Beautiful Burlington occupies a scenic spot on the shores of Lake Champlain, and is a hugely appealing destination for foodies, history buffs and lovers of the great outdoors. Vermont's biggest city is a pint-sized delight, home to fewer than 50,000 people but brimming with charm. Accommodation options are characterful and fill up fast, so do book well in advance to avoid missing out! Our pick of the best places to stay in Burlington includes a quirky B&B — perfect for couples — as well as a lively contemporary pick, with plenty to suit families, friends and business travellers, too.
Burlington is jam-packed full of things to do, from checking out ace arts venues to sailing on Lake Champlain — you'll be spoilt for choice. The city also has a wonderful green initiative, in the form of Great Streets BTV, aimed at maximising green spaces and limiting pollution, which makes it even more attractive to explore on foot or by bicycle. Head to the waterfront promenade for a scenic stroll, immerse yourself in the wonders of the outdoors at the Intervale Center, or amble around Church Street Marketplace for live music, craft stalls and foodie delights aplenty.
The Burlington Farmers' Market and City Market are real highlights, as is the burgeoning array of bistros and bars. Fresh, local produce is high on the agenda, and you can expect to savour sensational New England fare in the city's bustling eateries. If it's craft beer that you're after, visit Burlington's microbreweries for a tour and a taste — our favourites include Foam Brewers, Switchback and Citizen Cider. The arts scene is buzzing, too, with an exciting programme of events at ArtsRiots, Radio Bean and the Flynn Center for the Performing Arts, amongst a whole host of other brilliant venues. The Vermont Comedy Club and the Burlington City Arts Center showcase superb talents, too. Home to the University of Vermont's student population, the city benefits from a fun, youthful spirit -- hence, in part, the plethora of cool creativity on offer.
Get out on the water for sailing and watersports, go mountain biking or hiking, play a round of golf or hit the region's many heritage and outdoorsy sights. Shelburne Farms and Shelburne Museum, two Vermont classics, are just fifteen minutes away, whilst the Green Mountains and the winter-sports haven of Stowe are within an hour's drive. Whether you choose to time your trip for the sell-out Vermont Brewers Festival or the Discover Jazz Festival, the best places to stay in Burlington are warm and welcoming — they sell out fast for good reason!