Burlington is Vermont’s largest city and is located on the terraced slopes of Lake Champlain. It is also home to several colleges, an active waterfront and a vibrant downtown. As the birthplace of the band Phish, Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream and Seventh Generation Natural Products, Burlington is not only artsy but also environmentally aware. The fantastic Shelburne Museum is a short car ride away and features over 150,000 works of art and artifacts including folk art and American paintings housed in historic buildings (802-985-3346).

If you want to stretch your legs, walk or bike along the 7.5-mile Burlington Bike Path, which runs along the shores of Lake Champlain offering beautiful views and access to parks and beaches. Just outside of Burlington, the Green Mountains also offer hiking trails with stunning views of the surrounding countryside (transportation required).