Burlington and the surrounding region have adopted a new identity--“The West Coast of New England”—that captures perfectly the area’s uniquely laid-back sophistication.  Be sure to learn more about it at www.vermont.org. 

Summer is an amazing time to visit Burlington and the Lake Champlain Region. As the region begins to settle into the final planning stages for the epic year-long Lake Champlain Quadricentennial Celebration in 2009 (400 years since French explorer Samuel de Champlain discovered the “large lake filled with beautiful islands and a great deal of beautiful country”) there is so much to do and see right now.

From kayaking, sailing, fishing and even luxury cruise ships to Burlington’s waterfront park, its exquisite dining, and amazing shopping to the lake’s underwater shipwrecks available for exploration, there is tons of fun to be had on land, water, or even under water!

In Burlington, the lakeside Courtyard Burlington Harbor by Marriott is the first new hotel to be built in the city in 30 years. Next door to it, an $18 million makeover produced the new Hilton Burlington. A new waterfront complex housing condos, retail shops, a restaurant, and theaters is up and running to popular acclaim.
 
Burlington International Airport’s continuing growth means more parking than ever, new concourses, daily direct flights to Orlando, and direct flights to and from more than a dozen major American cities.
With scores of restaurants of every description and dozens of lodging options to choose from, Burlington is the perfect base camp for winter and summer vacations.
 
Attractions like Ben & Jerry’s, Shelburne Museum, Shelburne Farms, Vermont Teddy Bear, and many more are just short drives from the city’s center. And let’s not forget historic Church Street Marketplace, eight cobblestoned blocks of pedestrian-only street lined with shops, boutiques, cafes, and restaurants.