12 Must-Do’s within 12 Miles of Burton’s Vermont Headquarters

At Burton, we consider ourselves lucky to be based in the great state of Vermont. You may have heard that Vermont’s got the best snowboarding this side of the Rockies (and some would argue anywhere, depending on the day). But the Green Mountain State is a true four season gem. Our location in Burlington means we’re at the crossroads of so many fun things, from swimming to skateboarding to farms and micro breweries. We can hardly find enough hours in the day to take it all in. Here are 12 things you can enjoy during your next visit, all within 12 miles of our headquarters.

2. Craig’s Prototype Facility

Right next door to the flagship store you can check out Burton's in-house R&D center and even get up close and personal with snowboard history. Craig Kelly had a flair for pushing his product further, and a tour of his namesake prototype facility where we do our in-house research and development shows how we continue in that spirit. Our free tour gives you a chance to watch board builders at work and explore the museum of Burton history.

4. Church Street Marketplace

From clothes to food to outdoor concerts and Burton’s downtown store (right around the corner on College Street), there’s nowhere better to get your shop on and grab some grub than Church Street. Make sure you get a scoop of Phish Food from the shop of Vermont’s famous best buds, Ben and Jerry.

5. The Waterfront

Lake Champlain just missed being considered one of the Great Lakes, but the Waterfront doesn’t disappoint. From cruising on a boat, keeping an eye out for Champ (our resident lake monster), to checking out the Echo Center, fishing the pier, or taking in an outdoor concert, we aren’t just a runner up.

6. The New Skatepark

While you’re at the waterfront, check out the recently finished Andy "A-Dog" Williams Skatepark, a concrete gem featuring a massive bowl surrounded by all sorts of street transitions, a pump track, wallride, mini bowl and more.

World-renowned skater and friend of Burton, Tony Hawk recently made an appearance at the grand opening of the A-Dog Skatepark, throwing down alongside the locals and sharing the excitement. It just goes to show, this park means business.

7. The Bike Path

Eight miles of bike path connects the Burlington area waterfront, stretching from Oakledge Park to the Winooski River, and packed with epic views, swimming, picnic spots, the downtown waterfront, the skatepark, and multiple public parks. Not to mention Burton headquarters is just a few pedals off the path.

8. Beaches

Of course, the most epic part of that iconic lake is all the swimming! Chill out at Burlington’s scenic beaches like Oak Ledge, Leddy Park, and North Beach. Do some laps or launch a SUP adventure – it’s all water.

9. Shelburne Farms

Just south of town, Shelburne Farms is a vast 1,400-acre working farm where you can see firsthand Vermont’s commitment to quality agriculture, tour the trails, stop at the historical Shelburne Farms Inn, or take in an outdoor concert with a beautiful waterfront view as the a backdrop.

10. A Ten Pack of Craft Breweries

Vermont does beer like no other, so it’s no surprise that its biggest city is home to over 10 craft breweries, meaning no matter your preference, from IPA to Saison, you’ll find your fix just around the corner.

11. Lake Champlain Chocolates

Must be something about those long, cold winters, but Vermonters love chocolate, and with this mecca of tasty and complex goodness just down the way from us, things couldn’t be sweeter. Lake Champlain Chocolates also offers tours and tastings for folks of all ages.

So if you’re not from around here, but would like to live like a local, just come say hello! The Champlain Valley is plentiful, and will provide all the adventure you need.∆