The Burlington VT attractions are the best for miles around. Being the biggest city in the entire state of Vermont, Burlington is bustling with activity and has a little something for everyone. The following are the attractions that you must checkout while in Burlington.
Shopping in Burlington
If shopping is your idea of fun, don’t miss the Church Street Marketplace. Located in downtown Burlington, close to the waterfront and near the arts-and-entertainment district, this space is specifically designed as a pedestrian mall. You’ll find brick and mortar stores as well as street vendors. Enjoy the street performers. Stop and dine indoors or from a food cart. Sit and watch the world go by.
- Two hour free parking in city-owned garages available
- Pets welcome in the Marketplace/policy varies by store
- Wheelchair accessible
- Typical hours are 10 am – 9 pm Monday-Saturday/1 pm – 6 pm Sunday/Some pubs will serve until 2 am
- Bikes are not permitted within the Marketplace, but bike racks are available
The now famous Vermont Teddy Bear Company, located a short drive away in Shelburne, VT, began as part of the cart vendor program at the Marketplace.
The Waterfront at Burlington
Take time to visit the Burlington Community Boathouse on beautiful Lake Champlain. The site offers a full service Marina with:
- Power
- Water
- Showers
- Pump-out Facilities
- Hourly and overnight docking/moorings available
- Paid Parking is available
Take in the sites of the beautiful boats and the water. Stop for a meal at the Splash Cafe. Dive historic wrecks. Charter a boat and go sailing. Enjoy the amazing sight of the sun setting over the Adirondack Mountains of New York.
You don’t have to be a boat owner to get in on the fun of this Burlington VT attractions.
Burlington, VT Historic Attractions
The Ethan Allen Homestead Museum & Historic Site
The home of Ethan and Fanny Allen was built in 1787. Allen was both a founder of the state of Vermont and one of the leaders of the Green Mountain Boys during the Revolutionary War. Learn about 18th century life, enjoy the beautiful view, have a picnic by the riverside. The Homestead is open seasonally. Admission during the 2012 Season was:
- Individual: $7
- Children 3-6: $3
- Children under 3: Free
- Vermont Residents: $5
- Seniors: $5
Boat Tours around Lake Champlain
Take a narrated tour along Lake Champlain aboard the Spirit of Ethan Allen III. This narrated tour will take you around the lake where you will learn the area’s extensive history from Native American folk tales to the Revolutionary War and beyond.
Tours are offered daily May through October. Prices for a 1 1/2 hour tour during the 2012 season were:
- $15.49 – Adults
- $7.49 – Children (3-11)
- Plus tax & fees
Along with the public tours, theme, charter tours and wedding packages are available. There is a $2 coupon for their narrated tours on their website to make it one of the most affordable Burlington VT attractions.
Fun and Educational Burlington VT Attractions
ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center is open year round except for Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. You’ll see over 70 species of invertebrates, amphibians, reptiles, and fish and enjoy more than 100 interactive exhibits.
ECHO stands for Ecology, Culture, History and Opportunity and that’s what this aquarium strives to promote. Some of their permanent exhibits include FrogWorld (featuring over 15 species of frogs), an aquatic habitat of the local life in Lake Champlain and a historical exhibit explaining the life of the indigenous peoples from 11,000 years ago. Their rates:
- FREE – Toddlers (2 and Younger)
- $9.50 – Children ages (3-17)
- $10.50 – Seniors (age 60+) and College students with ID
- $12.50 – Adults (age 18-59)
- Paid Parking is available
- Group Rates are available
What’s your favorite Burlington VT attractions?
I really like the water front area at Burlington. I was there for a really nice day in the late summer. It was beautiful.
Burlington is one of my favorite towns in VT, glad you enjoyed it as much as I do.
Craig recently posted..5 Things Americans Should See in Mexico
Burlington is awesome -my hometown, but you’ll have to explore and write about the rest of the state. It’s got a lot of charm and always seems to be under represented.
Tara recently posted..How to Pack a Small Car for a Big Trip
I really love Vermont I’ve been up and down the state several times and am planning more trips up there this year. Thanks for commenting