burlington vermont walking tour

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Experience historic Burlington by foot!

Burlington Walking Tours provides tourists and locals alike with guided walking tours of Vermont's largest city via our Walk Burlington mobile apps. Our tour, featuring a combination of history, architecture, and cultural trivia, is suitable for people of all ages.

Established in 2016, we aim to please and delight our guests as Burlington's premier walking tours company. We hope you find our tour educational, healthy, and entertaining. Share your experience with us on social media with hashtag #WalkBurlington.

Our walking tour apps are available for purchase on the Apple App Store for iOS and the Google Play Store for Android.

How much walking is involved?

The tour is one mile and takes approximately one hour to complete. Participants should be comfortable walking outside up and down inclines. We suggest wearing comfortable shoes.

Where does the tour go?

The tour visits eleven stops across downtown Burlington. It begins at the Unitarian Church at the head of Church Street and finishes by the Boathouse on Lake Champlain. The eleven stops are: Unitarian Church, Richardson Place, First Congregational Church, City Market, Fletcher Free Library, County Courthouse, The Flynn, City Hall Park, Wells-Richardson Building, Follett House, and Boathouse.

How is the content delivered?

There is approximately a half hour of narrated audio split across the eleven stops. Each stop comes with a couple minutes of narration and a transcription of the audio for the hearing impaired.

What if I get lost?

There is an interactive map with all of the stops included in the app.

Is the tour accurate?

The tour is based on the research in Vincent Feeney's excellent book Burlington: A History of Vermont's Queen City .

If you enjoyed one of our tours then we'd love to hear from you. Email us about what you liked and please mention whether you give us permission to use your name and hometown. Burlington Walking Tours, Winter, 2022

If you have questions, concerns, or feedback then do not hesitate to reach out to us. Tag your social media with #WalkBurlington. Email [email protected] Twitter Facebook

We provide Burlington, Vermont's premier guided walking tour.

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Around the World in 24 Hours

1 Perfect Burlington Walking Tour

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Greetings Internet Stranger! I’m Stella Jane, author of the famous travel memoir Get Lost , and welcome to a perfect Burlington walking tour. Some people might think that the best reason to spend 24 hours with a Burlington Walking Tour is to hang out with old hippie gentlemen.

After all, Bernie Sanders was once the Mayor of Burlington. And even to this day, one of the most popular things to do in the city is chow down on Cherry Garcia at Ben and Jerry’s.

But Burlington, Vermont has so much more to offer than just fellows past retirement age who never brush their hair. With 24 hours to enjoy your Burlington Walking Tour, you can explore Vermont’s fascinating Colonial history, take a nap by a river, and eat at one of the best restaurants in the country.

Want to cut right to the chase, Internet Stranger? The best activity in Burlington is this fantastic beer tour with tons of five-star reviews!

Plus we’ll even learn about the secret war between Vermont and my home state of New York.

As a side note, I came down with a horrible stomach bug immediately upon arriving in Burlington. Yet I did not let that stop me from exploring the city, as I was determined to write the best possible itinerary for you. So you could also use this as a “24 hours with a Burlington Walking Tour with the Devil’s Own Tummy Flu Guide”, if so needed.

Burlington Walking Tour

Morning: ethan allen homestead.

I began this blog post by invoking famous Vermonters like Senator Bernie Sanders and Mssrs. Ben and Jerry. But the greatest Vermont hero of all time might very well be Ethan Allen. Don’t get confused by the name and think I’m talking about a furniture store. Ethan Allen was perhaps the greatest advocate the state of Vermont has ever had.

That’s why we’ll be spending the morning of our Burlington Walking Tour at the Ethan Allen Homestead Museum . A free video, admission to the museum, and a docent tour of Ethan Allen’s home are included with the price.

Like basically every attraction in northern New England that doesn’t involve skiing, it’s only open during the summer months. But if you’re in Burlington between May and October, you need to come here to learn about the man, the myth, the Vermonter. I’ll help you get started with…

three fun facts: ethan allen

1) why is ethan allen famous?

Ethan Allen was actually from Connecticut, not Vermont, but he has become a legend in the Green Mountain State. (That’s Vermont’s nickname because Vermont means Green Mountain in French.) Ethan Allen first won fame leading the American forces to victory against the British at Fort Ticonderoga at the beginning of the American Revolution.

