20 Best Things to do in Shelburne!

Shelburne in Vermont, is a charming town located on the shores of Lake Champlain, just south of Burlington. It’s the perfect blend of small-town charm, outdoor beauty, and fascinating attractions. Whether you’re into history, nature, or just looking for a peaceful getaway, Shelburne has everything. Here’s how you can make the most of your visit to this delightful town. In this guide, we’ll showcase the best things to do in Shelburne during your visit to Vermont.

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1. Must-See Attractions

Shelburne Museum

The Shelburne Museum features a collection of historic buildings, art, and artifacts spread across a vast outdoor space. Inside, it feels like stepping into a different era, with each structure housing treasures from American history, including folk art, vintage toys, quilts, and antique tools. One of the highlight is the Ticonderoga, a grand steamboat preserved on ground, allowing visitors to explore its decks and imagine life on the water decades ago. It encourages interaction, whether it’s exploring historic homes, watching craftsmen demonstrate traditional skills, or seeing antique carriages up close.

Shelburne Farms

The Shelburne Farms is a stunning 1,400 acres of agricultural estate focusing on conservation. The landscape is breathtaking, with rolling hills, walking trails, and historic barns. Visitors can explore the grounds, walk through the gardens, and see farm animals up close. One of the highlights is the dairy operation, where cows produce milk for delicious cheddar cheese made on-site. Watching the cheese making process is fascinating, and tasting the final product is even better. The farm also grows fresh produce, and seasonal events give visitors a chance to learn more about sustainable farming.

Shelburne Vineyard

The Shelburne Vineyard offers a mix of rolling fields, neat rows of grapevines, and a welcoming space to taste and learn about wine. The vineyard focuses on cold-climate grapes, which thrive in Vermont’s weather, making the wines unique in flavor. Walking through the vineyard, you can see where the grapes grow before they are turned into bottles of red, white, and rosé. The staff is eager to share stories about the winemaking process and the region’s influence on the flavors. Shelburne Vineyard also focuses on sustainable farming, ensuring that the land stays healthy for future generations.

Shelburne Town Beach

Located on the shores of Lake Champlain, the Shelburne Town Beach has a sandy shoreline is good for walking, and the calm water makes swimming and wading enjoyable. Many people bring kayaks and paddleboards, using the open space for easy paddling. Picnic tables and grassy areas provide spots for lunch or breaks, while the playground makes it a nice option for families. During summer, lifeguards are often on duty, adding to the safety of the swimming area. The view across the lake shows distant mountains in New York, giving visitors a scenic backdrop while sitting by the water.

Shelburne Country Store

The Shelburne Country Store has an old-fashioned charm, filled with shelves packed with all kinds of goodies, from handmade candies to Vermont maple syrup. There’s a little bit of everything such as classic toys, greeting cards, candles, and even fresh fudge that’s hard to resist. The best part is wandering around and discovering unique gifts, local products, and nostalgic treats that remind you of simpler times. Shelburne Store is known for its friendly service, making every visitor feel right at home. The scent of fresh coffee and baked goods fills the air, making it tempting to linger a little longer.

2. Outdoor Adventures

Boating Tours

Shelburne offer a fantastic way to experience the beauty of Lake Champlain through boating tours. The lake has marinas such as Lake Champlain Yacht Club or Sure Strike Charters, giving visitors plenty of space to enjoy the lake while learning from experienced guides. Whether you choose a small boat, a guided tour, or a sunset cruise, the feeling of drifting on the lake is refreshing. Some tours focus on the history of the area, sharing stories of old steamships and historic sites along the shore. Others highlight wildlife, where you might spot eagles, osprey, or even a playful otter swimming by.

Hiking Trails

Shelburne features several hiking trails filled with scenic paths, that leads through forests, open fields, and along the shores of Lake Champlain. Some trails are easy and perfect for a short walk, while others give you a chance to spend more time outdoors. The trails at Shelburne Farms are a favorite among locals and visitors, offering wide paths that pass by grazing cows and historic barns. There are also wooded trails that provide shade on warm days, making them ideal for summer walks. Some paths are great for birdwatching, where you can encounter hawks, herons, and other local wildlife.

