While visiting America’s Northeast, Kenin and I decided to spend a weekend in the quaint city of Burlington, Vermont. We were looking for a place where we could relax and take in some sights, while also recharging our batteries and getting some rest. Burlington, VT turned out to be exactly what we were seeking. This charming little town stole our hearts and we can’t wait to go back and explore a bit deeper. Here is a fabulous little list of some of our favorite places to eat and drink in Burlington even if you are just there for a short jaunt.
The very first place I wanted to stop and sightsee was Ben & Jerry’s which is in nearby Waterbury, VT. We stopped here before even checking into our hotel. For a few dollars, you take a guided tour through the factory. You learn a little about the company, and most importantly, you get to sample some ice cream. They make one flavor at a time, so you get to try whatever is on the board for the day.
Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream
After the tour, you are leaded to (surprise, surprise) the gift shop. There was so much adorable merchandise in here but what caught my eye was the local syrup. We were very tempted to buy some of this Ben & Jerry’s Pure Vermont maple syrup, however, that would mean I would be forced to consume mass amounts of pancakes and I already had two (don’t judge me) ice cream cones and my weekend trip had barely begun.
Ben and Jerry’s Maple Syrup
Our first morning in Burlington started with a gorgeous sunrise over Lake Champlain. We arose ready to take on the day and do some exploring, but first things first, we needed breakfast. After a little internet research, Kenin found a place that made fresh bagels every morning. Little did I know, the owner would be there making his delicious dough himself. Lloyd Squires hand-rolls his Montreal style bagels at Myer’s Bagels every morning. The look on his face is just priceless. This man obviously takes pride in his work, and he should! I was just standing there inhaling the heady-bready aroma and getting lost in the process when Lloyd just grabs a bagel straight out of the fire and hands it to me. No words exchanged, just a hot bagel in my hands (it’s what I got for gawking) and me standing there trying not to shove the whole thing in my mouth all at once.
Lloyd Squires doing his thing
After consuming my “straight out of the fire treat” and watching as Lloyd walked around giving the kids in the restaurant dough balls to knead for fun, I decided to order a bagel and smother it with the house-made cream cheese. Seems I was destined to consume everything in pairs on this mini vacation. The bagel was amazingly crunchy and toasted on the outside and gooey and melty on the inside. There was a slight sweetness to the dough that balanced my bacon and chive cream cheese perfectly. This is a must-visit place for a fabulous bagel when you are in Burlington. People here make bagels with a passion that I have rarely witnessed anywhere else.
Myer’s Bagel with cream cheese
After chowing down on a wonderfully carb-filled breakfast, Kenin took me to one of my favorite breweries, Magic Hat. Magic Hat #9 was the beer that lead me down the path of adoration for craft brews. I remember turning 21 (so many years ago) and going to the liquor store to see what new brews I could get so I didn’t have to imbibe in the regular swill of macro brews. Magic Hat had a fancy and fun label and I was eager to try it. It has remained one of my favorites over the years and every time I pop a bottle, I feel a wave of nostalgia.
Magic Hat #9
The brewery in Burlington has a wonderful mix of art and beer that is sure to entertain any beer lover. You can tour the facility and sample their brews while taking in the art all over the walls. Magic Hat does a fantastic job of displaying local artists while on the tour that is available for purchase. They are very involved in the community and this is something Kenin and I can stand behind. Also, I still have a weak spot for the artwork on the labels and cans.
Big Hundo
If beer is not your thing, you should talk to this guy right here. This is the guy that stands right in the doorway as you enter Woodchuck Hard Cider. You can come here and sit in the tasting room, sample some ciders, buy some merchandise and take your picture with the woodchuck. Woodchuck is technically found in Middlebury, Vermont but that is only an hour away and you also pass a few other breweries on your journey.
Mr Woodchuck himself
The tasting room always has the regular ciders on tap as well as a few seasonals. All their ciders are gluten-free since the products are made up of mostly apples. This is a comfy place to kick back and take in the cider.
Cider Rules
Round out your trip to Burlington with a stroll down the famous Church Street. This wonderful stretch of shops, restaurants, and bars offers one of my most favorited activities…people watching. Notice the sign in the background.
Band on Church Street