Church Street Marketplace is a four-block pedestrian zone running from Pearl Street to Main Street in the centre of Burlington. The street is lined with a mix of independent restaurants, cafes, bookshops, and national chains, and hosts street performers, farmers markets, and outdoor events through the summer and autumn. In winter the brick street empties out somewhat but the shops and restaurants stay busy.
It is the social hub of the city and the place to start any visit — not because it is architecturally remarkable, but because it gives you an immediate read on what Burlington cares about. The concentration of independent businesses, local food producers, and community events reflects the city's progressive character more faithfully than any museum could. The Saturday morning farmers market, held in City Hall Park at the north end of the street, is worth timing a visit around.