How to Spend Time Wisely in Burlington

While Burlington is the largest city in Vermont, it has more of a small-town vibe with a welcoming atmosphere – in fact, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are less than 43,000 residents here, yet you’ll find a long list of things to see and do. In between, there are hundreds of outstanding eateries that will be at your doorstep when hunger pangs hit as Vermont pioneered the farm-to-table movement. 

Whether you’ve come to tour the Burlington houses for sale or any other reason, you’ll want to make the most of the time you have here. The itinerary below provides a good mix of outdoor adventure and city attractions. 

Farmer’s Market

With Burlington all about farm-to-table fare, it’s no surprise that it also hosts a fantastic farmer’s market, one of the best you’ll find in the northeast. It’s set up next to the Church Street Market at the Burlington City Hill Park, featuring the usual organic produce along with clothing, pottery, and other items made by local artisans. It’s even open in the winter, but everything moves indoors to the Burlington Memorial Auditorium in the winter months. This is the perfect place to pick up ingredients for a picnic later.

Take a Hike

Taking a hike is easy to do with many options just minutes away from the city, and you can bring that picnic too. Just a half-hour’s drive south will bring you to Mount Philo Park, which is ideal for easy day hikes, well-suited if you have kids along with you. The summit trail is a one-mile route that will bring you to the top of the mountain with frequent wildlife sightings, including moose and white-tailed deer. For a more challenging hike, climb Camel’s Hump, about 40 minutes east of Burlington. It’s one of the most distinctive landmarks in Vermont and reaches an elevation of approximately 4,086 feet.

Burlington City Arts Center

Burlington is a very artsy city, and for art enthusiasts, there is no better place to visit than the 

Burlington City Arts Center. Set within a former firehouse, it displays contemporary art as well as hosting a studio for artists-in-residence and frequent events like concerts, film screenings, and theatrical performances. 

Enjoy a Refreshing Brew

When you’re ready to sit down and relax with a cold brew, you’ll find some great breweries here. The Vermont Pub & Brewery, Infinity, Zero Gravity Brewing, and Magic Hat Brewing Company are just a few. The latter is open for public tours and is known for its eclectic Victorian/Gothic/circus decor, in addition to producing tasty beverages.

Cruise Lake Champlain

Burlington lies along beautiful Lake Champlain, which defines life here in this city. A huge body of water, it also borders New York and Canada. One of the best ways to enjoy it after a day of exploring is to take a relaxing dinner cruise – it’s the perfect grand finale. Or, instead of hiking, you might simply unwind and ride the ferry across the lake earlier in the day to Port Kent in New York, gazing out at spectacular views of the water and surrounding mountains.