Why You Gotta Go: A buzzing metropolis with a small-town feel, Burlington sits on the edge of gorgeous Lake Champlain with mountains and farmland in every direction. It makes for an exciting and culturally diverse base camp for day trips to the surrounding countryside. At Adam’s Berry Farm, 7 minutes north of town, you can pick organic strawberries and blueberries. Plan to spend a day at Shelburne Farms in Shelburne, 15 minutes south of Burlington. This 1,400-acre working farm doubles as an environmental center where kids can learn about sustainable farming, cheese making, and more.
At the children’s farmyard, you can milk a goat, brush horses, and pet the rabbits. In town, the ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center is just right for kids. Interactive exhibits introduce native wildlife like the spiny softshell turtle.
Chow Down: In City Hall Park, at the farmers’ market every Saturday, vendors haul in everything from fresh fruit to home-cooked Jamaican. Or grab a pizza pie at American Flatbread.
Lay Your Head: The Courtyard by Marriott Burlington Harbor is the perfect jumping-off place; it’s just steps from the center of town.