Golfing Courses

Shelburne has few golfing courses that offer a mix of open greens and wooded areas. It’s a great place for both beginners and experienced players to enjoy the game. The Kwiniaska Golf Course or Rocky Ridge Golf Club providing a good balance of challenge and ease, with fairways that are wide enough for comfortable play but still require some skill. Some courses located close to Lake Champlain, giving golfers a scenic backdrop while they move from hole to hole. Local golfers appreciate the friendly atmosphere, where players can take their time and enjoy the game without feeling rushed.

Camping Sites

While the Shelburne itself doesn’t have campgrounds, there are spots nearby where campers can set up a tent or park an RV for a peaceful stay. The natural beauty of the area allow visitors to relax, whether by the shores of Lake Champlain or tucked into the woods. Some sites offer basic amenities like fire pits and picnic tables, while others are more rustic, providing only space to set up camp and enjoy nature. The calm waters of the lake make for great morning views, and the trails nearby give campers a chance to explore. Nights here are quiet, with the sound of rustling leaves in the breeze.

3. Iconic Landmarks

Vermont Zen Center

Founded in 1988, Vermont Zen Center is a place where people come to practice Zen Buddhism and meditation, as it provides a quiet space for spiritual growth and learning. It offers daily meditation sessions, workshops, and retreats, helping people learn about Zen practice in a simple way. Many visitors come for introductory workshops, where they can experience guided meditation and learn about Zen teachings. The center hosts special events, including ceremonies and community gatherings. People can join trial memberships, allowing them to attend programs before becoming full members.

Events and Festivals

Shelburne is a small-town that knows how to bring people together through events and festivals. Throughout the year, there are gatherings that celebrate art, food, music, and local traditions. The summer months are especially lively, with outdoor concerts, farmers markets, and community fairs that fill the town with energy. One of the favorites is the annual craft festival, where local artists share handmade goods, and visitors can watch live demonstrations of traditional skills. Fall brings harvest celebrations, featuring seasonal foods, hayrides, and activities for families to enjoy.

Winter has its own charm, with holiday events, festive lights, and gatherings that make the cold months feel warm and inviting. Spring welcomes garden tours and nature walks, encouraging visitors to enjoy the beauty of the changing seasons. Some events focus on history, giving people a chance to connect with Shelburne’s past through storytelling and interactive exhibits. Music and food are a big part of the festivals here, creating a welcoming atmosphere where locals and travelers can relax and enjoy time together.

Shelburne Shopping Destinations

The Shelburne has a handful of specialty shops, each with its own personality, selling everything from handmade crafts and home goods to locally made foods and gifts. The craft stores in town highlight local artists, with pottery, jewelry, and woodworking pieces that reflect the creativity of Vermont makers. Some shops focus on home décor and practical everyday items, making it easy to pick up something useful while supporting small businesses. Farmers markets and specialty food stores are also popular, offering fresh produce, cheddar cheese, and baked goods that showcase local flavors.

Shelburne Pond

The Shelburne Pond is a great place for kayaking, fishing, and birdwatching. Most of the visitors come here for fishing, with bass and other freshwater fish found in the pond. The shoreline has small trails, where people can walk and enjoy the peaceful setting. Wildlife is common, with birds, turtles, and deer often spotted near the water. The pond is known for its undeveloped landscape, giving it a untouched and wild feel compared to other lakes in the area. In fall, the trees around the pond turn bright colors, while winter brings snow that covers the landscape and the pond sometimes freezes.

Frog Hollow Vermont State Craft Center

The Frog Hollow Vermont State Craft Center highlights the creativity and skill of local artists, offering a range of handcrafted works that reflect Vermont’s deep artistic traditions. Inside, shelves and displays showcase pottery, woodwork, paintings, jewelry, and other unique creations, each piece carefully made with attention to detail. The center allow visitors to connect with the artists behind the work, learning about the techniques and passion that go into each item. Watching craftspeople in action, whether it’s glass blowing, weaving, or metalwork, it gives insight into the process of handmade art.

