South Burlington

The main point of South Burlington for the average traveler is that it hosts various relatively inexpensive hotels but is still close enough to neighboring Burlington to be quite convenient for drivers who want to visit the attractions of that city.

By car

South Burlington is accessible via I-89 exit 14, US 2, and US 7.

By plane

• Burlington International Airport

  phone: +1 802 863-1889
  address: Airport Drive
  Flights arrive daily via several carriers from as far away as Chicago O'Hare and Orlando. Travelers from farther afield will have to make a connection in a larger city. There are non-stop flights to Burlington Airport from the following cities (some cities may be seasonal or only offer service certain days of the week): Baltimore, Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit, New York, Orlando, Philadelphia, Toronto and Washington-National.

On foot

South Burlington is not a very walkable city. Although there are sidewalks, heavy traffic and long distances can make walking unpleasant or dangerous.

By bike

Some roads have bike lanes which makes cycling a viable option in some cases. However, be aware that not all of the busier roads have bike lanes and are often narrower than in other parts of the United States. Much of Williston Road should be avoided by cyclists.

By public transportation

South Burlington is served by several CCTA bus routes. The routes serve Shelburne Road, Williston Road, the University Mall, and Burlington International Airport.

By car

A car is the easiest way to get around the city, although traffic can be frustrating at times. Williston and Shelburne Roads should be avoided at rush hour.

South Burlington's suburban nature means there isn't a whole lot to see here aside from the standard views of the lake and mountains.

• Magic Hat Artifactory

  phone: +1 802 658-2739
  address: 5 Bartlett Bay Rd
  See beer being made, taste some samples, and grab some swag at this well-known brewery.

• Overlook ParkThis park is really just a few benches and some parking spaces, but the view of the lake and Adirondack Mountains is hard to beat.

• Infinity Brewing

  phone: +1 802 735-1288
  address: 80 Ethan Allen Dr.
  Small craft brewery with tasting room. If the brewer is around, you might be able to get a tour as well.

• Higher Ground

  phone: +1 802 652-0777
  address: 1214 Williston Rd.
  See a concert at this local music venue.

• Red Rocks Park

  phone: +1 802 846-4108
  address: Central Ave
  Hike one of the many trails to get excellent views of Lake Champlain or go for a swim.

• Wheeler Nature ParkHike the miles of trails through forests and fields at this 140-acre park.

Vermont's largest mall, the University Mall, is located in South Burlington, as are many other chain retailers. There are also some local options worth exploring.

• Healthy Living

  phone: +1 802 863-2569
  address: 222 Dorset St.
  Sort of like Whole Foods. This grocery store sells a wide range or organic and fair trade products. It also has a large wine and beer selection, a coffee and pastry shop, and a hot food bar.

• Cheese Traders and Wine Sellers

  phone: +1 802 863-0143
  address: 1186 Williston Rd.
  The largest wine store in the area. It also has a large selection of cheese and other Vermont products.

• Dakin Farm

  address: 100 Dorset St.
  This store sells Vermont-made specialty foods.

• Small Dog Electronics

  address: 100 Dorset St.
  Vermont's version of an Apple Store. Get your iPhone fixed here or buy a new one

• Vermont Gift Barn

  phone: +1 802 658-7684
  address: 1087 Williston Rd.
  Here you can find Vermont-made art, crafts, and specialty foods.

Budget

• Al's French Fries

  phone: +1 802 862-9203
  address: 1251 Williston Rd
  Fast food joint and a Burlington-area institution. Serves burgers, hot dogs, fries, and creamees.

• Burlington Bagel Bakery

  phone: +1 802 864-0236
  address: 992 Shelburne Rd
  Contrary to the name, its not actually in Burlington; however, they do have 15 different kinds of bagels.

• Charlie's Rotisserie Chicken

  phone: +1 802 862-1211
  address: 1160 Williston Rd
  Rotisserie chicken restaurant. Also serves ribs, burgers, and salads. All the sides are homemade.

