The only city of any size in Vermont, as well as its largest, is located in a picturesque setting on a hilltop with a view of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains on the other side of the lake in New York. Burlington’s small size contributes to its appeal. You won’t ever feel like you’re in a bustling city when you’re here; in fact, the Green Mountain state’s abundance of natural beauty makes Burlington seem shockingly rustic to tourists. Although the bustling downtown extends all the way to the water, Church Street is where much of the shopping is found. This spacious, car-free area is dotted with stores and restaurants, and there is almost always something going on there. The majestic University of Vermont campus, which sits atop the hill, gives Burlington a youthful, urban vibe.
While a large metropolis shouldn’t be anticipated, visitors should expect to find a significant number of artistic and cultural sites as well as a wide range of entertaining activities. The numerous galleries and studios located around the city and its neighboring communities showcase the works of the many talented artists and skilled craftspeople that live and work in Burlington. Let’s get started with this travel guide to Burlington, Vermont, a fantastic New England weekend vacation location. Oh, and for the most recent information on Burlington events, check out this local event calendar if you’re looking for things to do in Burlington VT this weekend or what to do in Burlington VT today.
1. Lake Champlain Cruises:
Between Vermont and New York, Lake Champlain spans north to south, with a minor piece of its northern end being in Canada. Most of its waters are in Vermont, and its width ranges from 0.5 miles to 12 miles. The Revolutionary War and other eras of Lake Champlain’s history are discussed on tourist trips on board the Spirit of Ethan Allen III. With a length of 140 feet and a capacity for 363 passengers, Lake Champlain’s largest cruise ship also conducts occasional dancing cruises in addition to many daily sightseeing excursions during the appropriate season. Daily sailing excursions and lengthier private charters aboard traditional Friendship Sloops are two other boat excursions that depart from Burlington’s downtown docks.
2. Spend time on Church Street:
Without learning about Church Street, you cannot explore Burlington, Vermont. From the church at the top of Church St. and down for half a dozen blocks, this well-known road is a bricked, pedestrian-only path. It is the hub of downtown Burlington, from which many streets branch out and are lined with cafes, bookstores, shops, and other establishments. The best Burlington, Vermont shopping may be found here, especially if you prefer to support your community. Church Street is lined with unique shops and establishments of various kinds. This is a great place to people-watch when you’re not shopping. In fact, you might occasionally catch a peek of Bernie Sanders, the beloved local (and national meme sensation)! Nearly every day, it is busy with locals, tourists, and street performers.
3. ECHO Leahy Center:
The Lake Champlain region’s natural history as well as its historical past are both on display at the ECHO Leahy Center on the lake’s shore. All ages are drawn to the permanent exhibits, many of which are interactive and examine the lake’s depths, 15 frog species from six continents (including the most venomous frog in the world), the geology of the Champlain Basin, and historical inhabitants of the area. At the Be a Watershed Weather Reporter studio, kids may watch themselves on television, and little ones have access to a dedicated hands-on discovery area. One of the top attractions for families in Burlington is the ECHO Leahy Center.
4. Get out on the water:
Get out on the lake rather than simply admire it! Making the most of Lake Champlain can be done in a variety of ways. I think my top choice would be to go sailing. You can board a schooner with a skilled crew and set sail on the lake. If you’re looking for romantic activities to do in Burlington, Vermont, pick a private sunset cruise! Would a larger boat suit you better? No issue. Directly from the Burlington shoreline, ferries and Lake Champlain sightseeing cruises are available. The Spirit of Ethan Allen, one of the most well-known ships, offers regular trips as well as unique cruise events. Visit one of the neighboring beaches if you wish to cool yourself in the refreshing lake water.
5. Waterfront Park and Burlington Bike Path:
The lake shore is surrounded by a broad green park with a bike path and promenade that extends to the town’s north and south limits and ends at College Street’s base. Find Vermont’s only All-America Display Garden next to the docks, where the newest kinds of decorative flowering plants bloom all summer long. Running, biking, walking, picnicking, and other festivals take place regularly in Waterfront Park throughout the summer and fall. Battery Park, which marks the location of the battery constructed there in 1812, is located above the shore at the head of Battery Street. In August 1813, American guns engaged British ships on Lake Champlain from this vantage point.
6. Take a brewery tour:
Trying our local craft beers is one of the nicest things to do in Burlington, Vermont. The people in this city adore beer! Beer lovers will want to visit every brewery in the city because there are so many of them. With regular releases of new brews, Foam Brewers continues to be one of Burlington’s most well-liked breweries.
7. Explore the artsy South End:
Don’t restrict your time in Burlington to Church Street and the central business district. The rest of the city’s cool neighborhoods are worth exploring. The South End is among the most alluring. The South End, formerly a dull industrial section of the city, is now a vibrant center of restaurants and other enterprises. Numerous breweries (including the well-known Citizen Cider for hard cider) and art galleries can be found in this area. For the most recent listings of open galleries, art events, and more in South End, visit this website. VT Burlington the South End has its share of peculiarities, much like any eccentric area of a metropolis. Look for the Burlington earth clock and the tallest filing cabinet in the world.