Exploring Burlington’s Church Street Marketplace

by Amy Allen


Burlington, Vermont offers something for everyone, and can be a wonderful day or weekend trip at any time of the year. Burlington’s location on the shores of Lake Champlain helps blend the best of peaceful nature with the energy of a bustling city. Burlington manages to thrive, as it’s busy all year long thanks to lake visitors in the summer and University of Vermont students and faculty during the school year.

One of Burlington’s top spots is Church Street Marketplace, an uncovered, outdoor pedestrian shopping and dining mall. The street is named for the 19th century church at the top of the street. It’s closed to traffic, runs for four blocks, and boasts over 130 specialty shops, restaurants and vendors. While some of the shops are popular stores like Lululemon, Banana Republic, Athleta, Urban Outfitters, and The Body Shop, many others are unique, eclectic boutique type shops where visitors can find original gifts for others or to keep for themselves! In addition to clothing stores, there are shops that sell books, records, housewares, jewelry, and more; there’s truly something for everyone.

Visitors to Church Street often love to dine at one of the many restaurants along the walkway, some of which offer outdoor dining which means fantastic people watching. And those hungry for dessert can visit Vermont’s own Ben & Jerry’s for ice cream, or the decadent Lake Champlain Chocolate Shop which serves up incredible handmade chocolates and treats.

Church Street is often home to festivals and events, and there are live musicians and artists stationed throughout the walkway year-round to help entertain those walking and shopping, or those waiting for a loved one inside a store!
Church Street has something to offer 365 days a year, along with gorgeous foliage in the fall, twinkling lights in the winter, flowering trees in the spring, and warm temperatures and a fountain for kids to run in during the summer. Don’t miss this fun stop that reflects the best of Vermont for locals and tourists alike.