Our Favorite Places in/around BTV

Nancy
Our Favorite Places in/around BTV

Food Scene

COVID has dramatically changed how restaurants are functioning in BTV, so be sure to check their website or call.
Great working space, coffee is superb. One of our favorites. Very close to the waterfront.
Kestrel Coffee Roasters
47 Maple St
Great working space, coffee is superb. One of our favorites. Very close to the waterfront.
Good espresso drinks, locally-roasted beans, very chill atmosphere and baristas. Limited food options.
Tight Squeeze Coffee Shop
125 College St
Good espresso drinks, locally-roasted beans, very chill atmosphere and baristas. Limited food options.
It is simply the best breakfast! Almost always a line out the door, but worth it (and you can wander around Church St while you wait). The Zydeco breakfast is a favorite for us.
100 locals recommend
Penny Cluse Cafe
169 Cherry St
100 locals recommend
It is simply the best breakfast! Almost always a line out the door, but worth it (and you can wander around Church St while you wait). The Zydeco breakfast is a favorite for us.
Espresso bar that takes itself very seriously.... Plus, homemade ice cream in eccentric flavors. One location in downtown Winooski, another in BTV close to the waterfront and Battery Park.
28 locals recommend
Scout & Co. O.N.E.
237 North Ave
28 locals recommend
Espresso bar that takes itself very seriously.... Plus, homemade ice cream in eccentric flavors. One location in downtown Winooski, another in BTV close to the waterfront and Battery Park.
Funky, neighborhood place. Excellent baked goods and fine espresso drinks. Good paninis at lunch. This is the place you can hang out for hours.....
43 locals recommend
Barrio Bakery
197 N Winooski Ave
43 locals recommend
Funky, neighborhood place. Excellent baked goods and fine espresso drinks. Good paninis at lunch. This is the place you can hang out for hours.....
Located in a local, non-chain hotel that specializes in everything Vermonty. Very cool dining space, inside and out. Great place for drinks. Their website touts "Local and Fresh" and that's about right. Not cheap....
31 locals recommend
Juniper Bar and Restaurant
41 Cherry St
31 locals recommend
Located in a local, non-chain hotel that specializes in everything Vermonty. Very cool dining space, inside and out. Great place for drinks. Their website touts "Local and Fresh" and that's about right. Not cheap....
Part of the downtown Winooski scene - chef-owner, prepares very imaginative food with a changing menu. Lots of small plates. Great staff and vibe..
71 locals recommend
Misery Loves Co.
46 Main St
71 locals recommend
Part of the downtown Winooski scene - chef-owner, prepares very imaginative food with a changing menu. Lots of small plates. Great staff and vibe..
One of the few mediterranean-based restaurants in BTV. Very chef-focused, and excellent location on Church Street. Lots of small plates to choose from.
81 locals recommend
Honey Road
156 Church St
81 locals recommend
One of the few mediterranean-based restaurants in BTV. Very chef-focused, and excellent location on Church Street. Lots of small plates to choose from.
If Penny Cluse is too crowded - head here. It's in downtown Winooski - a former old mill town with a revitalized, very small downtown.
62 locals recommend
Sneakers Bistro
28 Main St
62 locals recommend
If Penny Cluse is too crowded - head here. It's in downtown Winooski - a former old mill town with a revitalized, very small downtown.
Best takeout tacos - great bar. We love these guys.
32 locals recommend
Taco Gordo
208 N Winooski Ave
32 locals recommend
Best takeout tacos - great bar. We love these guys.
Locally-sourced food, very well-prepared meals in a great space with an open kitchen. Perfect for a date night, special occasion dinner, etc.
159 locals recommend
Hen of the Wood - Burlington
55 Cherry St
159 locals recommend
Locally-sourced food, very well-prepared meals in a great space with an open kitchen. Perfect for a date night, special occasion dinner, etc.
Our new go-to for Creemees (home-made soft serve ice cream for you out of towners). Get the Wizard or Malted Shake!!!
12 locals recommend
Little Gordo Creemee Stand
71 S Union St
12 locals recommend
Our new go-to for Creemees (home-made soft serve ice cream for you out of towners). Get the Wizard or Malted Shake!!!
Pastries!!!!! Cute place located in the town of Richmond, about 20 minutes away. Good place to stop on the way to the Winooski or Huntington rivers, Sleepy Hollow Mtn biking/Cross country skiing, or hiking up to Camel's Hump.
