| Travel with Hip Chick Zine to Burlington, Vermont |
Burlington is not only one of the safest and cleanest cities
in the United States, but it is also a very artsy, laid-back
and culturally aware locale. The youthful city (it hosts the
University of Vermont, among other smaller colleges) is
often recognized as having one of the most lively Main
Street districts in America, being one of the "10 Great
Places to Raise a Family," as well as being referred to as
"America's Dream Town." Nestled between the Winooski
River and Lake Champlain, Burlington is an ideal
destination if you'd like to split your time between
cruising the shops and hiking the beautiful, green
mountains. Since this fabulous city is near the Hip Chick
Zine's headquarters, we let you in on the places to visit to
get the most authentic and hip Vermont experience.
SITES
1. BEN AND JERRY'S FACTORY- While the factory is not in
Burlington, it's well worth the mini trip. Devoted ice cream
fans will enjoy the factory tour that includes free samples.
It starts with a 7-minute video about how Ben and Jerry's
came about (two childhood friends!), from there into the
messanine, where you will see the manufacturing in
process, and finally, the sampling room, which is our
favorite part! Head to the gift shop to score some cool
Vermont gear.
2. THE FLYNN THEATRE- Vermont's premier theater, this
performance space has hosted an eclectic array of
productions and concerts. To see what's going on while
you're in Burlington, call them at (802)863-5966.
3. LAKE CHAMPLAIN WATERFRONT- The lake is
absolutely breathtaking any season, any time of day, but it
never hurts to catch a sunset there. Sit on a park bench
overlooking the water or even go sailing on the beautiful
waves.
4. CHURCH STREET- The most famous street in the city,
Church Street (pictured in the photographs at right) brings
you the charm of Old World Europe. Burlington is roughly
an hour from Montreal, and Northern Vermont's French
influences and accents are prevalent in the outdoor
cafes, stylish boutiques and brick pedestrian walkways.
While Church Street hosts an array of chain stores
including Banana Republic, The Body Shop and Urban
Outfitters, check out the wonderfully unique independent
stores including Ecco (beautiful clothing, jewelry and
shoes) and Downtown Discs (a very afforable
second-hand CD and DVD store). The nightlife is
wonderful along this street-- a great place to meet new
people! During the summer, there are often street
vendors, comedy acts and concerts.
in the United States, but it is also a very artsy, laid-back
and culturally aware locale. The youthful city (it hosts the
University of Vermont, among other smaller colleges) is
often recognized as having one of the most lively Main
Street districts in America, being one of the "10 Great
Places to Raise a Family," as well as being referred to as
"America's Dream Town." Nestled between the Winooski
River and Lake Champlain, Burlington is an ideal
destination if you'd like to split your time between
cruising the shops and hiking the beautiful, green
mountains. Since this fabulous city is near the Hip Chick
Zine's headquarters, we let you in on the places to visit to
get the most authentic and hip Vermont experience.
SITES
1. BEN AND JERRY'S FACTORY- While the factory is not in
Burlington, it's well worth the mini trip. Devoted ice cream
fans will enjoy the factory tour that includes free samples.
It starts with a 7-minute video about how Ben and Jerry's
came about (two childhood friends!), from there into the
messanine, where you will see the manufacturing in
process, and finally, the sampling room, which is our
favorite part! Head to the gift shop to score some cool
Vermont gear.
2. THE FLYNN THEATRE- Vermont's premier theater, this
performance space has hosted an eclectic array of
productions and concerts. To see what's going on while
you're in Burlington, call them at (802)863-5966.
3. LAKE CHAMPLAIN WATERFRONT- The lake is
absolutely breathtaking any season, any time of day, but it
never hurts to catch a sunset there. Sit on a park bench
overlooking the water or even go sailing on the beautiful
waves.
4. CHURCH STREET- The most famous street in the city,
Church Street (pictured in the photographs at right) brings
you the charm of Old World Europe. Burlington is roughly
an hour from Montreal, and Northern Vermont's French
influences and accents are prevalent in the outdoor
cafes, stylish boutiques and brick pedestrian walkways.