Some rude people say that Allen won because the British were taken by surprise, not because Allen was very skilled. But I wouldn’t say that to Allen’s face because he was an exceptionally tall man and he might squish you with his giant feet.

Later during the American Revolution, Allen was captured by the British and languished in prison for years.

But Allen ended up turning this to his advantage because he had success with his memoirs about his time in prison,  A Narrative of Col. Ethan Allen’s Captivity , which he wrote when he was older. Let it never be said than Ethan Allen missed the opportunity to burnish his own legend.

2) but why is ethan allen famous in vermont?

Even before the American Revolution, Ethan Allen was the leader of a rag tag group of misfits known as the Green Mountain Boys. Some people might wonder, when reading a list of the original 13 colonies, why Vermont isn’t on that list.

The short answer is that Vermont used to be a weird, amorphous territory between New York State and New Hampshire. At that time, Vermont was confusingly known as the New Hampshire Land Grants, even though it was separate from New Hampshire.

New York State didn’t like this State of affairs, and insisted that the New Hampshire Land Grants belonged to them. Many Vermonters took exception to New York telling them what to do. So some of them formed a militia called the Green Mountain Boys. Ethan Allen was their fearless leader. Their mission? Resist New York at any price!

The Ethan Allen Homestead Museum is quick to point out that the Green Mountain Boys didn’t actually kill people. And they did eventually get what they wanted because Vermont was soon admitted to the union as the 14th state.

But it’s still funny for me, as a New Yorker, to think of Vermont going to war with us. Like nowadays Vermont is just full of stoners, snowboarders, and cows. So I think we could pretty easily take them if armed conflict broke out.

3) what’s special about this house?

First off, it was the actual final home of Ethan Allen. He was no fancy gentleman farmer; he actually built the home himself. And he ran the farm himself. The farm still works to this day. Our guide showed us how they grow flax on the property and can turn it into linen. It’s a very complicated process. Much easier for me to just go to Uniqlo and buy a shirt nowadays.

But the Ethan Allen Homestead is also famous for something called the Black Snake Affair that took place years after Allen’s death. President Thomas Jefferson, for reasons that are too complicated to get into now, declared an embargo on Americans engaging in overseas trade. “Trade wars are good and easy to win,” he did not say.

Of course some Americans ignored this, and a group of smugglers were caught in Vermont. A shootout ensued, and some customs agents were killed in the fight. Ethan Allen’s son served on the jury for one of the smugglers. (The smuggler was convicted and became the first person executed in the state of Vermont.)

Our docent said that a group of Homeland Security Agents, the modern equivalent of the customs agents, had come to the Homestead in costume to honor their fallen brethren. I would not have thought the Homeland Security Agents were into cosplay! It just shows life can always surprise you.

Afternoon: Explore Burlington

Now that we’ve enjoyed our time at the Ethan Allen Homestead, it’s time to continue our Burlington Walking Tour. Now, Burlington is Vermont’s largest city, but keep in mind that being Vermont’s largest city looks very different than being the largest city in New York.

In fact, Burlington is the smallest largest city in the United States. So we’ll still be in touch with a tremendous amount of nature and beauty.

Also, keep in mind that I had a horrific gastrointestinal bug the entire time I was exploring Burlington, so that might affect my thoughts a bit. But I still managed to record the…

approximately top 5: Burlington Walking Tour

1) mckenzie park

The Ethan Allen Homestead is located in an especially lovely part of Burlington. So after your visit and tour of the home, I suggest going for a relaxing walk in the area. You want to make your ways to McKenzie Park and then from there to Intervale Community Farm .

Keep in mind that there are no public toilets in the area, not even if you are maybe dying from stomach bug, so use the facilities before you leave the Ethan Allen Homestead.

One of the reasons McKenzie Park is so lovely is that it’s located on the banks of the Winooski River. Occasional flooding from the river puts the “vert” in “Vermont”.

But if you’re doubled over in pain from stomach cramps, you can lie down besides the Winooski River and take a pleasant nap, using your bag for a pillow. Vermonters are very pleasant people and will not draw a fake mustache on you while you are sleeping.

