Are you hosting Thanksgiving with extended family this year? Here’s your guide to a memorable holiday weekend in Burlington, Vermont!

 

Explore the Church Street Marketplace

 

Kick off your family’s visit with a stroll through Church Street Marketplace, Burlington’s iconic pedestrian-only shopping and dining area. During Thanksgiving, the marketplace transforms with holiday lights and decorations, creating a festive atmosphere perfect for getting into the holiday spirit. Take advantage of boutique shops, unique gift stores, and local artisan stalls for an afternoon of shopping and snacking.

 

Experience Lake Champlain Waterfront

 

Even with the cooler weather, Burlington’s waterfront on Lake Champlain is a beautiful place to visit. Bundle up and enjoy a scenic walk along the Burlington Bike Path, where you can catch stunning views of the Adirondack Mountains across the lake. If the weather’s right, you might also consider a visit to the ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain. This family-friendly science museum offers fascinating exhibits on the lake’s ecology, interactive displays, and a perfect indoor activity on chilly days.

 

Discover Shelburne Farms

 

For a quintessential Vermont experience, head to Shelburne Farms, just a short drive from Burlington. Though the farm’s main season closes by late October, the grounds are still open for walking, and the seasonal beauty makes it a great destination for a family stroll. Check their schedule, as they sometimes offer winter events. The farm store at Shelburne Farms is a great place to pick up Vermont-made cheese and treats to enjoy or gift.

 

Warm Up at a Local Coffee Shop

 

A cozy coffee break is a must in Burlington, especially in autumn’s crisp air. Local favorites like Muddy Waters, Onyx Tonics, and Brio Coffeeworks offer great coffee, tea, and baked goods in warm and welcoming settings. Grab a latte or hot chocolate and cozy up with the family in one of these charming spots to unwind between activities.

 

Explore the Burlington City Arts Center

 

The Burlington City Arts Center is a unique, free attraction in downtown Burlington where art lovers of all ages can enjoy contemporary art exhibits, workshops, and hands-on activities. Rotating exhibits often feature works from local Vermont artists as well as national talent, and the center is a great space for creative inspiration. It's a perfect stop to warm up and enjoy an afternoon of culture and creativity.

 

Visit Shelburne Museum

 

While some exhibits close for the season, the Shelburne Museum keeps certain buildings open and offers outdoor areas to explore. This unique museum combines historic homes, art exhibits, and antique collections, making it a fun place to explore for families of all ages. Be sure to check ahead for any seasonal hours and special programming they may offer during the Thanksgiving holiday.

 

Take a Scenic Drive

 

If your family is up for an adventure, take a scenis drive through the picturesque towns surrounding Burlington. Heading south to Stowe offers breathtaking views of Vermont's iconic mountians and forests, and in just under an hour, you'll find the charming town of Stowe with its shops, restaurants, and seasonal attractions. You could also head east toward Waterbury, where Ben & Jerry's Factory is located—a fun, family-friendly stop that provides factory tours and ice cream sampling.

 

Indulge in a Thanksgiving Dinner in Burlington

 

If you’d rather dine out, many Burlington restaurants offer special Thanksgiving menus. Farmhouse Tap & Grill, Hen of the Wood, and Bleu Northeast Seafood offer seasonal dishes featuring local Vermont ingredients and warm, welcoming atmospheres. A Thanksgiving meal at one of these local spots can offer a memorable experience, complete with Vermont’s signature farm-to-table flavors.

As autumn comes to a close, preparing your home for winter becomes essential. Tackling a few maintenance tasks now can make all the difference, helping you save on heating costs, prevent costly repairs, and keep your home cozy and safe during the colder months.

Start by inspecting your windows and doors for drafts, which are one of the main culprits for heat loss. Sealing any gaps or cracks with weatherstripping or caulk helps keep warm air inside, reducing heating expenses. Another priority is clearing your gutters. Fallen leaves and debris can clog gutters, causing water to back up and freeze, which can lead to ice dams and damage to your roof. Clearing out debris ensures gutters and downspouts are free-flowing, protecting your home’s exterior.

 

With temperatures dropping, now is also the ideal time to prepare your heating system. Scheduling a professional to inspect and clean your furnace or boiler ensures it runs efficiently. Replacing or cleaning filters regularly will also improve performance. If you rely on a fireplace or wood-burning stove, a chimney sweep can clean out soot and creosote buildup, reducing the risk of chimney fires.

