Burlington is a city located in the northwestern region of the state of Vermont in the United States. It is the largest city in the state and serves as the economic and cultural center of the region. The city is situated on the eastern shore of Lake Champlain and is surrounded by the Green Mountains, making it a popular destination for outdoor activities.

 

 

Burlington has a rich history and a vibrant cultural scene. It is home to several museums, art galleries, music venues, and theaters. The city is known for its lively downtown area, which offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes.

Burlington is also known for its commitment to sustainability and has been named one of the most sustainable cities in the country. The city has several initiatives in place to reduce its carbon footprint and promote sustainable practices.

Additionally, Burlington is a college town, with the University of Vermont and Champlain College located within the city limits. This gives the city a youthful vibe and a diverse population.

 

 

What Makes it a Destination Worth Visiting

There are several reasons why Burlington is a destination worth visiting:

Natural Beauty: Burlington is located on the eastern shore of Lake Champlain, surrounded by the Green Mountains. The city offers stunning views of the lake and the mountains, making it a popular destination for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, skiing, and sailing.

Cultural Scene: Burlington has a vibrant cultural scene, with several museums, art galleries, music venues, and theaters. The city hosts several cultural events throughout the year, including the Burlington Discover Jazz Festival, the South End Art Hop, and the Vermont Brewers Festival.

Sustainability: Burlington is committed to sustainability and has been named one of the most sustainable cities in the country. The city has several initiatives in place to reduce its carbon footprint and promote sustainable practices.

College Town: Burlington is a college town, with the University of Vermont and Champlain College located within the city limits. This gives the city a youthful vibe and a diverse population, with plenty of restaurants, cafes, and shops catering to the student population.

Food and Drink: Burlington is known for its food and drink scene, with a variety of restaurants, cafes, and breweries offering locally sourced and sustainable food and drink options.

 

 

Popular Tourist Activities

Here are some popular tourist activities in Burlington:

Lake Champlain Cruises: Visitors can take a scenic cruise on Lake Champlain, which offers stunning views of the lake and the surrounding mountains.

Shelburne Museum: Located just outside of Burlington, the Shelburne Museum is a unique museum featuring art, Americana, and historical artifacts spread over 45 acres.

Church Street Marketplace: The Church Street Marketplace is a pedestrian-only street in downtown Burlington, offering a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes.

Waterfront Park: Waterfront Park is a 12-acre park located on the shores of Lake Champlain, offering walking trails, picnic areas, and an amphitheater.

University of Vermont: Visitors can take a tour of the University of Vermont campus, which includes historic buildings, beautiful gardens, and stunning views of Lake Champlain.

ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain: The ECHO Leahy Center is a science museum and aquarium located on the Burlington waterfront, featuring interactive exhibits about the ecology of Lake Champlain.

Burlington Bike Path: The Burlington Bike Path is an 8-mile paved trail that runs along the shore of Lake Champlain, offering scenic views and access to several parks and beaches.

Ben & Jerry's Factory: Visitors can take a tour of the Ben & Jerry's factory in nearby Waterbury, which includes a tasting of their famous ice cream flavors.

Burlington Farmers Market: The Burlington Farmers Market is a popular weekly event, offering fresh produce, crafts, and live music.

Vermont Pub and Brewery: The Vermont Pub and Brewery is a popular local brewery that offers tours and tastings of their craft beers.

 

 

Top Attractions and Must Visit Places

Here are some of the top attractions and must-visit places in and around Burlington:

Lake Champlain: The lake is the main attraction in Burlington and offers numerous opportunities for boating, fishing, swimming, and other water sports.

Shelburne Museum: Located about 7 miles south of Burlington, the Shelburne Museum is a unique museum featuring art, Americana, and historical artifacts spread over 45 acres.

Church Street Marketplace: The Church Street Marketplace is a pedestrian-only street in downtown Burlington, offering a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes.

Vermont Teddy Bear Factory: Located in Shelburne, just south of Burlington, the Vermont Teddy Bear Factory offers tours of their facility and the opportunity to make your own teddy bear.

ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain: The ECHO Leahy Center is a science museum and aquarium located on the Burlington waterfront, featuring interactive exhibits about the ecology of Lake Champlain.

Mount Philo State Park: Located about 13 miles south of Burlington, Mount Philo State Park offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and stunning views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains.

Ben & Jerry's Factory: Located about 30 minutes outside of Burlington in Waterbury, the Ben & Jerry's factory offers tours and tastings of their famous ice cream flavors.

Vermont Maple Outlet: Located about 25 minutes east of Burlington in Jeffersonville, the Vermont Maple Outlet offers a variety of maple products, including maple syrup, maple candy, and maple cream.

Burlington Bike Path: The Burlington Bike Path is an 8-mile paved trail that runs along the shore of Lake Champlain, offering scenic views and access to several parks and beaches.

Green Mountain Audubon Center: Located about 15 miles south of Burlington in Huntington, the Green Mountain Audubon Center offers hiking trails, birdwatching opportunities, and educational programs about local wildlife and ecology.

 

 

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Burlington, Vermont, depends on what you are looking for. Here are some factors to consider:

Weather: The peak season in Burlington is during the summer months (June-August) when temperatures are warm and comfortable, and there is less chance of rain. However, fall (September-November) is also a beautiful time to visit, with stunning foliage and mild temperatures.

Events and Festivals: Burlington has many events and festivals throughout the year. Here are some of the most popular:

• Burlington Discover Jazz Festival (June)


• Vermont Brewers Festival (July)


• Burlington Farmers Market (May-October)


• South End Art Hop (September)


• Vermont International Film Festival (October)

If you are interested in attending any of these events, then plan your visit accordingly.

Activities: The summer months are the best time to enjoy outdoor activities such as swimming, boating, and hiking. However, if you are interested in skiing or snowboarding, then plan your visit during the winter months (December-March).