Seven Daysies 2022

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Mythical Menagerie

6

Once upon a time, the happy denizens of Vermont bestowed a great annual honor upon their peers. Every summer for more than a decade, in a contest coordinated by the dutiful scribes of Seven Days, from among the greatest artisans, performers, cooks and tradespeople in all the land the people would choose champions to carry a high banner: the Seven Daysies awards.

A solemn ceremony was followed by a great jubilee, a revel of epic scale along the majestic banks of Lake Champlain.

Then, in the year 2020, calamity struck.

Like the Mothman descending from the skies, a deadly plague fell across the realm: the coronavirus. Businesses were boarded up, schools closed and everyone from princes to paupers shuttered in their homes for what seemed like an age.

Sadness, confusion and chaos reigned.

By 2021, thanks to the work of the kingdom’s most brilliant sorcerers, a potion had been conjured to combat the ill effects of the disease caused by the foul virus, COVID-19. And, as prophecy foretold, it worked! While a few trolls and village idiots refused the medicine — often loudly, as trolls are wont to do — most were glad to receive it. And lo, a ray of hope broke on the horizon.

That summer, in lieu of the Daysies, Seven Days honored Vermont’s greatest heroes, the Pandemic All-Stars. Their quests to protect, feed, comfort and entertain their neighbors will be sung of for years to come.

Two-plus years after the strife began, the realm hasn’t quite returned to normal. Like a basilisk, COVID-19 still lurks, as it likely will for some time. But the world, and Vermont, is ready to move on and reclaim some semblance of the way of life we feared might be lost.

JEFF DREW

SEVEN DAYSIES 2022-23

Like a phoenix from the ashes, the Seven Daysies awards rise again!

THE 2022 SEVEN DAYSIES AWARDS ARE PRESENTED BY

8 For example, Vermonters took to the outdoors in droves for recreation. As a result, outdoor gear shops and outfitters have seen record sales in the past two years. Vermonters even picked a new favorite state park: Little River upset Mount Philo, which has won the award, well, forever.

The same trend could explain why Shelburne Museum won not only best outdoor music venue — knocking off Burlington’s Waterfront Park, which has largely been quiet in the pandemic — but also best large live music venue. The latter award’s usual winner, Higher Ground, is likely OK with that, though. Its off-site arm, Higher Ground Presents, produces the museum’s Ben & Jerry’s Concerts on the Green series.

While they were out roaming the countryside, Vermonters brought along their new pandemic pets. Animal adoptions — dogs, cats, the occasional gryphon or yeti — also skyrocketed, which could be why the Humane Society of Chittenden County reclaimed the award for best nonprofit organization. That means ticket proceeds from this year’s Daysies party will go to the HSCC, to help some very real creatures in need.

Unseating longtime incumbent Daysies winners is like slaying a dragon: It’s really hard to do. But in the following pages detailing all of this year’s winners and finalists, you’ll notice a remarkable number of new names in familiar categories, an indication of just how much the restaurant and retail landscape has shifted since March 2020.

It’s also a testament to the fact that Vermont is full of magical people and places — and maybe lake monsters and minotaurs.

DAN BOLLES

FOOD 24

DRINK 32

ARTS &

ENTERTAINMENT 42

SHOPPING 52

DEMYSTIFYING THE DAYSIES Launched in 2003, the Daysies are the locals’ guide to Vermont, brought to you by Seven Days. We invite our readers to weigh in on hundreds of categories to identify their favorite businesses, people and places in the state.

For the first round of voting, thousands of Vermonters submit write-in nominations. We tally the votes, then present the top finalists for Round 2 of voting — multiple choice-style.

When the votes warrant it, we divide categories into “inside Chittenden County” and “outside Chittenden County” fields in order to give some love to businesses outside the populous Burlington area.

The top vote-getter in every category wins the Daysie, and all finalists earn an invite to our summertime awards party on the Lake Champlain waterfront. Party proceeds benefit the winner of the best nonprofit organization.

Contributors:

SERVICES 60

OUTDOORS

Jordan Adams, Corey Barrows, Jordan Barry, Chris Farnsworth, Carolyn Fox, Emily Hamilton, Katie Hodges, Mary Ann Lickteig, Kevin McCallum, Alison Novak, Melissa Pasanen, Ken Picard, Sally Pollak, Kristen Ravin, Paula Routly, Carolyn Shapiro, Angela Simpson

P.O. Box 1164, Burlington, VT 05402 802-864-5684 @sevendaysvt © 2022 Da Capo Publishing, Inc.

LOCALS PICK THE BEST OF VERMONT SEVENDAYSVT.COM/DAYSIES

So it is that the Seven Daysies awards return after three years, rising like a phoenix from the ashes of the pandemic — hence the theme of this year’s guide and party: mythical creatures.

This year, 22,000 people cast 490,000 final-round votes for everything from their favorite local bands, baristas and barbers to their favorite accountants, acupuncturists and martial arts studios. While impressive, those numbers are down slightly from prepandemic levels, suggesting that, for some, the Daysies may seem like the stuff of legend.

But trust us: They’re real. Like our own fabled sea monster, Champ, you just have to see it to believe it.

Of course, Vermont is a very different place than it was in 2019, the last year the Daysies happened. The pandemic took a heavy toll on local businesses, including some perennial Daysies winners. Industries that rely on people gathering in indoor spaces — such as entertainment, food service and health — were the hardest hit.

The Rusty Nail in Stowe, which twice won the award for best small live music hot spot outside Chittenden County, closed because of the pandemic.

So did its sister restaurant, Tres Amigos, which took home best Mexican resto outside Chittenden County in 2019.

While the reigning champ for best health club/gym mostly survived, the Williston location of the EDGE closed permanently in 2021. Staying on the health beat, cycling studio REV abandoned its physical location in 2020 and held classes outdoors and online.

But REV, the 2022 winner for best boutique fitness studio, is also something of a unicorn: It recently opened a new spot on Pine Street in Burlington.

Not every business struggled in the pandemic.

7

SEVEN DAYSIES 2022-23

FOOD

8

BEST NEW RESTAURANT

BEST FAMILY RESTAURANT

Black Flannel Brewing & Distilling Co.

American Flatbread

Black Flannel gets props from critics and customers alike for its farm-fresh fare and craft libations. Its exceptional commitment to local products scored the restaurant a Gold Barn Honor from Vermont Fresh Network.

(Essex Junction • blackflannel.com)

Other finalists: • Café Dim Sum: Burlington • cafe-dim-sum.business.site • The Café HOT.: Burlington • thecafehot.com • Café Mamajuana: Burlington • cafemamajuana.com • Pearl Street Pizza: Barre • pearlstpizza.com

BEST RESTAURANT

Honey Road Church Street’s busy and buzzy Middle Eastern bistro invites dining with friends to share masterful mezze. For dessert, don’t miss the chocolate-drenched tahini ice cream bar.

(Burlington • honeyroadrestaurant.com)

Other finalists: • BKK in the Alley: Burlington • bkkinthealley.com • Hen of the Wood: Burlington, Waterbury • henofthewood.com • Restaurant Poco: Burlington • restaurantpoco.com • Waterworks Food + Drink: Winooski • waterworksvt.com

OUTSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY

With large and small pie options and the opportunity to split toppings, these flatbreads — warmed by flames in a central, wood-fired oven — are perfect for all-ages sharing. Look for a new location in Stowe this summer. (Burlington, Middlebury, Waitsfield • americanflatbread.com)

OUTSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY

Piecasso Pizzeria & Lounge

Chefs spinning pies in the open kitchen provide family entertainment at this pizza, pasta and salad joint. Friendly service, a kids’ coloring menu and a game room ensure there’s never a dull moment. (Stowe • piecasso.com) • Blue Paddle Bistro: South Hero • bluepaddlebistro.com • Maxi’s: Waterbury • maxisrestaurant.com • Pearl Street Pizza: Barre • pearlstpizza.com • Wayside Restaurant, Bakery & Creamery: Montpelier • waysiderestaurant.com

Hen of the Wood

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Other finalists:

The master behind Blue Paddle’s palatepleasing dishes describes her food as “delicious yet unpretentious.” She also notes, on the restaurant’s website, that “being a chef is very athletic — that’s one of the reasons I love what I do!”

