I took a mini getaway to VT for a weekend in mid-December and I am already counting down the days until I can head back there - it was that great. As a born and raised New Englander, I'm a little embarrassed to say I have never visited this state (other than stopping for gas on the way to Montreal on New Years Eve). It was so gorgeous, especially during the holidays, with so much to do and amazing people.
I put together a little guide/itinerary for those interested in planning their own vacation. All COVID-19 info is at the bottom.
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4 Days & 4 Nights in VT
Where we stayed:
Stowe: We did Thursday-Saturday night in Stowe. We stayed at an amazing Air B&B right in the heart of Stowe. Walkable to multiple restaurants, attractions, right no the main road to access the mountains and easy accessible from the highway. The interior was clean, spacious and had all the items we needed for our stay. If you know me, I am a huge fan of Air B&B - probably because I really like having two rooms, a kitchen area etc. During this pandemic I also find it more private and less populated than a hotel. I often find it's more affordable too. This is the link to our place - host was great! DM me on Instagram with any questions, I'm happy to share our full experience. Photos below are of the view from our window...so pretty!
Burlington: We did one night here because we figured we should probably checkout VT's biggest city while in the state. We planned this extra night last minute and opted for a hotel room using the Hotel Tonight app. It's an app that shows last minute hotel deals on the night of your trip - risky, but has ALWAYS worked when I use it! It's a great option if you're looking to tact on a night somewhere. To plan ahead (since we decided to do this extra night two weeks before the trip), I checked websites to make sure there was more than enough availability for that Sunday night, I also checked the days leading up to it. We were in the clear, as it seemed like tons of rooms were available. If you're looking to save $25 on your first booking use code KSLING. The hotel we ended up at was The Hilton Burlington Lake Champlain, which was in a perfect location and offered amazing views of the lake and Adirondack Mountains.
How I travel:
I should probably share some of my own travel tips for how I sanely travel, it's all about packing all of the essentials - nope, I do NOT pack light but I pack what I need hahaha. Here's a few things that made my trip relaxing - it's mostly kitchen stuff:
If changing locations, bring two bags. I packed a suitcase (winter travel probs) and inside it, packed an empty weekender. Since we were doing 3 night in Stowe and then 1 night in Burlington I figured why would I bring a huge suitcase for one night, so when packing up in Stowe, I just packed the weekender with what I would need for the 1 night. Only do this if you feel your car will be somewhere safe - ours was a monitored garage.
Pack a laundry bag - I always being a bag to use for laundry to one, keep the dirty stuff separate from the unused/cleans tuff and two, for easy unpacking. You just dump the bag into the wash/basket once you're home.
Lemons - for my morning hot water with lemon
ACV - added to my morning hot water with lemon, or I do a shot before we eat out
Tea - I brought peppermint, ginger and throat coat just incase the cold air messed with us. I do tea every morning since I don't do coffee/caffeine, and not everywhere has herbal tea (I know I am a pain in the ass and trust me I MISSSSSS coffee so much).
Waters - I always travel with at least a 24 pack of water. It's not the most sustainable but it's just for travel and it's nice to have them on hand to keep hydrated since I don't know what the water situation will be! We went through these by Saturday morning and I ended up buying a literal gallon of water for he hotel room.
All my vitamins and supplements - elderberry, vitamins C, my probiotic.
STOWE
What we did:
So, if you're heading north in December I am going to assume you're skiing, but we actually didn't even get on the mountain this trip. We aren't huge skiers and decided to head back in February to actually ski Mount Mansfield in Stowe. I can assure you, there is PLENTY to do without doing any winter sports. However, we did want to go tubing but it wasn't open for the season yet - next time!
Eat & Drink:
Probably the main thing we took part in. VT is home to about 1,000 breweries and we hit up 3 while we were there. We also had some seriously delicious meals.
Breweries:
Idletyme: right on Stowe Mountain Road. Get the brussel sprouts!!! SO good, we didn't finish them and I'm having leftover regrets. This was out first stop of our brewery "tour" so we just did the 6 flight sampler - I'm a huge lightweight so having one 5 oz beer honestly was enough for me. Menu here! BTW if it was warmer we absolutely could've walked here from our place - maybe a 20 minute walk?
The Alchemist: only open for pick up right now, so we drive through their order/pick up line to grab a 6 pack of their famous Heady Topper IPA. The system they had in place for curbside pick up was unreal - hats off to them. This is a 10 minute walk from Idletyme or a 2 minute drive.
Von Trapp: Going here is like taking a quick trip to another country...the land is super charming and the bierhall is awesome! The von Trapp family (yes, from the Sound of Music), still owns and operates this land. The lodge, restaurant/bierhall and grounds are all set on a mountain off Stowe Mountain Road and about a 5 minute drive from the two spots above. We took a ride around the mountain to check out the lodge and farm - there were sheep being herded down their main road - making it even more picturesque. Once in the bierhall, grab a pint and a snack, they have some pretty unique dishes from the Austrian culture. We opted for the pretzels with cheese dip...yum. BTW the waitstaff is SO NICE.
