Burlington, Vermont, may be the smallest major city in the United States with a population of just 45,000, but it packs a surprising punch for visitors. Named No. 6 on CNN’s America’s Best Towns to Visit 2026 list, this lakeside hub offers a rare blend of urban energy, tight-knit community, and easy access to nature. From its revitalized waterfront to farm-to-table dining, Burlington is a destination that rewards the curious traveler.
A City Where People Care
“You get this feeling of, ‘Here is this place where people care a lot,’” says Christine Tyler Hill, a local crossing guard and artist. That spirit is palpable at the weekly Burlington Farmers Market, the Vermont Brewers Festival in July, or September’s Art Hop, a weekend-long celebration of open studios and music. Burlington’s pedestrian-only Church Street buzzes with sidewalk cafes and independent shops, making it a perfect place to people-watch.
Nature at Your Doorstep
With 50% open space, Burlington is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The eight-mile Burlington Greenway runs along Lake Champlain, offering stunning views of the Green Mountains and Adirondacks. Cyclists can take a bike ferry to South Hero Island, while the newly completed 9.5-mile Burlington Wildways Trail explores floodplain forests and sandy beaches. In winter, the city maintains a pond for wild ice skating, and the crow roost downtown is a spectacular natural phenomenon.
When the town was a quirky, left-leaning college town
Burlington’s modern identity was shaped by a wave of back-to-the-landers and countercultural youth in the 1960s and ’70s. Mayor Bernie Sanders transformed a derelict industrial shoreline into the 45-acre Waterfront Park. Today, the city’s lakefront is alive with sailing, paddleboarding, and the Community Sailing Center. Families can visit the ECHO science museum or search for Champ, the lake’s mythical monster.
Food Scene: From Phish Food to Hyper-Local Cuisine
Ben & Jerry’s started here in 1978, and the farm-to-table movement thrives. Local chefs like Cara Tobin of Honey Road adapt Mediterranean flavors to Vermont produce, sourcing from the Intervale, a 360-acre urban farming hub. Must-try spots include Frankie’s (seasonal menus), Restaurant Poco (sharing plates), and Poppy Cafe (creative sandwiches). For a sweet treat, grab a maple creemee at Mr. Creemee.
Whether you’re biking the Greenway, sipping a hazy IPA at Foam Brewers, or strolling through Art Hop, Burlington proves that a small city can deliver big adventures. As the next featured town in the series, Juneau, Alaska, takes the No. 7 spot, but Burlington remains a wild, welcoming escape for any traveler.
