If you’re attending the VCIA Conference in Burlington, Vermont, you’ve landed in a city that invites you to explore, not with urgency, but with curiosity. Framed by Lake Champlain and the Green Mountains, Burlington is a place where local flavor, natural beauty, and creative culture come together effortlessly. Whether you have a full day or just a few hours, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy Vermont at its best.
Easing into the Day
Mornings in Burlington begin gently. You might start with a walk through quiet downtown streets, the air fresh from the lake and the city slowly waking up. A stop at Burlington Bagel Bakery sets the tone with locals chatting over coffee while bagels toast behind the counter. If you prefer a more refined start, Juniper at Hotel Vermont offers a sit-down breakfast with local eggs, house-made jam, and a view of the city coming to life through tall windows. However you begin, remember this: there’s no rush.
Connecting with the Landscape
Here, nature doesn’t require a long drive as it is intertwined with our daily lives. After breakfast, you might head toward Waterfront Park, where paved paths hug the lake and offer views of sailboats drifting beneath mountain silhouettes. If you're up for something more immersive, the Colchester Causeway bike trail stretches out across the lake itself, creating the illusion of pedaling straight into the horizon.
A Break to Savor
When lunchtime approaches, Burlington offers no shortage of delicious and relaxed options. You might find yourself at The Skinny Pancake, where crepes are filled with local cheese, seasonal vegetables, or Vermont maple syrup (a personal favorite), and outdoor seating lets you linger by the lake. For something heartier, the Farmhouse Tap and Grill specializes in grass-fed burgers and crisp salads, often paired with local brews served in the sunny courtyard.
An Afternoon of Discovery
As the afternoon stretches on, the city’s creative spirit begins to shine through. You might find yourself wandering Church Street Marketplace, where brick-lined walkways are flanked by bookstores, handmade jewelry shops, and murals that surprise you around corners. Step into Scout for a scoop of small-batch ice cream (try the maple crème fraîche) or linger in Crow Bookshop, where quiet corners invite you to flip through pages with no agenda.
The Light That Lingers
Late afternoon brings a change in the air as the light softens, the lake glows, and everything seems to slow. Locals know that Battery Park is one of the best places to catch the sunset, where benches offer a perfect view over Lake Champlain with the Adirondacks beyond. For a more immersive experience, the Spirit of Ethan Allen cruise sets sail around golden hour, offering a quiet drink on the water and a front-row seat to the sky’s transformation. Notice how the joy doesn’t just come from the sunset, it comes from being still long enough to notice it.
A Thoughtful Ending to the Day
Dinner in Burlington is as much about atmosphere as it is about flavor. You might choose Honey Road, where Mediterranean small plates are served under warm lighting and each dish is crafted to be shared and savored. Or maybe you’ll slip into The Whiskey Room, where low conversation, expertly mixed cocktails, and soft jazz create a perfect contrast to the day’s brightness. If you’re not ready to let go of the lake just yet, The Spot on the Dock offers cocktails and casual plates right on the water, where the breeze and laughter mix as the stars begin to appear.
A Moment to Remember
Being in Burlington during the VCIA Conference offers more than professional development. It offers a sense of peace. It’s in the friendly nods from shopkeepers, the mountain air that rolls off the lake, and the way time seems to stretch just a little. Whether you’re here for business, adventure, or something in between, the moments you gather will stay with you, long after the conference wraps up.
