Planning a getaway? Check out Burlington, VT, a small New England city known for its arts and culture scene, nature, and top-notch breweries.

City Editor Sara here. I’ve visited Burlington in almost every season, and while it’s magical any time of year, it’s a perfect fall destination. Make plans to visit during peak fall foliage, holiday gift shopping season + when the hiking mood strikes.

Why go?

There’s truly something for everyone with activities for every season (think: riding along bike paths on warm summer days + skiing or ice skating in the snowy winters).
Chill out at the Hotel Vermont Ice Bar in the winter or enjoy tunes at the Burlington Jazz Festival in the summer. Browse the local events calendar for moreyear-round funhere.
Check out Eater’s essential restaurant guide to the vibrant and varied food scene + the New York Times’ piece on spending 36 hours in the city.

Spend some time (and money) shopping along Church Street. | Photo by the BOStoday team

Act like a local:

Food: Dine on fresh pasta plates at Pascolo, fill your plate with the self-serve buffet at Zabby & Elf’s, and don’t skip brunch at Penny Cluse Cafe (we recommend the blueberry coffee cake + huevos rancheros).
Drink: Grab a brew or two from the independent craft brewery Foam Brewers or a hard cider from Citizen Cider.
Outdoors: Spend some time at Waterfront Park along the Lake Champlain Shoreline — the Burlington Bike Path runs along the eastern border.
Learn: Check out the ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, a science + nature museum right by the water.
Listen: Jam out to local tunes at the live music bar Nectar’s or catch a musical performance at The Flynn.
Explore: Shop ‘til you drop along Church Street Marketplace. City Editor Sara recommends visiting Crow Bookshop, Dear Lucy + Wild Lark.

Penny Cluse’s blueberry coffee cake compliments a hearty breakfast plate. | Photo by BOStoday

Where to stay:

Vrbo: Downtown Burlington home with a private outdoor hot tub (~$371/night)*
Airbnb: A homey apartment in The Old North End (~$196/night)
Splurge hotel: Hotel Vermont (~$495/night)
Save hotel: Anchorage Inn (~$159/night)

Have a cozy stay right in Downtown Burlington. | Photo via Vrbo

Bonus message from our partner: If you’re looking to book this trip, Going offers all the affordable flight hacks from your home airport. Sign up for a free account.*