This Is The Friendliest Small Town In Vermont

Burlington carries a friendliness reputation that the rest of Vermont keeps pointing to. The city built that reputation around annual festivals and locally owned dining. Three major festivals bring crowds to Church Street each year. Outside the events calendar Lake Champlain and the downtown landmarks keep the welcome going. The sections ahead cover the festivals, landmarks, and food that earn Burlington its friendliest-in-Vermont title.

Festivals And Fun

Don't get too offended by the name, because the Festival of Fools was created for pure enjoyment for both performers and spectators. A variety of performers, music, and street theater come together to line Church Street Marketplace and City Hall Park to provide a memorable experience for all guests. The free event includes notable acts such as Cate Great, The Big Takeover, Jacob D'Eustachio, and more.

For a more traditional festival-going experience, don't miss out on Oktoberfest. Although a widely popular event, each town, country, or state that hosts an Oktoberfest knows how to make it truly unique. At Burlington's annual fest, visitors will enjoy activities that include the Sam Adams Stein Holding Competition, Von Trapp Best Dressed Contest, Burley Axe Throwing, the Stowe Cider Keg Toss, and so much more. Partake in any of the events, games, or contests, or just appreciate the live music while drinking out of a souvenir pint glass. Sample another brew-related festival at Burlington's very own Vermont Brewers Festival. Vermont takes its beer-making seriously, and this festival pays homage to the craft many have taken so long to master. Vendors and live music are available on the grounds, and a souvenir pint glass will be provided to sample 15 different tastings from a choice of over 40 breweries.

Laudable Landmarks

Burlington leads the way in sustainable energy as the first city in the U.S. to source 100% of its electricity from renewable sources. So what happened to the old coal-fired power plant that once created energy for this town? In the name of renewable and sustainable, the structure was converted into an art installation entitled The FRAME, which sits along Lake Champlain. Not only does the site represent how far Burlington has come in harvesting technological advances, but it is also used for outdoor movie nights, pop-up performances, roller skating, art installations by local artists, historical signage, and swinging from one of the original FRAME swings.

Find additional local landmarks and visit the Tallest Filing Cabinet on Earth. Created in 2002, the filing cabinet consists of 38 drawers, each representing a year of paperwork that artist Bren Alvarez accumulated while working on local street art.

Even more obscure art awaits at the Lake Champlain Monster Monument. The monument might not be as eerie as the story behind it. Local folklore claims there is a giant lake monster dwelling in Lake Champlain. Affectionately named Champ, the lore depicts the creature as the standard water-dinosaur with a winding neck, small head, long tail, humped back, and flippered limbs, and the monument does its best to capture those features. Next to the monument sits a concrete slab dedicated to the locals who have seen, or are searching for, Champ.

Grab A Bite

Enjoy fine New England dining in Burlington at The Farm House Tap & Grill. The award-winning gastropub is located in the heart of downtown and offers more than just food. A seasonal beer garden and downstairs Parlor with craft beers from the state are just a few of the accompaniments that the food guests can enjoy. Take your meal in the main dining room or soak in the views at their outdoor seating. For more local delicacies, Hen of the Wood curates premium, locally sourced products from growers, artisans, designers, ranchers, bakers, wild crafters, and more. Every visit can and will be different, as the restaurant serves a daily-changing menu based on the availability of premium ingredients obtainable that day from the Green Mountains and Champlain Valley. Stop in for a one-of-a-kind (literally) dining experience.

For a more coastal experience, grab some fresh seafood at Shanty on the Shore. Although not ocean-adjacent, the shanty is found on the shores of Lake Champlain. Created from thick wood beams that gleam with over 200 years of waterfront wear, the shanty is not just a restaurant but also holds history. The land where the shanty sits was purchased in 1775, erected as a store in 1833, followed by a wharf a year later. In 1963 it became a restaurant, converting into the Shanty on the Shore it is today in 1985. Devour lobster, crab cakes, fish and chips, clams, and more at this modest historical establishment.

Festival goers, road trippers, and foodies will have no trouble finding something to enjoy while visiting Burlington. Take in the unique attractions by seeing how you stack up against the Tallest Filing Cabinet on Earth, how high you can swing on the FRAME swings, or how many vendors you can visit at any of its annual fests. Enjoy the versatility in Burlington and find out why it earns its title as the friendliest small town in Vermont.