Stowe Cider: We didn't make it here, and we aren't really cider people, but I heard nothing but great things!
Prohibition Pig: Technically in Waterbury, but I am SURE you'll had over to this neighboring town on your trip (home of Ben and Jerry's). We did a drink and app here. LOVED their Fried Pimento Cheese app, and heard great things about the Duck Fat Fries.
Dinners:
Cork: Literally across the street from our rental. Farm-to-table food that tastes delishhh and a huge natural wine selection/in-restaurant store. We split the Dirty Potatoes (a must-try), the burger and the herb roasted chicken. I had the best pinot noir I've ever had and bought a bottle from their shop to take home. It's Folk Machine's pinot noir. They serve it on draft at Cork too.
Matterhorn: Ranked the #1 Après ski bar in North America by USA Today, and our favorite place. During COVID-19 there is obviously no real bar partying, but the vibe was still great. It's towards the end of Stowe Mountain Road and a 10 minute drive from our rental. The menu is definitely interesting; half bar food like pizza and wings, half a full sushi bar that people rave about. I'd recommend a reservation, even tough we walked right in but the place looked pretty full. We wanted to chill at our rental that night, so we shared some edamame over drinks and took home the Chicken Pesto Pizza.
The Whip: We ordered takeout from here our last night so we could just relax at home. It's located a 4 minute walk from our rental on the main drag. Menu is basic in a good way, just good quality food - we did a turkey club "The Starr" and a caesar salad.
Other notable recs we missed: Doc Pond's, Flannel, Cliff House (heading back here when we come to ski! call the number in the link for info on reservations (you need one it's on top of the mountain), have the menu emailed to you and how to get to the gondola to get to the actual restaurant), Harrison's, The Deep End, Tres Amigos and Ranch Camp.
Breakfast/Coffee:
The Butler's Pantry: Located, you guessed it - right below our rental! It's the first floor of the building our apartment was in. We actually didn't go here (no time), but reviews were great and we saw tons of people grabbing takeout.
The Skinny Pancake: A local chain and SO good. We did brunch here and had their specialty; crepes. The whole menu is centered around these bw, so if they really aren't your thing skip this place (but they aren't my BF's thing and this was one of his favorite meals). We shared the Sugar Shack and he got the Lumber Jack, I also did a side of bacon and eggs!
Cafe on Main: Located inside a bookstore/local boutique. The BF grabbed a coffee here day one while we explored.
Stowe Bee: We grabbed coffee and breakfast here on Sunday morning for our drive to Burlington. My BF's breakfast sandwich looked unreal (came on a buttery biscuit that I was lucky enough to try) and I had a housemade apple muffin, done with almond flour and only sweetened with VT pure maple syrup. SO yummy and perfect for my healthy foodie self.
Quick eats:
Stowe Public House: Right across the street from us! The first night we went over to their beer/wine shop to stock up on local brews. Super nice and helpful staff too. Our last night we got a snack here and a drink while we ordered that takeout from The Whip. It's a cute little shop that allows you to hangout in their seating area and drink. Stowe had zero wind the entire time we were there, so we actually sat outside by the heat lamps for a bit.
Edelweiss: A local deli that we didn't go to BUT was highly recommended to us.
Hangout:
Since we weren't skiing, we spent lots of time just relaxing in our amazing rental (it had a fireplace that really changed the game). I brought two books to get into and love both; Lilac Girls and The Hunting Party. Side note as a fun thing to bring; we did some Christmas presents early - he got me a weighted blanket that I am obsessed with, and I got him this wearable back massager that I think everyone should own - it has a car plug in for on-the-go and is under $40.
Explore:
Stowe is all about what's around you. We took a lot of walks and drives to checkout the local scenery. Stowe Rec Path was close by and covers a lot of ground. Often when we would head somewhere, we would take the long way to get in some scenery, since you're in the mountains, any side road will mostly likely lead to beautiful views. Check out some of the covered bridges, we stumbled on this one by accident. Walk around to the small businesses.
Head to the Ben and Jerry's main shop for a scoop and a tour (closed for tours during COVID-19). We went here on our trip to Waterbury and grabbed a cone of Boots on the Moooon - a new flavor.
Treat Yourself:
So I have NEVER gotten a massage even though I'm obsessed with facials. I booked us massages at BHAV in Waterbury. I chose the Lavender Honey Cocoon with a dry brush add on, and he did a classic massage. The service was great and I highly recommend the stop.
BURLINGTON
What we did:
While in VT, we figured why not check out this famous city, and since it was only 45 minutes away from Stowe, the trip was easy. We only did 1 night here, so this is not a comprehensive guide, but good for your Sunday travels!
Eat & Drink:
SO many places to choose from and so many I want to come back for. Below is a list of the places I wish we could've tried, along with the ones we did make it to...