4. Natural Attractions

Lake Champlain

The Lake Champlain stretches across the horizon, offering stunning views of the distant mountains and the changing sky. Whether sitting by the shore, kayaking in the lake, or taking a quiet walk along its edges, it makes every moment feel special. Fishing is a popular activity here, with many casting their lines in hopes of catching local fish. Wildlife is everywhere, from birds soaring above to small creatures near the water, adding to the natural beauty. The lake offers unique experiences throughout the year, with summer bringing boating adventures and winter sometimes freezing the surface.

Shelburne Bay Park

Located along the Lake Champlain, Shelburne Bay Park is an ideal spot for anyone looking to step away from busy routines an d enjoy nature. Walking through, there’s a mix of wooded paths and wide open fields, making it an easy place to explore whether you want a short walk or a longer hike. The lake adds to the scenery, with boats moving slowly across the water and birds flying overhead. Fishing is a popular activity here, with people casting their lines into the calm waters in hopes of catching something fresh. Visitors bring kayaks and paddleboards, making the most of the gentle waves.

LaPlatte River Marsh

Located along the LaPlatte River, the LaPlatte River Marsh offering a peaceful setting for visitors to explore. Walking through, you’ll find walking trails surrounded by tall grasses, wildflowers, and trees that change with the seasons. The area is rich with wildlife, making it a great spot for birdwatching, where herons, ducks, and songbirds are often seen. In different seasons, the marsh transforms, with bright greens in summer, colorful leaves in fall, and frosty views in winter. The marsh plays an important role in the local ecosystem, supporting plant life and providing shelter for small creatures.

Charlotte Park and Wildlife Refuge

Covering 290 acres, the Charlotte Park and Wildlife Refuge has trails that go through forests, fields, and wetlands, giving people a chance to explore different landscapes. Many visitors come here for birdwatching, as the area is home to a variety of species, including hawks, woodpeckers, and songbirds. The park is also a good spot for walking, with paths that are easy to follow and well-maintained. Wildlife is common, and it’s usual to see deer, rabbits, or even foxes along the trails. The wetlands in the refuge play an important role in the local ecosystem, supporting many plants and animals.

Mount Philo State Park

The Mount Philo State Park is a peaceful spot that offers great views and a simple hiking experience. The main trail of the park takes you to the top of Mount Philo, a short but rewarding hike that is easy enough for beginners but still enjoyable for experienced hikers. As you make your way up, the path is lined with trees, and there are spots to stop and take in the surroundings. At the summit, the view stretches over Lake Champlain, with distant mountains creating a breathtaking scene. The park is also a favorite place for photographers, offering simple but beautiful views that change with the seasons.

How to Reach Shelburne

The nearest major airport to Shelburne is Burlington International Airport (BTV), located about 10 miles north of the town. This airport is well connected with daily flights from major U.S. cities like Boston, New York and Washington, D.C. Once you land, you can rent a car, book a taxi, or use rideshare services like Uber to reach Shelburne. The drive is smooth, scenic, and will take around 15 to 20 minutes.

Shelburne is easily accessible by car, especially if you’re coming from nearby cities. It’s about a 3.5 hours drive from Boston, 5 hours from New York City, and just 1.5 hours from Montreal. The drive through Vermont offers picturesque landscapes, so it’s a great option for those who enjoy road trips. Amtrak’s Vermonter line passes through the nearby town of Essex Junction, which is about a 25 minutes drive from Shelburne. You can take a taxi or rideshare from the station to Shelburne.

Local Transportation

If you want to explore the surrounding areas or simply enjoy the convenience of your own vehicle, renting a car is a great option. You can find several car rental agencies at Burlington Airport and in the city of Burlington. For those who prefer not to rent a car, taxis and rideshare apps like Uber are readily available and offer an easy way to get around.

Shelburne is also bike-friendly, with scenic routes perfect for cycling; you can bring your own bike or rent one from local shops. Additionally, Green Mountain Transit (GMT) provides bus services between Burlington and Shelburne, making it an affordable option to travel between the towns, although it may not reach every part of Shelburne.

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FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions)

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