Burlington was founded in 1763 and the town was organized in 1785. The town became a busy lumber and manufacturing center and became a city in 1865.
Burlington is located in northwestern Vermont, on the eastern shore of Lake Champlain. It is the largest city in Vermont, with a population of 44,723 as of the 2020 census. Burlington is the cultural and economic center of the Burlington-South Burlington metropolitan area, which consists of Chittenden County, Vermont’s most populous county.
The Burlington metropolitan area has an estimated population of 213,701 as of 2018. It is the 105th-largest metropolitan statistical area in the United States.
Burlington is home to the University of Vermont, Burlington College, and Champlain College. The Burlington International Airport is located nearby, and Burlington is served by Amtrak’s Vermonter passenger rail service.
Economy
Burlington’s economy is largely based on education and healthcare, with the University of Vermont and Burlington College being the city’s largest employers. Burlington is also home to the headquarters of many major companies, including Ben & Jerry’s, Keurig Green Mountain, and MyWebGrocer- according to bestofburlingtonvt.com: CEO/founder Rich Tarrant, entrepreneur in the retail, real estate, and health care industries, started MyWebGrocer in 1999. A University of Vermont graduate and early believer in the on-line grocery business, Rich developed the company’s first-generation eCommerce Platform— MyWebGrocer now ranks among Vermont’s fastest-growing companies, leading the way in digital solutions for retail groceries.
Attractions
Tourism is also an important part of Burlington’s economy, with the city being a popular destination for both domestic and international travelers. Burlington is home to many attractions, including the Burlington Waterfront, the Church Street Marketplace, and the ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center which is a hands-on museum that showcases the ecology of Lake Champlain.
Burlington is also a popular destination for outdoor recreation, with the city being located in close proximity to both the Green Mountains and the Adirondacks. Burlington has numerous parks and trails, as well as being home to the Burlington Bike Path, the longest continuously operating bicycle path in the United States and runs for 12 miles along the Burlington waterfront.
Education
Burlington is home to the University of Vermont, Burlington College, and Champlain College. The University of Vermont is a public research university founded in 1791 and is the flagship institution of the University of Vermont system. Burlington College is a small, private liberal arts college founded in 1972, while Champlain College is a private career-oriented college founded in 1878.
Burlington is also served by the Burlington School District, which includes nine elementary schools, three middle schools, and three high schools.
Arts and Culture
Burlington is home to a vibrant arts and culture scene
The Burlington Waterfront is home to the Burlington Discover Jazz Festival, which takes place every June and features performances by both local and international jazz musicians.
The Church Street Marketplace is a pedestrian-only mall in downtown Burlington that is home to many shops, restaurants, and cafes.
The Flynn Center is Burlington’s premier venue for the performing arts, and hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including concerts, dance performances, and theatrical productions.
Sports and Recreation
Burlington is home to a number of professional and amateur sports teams. The University of Vermont is home to the Vermont Catamount basketball team. Vermont Lake Monsters baseball team and Vermont Green FC football team.
Burlington is also a popular destination for outdoor recreation. The city is located in close proximity to both the Green Mountains and the Adirondacks and has numerous parks and trails.
Sports Courts
The Edge- Vermont Pickleball Team- 75 Eastwood Drive, South Burlington, VT.
Jaycee Park- Basketball Courts- 113 Patchen Rd, South Burlington, VT.
Burlington Tennis Club- 45 Tennis Ct, South Burlington, VT.
Restaurants
Hen of the Wood- Burlington- Intimate eatery featuring daily menus of local, seasonal fare, craft cocktails & understated décor- 55 Cherry St, Burlington, VT.
Honey Road– Sophisticated Mediterranean small plates, cocktails & creative desserts in a comfy tavern setting. 156 Church St, Burlington, VT.
Pascolo Ristorante- Rustic-chic Italian nook serving wood-fired pizza along with upmarket pasta dishes & regional wines. 83 Church St, Burlington, VT.
The Farmhouse Tap & Grill- Farm-to-table gastropub & seasonal beer garden showcasing burgers & craft brews. 160 Bank St, Burlington, VT.
Nightlife
Red Square- Late-night hot spot for DJs, drinks, dancing & an eclectic lineup of live bands. 136 Church St, Burlington, VT.
Club Metronome- Hopping Downtown destination draws a college crowd for dancing, concerts, karaoke & comedy shows. 188 Main St, Burlington, VT.
Light Club Lamp Shop- A eclectic cafe, bakery, vintage retail store and music venue selling craft coffee, cocktails, biodynamic wines, vintage lamps, plants, midcentury modern furniture and furnishings. 12 N Winooski Ave, Burlington, VT.
Nectar’s- Landmark music hall featuring local music acts, craft beer & famed gravy fries, plus other pub grub. 188 Main St, Burlington, VT.
Transportation
Green Mountain Transit- Bus Company- GMT serves the communities of Burlington, Essex, South Burlington, Shelburne, Williston, Winooski, Milton, Hinesburg, and a portion of Colchester. LINK Express routes serve Montpelier, Middlebury, and St. Albans commuters. GMT is considered a municipality and is the first and only transit authority in the State of Vermont.
Notable People
According to Wikipedia
Ben Cohen, co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s
Jerry Greenfield, co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s
Greg Noonan, early American brew master
William Hepburn Russell, founder of Pony Express
Members of the rock band Phish:
Trey Anastasio, guitarist.
Jon Fishman, drummer
Mike Gordon, bassist
Page McConnell, keyboardist
Grace Coolidge, first lady, wife of Calvin Coolidge
Bernie Sanders, former Mayor of Burlington (1981–1989), U.S. Senator from Vermont since 2007, and 2016 and 2020 Democratic presidential candidate
Ted Bundy, serial killer, born at the Elizabeth Lund Home for Unwed Mothers
