Daily Blog: Burlington, Vermont--Against the Odds

"The typical American age 55 and older dines in a restaurant 51 times a year--or about once a week--according to a recent survey by the Cornell University Center for Hospitality Research."

So where are the best cities for such retirees? U.S. News and World Report recently supplied a list of ten recommendations:

http://www.usnews.com/articles/business/retirement/2009/04/30/10-great-places-for-foodies-to retire.html

One of the cities immediately caught my eye because I was reminded of our memorable day in downtown Burlington, Vermont (population 38,889) at the Church Street Marketplace.

It just happens that the American Planning Association has a similarly high opinion--recently designating the Church Street Marketplace as one of the ten great "Public Spaces" in America:

http://www.planning.org/greatplaces/spaces/2008/churchstreetmarketplace.htm

What makes the designation especially remarkable is "some 200 outdoor pedestrian malls have been built in the U.S. since the late 1960's, yet only 30 or so remain in operation."

"Each year some 3 million visitors come here to shop, eat...or pass the time of day....With 63 specialty stores, 13 national retailers, 26 eating and drinking establishments, the marketplace offers something for every shopper."

So why was this outdoor pedestrian mall a success against such pessimistic odds?

No doubt there were several contributing factors but two imperatives mentioned by the APA were "an inclusive and careful planning and design process" and "strong community support."