Burlington sits at the gateway to some of New England’s most unforgettable scenery. Within an hour, you can wander a postcard-perfect mountain village, cruise across Lake Champlain, tour a historic farm, or spend the afternoon sampling Vermont’s legendary food and craft beer. If you’re looking to experience more of the Green Mountain State without changing hotels, these five micro-adventures make it easy.
Spend a Day in Storybook Stowe
No Vermont town captures the state’s charm quite like Stowe. Mountain views, covered bridges, maple syrup, and a picture-perfect Main Street have made it one of New England’s most beloved destinations, and it’s only about 40 minutes from Burlington.
Start downtown, where historic buildings house independent boutiques, cozy cafés, local breweries, and art galleries. It’s the kind of place where you can browse a bookstore, linger over lunch, and still have plenty of time to explore. Outdoor enthusiasts can head to nearby Stowe Mountain Resort, one of the Northeast’s premier ski destinations that’s equally popular for hiking and scenic gondola rides when the snow melts.
Before heading back, make time for Gold Brook Covered Bridge, better known as Emily’s Bridge, one of Vermont’s most photographed covered bridges. Nearby, the Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum celebrates the athletes and innovations that helped shape the state’s winter sports legacy. Visit during autumn and you’ll quickly understand why Stowe has become synonymous with New England fall foliage.
Cruise Across Lake Champlain to the Adirondacks
Most day trips begin with a drive. This one starts with a boat ride.
Board the Burlington-Port Kent ferry and enjoy a leisurely crossing of Lake Champlain, the 120-mile-long lake separating Vermont from New York. Along the way, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the Green Mountains on one side and the Adirondacks rising on the other, making the journey every bit as rewarding as the destination.
Once in Port Kent, scenic roads lead to quiet Adirondack communities where hiking trails, wineries, breweries, and mountain vistas await. It’s an easy way to turn a Burlington getaway into a two-state adventure, and when autumn arrives, the vibrant foliage reflected across the lake creates one of the region’s most spectacular landscapes.
Slow Down in the Mad River Valley
If Vermont had a slower lane, it would probably look a lot like the Mad River Valley.
About an hour southeast of Burlington, the neighboring communities of Waitsfield and Warren invite visitors to trade busy itineraries for winding country roads, mountain views, and locally owned businesses. Independent shops, welcoming cafés, and farm-to-table restaurants showcase the region’s creative spirit, while nearby farms, craft beverage producers, and seasonal markets celebrate Vermont’s agricultural heritage.
Photographers will find no shortage of classic covered bridges and rolling landscapes, while outdoor adventurers can venture to Sugarbush Resort for hiking, mountain biking, skiing, or snowboarding depending on the season. Even without a packed agenda, the valley has a way of filling your day with memorable stops, scenic overlooks, and irresistible roadside farm stands.
Experience the Best of Shelburne
Art, history, agriculture, and Lake Champlain all come together in Shelburne, making this one of the easiest and most rewarding escapes from Burlington.
Begin at Shelburne Farms, a 1,400-acre working farm and National Historic Landmark where walking trails weave through rolling pastures overlooking the lake. Along the way, visitors can meet farm animals, learn about sustainable agriculture, sample the farm’s celebrated cheddar, and soak in some of Vermont’s prettiest lake views. The elegant Inn at Shelburne Farms, originally built as a Gilded Age estate, adds another layer of history to the experience.
Just minutes away, Shelburne Museum houses more than 150,000 works across dozens of historic buildings. Its collections span folk art, Americana, impressionist paintings, quilts, decorative arts, and the beautifully restored steamboat Ticonderoga. Together, these neighboring attractions offer a full day that’s equal parts educational, relaxing, and unmistakably Vermont.
Eat and Sip Your Way Through Waterbury
Come hungry because Waterbury has earned its reputation as one of Vermont’s tastiest small towns.
Only about 30 minutes from Burlington, this mountain community packs an impressive collection of restaurants, breweries, and local food producers into a compact downtown. A stop at the Ben & Jerry’s Factory is practically a Vermont rite of passage, with guided tours offering a behind-the-scenes look at one of the state’s most famous brands, plus plenty of opportunities to sample ice cream along the way.
Waterbury is equally well known for its craft beer scene, with acclaimed breweries and taprooms pouring some of Vermont’s most celebrated brews. When it’s time for lunch or dinner, Prohibition Pig continues to draw visitors with its smoked barbecue, house-made sides, and extensive beer list. Between the scenic mountain drive, outstanding food, and welcoming small-town atmosphere, Waterbury is the kind of place where an afternoon visit can easily stretch into an all-day outing.
