Return to the main site

70 Essex Way

Essex, VT 05452

Toll-Free: 800-727-4295

Front Desk: 802-878-1100

Spa: 802-764-1452

Fax: 802-878-0063

Things to Do

Bike by Pond

THINGS TO DO IN BURLINGTON, VERMONT

YOU’LL FIND SOMETHING FUN FOR EVERYONE IN BURLINGTON.

With The Essex as your home base, you’re just minutes away from skiing, shopping, breweries, hiking trails, cider mills, wineries, lake cruises, fine art, biking and even dog sled rides.

There’s also plenty to do on-site at The Essex. Borrow our snowshoes in the winter or our bikes in the summer and create your own adventure. Enjoy a day of pampering at Spa at The Essex. Eat local, sustainable food at Junction and The Tavern. Up your culinary skills with a class at Cook Academy.

Take long walks through lush gardens scattered across our 18 acres. Whatever your activity level or interest, The Essex has something sure to delight.

RESORT ACTIVITIES

Skip RESORT ACTIVITIES
Golf Ball

DYNAMIC & DIVERSE
BE ACTIVE IN BURLINGTON AT THE ESSEX

BE ACTIVE IN BURLINGTON AT THE ESSEX

The amenities at The Essex are extraordinary. A full-service spa and fitness center. Indoor and outdoor pools. An 18-hole golf course and six clay tennis courts. Cook Academy classes with our chefs. Guided Vermont tours. Unforgettable team building activities. Eighteen acres of lush landscaping and gardens. Intimate and exciting restaurants. Nearby bicycle and walking paths. So many wonderful activities, you’re sure to find something exciting.

VERMONT TENNIS VACATIONS 

Our six Har-Tru clay courts offer a classic tennis experience in a beautiful setting. Recognized by TENNIS magazine and the travel series Destination: Tennis, Vermont Tennis Vacations at The Essex are perfect for players of every level.  

Our camp, designed by Director of Tennis Rob Barr, has been recognized by Tennis Resorts Online as one of the top 10 tennis camps in the world. Our program combines technique, strategy, shot selection, match psychology and movement, utilizing fast-paced competitive drills in a fun and challenging environment for beginners to tournament-level players.  

We also stage a weekly roster of tennis activities and events during the summer.

  • Private and group lessons
  • Weekly stroke clinics
  • Junior development
  • Mixed doubles scrambles
  • The Essex Pro Challenge, where guests play a set against Rob Barr, who has held an ITF world ranking

COURTS & FEES—2019 PRICING
NO COURT FEES FOR CAMP PARTICIPANTS OR HOTEL GUESTS.   

Two Days $300 ($150/day)
Three Days $420 ($140/day)
Four Days $520 ($130/day)
Five Days $625 ($125/day)
Daily Camp $179

TENNIS PACKAGES

We offer customizable packages starting at two nights that include overnight accommodations, breakfast, lunch and resort discounts.

THE LINKS AT LANG FARM

Burlington’s premier golf course, The Links at Lang Farm is adjacent to The Essex. With 18-holes of superb golf, a 20-station practice facility with a full bent-grass teeing area, a practice bunker and two putting and chipping greens, The Links at Lang Farm is a great place to practice and improve your game. Guests at The Essex enjoy a complimentary golf shuttle to and from the course and can arrange tee times and golf lessons through our concierge.

LEARN FROM THE BEST

Enjoy hands-on, low-pressure cooking classes with the chefs at Cook Academy. Learn new cooking techniques or perfect the skills you already have—cooks of every level are welcome, and classes are small and personalized. Best of all, most classes include a three- or four-course meal.

BURLINGTON ATTRACTIONS

Skip BURLINGTON ATTRACTIONS
Hot Air Balloon Above Lake

VERY VERMONT
BURLINGTON ATTRACTIONS

From verdant mountain vistas to cool blue waters, the beauty surrounding The Essex is abundant and soul-soothing. We’re fortunate to also be surrounded by food artisans making hand-crafted edibles, from maple syrup and chocolate to craft beer, wine and cider. During your stay at The Essex, be sure to take advantage of the area’s many amenities through a guided tour or your own personal adventure.

GUIDED TOURS
SEE THE SIGHTS WITH A LIFELONG VERMONTER

Greg Doremus, the owner and guide of Vermont Guided Tours, has lived in Vermont his entire life. His passion is sharing Vermont’s beautiful scenery, locally made food and drink and state history with his guests.   Let Greg lead the way through

  • Wine & Maple Tour
  • Estate Farm & Winery Tour
  • Wine & Chocolate Tour
  • Brew Tour
  • Mountain View Tour
  • Island Tour
  • Fall Sights & Cider Tour
  • Snowshoes & Hot Chocolate Tour
  • Cross Country Ski Tour

MAKE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE

There’s no shortage of things to do on your own during your visit to The Essex. Consider this a crash course in local attractions, but know that there’s even more wonder to be found.