(South Hero • bluepaddlebistro.com)

Pick up pad Thai, krapow, chicken satay or options from the vegan menu from this longtime favorite — now in a new Main Street spot a few blocks north of the Winooski rotary. (Winooski • tinythairestaurant.net)

Tiny Thai Restaurant

Other finalists: • BKK in the Alley: Burlington • bkkinthealley.com • Café Mamajuana: Burlington • cafemamajuana.com • Kate’s Food Truck: Jericho • katesfoodtruck.com • Pho Hong: Burlington • Facebook

THANKS FOR THE VOTES!

Mouth-Watering Thai Street Foods!

Order Online at tinythairestaurant.net • BYOB • Dine-in

JEFF DREW

293 Main Street, Winooski

* = NEW CATEGORY IN 2022

OPEN FIVE DAYS A WEEK, 4-8:30PM • CLOSED SUN & MON • 655-4888 D4t-tinythai080322.indd 1

6/22/22 11:21 AM

LOCALS PICK THE BEST OF VERMONT SEVENDAYSVT.COM/DAYSIES

• BKK in the Alley: Burlington • bkkinthealley.com • Oakes & Evelyn: Montpelier • oakesandevelyn.com • Piecasso Pizzeria & Lounge: Stowe • piecasso.com • Waterworks Food + Drink: Winooski • waterworksvt.com

BEST TAKEOUT*

• Bobby Chompupong (BKK in the Alley): Burlington • bkkinthealley.com • Christian Kruse (Black Flannel Brewing & Distilling Co.): Essex Junction • blackflannel.com • Justin Dain (Oakes & Evelyn): Montpelier • oakesandevelyn.com • Micah Tavelli (Dedalus Wine Shop, Market & Wine Bar): Burlington • dedaluswine.com

52 State St • Montpelier • 802.347.9100

The exceptional cocktails, carefully selected wines and memorable cuisine wouldn’t be complete without an able navigator. The servers here always rise to the occasion.

(Burlington, Waterbury • henofthewood.com)

Phoebe Bright (Blue Paddle Bistro)

Other finalists:

Modern Farm-to-Table oakesandevelyn.com

Other finalists:

BEST RESTAURANT SERVICE

BEST CHEF

Best Restaurant • Best Chef (Justin Dain) Best Restaurant Service • Best Breakfast/Brunch

• BKK in the Alley: Burlington • bkkinthealley.com • Jericho Café & Tavern: Jericho • jerichocafeandtavern.com • Waterworks Food + Drink: Winooski • waterworksvt.com • The Windjammer: South Burlington • windjammerrestaurant.com

Near the shores of Keeler Bay, chef Phoebe Bright serves crowd-pleasing plates amid artsy décor — there’s a wooden canoe suspended over the bar.

(South Hero • bluepaddlebistro.com) • The Drake Bar and Kitchen: St. Albans • thedrakevt.com • Oakes & Evelyn: Montpelier • oakesandevelyn.com • Pearl Street Pizza: Barre • pearlstpizza.com • Piecasso Pizzeria & Lounge: Stowe • piecasso.com

2022 DAYSIES FINALIST

Other finalists:

Blue Paddle Bistro

Other finalists:

FOOD

Thank you for your votes!

9

FOOD

PHOTOS: OLIVER PARINI

Charred octopus

BEST NEW RESTAURANT

SEVEN DAYSIES 2022-23

Black Flannel Brewing & Distilling Co.

10

Executive chef Christian Kruse

Like drinking beer? Like eating beer? A meal at Black Flannel is full of both, with 40 taps flowing from the attached brewery and a menu infused with brews, including beer-braised pork ribs, beer-steamed mussels and trout à la plancha with beer glaze.

The brewery, restaurant and distillery in the Essex Experience hit the ground running with executive chef Trenton Endres’ Scotch eggs and Welsh rarebit when it opened in July 2020. Now executive chef Christian Kruse — formerly of Basin Harbor Club and Vergennes Laundry — is putting his mark on the menu, serving wood-fired and locally sourced dishes such as charred octopus and tomato brûlée. A year after donning his flannel, Kruse earned a semifinalist nod in the Best Chef: Northeast category of the James Beard Awards.

The restaurant’s expertly educated staff is quick with pairing recommendations, too, whether for a salty snack in the biergarten, brunch on the patio, or a dinner of duck confit and waffles in the spacious dining room.

Essex Junction • blackflannel.com

Penny Cluse Café Now-President Joe Biden ate blueberry pancakes at Penny Cluse in 2016 — joining the ranks of countless Burlingtonians who have been happily tucking in to buckets o’ spuds and turkey Reubens at this café for more than 20 years. (Burlington • pennycluse.com)

Other finalists: • The Café HOT.: Burlington • thecafehot.com • The Friendly Toast: Burlington • thefriendlytoast.com • Rustic Roots: Shelburne • rusticrootsvt.com • Sneakers Bistro: Winooski • sneakersbistrovt.com

OUTSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY

Blue Paddle Bistro

With Daysies wins for best restaurant and best chef outside Chittenden County, it’s no surprise that Blue Paddle’s Sunday brunches are in demand. They’re offered monthly in the off-season.

(South Hero • bluepaddlebistro.com)

Other finalists: • 158 Main: Jeffersonville • 158main.com • Butlers Pantry: Stowe • butlerspantrystowe.com • Maxi’s: Waterbury • maxisrestaurant.com • Oakes & Evelyn: Montpelier • oakesandevelyn.com

BEST LUNCH

Penny Cluse Café Bring a hearty appetite to this always-bustling downtown spot — favorite dishes include the chile relleno plate and the chicken and biscuits. Breakfast tofu and egg scrambles are served all day. (Burlington • pennycluse.com)

Other finalists: • Kate’s Food Truck: Jericho • katesfoodtruck.com • Knead Bakery: Burlington • kneadvt.com • Poppy: Burlington • poppyvt.com • The Scale: Williston • thescalevt.com

OUTSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY

Conveniently located on Stowe’s Mountain Road, Piecasso serves tasty thin-crust pizzas, pastas and sandwiches so you can carbo-load for a day of outdoor adventures. (Stowe • piecasso.com)

Other finalists: • Morse Block Deli & Taps: Barre • Facebook • Ranch Camp: Stowe • ranchcampvt.com • Stowe Sandwich Company: Stowe • stowesandwich.com

BEST PLACE TO GET LATE-NIGHT FOOD

Kountry Kart Deli Known for the Shiner — hash browns, egg and American cheese on a bulkie roll — this Queen City institution serves a huge variety of sandwiches, wraps and snacks.

KKD has temporarily adjusted its hours but is typically a late-night munchies destination. (Burlington • Facebook)

Other finalists: • Ahli Baba’s Kabob Shop: Burlington • Facebook • Mr. Mikes Pizza: Burlington • mrmikespizzavt.com • Three Needs Tap Room & Pizza Cube: Burlington • threeneeds.net

BEST RESTAURANT FOR DESSERT

Chef’s Corner Café & Bakery

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Cakes and pastries and creemees, oh my! With treats like maple cheesecake and raspberry vanilla buttercream cake, this café makes it hard to choose.

(Williston • chefscornervermont.com)

7/13/22 7:02 PM

We think you’re the best, too!

Thank YOU for your Best Comfort Food votes.

Other finalists: • Burlington Beer Co.: Burlington • burlingtonbeercompany.com • Hen of the Wood: Burlington, Waterbury • henofthewood.com • Honey Road: Burlington • honeyroadrestaurant.com • Jericho Café & Tavern: Jericho • jerichocafeandtavern.com

BEST OUTDOOR DINING

The Spot on the Dock When the weather’s warm, patrons chill out at the windswept waterfront bar with tuna tataki, black bean burgers and large salads.

