Welcome to 'Broke & Ballin' in B-town,' your guide to a good time in Burlington, Vt. on a budget

Being broke doesn't have to stop you from having the best college experience out there. In a town crawling with college students, Burlington, Vt. offers a myriad of things to do. In this blog, Broke & Ballin' in B-town writers will show you how to live large with little or no charge.


My first suggestion this:


Don't think you have to spend money to have a good time, even if you go somewhere made for consumers.


Church Street is one of the most popular downtown areas in Burlington. Covered with fun boutiques, unique stores and delicious restaurants, it is a must-go spot for all students. And yes, window shopping may have lost it's fun once our pockets really became empty, but the cobblestone street that allows only pedestrian traffic is simply a fun place to be. Walking down the street, you will pass by the most interesting characters, like a man wearing hippie-style clothing and riding a large bike decked out in neon colored signs that read "Burlington Police are scumbags." Just taking his picture is a treat worth your walk. Church Street also has free entertainment lining the streets at all hours of the day. Talented musicians sing or play instruments like the drums, violin, banjo, guitar, accordion and keyboard. Performers such as comedians, break dancers and fire jugglers gather crowds so large that it is hard to walk by without sneaking a glance. One man even balances on a pile of rickety chairs ten feet tall. Besides the daily performances, Church Street holds free music concerts like the Jazz Festival that occurred this summer.


So there you have it. Even a street lined with expensive shops, students can enjoy the day watching street performers, people-watching, and enjoy the sights and sounds of an old, but vibrant city.