BurlingtonSituated in
Chittenden County,
Burlington is
Vermont's biggest city and is a lively, yet laid back place with plenty to see and do. Ideally located on
Lake Champlain's eastern shore between the Adirondack and Green Mountains, the city boasts galleries, museums, historic architecture, top-class shopping and a host of outdoor activities.
Originally one of the leading ports in the country with steamboat traffic on the lake boosting the local economy, the city was also the site of an important military hospital and army post during the War of 1812. Burlington continues to
be voted one of the top cities to live in the
USA and has a friendly, college-town atmosphere, which draws an estimated four million visitors a year.
Attractions in the city range from visits to the historic home of military leader and philosopher Ethan Allen to the ever popular Church Street Marketplace, cruises on Lake Champlain, and a visit to the Lake Champlain Chocolate factory for a free sample. An excellent way to make the most of the city's beautiful views is to hire a bicycle and follow the Waterfront Bike Path, a 7.6-mile (12km) route that runs from Oakledge Park at the southern end of town to the northern end at the beautiful
Winooski River.
Getting Around: Burlington is a pedestrian-friendly city that is easy to negotiate on foot. Walking is also the best way to enjoy the beauty of the city and its surrounds. Car rental agencies are available in the city and at the Burlington Airport. Traffic is heavy at peak hours. The
Chittenden County Transportation Authority (CCTA) runs the public bus system; the main terminal is at Church and Cherry Streets. Buses tend to be reliable and affordable. Hiring a bicycle is also a good option, particularly if one takes advantage of the Waterfront Bike Path.
Climate: Burlington's climate is moderate in comparison to the rest of the state, with temperatures modified by Lake Champlain. Winters are cold with snowfall, while summers are warm. The city is one of the cloudiest in the country, and rainfall occurs throughout the year, although August tends to be the wettest month. Temperatures in Burlington range from 16°F (-9°C) in January to 71°F (22°C) in July.
Ski ResortsVermont experiences heavy snowfall in winter, creating excellent downhill and cross-country skiing opportunities, which draws both local and international snow-lovers alike. Vermont has a number of top-class ski resorts such as Stowe,
Killington, Sugarbush,
Jay Peak, Mad River Glen, Okemo and Stratton. Many of the resorts stay open in summer and offer a range of activities. Killington Ski Resort in central Vermont is the country's largest ski area, attracting over 15,000 skiers annually, while Sugarbush Resort offers 111 trails and 508 skiable acres and Jay Peak offers excellent off-piste conditions. Visitors flock from neighboring
Montreal,
Boston and
New York, as well as the rest of the world, to take advantage of Vermont's world-class ski resorts.
