Burke is an outdoorsy and scenic mountain town
In the heart of the Green Mountains, Burke is a small town with big-time outdoor recreation. The community of about 1,700 year-round residents is home to Burke Mountain, which hosts a world-renowned ski resort and an elite alpine academy where many Olympians have trained. The Kingdom Trails, an over 100-mile bike trail system running through private landowners’ backyards, is also in Burke, and cyclists cruise through town, replacing the skiers during the warmer months. “Due to the area’s beauty and closeness to outdoor destinations, many people have second homes in Burke,” says Patricia Emery, Owner/Broker with Parkway Realty, who has been selling in the Northeast Kingdom since the late 1970s. But primary residents enjoy the mountains’ scenery year-round, staying active through skiing, hiking and biking. “Why not live where you play?” Emery says.
Skiing and biking on Burke Mountain and the Kingdom Trails
Burke’s weather varies greatly depending on the season, with heaps of snow in the winter, colorful foliage in the fall, and fresh shades of green in the spring and summer. At the heart of the community, Burke Mountain Resort offers over 50 ski trails across its 260 acres, catering to all skill levels. In the summer, the resort transforms into a mountain biking destination with the Burke Bike Park, offering direct access to the Kingdom Trails, which has become a premier biking destination over its 30 years in operation. Adjacent to the resort, Burke Mountain Academy is one of the country’s leading ski schools. Founded in 1970, the elite alpine training facility coaches students in grades eight to 12. It has a history of producing top athletes, including 36 Olympians. Also on the mountain, Darling State Park spans nearly 2,000 acres, offering hiking and ski trails, picnic facilities and game land in a scenic area, where moose and black bears may cross visitors’ paths. The park is within Victory State Forest, which spans over 16,000 acres and runs through five towns.
Second homes and primary residences in a picturesque setting
Burke's homes rest on rolling hills amid pine trees. Small cottages, Cape Cods, Colonial Revivals and saltbox houses are common, and depending on their age and condition, they range in price from about $200,000 to $840,000. There are three villages in Burke: East Burke, West Burke and Burke Hollow; however, it’s not more expensive to live in one town than another. East Burke includes Burke Mountain and most of the Kingdom Trails, and due to its location, it has many second homes and short-term rentals. West Burke houses the town’s offices and governmental buildings, while Burke Hollow doesn’t have a commercial presence.
Errands in nearby Lyndon, local Burke bites
There are a few small businesses throughout Burke; however, many operate on a seasonal basis, so residents often need to travel to Lyndon, about 6 miles south, to run most errands. Here, they can shop at quaint country grocers like The White Market, which features a hot food buffet and salad bar, or Freighthouse Market & Café, a popular spot for morning coffee and quick lunches. There are a few dining options, like The Pizza Man, with a large selection of pizzas and beer, and Estella’s Bar and Grill, which serves American classics.
Back in Burke, residents can visit a few local watering holes after a day on the slopes. The family-owned Next Trick Brewing operates out of a red barn and features a seven-barrel brewery, with lagers and ales for tasting and take-home. Nearby Burke Publick House serves pub fare and cocktails from its rustic building, where patrons can order everything from wings and sliders to salmon fillets and pork chops.
Students zoned for Kingdom East School District
Burke is served by the Kingdom East School District, which hosts four kindergarten through eighth-grade schools, and Burke’s students can attend Burke Town School, which receives a C grade from Niche. For high school, kids have options. Through the Vermont Town Tuitioning Program, students may apply to go to any school, public or private, in or out of state, that is approved by the Vermont Board of Education or an equal state authority.
Biking is popular for getting around Burke
Burke is rural and car-dependent. U.S. Route 5 and Vermont state Route 144 are the community’s main thoroughfares, both running north-south through the area. Biking is incredibly popular in the area, and due to the presence of the Kingdom Trails, traffic can be heavy. Ski tourists also account for congestion. For air travel, the Northeast Kingdom International Airport is about 30 miles northwest.
Written By
Adreanna DeMarino