Mango margaritas and dirty Coronas keep spirits high. (Burlington • spotonthedock.com)

Other finalists: • BKK in the Alley: Burlington • bkkinthealley.com • Deep City: Burlington • deepcityvt.com • Idletyme Brewing Co.: Stowe • idletymebrewing.com • Waterworks Food + Drink: Winooski • waterworksvt.com

36 Main S treet, Winooski • 802-497-1884 • www.ourhousebistro.com D6h-ourhouse080322.indd 1

7/21/22 10:52 AM

BEST PLACE TO GRAB A QUICK MEAL

Al’s French Frys The retro décor and fast burgers are a throwback to the 1950s. This spot has been named one of “America’s Classics” by the James Beard Foundation. (South Burlington • alsfrenchfrys.com)

Other finalists: • Bliss Bee Bee: South Burlington, Williston • getblissbee.com Co-op: • City Market, Onion River Co-op Burlington • citymarket.coop • Kate’s Food Truck Truck: Jericho • katesfoodtruck.com • Morning Light Bakery Bakery: Winooski • morning-light-vt.com

LOCALS PICK THE BEST OF VERMONT SEVENDAYSVT.COM/DAYSIES

Piecasso Pizzeria & Lounge

FOOD

BEST BREAKFAST/BRUNCH

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DARIA BISHOP

FOOD

BEST FARMERS MARKET VENDOR

Green Mountain PotStickers

BEST PLACE TO EAT ALONE

Founder Carey Kolomaznik grew up in Taipei, Taiwan, and shares the flavors of her home country through veggie and vegan street food. Find these tasty delights at the Burlington and Stowe farmers markets, as well as at a new cart on the Church Street Marketplace. (gmpotstickers.com)

City Market, Onion River Co-op Feast on a sandwich, salad or sushi while enjoying some of the best peoplewatching around. Budget time to chat — chances are, you’ll run into someone you know. (Burlington • citymarket.coop)

Other finalists: • Crazy Cotton Candy Lady: crazycottoncandylady.com • Nomadic Kitchen: nomadic-kitchen.com • Shannon Wallis Designs: shannonwallisdesigns.com • Small Oven Pastries: smallovenpastries.com

Other finalists: • Happy Place Café (Vermont Comedy Club): Burlington • vermontcomedyclub.com/happyplace • Mule Bar: Winooski • mulebarvt.com • Piecasso Pizzeria & Lounge: Stowe • piecasso.com

BEST LOCALLY OWNED GROCERY STORE

City Market, Onion River Co-op With two locations, Burlington’s grocery cooperative has it all: fresh produce, local meats, a robust bulk section and tasty café cuisine. Level up in the kitchen by attending one of the co-op’s cooking classes. (Burlington • citymarket.coop)

Other finalists: • Healthy Living Market & Café: South Burlington, Williston • healthylivingmarket.com • Jake’s ONE Market: Burlington • jakesonemarket.com • Sweet Clover Market: Essex Junction • sweetclovermarket.com

OUTSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY

Hunger Mountain Co-op Co-op shoppers fuel up with natural, healthy dishes fresh from the deli, hot bar or salad bar. Take your ginger-garlic tofu outside, or enjoy river views from the café.

(Montpelier • hungermountain.coop)

Other finalists:

SEVEN DAYSIES 2022-23

• Georgia Market: Georgia • georgiamarketvt.com • Mehuron’s Supermarket: Waitsfield • mehurons.com • Middlebury Natural Foods Co-op: Middlebury • middlebury.coop

12

BEST GLOBAL FOODS MARKET

Always Full Asian Market The neat aisles of this family-owned market overflow with treasures including baby bok choy, sticky rice flour and grilled squid-flavored chips. When offered, the fresh sesame balls are a must-try. (South Burlington • Facebook)

Other finalists: • Asian Mart: Essex Junction • Facebook • Thai Phat: Burlington • Facebook

Chimi burger served on tostones

BEST FOOD TRUCK

Farmers & Foragers BEST GLUTEN-FREE MENU OPTIONS

Café Mamajuana

Dining out while gluten-intolerant can be a game of 20 Questions: What are the hidden ingredients? Do you have gluten-free bread?

Can I even eat anything here?

There are no such games at Café Mamajuana. The Dominicanfusion spot in Burlington’s Old North End marks every gluten-free dish on its menu with a triumphant star — and there’s a ton of them, including arancini, jerk-rubbed chicken wings and Cuban sliders. In fact, the empanadas are the only thing on the restaurant’s regular dinner menu that isn’t gluten-free.

To swap Café Mamajuana’s chimi burger from a regular bun onto gluten-free tostones isn’t simply a substitution; it’s an upgrade.

The juicy smash burger topped with special sauce, sweet plantain, red onion, curtido and potato frites is a delicious illustration of why the restaurant landed on the James Beard Awards’ Best New Restaurant semifinalist list this spring.

It’s a treat, with or without gluten.

Burlington • cafemamajuana.com

Chef-owners Solomon Bayer-Pacht and Lauren Johnson turn organic local meats and produce into fanciful fare such as pork belly bánh mì, fried squash blossoms and lake perch tacos. In summer, find them at the Burlington Harbor Marina. (vtfarmersandforagers.com)

Other finalists: • Beansie’s Bus: beansies.com • GloryBurger: gloryburgervt.wixsite.com/website • Kate’s Food Truck: katesfoodtruck.com • Taco Truck All Stars: tacotruckallstars.com

BEST FOOD CART

The Broccoli Bar It’s all broccoli, all the time at the mobile kitchen from the folks at Pingala Café.

The cart brings its globally inspired vegan menu to festivals and events in Vermont and beyond. (broccolibar.com)

Other finalists: • Maudite Poutine: vermontpoutine.com • Micro Mobile Kitchen: micromobilekitchen.com • Only Cannoli: onlycannolivt.com • South End Sliders: Instagram

BEST PLACE TO GET A CBD EDIBLE

BEST CSA

BEST FARMERS MARKET

Intervale Community Farm

Burlington Farmers Market

Offering summer and winter shares, the Intervale Community Farm keeps members in local veggies all year round.

It also partners with producers to provide eggs, bread and goat cheese. (Burlington • intervalecommunityfarm.com)

Farmers market Saturdays have been a Burlington staple since 1980. The summer market on Pine Street feels like a festival of Vermont-made fare and crafts. (Burlington • burlingtonfarmersmarket.org)

The cocktail bar and candy shop crafts Milkweed-branded CBD confections — think the Bossy Hog (a dark chocolate and WhistlePig whiskey truffle) and the Flower Power Puff (a pink botanical-flavored marshmallow).

(Burlington • monarchandthemilkweed.com)

Other finalists:

Other finalists:

Other finalists: • Pete’s Greens: Craftsbury • petesgreens.com • Paul Mazza’s Fresh Produce: Essex Junction • paulmazzas.com • Bread & Butter Farm: Shelburne • breadandbutterfarm.com • Footprint Farm: Starksboro • footprintfarmvt.com

• Capital City Farmers Market: Montpelier • capitalcityfarmersmarket.com • Shelburne Farmers Market: Shelburne • sbpavt.org/the-market • Stowe Farmers Market: Stowe • stowefarmersmarket.com • Waitsfield Farmers Market: Waitsfield • waitsfieldfarmersmarket.com

Monarch & the Milkweed

• Magic Mann: Essex Junction • magicmann.com • Rosie’s Confections: Winooski • rosiesconfections.com • Zenbarn Farms: Waterbury Center • zenbarnfarms.com

FOOD

W US FOLLO OOK EB C O N FA O U R E E S TO K TRUC FOOD !

S T EVEN

CHECK OUT NEWEST LOCATION IN DOWNTOWN WINOOSKI! 192 BOXWOOD ST. WILLISTON, VT • 133 NORTH MAIN STREET #7, ST. ALBANS • WWW.GRAZERSVT.COM D2h-Grazers080322.indd 1

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LOCALS PICK THE BEST OF VERMONT SEVENDAYSVT.COM/DAYSIES

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Closing the loop between field and hearth since 1999.

