Vermont's Queen of the Downtowns: Burlington

Source: www.vermont.org
BURLINGTON, Vt. - Burlington has long been known as Vermont's Queen City. It certainly deserves the royal designation. Entering town, from the heights near the University of Vermont, the views across the downtown and Lake Champlain to the mountains on its western shore, are beautiful.

Burlington's busy waterfront is home to parks, fine restaurants, ferry crossings and cruise boats. Many wonderful events are held at the waterfront. The Lake Champlain Maritime Museum Burlington Schooner Project at the Burlington Shipyard, and the new Echo Center opening in June showcase the importance of Lake Champlain to the economic and natural history, present and future of Burlington.

Abuzz with activity, the Church Street Marketplace and its cross-streets are the meeting place for Burlington's best, where grand architecture of the past blends with the artistic and commercial vibrancy of the present. With 40 specialty shops and 15 national retailers, it is a recreational shopper's dream come true.

Historic buildings, fountains, and brick-paved center provide the backdrop for what the New York Times Magazine calls a "busy and thriving thoroughfare" and a Green Mountain version of Paris' Latin Quarter. Street vendors and entertainers keep the atmosphere lively. In warm months outdoor cafes' are the perfect spot for people watching, conversing with friends or an informal outdoor meeting.

Church Street Marketplace is alive with festivals and street entertainment throughout the year. Magic Hat Mardi Gras Parade kicks off the year; 40 floats line the street as participants toss strands of beads, candy and moon pies.

Summer festivals include the Marketplace FreshFest: A Celebration of Local Farming and Fresh Food; Burlington Discover Jazz Festival; an annual Marketplace Sidewalk Sale; and Marketfest: An International Street Festival.

October brings an all day Halloween Parade and festival, including pumpkin carving and costume contest. The Marketplace lights up in November with over 200,000 white lights, kicking off the holiday season. Throughout the season, kids enjoy free miniature horse and buggy rides every weekend between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Visit the Marketplace for romantic dinners, special events, distinctive shopping, or simply a casual stroll. The historic, award winning Church Street Marketplace, is the heart of downtown Burlington.

Information: Church Street Marketplace, 802-865-7253, mbell@ci.burlington.vt.us, www.churchstmarketplace.com or Greater Burlington Regional Marketing Organization, 877-686-5253, vermont@vermont.org, www.vermont.org