30 locals recommend
Sweet Simone's
40 Bridge St
30 locals recommend
Pastries!!!!! Cute place located in the town of Richmond, about 20 minutes away. Good place to stop on the way to the Winooski or Huntington rivers, Sleepy Hollow Mtn biking/Cross country skiing, or hiking up to Camel's Hump.
This is not your grandmother's farmstand! Excellent market garden and locally produced meats. Prepared foods and eat in service in great country setting. Its a beautiful drive from our house to Charlotte; avoid busy Rt 7 by taking Spear St to Irish Hill Rd to Mt PHilo Rd. Grab a picnic to take up to Mt Philo or just eat out back.
35 locals recommend
Philo Ridge Farm
2766 Mt Philo Rd
35 locals recommend
This is not your grandmother's farmstand! Excellent market garden and locally produced meats. Prepared foods and eat in service in great country setting. Its a beautiful drive from our house to Charlotte; avoid busy Rt 7 by taking Spear St to Irish Hill Rd to Mt PHilo Rd. Grab a picnic to take up to Mt Philo or just eat out back.
Good local bar in downtown Winooski with great beer selection and tasty burgers and sandwiches. And they have a kale caesar salad for non-meat eaters. After dinner, check out the hydroelectric dam on a dramatic part of the Winooski R. There is an access point next to The Woolen Mill (now apts).
44 locals recommend
Mule Bar
38 Main St
44 locals recommend
Good local bar in downtown Winooski with great beer selection and tasty burgers and sandwiches. And they have a kale caesar salad for non-meat eaters. After dinner, check out the hydroelectric dam on a dramatic part of the Winooski R. There is an access point next to The Woolen Mill (now apts).
Solid restaurant next to another brewery. Really good takeout option during COVID time and have good outdoor seating.
27 locals recommend
The Great Northern
716 Pine St
27 locals recommend
Solid restaurant next to another brewery. Really good takeout option during COVID time and have good outdoor seating.
One of the bajillian breweries in town. Walking distance from the house and located on the waterfront with gorgeous lake views. Their new restaurant next door had an excellent burger.
118 locals recommend
Foam Brewers - Burlington Waterfront
112 Lake St
118 locals recommend
One of the bajillian breweries in town. Walking distance from the house and located on the waterfront with gorgeous lake views. Their new restaurant next door had an excellent burger.
Might be the best pizza in town - good takeout!! Located right next to City Market - our supermarket-sized food coop -- so you can get other provisions including beer and wine at the same time. Or, eat in Folino's outdoor area, and then go to Little Gordo in the same building for home-made creemees!
79 locals recommend
Folino's Wood Fired Pizza
6305 Shelburne Rd
79 locals recommend
Might be the best pizza in town - good takeout!! Located right next to City Market - our supermarket-sized food coop -- so you can get other provisions including beer and wine at the same time. Or, eat in Folino's outdoor area, and then go to Little Gordo in the same building for home-made creemees!
small, chef-owned restaurant. Small plates touching on various cuisines, some asian influenced, some spanish, others american. Its where we go for a date.
28 locals recommend
Restaurant Poco
55 Main St
28 locals recommend
small, chef-owned restaurant. Small plates touching on various cuisines, some asian influenced, some spanish, others american. Its where we go for a date.
Date night! Excellent wine, cheese/food market, and wine bar. Prepared food at the wine bar is very good, often highlighting their market items. Generally good fish options. Beautiful space.
48 locals recommend
Dedalus Wine Shop, Market & Wine Bar
388 Pine St
48 locals recommend
Date night! Excellent wine, cheese/food market, and wine bar. Prepared food at the wine bar is very good, often highlighting their market items. Generally good fish options. Beautiful space.
This is a go to place for many out of town visitors for breakfast and lunch. Solid baked goods (maple biscuit!), egg sandwiches, sandwiches and salads, and nice place to hang out, inside and out. But don't bring your computer - they have a no-device (other than phone) policy. Easy walk to waterfront or downtown.
48 locals recommend
August First
149 S Champlain St
48 locals recommend
