Not like anyone needs a reason for a Vermont getaway, but this month’s solar eclipse is certainly cause for a Burlington retreat.
Church Street in Burlington
For the first time in six years, northern Vermont’s daytime sky will completely darken for about three minutes as the moon eclipses the sun. Whether sailing along Lake Champlain or strolling down the brick road of Church Street, this cosmic event on April 8 will surely leave onlookers awestruck. Check out our guide to Burlington’s top spots for everything from bites to shopping and more ahead of the celestial celebration.
WHERE TO EAT
Bistro De Margot’s pan-seared smoked scallop with chilled potato leek cream and black truffle.
Bistro De Margot
Indulge in authentic French flavors at Bistro De Margot. Frenchborn chef Hervé Mahé crafts the three-course prix fixe menu, which rotates bi-weekly, offering diverse culinary experiences. As the solar eclipse nears, Mahé will unveil a special dish inspired by the celestial event, promising a truly unique dining experience. 126 College St.,bistrodemargot.com
Hen of the Wood
Treat yourself to a true Vermont dining experience at Hen of the Wood. The restaurant boasts a rotating menu based on premium ingredients found only miles away in the lush Green Mountains and Champlain Valley. Wood accents, a flickering fireplace and the Butcher Room add to the cozy New England ambiance. 55 Cherry St.,henofthewood.com
Pascolo Ristorante
Nestled in the heart of Burlington, Pascolo Ristorante calls for a dinner under the stars. While sipping house cocktails like the Amaretto margarita and indulging in spaghetti frutti di mare, guests can gaze at the solar eclipse through floor-to-ceiling windows. 120 Church St., pascolovt.com
WHERE TO GET DRINKS
Enjoy Paradiso Hi-Fi’s tasty cocktails while the solar eclipse passes over.
Paradiso Hi-Fi
Let the solar eclipse celebration continue at Paradiso Hi-Fi: a music lounge where records spin all night long. The cozy venue features a DJ booth, bites like Russian grenki and tasty cocktails, such as the Year Of The Cat. 388 Pine St. Suite 2,paradisohifi.com
WHERE TO STAY
The Hotel Vermont’s plush accommodations
The Hotel Vermont
Near the shores of Lake Champlain, find The Hotel Vermont, where guests can book modern rooms with the chance to see spectacular views. Before settling in to watch the eclipse, we suggest venturing downstairs to Juniper Bar & Restaurant to experience their beer program. Established on solid relationships with brewers, maltsters and beer lovers, the bar and restaurant welcomes guests to savor the crispest lagers as they relax in the tub. 41 Cherry St.,hotelvt.com
Unwind with a good book in Made INN Vermont’s parlor
Made INN Vermont
Travel back to the ‘60s at this Victorian luxury bed and breakfast. This historic Hill District inn showcases contemporary artwork, whimsical decor and assorted additions in every square inch of the space. Contemporary art and design lovers should book room 906, where an antique iron headboard and textured tulip chairs complete the eclectic space. There are even two original floor-to-ceiling Victorian windows for travelers to gaze out as the eclipse passes over. 204 S. Willard St.,madeinnvermont.com
WHERE TO SHOP
No trip to Burlington is complete without sampling Mad River Distillers’ whiskey, rum and brandy.
Common Deer
Looking for a souvenir to bring home with you? Common Deer has everything from small gifts to home decor, jewelry, apparel and more. They work with over 500 North American artists and manufacturers to bring the highest quality products to their family-owned store. Pick up your favorite Vermont Parks Collection Print to commemorate your stay. 210 College St. Suite 101,commondeer.com
Crow Bookshop
This quaint shop has everything a bookworm needs. From ceiling to floor, new and used books line the walls, allowing readers to find any genre—perhaps you get lucky and find a scientific guidebook on the solar eclipse. 14 Church St.,crowbooks.com
WHERE TO EXPLORE
Shelburne Sugarworks
Shelburne Sugarworks
No trip to Burlington is complete without a taste of Shelburne Sugarworks’s maple syrup. This thirdgeneration sugaring operation offers tours and samplings, inviting sweet tooths to indulge in nine handmade ice cream flavors. 746 Shelburne Hinesburg Road,shelburnesugarworks.com
Let’s Go Sailing Private Cruises
Want to witness the eclipse up close and personal? Take a private boat ride out on Lake Champlain on the Hunter 29.5, which can accommodate up to six guests. Depending on the wind’s gusts, sightseers will either go south toward Juniper Island or north toward the northern bay. 0 College St.,vermontsailing.com
CULTURAL EXPERIENCE
Common Deer sells a variety of Vermont goodies.
Mad River Distillers
Situated in the heart of the Mad River Valley, this distillery produces whiskey, rum and brandy. At the tasting room, cocktail and spirit connoisseurs will learn more about the distillery and can shop for cocktail accessories like bitters, mixers and syrups. The tasting room features various spirit samplings and cocktail menus with sips like the Stolen Gold. 137 St. Paul St.,madriverdistillers.com
Safe and Sound Gallery’s walls are lined with original works and limited-edition gallery-quality prints.
Safe and Sound Gallery
Safe and Sound Gallery beckons art lovers to explore their collection of original works and limited-edition prints. Founded by Marin Horikawa, the gallery’s mission is to make art more accessible across demographics and democratize the gallery model. 2 Church St. #2m, safeandsound.gallery
Hidden Gem
Those who harbor a deep love for beer should make their way to Foam Brewers. They offer a rotating selection of beer, cheese and charcuterie, curated to reflect the season and current inspiration. The night before the eclipse, stop by Foam Brewers for a concert featuring a projection artist called Dark Side of the Mountain. 112 Lake St.,foambrewers.com
Photography by: DENIS TANGNEY JR./GETTY IMAGES; NEW ENGLAND FOOD AND FARM; COURTESY OF BRAND; DYLAN GRIFFIN; COURTESY OF BRAND; COURTESY OF BRAND; ELIZABETH ROGERS; COURTESY OF BRAND; COURTESY OF BRAND
