Guiding Lite: An Intro to Your Intro to Burlington 

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Whenever you're trying something for the first time, it's good to have a friend who can show you the ropes.

That's true whether you're learning a new hobby, starting a new job or, I don't know, eating your first lobster — trust us, it can get messy. And it's especially true when exploring a new city. Sure, you can — and should! — feel things out on your own in a fun, foreign (to you) locale. But it never hurts to consult the experts.

If there's one thing those of us here at What's Good HQ know, it's Burlington, Vt. Doesn't matter if you're new here or a bona fide townie, we think you'll discover a lot about the Queen City from this trusted field guide. Like, for example, that the "Queen City" is one of BTV's nicknames — as is "BTV," come to think of it. See? You're learning already.

This guidebook represents the collective knowledge of What's Good staffers, journalists who make it their business to know Burlington inside and out. We've also consulted a host of locals who are all experts in their respective fields and guides in their own right.

Wanna find the best places to eat, whether you're pinching pennies or making it rain? Allow our food aficionados to tempt your taste buds with restaurants to suit any budget. Looking for sound advice on locavore options for your next Spotify playlist? Our music man will tune you in to the Vermont bands you need to listen to and see live. Need to own those bands' records? Our shopping sherpas will lead to you to all manner of retail options, from home goods and clothes to music, books and more.

If that all sounds kinda pricey, fret not. We've loaded this book with coupons from scores of local businesses — because Burlington is many things, but unfortunately cheap is rarely one of them.

Of course, there's more to life than spending money. So we've offered up ways to get involved with and learn more about your community. We'll catch you up on local lingo, tell you about awesome art and introduce you to cool folks to follow on social media. We'll also hip you to getting out on the lake, up in the mountains and in the right direction for some offbeat destinations worth a daytrip.

What's Good is intended as an indispensable resource highlighting the very best of what Burlington and its surrounds have to offer. But here's something it's not meant to be: comprehensive.

So stay up on local news, food, arts and culture with our sister publication, Seven Days: Pick it up every Wednesday in print, or read it daily online at sevendaysvt.com. Foodies should devour our annual dining guide, 7 Nights. And parents would do well to peruse our monthly family-friendly magazine, Kids VT.

If something is included in these painstakingly curated pages, consider that our endorsement. Just understand that there is much more to discover. And really, whether it's to birding or stargazing or a new city, that's the point of any guide: to help you find what moves you.