This is a go to place for many out of town visitors for breakfast and lunch. Solid baked goods (maple biscuit!), egg sandwiches, sandwiches and salads, and nice place to hang out, inside and out. But don't bring your computer - they have a no-device (other than phone) policy. Easy walk to waterfront or downtown.
Located in a former metal diner, its the BTV take on tacos. burritos, etc. Local ingredients, strong margaritas (try the Blood Orange). Second location in downtown Winooski can be easier to get into.
43 locals recommend
El Cortijo
189 Bank St
43 locals recommend
Located in a former metal diner, its the BTV take on tacos. burritos, etc. Local ingredients, strong margaritas (try the Blood Orange). Second location in downtown Winooski can be easier to get into.
Reflecting Burlington's Nepalese community. Food has influences from Nepal, India, and China. A family favorite!
Red Panda
161 Church St
Reflecting Burlington's Nepalese community. Food has influences from Nepal, India, and China. A family favorite!
Burlington has a large Vietnamese population, many having arrived during the refugee waive of the 70s/80s. This means lots of Vietnamese restaurants! Pho Hong is the busiest but probably the best/most consistent.
74 locals recommend
Pho Hong
325 N Winooski Ave
74 locals recommend
Burlington has a large Vietnamese population, many having arrived during the refugee waive of the 70s/80s. This means lots of Vietnamese restaurants! Pho Hong is the busiest but probably the best/most consistent.
Montreal-style bagels at their best. If you have never tried them, you must. Wood-fired and small, they are not your typical NY bagel! Myers is on Pine Street (former industrial area) that is now home to artists, breweries, etc. So don't be put off by Myers' dinghy digs. While there, visit Barge Canal Market which is right next door - antiques etc.
31 locals recommend
Myer's Bagel Bakery
408 Pine St
31 locals recommend
Montreal-style bagels at their best. If you have never tried them, you must. Wood-fired and small, they are not your typical NY bagel! Myers is on Pine Street (former industrial area) that is now home to artists, breweries, etc. So don't be put off by Myers' dinghy digs. While there, visit Barge Canal Market which is right next door - antiques etc.
This has become a go-to place for Burlington’s spin on crepes. Plus excellent salads, burgers, and local ingredients. And local beer of course. Great location down near the waterfront.
62 locals recommend
Skinny Pancake
60 Lake St
62 locals recommend
This has become a go-to place for Burlington’s spin on crepes. Plus excellent salads, burgers, and local ingredients. And local beer of course. Great location down near the waterfront.
The name says it all - a classic outdoor food and bar scene right on the water. Standard fare burgers, salads, etc. it’s all about the views and the scene.
54 locals recommend
Spot on the Dock
1 King St
54 locals recommend
The name says it all - a classic outdoor food and bar scene right on the water. Standard fare burgers, salads, etc. it’s all about the views and the scene.
Relatively new to the BTV scene , and touches all of the bases really well - espresso/coffee, baked goods (including donuts!), and made to order egg sandwiches.
Kru coffee collective
2 Church St
Relatively new to the BTV scene , and touches all of the bases really well - espresso/coffee, baked goods (including donuts!), and made to order egg sandwiches.
Great neighborhood place within walking distance of the Airbnb. Chef-owned, eclectic American fare.
9 locals recommend
May Day
258 North Winooski Avenue
9 locals recommend
Great neighborhood place within walking distance of the Airbnb. Chef-owned, eclectic American fare.
The sushi chef here is the real deal. Quality fish is frequently delivered from Boston. Try one of the Chef's specials.
Sushi Maeda
152 Cherry Street
The sushi chef here is the real deal. Quality fish is frequently delivered from Boston. Try one of the Chef's specials.
Wow - this is really good pizza (some of the best we have had, anywhere), but really expensive. Phila/NY style. They also do an amazing italian hoagie, and donuts. It is an experience to go there at least once in your lifetime.
13 locals recommend
Pizzeria Ida
662 Riverside Ave
13 locals recommend
Wow - this is really good pizza (some of the best we have had, anywhere), but really expensive. Phila/NY style. They also do an amazing italian hoagie, and donuts. It is an experience to go there at least once in your lifetime.

