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Recreation: Burlington's location overlooking the Adirondack Mountains on the shores of
Lake Champlain, the sixth largest freshwater lake in the U.S., provides endless
year-round recreational opportunities. During any of the four seasons,
Burlington is a beautiful setting for outdoor fun.
Swimming: Burlington's three beaches are open to the
public. Indoor and outdoor pools are also located throughout the area.
Boating: Lake Champlain is dotted with sailboats, motorboats,
canoes, kayaks and sailboards from May through September. The Burlington
Community Boathouse at the College Street Pier offers boat moorings, boat
rentals and charter (sailboats and rowboats). The Lake
Champlain Community Sailing Center, located on the waterfront, offers youth
and adult programs as well as rentals, regattas and events. Three ferries
take passengers and commuters across the Lake to New York State, and moonlit and
scenic narrated tours are available aboard the Spirit
of Ethan Allen II which departs from Burlington harbor.
Fishing: Several charter companies can provide morning, evening
or full-day fishing trips. The new Fishing Pier, located near the Coast
Guard Station, is open to the public. The Lake Champlain International
Fishing Derby, held each June, attracts over 6,000 participants. And try
ice fishing in the winter - a real Vermont experience!
Tennis: Indoor and outdoor tennis courts are well-maintained and
readily accessible at Burlington clubs and resorts, in parks, and on college
campuses.
Skiing: Burlington is an eastern hub for downhill skiing.
Some of the best ski areas in the nation are located within an hour's drive,
including Sugarbush, Stowe, Bolton Valley, Smugglers' Notch, Jay Peak and Mad
River Glen. Cross-country skiers will find miles of scenic trails at the
nine touring centers in the area. Some areas have lighted trails for night
skiing. Rental skis are available in Burlington for those who wish to
explore the snow-covered recreation path along Lake Champlain.
Ice Skating: Outdoor skating is available during the winter in
six Burlington parks. Indoor skating is available most of the year in the
City's Gordon H. Paquette Arena.
Bicycling: Burlington, with its gently rolling hills and
beautiful vistas, is a popular place for bike touring. An 8-mile, scenic
recreation path runs along the waterfront, offering spectacular views of Lake
Champlain and the Adirondacks. The path connects nine of the City's parks,
some with public beaches. Bike and inline skate rentals are available at
numerous spots near the recreation path. An additional link, via bike
ferry, connects bicyclists to Colchester and the Lake Champlain Islands.
City Park System: Burlington is home to 30 parks and natural
areas, almost all of which are open year-round. The entire City park
system includes 531 acres. These parks range from secluded natural areas
to marinas and comfortable picnic and camping areas. With the recent
acquisition of land on the historic waterfront, another 45 acres of recreation
and open space are available for public use.
Hiking: For those interested in a true wilderness experience,
numerous hiking trails in the area have been mapped out and are
well-maintained. The 260-mile "Long Trail," Vermont's famous
hiking trail, is within a half-hour's drive. Organized hikes are sponsored
by the Green Mountain Club.
The nearby Green Mountain Audubon
Nature Center offers bird-watching, nature trails and special events.
Centennial Woods, owned by the University of Vermont, is a gem for strolling and
light hiking.
Golf: There are ten 9- and 18-hole golf courses within
twenty-five miles of Burlington, with golf pros and packages available for green
fees.
Spectator Sports: The University of Vermont and St. Michael's
College provide a full sports calendar including soccer, basketball, hockey and
baseball. Burlington hosts the Vermont Expos, a minor league baseball team
which attracts 100,000 spectators annually.
Antiques and Auctions: Estate auctions, held almost every
weekend of the year, attract tourists and buyers from all over the nation and
Canada. During the summer, two regular weekend flea markets are within a
half-hour's drive. Low and moderate prices and a large selection make
"antiquing" a popular vacation activity.
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