Looking for New England charm with mountain views and small-town serenity? Head to Essex, Vermont! Just minutes from Burlington, Essex blends rustic beauty, outdoor adventure, and locally crafted experiences. It’s an ideal destination for relaxation, farm-to-table food, and scenic escapes.
When I like to visit
The best time to visit Essex is in fall for foliage (late September–October) or summer (June–August) for festivals and outdoor activities. Spring is peaceful and green, while winter offers snowy charm and nearby ski options.
Tips for getting There
- By Car: Essex is just off VT-289, about 20 minutes from Burlington and 1.5 hours from Montpelier.
- By Air: Fly into Burlington International Airport (BTV), only 15 minutes from Essex by car or rideshare.
- By Train: Amtrak’s Vermonter line stops at the nearby Essex Junction station with service to NYC and beyond.
Where I like to stay
- The Essex Resort & Spa – Elegant countryside resort offering a full-service spa, cooking classes, and fine dining.
- Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott – Comfortable, modern hotel close to shopping and dining options.
- Cozy Cabins & Inns – Find local charm with mountain views in rustic B&Bs and short-term rentals nearby.
Top Attractions
1. Above Reality Inc. Hot Air Balloon Rides
Above Reality Hot Air Balloon Rides allow you to see Vermont, Green Mountains and Lake Champlain like you have never seen them before. They have a range of balloons that can take from four to 14 people high up among the clouds, quiet and safe, looking for deer jumping across a fence beavers working on their dams or hawks cruising for pray. It is a magical experience and no two flights are the same.
Baloons can land on cow pastures, backyard barbecue, parking lots, even at Burlington airport. Personal tours can take you anywhere you want including a tour of Vermont farmhouses, arriving at the school playground or at the friends’ backyard where cold champagne is waiting. Above Reality Inc is the most complete hot balloon service in Vermont, offering a range of services including tethered flight and diverse advertising opportunities.
Above Reality Inc. Hot Air Balloon Rides, Jericho, VT 05465, Phone: 877-386-7473, or Locally Phone: 802-899-4007, View Map
2. 1st Republic Brewing Company
1st Republic Brewing Company in Essex, Vermont, is owned and operated by Shawn Trout and Mike Drake, two veterans who love beer. They love to brew it; to drink it and to teach others about it.. They are making some of the best Veteran brews in the area and provide the best selections of grains, hops and yeast for homebrewers in Vermont. After checking all the supplies, pull up a chair or relax on the comfy couch in the taproom and enjoy one of their latest releases. Come for a flight, a full pint, some locally delivered food, games, live music and a great atmosphere.
1st Republic Brewing Company, 39 River Rd #6, Essex Junction, VT 05452, Phone: 802-857-5318, View Map
3. Purple Sage
Located in Essex Shoppes & Cinema is n modern and elegant one-stop spa and salon in Essex, Vermont that offers holistic healing, spa and full beauty services to the clients in the area. They have healing sessions in the Salt Cave, full service salon, manicures, pedicures, waxing, massage, facials, body treatments and boutique.
The goal of all their staff, stylists and practitioners is to make all their clients feel and look beautiful, inside and out. The shop sells Vermont-made skin and body care.
The main attraction of Purple Sage is the Salt Cave, a dimly lit dome filled with 20,000 pounds of Himalayan salt. Officially called “halotherapy,” salt-based treatments allegedly treats everything from respiratory problems to skin issues in a relaxing atmosphere.
21 Essex Way Suite 224, Essex Junction, VT 05452, Phone: 802-879-1160, View Map
4. The Links at Lang Farm
Opened in July of 2002, the Links at Lang Farm was designed to attract golfers of all abilities. It is the only public 18-hole executive championship golf course in New England. It was designed by the award-winning golf architect Mike Asmundson. Since opening in 2002,
The Links at Lang Farm has been host to more than 700 private tournaments, fundraisers and outings. The course covers 4,000 challenging yards that include wetlands, old-growth white pine groves and pumpkin patches.
The Links has three sets of tees and is as great course for the first-timer as it is for the skilled veteran. It is known for the superb conditions and excellent greens that roll and twist around deep bunkers. The Links offers the fastest and most enjoyable round of public golf in the Greater Burlington area.
39 Essex Way, Essex Junction, VT 05452, Phone: 802-878-0298, View Map
More ideas: White River Junction, Vermont
Where to Eat
5. Ray's Seafood Market
Ray’s Seafood Market is a family owned and operated seafood market in Essex, Vermont, that provides a huge variety of fresh seafood including live lobsters, clams, shrimp, scallops, scrod, sole, haddock, salmon, swordfish, tuna, and much more. Their own trucks bring the sea bounty from Bristol within 24 hours it left water.
They also sell fresh-water fish from Lake Champlain, breaded and fileted fish, fish chowder and all condiments and spices buyers need to prepare their fish.
Attached bright and colorful restaurant offers all that bounty already cooked any way you can think of, fresh and perfectly delicious. You can eat in or take your goodies with you. Ray's Seafood Market also has year-round creemee stand that kids love.
