Interesting places to visit near Burlington, United States

Location: Burlington, Vermont, USA, nestled on the eastern shore of the stunning Lake Champlain.

Best For: Nature Lovers, Foodies, Families with Young Children, Dog-Friendly, History Enthusiasts.

Discover a perfect detour that combines serene natural beauty with vibrant local culture. Lake Champlain offers breathtaking waterfront views and peaceful walking trails, while Burlington’s artisan food markets provide a lively taste of Vermont’s farm-to-table heritage. This blend makes it an ideal stop for travelers seeking relaxation, culinary delights, and outdoor activities.

Visitors can stroll along the scenic Burlington Waterfront Park, enjoy kayaking or sailing on the lake, and explore the bustling markets featuring fresh cheeses, baked goods, craft beverages, and handmade crafts. History buffs will appreciate the nearby historic sites and museums that tell the story of the region.

Families will find the area welcoming and safe, with plenty of open spaces for children to play and interactive market vendors eager to share their stories. The markets and waterfront paths are dog-friendly, making it easy to bring your furry companions along for the adventure.

Whether you're savoring local delicacies, soaking in panoramic lake views, or engaging with friendly artisans, this detour offers a rich and memorable experience for all types of travelers.

Location: Burlington, Vermont, USA

Best For: Nature Lovers, Foodies, Families with Children, Dog-Friendly, History Enthusiasts

Nestled in the charming city of Burlington, Vermont, the Farm-to-Table Culinary Experiences and Artisan Markets offer an enriching detour that celebrates local agriculture, artisanal craftsmanship, and sustainable food culture. This vibrant destination invites travelers to immerse themselves in the authentic flavors of Vermont’s freshest produce and handcrafted goods, making it a must-visit for food lovers and culture seekers alike.

Visitors can explore bustling markets featuring seasonal fruits, organic vegetables, artisan cheeses, and freshly baked breads, alongside unique handmade crafts and local artworks. Engaging cooking demonstrations and farm tours provide deeper insight into Vermont's rich agricultural heritage, appealing to history enthusiasts and curious minds. Families will appreciate kid-friendly activities like interactive food tastings and petting zoos, while dog owners will find many markets welcoming to well-behaved pets, often with water stations and shaded rest areas.

This detour is perfect for those looking to connect with nature and community, savor authentic farm-to-table meals, and enjoy a lively, family-friendly atmosphere. Whether you're sampling maple syrup, chatting with farmers, or simply soaking in the vibrant market scene, Burlington’s culinary and artisan markets offer a delightful and wholesome experience for all ages and interests.

Location: Shelburne, Vermont, USA

Best For: Nature Lovers, History Enthusiasts, Foodies, Families with Children, Dog-Friendly

Why it's a great detour: Nestled on the shores of Lake Champlain, Shelburne Farms offers a unique blend of historic charm and sustainable farming traditions. This legendary Vermont estate invites travelers to step back in time while indulging in artisan flavors crafted from its own organic dairy and gardens. It’s a perfect escape for those seeking a peaceful countryside experience rich in culture, history, and farm-to-table delights.

Key activities: Visitors can explore the beautifully preserved 19th-century farmstead and gardens, enjoy guided walking tours highlighting the estate’s history and conservation efforts, sample award-winning cheeses and fresh produce at the farm store, and participate in seasonal workshops. The extensive trails are ideal for leisurely hikes and birdwatching, while children can engage with farm animals and educational programs.

Kid-friendly focus: Shelburne Farms is very family-friendly, offering hands-on experiences that delight children, such as meeting farm animals and interactive nature trails. The open spaces provide plenty of room for kids to explore safely.

Dog-friendly notes: Well-behaved dogs are welcome on designated trails and outdoor areas, making it a great stop for travelers with pets. Water bowls and waste stations are available to ensure a comfortable visit for furry companions.

Location: Lake Champlain region, Vermont, USA

Best For: Nature Lovers, Hiking, Dog-Friendly, Families with Children, History Enthusiasts, Foodies

Nestled in the picturesque Lake Champlain area, this detour offers a perfect blend of scenic hiking trails and tranquil lakeside parks that warmly welcome dogs and families alike. The region's unique combination of lush forests, sparkling waters, and historic sites makes it a captivating stop for travelers seeking outdoor adventure and relaxation.

Visitors can enjoy leisurely walks or more vigorous hikes along well-maintained, dog-friendly trails that wind through vibrant woodlands and along the lake’s edge. Lakeside parks provide ideal spots for picnics, swimming, and kayaking, while history buffs can explore nearby landmarks reflecting Vermont's rich heritage. Food lovers will appreciate local eateries serving fresh, regional cuisine.

This destination is especially family-friendly, with gentle trails suitable for young children and plenty of open space for play. Dogs are enthusiastically welcomed, with ample leash-friendly paths and water access points to keep furry companions happy and safe.

