South Burlington

South Burlington is a city in Northwest Vermont. It is a suburb of Burlington and is the second largest city in the state. Unlike most sizable Vermont communities, it doesn't have a downtown of any sort since most of the city's development has occurred in the last few decades. The city has intelligently reserved a large tract of land near the busiest intersection in town to construct a downtown, however they haven't yet decided how they want this done. Unfortunately, there's nothing there but a dirt road (possibly the only one in the city) and some trees.

Understand

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.

Get in

By car

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

By plane

Get around

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 they 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.

See

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, 5 Bartlett Bay Rd, ☏ +1 802 658-2739. See beer being made, taste some samples, and grab some swag at this well-known brewery. 
  • Overlook Park (on Spear St. south of Swift St.). This 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, 80 Ethan Allen Dr., ☏ +1 802 735-1288. Small craft brewery with tasting room. If the brewer is around, you might be able to get a tour as well. 

Do
  • Higher Ground, 1214 Williston Rd., ☏ +1 802 652-0777. See a concert at this local music venue. 
  • 🌍 Red Rocks Park, Central Ave, ☏ +1 802 846-4108. Hike one of the many trails to get excellent views of Lake Champlain or go for a swim. 
  • 🌍 Wheeler Nature Park (at the end of Swift St. Extension). Hike the miles of trails through forests and fields at this 140-acre park. 
  • 🌍 Cairns Arena. Hockey arena. (updated Oct 2020)

Buy
  • 🌍 University Mall (Located in South Burlington). Vermont's largest mall. This enclosed mall houses a number of chain retailers. (updated Oct 2020)

There are also some local options worth exploring.

Eat

Budget

Mid-range

Splurge

Drink

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.

Sleep

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, 5 Dorset St, ☏ +1 802 863-5541. 
  • 🌍 Best Western Windjammer Inn & Conference Center, 1076 Williston Rd, ☏ +1 802 863-1125. 
  • Comfort Inn & Suites, 5 Dorset St, ☏ +1 802-863-5541. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. 
  • Comfort Suites, 1712 Shelburne Rd, ☏ +1 802-860-1112. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. 
  • 🌍 Doubletree Hotel, 1117 Williston Rd, ☏ +1 802 658-0250. 
  • G.G.T. Tibet Inn, 1860 Shelburne Road, ☏ +1 802-863-7110, . Check-in: 3:30PM, check-out: 11AM. 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. $79 plus tax per night for any room. (updated Aug 2016)
  • 🌍 Holiday Inn, 1068 Williston Rd, ☏ +1 802 863-6363. 
  • Holiday Inn Express, 1720 Shelburne Rd, ☏ +1 802-860-6000. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. 
  • Quality Inn, 2572 Shelburne Rd (Exit 13 off Interstate 89), ☏ +1 802 985-8037. Check-in: 4PM, check-out: 11AM. Indoor pool, sauna, jacuzzi, sundeck, and fitness center, free breakfast, free wireless internet, free airport shuttle as well. 
  • Smart Suites, 1700 Shelburne Rd, ☏ +1 802-860-9900. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. 

Go next
Routes through South Burlington
Montreal ← Winooski ←  N  S  → Williston → Montpelier
Rouses Point ← Burlington ←  W  E  → Williston → Montpelier
St. Albans ← Burlington ←  N  S  → Shelburne → Rutland
END ←  N  S  → Jct N → Hinesburg → Middlebury


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