FOOD BEST BREAD BAKERY

BEST MEXICAN RESTAURANT

August First

Taco Gordo

New owners Frank Pace and Marnie Long are continuing August First’s tradition of serving up stellar freshly baked loaves, including seven grain, seeded baguettes and house focaccia. (Burlington • augustfirstvt.com)

Taco Gordo started as a food cart in 2014, and now its tinga tacos, Crispy Boi tostadas and hefty burritos draw diners to a taqueria in the Old North End. Don’t forget to order a Takeout Marg LOL if you’re getting it all to-go. (Burlington • tacogordovt.com)

Other finalists: • Great Harvest Bread Co.: Burlington • greatharvest.com • Klinger’s Bread Company: South Burlington • klingersbread.com • Knead Bakery: Burlington • kneadvt.com • O Bread Bakery: Shelburne • obread.com

OUTSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY

Red Hen Baking Co.

Potato bread with Vermont-grown organic potatoes and Quebec-grown organic wheat.

Nibble a flaky croissant while watching bakers work, or sit down with soup and a sandwich. Breads and pastries are made with grains sourced from within 150 miles of the bakery. (Middlesex • redhenbaking.com)

Bread baked and delivered daily throughout VT Middlesex cafe open every day 7-3 with pastries, breakfast & lunch Our famous creemee window all summer: M-Th 11-6; F-Su 11-8

961 U.S. Rt. 2, Middlesex. Just off exit 9 from I-89

• Red House Sweets: St. Albans • redhousesweetsvt.com • Trent’s Bread: Westford • trentsbread.com • Two Sons Bakehouse: Hyde Park, Jeffersonville • twosonsbakehouse.com

BEST SWEETS BAKERY

802.223.5200 | redhenbaking.com D4T-RedHen22.indd 1

Other finalists:

7/21/22 2:36 PM

FIND US ON

FACEBOOK FOLLOW US AT

LEONARDOS__PIZZA FOLLOW US AT

@LEONARDOSPIZZA

Mirabelles Bakery Meticulously made pastries, pies, cookies and cakes are a feast for the eyes and the taste buds. The croissants are truly French style; the flourless chocolate cakes, to die for.

(South Burlington • mirabellesbakery.com)

Other finalists: • Barrio Bakery: Burlington • barriobakeryvt.com • Morning Light Bakery: Winooski • morning-light-vt.com • Sweet Simone’s: Richmond • sweetsimones.com

SEVEN DAYSIES 2022-23 14

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Julio’s Cantina

Fajitas sizzle and margaritas flow at this festive restaurant, where chips and guac are made to order.

(Montpelier • juliosmontpelier.com)

Other finalists: • Arandas Mexican Cuisine: Barre • arandas-mexican-cuisine.square.site • Aztlan Foods: Waterbury • aztlanfoodsvt.com • Tacocat Cantina: Randolph • tacocatcantina.com

BEST CHINESE RESTAURANT

A Single Pebble There’s no sign of General Tso in this authentic Asian eatery, where steamed pork buns, mock eel and tangerine peel chicken are among the house classics.

For the full experience, try chef-owner Chiuho Sampson’s nine-course tasting menu. (Burlington • asinglepebble.com)

Other finalists:

Handmade doughnuts meet housemade jams, jellies, cream fillings, and whole berries and fruits. Arrive early or order ahead to get your mitts on these artisan goodies before they sell out. (Morrisville • northcountrydonuts.com)

BEST THAI RESTAURANT

• Birchgrove Baking: Montpelier • birchgrovebaking.com • Bohemian Bakery: Montpelier • bohemianbakeryvt.com • Red House Sweets: St. Albans • redhousesweetsvt.com • Red Poppy Cakery: Waterbury • redpoppycakery.net

7/19/22 3:20 PM

OUTSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY

OUTSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY

Other finalists:

www.leonardosonline.com ORDER ONLINE / USE OUR APP delivery / carry out

• Agave Taco and Tequila Casa: Williston • agavevt.com • El Cortijo Taqueria: Burlington • cortijovt.com • El Gato Cantina: Burlington, Essex • elgatocantina.com • The Mad Taco: Essex Junction, Middlebury, Montpelier, Waitsfield • themadtaco.com

• Chef Leu’s House: Shelburne • chefleushouse.com • Eastern Dragon: St. Albans • easterndragonvermont.com • Mandarin: Winooski • mandarinvt.com

North Country Donuts

1160 Williston Road 802 951 9000 83 Pearl Street 802 862 7700

Other finalists:

Tiny Thai Restaurant In a new Winooski location, Tiny Thai continues to serve up steaming tom kha, satay and curries, which take their cues from food carts and family tables across Thailand. Ask for the genuine Thai menu.

(Winooski • tinythairestaurant.net)

Other finalists: • BKK in the Alley: Burlington • bkkinthealley.com • Maliwan Thai Restaurant: Essex Junction • maliwanthairestaurant.com • Thai House Restaurant: St. Albans • Facebook • Wilaiwans: Montpelier • wilaiwanskitchen.com

FOOD

BEST VIETNAMESE RESTAURANT

Pho Hong Lan Hong opened Pho Hong in a former bus station in the Old North End more than a decade ago, and the family is currently expanding into the space next door. All the more room to dig into Vietnamese noodle soups, grilled meats over rice vermicelli and veggie stir fries. (Burlington • Facebook)

Other finalists: • Pho Dang Vietnamese Café: Winooski • Facebook • Pho Capital: Montpelier • Facebook • Saigon Kitchen: Burlington • saigonkitchenvt.wixsite.com/website • Sarom’s Café: Winooski • saromscafe.com

BEST VEGAN FARE*

Pingala Café Nachos seasoned with homemade Doritostyle dust, smoky carrot “dawgs,” and macaroni with cashew cheese are among the crowdpleasers. Dishes are vegan and inspired by food truck fare. (Burlington • pingalacafe.com)

Other finalists: • Knead Bakery: Burlington • kneadvt.com • Nourish: St. Albans • nourishwfpb.com • Revolution Kitchen: Burlington • revolutionkitchen.com • Sweet Alchemy Bakery & Café: Essex Junction • sweetalchemyvt.com

BEST GLUTEN-FREE MENU OPTIONS

BEST NEPALI RESTAURANT

Café Mamajuana

Sherpa Kitchen Restaurant

From arancini to tostones poutine, almost everything is gluten-free at this Dominican-fusion restaurant and market. Save room for an order of GF flan.

(Burlington • cafemamajuana.com)

Mango lassi pairs perfectly with classic Himalayan momos, curries, thali platters and stews. (Burlington • Facebook)

Other finalists: • Everest Indian-Nepali Restaurant: South Burlington • everestindiannepalirestaurantvt.com • Irawaddy: Essex Junction • irrawaddyvt.com • Namaste Indian-Nepali Kitchen: Montpelier • indiannepalikitchen.com • Red Panda Essex: Essex Junction • redpandaessex.com

BEST ITALIAN RESTAURANT

Trattoria Delia A romantic, firelit grotto setting and award-winning wine list are hallmarks of “Tratt.” Try the housemade pasta or grilled stuffed Vermont quail.

(Burlington • trattoriadelia.com) • Mimmo’s Pizzeria & Restaurant: Essex, St. Albans • mimmositalian.com • Papa Frank’s: Winooski • papa-franks.com • Pascolo Ristorante: Burlington • pascolovt.com • Sarducci’s Restaurant & Bar: Montpelier • sarduccis.com

BEST VEGETARIAN FARE

Honey Road Even omnivores may find themselves eating vegetarian at this Middle Eastern restaurant.

Chef-owner Cara Chigazola Tobin and her team spotlight local produce in plates such as grilled zucchini with curry aioli, golden raisins, spicy tomato vinaigrette and cashews.