7 Pinecrest Dr, Essex Junction, VT 05452, Phone: 802-879-3611, View Map
6. Mimmo's Pizza, Essex, Vermont
Mimmo's is a bright, cheerful pizzeria and Italian restaurant in Essex, Vermont, treating locals with their authentic recipes since 1995. The star of the show is their famous New York style pizza made fresh using their own recipes. The open kitchen allows guests to enjoy the dough-tossing show pizza chef offers, and to see their food being prepared before it reaches their table.
If you do not feel for pizza, the extensive menu offers great pastas, salads, hot heroes, main plates and desserts. All pizzas and pastas are available gluten-free. Mimmo’s is great spot for a quick lunch with friends or dinner with family. If you do not feel for dining out, you can ask for takeout or delivery.
3182, 4 Carmichael St, Essex Junction, VT 05452, Phone: 802-288-9494, View Map
7. Vespa's Pizza, Pasta and Deli
Vespa’s Pizza, Pasta and Deli is a small, unassuming spot in Essex, Vermont that sells incredibly good food. They use only fresh ingredients and make all their foods from scratch while you wait.
They grind their meat for meatballs and burgers and all their salad dressings, marinades and sauces are made fresh daily in house. They smoke their own bacon and make their own pancetta from scratch. They also bake their breads and rolls.
You can watch the pizza chef toss the pizza dough in the air before loading it with your favorite topping. The range of available toppings is incredible. The menu at Vespa's Pizza is extensive and has something for everyone, from appetizers and salads to pastas and burgers.
99 Pearl St, Essex Junction, VT 05452, Phone: 802-878-6060, View Map
8. Jules on the Green
Jules on the Green is not just any restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. This cheerful and bright place in Essex, Vermont makes it easy for folks with food allergies to eat out and enjoy it.
All items on their extensive menu are labeled when they are gluten-free or vegetarian and the entire menu is 100 percent peanut and nut-free. While they use eggs, wheat, soy and dairy, they invite their guests to specify their dietary needs.
Jules on the Green is not only allergy-aware restaurant, it is also proudly local, working with local farms and suppliers to get their fresh ingredients. And the menu is incredible – it includes everything from Dutch Baby pancakes to New York strip steaks and vegetable quinoa bowls. Whether you have food allergies or not, you will eat well at Jules on the Green.
1 Commonwealth Ave, Essex Junction, VT 05452, Phone: 802-857-5994, View Map
Attractions for Couples
9. The Spa at Essex
The Spa at Essex at the Essex Resort is a great spot to relax on vacation. Here resort guests (and day visitors) can add another level of rest and relaxation to their vacation at the resort.
Spa facilities include a heated indoor pool, a seasonal outdoor pool, hot tub, the Salon at Essex Spa and various treatment rooms including one for couples.
You can treat yourself to the latest facials, specially tailored to suit your particular needs or get your vacation off to a great start with an exfoliating body treatment.
There are also a range of wonderfully relaxing massages to choose from as well as manicures, pedicures and hair treatments.
70 Essex Way, Essex, VT 05452, 802 871 1100, View Map
10. Essex Family Fun and Entertainment Center
Located just off Highway VT-289, the Essex Family Fun and Entertainment Center is a seasonal attraction offering hours of family fun. Golf enthusiasts can spend some time working on their techniques at the driving range, while the whole family can enjoy the attractive mini-golf course.
Golfing lessons (group or private) are available for all ages and abilities. There are also some batting cages where budding ball players can hone their skills.
If you are not interested in the various ball games you can just enjoy getting back to nature on a walk through the rolling meadows. The center is open from spring to fall but the hours are very weather dependant and you should call ahead of your planned visit.
48 Upper Main Street, Essex Junction, VT 05452, 802 872 8858, View Map
Local Events
- Vermont Maple Festival (April) – Celebrate the state’s sweetest season with maple tastings and family fun nearby in St. Albans.
- Champlain Valley Fair (August–September) – One of Vermont’s largest events with rides, concerts, food, and farm shows.
- Essex Winter Carnival (February) – Cold-weather fun with snow activities, food trucks, and fireworks.
Day Trips Within 30 Minutes of Essex, Vermont
- Essex Experience (0–5 min) – Shop local boutiques, see live music, and enjoy breweries and restaurants in this vibrant village hub.
- Indian Brook Reservoir (5–10 min) – Hike forested trails, paddle peaceful waters, or picnic at this scenic natural area.
- Sand Bar State Park (25–30 min) – Swim, paddleboard, or relax on the sandy beach with panoramic Lake Champlain views.
- Catamount Outdoor Family Center (10–15 min) – Bike, hike, or cross-country ski miles of scenic trails in every season.
- Burlington Waterfront Park (20–25 min) – Stroll lakeside paths, rent bikes, or catch sunset views over Lake Champlain.
- Shelburne Museum (25–30 min) – Explore historic buildings, folk art, gardens, and a restored steamboat at this unique open-air museum.
- Church Street Marketplace (Burlington) (20–25 min) – Shop and dine along a lively pedestrian street filled with music and local flavor.
- Snow Farm Vineyard (25–30 min) – Sip wine with lake and mountain views at Vermont’s first vineyard and winery on Grand Isle.
- Colchester Causeway (15–20 min) – Bike or walk this scenic path stretching across Lake Champlain with 360-degree views.
- Mills Riverside Park (10–15 min) – Enjoy mountain views, walking trails, a covered bridge, and seasonal events in nearby Jericho.
Plan Your Trip