Stowe Mountain skiing isn’t the only thing Vermont has going for it. The very green New England state is mostly known as a winter destination, but it actually offers year-round activities that cater to all types of travelers. Make its largest city, Burlington, your home base to experience the best of each season, from farm-to-table cuisine and mountain biking to microbrew beer tours. I had the pleasure of staying at Hotel Vermont for a weekend getaway in early August. This off-season guide includes insider tips from Cassie Marion, Hotel Vermont Activities Coordinator.
Fall
Beer Tastings: Within the last few years, Vermont has become known for its microbrew beers. Cassie shares, “At Hotel Vermont, our Beer Concierge is here to help you navigate the beer scene and we run a one-of-a-kind walking or biking Brew Tour. You visit three breweries and one cidery in Burlington’s South End.”
Visit from September 24-27 for Burlington’s Oktoberfest, for which tickets are on sale now here: http://www.oktoberfestvermont.com
Fall Hiking: In November, take advantage of Vermont’s late fall hiking spots, where you could come across locals with pointers about wildlife sightings and the best trails to utilize. Rent a car and drive 18 miles to the Audubon Trails at The Green Mountain Audubon Center in Huntington. The 5-mile trail weaves through beautiful scenery located along the Huntington River. Check out Lookout Rock for views of the Green Mountains.
Spring
Sugaring Season: Another feature Vermont is known for, but few people get to experience making, is maple syrup. Maple sugaring is a major part of Vermont’s economy during the spring. The key to this season is weather, so visit a sugarhouse between late February and mid-April. Sugarers are happy to welcome visitors into their operations to explain this age-old tradition. Stop in to explore wherever you see a ‘Pure Vermont Maple Syrup’ sign.
Summer
Water Sports: Swim at North Beach Park on Lake Champlain where the water is surprisingly warm during July and August. It is accessible by car or by walking. “Visit the Lake Champlain Community Sailing Center to have the opportunity to learn to sail, and to rent paddleboards and kayaks. It’s just a 15-minute walk from downtown Burlington,” shares Cassie.
Bike Riding: Rent a bike and traverse the Island Line 13-mile paved bike path, which gives spectacular lake views. Cassie says, “Hotel Vermont offers two-hour complimentary bike usage of their refurbished bicycles for their guests and has also partnered with local bikes shops Local Motion and the Ski Rack to offer rentals for more serious biking.”
Drinks by the Lake: For food and drinks lakeside, go to Splash, which is a casual restaurant directly on the water. Sit right on the dock adjacent to the lake where there is outdoor seating or on the restaurant’s second-floor terrace. Although the cocktail and dining menus are limited, Splash is a great laid-back option to have a cool drink while watching the boats go by during the day.
Where to Stay in Burlington: Hotel Vermont
Hotel Vermont is a lifestyle city hotel that has successfully blended luxury accommodations with an authentic Vermont experience, creating a relaxing atmosphere. With 125 rooms, it is the first independent hotel in Burlington. It features modern yet rustic décor and art produced by locals, such as Duncan Johnson, who created the oversized lobby piece, “Color Code,” with reclaimed wood found after hurricane Irene.
Upon arrival, you are greeted by a bustling lobby that features live music, a lounge area with a fireplace, and 12 complimentary refurbished vintage bikes for rent from Old Spokes Home. If you happen to notice the floor glistens a little, it’s thanks to pebbles sourced from the beach on Lake Champlain. You might even have the chance to sample something delicious from a local vendor—such as Lu Lu mojito ice cream (yes, it will be spiked with rum, and it is delicious!)
Room to Book
Overall, Hotel Vermont’s rooms have an airy Scandinavian design with walls that slide and reconfigure into closet or bathroom doors; tall wooden headboards that act as accent walls; and little extras like twin trundle beds and window sofas. Book a Top Floor bedroom to experience extra amenities like turndown service, whirlpool tubs, Vermont-made goodies and fireplaces. Best to book through the hotel directly to get the room that best fits your needs.
Locally Sourced
From the design to the linens, almost everything has been sourced locally. Massage and in-room products are specially created by Lunaroma and feature aromatherapy scents such as lavender and lemon. Guests will also enjoy the following in their room: books provided by Burlington Writers Workshop; custom Johnson Woolen Mills blankets; and flannel pajamas by Vermont Flannel.
Food and Drink
Each floor has a complimentary café station with a coffee machine, tea, individually bagged ice in a freezer for the ice bucket in your room, and gourmet snacks throughout the day.
Chef de Cuisine Douglas Paine and Juniper Manager Cameron Keitel oversee the hotel’s Juniper restaurant, serving seasonal, locally grown fare, and Vermont distilled spirits and brews. For brunch, try the Sausage Gravy dish with cheddar biscuits and don’t miss out on the do-it-yourself Bloody Mary bar. Enjoy craft cocktails at night at the outdoor deck adjacent to Juniper with lounge chairs, a fire pit, and a view of Lake Champlain. The Lemon Ginger Martini is a favorite. Next door, Hen of the Wood is a restaurant partner that presents acclaimed farm-to-table cuisine by James Beard Award finalist Chef Eric Warnstedt. Dishes change daily, noted by the red date stamped at the top right corner of the menu.
Nubia DuVall Wilson is a contributing writer. She is a luxury travel & lifestyle expert, a published author of Encounters with Strangers, and owner of www.encounterswithnubia.com. Follow her on Twitter @NubiaWilson.
Author
