Rebecca Murphy is the mind behind @vermontforreal, and after eight years here she knows the place better than most. She mapped out her ideal Burlington day so you can steal it.

Start at Haymaker Buns in the South End. Rotating bun flavors and a seasonal menu mean it's always good. Take your order down to Oakledge Park, five minutes away right on Lake Champlain. Accessible beach, a treehouse, an Earth Clock built into the landscape, and a direct connection to the Burlington Bike Path if you want to ride north toward the Champlain Islands.

Second stop is Zero Gravity Brewery, because they serve waffles until 2pm and the patio is dog friendly!

The South End is where Rebecca spends most of her time, and once you're there you'll get it. What used to be an industrial port is now galleries, breweries, and shops worth exploring. Pop into the lamp shop, Barge Canal Market, Thirty Odd VT, and AO Glass, where you can try glass blowing. Easy walk or bike from Church Street.

Don't skip ECHO. It's a science museum right on the Burlington waterfront with Vermont's largest Champ exhibit, tracing the lake monster legend back to Indigenous accounts of a giant serpent in Lake Champlain. Insider tip: VT residents with library cards can get $7 admission passes through 600 plus partner libraries, including ECHO.

End the day with a maple creemee at Burlington Bay and a walk along the waterfront for sunset. Their clam chowder made the Boston Globe's top 10 in New England. Skinny Pancake is right across the street if you need dairy free or gluten free options.

Rebecca also recommends Red Rocks Park, Ethan Allen Park, Rock Point, and North Beach. For the lake from the water, Whistling Man Schooner, Buttercup Cruises, and The Spirit of Ethan Allen all do cruises.

Full spot list: Haymaker Buns, Oakledge Park, Zero Gravity Brewery, South End arts district, the lamp shop, Barge Canal Market, Thirty Odd VT, AO Glass, ECHO Center, Burlington Bay, Skinny Pancake. Bonus: Red Rocks Park, Ethan Allen Park, Rock Point, North Beach

Either way, Burlington's got more going on than most people give it credit for. Come see it.