicle from the farm stand (we love the Strawberry Pineapple and Blueberry Blackberry Lime). Bring your harvest over to enjoy from the Adirondack chairs overlooking farm and mountain views.

pick your own

11am | Build a Picnic

Now’s the time to build your perfect peak picnic. Start with a stop at Philo Ridge Farm Market to grab fresh vegetables, cheese, crackers, and spreads – and don’t forget to say hello to the farm animals across the street. For the second half of your lunch, you’ll pop into the Old Brick Store. Here, we’d suggest a sandwich and a crunchy snack of your choice. While there is a post-hike treat on deck, we can easily recommend baked goods from either stop. Perhaps grab a chocolate chip cookie at each and help us settle our debate.

11am | Build a Picnic

Now’s the time to build your perfect peak picnic. Start with a stop at Philo Ridge Farm Market to grab fresh vegetables, cheese, crackers, and spreads – and don’t forget to say hello to the farm animals across the street. For the second half of your lunch, you’ll pop into the Old Brick Store. Here, we’d suggest a sandwich and a crunchy snack of your choice. While there is a post-hike treat on deck, we can easily recommend baked goods from either stop. Perhaps grab a chocolate chip cookie at each and help us settle our debate.

NOON | UP MOUNT PHILO

A well-loved and well-cared for trail, Mount Philo is one of the best bang-for-your-buck hikes around. Under two miles round trip, the humble mountain offers expansive views and ample places to picnic. Enjoy your berries, sandwiches, and snacks as you take in the scenery.

state park info

2pm | EXPLORE VERGENNES

Your post-hike treat can be found at Lu Lu Ice Cream in Vergennes. They’re scooping up unique flavors made with local ingredients that always satisfy a sweet tooth. 

Vergennes Laundry is a wood-fired bakery, café, and épicerie. The menu reflects the owners’ two French backgrounds (Montreal & France) and travel abroad. It’s simple, cozy, and everything you want from your neighborhood café.

If you’re a bit later in the day, stop into 10 Green Street for wine, be it a bottle to go or a glass on the spot. It doubles as a wine bar and furniture showroom – the crafts of the two owners.

2pm | EXPLORE VERGENNES

Your post-hike treat can be found at Lu Lu Ice Cream in Vergennes. They’re scooping up unique flavors made with local ingredients that always satisfy a sweet tooth. 

Vergennes Laundry is a wood-fired bakery, café, and épicerie. The menu reflects the owners’ two French backgrounds (Montreal & France) and travel abroad. It’s simple, cozy, and everything you want from your neighborhood café.

If you’re a bit later in the day, stop into 10 Green Street for wine, be it a bottle to go or a glass on the spot. It doubles as a wine bar and furniture showroom – the crafts of the two owners.

3PM | Water Under the Bridge

No Vermont tour would be complete without a covered bridge. Head to the historic Seguin Covered Bridge on your way back, parking in the small lot after you cross. Drop your car and pass some time by the river under the bridge if the sun is shining. Take a dunk if you brought your suit.

4:30pm | SIPS AT SHELBURNE INN

On your way back, you’ll make a pit stop to visit our friends at Shelburne Inn nestled on the beautiful Shelburne Farms. Grab a glass of wine, explore the historic building, and wander about the restored lakeside gardens in bloom.

If you’d prefer to skip the drink, you can’t go wrong exploring the walking trails of the property. Skip rocks in the south cove and walk the grounds of the coach barn. Shelburne Farms is especially magical in the afternoon light.

4:30pm | SIPS AT SHELBURNE INN

On your way back, you’ll make a pit stop to visit our friends at Shelburne Inn nestled on the beautiful Shelburne Farms. Grab a glass of wine, explore the historic building, and wander about the restored lakeside gardens in bloom.

If you’d prefer to skip the drink, you can’t go wrong exploring the walking trails of the property. Skip rocks in the south cove and walk the grounds of the coach barn. Shelburne Farms is especially magical in the afternoon light.

6pm | BACK TO BURLINGTON

Make your way back to your Burlington home base. Join us for dinner at Juniper, then find yourself a seat on Juniper terrace by the fire and take in the view as the sun sets over Lake Champlain.

Juniper Bar & Restaurant

There’s still a whole lot of summer left this season. We can’t wait to soak it all up with you.

 

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