A- Overview:
Burlington, the largest population center in Vermont, is only 76 miles south of Montreal, Canada. The city was founded in 1763 and is popular destinations in New England. Outside Magazine even named the city a “Dream Town.” People come to Burlington, and Vermont, to enjoy the outdoors and the small town life.
Burlington lies the shore of Lake Champlain, which forms a beautiful backdrop to the town and its many activities. Skiing, hiking and spectacular scenery are an essential part of life in Vermont and in Burlington. The mountains and hills, the national parks, the ski areas, the lakes, and the dramatic change of seasons draw many visitors.
Indoors and out, Burlington has much to offer. The Church Street Marketplace is a pedestrian mall filled with small boutiques, cafes, and craft vendors. Burlington has a wonderfully independent culture all its own. The city is a favorite of residents of Vermont, who come to Burlington to experience the festive hospitality of the city.
Burlington’s unique small town, yet sophisticated culture, its generous and happy spirit, and its incomparable scenery all combine to inspire and to refresh.
B- City Information:
The Spirit of Ethan Allen
Burlington Boat House, College St. at Battery St.
802-862-9685
This replica of an old paddle-boat takes people on narrated cruises upon Lake Champlain. Guests can eat dinner as they drift by the Adirondacks and the Green Mountains.
Lake Champlain Basin Science Center
One College St.
802-864-1848
This center has presentations about the ecology, history, and culture of the lake region. The hands-on exhibits are a favorite with children and adults.
Ethan Allen Homestead
North Ave., off Rte. 127, north of Burlington
802-865-4556
This museum is dedicated to the life of Vermont’s famous founding father. The house is filled with colonial furniture and exhibits, and the nearby trails are beautiful.
Shelburne Museum
Rte. 7, 5 mi south of Burlington
802-985-3346.
This museum is located on 45 acres and includes 37 buildings. Its collections number more than 80,000 objects, including 18th- and 19th-century period homes and furniture, fine and folk art, farm tools, more than 200 carriages and sleighs, Audubon prints, an old-fashioned jail, and even a private railroad car from the days of steam! Kids of all ages will love the antique toy exhibit.
Shelburne Farms
West of Rte. 7 at the junction of Harbor and Bay Rds., 6 mi south of Burlington
802-985-8686
This 1,400-acre property is an educational and cultural resource center. Visitors can see a working dairy farm, get to milk a cow and get up close to many other farm animals at the Children’s Farmyard, watch the making of world-famous Vermont cheddar cheese, listen to nature lectures, or simply stroll the immaculate grounds stretching along the Lake Champlain waterfront.
Vermont Teddy Bear Company
2236 Shelburne Rd., Shelburne
802-985-3001
This teddy bear headquarters loves to talk about toys and bears of all shapes and sizes. A children’s play tent is set up outdoors in summer, and visitors are welcome to tour the beautiful 57-acre property.
Vermont Wildflower Farm
Rte. 7, 5 mi south of the Shelburne Museum
802-425-3500
This 6-acre farm features eye-popping displays of various floral arrangements throughout the year: violets in the spring, daisies and black-eyed Susans for summer, and a full palette of fall colors.
Green Mountain Audobon Nature Center
18 mi southeast of Burlington, Huntington-Richmond Rd., Richmond
802-434-3068
The center’s 300 acres of diverse habitats are a wildlife sanctuary filled with trails. Educational activities appeal to both kids and adults.
Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge
Swanton, 36 mi north of Burlington, 36 mi north of Burlington
802-868-4781
This refuge includes 6,300 acres of federally protected wetlands, meadows, and woods. Bird-watchers and other outdoor enthusiasts can walk, canoe, jog, picnic, and have a great time in this beautiful preserve.
C- Attractions/Things To Do:
Lake Champlain Basin Science Center
One College St.
802-864-1848
This center presents a variety of information about the ecology, history, and culture of the lake region. The hands-on exhibits are a favorite with children and adults.
Ethan Allen Homestead
North Ave., off Rte. 127, north of Burlington
802-865-4556
This museum is dedicated to the life of Vermont’s famous founding father. The house is filled with colonial furniture and historical exhibits. The nearby trails are beautiful in every season.
Shelburne Museum
Rte. 7, 5 mi south of Burlington
802-985-3346.
This extensive museum is located on 45 acres and includes 37 buildings. Its collections feature over 80,000 objects including 18th- and 19th-century period homes and furniture, fine and folk art, farm tools, more than 200 carriages and sleighs, Audubon prints, an old-fashioned jail, and even a private railroad car from the days of steam! Kids of all ages will love the antique toy exhibit.
Shelburne Farms
West of Rte. 7 at the junction of Harbor and Bay Rds., 6 mi south of Burlington
802-985-8686
This 1,400-acre property is an educational and cultural resource center. Visitors can see a working dairy farm, get to milk a cow and get up close to many other farm animals at the Children’s Farmyard, watch the making of world-famous Vermont cheddar cheese, listen to nature lectures, or simply stroll the immaculate grounds stretching along the Lake Champlain waterfront.
Vermont Teddy Bear Company
2236 Shelburne Rd., Shelburne
802-985-3001
This teddy bear headquarters loves to talk about toys and bears of all shapes and sizes. A children’s play tent is set up outdoors in summer, and visitors are welcome to tour the beautiful 57-acre property. It’s almost too much to “bear.”
Vermont Wildflower Farm
Rte. 7, 5 mi south of the Shelburne Museum
802-425-3500
This 6-acre farm features eye-popping displays with changing floral arrangements throughout the year: violets in the spring, daisies and black-eyed Susans for summer, and a full palette of fall colors.
Green Mountain Audobon Nature Center
18 mi southeast of Burlington, Huntington-Richmond Rd., Richmond
802-434-3068
The center’s 300 acres of diverse habitats are a wildlife sanctuary filled with walking trails. Educational activities will enthrall kids and adults alike.
Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge
Swanton, 36 mi north of Burlington, 36 mi north of Burlington
802-868-4781
This refuge includes 6,300 acres of federally protected wetlands, meadows, and woods. Bird-watchers and other outdoor enthusiasts can walk, canoe, jog, picnic, and have a great time in this beautiful preserve.