Beaches, Bikes, and Ben & Jerry’s in Burlington
Take a stroll through picturesque Burlington, Vermont — a quintessential American small town.
December 05, 2011
2 min readMountains provide a picturesque backdrop for Burlington, a town that sits on Lake Champlain’s eastern shore and may just be the quintessential American small town. It only takes 20 minutes to walk from one side of downtown to the other. The famous Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream got its start in a Burlington gas station. For a tour of the factory and a sample, though, you will have to drive 30 minutes southeast to Waterbury. Back in town, take advantage of Lake Champlain’s recreation opportunities, such as biking or kayaking. A more relaxing option is to take the ferry across the lake. Spend the night at one of Burlington’s B&Bs, such as the Lang House or Willard Street Inn (note: Some B&Bs do not allow young children). If the kids are younger, the Marriott Courtyard Burlington Harbor or Hilton Burlington are good options.
Providing views of the Adirondacks and Lake Champlain, Burlington’s 7.6-mile (12.2-kilometer) Waterfront Bike Path—a former railroad track—links six major waterfront parks. Walk it, bike it, or skate it. For a souvenir, visit the Vermont Teddy Bear Company and have a personalized stuffed bear made just for you to take home.
Have dinner at Splash at the Boathouse. The restaurant has a kids' menu and the view of the sunset over Lake Champlain can't be beat. Just a ten-minute drive from Burlington in Shelburne is Champlain Lanes. The bowling alley is open until midnight or later every night, except Sundays, when they close at 11 p.m.
For information on bike rentals in Burlington go to www.localmotion.org.
For ferry trip details go to www.ferries.com.
Recommended lodging: Lang House; www.langhouse.com. Willard Street Inn; www.willardstreetinn.com.
Based on articles from National Geographic Traveler and compiled by Stephanie Robichaux
Related Topics
You May Also Like
Go Further
Animals
- Orangutan seen using plants to heal wound for first timeOrangutan seen using plants to heal wound for first time
- What La Palma's 'lava tubes' tell us about life on other planetsWhat La Palma's 'lava tubes' tell us about life on other planets
- This fungus turns cicadas into zombies who procreate—then dieThis fungus turns cicadas into zombies who procreate—then die
- How can we protect grizzlies from their biggest threat—trains?How can we protect grizzlies from their biggest threat—trains?
- This ‘saber-toothed’ salmon wasn’t quite what we thoughtThis ‘saber-toothed’ salmon wasn’t quite what we thought
Environment
- What La Palma's 'lava tubes' tell us about life on other planetsWhat La Palma's 'lava tubes' tell us about life on other planets
- How fungi form ‘fairy rings’ and inspire superstitionsHow fungi form ‘fairy rings’ and inspire superstitions
- Your favorite foods may not taste the same in the future. Here's why.Your favorite foods may not taste the same in the future. Here's why.
- Are the Great Lakes the key to solving America’s emissions conundrum?Are the Great Lakes the key to solving America’s emissions conundrum?
- The world’s historic sites face climate change. Can Petra lead the way?The world’s historic sites face climate change. Can Petra lead the way?
History & Culture
- Meet the ruthless king who unified the Kingdom of Hawai'iMeet the ruthless king who unified the Kingdom of Hawai'i
- Hawaii's Lei Day is about so much more than flowersHawaii's Lei Day is about so much more than flowers
- When treasure hunters find artifacts, who gets to keep them?When treasure hunters find artifacts, who gets to keep them?
Science
- Why ovaries are so crucial to women’s health and longevityWhy ovaries are so crucial to women’s health and longevity
- Orangutan seen using plants to heal wound for first timeOrangutan seen using plants to heal wound for first time
Travel
- 5 of Uganda’s most magnificent national parks
- Paid Content
5 of Uganda’s most magnificent national parks - On this Croatian peninsula, traditions are securing locals' futuresOn this Croatian peninsula, traditions are securing locals' futures
- Are Italy's 'problem bears' a danger to travellers?Are Italy's 'problem bears' a danger to travellers?
