6 Reasons To Explore Beautiful Burlington, Vermont

I love touring New England. There are so many incredible places to discover and rediscover. This past weekend my husband and I, and another couple, decided to take a trip up north to celebrate our wedding anniversaries. We like to take a weekend in September every year and travel to a new place. I chose a city in Vermont I haven't been to since I was in college. We loved Vermont! And here are 6 reasons to explore beautiful Burlington, Vermont.

There were certainly some wonderful things to discover here. And honestly, a lot to learn. Full disclosure, I couldn't believe the quaint little city in my memories had become a bustling, colorful city. With every city, there are a few drawbacks. For Boston, it's the traffic and parking. Here in Burlington, we found homelessness to be an issue. But, don't let that stop you from planning a trip to this fabulous New England destination.

Burlington is a city filled with art, music, food and festivals. This past weekend was Oktoberfest. There always seems to be something going on. The city is perfectly described on the site, Hello Burlington VT, as a place where "majestic landscapes meet vibrant urban life, where outdoor adventures seamlessly blend with artistic expressions, and where the warmth of our community will make you feel right at home."

It's truly a place to enjoy the great outdoors. Biking paths, hiking, watersports, skiing and much more are all easily accessible. We were impressed with the options for bike riders. And to be able to enjoy your ride with a view of Lake Champlain and the mountains that color it's backdrop is spectacular. Just breathing in that fresh air takes you away from your daily grind at home.

The vibrant and often whimsical art that paints the streets and store fronts makes it hard to keep your eyes on the road. But please make sure you do. There are sculptures, rock carvings and gorgeous murals to see along the water. In town, brightly painted store doors and signage makes for a memorable and fun stroll around the shops. The food game here is next level, with so great choices, of all cuisines. From French to Italian, Indian and Japanese, no one leaves hungry.

The crystal clear water, the majestic mountains blanketing the backdrop, sailboats drifting by...it's all so picturesque it almost feels like you are in a painting. All along the way, there is so much to see and do. Hike the wooded paths, roller blade the bike path, watch the skateboarders in their park, grab a bite to eat, take the Greenway path all the way to the jetty. From there, you can take the ferry to Hero Island, It's all just remarkable.

The Burlington Greenway Bike/Walk Path is a gem. Ride or stroll along 8 miles of paved path. The path hugs the shoreline of Lake Champlain, starting south of Oakledge Park and running north to the Winooski River. All along the way, the Greenway connects with some beautiful parks.

Best of all you can follow the bike path to the northern end of the Greenway where you ride a few miles through packed gravel on a narrow causeway called the Colchester Causeway. That leads you over western Lake Champlain, where it's just you on this path with water views, feeling like windows on both sides, mountains as your curtain. The views are simply stunning. From there you can take the Bike Ferry to continue riding into the Champlain Islands, like Hero Island. That's where we found a vineyard to rest and reset. A little wine, a little cheese and we were replenished.

If you are planning a trip to Burlington during one of their busier weekends, I would highly recommend making reservations to dine in advance. I had made reservations for our Friday night but not our Saturday, and we couldn't get in anywhere in downtown. It's great to ask locals where to dine, they'll give you the honest scoop on the best places. We hit a newer place called Paradiso that was a total vibe. Great atmosphere, with record albums lining the walls, a deejay playing indescript music, a cozy couch and coffee table and some seriously good craft cocktails. Probably one of the best espresso martinis I've ever had was served here. The food is on the funky, fun and frugal side. Yes, the plates are smaller, but great for sharing. Be sure to ask questions. We had to ask people in the street how to get there because it's hidden behind another restaurant, just a few blocks outside of downtown.

I highly recommend visiting Lake Champlain Chocolates before you leave town.

Around town in Burlington, the streets are filled with performers, from live music to jugglers. Some great people watching here, and an incredible variety of shopping options. From boutiques to higher-end brand name stores, art galleries, record stores, coffee shops and restaurants, there's sure to find something you will like. If you like things more on the quiet side, stroll downtown on a Sunday before noon.

https://loveburlington.org/church-street

There is no shortage of breweries in Queen City. Burlington has many options. You can check out a list of some of the best, here. That list also shares some of the favorite vineyards, wineries and distilleries around the area. We rode our bikes out to Hero Island to check out Snow Farm Vineyard. It sits on a spectacular piece of property with the vineyard in front and cornfields to the side. There was a bachelorette party in one area, while we did a tasting and pairing.

Burlington really is a city in the country. It's thriving metropolis of about 47,000 people. But just a few blocks toward the water, you feel like you are miles away from any city. That is truly the beauty of this special place. The air feels so crisp and clean that your soul feels cleansed. Give it a try, breathe in, dine out, walk, run bike or sail. There is so much to take in...and take out! And ski season is coming. There are 5 ski resorts within an hour or less from downtown. It's fun to discover and rediscover places in New England. Plan a trip today!