Church Street Marketplace, Downtown Burlington, Vermont.
Burlington is viewed as the arts and entertainment capital of Vermont. Rural Vermonters that hide at their cabins in the green mountains flock to Burlington on the weekends to catch a wave of the city life and move to its urban beat.
In the northwestern corner of Vermont, due west of Montpelier (the state capital) lays Burlington, the largest Vermont city with population of about 40,000 people. Burlington is bordered by Lake Champlain which separates Vermont from neighboring upstate New York.
There are several ways you can get to the city. Interstate 89, Amtrak, and various bus lines. Burlington also has Vermont’s only commercial airport, which offers a variety of flights, and rental facilities.
In the heart of Burlington, a busy college town, is the University of Vermont. The UVM campus is located throughout the city and offers a wide array of courses and departments. The campus is endowed with several nineteenth century buildings.
One of the main attractions of Burlington is its unique shopping experience, otherwise known as the Church Street Marketplace. Burlington shopping is a street long affair. Shops, cafes, and restaurants line both sides of the marketplace. As cars are not allowed to drive through, pedestrians gather for leisurely walks, some roller blade, others skateboard. Street performers, musicians, and jugglers line the marketplace on the weekends. Kiosks display local-made trinkets and sculptures. The stores offer something for everyone, from local specialty stores to brand name chains. From shoes, flowers, clothes, to famous Burton snowboards.
Dining is a special event in Burlington. There are a variety of restaurants, cafes, and street vendors. One can experience foreign and ethnic cuisine. Sushi, Thai, Vietnamese, Indian, Italian, Chinese, and American food restaurants are found here. The presence of the New England Culinary Institute and its main restaurant, NECI Commons, gives Burlington’s dinner a continental flare. More often the dilemma is not what to eat but where to eat. Burlington also offers dinners aboard cruise boats, and at breweries such as the Vermont Pub, and Magic Hat.
The Lake Champlain Scenic Shoreline Cruises offer nine different tours. From scenic sunset cruises aboard the Spirit of Ethan Allen II, to Murder Mystery Dinner Cruises. The 500-passenger ship is an ideal location for special events and sails seven days a week
The nightlife in Burlington is an active sort. The local music scene is as diverse as the palate, from small bars to “happening” nightclubs. Most offer theme nights on weekdays, and bands on weekends. The Radisson Hotel offers live comedy shows every weekend.
The Flynn Theater and the Memorial auditorium in Burlington feature a wide range of performers, from local bands and theatre productions to national acts.
Burlington is a great place to visit any time of year. Summer weekends, most people flock to the north beaches and relax on the waterfront. Sailing on Lake Champlain is another popular activity. A nine-mile bike path along Lake Champlain connects with the beach and Battery Park.
Burlington is also home to the Vermont Expos, a minor league baseball team. The Vermont Expos have been a member of the Montreal Expos baseball farm system since 1994
The Vermont Ice Storm, a semi-pro football team, plays home games at nearby Colchester High School.
Burlington also hosts many colorful annual events like the famous Discover Jazz Festival.
Burlington lodging accommodations are varied and plentiful. Choose from quaint, country inns, chain hotels, full-service resorts, and conference centers.
For current Burlington weather and additional travel information visit our Burlington page.
- Special thanks to Ms. Mona Karia writer & photogragher.
