Explore Burlington’s downtown wonderland: Waterfront bliss and Church Street’s vibrant buzz

A view of Burlington from Lake Champlain. (Eric Wilbur)

The city of Burlington has its own unique allure in Vermont, particularly during the summer, offering a delightful blend of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and mouthwatering culinary experiences. Winters can be downright frigid here, which is why when summer arrives, everybody flocks to the downtown streets, drawn to the city’s picturesque waterfront and the hustle and bustle of Church Street. 

Catch a game of baseball at Centennial Field, home of the Vermont Lake Monsters (vermontlakemonsters.com), or indulge in a captivating performance at the Flynn Center for the Performing Arts (www.flynnvt.org). For a quick and comprehensive tour of the city, hop on a Burlington Brew Tours (www.citybrewtours.com/burlington) bus and explore the local craft beer scene or embark on a relaxing harbor cruise to beat the summer heat.

Burlington’s culinary scene is also not to be missed, with a selection of farm-to-table restaurants that present and enhance the food from local farmers and other providers. 

Things to do:

Lake Champlain – Stroll the shore and take in the view of the Adirondacks, or go one step further and book an afternoon sail for a truly unforgettable experience on Lake Champlain (www.whistlingman.com). Keep an eye out for “Champ” the lake monster purported to swim the depths of the body of water. 

Church Street Marketplace – Stroll along vibrant Church Street, where pedestrians can revel in a vibrant blend of shops, restaurants, and street performers. You’ll often find the heart of the city on Church Street. — churchstmarketplace.com

Shelburne Museum – Discover a treasure trove of art and history at the Shelburne Museum. This institution showcases an extraordinary collection of Americana. Be sure to explore the museum’s meticulously landscaped gardens, which provide a tranquil oasis. — shelburnemuseum.org

ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain – Delve into the wonders of Lake Champlain at the ECHO Leahy Center. This interactive science museum offers captivating exhibits that delve into the region’s ecology, history, and culture. Engage in hands-on activities, marvel at the captivating aquatic creatures, and learn about the lake’s environmental importance. — www.echovermont.org

Where to eat:

Farmhouse Tap and Grill – Situated in the heart of Burlington, this farm-to-table restaurant boasts some of the best burgers in the entire region, with a wide selection of craft beers on tap to boot. — www.farmhousetg.com

American Flatbread – Indulge in artisanal, wood-fired pizzas at this beloved Burlington institution. Using organic and locally grown ingredients, American Flatbread creates mouthwatering pies with unique flavor combinations. We highly recommend the sausage. —americanflatbread.com/locations/burlington-vt

Hen of the Wood – Hen of the Wood offers an unforgettable dining experience with a menu that features refined, farm-to-table cuisine that showcases the best of Vermont’s seasonal ingredients. It’s pricey, but oh, so worth it. — www.henofthewood.com/burlington