2) Hong’s Chinese Dumplings

At this point on our Burlington walking tour, you’re going to want to have lunch. It’s way too far to walk back to downtown Burlington, so either drive or call an Uber to take you to Hong’s . This place started as a food truck, but it’s now got a proper building where you can sit down and eat some awesome dumplings or take them to go.

They have four different dumplings, and I suggest getting one of each. They are veggie, pork, crab cream cheese, and chicken cheese. I was certainly excited about getting so much cheese in my dumplings because it was a new experience.

But since Vermont is so famous for cows and dairy, maybe they are legally required to use dairy in their recipes. It’s the Ben and Jerry’s law.

I got a side of cold noodles with my dumplings, and while they were tasty, I didn’t quite need so much food for one person. This would have been a good amount to split with someone else.

3) Greenmount Cemetery

It always feels a little strange suggesting that someone visit a cemetery on vacation. However, Greenmount Cemetery is a lovely place to go for a walk when the weather in Burlington is fine. On top of that, it’s where Ethan Allen is buried! We visited his house this morning, so we might as well visit his grave this afternoon.

Hello, Ethan! Wow, they weren’t kidding when they said you were tall!

4) Visit Winooski

So, I know I said Burlington was small. However, even I was surprised that it’s so small that you can walk from downtown Burlington to the next town over pretty easily.

That town, Winooski, which I assume is named after the river, is much smaller than Burlington, but it still has a few shops where you can buy jewelry and gifts and other cute little Vermont objects.

My favorite place in Winooski was Four Quarters Brewing , a craft brewery that serves locally-made beer. I tried the Phaze, which is their specialty. It’s a hazy IPA and it packs a lot of flavor.

If you prefer something with a little less punch, I suggest the Dolla Dolla Pils, which, as you can probably tell from the name, is a Pilsner.

After the beer, you can stroll down the part of the Winooski River that separates Winooski Town from Burlington. I was almost run over by a little boy on his scooter, but then he apologized to me by giving me a very sweet hug. So I hope you have an equally lovely experience.

5) church street marketplace

You can’t spend 24 hours in Burlington without visiting the Church Street Marketplace . This is a pedestrian-only shopping street that’s also an excellent place to just hang in the afternoon. Some of my favorite stores on Church Street include the fair trade store Ten Thousand Villages and Frog Hollow Craft Center .

Ten Thousand Villages has items from all over the world. I bought a box made out of cinnamon from Vietnam that still smells delicious. And at the Frog Hollow Craft Center they have pieces by artists from all over Vermont. I bought a painting of cows from the artist himself.

He even signed the back for me. Also, the artist looked just like Bernie Sanders in disguise but that could have been the stomach flu talking. Or it could just be that all old guys in Vermont look like Bernie Sanders.

But of course the most famous place on Church Street is the giant Ben and Jerry’s . Step inside to find flavors that are only available in the store. You can even get Ben and Jerry’s lip balm here.

I got Chocolate Therapy to see if it’s possible for me to have a stomach bug that makes me too sick to want to eat ice cream. (Spoiler Alert! It’s impossible! I always want ice cream.)

Evening: Dinner at Hen of the Wood

Hen of the Wood is not just the most famous restaurant in Burlington. It also shows up on lists of the best restaurants in the United States. You have to make reservations well in advance to dine here. I was so excited for my reservation and then devastated to find that I was violently ill on the day of.

But that would not stop me from doing my best to review the restaurant for you, my Internet Strangers! And what higher praise can I give a restaurant than saying I liked it despite the fact that my internal organs were turning themselves into knots as I dined?

Hen of the Wood is a small plate restaurant, so I would suggest ordering three dishes when dining alone and then get dessert. The menu changes frequently, so I can’t guarantee anything I order will be on the menu. However, if it is, you should get it.

Hen of the Woods is famous for their Parker House rolls, so I appreciate that they allowed me to order just one. You should get one for each person in your party–they’re definitely worth it.

I visited Burlington in the late spring, and you could definitely tell from the produce on the menu. I started with the halibut crudo with rhubarb vinaigrette, asparagus, and zucchini. I loved the sweet and sour flavors in the dish, as well as all the crunch from the fresh vegetables. It tasted like a cool spring day.

