This Vermont Downtown Is Made For Strolling
Set along the eastern shore of Lake Champlain, Burlington's downtown unfolds at an easy pace. Church Street Marketplace runs through the center as a car-free stretch lined with small shops, cafes, and restaurants, while the waterfront is only a few blocks away. Walking here might mean stopping for a coffee, watching street performers, or continuing toward the lake for open views of the Adirondacks. With most of downtown connected by short, direct routes, Burlington lends itself naturally to getting around on foot.
Local History
Originally inhabited by the Abenaki people, Burlington and the region surrounding Lake Champlain were once used as hunting land. They have lived on these lands for nearly 11,300 years, eventually growing crops, building wigwams in the villages, and fishing in the rivers. The first settlers arrived in 1773, but permanent settlement expanded after the Revolutionary War, including war heroes Ethan and Ira Allen. You can learn more about these brothers, as well as Abenaki heritage and life in early Vermont, through exhibits at the Ethan Allen Homestead Museum, a 1785 house located slightly north of downtown.
Church Street Marketplace, Burlington
Spend a few hours on Church Street, the city's central hub and an iconic outdoor pedestrian mall. With over 100 stores and restaurants running through the heart of downtown, you will find endless gifts, apparel, art pieces, souvenirs, home goods, and other products here, along with a variety of cuisines for all kinds of tastes. Over the holidays, bright lights and an expansive Christmas tree reaching over 30 feet tall are placed in the center. Exciting events also take place here in the summer, from the vibrant stages of the Burlington Discover Jazz Festival in June to the incredible circus, music, and comedy acts of the Festival of Fools around July/August. No matter which season you visit Burlington, you will find thrilling spots and activities year-round.
Waterfront Park, Burlington
Welcome to Waterfront Park, a true oasis in downtown Burlington. A quick three-minute drive or a 15-minute walk northwest from Church Street will take you here. Bask in the beauty of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains as you wander down the boardwalk, soaking up the sun in the morning or seeing the spectacular sunset in the evening. Events often take place on the lawn, located at the north end of the park, including food and music festivals over the summer. If you would like to set out onto the water, the Community Sailing Center is adjacent to here. From canoe, kayak, paddleboard, and sailboat rentals to special programs teaching you how to sail, you will find opportunities for all levels.
ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain
From historical museums to bustling malls and picturesque parks, this Vermont downtown is made for strolling. If you walk five minutes south of Waterfront Park, you will reach another one of Burlington's top attractions. From over 70 species of animal ambassadors to interactive science exhibits, the ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, is a spot you must not miss. Dive deeper into science and connect to the local ecosystem in this family-friendly site, which features a range of exhibits. Whether you would like to virtually explore the Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge with a Wildlife Kayak Adventure, see the live aquarium of Baby Turtles, report on recent news at the WCAX Lake News Studio, or read recent findings on The State of the Lake, the center offers a variety of experiences. You can even learn about interactions between plants, animals, nature, and the resources of the Lake Champlain Basin in the Land of Opportunity, or study Energy Commons through interactive experiences and social connections.
Architecture of Burlington
Burlington boasts a wide range of architectural styles demonstrated through its historic New England structures. The Follett House, a 19th-century lakeside mansion built in 1840, is a strong example of Greek Revival architecture. Next, head a few minutes east on College St and up S Winooski Ave until you reach the First United Methodist Church, a Romanesque Revival church dating back to 1869. Burlington City Hall, a bold Classical brick building, features a Neo-classical facade with carved marble trim details. It is about 7 minutes away, at 149 Church Street. You can also see the brick and brownstone facade of the Burlington Savings Bank, a sophisticated structure constructed in 1900.
Explore This Fascinating Nearby Town
There is another easily walkable, lively downtown area teeming with culture in Vermont. Brattleboro is filled with artistic splendors and culinary delights in Windham County. Situated along the Connecticut River, the town offers tremendous waterfront scenery. You can also see magnificently preserved structures dating back to the 19th and 20th centuries throughout town. The William Harris House, also known as the Joseph Caruso House, is thought to be Brattleboro's oldest surviving building. The original central chimney from 1768 still remains to this day. Not to mention, there are three captivating covered bridges from the 1800s: Creamery, constructed in 1879, West Dummerston from 1872, and the Scott Covered Bridge, dating back to 1870.
A Walkable Downtown on Lake Champlain
Pack your camera and capture picture-perfect scenery in this Vermont town. From the activities of Church Street Marketplace to the waterfront scenery of Lake Champlain, along with local craft breweries and seasonal festivities, this Vermont downtown is made for strolling no matter the season. The memories you make will stay with you, and you may find yourself planning a return visit before this one ends.
