The Ethan Allen Express & Burlington
The Ethan Allen Express is a daily train that runs from Manhattan to Burlington and back. We are lucky enough to live in Saratoga Springs where there is a train station that is actually walking distance from our house. We can catch the train on Friday evening at 6pm and get to Burlington by 10pm on a Friday (or any day, but this makes for a nice weekend getaway) and then leave Burlington at 10am Sunday and arrive back in Saratoga by 2pm. The train is super comfortable and well maintained with plenty of luggage storage as well as space to spread out. We were lucky enough to get a group of seats that were 4 facing each other so our family of 3 was able to comfortably spread out. There are large bathrooms that are easily accessible from any seat on the train and a cafe cart that sold water, coffee, beer, wine, snacks and assorted hot and cold snacks and entrees. We got wine and a cheese tray on the way in to burlington and it was actually very good and priced extremely reasonably. The cafe cart has tables to sit at as well which is a good way to break up the trip. I considered upgrading our tickets to the first class tickets, but after looking at the first class, I am glad I didn’t. The seats in first class did seem a bit more comfortable and as if they reclined quite a bit more, however, our configuration of seats seemed to fit our needs much better. The train also was outfitted with wifi and plenty of power outlets. I think that taking the train all the way from Manhattan and Burlington and back would actually be very doable with these amenities as you could easily work from the train for the day.
We stayed at the Courtyard Burlington Harbor which was a quick 4 block walk from the train station (the 4 blocks were mostly uphill but still very managable with luggage and a stroller). This hotel was great for what we needed-close to everything, lot’s of ammenities and a great price. We stayed in a King suite which was perfect because it had a seperation between the living area and the bedroom. Even better, there was a door to access the bathroom from the bedroom as well as the main living area (we have found so many suites have a bathroom only accessible through the bedroom so once the baby is asleep going to the bahthroom is a covert operation). The suite was equipped with a fridge, sink, microwave, pullout couch, two armours as well as a stand alone shower and a jetted bathtub. The Lobby also had a great bar and restaurant where we had breakfast before taking a swim in the indoor pool. The fitness center also had a hot tub and various equipment including a peloton. After taking a swim we were able to relax in the room during nap time where I even got to enjoy a mimosa in the jetted tub.
Then, we headed up toward Church street for lunch which was about 3 blocks away. We ate at The Farmhouse Tap and Grill which had a great seasonal selection of entrees and beers. We were able to put our name on a list and take a look at the free exhibit at the Burlington City Arts center while we waited for our table to be ready. After lunch we went to the ECHO childrens museum right on the lake which was great. There are plenty of STEM activities for kids including displays and live fish from Lake Champlain, several jungle gyms and slides, a play store and water tables and while we were there a Curious George Exhibit that our son loved. We were able to spend quite a bit of time here. Before heading out we stopped at the shop and loaded up on the wide variety of kids snacks available for purchase.
Right down the road from the museum is Foam Brewers which was a great stop. We were able to have a drink and listen to live music. There were plenty of snacks and beers offered and a great patio with a view of the lake for days with warmer weather. Then, connected to Foam brewers by a small hallway was Deep City Restaurant and Bar. This was great because we were able to mosey over and have a wonderful meal without having to bundle up again and go out into the elements. Dinner was fabulous and we were even able to catch a song or two after dinner back at Foam before heading back to the hotel for the night.
The next day we stopped at Burlington Bay Market and Cafe for breakfast. They had a big variety of hot breakfast items and coffee as well as a full market with beer, wine and various grocery items. This was great because it allowed us to have a nice meal with a view of the lake and stock up on snacks for the train all in one stop.
Burlington is a great little city that has tons to offer especially by way of breweries and restaraunts. It has plenty to offer in both the summer and winter months and is definitely a trip I would recommend even if taking the train the couple of extra hours from the city. We are lucky to live in an area that still has access to some sort of public transit and this is an excellent way to take advantage of that.
