Burlington

Burlington is located in the north-east of the United States, in one of the smallest states in terms of area and population of the American, the state of Vermont. The city was founded in 1785, although the first settlements appeared here 22 years earlier. Tourists will be interested in visiting the Shelburne Museum, located 11 km south of Burlington. The exposition is placed on 18 hectares and tells about the life of the first explorers. Those who are interested in the period of the US War of Independence will be able to see the house and the grave of one of its heroes, General Ethan Allen. During the Anglo-American War of 1812-1815, the city led an intense bombardment of the British Navy. In 1791, the University of Vermont was founded in Burlington, the old building of which was laid by General Lafayette, a member of the American War of Independence and two French revolutions.

Districts of Burlington

There is no officially accepted list of administrative units in Burlington. However, there are several options for division, among which such neighborhoods can be distinguished:

Downtown. Burlington's central business and cultural district, where the main attractions, best restaurants, nightclubs, and major events of the city can be found.
Hill Section. The richest and most prestigious district of the city, located in the south.
The Intervale. A large green area with farms and reserves in the east of Burlington.
New North End. The most densely populated area in the north of the city, with classic American buildings from the 1940s and 1950s.
Old North End. The oldest and one of the most populated parts of Burlington between The Intervale and Downtown.
South End. Formerly an industrial, and now an art district in the southwest of the city, where the headquarters of national companies and the Oakledge Coastal Park are situated.
University District. The district is home to the state's main institution of higher education, the University of Vermont (UVM), as well as its campus and dormitories.

Map Burlington

Brief history

The territory of modern Burlington was transferred by the Governor of New Hampshire on June 7, 1763, to Samuel Willis and 63 other founders. After eight years, the first wooden huts were built here, but further development of the territory was suspended because of the US War of Independence. Officially, the city was founded in 1785. In 1791, the University of Vermont was opened here. During the war of 1812, 5000 soldiers were stationed in Burlington, which exceeded the city's permanent population. About 500 of them died because of poor sanitary conditions in the camps.

In August 1813, there was a fight in the city between British and American troops, which did not cause any losses.

Thanks to its location on Lake Champlain, Burlington developed actively in the XIX century as a port and trade center. Three shipping canals were built here, and wood production was flourishing. At the same time, beautiful samples of Victorian architecture were created in the city.

In 1870, a canal for barges was constructed in Burlington, and the embankment was extended.

In the XX-XXI centuries, the city continued to develop. New companies and educational institutions were opened here. One of Burlington's main attractions, Church Street, was founded.

Trip budget

Before the trip, you should calculate the approximate budget that you will require for the travel:

Hotels booking	Apartment rental	Taxi fare	Gasoline	Average bill in restaurant
from 93 $/night	from 120 $/night	Start - 7.5 $, 1km - 2.49 $	0.76 $/liter	70 $ for 2 person

The best time to visit Burlington

Burlington has a humid continental climate with cold winters and warm summers. In July, the average air temperature is +21 °C, and in January, the thermometer column drops to -7 °C. On average, about 940 mm of precipitation falls per year. At the end of March, Burlington holds the Maple Open House Weekend, devoted to the pride of Vermont state — maple syrup. During this event, you can't resist trying different variations of these sweets and visiting the production.

On the third weekend of July, the city hosts the International Brewers Festival, which gathers thousands of fans of this foam beverage annually. Here you can learn more about the traditions of beer drinking, its varieties, and production methods.

Things to do in Burlington

Try the famous Ben & Jerry's ice cream, which has become a world-famous brand. It was in Burlington that its production was located, and the first store of this chain was opened.
Stroll along the historic Church Street district. It is a pedestrian street, which stretches through several blocks and where you can see the beautiful buildings of the XIX century made of red brick. The most interesting sights are the Masonic Temple, The Richardson Building, Unitarian Church, and the former Howard Opera House. On Church Street, you can try excellent street food, listen to musicians, buy souvenirs, and just relax on the bench.
Visit the Shelburne Museum, which occupies eighteen hectares. Its expositions are devoted to American path-breakers, artists, transport, toys, dishes. In total, about 100 thousand exhibits are collected here.
Walk along the Lake Champlain embankment or go swimming. Picturesque cruises are regularly held here, and fans of more active pastime can try their hand at windsurfing or paddleboard riding.
Taste local kraft beer, which Burlington is proud of. One of the most popular breweries is Foam Brewers, which often produces new unique sorts.
Take a bike ride along Burlington's seafront and Oakledge Park. You can reach Grand Island (South Hero Island), located in the middle of Lake Champlain, by bike.
Visit the campus of Vermont University, where Ben Affleck studied. Here is the famous Old Mill building, where the university began. The first stone in its foundation was laid by the Marquis de Lafayette, a future general and one of the leaders of the American revolution.