Meeting rooms are useful. They're also the same four walls your group has been staring at all morning.
Burlington makes it easy to change that. Walk the waterfront between sessions. Get everyone on a sailboat before dinner. The lake is two blocks from most downtown hotels, which means "let's get outside" doesn't require a bus.
Here are five ways to get your group out of the room and into the city.
1) SET SAIL ON LAKE CHAMPLAIN
Burlington Bay has everything from classic sloops to racing yachts to houseboats. For larger groups, Spirit of Ethan Allen runs full-scale tours with room to spread out for up to 250 people. For something smaller and quieter, Whistling Man Schooner Company sails a traditional schooner that suits a more intimate group, and a slower pace. Local captains run both, and they've got more lake history than you'd expect from the sixth-largest lake in the country.
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2) WINE & DINE
Vermont has wineries, and yes, some of your group will be surprised by that. Shelburne Vineyard, Ellison Estate Vineyard, and Snow Farm Vineyard all handle groups well, whether that's a seated tasting, a private tour of the vines, or an after-hours reception that doesn't feel like a networking event. Each has its own personality, so it's worth matching the winery to the group.
3) MUSIC TO MY EARS
A town the size of Burlington has no right to a music scene this good. We got lucky landing on the tour route between New York, Boston, and Montreal, but we made the most of it. Higher Ground books national touring acts, Radio Bean is small and loud in the best way, and Foam Brewers pairs live sets with a lake view and a pint. Between the three, there's almost always something to catch after the last session wraps.
4) LET NO MAN THIRST FOR GOOD BEER
This is Vermont, so the region has breweries the way other places have coffee shops (Although, we also have some great coffee shops). Rather than picking one, book a custom route with City Brew Tours, who'll build the day around your group's taste and schedule. Or keep it simple and reserve space at Burlington Beer Company, Switchback Brewery, or Zero Gravity for a private evening of sampling Vermont's best beers.
Breweries are great for groups.
5) HIT THE LINKS!
Burlington Country Club sits in the middle of downtown, which is rare for a golf outing, and pairs a round with a function space and solid food and drink. Further out, Williston Country Club, Rocky Ridge Golf Club, Kwiniaska Golf Club, and Vermont National Country Club each offer their own terrain and view, some looking out at the lake, others up into the Green Mountains. Good options whether the group wants a business round or a full retreat day.
