Some call it “America’s Dream Town,” and it’s considered a top place to raise a family. It’s home to the University of Vermont, Burlington College, Champlain College and the Community College of Vermont, and it’s a cultural center. It also boasts one of the country’s best Main Street districts.
For a little bit of everything, all you have to do is head downtown to the area known as the Church Street Marketplace. Here, you’ll be awestruck at the grand architecture of the past that provides the perfect backdrop for the specialty shops and retailers of today.
The Marketplace is not just for shopping! It is bustling with festivals and street entertainment throughout the year. Annual events include the First Night Celebration, the Magic Hat Mardi Gras Parade and the Burlington Discover Jazz Festival. Just pick a weekend or a day, and you’re guaranteed to find something fun and truly unique to experience. A must-do event is the upcoming Santa Arrival and Tree Lighting Ceremony on November 27. More information on the Church Street Marketplace can be found at http://churchstmarketplace.com/.
Stroll along the shores of Lake Champlain and you’ll see amazing views of the Adirondacks. Visit the nearby ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center. The center is home to more than 70 species of fish, invertebrates, reptiles and amphibians, and it’s also the state’s first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)-certified Green Building. Through its fun and educational exhibits, you and your family can learn about the Champlain Valley or even places as far (and as high) as the Himalayas. More information can be found at www.echovermont.org.
Did you know that Burlington is home to the largest public library in the state? The Carnegie Building of the Fletcher Free Library has more books in circulation than any library around – more than 100,000! The library was founded in 1873 with a donation from Mary L. Fletcher and her daughter Mary M. Fletcher. The Carnegie Building (named after donor Andrew Carnegie) has served as the library’s home since 1904. More information on the library can be found at www.fletcherfree.org.
For those who want to get their hearts pumping, Burlington offers plenty of outdoor activities. From kayaking, fishing and sailing to hiking, cycling and skiing, this city has every activity, to take you from the water to the sky (or pretty close!). The city is also within close driving distance to local spots renowned for winter activities that include ice fishing, sleigh rides and cross-country skiing.
With the winter season coming up, it’s never too early to start thinking winter sports. Nearby resorts such as Bolton Valley, Smuggler’s Notch, Stowe and Sugarbush will give you your white powder fix. Burlington is the perfect starting point if you want a mountain adventure.
If you’re more of a warm weather person, head to Petra Cliffs Climbing Center for an indoor rock climbing experience. For more information, visit www.petracliffs.com. Burlington is also home to the Talent Skatepark and Shop that boasts an 8,000 square-foot skateboard park with a half-pipe, street course and bowl. For more information, visit www.talentskatepark.com.
Burlington, Vermont wears her crown quite nicely!
