Situated on a bluff above the eastern shores of Lake Champlain, Burlington, Vermont, is a destination for travelers seeking a mix of culture, outdoor adventure, and relaxation. The largest city in the sparsely populated Green Mountain state is known for its stunning natural beauty, lively arts scene, and eco-conscious spirit. Burlington is also a culinary delight, with a strong emphasis on locally-sourced, sustainable ingredients. The city’s farm-to-table movement is showcased in its many acclaimed restaurants and cafes.
Burlington is surrounded by water, rolling hills and lush forests, making it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking trails like those in nearby Mount Philo State Park offer rewarding views of the surrounding landscape. During the winter, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and even ice fishing on Lake Champlain are popular pastimes.
I’ve visited Burlington several times now, thanks to it being the home of a good friend, and it’s become one of my favorite cities. On our most recent trip, we used Burlington as a base for exploring Vermont’s majestic fall foliage.
Burlington’s history dates back to its founding in 1763. Named after the Burling family, prominent landowners at the time, the city played a pivotal role during the American Revolution and the War of 1812 due to its strategic location along Lake Champlain. Burlington flourished as a center of commerce and trade after the completion of canals and railroads in the 19th century, particularly in lumber and textiles. The arrival of the University of Vermont further solidified the city’s status as an educational and cultural hub. Today, Burlington’s historical roots are preserved in its well-maintained architecture, vibrant downtown, and numerous museums that celebrate its storied past.
Lively Downtown Burlington
A good place to start any visit to Burlington is the downtown area. This lively and eclectic area sitting above Lake Champlain captures the essence of the city’s vibrant culture. Its amenities include waterfront parks, a mix of historic architecture, the pedestrian focused Church Street Marketplace, dozens of shops and restaurants, and a dynamic nightlife scene with live music venues, bars and craft breweries. Live music and theater can be enjoyed at the Flynn Center for the Performing Arts. The Echo Leahy Center for Lake Champlain is Vermont’s science and nature museum that includes interactive science exhibits, 70 animal species, an aquarium and special exhibits. Downtown is also home to an array of art galleries and the Burlington City Arts Center, where visitors can explore rotating exhibits featuring local and national artists.
Lake Champlain – Lake Champlain is a large 500 square mile freshwater lake separating Vermont and New York, extending north into Quebec. The lake is home to Champ, a legendary lake monster whose presence has been claimed since the early 1800’s. There are numerous activities at the lake to entertain both residents and visitors. Along its shore is Waterfront Park, offering trails and bike paths, amazing views and other amenities. During summer, water enthusiasts enjoy opportunities for kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing. We enjoyed a two hour brunch cruise on the Spirit of Ethan Allen that offered delicious fare with an ever changing view. Afterwards, we enjoyed margaritas while absorbing the sun at Splash, a waterfront café located at the Burlington Community Boathouse. A favorite activity at the park is to watch the sunset over the lake with the Adirondack Mountains as a backdrop. In the warmer months, the lakefront becomes a hub of activity with festivals, farmers markets, and outdoor concerts.
Church Street Marketplace – At the heart of downtown Burlington lies the Church Street Marketplace, a pedestrian-friendly, four block long open-air shopping and dining district. This vibrant and historic area is home to over 100 businesses including unique boutiques, local artisan shops, craft breweries, and diverse eateries serving everything from farm-to-table dishes to global cuisines. On our most recent visit, we enjoyed dinner at Leunig’s Bistro, one of the oldest continually operating restaurants in the downtown offering French cuisine. The marketplace is filled with artwork, colorful murals, street performers and live music, and there are events held throughout the year, such as the Festival of Fools, the Burlington Discover Jazz Festival and the Santa Run.
University of Vermont – Just east of downtown is the historic and leafy campus of the University of Vermont (UVM). Founded in 1791, it is one of the oldest universities in the United States and a cornerstone of Burlington’s cultural and intellectual life. The campus offers picturesque grounds and iconic buildings like the Old Mill and the Dudley H. Davis Center, showcasing both historical charm and modern sustainability. UVM is known for its student activism, and is also known as one of the most sustainable campuses in the U.S. The university has pledged to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030. UVM’s School of the Arts sponsors instrumental and choral performances throughout the year. The Royall Tyler Theatre presents live theater productions, and the Fleming Museum of Art has a permanent collection of 24,000 objects.