Next I had the cucumbers with pickled rhubarb and lardo. This had a lot of the same vibe as the previous dish, but it was richer with the use of lardo instead of the halibut crudo.

And we get even richer with roasted asparagus with poached duck egg and green garlic. After the first two courses, the roasted asparagus felt almost meaty, so this was the perfect progression of dishes. Listen to your waiter and see what she suggests, then do it!

Of course, nothing is more appropriate for dessert in Vermont than a maple tart. That’s just science. In fact, I was here in Burlington to celebrate an early birthday, so this was my ideal birthday cake. Thanks Hen in the Woods!

Where to Stay?

I spent several weeks in the summer traveling to every single state in New England. At this point in my life, I’ve taken a trip to all of the continental 48 states. So I can confirm that New England is the most expensive region in the country, hotel-wise.

If you’re looking for the best value for your Burlington Walking Tour, I recommend the Best Western Plus Windjammer Inn and Conference Center . It’s not located right in Downtown Burlington, but it’s easily reachable from there by car/Uber.

The rooms were clean and comfy, and there was a free breakfast spread every morning with many good options. Plus there were free cookies in the evening! I think I would have enjoyed the cookies more if I hadn’t had a stomach bug, but it’s the thought that counts.

If you’re looking for a great deal on this hotel, click here .

If you’d rather explore great deals on other hotels in Burlington, click here . This search engine will help you find the perfect place to stay as the base for your Burlington walking tour. With hundreds of options to choose from, I’m sure you’ll find something for your schedule and budget.

That’s a Perfect Burlington Walking Tour!

What would you do on a Burlington Walking Tour? Should New York State declare war on Vermont just because it can? And have you ever toured an entire city while doubled over in pain from a terrible virus? Please email me at [email protected] and let me know!

Note:  If you want to know how I put my travel itineraries together, just click here . Keep in mind that while each article is about how to spend 24 hours in a place, that doesn’t mean you should ONLY spend 24 hours with a Burlington Walking Tour.

Try 24 hours in Burlington Vermont . Add a one day in Portland Maine itinerary . Go for 24 hours in Portland Maine . Find the best attractions in Portsmouth NH . Enjoy the best things to do in Downtown Portsmouth NH !

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The 15 Best Things to do in Burlington, Vermont

Nestled in the heart of the Green Mountains, and located on the eastern shores of Lake Champlain, Burlington offers a variety of outdoor activities to join during all four seasons. In the spring and summer, you can stroll along the waterfront, rent a kayak or paddleboard, or swim at the city’s most popular beaches. During the late fall and winter, not only can you ski, but you can enjoy the views of the snowcapped Adirondack Mountains in the distance.

Rich in history and culture, the city’s excellent museums and vibrant galleries can be visited throughout the year. The city boasts a variety of art galleries and museums, including the Burlington City Arts Center, which features the works of local artists, and the Fleming Museum of Art, which has an impressive collection of art from around the world.

If you are interested in history, the Ethan Allen Homestead Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the past. The city is also known for its shopping. From the historic Church Street Marketplace to the farmers’ markets that celebrate sustainability and locally sourced ingredients and materials, you are sure to find a unique souvenir. 

With so many things to see and do, you might not know where to begin. So we’ve compiled our list of the absolute best things to do in Burlington for you. Stick to these fun and unique Burlington bucket list recommendations, and there’s no doubt you’ll have an amazing time exploring this Northeastern gem!

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through one of our links we may earn a small commission (don’t worry, it’s at no extra cost to you).

15 Fun and Unique Things to do in Burlington, VT

1. appreciate everyday americana at the shelburne museum.

If you’re looking for unique things to do in Burlington, this museum is an absolute must. Originally formed by Electra Havemeyer Webb in 1947 as a place to preserve her family collection of horse-drawn carriages, the Shelburne Museum quickly developed into so much more. Her parents were avid collectors of Asian and European art, but she had other ideas. 

The founder saw beauty in everyday objects and environments that were an important part of daily life, and she amassed an eclectic mix of art and Americana. Here, you’ll see over 150,000 items, like quilts, pottery, furniture, antiques, and other objects that have played a part in American life for generations.

