Burlington, Vermont, is a vibrant city nestled on the shores of Lake Champlain, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and exciting activities. Whether you're interested in exploring the great outdoors, indulging in local cuisine, or discovering the city's rich history, Burlington has something for everyone. In this article, we'll delve into five ways to experience the best of Burlington, VT, from its scenic bike trails to its thriving arts scene.
Key Points
- Explore the Burlington Bike Path, a 7.5-mile trail that offers stunning views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains
- Visit the Church Street Marketplace, a pedestrian shopping and dining area filled with unique boutiques and restaurants
- Discover the city's vibrant arts scene at the Burlington City Arts Center, which features rotating exhibits and installations
- Take a tour of the Lake Champlain Chocolates factory, a local favorite that offers chocolate-making classes and tastings
- Attend a festival or event, such as the Burlington Jazz Festival or the Vermont Brewers Festival, which celebrate the city's music, food, and drink scene
Outdoor Activities in Burlington

Burlington is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with its scenic bike trails, beautiful parks, and stunning lake views. The Burlington Bike Path is a must-visit, offering a 7.5-mile trail that takes you along the lake shore and through the city’s picturesque neighborhoods. You can also rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore the lake, or visit the Shelburne Farms, a 1,400-acre working farm that offers hiking trails, a farm store, and a variety of educational programs.
Burlington’s Cultural Attractions
Burlington is also home to a thriving cultural scene, with a variety of museums, galleries, and performance venues. The Burlington City Arts Center is a hub of creative activity, featuring rotating exhibits and installations that showcase the work of local and regional artists. You can also visit the Flynn Center for the Performing Arts, which hosts a variety of concerts, theater productions, and dance performances throughout the year.
Attraction | Description |
---|---|
Burlington Bike Path | A 7.5-mile trail that offers stunning views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains |
Church Street Marketplace | A pedestrian shopping and dining area filled with unique boutiques and restaurants |
Burlington City Arts Center | A hub of creative activity, featuring rotating exhibits and installations that showcase the work of local and regional artists |
Lake Champlain Chocolates | A local favorite that offers chocolate-making classes and tastings |
Burlington Jazz Festival | A celebration of jazz music that features performances by local and national artists |

Food and Drink in Burlington

Burlington is a foodie’s paradise, with a variety of restaurants, cafes, and specialty food shops that showcase the city’s culinary creativity. You can sample the city’s famous Ben & Jerry’s ice cream at the original scoop shop, or visit the Shelburne Farms to taste some of the region’s best farm-to-table cuisine. The city is also home to a thriving craft beer scene, with a variety of breweries that offer tours, tastings, and live music.
Events and Festivals in Burlington
Burlington hosts a variety of events and festivals throughout the year, celebrating everything from music and food to art and culture. The Burlington Jazz Festival is a highlight of the summer season, featuring performances by local and national jazz musicians. You can also attend the Vermont Brewers Festival, which showcases the state’s best craft beers, or visit the Burlington Farmers Market, which offers a variety of local produce, artisanal foods, and handmade crafts.
What are some popular outdoor activities in Burlington?
+Burlington offers a variety of outdoor activities, including biking, kayaking, and hiking. The Burlington Bike Path is a 7.5-mile trail that takes you along the lake shore and through the city's picturesque neighborhoods. You can also rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore the lake, or visit the Shelburne Farms, a 1,400-acre working farm that offers hiking trails, a farm store, and a variety of educational programs.
What are some popular cultural attractions in Burlington?
+Burlington is home to a thriving cultural scene, with a variety of museums, galleries, and performance venues. The Burlington City Arts Center is a hub of creative activity, featuring rotating exhibits and installations that showcase the work of local and regional artists. You can also visit the Flynn Center for the Performing Arts, which hosts a variety of concerts, theater productions, and dance performances throughout the year.
What are some popular events and festivals in Burlington?
+Burlington hosts a variety of events and festivals throughout the year, celebrating everything from music and food to art and culture. The Burlington Jazz Festival is a highlight of the summer season, featuring performances by local and national jazz musicians. You can also attend the Vermont Brewers Festival, which showcases the state's best craft beers, or visit the Burlington Farmers Market, which offers a variety of local produce, artisanal foods, and handmade crafts.
Meta Description: Discover the best of Burlington, VT, from outdoor activities to cultural attractions, and explore the city’s vibrant food and drink scene.