 

Your ceiling fans can play a surprising role in keeping your home warm. Setting ceiling fans to rotate clockwise pulls cool air up and pushes warm air down, distributing heat more evenly throughout your rooms. Similarly, inspecting your roof and attic can make a difference in maintaining warmth. Check for damaged or missing shingles on the roof, which can lead to leaks in snowy or icy weather. Inside, take a look at the attic insulation. Adding insulation if needed can prevent heat from escaping, making your home more energy-efficient.

 

Outdoor plumbing also needs attention. Disconnect and drain garden hoses, then store them in a dry place. Shut off outdoor faucets to prevent frozen pipes, and insulate any exposed pipes for additional protection. For safety, trim any tree branches hanging over your house, driveway, or power lines. Heavy snow and ice can bring down branches, posing a hazard to your home and property.

 

With heating systems running more frequently, now is also the time to check your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. Replace batteries as needed and test each device to ensure they’re functioning properly. Winter also brings the potential for power outages, so stocking up on essentials is wise. Make sure you have snow shovels, ice melt, blankets, and an emergency kit ready in case of a storm.

 

For outdoor spaces, store or cover patio furniture, clean and put away your grill, and protect any plants or shrubs that may be vulnerable to winter weather. Using burlap to shield delicate plants or bringing potted plants indoors can help prevent frost damage. Checking the weather stripping on your garage door is another worthwhile step. A well-sealed garage door prevents cold air from seeping in, keeping temperatures more stable and reducing drafts.

 

Planning ahead for snow and ice removal is always smart. Ensure your snow blower is in working order or make other arrangements for snow removal. Stock up on ice melt or sand for your driveway and walkways to prevent slippery surfaces.

 

Wrapping up these end-of-autumn tasks will make your home winter-ready. With a little preparation, you can enjoy a comfortable home all season long while protecting against costly repairs and keeping energy costs in check.

Halloween in Vermont is one of our favorite times of the year, and it’s the absolute best way to celebrate the final weekend before stick season. Here’s how you can make the most of Halloween weekend in Vermont this year:

Take time to explore Vermont’s haunted history. Vermont is rich in history and folklore, making it an ideal place for ghost stories and haunted happenings. For those interested in the supernatural, take advantage of local ghost tours and haunted walks. These tours take you through some of the state’s oldest towns and landmarks, blending historical facts with spine-tingling tales. You’ll get a mix of eerie storytelling while learning more about Vermont’s past, offering a fun yet chilling way to celebrate the season.

No Halloween is complete without a visit to a pumpkin patch or corn maze! Many farms across Vermont offer seasonal activities like pumpkin picking, hayrides, and corn mazes. These spots are perfect for a daytime outing with the family or an evening adventure with friends. Searching for the perfect pumpkin to carve or navigating through a cornfield under the stars are both great ways to get into the Halloween spirit while enjoying Vermont’s beautiful fall landscapes.

Throughout Halloween weekend, towns and cities in Vermont host community events that bring out the best of the season. From costume parades and family-friendly festivals to spooky performances, there’s always something happening. Many towns embrace the holiday with Halloween-themed parties, complete with live music, costume contests, and even Halloween markets where you can grab festive treats or fall-inspired crafts. These events are a great way to connect with the local community while embracing the fun side of Halloween.

While Halloween weekend is a time for costumes and candy, it’s also an opportunity to experience Vermont’s famous fall foliage. The state’s iconic red, orange, and yellow leaves create a perfect backdrop for any Halloween activity including trick-or-treating, visiting a haunted house, or simply taking a scenic drive. The natural beauty of Vermont in the fall adds an extra layer of magic to the holiday, making even the simplest of activities feel festive.

Another perk of spending Halloween in Vermont is the abundance of seasonal flavors to enjoy. Local bakeries, cafés, and restaurants provide a variety of fall treats—cider doughnuts, pumpkin inspired creations, and fresh apple pies. Be sure to visit local markets or farm stands for fresh fall produce and Vermont-made treats.

With a blend of haunted history, fall fun, and community celebrations, Halloween weekend in Vermont is always a great time!