The museum is located on the grounds of the Shelburne Farms, so once you are finished with the museum, you can wander around the farm’s 45 acres and explore this working farm, complete with a beautiful red round barn. 

Other amazing items in this collection include a covered bridge, a vintage carousel, a railroad station, a one-room schoolhouse, a lighthouse, an old-timey general store, and a 220-foot-long steamboat named Ticonderoga!

Besides featuring beautiful items that tell the story of everyday America, the museum also includes work by prestigious impressionist painters like Monet, Manet, and Degas. This museum was a labor of love and was described by the founder herself as a “collection of collections,” so you won’t want to miss this museum when you are in Burlington!

2. Peruse Fine Art at the Fleming Museum of Art

This fascinating art museum is located on the grounds of the historic University of Vermont, one of the oldest universities in the US. One of the best Burlington attractions for art enthusiasts, the Fleming Museum of Art was founded in 1931 and now owns a fabulous collection of over 24,000 objects from multiple continents and cultures. 

Past exhibitions have included big-name artists like Basquiat, Andy Warhol, and Georgia O’Keeffe. Their permanent collection showcases works by American artists such as Kara Walker, Charles Demuth, and John James Audubon, and they even have an original Norman Rockwell painting. The museum also features work by Dutch master painter Rembrandt and the king of cubism himself, Pablo Picasso!

Wander through ancient Egypt in their African collection, featuring over 400 wondrous artifacts and even a creepy mummy. Explore East Asia by feasting your eyes on textiles dating back to the Qing Dynasty to see items like glossy lacquerware, delicate Japanese prints, and ornate Korean ceramics.

3. Wander around Church Street Marketplace

One of the must-do things in Burlington, follow the red brick road to explore downtown. This pristine pedestrian-only walkway is brimming with small-town charm and looks like a vintage postcard. The open-air mall is lined with over 100 hip cafes and restaurants, locally-owned boutiques, and quaint shops selling artisanal goods.

While you are browsing Church Street Marketplace , be sure to check out the University of Vermont shop if you want to buy some local maple syrup or souvenirs, or pick up a cozy, on-trend flannel at the Vermont Flannel Company. Let’s be honest – a trip to Vermont would not be complete without eating your weight in ice cream at Ben & Jerry’s flagship store! They even have a VW minivan that you can sit inside while devouring your cup of cookie dough ice cream.

If you’re looking for free things to do in Burlington, several fantastic events are hosted in Church Street Marketplace throughout the year, like Family Art Saturdays, South End Art Hop, and the beloved annual 3-day-long Festival of Fools which features over 100 outdoor performances including dancers, acrobats, bands, and comedians.

4. Unleash Your Inner Einstein at ECHO

Sitting proudly at the Lake Champlain waterfront,  ECHO  is the perfect place for the whole family to learn all about the wonders of nature and scientific discovery in a really fun way. The science and nature museum has over 100 interactive exhibits spread over three floors, as well as an immersive 3D theater that screens nature and science films daily. If you’re looking for things to do in Burlington with kids, this is the place.

The STEM center has rotating projects for children – from coding for kids to learning how to build a raft from paper and plastic straws. If you’re down for a challenge, test your engineering skills at the science zones. Or, if animals are more your thing, wildlife enthusiasts will enjoy seeing over 70 live species at the animal exhibits featuring everything from bullfrogs, trout, and turtles to snakes and butterflies.

You’ll be in awe at their aquarium that showcases everything that lives beneath the surface of Lake Champlain, including prehistoric Lake Sturgeon that can grow to over seven feet long and can live to be 150 years old. If you want to get up close and personal with sea critters, they have rock pools where you can handle colorful starfish. You can also learn all about the secret life of Champy, which is Lake Champlain’s very own version of the Loch Ness monster!

5. Explore the Rock Point Trails

Less than 3 miles from Burlington lies Rock Point , a nature park that’s home to trails galore, stunning views of Lake Champlain, and a plethora of rare flora and fauna. There are also amazing opportunities for rock climbers, in case you’re looking for adventurous things to do in Burlington! 

Experienced climbers can try their hand at scaling the limestone cliff at Lone Rock Point. Be it birding, biking, or hiking, this is the perfect place to escape the city for a few hours to enjoy Vermont’s nature.