(Burlington • honeyroadrestaurant.com)

Other finalists: • Pingala Café: Burlington • pingalacafe.com • Revolution Kitchen: Burlington • revolutionkitchen.com • Zabby & Elf’s Stone Soup: Burlington • stonesoupvt.com

• Jules on the Green: Essex Junction • julesvt.com • Sweet Alchemy Bakery & Café: Essex Junction • sweetalchemyvt.com • West Meadow Farm Bakery: Essex Junction • westmeadowfarmbakery.com

BEST BARBECUE

Bluebird Barbecue Diners “meat here” for smoked brisket, pulled pork, ribs and more than a dozen beers on tap. The Food Network named Bluebird one of the top 45 barbecue spots in the country. (Burlington • bluebirdbbq.com)

Other finalists: • Black Diamond Barbeque: Morrisville • blackdiamondbarbeque.com • Mark BBQ: Essex Junction • markbbqvt.com • Mill River Brewing BBQ & Smokehouse: St. Albans • millriverbrewing.com • Prohibition Pig: Waterbury • prohibitionpig.com

BEST COMFORT FOOD

Our House Bistro Maple bourbon fried cheese curds, Irish egg rolls and pork belly rhubarb mac live up to the bistro’s slogan: “twisted comfort food.” (Winooski; Plattsburgh, N.Y. • ourhousebistro.com)

Other finalists: • Bluebird Barbecue: Burlington • bluebirdbbq.com • Café Mamajuana: Burlington • cafemamajuana.com • Harmony’s Kitchen: Burlington • harmonyskitchenvt.com • Morning Light Bakery: Winooski • morning-light-vt.com

CELEBRATING Ce25 s! r lebrYEARS! a e y a ti n g 2 5

Check out our Corner Creemee Stand this Summer!

LOCALS PICK THE BEST OF VERMONT SEVENDAYSVT.COM/DAYSIES

Other finalists:

Other finalists:

chefscornervermont.com | (802)878-5524 | 300 Cornerstone Dr. Williston, VT

chefscornervermont.com 300 Cornerstone Dr., Williston | 802.878.5524

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BEST BAGEL

Myer’s Bagels Founder-baker Lloyd Squires learned his craft north of the border, at the famed St-Viateur Bagel. He’s moved on, but the Montréal-style bagels remain. (Burlington • myersbagels.com)

Other finalists: • The Bagel Café & Deli: Burlington • bagel.cafe • The Bagel Place: Essex Junction • thebagelplacevt.com • Burlington Bagel Bakery: Burlington, South Burlington • burlingtonbagelbakery.com • Feldman’s Bagels: Burlington, Enosburgh, Shelburne, St. Albans • feldmans-bagels.com

OUTSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY

Wally’s Place

Named for longtime South Hero citizen Walter “Wally” Niebling, this café brings the community together over bagels. Fifteen signature flavors range from honey wheat to Montréal spice. (South Hero • wallysplacevt.com)

Other finalists: • The Bagel: Stowe • thebagelstowe.com • K.C.’s Bagel Café: Waterbury • kcsbagelcafe.com • Maria’s Bagels: Barre • mariasbagels.com

BEST EGGS BENEDICT

Sneakers Bistro Folks have frequented the Onion City’s retro café for more than 40 years. The allday breakfast, particularly the Sneakers Famous Eggs Benedict, is legendary.

(Winooski • sneakersbistrovt.com)

Other finalists:

SEVEN DAYSIES 2022-23

• Blue Paddle Bistro: South Hero • bluepaddlebistro.com • Chef’s Corner Café & Bakery: Williston • chefscornervermont.com • Maxi’s: Waterbury • maxisrestaurant.com • Rustic Roots: Shelburne • rusticrootsvt.com

Madeleine’s Bakery

A lot of doughnuts have gone down in the last two and a half years.

Madeleine’s Bakery, which opened in 2011, is a bit of a sleeper in this arena — though not to its fans. Tucked next to an Ace Hardware store off Route 7 in Milton, it’s an unassuming, old-fashioned bakery where throngs of doughnut fans line up to pick favorites.

These are not newfangled funky flavors or culinary works of art with seasonal fruit glazes or crispy kid-cereal toppings. Madeleine’s traffics in the classics: Boston cream, braided French crullers, chocolate glazed, and, of course, maple frosted and maple cream.

A “plain” jelly doughnut here is anything but.

Prepare for a pillowy, sugar-dusted, teethsinking orb infused with a rich, jammy center. The Boston cream balances a consummate chocolate glaze against the vanilla custard inside. The maple cream is the real syrup deal in fluffy form, oozing out of a powdered-sugar puff.

While you’re at Madeleine’s, check out the cinnamon rolls, cannoli, éclairs and cakes that, dare we say, look just as delicious as the doughnuts.

Milton • madeleinesbakery.com

BEST BREAKFAST SANDWICH

Myer’s Bagels The wood-fired oven has been turning out hundreds of hand-rolled Montréal-style bagels daily since 1996. Start your morning with the Ivan: fried egg, Brie, avocado and sriracha. (Burlington • myersbagels.com)

CAROLYN SHAPIRO

FOOD

BEST DOUGHNUTS

BEST PIZZA (RESTAURANT)

Folino’s Thin-crusted and slightly charred, Folino’s wood-fired pies are nothing short of perfection.

For a change of pace, try the Detroit-style pizza, baked in a steel pan and layered with toppings, cheese and then sauce. (Burlington, Shelburne, Williston • folinopizza.com)

Other finalists: • American Flatbread: Burlington, Middlebury, Waitsfield • americanflatbread.com • Pizza 44: Burlington • pizza44vt.com • Pizzeria Ida: Burlington • Instagram • Pizzeria Verità: Burlington • pizzeriaverita.com

OUTSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY

Piecasso Pizzeria & Lounge

Owner Eduardo Rovetto’s parents came from Sicily and taught him well. Choose from handtossed, thin-crust pizzas with traditional and creative toppings. (Stowe • piecasso.com)

Other finalists: • Pearl Street Pizza: Barre • pearlstpizza.com • Pie in the Sky: St. Albans • pieintheskyvermont.com • Positive Pie: Hardwick, Montpelier, Plainfield • positivepie.com • Rusty’s Pizza & Pie: Cambridge • rustyspizzaandpie.com

BEST PIZZA (DELIVERY)

Leonardo’s Think beyond basic cheese and pepperoni.

Pies such as Thai Chicken and Goat Cheese Honey are available on white, whole-wheat or gluten-free crusts, delivered fresh from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. (Burlington, South Burlington • leonardosonline.com)

Other finalists:

Other finalists:

• The Café HOT.: Burlington • thecafehot.com • Henry Street Deli: Burlington • henrystreetdeli.com • Kountry Kart Deli: Burlington • Facebook • Stowe Street Café: Waterbury • stowestreetcafe.com

• Piecasso Pizzeria & Lounge: Stowe • piecasso.com • Positive Pie: Hardwick, Montpelier, Plainfield • positivepie.com • Ramunto’s Brick Oven Pizza: Bennington, Brattleboro, Williston • ramuntos.com • Vespa’s Pizza Pasta Deli: Essex Junction • vespaspizza.com

Thank you for all of your support!

No Reservations. Patio is open.

Online ordering available for takeout.

55 Main Street, Burlington

restaurantpoco.com

JO IN THE R EV O LU TIO N: REVIND O O R.CO M

Wed & Thu 5:30-9, Fri & Sat 5:30-10

THANK YOU VERMONT, THE BEAT GOES ON! !

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM AND FACEBOOK FOR UPDATES

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FOOD BEST STEAK

Hen of the Wood Hen’s fare changes daily to make the best use of local and seasonal ingredients. When there’s steak on the menu, the elevated dish might feature béchamel, grilled kale or Bayley Hazen Blue cheese. (Burlington, Waterbury • henofthewood.com)

Other finalists: • Blue Paddle Bistro: South Hero • bluepaddlebistro.com • EB Strong’s Prime Steakhouse: Burlington • ebstrongs.com • Guild Tavern: South Burlington • guildtavern.com • The Windjammer: South Burlington • windjammerrestaurant.com

BEST VEGGIE BURGER*

The Farmhouse Tap & Grill If beef is not what’s for dinner, order the Mediterranean chickpea burger instead.

