Burlington, Vt., is a lively city, given its prominent college town genes and Church Street Marketplace, a four-block outdoor pedestrian shopping and dining mall with so many good restaurants, independent shops and great historical character in its diverse architecture.
What truly brings Burlington to life, though, resides a few minutes west of the heart of the city: Waterfront Park, along the shores of Lake Champlain. For a nominal parking fee, visitors can access 900 ft. of lakeshore, a boardwalk, benches to sit and admire the scenery, the Burlington Bike Path, and many seasonal music and food festivals, as well as the ECHO Museum (a science and nature center), the Community Boathouse, Lake Champlain Sailing Center and waterfront restaurants like Splash at the Boathouse (0 College St.) and Spot on the Dock (1 King St.) adjacent to, or near the park.
The best way to take in the scenery is to walk as close to Lake Champlain as possible to truly experience the stunning views of the lake and Adirondack Mountains of New York. Because of the western views, the sunset are particularly pleasing and, depending on the weather, often stunning. You’d be hard-pressed to find a more peaceful, beautiful location in a New England city! It’s like you are in the middle of nowhere, but yet so close to all the things to do in downtown Burlington.
Here’s an additional travel tip you will love (as long as you don’t get seasick): the ferry rides at Lake Champlain Ferries (1 King St., Tel. 802-864-9804). The fairly-priced ferry rides navigate to Port Kent, N.Y., and feature memorable views of the mountains and lake. The cross time is usually around an hour and worth every penny.
Ahhh, Waterfront Park… What a beautiful place to go boating, take a walk, ride a bike, enjoy some culture at ECHO, grab a meal at a lakefront restaurant nearby and gaze at Lake Champlain from every possible perspective!
Follow us on social media
