Dozen Distinctive Destinations
Burlington, VT
Year Listed: 2003
First-time visitors might assume that Burlington is just another picturesque New England port. That, however, would be a miscalculation. Burlington is also a city on the move, boasting an active arts scene as well as a rich architectural legacy and a not-to-be-believed setting. On the shores of beautiful Lake Champlain -- the site of battles during the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812 and now the final resting place of several underwater wrecks -- a public promenade, maritime museum, science center, and 7-mile-long bike path compete with fine dining, shopping and people-watching as the favorite Burlington pastime. Nearby, the art deco Flynn Theater hosts the Discover Jazz Festival, which attracts well-known performers.
The handsomely revitalized downtown is a recipient of the National Trust for Historic Preservation's coveted Great American Main Street Award, and several areas, including City Hall Park and the heart of the University of Vermont campus, have been designated historic districts. Several internationally-known museums, including the Ethan Allen Homestead, the Fleming Museum and the Shelburne Museum, are all close by, making Burlington a convenient gateway to northern New England - and a perfect getaway in its own right.