Whether you're seeking a peaceful lakeside retreat, an active day of hiking with your dog, or a cultural exploration of Vermont’s history and flavors, the scenic trails and parks around Lake Champlain offer a diverse and rewarding detour for all types of travelers.

Location: Lake Champlain, Vermont, USA

Best For: Nature Lovers, Hiking, Dog-Friendly, Families with Children, History Enthusiasts, Foodies

Why it's a great detour: Nestled between Vermont and New York, Lake Champlain offers a perfect blend of outdoor adventure and scenic tranquility, making it an ideal detour for travelers seeking fresh air and natural beauty. Its dog-friendly trails and lakeside parks invite visitors to explore with their furry companions, while the rich history of the region adds cultural depth to the experience.

Key activities: Enjoy hiking and biking along the scenic waterfront trails, kayaking or paddleboarding on the calm lake waters, visiting historic sites such as the nearby Fort Ticonderoga, and savoring local farm-to-table cuisine at charming lakeside eateries. Families can picnic on grassy shores or explore interactive nature centers.

Kid-friendly: The gentle trails and safe swimming areas make it suitable for families with young children, offering plenty of space for play and exploration.

Dog-friendly: Lake Champlain is highly welcoming to dogs, with numerous off-leash areas, dog-friendly beaches, and pet-friendly accommodations, ensuring your four-legged friends enjoy the adventure as much as you do.

Location: Nestled in the scenic countryside near Stowe, Vermont, USA, this detour offers an authentic rural New England experience.

Best For: Nature Lovers, Foodies, Families with Children, Dog-Friendly, History Enthusiasts

Why It's a Great Detour: Escape the bustle of city life and immerse yourself in Vermont's rustic charm. This area combines breathtaking natural landscapes with rich agricultural heritage and vibrant farm-to-table culinary experiences. Visitors can enjoy fresh, locally sourced meals while exploring historic farms and picturesque trails.

Key Activities: Visitors can tour working farms, participate in seasonal harvests, savor farm-fresh meals at local eateries, hike scenic trails, and visit farmers' markets showcasing Vermont's artisanal products. Educational farm tours and cooking classes are also available, offering insights into sustainable farming and regional cuisine.

Kid-Friendly Focus: The countryside setting and interactive farm activities make it ideal for families with young children. Kids can meet farm animals, pick fruits, and learn about farming in a hands-on environment.

Dog-Friendly Notes: Many farms and outdoor dining spots welcome dogs, making it a perfect stop for travelers with pets. Leashed dogs can enjoy the open spaces and walking trails alongside their owners.

Location: Nestled in the heart of central Vermont near Montpelier, USA, this detour offers a quintessential New England experience with its historic covered bridges and breathtaking fall foliage drives.

Best For: Nature Lovers, History Enthusiasts, Families with Children, Dog-Friendly Travelers, Photographers, Foodies

Why it's a great detour: This scenic route combines charming 19th-century covered bridges with some of the most vibrant and picturesque autumn landscapes in the country. It provides a peaceful escape from city life and a chance to immerse in Vermont’s rich heritage and natural beauty.

Key activities: Visitors can enjoy leisurely drives along winding country roads lined with colorful maples, stop to explore and photograph historic covered bridges, hike nearby trails that showcase panoramic views, and visit local farms and eateries offering seasonal Vermont specialties like apple cider and maple syrup.

Kid-friendly: The area is very family-friendly with easy walking paths around the bridges and plenty of open spaces for children to explore safely.

Dog-friendly: Many trails and outdoor areas welcome dogs on leash, making it an excellent choice for travelers with pets seeking fresh air and scenic walks.

Location: Nestled in the heart of Vermont's Green Mountains near Montpelier, USA, this detour offers a quintessential New England experience.

Best For: Nature Lovers, Foodies, Families with Children, Dog-Friendly, History Enthusiasts

Why It's a Great Detour: This scenic route combines breathtaking mountain landscapes with the charm of artisan cheese farms, providing a unique blend of outdoor adventure and culinary delight. Visitors can immerse themselves in Vermont's rich agricultural heritage while enjoying peaceful hikes and farm tours.

Key Activities: Explore hiking trails with panoramic views of the Green Mountains, tour working dairy farms to see cheesemaking in action, sample award-winning artisan cheeses, and visit local farmers' markets. History buffs can discover the region's farming traditions and historic farmsteads.

Kid-Friendly: Ideal for families, children can enjoy farm animal encounters, nature walks, and interactive cheesemaking demonstrations designed to engage young minds.

Dog-Friendly: Many farms and trails welcome well-behaved dogs on leash, making it a perfect stop for travelers with pets to enjoy fresh mountain air and open spaces together.