A Remote Worker’s Guide to Burlington, VT
When the pandemic struck, those of us lucky enough to continue work remotely had no other option but to set up shop at home. As much as my introverted self loves working without all the distractions of a big office, 18+ months of isolation within the same 4 walls has left me eager to venture out and find other places to spend my days. For many, being a remote worker is the new normal and if you’re in it for the long haul, mixing things up from time to time can be crucial. Whether you’re a local looking to occasionally escape your house or a digital nomad taking advantage of your closed office, here are some of the top places in Burlington, Vermont to live your best remote life.
Best Places to Get Some Work Done:
Hotel Vermont Lobby - Who doesn’t love a good hotel lobby? Whether you are a Burlington local or in town for a visit, the Hotel Vermont lobby is a great place to spend a couple of hours on your laptop or connect with a client in person. Located walking distance from the Church Street Marketplace, you can easily take a break to do some people-watching, shop around, or have a bite to eat at one of the many options around this Downtown Burlington staple.
Hula - Burlington doesn't get much better than this! Situated on Lake Champlain, the Hula coworking campus is the perfect place to come just for a day or sign up for a membership to enjoy this gorgeous space as much as you want. Hula opened in December of 2020 and is what office dreams are made of: tons of natural light, comfortable yet modern furnishing, lots of plants, a coffee bar, restaurant, and even yoga classes overlooking the lake. There are so many great places to be productive, I can’t even list them all out! Hula was made to offer a blend of collaboration, networking, and spaces you can focus. With many options from private office subscriptions to day passes, check out their website if you think Hula could be the workspace for you!
Photo from Hula’s Website
Mt. Philo - While technically not in Burlington, drive 30 minutes south to Charlotte, VT and hike this short (but steep) trail with your laptop and snacks in your backpack. The view from the top is well worth it! Adirondack chairs and picnic tables await you at the top for a decent spot to catch up on emails. You can also drive up to the top if you still want the outside air without overexerting yourself.
Bonus: Philo Ridge Farm is down the road and not to be missed while you're in the area!
Best Coffee Shops:
Kru - With amazing breakfast sandwiches, great donuts, and clever drink names, Kru is the newest coffee shop at the top of Church Street. This spot brings in a fun, vibrant vibe with a mix of students, professionals, and tourists. Pro Tip: Don't plan on working from here for too long, the free wifi cuts out after a couple of hours. Check Kru out whenever you need a pick-me-up!
Photo from Kru’s Website
Nomad - Located in Burlington's South End, Nomad was home to my favorite breakfast sandwich. Sadly they are not currently making them, but fingers crossed they will make a comeback soon and you all can experience the magic. Outside of sandwiches, their coffee drinks, smoothies & baked goods certainly do not disappoint.
Kestrel @ Tech Park - This is my secret go-to spot when I don't want to deal with the hassle of finding parking downtown. Located close to the airport, Kestrel has excellent coffee and a spacious interior with plenty of seating. They also have a location downtown if that’s more your speed. You can find both locations and any other info on their website.
Best Places to Burn off the Stress of the Day
Burlington Bike Path + Waterfront - If you are like me, one of the downsides of working remotely is the tendency to get lost in work and realize you’ve barely taken 500 steps by the end of the day. Movement is important for brain function and overall well-being, so take a laptop break, grab your running shoes or bike, and cruise the scenic Burlington bike path. There's also a skate park and yoga classes on the dock of the waterfront during summer mornings – something for everyone!
Rev - Peloton may have gotten you through quarantine, but last I checked almost everyone has stopped using it by now. Spinning at home just doesn’t compare to a live, in-person ride. Head on over because no one does it better than Rev motivator Sarah DeGray. They've relocated to Burlington's bustling Pine Street, a quick and easy commute from any of the places previously listed!
Photo from Rev’s Website
Shelburne Farms - Since Covid began, Shelburne Farms has made the walking trails accessible so that anyone who needs some fresh air and a nature fix can take advantage of this amazing place. My favorite way to enjoy this place is during the early morning hours, but truly any time sunrise to sunset is a treat. There are 10 miles of trails so walk as little or as much as you like, free of charge with a recommended donation. You will likely see (and smell) some cows or sheep along the way. Don't forget to stop at the farm store for some goodies on your way out!
From Pre-Work Juices to Post-Work Drinks
The Vermont Juice Co – Sometimes you just need an organic cold-pressed juice to get you through the day, amirite? There are no bad options on the menu, but Brain Boost and Green Mountain Medley are two of my personal favorites. They also make delicious bowls and smoothies in addition to their juices. You can order any of their menu items for pickup or delivery for convenience when you’re short on time!
Zero Gravity Brewery + The Great Northern - Zero Gravity and The Great Northern have combined forces, so there is a full menu & a ton of outdoor seating (with industrial-grade heaters for when the temperatures start to dip!). Though I recommend going here after work hours to best enjoy this place, their wifi isn't bad and you can get coffee & waffles in the morning. This being said, you could probably get away with working from here before the happy hour crowds roll in. Highly recommend the dirty fries and of course, try some beers!
Dedalus - Burlington is definitely a beer town, but if you are more of a wine person, this is the place for you! Even if you’re a beer lover, come here and pick up a bottle (or 3), as nothing pairs better with Vermont’s array of award-winning cheeses. Plus, everyone knows the best way to enjoy the sunset from Mount Philo is with a fancy picnic, wine included. Part market, part restaurant, part wine bar-- Dedalus is always a good idea!
Photo from Dedalus Website
Although Burlington is a small town, it's full of great places for remote workers to find their ideal work and life balance! I recommend that anyone looking for a new town to work on-the-go check out some of my top picks in the area. Burlington locals and visitors, let us know some of your favorite spots!