It comes topped with tomato, shaved cucumber and red onion, arugula, and tzatziki sauce. (Burlington • farmhousetg.com)

Other finalists: • Archie’s Grill: Shelburne • archiesgrill.com • Good Times Café: Hinesburg • goodtimescafevt.com • Grazers: St. Albans, Williston, Winooski • grazersvt.com • The Reservoir Restaurant & Taproom: Waterbury • waterburyreservoir.com

BEST BURGER

Buffalo chicken sandwich with onion rings

The Farmhouse Tap & Grill

BEST SANDWICHES OUTSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY

Stowe Sandwich Company

The Farmhouse Group’s award-winning gastropub offers six local burgers, from the LaPlatte River Angus Farm Beef to the Misty Knoll Turkey to the Farmhouse Veggie. (Burlington • farmhousetg.com)

Other finalists:

A framed collage at Stowe Sandwich features snapshots of coowners Roz and Don Moffett and their three kids. The explanation, spelled out on the letter board in the middle of it, reads: “It’s a family thing.”

After tiring of working opposite schedules in different fields, the couple moved from Florida and bought the business in 2018.

Their two grown daughters work with them at the tidy, blue-roofed spot on the Mountain Road. Tourists and locals flock there for signatures such as the Vermont pressed sandwich with ham, bacon, cheddar, apple, housemade maple mustard and a dusting of cinnamon sugar. The roster of fried chicken sammies includes a blue-cheesy Buffalo and popular Korean-style special with kimchi.

New this summer is the mobile Lunch Box & Grill. Follow your nose to the big smoker in the parking lot for sandwiches piled high with brisket or pulled pork tossed with housemade barbecue sauce. Whatever you order, get a side of crunchy onion rings. There are mountains nearby; you’ll work them off.

• GloryBurger: Richmond • gloryburgervt.wixsite.com/website • Grazers: St. Albans, Williston, Winooski • grazersvt.com • Kate’s Food Truck: Jericho • katesfoodtruck.com • The Shopping Bag: Burlington • shoppingbagvt.com

OUTSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY

Worthy Burger

Burgers of all kinds are flame-kissed over a hardwood fire — top ’em with bacon, cheese or secret sauce. Hopheads trek from afar for the craft beers on draft. (South Royalton • worthyvermont.com/worthy-burger)

Other finalists: • Buddy’s Famous: Montpelier • buddysfamousvt.com • Burger Barn: Jeffersonville • Facebook • Piecasso Pizzeria & Lounge: Stowe • piecasso.com • Three Penny Taproom: Montpelier • threepennytaproom.com

Stowe • stowesandwich.com

SEVEN DAYSIES 2022-23

EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN MEZZE MADE WITH LOCAL INGREDIENTS Visit us for wine tastings, concerts & events!

Honey Road

Pioneers of Vermont wine and premier Vermont

Open Tues - Sat 4:30-9:30pm

NOW BOOKING 2023/2024

156 Church St Burlington

Wedding & Event Space

shelburnevineyard.com

6308 SHELBURNE ROAD • 802-985-8222

honeyroadrestaurant.com

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we’re winning (with you)

From all of us at The Automaster: Thank you for your continued support.

Come in to one of our showrooms today and allow us to demonstrate our commitment to auto excellence.

3328 SHELBURNE ROAD

|

985-8411

|

THEAUTOMASTER.COM

FOOD BEST FRENCH FRIES

Al’s French Frys

Thank you for your support!

Like everything else about this place, the “frys” here are done the old-fashioned way: cut by hand and cooked twice so they’re hot, fresh and flavorful. (South Burlington • alsfrenchfrys.com)

Other finalists: • Beansie’s Bus: Burlington • beansies.com • GloryBurger: Richmond • gloryburgervt. wixsite.com/website • Kate’s Food Truck: Jericho • katesfoodtruck.com • Mule Bar: Winooski • mulebarvt.com

BEST POUTINE*

Maudite Poutine

2022 DAYSIES FINALIST Best Italian Restaurant RIVERSIDE SEATING LOCAL PRODUCE | WOOD-BURNING OVEN OUTSTANDING SERVICE 3 MAIN ST, MONTPELIER | 802 223 0229 | SARDUCCIS.COM

Seeking a Québec-style spot for your fix of fries, gravy and cheese curds? Look no farther than Maudite Poutine in Burlington’s Old North End. Creative toppings range from Buffalo chicken to black bean veggie patty. (Burlington • vermontpoutine.com)

Other finalists: • Deep City: Burlington • deepcityvt.com • Kate’s Food Truck: Jericho • katesfoodtruck.com • Leunig’s Bistro & Café: Burlington • leunigsbistro.com

BEST WINGS

Honey Road The sesame-sprinkled, brown sugarharissa chicken wings soar at this Middle Eastern small-plates destination.

They’re sticky, spicy and sweet — and balanced perfectly by dried lime labne.

(Burlington • honeyroadrestaurant.com)

Other finalists: • Bluebird Barbecue: Burlington • bluebirdbbq.com • The Tavern (Essex Culinary Resort & Spa): Essex • essexresort.com • Wicked Wings: Winooski • wickedwingsvermont.com • Wings Over Burlington: South Burlington • wingsover.com

BEST SUSHI

Asiana House From Pink Lady Maki to Green Mountain Maki, Pearl Street’s fusion-style Japanese restaurant is known for its creative, expertly rolled combinations.

(Burlington • orderasianahouse.com)

Other finalists: • Hana Japanese Restaurant: South Burlington • hanavermont.com • Koto Japanese Steak House: South Burlington • kotovt.com • Sushi Maeda: Burlington • sushimaeda.com • Sushi Yoshi: Killington, Stowe • vermontsushi.com, sushistowe.com

BEST DUMPLINGS

BEST SANDWICHES Hong’s Chinese 3 MAIN ST, MONTPELIER | 802 223 0229 | SARDUCCIS.COM Dumplings Martone’s Market & Café Thanks to all our customers for your support!

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The Essex Junction deli and market is popular for its high-piled sandwiches.

The Vermonter — maple turkey, ham, cheddar and honey mustard on homemade bread — is a local favorite. (Essex Junction • martonesmarket.com)

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- come join us Other finalists:

• Four Corners of the Earth: Burlington • fourcornersdeli.com • Poppy: Burlington • poppyvt.com • The Red Onion Café: Charlotte • theredonioncafe.business.site • Top of the Block Sandwich Shop: Burlington • topoftheblocksandwichshop. square.site

OUTSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY

Stowe Sandwich Company

2022 DAYSIES FINALISTS!

Best Coffee Shop

After 17 years of running a Daysies-winning food cart on the Church Street Marketplace, Hong Yu opened a restaurant in 2017.

Her signature dumplings are still a hit.

(Burlington • hongsdumplings.com)

Other finalists:

11/16/18 10:18 A

• A Single Pebble: Burlington • asinglepebble.com • Café Dim Sum: Burlington • cafe-dim-sum.business.site • Green Mountain PotStickers: gmpotstickers.com • Sherpa Kitchen Restaurant: Burlington • Facebook

BEST NACHOS

El Cortijo Taqueria The Farmhouse Group’s hip taqueria tops its signature nachos with queso fundido, black beans, salsa taquera, scallions, pickled jalapeños, sour cream and cilantro. Breakfast nachos are a unique alternative. (Burlington • cortijovt.com)

SEVEN DAYSIES 2022-23

SEATING | LOCAL Best Breakfast SandwichPRODUCE | WOOD-BURNING OVEN Whether you take your sammies grilled, pressed, cold or filled with fried chicken, this family-owned breakfast and lunch destination won’t disappoint.

(Stowe • stowesandwich.com)

breakfast • lunch catering • espresso • lattes locally roasted coffee • fresh juice unique art + gifts from VT + beyond

Other finalists:

Other finalists:

• The Bench: Stowe • benchvt.com • El Gato Cantina: Burlington, Essex • elgatocantina.com • Sweetwaters: Burlington • sweetwatersvt.com • Upper Deck Pub: South Burlington • windjammerrestaurant.com

GREAT ITALIAN FOOD | OUTSTANDING SERVICE WEDNESDAY-FRIDAY: 7:30 AM - 2 PM • SATURDAY & SUNDAY: 9 AM - 2 PM

• Kuya’s Sandwiches + Kitchen: Randolph • Facebook • Morse Block Deli & Taps: Barre • Facebook • Tatro’s Soup & Sandwich: St. Albans • Facebook

ing organic produce from local farmers 29 Stowe Street, Waterbury • 882-8229 • stowestreetcafe.com

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THANK YOU to our team, friends and community for all of your support!

