Stick season in Burlington has a quiet beauty that’s easy to miss. Between the last burst of foliage and the first snowfall, the city feels calm and spacious. Noah Kahan might have made it famous, but Vermonters have always appreciated this in-between season and the sense of pause (and views) that comes with it. 

 

A Season Worth Slowing Down For

Burlington and the rest of Vermont get to enjoy a season that can be nonexistent in other parts of the world. Some towns have warmth or cold all year round, but Burlington has a stick season. At first glance, this time of year can be underappreciated because of its contrast to busier months, but stick season offers a reflection of the previous months and hopes for future months to come. In the fall, Vermonters cherish these few weeks after the leaf-peeping crowds to both explore and gear up for the cold. In the spring, locals enjoy the first few warm days of the season and enjoy the outdoors!

 

Get Outside: Trails, Views, and Open Skies

Aerial view of Lake Champlain in Vermont during late fall

 

Burlington is bare—leafless —yet continues a hub for locals and visitors alike. Depending on your interests, experience the greater Burlington area during a quieter time of year. For outdoor enthusiasts, Camel’s Hump, Ethan Allen Homestead Trail, and Mount Philo State Park offer panoramic views of Lake Champlain and the Green Mountains without the crowds of leaf peepers and summer tourists. For wildlife seekers, watch as aquatic birds migrate south for the winter at Shelburne Bay Park and throughout Burlington’s Intervale Center. This underappreciated stretch of the year might not make it onto postcards, but locals know it’s one of the best times to explore. Trails are open, parking is easy, and every clear day feels like a little gift before winter arrives. 

 

Find more local trails and outdoor adventures here.

 

Fuel Up with Cozy Eats and Local Sips

Table with Mediterranean dishes at Honey Road in Burlington, Vermont

 

Burlington’s food scene is the perfect haven to take a break from the elements. Take a seat at Honey Road downtown for shareable Mediterranean dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. Enjoy local brews from Foam Brewers on the waterfront or Zero Gravity Brewery in the South End - perfect for trying seasonal beers after a day outside. A variety of coffee shops and cafes will satisfy all of your fall drink cravings. Try a Leaf Peeper or Autumn Fog at Black Cap Coffee & Bakery on Church Street while exploring downtown.

 

Find more great places to eat and drink here.

 

The Music Plays On

Live concert at Higher Ground in Burlington, Vermont

The Queen City’s creative scene doesn’t leave with the summer and foliage season crowds! Local venues and galleries, like Higher Ground, the Burlington City Arts Center, and The Flynn Theatre, keep the energy up long after leaf season ends.

 

Explore more of Burlington’s arts and culture scene.

 

 Embrace stick season before the snow begins to fall! Discover more fall and winter activities, check out our events calendar, and find your perfect place to stay.