Towns/Villages near Burlington

Take a walk by the Winooski River, visit the historic Old Round Church, or go for a swim in the calm sections of the Huntington River Gorge (just be careful!) There's a couple of good beer places and food options. The Bolton Ski Area and Catamount Center are both relative close by, for skiing or cross country, and mountain biking.
11 locals recommend
Richmond
11 locals recommend
Take a walk by the Winooski River, visit the historic Old Round Church, or go for a swim in the calm sections of the Huntington River Gorge (just be careful!) There's a couple of good beer places and food options. The Bolton Ski Area and Catamount Center are both relative close by, for skiing or cross country, and mountain biking.
Nice small town vibe, on the touristy side of life given the presence of Stowe Mtn Resort. Shopping, restaurants, bike trail along the river, and jumping off point for many hiking trails in the Mt Mansfield area. And the Ben & Jerry's factory one town over in Waterbury Center.
179 locals recommend
Stowe
179 locals recommend
Nice small town vibe, on the touristy side of life given the presence of Stowe Mtn Resort. Shopping, restaurants, bike trail along the river, and jumping off point for many hiking trails in the Mt Mansfield area. And the Ben & Jerry's factory one town over in Waterbury Center.
Located in the lovely Mad River Valley, about 45 mins from BTV. Sugarbush or Mad River Glen for skiing. American Flatbread for pizza, Mad Tacos for..., and Canteen Creemee for the best soft serve of your life. Go for a swim at Warren Falls!!
23 locals recommend
Warren
23 locals recommend
Located in the lovely Mad River Valley, about 45 mins from BTV. Sugarbush or Mad River Glen for skiing. American Flatbread for pizza, Mad Tacos for..., and Canteen Creemee for the best soft serve of your life. Go for a swim at Warren Falls!!
Just an old mill town with some cool urban trails and good food. Take a walk by the hydro dam - follow the trails down to the water.
11 locals recommend
Winooski
11 locals recommend
Just an old mill town with some cool urban trails and good food. Take a walk by the hydro dam - follow the trails down to the water.

