This New England Downtown Is Made For Strolling
There are few better ways to really explore a downtown area of any given town than walking everywhere you want to go. When you stroll downtown, you can discover every part of the destination you are in, almost brick by brick. Burlington, Vermont, is one of the best places to stroll and explore. Burlington’s downtown is compact and full of historic charm. At the same time, there is always a buzz, inviting you to join the party, event, or celebration. So, if you have always wanted to tour a New England town on foot, one of the best places to start is downtown Burlington.
Church Street Marketplace is the Center of Downtown Burlington
Burlington sits on Lake Champlain, creating a stunning streetscape when you stroll down Church Street. Not to mention the gorgeous Adirondack Mountains framing the picture. Church Street is closed to traffic, so you can walk safely with your family or your dog without worrying about cars. All four blocks of Church Street are home to the Church Street Market, an outdoor, uncovered shopping and dining mall. The structure was completed in 1981 and features more than 80 major and small retailers selling everything you need and more.
At Crow Books, you can buy classics, novels, and even graphic novels at excellent discounted prices. Earth Prime Comics offers comic books and collectibles from all the major entertainment companies, including Marvel and D.C. If you have a sweet tooth, there is plenty of candy to choose from at Whizbangs Candy Lab. And, do not forget to stop by Nostalgia, where you can view (and buy) toys and gifts dating back to the 90s and early 2000s.
The marketplace is the heart of downtown Burlington and reflects the town’s character and culture. There are not only shops here but also musicians and performers to entertain visitors as they stroll in and out of the stores and cafes. If you have a car, you can park it nearby in a designated parking space. If you have a bike or e-bike, you can leave it at a designated bike rack while visiting the marketplace. Afterwards, you can take the Burlington Bike Path for a leisurely ride along the lake.
Walking From Church Street to Waterfront Park
After exploring Church Street, continue strolling towards the lake (if you do not have a bike). From the northern boundary of Church Street Marketplace (at Pearl Street), head west on College Street until you reach Waterfront Park. There are several benches here if you need to take a breather, so you can sit and take in the view of the water and the mountains. If you have a bike, take the bike path that runs along the park’s eastern border.
If you visit during July, you can catch the fireworks show on the 3rd of July (a day earlier to avoid clashing with other celebrations) or come a week or so earlier for the Burlington Food and Wine Festival. There are also several food stalls and cafes along the waterfront where you can enjoy a sandwich and a cold craft beer. The Skinny Pancake is just steps from the park, and the pancakes are cooked fresh while you wait.
The park connects to the Burlington Greenway, a scenic waterfront path where you can continue to stroll (or jog) along the lake's edge. The path is 8 miles long and runs along the shore from south to north. Walking from downtown to the waterfront should take only around 15 minutes if you stroll at a relaxed pace. Allow more time for your walk if you plan to take the Greenway.
Historic Corners and Side Streets
The Church Street Marketplace and Waterfront Park are not the only walkable parts of Burlington. You can take Maple Street and St. Paul Street, which run parallel to the downtown core and are lined with homes dating to the 19th and early 20th centuries. Maple Street, in particular, links the southern edge of downtown to the attractive neighborhoods near the waterfront. As you stroll along, you will pass green spaces and historic houses, some of which have been converted to small inns. St. Paul Street is closer to the lake and provides an alternative route. As you walk this street, you will see how the structures shift from commercial to residential, highlighting the town's growth over time.
When you are in Church Street, you can also walk towards the Battery Street Historic District, one of the oldest areas in Burlington. The district is located above the waterfront, and the houses here have Federal and Greek Revival design elements. If you follow Battery Street, you will walk along the edge of the bluff that overlooks the water.
Where to Eat in Burlington
With all the walking and strolling, you are bound to get hungry sooner than expected. Downtown Burlington offers many places to eat, from farm-to-table meals to international dishes. Rogue Rabbit in the marketplace offers unique, Roman-inspired lunches and dinners. And for dessert, the coffee soda float is a must. At Hotel Vermont, you will find Hen of the Wood, just a block or two away from the marketplace. The cheese selections are something to look forward to, as is the ribeye steak. Just before sunset, if the day is still hot, grab a Vermont creemee from the Burlington Bay Market and Café at the waterfront and enjoy it as the last light falls over the lake.
Stay for the Festivals
Aside from Food and Wine and the 4th of July celebration, there are plenty more festivals to enjoy in Burlington. In the summer, the town hosts the Festival of Fools, which features street performers and circus acts on Church Street. Summers are also when the Vermont Brewers Festival takes place. During the fall, Burlington celebrates Oktoberfest Vermont with music, good food, and lots of beer.
Other Vermont Downtowns Worth a Walk
If you want to walk even more and discover new places, take the hour’s drive from Burlington to Montpelier’s downtown area. Montpelier is the smallest state capital in the U.S., with a population of around 8,000. The downtown area centers on the gold-domed Vermont State House and the surrounding historic district. You will find several 19th-century brick buildings and civic structures on Main and State Streets.
You can also take an hour’s drive to Middlebury, a New England village with a historic village green and traditional Main Street. When you walk down Merchants Row and Main Street, you will find cafes, bookstores, and galleries. There are also several historic sites, including the Middlebury College campus and the Town Hall Theatre. If you stop by the Sheldon Museum, you can also learn more about Middlebury’s history.
Exploring Burlington at a Walking Pace
Burlington is one of those places where it is not just practical to explore downtown on foot, it is the best way to experience the spirit of this wonderful place. Burlington is built for walking, which means you can see the open-air mall on Church Street, visit the historic side streets, and relax at the waterfront all on the same day. In between, you can shop, eat, and meet new people. When you are ready to venture further, Montpelier and Middlebury await with new adventures. So, pull on those sneakers, and let Burlington’s gentle pace guide your feet through New England’s most inviting downtown.
