Burlington, Vermont is a vibrant city with a rich history and a thriving cultural scene. Located on the shores of Lake Champlain, Burlington offers a unique blend of natural beauty and urban amenities. Whether you’re a history buff, an art lover, or an outdoor enthusiast, there’s something for everyone in Burlington. Here are 12 of the best things to do in Burlington, VT in 2024:
Explore the Waterfront
Burlington’s waterfront is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. Take a stroll along the scenic bike path, admire the views of Lake Champlain, or visit one of the many shops and restaurants in the area. Don’t miss the Waterfront Park, which features a playground, splash pad, and a skatepark.
Visit the ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center
The ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center is a great place to learn about the natural history of Lake Champlain and the surrounding area. The aquarium features a variety of exhibits, including a touch tank, a coral reef tank, and a tank featuring local fish species. The science center offers a variety of educational programs for all ages.
Explore the Ethan Allen Homestead
The Ethan Allen Homestead is a historic house museum that tells the story of Ethan Allen, a Revolutionary War hero and the founder of Vermont. The homestead is located in downtown Burlington and offers guided tours of the house and grounds. You can also explore the museum, which features exhibits on Allen’s life and times.
Visit the Burlington City Arts Center
The Burlington City Arts Center is a non-profit organization that promotes the arts in Burlington and the surrounding area. The center offers a variety of exhibitions, classes, and workshops for all ages. You can also visit the center’s two galleries, which feature a variety of contemporary art.
Take a Ferry to New York
Take a ferry from Burlington to New York City for a day trip or a weekend getaway. The ferry ride takes about 6 hours, and you can enjoy stunning views of Lake Champlain and the Hudson River along the way. Once in New York City, you can explore the city’s many attractions, including the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, and Central Park.
Explore the Church Street Marketplace
The Church Street Marketplace is a pedestrian mall in downtown Burlington. The marketplace features a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes. You can also find street performers and musicians entertaining the crowds. The marketplace is a great place to people watch and soak up the atmosphere of Burlington.
Visit the Shelburne Museum
The Shelburne Museum is a large museum complex located just south of Burlington. The museum features a wide variety of collections, including American art, Impressionist art, carriages, toys, and quilts. The museum also has a large sculpture garden and a children’s museum.
Visit the University of Vermont
The University of Vermont is a public research university located in Burlington. The university offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs. You can visit the campus and explore the many buildings and facilities. You can also take a guided tour of the university’s historic buildings.
Attend a Vermont Lake Monsters Baseball Game
The Vermont Lake Monsters are a minor league baseball team that plays in the New York-Penn League. The team plays its home games at Centennial Field, which is located in downtown Burlington. Attending a Lake Monsters game is a great way to experience the excitement of baseball and enjoy the beautiful views of Lake Champlain.
Go Hiking or Biking in the Green Mountains
The Green Mountains are located just east of Burlington. The mountains offer a variety of hiking and biking trails for all skill levels. You can find trails that lead to scenic overlooks, waterfalls, and mountain summits. The Green Mountains are a great place to enjoy the outdoors and get some exercise.
Culture, Best Months to Visit, Nearby Transportation, Local Food, and Best Hotels
Burlington has a vibrant culture with a thriving arts scene. The city is home to a number of museums, theaters, and galleries. Burlington is also home to a number of festivals and events throughout the year, including the Vermont Brewers Festival, the Burlington Jazz Festival, and the Burlington Fringe Festival.
The best months to visit Burlington are May through October. The weather is mild during these months, and there are a number of festivals and events to enjoy. Burlington is easily accessible by car, train, or bus. The city is also served by the Burlington International Airport.
Burlington has a variety of local food options. You can find everything from farm-to-table restaurants to food trucks. Burlington is also home to a number of breweries and cideries. Some of the best hotels in Burlington include the Hotel Vermont, the Hilton Burlington Lake Champlain, and the DoubleTree by Hilton Burlington. Conclusion
Burlington is a great place to visit for a weekend getaway or a longer vacation. The city offers a variety of activities for all ages and interests. Whether you’re interested in history, art, or the outdoors, you’re sure to find something to enjoy in Burlington. So start planning your trip today and experience all that Burlington has to offer!