Burlington has long been known as Vermont's Queen City. It's the home of the University of Vermont, Champlain College, Community College of Vermont and Burlington College and attracts a variety of musical, theater and other cultural events.

The core of this vibrant city's downtown is the Church Street Marketplace. Its cross-streets are the meeting place for Burlington, where grand architecture of the past blends with the artistic and commercial vibrancy of the present. With 40 specialty shops and 15 national retailers, it is a recreational shopper's dream come true.

Historic buildings, fountains, and brick-paved center provide the backdrop for what the New York Times Magazine calls a "busy and thriving thoroughfare" and a Green Mountain version of Paris' Latin Quarter. Street vendors and entertainers keep the atmosphere lively. In warm months outdoor cafes are the perfect spot for people watching, conversing with friends or an informal outdoor meeting.

The Marketplace is alive with festivals and street entertainment throughout the year. The annual First Night Celebration kicks off the year. Then, in March it's time for the Magic Hat Mardi Gras Parade and celebration featuring 40 floats, as participants line the street to toss strands of beads, candy and moon pies.

Summer festivals include the Chew Chew Fest: A Celebration of Local Farming and Fresh Food; Burlington Discover Jazz Festival and the annual Marketplace Sidewalk Sale.

Burlington's nearby waterfront is home to parks, a walking/bike path, fine restaurants, ferry crossings and cruise boats. Concerts, Fourth of July fireworks and otherevents are held here through the year. The Lake Champlain Maritime Museum Burlington Schooner Project is located at the Burlington Shipyard. The new Echo Center opening in June 2003 will showcase the importance of Lake Champlain to the economic and natural history, present and future of Burlington.

The Marketplace is perfect for romantic dinners, special events, distinctive shopping, or simply a casual stroll.

Information: Church Street Marketplace, 802-865-7253, mbell@ci.burlington.vt.us, www.churchstmarketplace.com or Greater Burlington Regional Marketing Organization, 877-686-5253, vermont@vermont.org, www.vermont.org