Things to do in Essex

Skip Things to do in Essex
Hot Air Ballon

ABOVE REALITY HOT AIR BALLOON RIDES

The Essex is the meet-up point for morning and evening balloon rides with breathtaking views (launch sites depend upon wind direction and weather)

ESSEX SHOPPES & CINEMA

Just half a mile from The Essex you’ll find shopping, dining, movies and more Central Burlington (15 minutes away) Church Street/Downtown Burlington Pedestrian marketplace in the heart of Vermont’s Queen City with national brand anchor stores, sidewalk bistros, locally-owned shops and a colorful vibe

BURLINGTON SEGWAY TOURS

Guided Segway tour of downtown Burlington, the waterfront, the bike path and the University of Vermont (no prior Segway experience necessary)

LAKE CHAMPLAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY

Classic handcrafted chocolates made by local chocolatiers

ECHO LEAHY CENTER & AQUARIUM

Innovative science center and aquarium on the shores of Lake Champlain with more than 100 interactive exhibits

LAKE CHAMPLAIN SCENIC CRUISES

Narrated daily cruises aboard 115’ boat designed after 19th century steamboats

BURLINGTON AREA (30 MINUTES WEST)

Skip BURLINGTON AREA (30 MINUTES WEST)
Sled Dogs

SHELBURNE MUSEUM

Vermont’s #1 attraction includes a remarkable art museum with 38 exhibition buildings, plus paddle wheels, a carousel and more

VERMONT TEDDY BEAR FACTORY

Build your own bear, or choose one to adopt and make your own—great fun for the kids

DOG SLED RIDES (WINTER)

Drive your own sled with an experienced guide by your side Waterbury/Stowe Area (30 minutes East)

VERMONT ANNEX (VERMONT PRODUCTS OUTLET)

Take home a little bit of Vermont with Vermont-made products from food and spirits to art

BEN & JERRY’S ICE CREAM TOUR

Watch a short film about how Ben Cohen & Jerry Greenfield went from taking a $5 correspondence course on ice cream-making to creating a global phenomenon, then tour the factory and have a taste

COLD HOLLOW CIDER MILL

Tour this local store and find hundreds of Vermont-made products, see cider being produced, watch a bee hive at work and have lunch

EVENTS CALENDAR

Skip EVENTS CALENDAR

COOK'S ACADEMY CLASSES
From: May 30, 2018 to Dec 31, 2019
When: Every Day - All Day
Where: Chefs Kitchen
Category: Culinary
The hands-on classes at Cook Academy are perfect for cooks of every level, whether you spend all your free time in the kitchen or leave the cooking to someone else. Our renowned chefs love to share their passion for food and are patient, supportive instructors who guide you step by step through the preparation of a delicious meal. You can expect to acquire new cooking techniques or hone the skills you already have, plus learn industry insights that can help you entertain at home.

Classes are small, so each student gets personalized instruction. Most classes include a three- or four-course meal, and, best of all, you get to eat your results and take the recipes home with you. Class offerings vary throughout the year depending on the season and availability of fresh ingredients. Past courses have included cooking with Vermont beer, making fresh pasta, indoor grilling and vegetarian cooking. We also offer French and Italian wine classes that will make you an oenophile in record time.

Our Chef’s Kitchen classroom offers an intimate space for up to eight students. The JK Adams classroom has room for 12 or more.

WINE & CHOCOLATE TOUR
From: Nov 30, 2018 to Dec 31, 2019
When: Every Fri - 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM
Where: The Essex, Vermont's Culinary Resort Spa
Category: Culinary
Do you love chocolate? You must visit and try one of Vermont’s best chocolate makers. See the chocolate being made in front of your eyes!

Learn about the methods of this age old candy making process, taste some samples. Next, a chocolate lover’s dream – the chocolate store! You can find all kinds of chocolate that will make great gifts and surprises for friends, family – and yourself!

Then, off to a winery owned by pioneers in Vermont viticulture. The tasting room and winery are beautiful! You’ll have a wine tasting and receive a complimentary wine glass.

Last, enjoy a picnic lunch in the loft of the winery.

Total time: Approximately 4 hours - Operates year round (based on availability)

CAMPFIRE & S'MORES
From: Dec 21, 2018 to Dec 31, 2018
When: Every Day - 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Where: Essex Resort
Category: Holiday
Sit by the fire and enjoy The Essex at Night! S’mores are available for purchase at the front desk.

FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT
From: Dec 21, 2018 to Dec 31, 2018
When: Every Day - 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Where: Lobby Cafe
Category: Holiday
Enjoy holiday movies with popcorn and hot chocolate in the Main Lobby.

MEET STEWART & PENELOPE
From: Dec 22, 2018 to Dec 28, 2018
When: Every Sun, Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat - 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM
Where: Main Inn
Category: Holiday
Meet Stewart & Penelope – our favorite little Nigerian Dwarf goats! Get the chance to go into the pen to pet and feed them.

STORY TIME
From: Dec 22, 2018 to Dec 31, 2018
When: Every Day - 2:00 PM to 2:30 PM
Where: Main Lobby
Category: Holiday
Stop by the Lobby each day We’ll feature a new story that is sure to delight!
*Supervision required.

DRAFTS AND CRAFTS
Date: Dec 22, 2018
When: 2:30 PM to 5:00 PM
Where: The Essex, Vermont's Culinary Resort Spa
Category: Holiday
Local beer on tap, cider, wine, and non-alcoholic choices, along with DIY craft kits with easy follow instructions. Crafts options will be decorate a wine bottle table light ($20), choose three cork Christmas Tree ornaments ($15), magnet wall bottle opener ($38), and succulents planted in wooden boxes ($35).

SUGAR COOKIE DECORATING
Date: Dec 23, 2018
When: 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Where: Lobby Kitchen
Category: Holiday
Come decorate sugar cookies with festive colors and sprinkles!

DECORATE A CHRISTMAS TREE
Date: Dec 23, 2018
When: 1:30 PM to 2:00 PM
Where: Main Lobby
Category: Holiday
Come join the Front Desk staff and help decorate the last Christmas tree!

PAINT NITE @ THE ESSEX
Date: Dec 23, 2018
When: 2:30 PM to 5:00 PM
Where: The Essex, Vermont's Culinary Resort Spa
Category: Holiday
Paint Nite is invading bars and restaurants near you with everything you need to create a one-of-a-kind painting. We’ll guide you and your friends through two lively hours of creativity, drinking, and laughing ‘til your cheeks hurt. The best part? You don’t have to be an artist to have an amazing time.

VISIT WITH SANTA
Date: Dec 24, 2018
When: 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Where: Main Lobby
Category: Holiday
Come meet Santa, prior to his trip back to the North Pole.

CHILDREN ARTS & CRAFTS
From: Dec 25, 2018 to Dec 31, 2018
When: Every Day - 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM
Where: Main Lobby
Category: Holiday
Come join us for some arts and crafts!

BINGO
Date: Dec 26, 2018
When: 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Where: Main Lobby
Category: Holiday
Stop by the Lobby Cafe for some old time Family Fun! Prizes for the whole family to enjoy.

KIDS' GLOW SWIM PIZZA PARTY
From: Dec 27, 2018 to Dec 30, 2018
When: Every Sun, Thu - 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Where: Spa at The Essex
Category: Holiday
Join Spa at The Essex team for a fun glow swim and pizza! Event is open to all children; glow sticks, snacks, and pizza will be provided.

DRAFTS AND CRAFTS
Date: Dec 28, 2018
When: 2:30 PM to 5:00 PM
Where: The Essex, Vermont's Culinary Resort Spa
Category: Holiday
Local beer on tap, cider, wine, and non-alcoholic choices, along with DIY craft kits with easy follow instructions. Crafts options will be decorate a wine bottle table light ($20), choose three cork Christmas Tree ornaments ($15), magnet wall bottle opener ($38), and succulents planted in wooden boxes ($35).

CHILDREN ARTS & CRAFTS: DO YOU WANT TO BUILD A SNOWMAN
Date: Dec 29, 2018
When: 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM
Where: Main Lobby
Category: Holiday
Come build a snowman wiht our staff. We will provide everything you will need, event the hot chocolate.

NEW YEARS' EVE MURDER MYSTERY DINNER
Date: Dec 31, 2018
When: 6:30 PM to 10:00 PM
Where: The Essex, Vermont's Culinary Resort Spa
Category: Holiday
Join October Theatre Company, Inc. as they perform an special New Year's Eve Murder Mystery.

NEW YEARS' EVE PARTY
From: Dec 31, 2018 to Jan 01, 2019
When: Every Mon - 9:00 PM to 1:00 AM
Where: The Essex, Vermont's Culinary Resort Spa
Category: Holiday
You're invited to ring in The New Year with The Essex, Vermont's Culinary Resort and Spa. Indulge in hors d’oeuvres, food stations, dessert bar, midnight champagne toast, and dance the night away to the sounds of DJ Fattie-B. A cash ice bar with cocktails, wine, and beer will be available.