Rock Point is a great place for nature-watching opportunities to see adorable animals like chipmunks, white-tailed deer, porcupines, and even the occasional wandering moose. Be sure to pack your camera to capture fun photos of all the woodland critters. Horticulturists will be in heaven, too, as the lakeside microclimate has provided the perfect environment for rare plants like purple clematis and walking fern.

Afterward, be sure to head to the nearby Ethan Allen Tower. This 40-foot-tall stone monument resembles a medieval castle, and you can even climb to the top to enjoy panoramic views of Burlington and the serene Ethan Allan Park. This is also one of the best places to enjoy a sunset in Burlington.

6. Eat Your Way around the Burlington Farmers Market

Located on the waterfront in the downtown area, the Burlington Farmers Market provides one of the best Burlington activities if you’re visiting on a Saturday morning. Be sure to come on an empty stomach because there are some amazing options for breakfast here. Start your day with a creamy nitro-infused cold brew coffee paired with a delicious maple-infused pastry! 

For those who prefer a boozy brunch to a bougie breakfast, there are plenty of beer samples and deliciously flavored sipping gins from local breweries and distilleries. Given the laid-back vibes of this vibrant market, you can easily spend an hour or two here.

This is the best place to try Vermont’s famous maple syrup in a bunch of different varieties. It also makes a great gift to bring home for friends and family. Beyond food, you’ll also find handmade gifts and goods from local artisans. 

7. Visit the Ultra-Trendy South End District

Burlington’s South End District is like a mini Berlin and a haven for young people. It’s also home to some of the coolest things to do in Burlington! 

The area was once the main manufacturing district of the region. The abandoned concrete and old industrial buildings have since been upcycled into modern cocktail bars and quirky art galleries, merely adding to the vibe of this ultra-cool spot.

Loved by locals is The Soda Plant , which is housed in a former industrial soda plant that was transformed by a group of local entrepreneurs into a thriving home for over 30 local artists, artisans, and craftspeople. There are also cute cafes, wine bars, cocktail bars, and breweries.

Last but not least, one of the most funky Burlington attractions is the world’s tallest filing cabinet!

One of the coolest things to do in Burlington, the S.P.A.C.E Gallery is an artsy hotspot that supports local artists and displays everything from wood carvings to wire sculptures. For those with a sweet tooth, you’ll love eating your way through the Lake Champlain Chocolate Factory . Fill up a box with milk chocolate truffles for a friend, or just eat them all yourself!

8. Watch the Sunset at Waterfront Park

The quaint Waterfront Park features immaculate greenways, paved paths perfect for joggers, and plenty of benches for those that just want to relax and enjoy watching the sun setting over the lake, slowly disappearing behind the peaks of the Adirondack Mountains. Just a few minutes’ walk from Church Street, Waterfront Park is a must on your Burlington bucket list if you like pretty views!

Take a sailing tour or cruise with Captain Gideon at Let’s Go Sailing . They often do trips to nearby Juniper Island. Pack some snacks to enjoy a picnic while soaking up the serenity of the lake. If you’d prefer to explore at your own pace, there are also kayak rentals nearby. 

Head there in the summer to catch one of the numerous food or music festivals held at Waterfront Park. Stroll the boardwalk, taking your time to read the historical plaques and gazing at the boats docked in the boathouse and marina. 

For those that enjoy biking, the Burlington Bike Path runs right through the park. And when you’re feeling peckish, there are a few waterfront restaurants that serve hearty grub.

9. Catch a Ride on the Spirit of Ethan Allen

A trip to Burlington would be incomplete without getting out on Lake Champlain. But if you want to do Lake Champlain in style, hopping aboard the Spirit of Ethan Allen , the city’s only cruise ship and floating restaurant, is easily one of the most fun things to do in Burlington.

With a variety of daily cruises – from the Scenic Narrated Cruise and the Fireworks Cruise to the Dinner Cruise and the Champagne on Champlain Brunch Cruise – there is something to fit every mood. 

During this scenic narrated tour, you’ll head toward Lone Rock Point, loop around the lovely Juniper Island, pass Rock Dunder, and then glide into Shelburne Bay. From there, you’ll sail through the southside of Burlington. 

