The Essex Junction center is approximately the area of Burlington-Essex Jct. Amtrak and the area of Champlain Valley Exposition Center.
The best time to visit Essex Junction is during Burlington's festival season, which takes place from May to September. Granted, summer is the metro area's peak tourist season so you may need to reserve your hotel several weeks in advance. Must-see events include the Burlington Discover Jazz Festival, the Vermont Brewers Festival, and the Lake Champlain Dragon Boat Festival. If you want to avoid the crowds, try to plan your trip in late spring or early fall.
Winter is also a great time to visit Essex Junction. Northern Vermont boasts some of the country's best ski slopes, and Essex Junction serves as the perfect home base for enjoying wintertime recreation. Keep in mind, however, that temperatures range from the single digits to the low 30s. Some attractions will even close or shorten their hours during inclement weather. As long as you're willing to remain flexible, you can enjoy lively events like First Night in Burlington, Winter Carnival, and Magic Hat Mardi Gras Parade and Block Party.
October and November can seem quite barren in Vermont because it's too early for skiing but too late for leaf-peeping. Given the low season, many hotels and restaurants temporarily close. If you do find open attractions, however, they're much less crowded than any other time of year. You'll also enjoy rock-bottom hotel rates that will help make your trip to Essex Junction more affordable.
If you know where to stay and qualify for a special rate, you can save even more money on your trip to Vermont.
For example, government employees and military personnel can book special rates at Days Inn by Wyndham Colchester Burlington, which is located just under 3 miles from Essex Junction. This property offers a nice indoor pool, ample parking, fitness facilities, free breakfast, a business center, and a fireplace in the lobby. Guest rooms include work desks, safes, cable programming, and complimentary Wi-Fi.
Seniors can save at many area hotels, including the already affordable La Quinta Inn & Suites South Burlington. Enjoy a 24-hour front desk with express checkout, guest laundry facilities, ample self-parking, an outdoor pool, and a fitness center. The guest rooms are basic but offer everything you need to enjoy your stay, including cable TV, hair dryers, free toiletries, coffee makers, and work desks.
AAA members can enjoy an average of 15 percent off area hotels like Quality Inn Colchester Burlington. This convenient accommodation offers an outdoor seasonal pool, poolside loungers, fitness facilities, a free breakfast, and a pet-friendly policy. You can also utilize the 24-hour business center if you're in town for a meeting. Guest rooms include LCD TVs, pillow-top mattresses, hair dryers, and complimentary toiletries.
The Burlington metro area has many mid-range hotels designed to give you an incredible value for your money.
Baymont by Wyndham Essex Burlington Area offers an indoor pool, fitness center, pet-friendly rooms, and a complimentary breakfast. Guest rooms feature flat-screen TVs, hair dryers, safes, work desks, toiletries, and phones with free local calls.
Best Western Plus Windjammer Inn & Conference Center is ideal for both leisure and business travelers. Enjoy an indoor pool, outdoor pool, fitness center, free breakfast, hotel bar, and a free continental breakfast. In-room amenities include free Wi-Fi, cable TV, hair dryers, toiletries, microwaves, and coffee makers.
Other midrange options include Trader Duke's Hotel, Holiday Inn Burlington, and Residence Inn by Marriott Colchester.
Staying in Essex Junction gives you convenient access to numerous attractions in the greater Burlington metro area.
Families traveling with children should visit ECO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain. Situated on the waterfront, this kid-focused museum is an innovative science and nature center offering interactive programs, immersive activities, daily films, and live animal presentations. It's always a hit with the kids.
To gain an appreciation for the area's history, be sure to visit the Ethan Allen Homestead Museum. The historic house was built around 1787 and showcases daily life on the Vermont frontier. Take an educational tour, explore the gift shop, and enjoy the property's walking trails.
Art lovers have a few options around town worth visiting. The University of Vermont's Fleming Museum of Art has been a prized attraction for more than 80 years. The facility features a collection of art and anthropological artifacts ranging from historical pieces to modern exhibitions. Burlington City Arts is another great gallery and studio center set in a historic building that was originally built as the Ethan Allen Firehouse.
No matter your reason for visiting Essex Junction, you'll discover a beautiful landscape brimming with possibilities. From budget-friendly hotels to luxurious accommodations, this area offers a broad range of hotels to meet your needs and budget.
Below are reviews of the city of Essex Junction, VT from an actual visitor's perspective.
The residents were friendly and the city was beautiful.
Food, hot tub, hotel room were all superb.
We were traveling with a baby and having easy access to groceries and pharmacies was excellent.
Quaintness and charm!
Quaintness and charm!
The scenery is beautiful, tons of trees and mountains in the distance.
Enjoyed the history of the town. The buildings and their architecture.