Happy Friday friends! Today I wanted to share a little bit about my recent weekend trip to Burlington, Vermont with my friend Campbell from You Should Wear That. Campbell and I went to college together and were in the same sorority, but were never really close during that time because she’s a few years older than me. We connected on Instagram and have been social media friends ever since we both started blogging a little over a year ago. This trip was the first time I had truly gotten to hang out with her in person and it’s safe to say I’m obsessed with her. She is such a genuine, sweet girl and has the best taste in fashion. Definitely go check out her blog or Instagram for lots of great style inspiration!
Now about our fall weekend getaway to Vermont- Although I can’t say it was the most restful trip, it was every bit as beautiful and magical as I had imagined New England to be during the fall. Unfortunately, due to our work schedules, the trip had to be very brief. For that reason, I won’t be able to put together an extensive travel guide for you this time around. But I will share everything we did, what we ate and where we stayed during our short time in Burlington, Vermont. I have some great recommendations for you if you ever find yourself in the area. With that, let’s get started!
WHERE TO STAY:
The Essex Resort & Spa is hands down the best place to stay in Burlington, Vermont. A hidden gem, tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the town, we were truly blown away by everything about this resort from the food to the rooms and everything in between. The first thing I noticed upon arrival was how quaint and welcoming the environment was. They had the cutest fireplace and rocking chairs in the lobby- I remember thinking to myself: This is exactly how I imagined Vermont and I LOVE it! The resort itself was massive and we had the best time exploring and discovering all it had to offer. The Essex is well-known in Burlington for their incredible culinary scene and there’s no question that they are proud of this. They strategically showcase this attribute within the details of the hotel, beginning from the moment you check in with a bakery and coffee bar at the front desk. They also have a market in the main foyer, dedicated classrooms for cooking classes, two outstanding restaurants within the hotel and they even decorate the hotel rooms with a cooking theme. We had the opportunity to attend a special dinner at one of the hotels restaurants, Junction, prepared by a pop-up chef and it was definitely a night to remember. Five courses with multiple wine pairings later.. You can say we slept VERY well that night, ha! We were also able to try out the other hotel restaurant, The Tavern, and were extremely impressed with both of these dining experiences. A few other details I need to mention are how friendly and accommodating the staff were. We were running around the hotel all day Saturday shooting fall foliage content and locked our room keys inside the room quite a few times. The staff were always so helpful and understanding- They even volunteered to take a few photos of Campbell and I together (in the freezing rain, may I add)! There was also a wedding there during our stay which was exciting, and the fall foliage surrounding the hotel was UNREAL. I could go on and on, but trust me when I say you will not be disappointed if you decide to stay at The Essex.
WHERE TO EAT/DRINK:
Like I said, you can go wrong with either restaurant at The Essex: Junction for five-star dining in a relaxed environment or The Tavern for a more casual, pub-like dining experience.
City Market: We stopped here for apple cider donuts. They were hard to come by and we literally had to ask so many locals to find them- It was so worth it!!
Leunig’s: We found the cutest French bistro on Church Street! We stopped here for spiked Vermont coffee and hot apple cider before heading back to the hotel.
WHAT TO DO:
Church Street: Best place to shop and dine. So many locals recommended we go to Church Street Marketplace and it was definitely worth the trip to town. I suggest checking out Vermont Flannel Co. while you’re there. Campbell got the cutest flannel outfit for her dog- ADORABLE!
Burlington Boardwalk/Waterfront Park: Head over to the boardwalk for the most beautiful view of the water. We went here at sunset and it was absolutely gorgeous.
Fall Foliage Peeping: This was the main reason for our weekend getaway. Vermont is one of the most beautiful places to experience a classic fall. I can’t wait to go back next year, hopefully a little earlier during the “peak” season when the color is at its best.
Keep scrolling for more photos from Vermont + all outfit details!
PAJAMA TOP | PAJAMA PANTS | UGGS | SOCKS | SCARF | BLANKET | BEANIE
TEDDY COAT | TOP | JEANS | BOOTIES
SWEATER | BEANIE
TEDDY COAT | TOP | JEANS | BOOTIES
