Burlington, Vermont

Located on the shores of Lake Champlain, Burlington is Vermont's largest city. Burlington had its humble origins as a lumber-shipping port, growing in prosperity during the booming era of the railroads and steamboats. Today it features a diverse architecture and is best known for its collection of colleges (six in all) that include the University of Vermont, St. Michael's, Champlain and Trinity Colleges. The high student population also gave rise to another unique institution: Independent Socialist Bernie Sanders, currently Vermont's long Congressman, and elected Burlington's mayor in the early 80's.

Travelers to Burlington will find a little bit of everything. The Church Street Marketplace features boutiques, sidewalk cafes, craftsmen, national retailers and a wide array of other shopping options. The waterfront features a lakeside bike path, excursion cruises and other water activities. The nearby Shelburne Museum, Ethan Allen Homestead and other attractions display vintage Vermont treasures. Events include The Discover Jazz Festival (June), Mozart Festival and the not-to-be-missed First Night celebration on New Year's Eve.

Lodging:

Burlington Redstone Bed and Breakfast - This magnificent three story mansion is on the National Historic Register, and is decorated with art and antiques from around the world. Relax on the porches and patio, or take a stroll through the perennial gardens and sample the vegetable garden.

Courtyard Burlington Williston - Features 90 guest rooms, all equipped with two dual-line phones with voice mail and data ports, large work desk with task lighting and ergonomic chair, coffee maker, iron and ironing board, and premium cable TV.

Hartwell House Bed & Breakfast - During winter months guests relax by the fireplace in our cozy livingroom, furnished with charming antique accents. During summer months guests may choose to relax in the pool or on the deck, bordered by perennial gardens.

Holiday Inn/Burlington - The Holiday Inn ®-Burlington, in Vermont's scenic Champlain Valley, is a centrally-located, full service hotel. Only minutes from Lake Champlain or the Green Mountains, we are located off exit 14E on Interstate 89 at the junction with U.S. Route 2.

Howard Street Guest House - The Howard Street Guest House offers spacious and sunny accommodations in a detached carriage barn. The suite features a full bath, kitchenette, phone, cable television, VCR, queen bed, pullout sofa, skylights, and antique furnishings.

Sheraton Burlington Hotel and Conference Center - The Sheraton Burlington Hotel and Conference Center, featuring 309 guest rooms, provides award-winning service and accommodations.

Sunset House Bed and Breakfast - Built in the mid-1800s, and carefully restored in 1999 as a Bed & Breakfast by hosts Nancy and Paul Boileau, Sunset House retains its historic character as a boarding house in the early 1900s. The original Sunset House sign hangs in the entry foyer, welcoming you back in time.

Willard Steet Inn - Today, the brick structure retains its marble detail, slate roof, and a striking exterior marble staircase which descends to the elaborate gardens below. Inside, high ceilings, intricate moldings and wood floors hearken back to another era.

Restaurants:

Dakota - The Apache Indians have cooked with mesquite for thousands of years-the wood burns hot, sealing in the natural juices and imparting a distinctive flavor you will enjoy.

Perry's Fish House - Voted "Best Seafood Restaurant for nine years in a row -2001 - 1993", Perry's offers the finest hand selected, fresh SEAFOOD available.

Smokejacks - When the Smokejacks menu was created, it was with a focus on always-good comfort foods, local and seasonal meats and produce, and then something else that was intuitive-yet-surprising to make it a knock-out dish.

Sweetwaters - Sweetwaters is housed in what was the original site of the Burlington Trust Company. Built in 1925, the building retains its original moldings, cornerstone, clock, and architectural appointments.

See also:

• Northern Champlain Valley