Pingala Café + the Broccoli Bar

We are honored to be a finalist for: Best Restaurant, Best Restaurant Service, Best Family Restaurant, Best Outdoor Dining, Best Wine List, Best Cocktails, Best To-Go Cocktails, Best Mocktails & Best CBD Beverage.

It should come as no surprise that Pingala Café took the inaugural win for vegan fare, a new Daysies category this year. Since chef and co-owner Trevor Sullivan opened his original spot in Burlington’s Chace Mill in 2014, the casual eatery has satiated vegans and omnivores with its creative, from-scratch, animal product-free menu featuring, for example, several types of “cheese” lavished over nachos, in macaroni and in the signature Crunchwrap Supreme.

Pingala’s little sibling, the mobile Broccoli Bar, launched in 2015.

This year it also earned the best food cart nod for its compelling, single-minded menu of little green trees stir-fried, barbecued, tempura’d and featured in dumplings.

Sullivan and his partner and co-owner, Lisa Bergström, recently opened a second Pingala in Burlington’s New North End. Food Network star Guy Fieri grins out from the window of the refurbished truck hood that greets customers. In a 2020 episode of “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives,” the TV chef watched Sullivan make every component of the Crunchwrap, from lentil and bean chili to oat queso. “Dude, I’m so impressed,” Fieri enthused.

Apparently, he’s not the only one.

DARIA BISHOP

Burlington • pingalacafe.com • broccolibar.com

Fresh rolls with peanut sauce (left), a Bahn Me Dawg with chips and an iced coffee

DINNER DAILY | RIVERSIDE DINING | EVENTS & WEDDINGS CHECK OUT OUR BRAND NEW EVENT SPACE! waterworksvt.com | 802.497.3525 D4t-waterworks080322.indd 1

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Our outdoor patio seating is now open!

Thank You BEST DOUGHNUTS

Taco Gordo

Madeleine’s Bakery

These West Coast-style tacos — on fresh corn tortillas — brim with everything from slow-cooked pork shoulder to house-ground spicy chorizo to beans made with “Grandma’s recipe.” (Burlington • tacogordovt.com)

Treat yourself or surprise your coworkers with varieties such as buttermilk, coconut crunch and maple cream, sold individually and by the dozen. (Milton • madeleinesbakery.com)

Other finalists: • El Cortijo Taqueria: Burlington • cortijovt.com • El Gato Cantina: Burlington, Essex • elgatocantina.com • The Mad Taco: Essex Junction, Middlebury, Montpelier, Waitsfield • themadtaco.com • Stone Corral: Richmond • stonecorral.com

to our loyal customers and Seven Days readers for your continued support

Other finalists:

gather, discover + connect

• Champlain Orchards: Shoreham • champlainorchards.com • Miss Weinerz: Burlington • missweinerz.com • North Country Donuts: Morrisville • northcountrydonuts.com

802.865.5200 133 BANK ST

•

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a si n g l e p e b b l e . c o m

BUR LINGTON, VERMONT

LOCALS PICK THE BEST OF VERMONT SEVENDAYSVT.COM/DAYSIES

Join Us

BEST TACO

FOOD

BEST VEGAN FARE* BEST FOOD CART

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FOOD

BEST HOUSEMADE ICE CREAM

BEST CHEESE BRAND

Shy Guy Gelato

Cabot Creamery

Pure maple syrup imbues soft-serve ice cream with Vermont’s famous flavor. Top your cone with housemade maple sprinkles. (Jericho • palmerlanemaple.mybigcommerce.com)

In a new downtown spot, Shy Guy scoops Italian-style gelati with global inspiration.

Flavors include classic fior di latte, creamy cantaloupe, brown butter candied pecan and an impossibly smooth dark chocolate sorbet that just happens to be vegan.

(Burlington • shyguygelato.com)

The prolific cheesemaker took home 12 awards from the U.S. Championship Cheese Contest in 2022 alone. Try the five-year cheddar or one flavored with hot Buffalo wing sauce. (Cabot • cabotcheese.coop)

Other finalists:

Other finalists:

• Burlington Bay Market & Café: Burlington • burlingtonbaycafe.com • Little Gordo Creemee Stand: Burlington • littlegordocreemeestand.com • Offbeat Creemee: Winooski • offbeatcreemee.com • The Village Scoop: Colchester • Facebook

• lu•lu: Vergennes • luluvt.com • Offbeat Creemee: Winooski • offbeatcreemee.com • The Scoop: Shelburne • thescoopvt.com • Sisters of Anarchy Ice Cream: Shelburne • sistersofanarchyicecream.com

OUTSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY

BEST CHOCOLATE BRAND*

BEST CREEMEE

Palmer Lane Maple

Vermont Cookie Love The sweet-toothed visit the Love Shack year-round for freshly baked cookies, but in summer the greater attraction is smooth, thick creemees made from Vermont dairy.

(North Ferrisburgh • vermontcookielove.com)

Other finalists: • Canteen Creemee Company: Waitsfield • canteencreemee.com • Dairy Creme: Montpelier • dairycreme.com • Devyn’s Creemee Stand: Swanton • Facebook • Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks: Montpelier • morsefarm.com

Lake Champlain Chocolates

Other finalists: • Grafton Village Cheese Co.: Brattleboro, Grafton • graftonvillagecheese.com • Jasper Hill Farm: Greensboro • jasperhillfarm.com • Shelburne Farms: Shelburne • shelburnefarms.org • Vermont Creamery: Websterville • vermontcreamery.com

BEST FOOD/DRINK EVENT

Truck Stop

Burlington’s premier chocolatier has something for everyone. Order a luscious hot chocolate, do a self-guided tasting or grab gourmet confections for someone special — aka yourself.

(Burlington • lakechamplainchocolates.com)

Other finalists: • Daily Chocolate: Vergennes • dailychocolatevt.com • NU Chocolat: Burlington • nuchocolat.com • Snowflake Chocolates: Jericho, South Burlington • snowflakechocolate.com

Get Japanese soul food, Southern barbecue, wood-fired pizza, a frosty local beer or a canned cocktail all in one parking lot. The new location across the street from ArtsRiot gives revelers room to spread out — and a super sunset view. (Burlington • truckstopvt.com)

Other finalists: • Burlington Wine & Food: Burlington • burlingtonwineandfood.com • Vermont Brewers Festival: Burlington, Killington • vermontbrewers.com

BEST COOKING CLASS

Baking School at King Arthur Baking Company Head to the flour company’s flagship campus for delicious lessons in baking.

World-class instructors will school you on everything from mastering British meat pies to discovering the magic of wild yeast.

(Norwich • kingarthurbaking.com)

Other finalists: • City Market, Onion River Co-op: Burlington • citymarket.coop • Cook Academy at the Essex Culinary Resort & Spa: Essex • essexresort.com • Cooking With Stephanie: Burlington • cookingwithstephanievt.com • Red Poppy Cakery: Waterbury • redpoppycakery.net

SEVEN DAYSIES 2022-23

Thank you To all of the hardworking staff, vendors and patrons who make August First amazing! And especially to Phil and Jodi for planting the seed. ~ Frank & Marnie augustfirstvt.com • 149 So. Champlain St • Burlington • Open Daily

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DRINK

BEST CRAFT BREWERY

Zero Gravity Craft Brewery

Other finalists: • Black Flannel Brewing & Distilling Co.: Essex Junction • blackflannel.com • Burlington Beer Company: Burlington • burlingtonbeercompany.com • Foam Brewers: Burlington • foambrewers.com • Four Quarters Brewing: Winooski • 4qbc.com

Hill Farmstead Brewery

drink good tea

Since RateBeer first voted Shaun Hill’s brewery the best in the world in 2013, the rural spot has gained an international following. Fill a growler, grab a bottle in the retail shop or take in the view with a full pour on the porch.