During the evening time cruises, the route is decided by the captain, and he has a knack for seeking stunning sunsets, so you won’t be disappointed. The fall is arguably the best time to take this trip – the warm-colored foliage is simply stunning!

10. Get Artsy at Burlington City Arts

One of the most unique Burlington attractions, the Burlington City Arts Center is all about history. The building itself was built in 1889, and you’d be surprised to learn that it originally served as a firehouse, complete with an 85-foot bell tower, which at the time was the tallest building in Burlington.

After changing hands and functions several times over the years, it eventually ended up abandoned and derelict. But after painstaking renovations, the building was reopened in 2002 as the BCA Center you see today.

Take part in an unusual art course, with classes like magnet making, pet portraits, screen printing workshops, and pendent making, and that’s just the one-day workshops. Despite showcasing eclectic contemporary artwork in multiple mediums across three galleries, admission is totally free, with the option to donate.

11. Climb aboard the Champlain Valley Dinner Train

If you’re looking for unique things to do in Burlington, discover the beauty of the Champlain Valley from the comfort of a train featuring 1930s dining cars. The sound of the train whistle as you pass through local towns will take you back to the golden age of railway travel! Here you’ll spend three peaceful hours lapping up the views of the Green Mountain State from Burlington to Middlebury.

The staff on the Champlain Valley Dinner Train will make you feel like royalty as you dine on a gourmet 3-course meal created on board by their in-house chef. Past main courses have included seared ahi tuna, crispy chicken piccata, and steak au poivre. 

Don’t worry if you have special dietary requirements – they always offer vegan and gluten-free options. Enjoying some fine dining as the beautiful Vermont landscape rolls by your window is easily one of the best things to do in Burlington!

12. Take a Self-Guided Walking Tour to See Burlington’s Street Art 

Get acquainted with the unique vibe of the city by checking out its street art. Touring Burlington through its street art is one of the coolest things to do in Burlington to get a feel for its creative side. Any art piece that exists outside always has the potential to be painted over, so no two visits will ever be truly the same!

While you might stumble upon many of this city’s wonderful murals by accident, there is still a definite list of pieces that you shouldn’t miss – like the black and white portraits of neighborhood kids in the parking lot at the corner of Intervale Avenue and Archibald Street. The mural was a collaboration of over 50 local children and is part of a collection of murals on Archibald Street.

For bird-themed street art, check out Bank Street, which has a stunning collection of murals by talented local artists like Cole Glover, Nikki Laxar, and Sunniva Dutcher. The geometric hummingbird on College Street is another one you don’t want to miss. Wander along Church Street to see the blue You Are Loved mural – it’s just opposite Ben & Jerry’s on Cherry Street!

13. Sample Some Brews at the Burlington Breweries

Did you know that Vermont is the state with the most breweries per capita out of all the states in the nation? So, it goes without saying that trying a few innovative brews is one of the best things to do in Burlington. 

To start your self-guided brewery tour, make your way to one of the breweries that was the first to open in the city. The circus-esque Magic Hat Brewing Company is a fun one to start at thanks to its unique and whimsical decor. Sample one of their newest brews on tap, or take a six-pack to go after your tour.

Other favorites include the waterfront Foam Brewers or the Vermont Pub and Brewery , which is also in the downtown area. Treat yourself to a pint of the rotating beers that are on tap and snacks like cured meat and cheese plates with locally produced cheese. 

If you’d rather let someone else do the driving, consider signing up for a guided tour that will give you a behind-the-scenes look at the breweries. Opt for one like the City Brew Tour , and you’ll get special craft beer samples, snacks, and transportation to each one. 

If you want to try all the breweries in one place, consider attending the Vermont Brewers Festival , which takes place every July. The first one was held in 1991 and continues to bring beer lovers to Burlington from all over the world. 

14. Learn about the State’s History at the Ethan Allen Homestead Museum

Time travel into Burlington’s history and see what life was like in the 1780s at the Ethan Allen Homestead Museum , one of the most unique Burlington attractions. Located within Ethan Allen Park, you can learn all about the history and see the home of one of Vermont’s founders, Ethan Allen.

The museum provides insight into frontier life during and after the American Revolution. Admission gives you access to a guided tour of the restored 1787 Allen House and recreated 18th-century garden. Kids will love trying on colonial-style costumes in the dress-up area and playing with all the games and toys from that time period.

