Oakledge Park
Flynn Ave., Burlington, enjoyburlington.com
Tennis, volleyball and bocce courts — and the occasional hipster kickball league — are draws at this beautiful South End park. The picnic pavilions, spacious lawns, playground and hidden tree house are nice, too. Seeking some sun? You’ve got options. Lounge on the clean, sandy beach that abuts the bike path and affords a view of the Burlington skyline. Or, for a more secluded hang, find a spot on the sun-warmed rocks a few hundred yards south.
Battery Park
1 North Ave., Burlington, enjoyburlington.com
This is the best place in town to watch the sun set over the Adirondack Mountains. In warmer weather, grab a Michigan hot dog from Beansie’s Bus — perhaps while enjoying the Burlington Concert Band’s Sunday evening show.
Leddy Park
216 Leddy Park Rd., Burlington, enjoyburlington.com
Splash into the calm, shallow water on the beach of this family-oriented park in the New North End during the summer months — or hit the tennis or basketball courts. In winter, check out the ice rink.
Red Rocks Park
Central Ave., South Burlington, sburlrecdept.com
This woodsy oasis is popular with dog walkers, whose pooches often roam its miles of trails in gleeful defiance of posted leash laws. Scenic overlooks from the cliffs above Shelburne Bay are stunning. Though it rarely stops daredevils, cliff jumping is strictly verboten. So relax on the quiet beach instead.
Shelburne Farms
1611 Harbor Rd., Shelburne, shelburnefarms.org
The landscape architect behind New York City’s Central Park designed the rolling acres of this working farm, once the agricultural estate of wealthy Vanderbilt descendants. Hike the lakeside trails or brunch like you’re a 19th-century millionaire at the manor home, now an inn.
Waterfront Park
10 College St., Burlington, enjoyburlington.com
The crown jewel of Burlington’s shoreline is Waterfront Park, a sprawling, grassy destination for sunbathers and Frisbee and kite enthusiasts. Major bands headline tented concerts here from spring to fall.
Winooski River Walk
Downtown Winooski
A scenic walkway winds along the Winooski River for views of the falls and the Champlain Mill. There’s also a canoe launch nearby for paddling downstream to the lake.
Related Stories
This article appears in What’s Good 2017.
Got something to say?
Send a letter to the editor and we'll publish your feedback in print!