Mid-range

• Hana Japanese Restaurant

  phone: +1 802 448-3525
  address: 150 Dorset St.
  Hibachi, sushi, and sashimi.

• The Rotisserie

  phone: +1 802 658-1838
  address: 1355 Williston Rd
  Steak and seafood.

• The Wooden Spoon Bistro

  phone: +1 802 399-2074
  address: 1210 Williston Rd.

Splurge

• Guild & Company

  phone: +1 802 497-1207
  address: 1633 Williston Rd
  Steakhouse that sources its meat and produce from local farms.

• Lakeview House

  phone: +1 802 865-3900
  address: 1710 Shelburne Rd.
  Elevated comfort food

• Pauline's Cafe

  phone: +1 802 862-1081
  address: 1834 Shelburne Rd.
  Cafe featuring locally sourced ingredients on seasonal menus

• Pulcinella's

  phone: +1 802 863-1000
  address: 100 Dorset St.
  Authentic Italian Restaurant

• Vermont National Country Club

  phone: +1 802 264-9415
  address: 1227 Dorset St
  The food is almost as popular as the golf and you don't need to be a member to eat here.

• The Windjammer

  phone: +1 802 862-6585
  address: 1076 Williston Rd
  Popular steak and seafood restaurant featuring many local ingredients. Huge salad bar and large wine list

South Burlington doesn't have much in the way of nightlife aside from restaurant bars and the previously mentioned Higher Ground. The Upper Deck Pub located at The Windjammer has a decent bar and serves a lot of the same food as the restaurant downstairs, often at lower prices. Guild & Company is also well known for the quality of their cocktails. If coffee is what you're after, skip Starbuck's and try the coffee shop inside Healthy Living. If you really want nightlife in the area, head to Burlington or Winooski.

Shelburne Road (Route 7) is generally where you will find the least expensive hotels, while the more upscale ones (though check current prices) are on Williston Rd. Both locations are quite convenient to Downtown Burlington, if you drive.

• Comfort Inn & Suites

  phone: +1 802 863-5541
  address: 5 Dorset St

• Best Western Windjammer Inn & Conference Center

  phone: +1 802 863-1125
  address: 1076 Williston Rd

• Comfort Inn & Suites

  phone: +1 802-863-5541
  address: 5 Dorset St

• Comfort Suites

  phone: +1 802-860-1112
  address: 1712 Shelburne Rd

• Doubletree Hotel

  phone: +1 802 658-0250
  address: 1117 Williston Rd

• G.G.T. Tibet Inn

  phone: +1 802-863-7110
  address: 1860 Shelburne Road
  This hotel is owned and operated by a Tibetan follower of the Dalai Lama who is friendly and helpful. The front desk is accordingly adorned with pictures of him and is redolent of sweet, mild incense. The rooms are spacious and have furniture that is not in perfect condition but has a slightly faded charm; the couch may be slightly sunken in, but the beds are very comfortable and everything works (or if it really doesn't, the owner, who also works as a housekeeper and electrician, will fix it) — with one exception: You may find the air doesn't circulate so well with the air conditioner, and when you open the windows, the air circulation still may not be perfect, but you will hear the noise from busy Shelburne Road (Route 7). If you believe that noise would prevent you from falling asleep, pay more and go to a different hotel. But otherwise, consider the value you're getting for this price.

• Holiday Inn

  phone: +1 802 863-6363
  address: 1068 Williston Rd

• Holiday Inn Express

  phone: +1 802-860-6000
  address: 1720 Shelburne Rd

• Quality Inn

  phone: +1 802 985-8037
  address: 2572 Shelburne Rd
  Recently renovated. Indoor pool, sauna, jacuzzi, sundeck, and fitness center, free breakfast, free wireless internet, free airport shuttle as well.

• Smart Suites

  phone: +1 802-860-9900
  address: 1700 Shelburne Rd