Winooski, Burlington’s Brooklyn
Just a few miles northeast of downtown Burlington is Winooski, a small yet bustling town centered around the scenic Winooski Falls along the Winooski River. These falls once powered local textile mills in the formerly sleepy town during the industrial era. Today, the falls provide a picturesque backdrop for the town’s revitalized downtown. An array of trendy restaurants, breweries and shops are now housed in revitalized historic buildings surrounding Rotary Park, an attractive green space used for community events. On the north side of the Winooski River is the River Walk which offers up close views of the falls. The Sunday Farmer’s Market held downtown offers organic and heirloom fruits and vegetables, baked goods, flowers, and more from dozens of local vendors. The town’s revitalization has attracted a younger, creative and ethnically diverse population. As our local friend Amy remarked, Winooski has earned the nickname “the Brooklyn of Burlington.” Winooski offers great dining options as we’ve found on our numerous visits. We enjoyed dinner with a river view at Waterworks Food and Drink which offers creative American cuisine. Onion City Chicken and Oyster offers some of the best fried chicken in the Burlington region, along with oysters, lobster rolls and fish and chips. North of downtown Winooski is the very popular Tiny Thai serving some of the most authentic Thai food in Vermont.
Arts and Craft Beer in the South End
Burlington’s eclectic and vibrant South End neighborhood has become a hub for artists, entrepreneurs, craft beer enthusiasts and food lovers. The area features repurposed industrial warehouses housing art studios, breweries, and innovative startups. Visitors can explore the South End Arts District, which comes alive during events like the South End Art Hop (held in early September), showcasing the creativity and talent of local artists.
With its mix of galleries, craft beer spots, and farm-to-table eateries, the South End offers a dynamic and authentic taste of Burlington’s cultural scene. Zero Gravity Brewery is a favorite of ours. For casual but delicious food, check out New World Tortilla which offers inexpensive wraps, salads and tacos with unique fillings. While in the South End, make sure to stop at the flagship store of the Lake Champlain Chocolates Factory. The store offers gourmet chocolates, gifts, and a café serving espresso and hot chocolate.
The Burlington Farmers Market is a popular event held on Saturday mornings year round in the South End. The market showcases the best of Vermont’s agricultural bounty and artisanal crafts. Over 100 vendors offer fresh produce, bakery items, handmade goods, cheeses, locally raised meats and other delicious prepared foods. Visitors can shop while enjoying live music and a friendly, community-focused atmosphere. Nearby, the Burlington Vintage market also operates on Saturdays with over 20 vendors selling vintage clothing.
A quirky attraction in the South End is the World’s Tallest File Cabinet, located on the corner of Flynn Avenue and Champlain Parkway. This 38-foot-tall stack of filing drawers was constructed in 2002 by local artist Bren Alvarez as a commentary on bureaucratic inefficiency. It has become a beloved landmark and a favorite photo spot for visitors.
Quaint and Cultural Shelburne
A few miles south of Burlington is Shelburne, a picturesque New England style town that blends rural charm with cultural attractions. Shelburne is home to notable destinations like Shelburne Farms and the Shelburne Museum. Fans of the Vermont Teddy Bear can visit its factory on the south end of town. The quaint village center features boutique shops and cozy cafes. After visiting the farm, we enjoyed an al fresco lunch at Barkeaters, an Adirondack inspired restaurant serving American cuisine.
Shelburne Farms – Along the shore of Lake Champlain, Shelburne Farms is a 1,400-acre working farm and nonprofit education center showcasing Vermont’s agricultural heritage and commitment to sustainability. The farm offers scenic walking trails through meadows and forest, and programs about sustainable farming practices. Donkeys, goats and other livestock greet visitors in the barn and fields. The farm’s renowned award-winning cheddar cheese is crafted on-site using milk from the herd of Brown Swiss cows. For those who wish to spend more time at the farm, the Shelburne Farms Inn offers accommodations at several guest houses and a 19th century country estate. The restaurant serves delicious meals prepared with local products and ingredients made on the farm.
Shelburne Museum – The Shelburne Museum is a must-see attraction for art and history enthusiasts. This sprawling museum features an eclectic collection of over 150,000 artifacts, housed in 39 distinct buildings across beautifully landscaped grounds. Visitors can explore exhibits ranging from American folk art and Impressionist paintings to historical artifacts like antique carriages, a rail depot and a fully restored 19th-century steamboat. One unique exhibit is the Circus Building which houses hand carved miniature models of a 500 foot long circus parade. The museum’s blend of indoor and outdoor experiences, combined with its dedication to preserving cultural heritage, makes it a unique and enriching destination for all ages. Make sure to plan on at least three hours to see all of the exhibits within the museum.
When to Visit
Burlington is a great place to visit any time of the year. Summer is ideal for lake activities and outdoor festivals, while fall brings stunning foliage and a quintessential New England vibe. Winter offers snow sports and cozy retreats, with nearby venues such as Bolton Valley Resort and Cochran’s Ski Area. Spring is perfect for exploring blooming landscapes and local markets.
Getting There
Burlington is easily accessible by car, train, or air. Interstate 89 leads south to Boston and north to the Canadian border, where Montreal is just 30 miles away. Burlington International Airport, located east of downtown, offers direct flights to sixteen cities with six airlines. Amtrak offers service between Burlington and New York via the Ethan Allen Express and Washington D.C. via The Vermonter line.