A Lake Champlain Weekend Based in Shelburne

Arrival Day — Arrive Early, Get Your First Lake Views Plan to arrive in the Shelburne area earlier in the day. A 2-night stay gives you one full day plus two partial days — your arrival afternoon and your departure morning. Check-in opens at 3:00 PM; your luggage can stay in the car while you head to Burlington’s waterfront (approximately 7 miles) for your first look at the lake, or walk Shelburne Village before settling in. Self check-in; no early or late arrivals.

Late Afternoon — Burlington Waterfront Head into Burlington (approximately 7 miles) and park near the waterfront. The boardwalk runs along the lake with continuous views. The ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain sits directly on the water here — a science and nature museum focused on the lake’s ecology. Worth a look for anyone curious about the lake’s natural history, aquatic life, and the Champlain watershed. Check current hours before going.

Evening — Dinner in Burlington The Burlington waterfront and Church Street Marketplace area have a wide range of restaurants. Church Street is a short walk from the waterfront boardwalk. No need to rush back early; check-in has already been handled, and the inn is approximately 7 miles from downtown.

Morning — Breakfast at the Inn Full custom breakfast offered from 7:30 to 9:30 AM. Complete your breakfast selection the morning before; dietary preferences can be accommodated with advance notice.

Mid-Morning — Shelburne Farms Drive to Shelburne Farms, approximately 1.7 miles from the inn. This 1,400-acre National Historic Landmark sits directly on the eastern shore of Lake Champlain. Walking trails on the property wind through the landscape and reach the shoreline, where you get unobstructed views across the lake to the Adirondacks on the New York side. Shelburne Farms is open seasonally — typically late May through October — with farm tours, educational programming, and farm store access. Verify current dates and programming before your visit.

Afternoon — Charlotte–Essex Ferry Crossing (Seasonal) From Shelburne Farms, drive south to the Charlotte ferry terminal. The Lake Champlain Transportation ferry connects Charlotte, VT to Essex, NY — a short crossing mostly notable for the lake experience itself and the mountain views in both directions: the Green Mountains to the east, the Adirondacks to the west. The ferry runs seasonally, typically May through late October. Check the current schedule directly with Lake Champlain Transportation before building your day around it. A round trip makes sense if you want the crossing experience without committing to time on the New York side.

Evening — Dinner in Shelburne or Burlington Return to Shelburne for dinner in the village, or head back into Burlington. Either is easy from the inn’s location.

Morning — Breakfast at the Inn Your second full breakfast. Same timing: 7:30 to 9:30 AM.

Mid-Morning — Burlington Waterfront Bike Path Burlington’s waterfront bike path runs along the lake with continuous views and is among the more distinctive urban cycling paths in the Northeast. Bike rentals are available in Burlington near the waterfront. The southern end of the path connects to Oakledge Park, and the northern stretch continues toward the Intervale. Church Street Marketplace is a short walk from the path. Depending on your pace and how much you explore, plan for 1.5–2.5 hours. This also works as a walk if you prefer it on foot.

Check-Out and Departure — Your Day Continues After 11 AM Check-out is at 11:00 AM. After checking out, you still have the rest of the day before heading home. The Burlington waterfront bike path (approximately 7 miles) is a good final stop before the airport — flat, lake-front, and no reservation needed. Burlington International Airport is approximately 8.2 miles from the inn. Route 7 north connects you directly from Shelburne to I-89 toward the airport.