Let’s Get Local in Burlington, Vermont
Burlington, Vermont seems to be on everyone’s radar. In recent years it has won many accolades and awards. I feel fortunate to live here and know first hand why it is ranked highly as a place to live, work and play. I love when family and friends come to visit. It is an opportunity for me to take them around Burlington, hitting all of my favorite spots to show them the sites and sound of this place that make me want to call Vermont home.
Things to Do in Burlington
All seasons are great for a visit, but in the summer our city really comes to life. Recently, my college age niece and nephew came for a 3-day visit. Arriving on a Thursday evening we headed straight for Battery Park to enjoy the last of the Burlington City Arts Free Concert Series. Afterward we walked up to Church Street Marketplace to grab a drink and dessert. We sat at one of the many outdoor cafes, people watching and listening to music.
Friday everyone expressed and interest in golfing. There are so many beautiful public golf courses in Vermont. We settle on 9 holes at Catamount located in Williston. It is convenient and great for beginners. Later that evening my husband took our niece and nephew up to nearby Montreal for dinner while I met up with other friends in town at American Flatbread. Again after dinner we walked around Church Street, this time our destination was Ben & Jerry’s for an after dinner treat.
Saturday morning, after eating our way through the Burlington Farmer’s Market we headed down to the waterfront for a sail. We went out on a 2-hour charter ride with Let’s Go Sailing. This 30 foot boat is the perfect size for a group of 6 to spend a few hours out on Lake Champlain. The boat is clean, the crew is friendly and the whole process is completely hassle-free. Just show up and they take care of the rest. Back on shore we grabbed a quick bite to eat at Splash at the Boathouse. This is one of the best places to take in the picturesque landscape that makes up the Lake Champlain Basin.
Stay
Finishing out our weekend, on Sunday night we stayed downtown at the Courtyard by Marriott Burlington Harbor. This hotel is ideally situated on the waterfront. We stayed were in a lakeside room on a high floor. We recommend paying a little bit more for this as the view is incredible!
Our room had a king sized bed, a pull out couch and a rollaway. This was plenty of room to accommodate our family of four. All rooms have a 32” flat screen TV and complimentary in-room Wi-Fi. There is also a small empty fridge in the room should you need to store snacks or drinks for your children. Guests will find lots of local art and old Vermont photos throughout the hotel, making it feel more like a boutique and less like a chain hotel.
On the ground floor of the hotel there is a small indoor pool. The deep end is only 5 feet. Towels are provide and there are few chairs nearby if parents just want to watch and not take a swim. There is also a hot tub.
I would recommend the Courtyard by Marriott Burlington Harbor to families looking to stay in downtown Burlington that want to be close to the waterfront and be able to walk to nearby Church Street where there are lots of shops and restaurants. It is also in close walking proximity to the bike path, sailing, ECHO, Battery Park, the Skinny Pancake, and Burlington Bay Market & Café. Other local attractions like Shelburne Museum and Shelburne Farms are just a short car ride away.
Also if you are thinking of visiting for July 4th Weekend, a lakeview room will provide you with the best seat in the house for the fireworks!
Disclosure: While I was invited to the Courtyard by Marriott Burlington Harbor and they paid for meals and lodging, my review reflects the honest opinions of my experience without outside influence.