A College Kid’s Guide to Burlington
Hey! I’m Melissa Hirschhorn, and I’m a sophomore at the University of Vermont. Before you stop reading because you don’t consider yourself “granola” enough to come to UVM, I promise to change your mind. When I started my freshman year at UVM in 2019, I was terrified that I wouldn’t fit in; I don’t live in Birkenstocks or plan a ski trip before every class, or make my own kombucha. Thankfully, I quickly learned that Burlington is so much more than a bunch of hippies and ski bums.
I doubt there will ever be a day that I don’t smile on my drive to Trader Joe’s because of how beautiful the mountains look. Even if you don’t consider yourself the most outdoorsy or adventurous person, you will want to take the long way home from class when you’re here. Here are some of my favorite things to do in Burlington:
One of the main things that drew me to UVM is the proximity to the mountains. Bolton Mountain is an excellent weekday hike for UVM students because you can drive there quickly, and it’s an easy hike to the top. There is also a fire tower at the top that you can climb to catch the most insane views—especially at sunrise and sunset! Sterling Pond Trail is another moderate hike that makes for a great day trip with friends. It takes about 45 minutes to drive there, so it’s best to pack some food for a scenic picnic once you reach the pond. Aside from hiking, the Burlington Farmers Market always makes for a fun Saturday morning. It’s a great spot to enjoy all of the Vermont-Esque goodies you can imagine (maple syrup, cheese, you know the drill). After the farmers market, stay in the area and make a stop at my favorite vintage store, Project Object Vintage, for some of the best finds.
If you know me, you know how important food is to me. When I was touring colleges, the area’s food options played a significant role in making my final decision. I can confidently say that Burlington exceeded my foodie standards. Everything you could ever dream of in a college town is right on Church Street, which is a ten-minute walk from campus. Most of my favorite restaurants are either on Church Street or right around the corner. Here are some I’d recommend:
Let’s start with the classic local chain: The Skinny Pancake. There’s a location in downtown Burlington and on UVM’s Athletic campus. My dorm used to be right across from The Skinny Pancake, so I’ve had enough chai lattes and crepes for a lifetime. Henry’s Diner has the best cheap, greasy diner food to cure any hangover. I love getting a BEC on a bagel from Myer’s Bagels, a Montreal style bagel store (located on Pine Street). It’s also fun to watch them bake the bagels right in front of you while waiting for your order. When you just want to grab something quick to eat in the morning, head over to Kru Coffee or August First to pick up a latte and a pastry.
My go-to lunch spot in Burlington is Zabby & Elf’s Stone Soup. Their soups always warm me up on snowy days, and the cozy ambiance makes me want to sit there all day! I regularly go to Tomgirl Kitchen, a trendy plant-based restaurant located on Pine Street. Their menu includes some of the most beautiful and healthy food Burlington has to offer.
One of my favorite places for dinner is Istanbul Kebab House. I love coming here when the weather is warm because it’s one of Burlington’s only restaurants with rooftop dining. Everything on the menu is incredible, so it’s a fun place to order family style with your friends. Bangkok Bistro in the Alley serves delicious Thai food and is a great place to order take-out from. Trattoria Delia is an outstanding Italian restaurant. My bank account certainly does not allow for me to come here often with friends, but it’s the best place to go for a special occasion or with family when they come to visit. Last but not least, try Folino’s Pizza. While nothing compares to New York pizza, Folino’s has my heart here in Burlington. I love the Truffle Pig, an olive oil-based pie with asparagus, bacon, and truffle oil, but you really can’t go wrong with any item on the menu.
I told you I could prove that Burlington is so much more than a bunch of hippies and ski bums! But if you still don’t believe me, you’ll just have to come and see for yourself :)
