What To Do in Burlington, VT in March

If you're here then you are like me— you love travelling and saving money. Burlington, Vermont is one of many locations I have vacationed in during the off-season.

It’s called a shoulder season for a reason; things are closing down or haven't yet opened, tourist crowds are gone, and the weather is not always ideal.

But a city never truely sleeps and locals are still here and running the coolest local experiences in the northeastern United States.

Enjoy this quick-fire list to fill up your March vacation to Vermont!

Live Events

I love taking advantage of seeing local acts and supporting the arts. Burlington is full of small theaters and comedy spots.

Look for local events in “Seven Days”, a free and awesome local publications for all the happenings in the state. View the current issue to see a layout of events for each region of Vermont.

Seven Days | Vermont's Independent Voice

www.sevendaysvt.com

But if you’re just looking for the hotspots in Burlington, these are the places you are bound to find some activity! These two performing arts centers are right next to each other in downtown Burlington and the performances here never miss.

Vermont Comedy Club

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You are going to die laughing whether it’s the local improv teams or a touring comedian! Eat before coming as they only serve light snacks in a small room, and scope out your parking options to make sure you don’t end up paying more than the actual tickets to the show! Bonus note: it’s a coffee shop in the daytime!

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The Flynn

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Be sure to look at the schedule and get a ticket to any of the wide variety of shows that perform at The Flynn!

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Shopping

I may be a little obsessed with the Church St. shopping. Several blocks are closed off to traffic and you can walk the brick-laid to a ton of local stores. Jewlery, books, home goods, fashion, or oddities- this street is where you’ll find it.

Guide your shopping stops with some of my favorite places.

Vermont Eclectic Company

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Do not buy your Vermont merch anywhere else but here! The shop is filled with artist made t-shirts, totes, and art prints and every sale goes to that artist. You’ll find just as the name suggests, eclectic designs that show off the state of Vermont or the city of Burlington.

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The Vault Collective

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If you want to thrift curated vintage this is the place to go! Prices are mid- to high-range, but if you need that statement piece for your closet I am sure it’s hiding amoung the racks of this vintage collective.

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Crow Bookshop - Crow Books

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It’s hard not to love a bookstore but this one was my favorite in town. The atmosphere is comforting and book selection is fantastic!

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Don’t Forget the Lake!

Walk to Lake Champlain’s shores from Church Street and enjoy the beautiful view of the mountains along the water. Even in the cold, you don’t want to miss the sight (and hey, you might catch a view of Champ!)

Food

You’ll have to really put in the effort to not eat local in Burlington. You are spoiled for choice for supporting the local dining scene and it does not disappoint! While in no way extensive, here were a couple of my favorite spots.

August First

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Put the phone away and enjoy this airy bakery and cafe. With a no-screen sign on the front door, you’ll enter a lively atmosphere full of people talking, laughing, and enjoying some of the best bread in the city. Be sure to stop-in to see the daily selection of baked goods which aren’t featured in their online ordering.

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The Vermont Pub & Brewery

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You can’t pass up the first microbrewery in Vermont, which first opened in 1988. Even if you don’t drink (like me) the food is still worth the visit.

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Out of the City

Burlington is a pretty accessible through walking or the bus but if you're getting around in car. Here are some fun places just outside the city limits.

Winooski

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Just north of Burlington, this town is also full of a lot of local shops and cafes.

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Stowe

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If you are coming in March, you may catch the end of ski season on Mt. Mansfield or if you prefer a different kind of ice- take a tour of the Ben & Jerry’s factory.

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Grand Isle

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If you love scenic drives, take Rt. 2 across the islands of Lake Champlain and enjoy the quiet roads of island life.

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Ready to Travel?

1. Download the ParkMobile app before you get into town.

Parking from the garages to the street use ParkMobile for easy payment. Although a lot of downtown garages have free parking for the first two hours and the city itself is pretty walkable. If the weather is on your side, take a taxi to the city center and enjoy the city on foot.

2. Check the weather and pack accordingly!

I visited during the first week of March and every day I was layered up differently. It’s going to be warm, cold, raining, or all three during the same day!

3. Save room in your luggage for all your Vermont goodies!

It’s hard to leave this state without a bottle of maple syrup and a new flannel.

If you enjoyed my reccomendations consider following for more fun travel locations as I complete the tour of the 50 states and leave a tip to support my writing.