Where we ate:
Ruben James: A total sports bar and clearly a place the UVM kids like to hang. Reason we went; BF is a Titans fan (don't ask), and they had Sunday Ticket for the Sunday afternoon game. The wings were SO good!
Sweetwaters: It was out last night of the trip and we were SO tired, so we did takeout from here. French Onion Soup, a Ceasar Salad and Fries - simple but yummy. Plus, this location is right on Church Street and was close to our hotel.
The Skinny Pancake: YUP AGAIN. We loved it. They have a Burlington location down by the waterfront so we stopped here Monday morning before we left for home. It was also one of the only spots open on a Monday morning. We did the Sugar Shack again, the Crepe Monsieur and The Veggie Monster. Their coffee is also delish I was told.
Dobra Tea: I grabbed a tea here while shipping. HUGE selection and cute spot.
Where I wish we had time to eat:
The Friendly Toast: I've been to the Boston location and the menu is HUGE and yummy.
Butch & Babes: I REALLLLLLY wish we went here. The menu looks too good.
Explore:
Burlington is home to Church Street, which is basically a long road full of shops and restaurants that cars do not have access too (other than a few spots). This was the main activity for us and where I did some personal/Christmas shopping.
We also took a walk down on the waterfront to checkout the views. The lake is really something else, so don't miss it!!
Example Itinerary
Day One (Thursday):
AM/early afternoon: Travel to VT. Aim to arrive around 3pm for check-in
1:30pm: If passing through Woodstock, VT stop for some takeout to grub on in the car. BF got a ruben and truffle fries (for me), from Dr Coburns Tonic
3-4pm: check in, unpack and get settled
5pm: explore local area, walk around to any open shops and grab some local craft beer at Stowe Public House
7pm: Dinner at CORK
Day Two (Friday):
9am: grab coffee/tea from Cafe on Main, walka round to local shops and explore Stowe
10am: brunch at The Skinny Pancake
12pm: back to the rental to relax
2pm: into the car for a scenic drive towards Waterbury, take the back roads and "get lost." Stumble upon the covered bridges
3pm: BHVA in Waterbury for spa treatments
4:30pm: drive over to Ben and Jerry's for a quick tour and a scoop
5:30pm: grab a drink and a app at Prohibition Pig in Waterbury
6:30pm: head back to Stowe to pick up takeout
7pm: sit down at Matterhorn for a drink while waiting for takeout pizza
7:30pm: back at the rental for movie night and pizza - and some craft beer
Day Three (Saturday):
10am: grab coffee and breakfast and head up Stowe Mountain Road for a drive and to check out some real mountains
12pm: start brewery hopping; first up Idletyme, then The Alchemist and finally von Trapp grounds/bierhall
4pm: back to the rental for a night in
6:30pm: have a drink at Stowe Public House
7pm: pick up takeout from The Whip
**we wanted to go tubing this evening but it wasn't open yet, this would be a great night to do so!
Day Four (Sunday):
10am: grab coffee and breakfast at Stowe Bee Cafe for the drive to Burlington
11am: arrive in Burlington. Our hotel offered early check in and we were lucky to check in at 11am! If this isn't the case your day won't change too much...
12pm: Walk Church Street to shop
1pm: lunch at Ruben James for the Sunday football games
3pm: I left and continued shopping - BF stayed behind to watch the games
4pm: back to the hotel
6:30pm: dinner at Sweetwaters
Day Five (Monday):
10:30am: checkout
11am: Brunch at The Skinny Pancake
12pm: head home!
What I Wore:
Winter fashion is my favorite...layers, warmth - that's what I'm all about. Check out some of my outfits below, along with links to each piece.
Beanie: Brixton
Cardigan: Here's mine, below are a few other options...
Tank: Obviously, the Target tank everyone - if you know, you know
Jeans: Abercrombie straight leg, TTS
Boots: UGG Beven - I bought these as a promise to myself that I'll take walks even when it's freezing out
Vest: Patagonia
Bodysuit: Abercrombie, and I must say I love this thing. It's so fitted but flattering.
Jeans: Abercrombie straight leg, TTS
Boots: Old Navy and guys, I promise these kept me warm!
Beanie: Brixton - comes in a few colors
Jacket: I bought this Free People piece in Burlington and I am too obsessed - it comes in other colors, but I am so into the white. It's lightweight, it's comfortable and it's cute
Jeans: Levi's that I LOVE, size up
Purse: vintage coach but I found a similar one here.
Shoes: Steve Madden's
Target lounge set - it's the best and honestly so comfy/flattering.
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COVID-19 INFO:
VT has strict but easy to follow restrictions in place. For those traveling into the state by car you're required do do either a 14 day quarantine in the state, or 14 days in your home state and then directly travel to VT with no stops. Every restaurant we went to required us to fill out a questionnaire and contact tracing form. Our Air B&B host also had us fill out the same. We felt very safe going to the state and even more safe within the state.
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