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South Burlington is a city in Northwest Vermont. It is a suburb of Burlington and is the second largest city in the state. Unlike most sizable Vermont communities, it doesn't have a downtown of any sort since most of the city's development has occurred in the last few decades. The city has intelligently reserved a large tract of land near the busiest intersection in town to construct a downtown, however they haven't yet decided how they want this done. Unfortunately, there's nothing there but a dirt road(possibly the only one in the city) and some trees.

Get in

By car

South Burlington is accessible via I-89 exit 14, US 2, and US 7.

By plane

Get around

On foot

South Burlington is not a very walkable city. Although there are sidewalks, heavy traffic and long distances can make walking unpleasant or dangerous.

By bike

Some roads have bike lanes which makes cycling a viable option in some cases. However, be aware that not all of the busier roads have bike lanes and are often narrower than in other parts of the United States. Much of Williston Road should be avoided by cyclists.

By public transportation

South Burlington is served by several CCTA bus routes. The routes serve Shelburne Road, Williston Road, the University Mall, and Burlington International Airport.

By car

A car is the easiest way to get around the city, although traffic can be frustrating at times. Williston and Shelburne Roads should be avoided at rush hour.

See

South Burlington's suburban nature means there isn't a whole lot to see here aside from the standard views of the lake and mountains.

  • Overlook Park (On Spear St. south of Swift St.). This park is really just a few benches and some parking spaces, but the view of the lake and Adirondack Mountains is hard to beat.
  • Infinity Brewing, 80 Ethan Allen Dr., +1 802 735-1288. Small craft brewery with tasting room. If the brewer is around, you might be able to get a tour as well

Do

  • Red Rocks Park, Central Ave, +1 802 846-4108. Hike one of the many trails to get excellent views of Lake Champlain or go for a swim.
  • Wheeler Nature Park (at the end of Swift St. Extension). Hike the miles of trails through forests and fields at this 140 acre park.

Buy

Vermont's largest mall, the University Mall, is located in South Burlington as well as many other chain retailers. There are also some local options worth exploring

  • Healthy Living, 222 Dorset St., +1 802 863-2569. Sort of like Whole Foods. This grocery store sells a wide range or organic and fair trade products. It also has a large wine and beer selection, a coffee and pastry shop, and a hot food bar
  • Dakin Farm, 100 Dorset St.. This store sells VT made specialty foods.
  • Small Dog Electronics, 100 Dorset St.. Vermont's version of an Apple Store. Get your iphone fixed here or buy a new one

Eat

You will also find national chains like Moe's, Chipotle, Panera Bread, Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts, Five Guys, McDonald's, and Burger King.

Budget

Mid-range

Splurge

  • The Windjammer, 1076 Williston Rd, +1 802 862-6585. Popular steak and seafood restaurant featuring many local ingredients. Huge salad bar and large wine list

Drink

South Burlington doesn't have much in the way of nightlife aside from restaurant bars and the previously mentioned Higher Ground. The Upper Deck Pub located at The Windjammer has a decent bar and serves a lot of the same food as the restaurant downstairs, often at lower prices. Guild & Company is also well known for the quality of their cocktails. If coffee is what you're after, skip Starbuck's and try the coffee shop inside Healthy Living. If you really want nightlife in the area, head to Burlington or Winooski.

Sleep

Go next

Routes through South Burlington
MontrealWinooski  N  S  WillistonMontpelier
Rouses PointBurlington  W  E  WillistonMontpelier
St. AlbansBurlington  N  S  ShelburneRutland
END  N  S  → Jct N Template:Rtarrow HinesburgMiddlebury


This city travel guide to South Burlington is a usable article. It has information on how to get there and on restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please feel free to improve it by editing the page.