Looking for the ultimate Memorial Day weekend in Burlington, VT? Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start of summer, and Burlington, Vermont, is the perfect spot to kick off the season. The M&T Vermont City Marathon & Relay is the city's signature event to welcome the summer season. Not a runner? No problem. There are local events and lakeside adventures all around Queen City. From lakeside views, outdoor adventures, and exciting seasonal events, this guide is here to help you make the most of your stay.
Ready for a Vermont weekend road trip?
Local Tips for a Three-Day Weekend in Burlington, VT
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3-Day Itinerary for Memorial Day in Burlington, Vermont: Friday arrival, Saturday lakeside and downtown adventures, Sunday shopping and brunch!
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Best outdoor activities: Ride along the Bike the Burlington Bike Path, cruise Lake Champlain, hike nearby trails or catch a Vermont Green Football Club or Lake Monster baseball game.
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Where to eat and stay: Local favorites like Farmhouse Tap & Grill and Hotel Vermont offer the best local flavor and comfort
Friday Arrival: Kick Off Your Memorial Day Weekend in Burlington, VT
Ease into your Memorial Day weekend getaway in Vermont by checking into one of Burlington's top hotels. Check in, drop your bags, and start exploring:
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Hotel Vermont offers cozy rooms with a locally crafted interior, just steps from Church Street and the lake.
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The Essex Resort & Spa is ideal for travelers seeking relaxation just outside the city, complete with a full spa.
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Comfort Inn & Suites is a great family-friendly option with easy access to downtown.
Dinner: Head to the Farmhouse Tap & Grill for a locally sourced meal and over 30 craft beers. Eat outside in their beer garden if the weather’s warm. For a pre-marathon pasta feast, enjoy authentic, expertly prepared Italian cuisine at downtown eateries Pascolo Ristorante or Trattoria Delia.
After Dinner: Head to Shelburne Vineyard to catch the Bluegrass & BBQ show, featuring live music from Brett Hughes & That Bluegrass Band. With plenty of craft beer and non-alcoholic drinks, it’s a fun, family-friendly way to enjoy one of Vermont’s favorite music styles. Live music is always popping up around Burlington, so check our Events Calendar for updates.
Saturday: Memorial Day Events and Lake Adventures in Burlington
Wake up and grab breakfast at the popular breakfast spot, Henry’s Diner, that’s been serving home-cooked meals - and breakfast all day - for 98 years.
Then choose the day’s adventure with one of these itineraries:
Option 1: A Day of Outdoor Fun, Sun & Sports:
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Show your support at the M&T Bank Vermont City Marathon and Relay, a beloved spring tradition that draws an enthusiastic crowd of locals and visitors. Line the race course and take in the high-energy atmosphere as runners make their way through Burlington.
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Rally behind the Vermont Green Football Club, Burlington’s semi-professional soccer team, as they take on FC Laval from Quebec in the Maple Cup. Kickoff is at 2 pm at the University of Vermont’s Virtue Field.
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Looking to avoid the crowd? Check out a local hike, including the Rock Point Trails in Burlington for beginners, and Camels Hump for experienced hikers. Check out more suggestions in our Spring Hiking Guide. After 2 pm (when the marathon ends), walk along Waterfront Park in Burlington.
Lunch: Enjoy a daytime lively bar at Foam Brewers for craft beer and lakeside vibes.
Option 2: A Relaxing Day of Food, Art & Downtown Discoveries
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Start your morning with a bit of self-care at Brilliant Massage & Skin downtown for a relaxing way to start the day (or recovering after the race).
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For a family-friendly outing, drop by Family Art Saturday at Burlington City Arts (BCA) for hands-on fun or take a short drive to Shelburne for a behind-the-scenes look at the Vermont Teddy Bear Factory.
Lunch: Enjoy lunchtime by the lake with a cubano and a mojito at Santiago’s Cuban Cuisine, just steps from the waterfront, or try the big, bold flavor at Bluebird Barbecue, a Burlington favorite known for slow-smoked meats and mac & cheese made from scratch. Grab a seat on the patio with a view of the Winooski River
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After lunch, stroll the Church Street Marketplace, which is filled with local shops, outdoor dining, and street performers. It’s buzzing with energy, especially on a holiday weekend.
Dinner: Either way you spend your day, take in a spectacular Burlington sunset with lakeside dinner and cocktails at Spot on the Dock or Splash at the Boathouse. Find more places to eat in our restaurant guide.
Sunday: Final Day of Your Burlington VT Memorial Day Weekend
Wrap up your Vermont Memorial Day weekend with a relaxing morning at a local coffee shop followed by a mid-day outing and farm-to-table dining.
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Grab a coffee at Onyx Tonics – Burlington’s specialty coffee star, offering unique, high-quality brews that change with the seasons.
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Shop local with Vermont’s Farmers’ Markets - Every Sunday, Farmers’ Markets open in and outside of Burlington with local vendors including Sunny Brook Maple, Adams Berry Farm, and Hound Hot Sauce. Find great tips here.
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Hit the links with one of Vermont’s many public golf courses. Located 20 minutes from Downtown Burlington, Rocky Ridge Golf Club offers stunning views of Vermont’s landscape. Or take a scenic drive to Cedar Knoll in Hinesburg for their 27-hole course with rolling hills and greenery.
Lunch: A short walk from Burlington’s Farmers Market on Pine Street, A Single Pebble serves classic Chinese cuisine with entrees served as soon as they are cooked to share with the whole table to discover new flavors.
With local events, lakeside views, and outdoor activities, Burlington makes a great getaway for Memorial Day weekend.
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