Beyond the museum, you can also do a variety of activities within the park. Walk the grounds to see the beautiful gardens that surround the museum. They have historic sites nearby, as well over 4 miles of riverside and wetlands nature trails. Make it an afternoon and pack a picnic lunch to have on the covered picnic areas or the many picnic tables found throughout the park. 

15. Take a Swim at Oakledge Park

Right on the shores of Lake Champlain, Oakledge Park is a must-do if you’re looking for more outdoorsy Burlington activities. Located just a few minutes from the city center at the end of Flynn Avenue, it boasts two beaches, lots of trails, a few playgrounds, and plenty of watersports to enjoy.

Here, you can swim, fish, and kayak or explore the wilderness on the trails that wind through the woods. It also features Burlington’s answer to Stonehenge. It looks like a prehistoric stone circle, but it’s actually a sundial that’s a clock, compass, and calendar!

One of the coolest amenities of this 70-acre park is one of the world’s first accessible-to-all treehouses. There are also sand volleyball courts and bocce courts, as well as plenty of picnic tables. 

For some stunning views, head to Oakledge Cove, the park’s most secluded public beach. Located near the Upper Shelter at the park, there is a nice grassy area adjacent to the sandy beach area that is ideal for watching the sunset. 

There you have it! The 15 best things to do in Burlington, Vermont. What’s your favorite thing to do in Burlington?

Planning a trip to Vermont? Check out our favorite books and travel guides!

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About the Author:

Carrie Ann Back is part-time travel writer and full-time globetrotter based in Southeast Asia. Recent bylines include Travel + Leisure, Parents Magazine, Postcards Magazine, Culture Trip, Matador Network, & more! Leaving her home in 2015, she has embarked on an around-the-world journey and has been traveling continuously ever since. Her most recent adventures include working in the Bolivian Amazon jungle, surfing in Sri Lanka, and exploring Laos via a slow boat up the Mekong River. She’s a proud member of the Cherokee Nation and is passionate about sustainable travel. She now lives in Siem Reap, Cambodia, with her cat Lil’ Mama. Most nights, you can find her munching down at the street food vendors.

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Welcome to Vermont Inn to Inn Walking Tours

Self-guided walking tours.

Vermont Inn to Inn Walking Tours offers the most independent and relaxing way to observe Vermont’s natural beauty while staying at charming country inns along the way. Take our self-guided walking tour and explore Southern Vermont’s historic attractions, old-fashioned swimming holes, quaint bookshops, antique shops, picturesque lakes and mountain streams. Maybe you’ll even catch a glimpse of Vermont’s magnificent wildlife!

Set your own pace

Each day’s self-guided walking tour is unique and offers varying terrain ranging from “nearly flat” to “gentle slopes” and “steady, sustained uphill/downhill grades.” As the old Yankee farmer says, “ VERMONT AIN’T FLAT “! Set your own pace and walk as much or as little as you wish. The routes are designed to provide you with the most fruitful experience. However, if you predict that the routes are too long or challenging, talk with us in advance and we’ll discuss options to modify the distances.

How it works

You will arrive at one of our partner Southern Vermont inns in time for dinner the evening before your self-guided walking tour. During dinner you will receive the route map for the next day’s walking tour, which will range from 7 to 13 miles. After breakfast the next morning you will receive snacks for the day and then head out on your first self-guided walking tour. The innkeeper will transport your bags to the next bed & breakfast so that your bags are ready for you when you arrive later in the day. At the next B&B, you will have the opportunity to clean up, relax and enjoy a great evening meal— a specialty dish —prepared by the Innkeepers. The next three days each offer another great gourmet country breakfast, a new and different route leading to the next B&B, another great evening meal, and an experience of a lifetime!

The walk is in a large 40+ mile circle, so your last day’s self-guided walking tour will return you to the first inn where your car is parked and waiting your arrival.

Reservations

— ready to explore at your own pace —.

Call 833-INN-2-INN • (833) 466-2466

Featured in Yankee Magazine

An inn-to-inn self-guided walking adventure lets travelers discover a side of Vermont that you just can’t see by car.

Burlington Edible History Tour

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Burlington Edible History Tour - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)