The Great Outdoors File: Jeb Wallace-Brodeur
SUGARBUSH SKI RESORT
1840 Sugarbush Access Rd., Warren, 583-6300 Designed by and for downhillers, Sugarbush is earning a good reputation for its varied network of handcrafted bike runs stretching 18 miles.
Where to Chill BATTERY PARK
1 North Ave., Burlington This park next to the police station is the best place in town to watch the sunset over the Adirondacks. In warmer weather, you can grab a Michigan hot dog or a creemee from Beansie’s bus.
LEDDY PARK
NORTH BEACH
52 Institute Rd., Burlington Students flock to this popular beach as soon as the mercury hits 40 degrees. Avoid ’em by walking to Texaco Beach, a few hundred yards south — where in-the-know locals go, often with their dogs.
OAKLEDGE PARK
2 Flynn Ave., Burlington You’ll have a ball at this beautiful South End park, which is home to tennis, volleyball and bocce courts — and the occasional hipster kickball league. Its picnic pavilions, spacious lawns and clean beach are nice, too.
RED ROCKS
Central Ave., S. Burlington A wooded oasis just outside the urban bustle of Burlington, Red Rocks Park features gentle — albeit mildly confusing — walking trails, scenic overlooks, a nice beach and the towering Wolf Tree.
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Leddy Park Rd., Burlington Enjoy the calm, shallow water on the beach of this family-oriented park in the New North End. In the winter, check out the skating rink for public ice time.
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Mad River Glen
SHRED LIGHTLY
You’re planning to ski or snowboard while you’re here, right? Vermont’s mountains boast some of the best and most varied terrain in the east. You want more trails than you can ski in a weekend? Try massive Killington. Looking for an Aspen-like vibe? Stowe is for you, fancy pants. Waist-deep powder? Journey to Jay Peak, which gets the most annual snowfall of any ski resort in Vermont. Bumps? Try Organgrinder at Sugarbush, brah. And if you’re one of those skiers who like to pretend snowboarders don’t exist, trek to the ultra-challenging, two-plankers-only resort, Mad River Glen (see page 60).
WATERFRONT PARK
10 College St., Burlington The crown jewel of Burlington’s waterfront district is a destination for sunbathers, frisbee and kite enthusiasts, and, in the summer, concert goers. Stroll the scenic boardwalk for a view of the Adirondacks and savor the knowledge that you actually live here — for a few years, anyway.
WINOOSKI RIVER WALK
Downtown Winooski The Onion City’s waterfront isn’t quite as scenic Burlington’s, but it’s the perfect place for a post-Sneakers or post-Misery stroll. Watch out for herons, beavers and hipsters!