Seniors Take To The “Queen City,“

Senior travelers, have you been to Vermont? If not, just respond with “not yet”. It’s time for a visit to Burlington, the largest city in Vermont, 45 miles south of the U.S.-Canadian border on the eastern shoreline of Lake Champlain.

Burlington , pop 45,000, is known as one of the most walkable and beautiful small cities in New England and well known for its quintessential charm and architectural beauty. It is consistently ranked as one of the top places to live in the United States. Burlington has the reputation as the most cosmopolitan city in the state.

Burlington beckons with the perfect blend of old New England charm, arts, culture and nature…and ice cream. It was here that Ben & Jerry’s was founded in 1978 in a renovated gas station.  For senior travelers who have an interest in the arts or prefer a day browsing boutiques and hunting for antiques, Burlington welcomes you.

Visitors will discover a wide array of fine restaurants featuring world-renowned chefs, elegant theaters, modish coffee shops, and storefronts that range from designer boutiques to handcrafted artistry. At night, the city transforms into a live music hotspot.

The area offers trail-packed woodlands and a locale just a stone’s throw away from some of the best mountains in the northeast. These features combine to make Burlington “The Perfect Small City” as National Geographic Traveler so aptly named the city.

Church Street Marketplace is a major hub of the city with over 26 outdoor cafes. Downtown Burlington Vermont’s award-winning open air mall is a buzz of activity where you’ll find historical architecture, year-round festivals, street entertainers, music with over 100 places to shop and dine.

Senior Bikers: Burlington is a Bike Friendly City

The Burlington Waterfront District has the best views in the area. The Bike Path is a trail that crosses through beaches and parks and provides great close up views of Lake Champlain, the Adirondack Mountains as well as the city itself. There are various bike lanes around the downtown area, and thanks to slow traffic and often courteous drivers, getting around the greater Burlington area on bike is a breeze.

Burlington is home to the University of Vermont with over 11,000 students. The Flynn Center for the Performing Arts is a member of the League of Historic American Theatres.

Senior visitors are sure to hear about the Queen City Ghostwalk, full of mystery and spooky fun. Stroll on over to Centennial Field, home to Minor League Baseball, the Vermont Lake Monsters, affiliated with the Oakland A’s.

ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center is a fun place for visitors of all ages and welcomes more than 150,000 annually. The Ethan Allen Homestead is the historic home of Vermont’s founder Ethan Allen dating back to 1787. Senior gourmets, bring along your discerning palate and explore wineries, chocolate manufacturers, breweries and cheese makers.

Fall is a great time to catch leaf colors that peak in early October.  jeb