Hiking/Sightseeing

Nice short hike area down to a river. We love coming here for the quiet meadows and bird watching.
10 locals recommend
Mobbs Farm - Valley Trails
Fitzsimonds Road
10 locals recommend
Nice short hike area down to a river. We love coming here for the quiet meadows and bird watching.
One of our favorite hikes, accessed from Stevensville Rd in Underhill Center. A couple of trail options of varying lengths, all involve uphills. Check out the small swimming hole by the foot of the parking lot.
Butler Lodge trailhead
Stevensville Road
One of our favorite hikes, accessed from Stevensville Rd in Underhill Center. A couple of trail options of varying lengths, all involve uphills. Check out the small swimming hole by the foot of the parking lot.
This is often our goto hike when we have friends visiting . The trail starts next to an historic fly fishing club (private) in Moscow VT (yup) . Short, up hill hike takes you to Taylor Lodge -- a Lean-To -- with good views of the Lake and mountains. Standing at the Lean-to looking out, take the side trail off to the left for a very short climb to a better lookout.
Lake Mansfield Trout Club
4400 Nebraska Valley Rd
This is often our goto hike when we have friends visiting . The trail starts next to an historic fly fishing club (private) in Moscow VT (yup) . Short, up hill hike takes you to Taylor Lodge -- a Lean-To -- with good views of the Lake and mountains. Standing at the Lean-to looking out, take the side trail off to the left for a very short climb to a better lookout.
We love this quiet state park in Colchester for hiking through some interesting forests and terrain. Hikes of 1 to 4 miles, generally easy with a few ascents. Bring your bathing suit as there is a sandy beach or a rocky cove to swim in. We prefer swimming in the cove. Afterwards take a drive up through the Champlain Islands - be sure to get off the main dragt (Route 2) and explore some of the back roads.
25 locals recommend
Niquette Bay State Park
274 Raymond Rd
25 locals recommend
We love this quiet state park in Colchester for hiking through some interesting forests and terrain. Hikes of 1 to 4 miles, generally easy with a few ascents. Bring your bathing suit as there is a sandy beach or a rocky cove to swim in. We prefer swimming in the cove. Afterwards take a drive up through the Champlain Islands - be sure to get off the main dragt (Route 2) and explore some of the back roads.
Nice - pretty easy hike with spectacular views at the top. Head up the road or use the well-marked trails. Grab lunch at Philo Ridge Farm and picnic up top.
93 locals recommend
Mount Philo
93 locals recommend
Nice - pretty easy hike with spectacular views at the top. Head up the road or use the well-marked trails. Grab lunch at Philo Ridge Farm and picnic up top.
This hike can get crowded so go early. A little steep at the start but otherwise a gorgeous place to walk. Take the time and hike around the pond as well. The bonus of this hike is driving through Smugglers Notch to get there, from either the Stowe or Jeffersonville sides. Very dramatic - just try not to go during peak times, like midday on a weekend.
62 locals recommend
Sterling Pond Trail
6443 Mountain Rd
62 locals recommend
This hike can get crowded so go early. A little steep at the start but otherwise a gorgeous place to walk. Take the time and hike around the pond as well. The bonus of this hike is driving through Smugglers Notch to get there, from either the Stowe or Jeffersonville sides. Very dramatic - just try not to go during peak times, like midday on a weekend.
Easy hike, good with kids. Views are spectacular. Can get crowded so go early.
48 locals recommend
Snake Mountain
48 locals recommend
Easy hike, good with kids. Views are spectacular. Can get crowded so go early.
Quintessential vermont swimming hole. Go into the town of Bristol to get a picnic at the local bakery then camp out and swim at the falls.
20 locals recommend
Bristol Falls a.k.a. Bartlett Falls
23-655 Lincoln Rd
20 locals recommend
Quintessential vermont swimming hole. Go into the town of Bristol to get a picnic at the local bakery then camp out and swim at the falls.
Big hike - you should have the right shoes , water etc. There are a couple of different trails to take so take some time to look at the options. And the weather at the top is often dramatically different, with fog and clouds rolling over you (depending on time of year).
27 locals recommend
Camels Hump State Park
27 locals recommend
Big hike - you should have the right shoes , water etc. There are a couple of different trails to take so take some time to look at the options. And the weather at the top is often dramatically different, with fog and clouds rolling over you (depending on time of year).
A must see/do. Kind of an indescribable setting -19th c. estate on 1,400 acres with several barns that are themselves architecturally significant. Frederick Law Olmstead (designer of Central Park), layed out the grounds, with the manor house positioned to overlook Lake Champlain. Trail walking is mostly flat, with some small rises -- 1 to 6 miles depending upon how much of the property you walk.
243 locals recommend
Shelburne Farms
1611 Harbor Road
243 locals recommend
A must see/do. Kind of an indescribable setting -19th c. estate on 1,400 acres with several barns that are themselves architecturally significant. Frederick Law Olmstead (designer of Central Park), layed out the grounds, with the manor house positioned to overlook Lake Champlain. Trail walking is mostly flat, with some small rises -- 1 to 6 miles depending upon how much of the property you walk.
Warren Falls on the Mad River in Warren is one of many excellent waterfalls/swimming holes in VT. Be forewarned that it can be crowded on the weekends and parking is limited - but such a gorgeous place to swim with the locals. Combine with a trip to the Warren General Store, or Lareau Farm (American Flatbread), or Canteen Creamery.
123 locals recommend
Warren Falls
3919 Vermont Rte 100
123 locals recommend
Warren Falls on the Mad River in Warren is one of many excellent waterfalls/swimming holes in VT. Be forewarned that it can be crowded on the weekends and parking is limited - but such a gorgeous place to swim with the locals. Combine with a trip to the Warren General Store, or Lareau Farm (American Flatbread), or Canteen Creamery.

Sightseeing

Burlington waterfront, ferry docks, and the surrounding area are worth exploring for urban enthusiasts, with some remnants of BTV’’s former past as a major port for lumber and other goods. The bike path south goes past some interesting historic RR buildings,. Check out the graffiti murals on the old shipyard building near King Street ferry dock.
Ferry Dock Marina
1 King Street Dock
Burlington waterfront, ferry docks, and the surrounding area are worth exploring for urban enthusiasts, with some remnants of BTV’’s former past as a major port for lumber and other goods. The bike path south goes past some interesting historic RR buildings,. Check out the graffiti murals on the old shipyard building near King Street ferry dock.