Location: Burlington
Top Things to do in Burlington
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The 10 Best Things to Do in Burlington, United States
Vermont's largest and perhaps most cosmopolitan city, Burlington beckons with the perfect blend of old New England charm, arts, culture and nature. Located on the shores of Lake Champlain, between the Adirondack and Green Mountains, Burlington is one of those places you can't help but fall in love with. During the spring and summer, the streets come alive with festivals and outdoor concerts. The picnic benches, playground and bike paths of Leddy Park are filled with warm weather revelers, and opportunities to swim, fish or just kick back on the beach abound. In the fall, the Burlington Bike Path is bustling with leaf peepers who come to view the vibrant autumn colors. In winter, lace up your ice skates and head to the Paquette Arena or grab your skis and head to any of the nearby resorts. Church Street Marketplace, with its early 1900s architecture, great restaurants, live entertainment, one-of-a-kind shops and well-known stores, is the focal point of the downtown area. Anytime of the year is a good time for chocolate. Be sure to stop by Lake Champlain Chocolates for a tour and taste.
Restaurants in Burlington
1. Burlington Bike Path
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 873 reviews
Converted from the Central Vermont Railway to a bike path in the 1970s, this easy trail crosses through beaches and parks and offers great views of Lake Champlain, the Adirondacks and the city.
Reviewed By dfharris - New London, New Hampshire
My wife and I cruised this path from Burlington to the ferry. The Ferry was discontinued for the season. There was plenty of variety with views of the lake, riding through quiet neighborhoods and at the ferry landing there views of the distant mountains. There are a number of park benches along the path.
2. Waterfront Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 704 reviews
Reviewed By Douglas T - Ocala, Florida, United States
If you happen to be in Burlington, you must do Church Street and then come down to the Waterfront parks. There are ample parking locations available and it is a enjoyable walk along the Waterfront. There are also plenty of opportunities to sit on the benches and it just enjoy the scenery and opportunities for the children to get out and play in the grass.
A great location for taking a picnic with the family and enjoy this great venue. Wash rooms available .
3. Burlington Farmers' Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 139 reviews
Reviewed By Annie C - Falmouth, Massachusetts, United States
What a community event! There are hundreds of vendors, the produce is beautiful! The crafts and pottery are perfect for gifts and tourist! The atomosphere is full of fun with singers, clowns, bubbles to entertain. The smell of baked goods and home made sausage carry...MoreThanks so much for coming out Annie, glad you are such a fan! See you in the park for summer 2018.
4. University of Vermont
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 161 reviews
Reviewed By Bowmanator22 - Charlotte, North Carolina
Walking around the University of Vermont was very pleasant. I was there during the summer, so not too many students. But the buildings were very nice (mostly brick) and everything was kept very clean. This was simply another quaint location in Burlington that fit the rest of the city. Beautiful college town and summer vacation spot.
5. Lake Champlain Ferries
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 184 reviews
Board the ferry to Port Kent, New York for a one-hour boat ride offering some of the most beautiful mountain and lake views in the world.
Reviewed By Franklin22 - Newark, New Jersey
Decided to take the ferry home to lessen my actual driving time. Well worth the $20 or whatever the cost was for my car. Would've been absolutely beautiful if it wasn't the overcast sky and occasional drizzle. If you're staying in Burlington, the ferry would make an awesome day trip to Ausable Chasm in NY. Might do that during my next visit to Burlington.
6. Church Street Marketplace
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Downtown Burlington Vermont's award-winning open air mall is a hub of activity where you'll find historical architecture, year-round festivals, street entertainers, music, over 100 places to shop and dine, and even quiet places to ponder. We invite you find out about exclusive shopping, dining and events in downtown Burlington as well as to explore the area!
Reviewed By Nancy L - Montreal, Canada
We came here during the day and at night. Nice local shops and restaurants. At night it’s illuminated with lights and makes it a romantic place to walk and stroll down the street. A few great restaurants to choose from too. The main area during summer months with street vendors and live music.
7. Switchback Brewing
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 117 reviews
100% employee-owned & operated. Brewing unfiltered ales and lagers in Burlington, Vermont since 2002. Visit our Tap Room where you can enjoy a sample flight or pint, peruse merchandise, or watch the bottling line run from our viewing hallway. Tours are available on Saturdays by reservation.
Reviewed By Vermont68 - Vermont
Decided to visit the brewery, did not take the tour, but sampled their beer! Connector IPA is the best! I only drink IPAs, and find this IPA to be delicious. Unfiltered, crisp, hoppy, yet not too citrusy. Servers are all very pleasant. Nice pub. Outdoor looks nice, but raining for us. Good merchandise selection too.
8. North Beach Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 107 reviews
Reviewed By adrianna24sings - Los Angeles, California
I've been to this beach quite a few times....my first visit was magical but my last visit wasn't so pleasant. Regardless, North Beach Park is really a Burlington treasure. It's close to downtown and yet a world of its own with the lovely majestic Lake Champlain. There's a nice sandy beach and great swimming. The bicycle trail goes right through North Beach Park and you can walk, bike, skateboard, or roller blade to other beaches along the trail. A good beach to spend the day relaxing and enjoying the views of the Adirondack Mountains in New York State in the distance. A must see attraction when in Burlington, Vermont!
9. Flynn Center for the Performing Arts
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 88 reviews
An Art Deco landmark in downtown Burlington, hosting the finest international, national, and regional performing arts events in its main theater and FlynnSpace, an intimate, 150-seat venue. The FlynnTix Regional Box Office is Vermont's primary ticket outlet for events throughout Vermont, northeastern New York, and Quebec.
Reviewed By QuebecIlze - Knowlton, Canada
The Flynn theatre has a wonderful line up of shows. The theatre itself is magnificent. It is centrally located so one can eat at a local restaurant before a show and easily stay at the Hilton - within walking distance. Prices of shows are far more reasonable than in New York, Montreal or Boston
10. Frog Hollow Craft Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 92 reviews
Reviewed By Dmitri K - State College, Pennsylvania
I am not sure why this place gets such raving reviews. It is just a nice gift shop. Expensive. Not much to choose from: ample "artistic" looking chachkas with minimal creativity. Appropriately located on the main commercial strip, next to name stores. Nice personnel.
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