While Church Street hosts an array of chain stores
including Banana Republic, The Body Shop and Urban
Outfitters, check out the wonderfully unique independent
stores including Ecco (beautiful clothing, jewelry and
shoes) and Downtown Discs (a very afforable
second-hand CD and DVD store). The nightlife is
wonderful along this street-- a great place to meet new
people! During the summer, there are often street
vendors, comedy acts and concerts.
| READ BEFORE YOU GO: If you come to Vermont, leave the SUVs and gadgets at home. Most Vermonters have made the conscious decision to live a more simplistic, energy-efficient lifestyle and throwing your gadgets around will only be irritating, not impressive. Trust me, no hip chick wants to be referred to as a "flat-lander!" |
EATS
In our opinion, you have to taste what the local restaurants and cafes have to offer. Dive into the city, face first!
1. LEUNIG'S BISTRO- You cannot go to Burlington without sampling the menu from this old world, French-inspired restaurant.
Between the marble bar, crystal chandeliers and colorful, European posters, this is one classy, but reasonably priced,
restaurant. The divine menu changes seasonally and there's live music Wednesday and Thursday nights. During the warm
months, there's beautiful outdoor seating right on Church Street. We'd recommend making reservations on the weekends. 115
Church St. (802)863-3759
2. MIRABELLE'S- If you love cafe fare, you will adore this wonderful eatery. There are shelves of fresh pastries and warm
breads, including fruits tarts, custards and flourless chocolate tortes. They have wonderful, nutritious salads and sandwiches
and the lunch specials change daily. Mirabelle's is closed on Sundays. 198 Main St. (802)658-3074
3. THREE TOMATOES TRATTORIA- This is a fantastic Italian restaurant with a variety of pastas including penne with spinach
and artichokes in a white wine sauce, wood-fired pizzas and meat dishes. Ask your server about their extensive wine list and
start the meal off with a delicious salad or bruschetta. 83 Church St. (802)660-9533
4. KLINGER'S BREAD BAKERY AND CAFE- Klinger's bread is reknowned across the state. Definitely visit the bakery and cafe if
you have a car (it's in South Burlington). Their sandwiches are made on their moist and crusty breads, or get a treat to
accompany a steaming chai tea latte. 10 Farrell St., S. Burlington (802)860-6322
Other Recommended Eats include American Flatbread and The Red Onion. Mmm!
In our opinion, you have to taste what the local restaurants and cafes have to offer. Dive into the city, face first!
1. LEUNIG'S BISTRO- You cannot go to Burlington without sampling the menu from this old world, French-inspired restaurant.
Between the marble bar, crystal chandeliers and colorful, European posters, this is one classy, but reasonably priced,
restaurant. The divine menu changes seasonally and there's live music Wednesday and Thursday nights. During the warm
months, there's beautiful outdoor seating right on Church Street. We'd recommend making reservations on the weekends. 115
Church St. (802)863-3759
2. MIRABELLE'S- If you love cafe fare, you will adore this wonderful eatery. There are shelves of fresh pastries and warm
breads, including fruits tarts, custards and flourless chocolate tortes. They have wonderful, nutritious salads and sandwiches
and the lunch specials change daily. Mirabelle's is closed on Sundays. 198 Main St. (802)658-3074
3. THREE TOMATOES TRATTORIA- This is a fantastic Italian restaurant with a variety of pastas including penne with spinach
and artichokes in a white wine sauce, wood-fired pizzas and meat dishes. Ask your server about their extensive wine list and
start the meal off with a delicious salad or bruschetta. 83 Church St. (802)660-9533
4. KLINGER'S BREAD BAKERY AND CAFE- Klinger's bread is reknowned across the state. Definitely visit the bakery and cafe if
you have a car (it's in South Burlington). Their sandwiches are made on their moist and crusty breads, or get a treat to
accompany a steaming chai tea latte. 10 Farrell St., S. Burlington (802)860-6322
Other Recommended Eats include American Flatbread and The Red Onion. Mmm!