 The eight byway communities of the greater Burlington area present a diverse menu of opportunities for the traveler. It includes densely populated urban areas, growing suburban areas and areas that remain rural. Burlington is the hub for the region having a classic small city downtown with its numerous museums and arts and entertainment venues and several lakeside parks and beaches. You can get around easily on foot, by public transportation or use the city’s famed bikepath that fronts Lake Champlain. Winooski, an historic mill city, boasts numerous brick and stone buildings reflective of its industrial heritage. The downtown is completely redeveloped with pedestrian-friendly streets and pocket parks and includes a boardwalk along the roaring Winooski River as well as two fine local museums, quiet nature trails and great fishing holes. South Burlington is a newer, growing suburban community but has several excellent parks and natural areas all linked by an extensive recreation path system. Essex Junction is a compact village that hosts the Byway’s only Amtrak passenger station. It is also home to the state’s largest outdoor cultural and performance venue, the Champlain Valley Exposition which hosts a traditional country fair around Labor Day and numerous other events year-round. The towns of Shelburne, Charlotte, Milton and Colchester have histories based upon agriculture and other traditional industries. They host many opportunities for outdoor recreation such as parks and natural areas, rivers, ponds and hiking trails. The traveler can experience classic New England village architecture and tour several well-regarded local museums. Of particular interest are Shelburne Museum and Shelburne Farms, Mt. Philo State Park in Charlotte, Sandbar State Park in Milton and the boating center of Mallett’s Bay in Colchester. |