(Greensboro Bend • hillfarmstead.com)

HEAL YOUR SOUL

HEAL THE PLANET

DRINK

The Burlington brewery’s beer hall has ample indoor and outdoor seating for sipping selections such as Conehead IPA and Green State Lager. Even teetotalers can get in on the action with its nonalcoholic sister brand, Rescue Club. Cheers!

(Burlington • zerogravitybeer.com)

OUTSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY

Other finalists: • 14th Star Brewing Co.: St. Albans • 14thstarbrewing.com • Lawson’s Finest Liquids: Waitsfield • lawsonsfinest.com • Red Leaf Gluten-Free Brewing: Jeffersonville • Facebook • Ten Bends Beer: Hyde Park • tenbendsbeer.com

Dobra Tea '

* = NEW CATEGORY IN 2022

BEST BAR • BEST BARTENDER BEST COCKTAILS • BEST TO-GO COCKTAILS

BKK in the Alley + Jenny Sangkhanond

THANK YOU

for nominating us as a finalist for Best Tearoom in the Seven Daysies MENTION OR BRING IN THIS AD FOR 10% OFF YOUR DRINK ORDER

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Burlington • bkkinthealley.com

JOIN US AT OUR PUB & BREWERY

A QUINTESSENTIAL VERMONT EXPERIENCE, FOR

FEATURING A SEASONAL MENU IN A BEER HALL INSPIRED ATMOSPHERE.

JEFF DREW

LUKE AWTRY

to Bridgewater corners, VT riverside dining open for the season!

PLEASE VISIT LONGTRAIL.COM FOR PUB HOURS

Jenny Sangkhanond

5520 US RTE. 4 | BRIDGEWATER CORNERS, VERMONT | (802) 672-5011 | LONGTRAIL.COM D4T-MassBrewing22 1

LOCALS PICK THE BEST OF VERMONT SEVENDAYSVT.COM/DAYSIES

BKK in the Alley is a big party, and co-owner and head mixologist Jenny Sangkhanond keeps the cocktails and vibes flowing, whether she’s twirling a cocktail shaker or flinging aroma-filled bubbles onto a line of shots.

Sangkhanond is part of the Thai restaurant’s new generation, which took over, revamped and rebranded the former Bangkok Bistro in the Alley in late 2021. Now, chill crowds smoke hookah and drink buckets — or even towers — of mai tais and other tikiinspired cocktails at the end of Burlington’s Thorsen Way. Behind the neon-lit bar — and in videos on her Instagram account, @wicked_tequilaqueen — the pink-pigtailed Sangkhanond crafts cocktails with flair. Her signature drinks feature the aforementioned aromatic bubbles; fanciful ice carved into roselike swirls, filled with fresh orchids or molded into the shape of a butterfly; and plenty of Thai ingredients, such as homemade pandan syrup, chile-infused coconut milk and coldbrewed, boozed-up Thai tea. Party on.

125 South Winooski Ave., Burlington Vt.

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DRINK BEST BEER FROM A LOCAL BREWERY

BEST BEER FESTIVAL

Released as part of Hill Farmstead’s Ancestral Series, Edward is an awardwinning American pale ale crafted with water from the namesake’s own well.

(Greensboro Bend • hillfarmstead.com)

At a July festival in Burlington and a March one at Killington Resort, beer lovers from near and far raise a tasting glass to the state’s robust brewing scene. (Burlington, Killington • vermontbrewers.com)

• Disco Montage (Black Flannel Brewing & Distilling Co.): Essex Junction • blackflannel.com • Fiddlehead IPA (Fiddlehead Brewing Company): Shelburne • fiddleheadbrewing.com • Sip of Sunshine (Lawson’s Finest Liquids): Waitsfield • lawsonsfinest.com • Switchback Ale (Switchback Brewing Co.): Burlington • switchbackvt.com

BEST BREWPUB

Burlington Beer Company Burlington Beer went big when it opened its new brewpub in the city’s South End. The kitchen pumps out crowd-pleasing pub grub to pair with house brews, as well as suds, ciders and hard kombucha from other producers.

(Burlington • burlingtonbeercompany.com)

Other finalists: • Black Flannel Brewing & Distilling Co.: Essex Junction • blackflannel.com • Stone Corral: Richmond • stonecorral.com • Vermont Pub & Brewery: Burlington • vermontbrewery.com • Zero Gravity Beer Hall: Burlington • zerogravitybeer.com

BEST DRAFT BEER LIST

Mule Bar “Craft beer meets craft food” at the Onion City’s intimate watering hole. A wide-ranging tap list representing local and regional breweries suits many tastes. (Winooski • mulebarvt.com)

Other finalists: • Black Flannel Brewing & Distilling Co.: Essex Junction • blackflannel.com • Blackback Pub: Waterbury • theblackbackpub.com • Manhattan Pizza & Pub: Burlington • Instagram • Three Penny Taproom: Montpelier • threepennytaproom.com

BEST CRAFT BREW SELECTION

Beverage Warehouse The state’s largest craft beer, wine and liquor store goes above and beyond to keep its 14,000-plus Facebook fans in the loop on beer deliveries and free tastings. Recycle those cans at the drive-through redemption center.

(Winooski • beveragewarehousevt.com)

Vermont Brewers Festival

Other finalists: • Craft Brew Races: Stowe • craftbrewraces.com • Funk on the Water: Burlington • funkonthewater.com • SIPtemberfest: Fayston • siptemberfest.com • Vermont NanoFest: Tunbridge • brocklebankvt.com/vermont-nanofest.html

BEST WINERY

Shelburne Vineyard Winemaker Ethan Joseph pioneers new techniques in the vineyard and the cellar.

Sample the fruits of his labor in the airy tasting room, out on the patio or in the loft.

The winery acquired Lincoln Peak Vineyard in 2021. (Shelburne • shelburnevineyard.com)

Other finalists: • Ellison Estate Vineyard: Grand Isle, Stowe • ellisonestatevineyard.com • Kalche Wine Cooperative: Fletcher • kalchewine.co • La Garagista Farm + Winery: Barnard • lagaragista.com • Snow Farm Vineyard: South Hero • snowfarm.com

BEST WINE LIST

Dedalus Next to its carefully curated Burlington and Stowe wine markets, Dedalus pours enticing wines by the glass. Design your own flight, or let the sommeliers pour you what they’re loving lately. (Burlington, Stowe • dedaluswine.com)

Other finalists: • Cork Restaurant & Natural Wine Shop: Stowe • corkvt.com • Hen of the Wood: Burlington, Waterbury • henofthewood.com • Salt & Bubbles Wine Bar and Market: Essex Junction • saltandbubbleswine.com • Waterworks Food + Drink: Winooski • waterworksvt.com

• Salt & Bubbles Wine Bar and Market: Essex Junction • saltandbubbleswine.com • Village Wine & Coffee: Shelburne • villagewineandcoffee.com • Wilder Wines: Burlington • wilderwinesvt.com

BEST HARD CIDERY

Citizen Cider A lively tasting room brings cider to the citizens — straight from the tap or mixed into original cocktails. Stay for the tasty bar menu, including the “grown-a$$” grilled cheese or Korean-style barbecue chicken. (Burlington • citizencider.com)

Other finalists: • Champlain Orchards: Shoreham • champlainorchards.com • Shacksbury: Vergennes • shacksbury.com • Stowe Cider: Stowe • stowecider.com • Woodchuck Hard Cider: Middlebury • woodchuck.com

BEST SPIRITS DISTILLER

Caledonia Spirits In the impressive Capital City distillery and bar, sippers sample award-winning Barr Hill vodkas and gins, unique for their use of raw honey. Esquire included Barr Hill on its 2022 list of 27 best gin brands to drink right now. (Montpelier • caledoniaspirits.com)

Other finalists: • Black Flannel Brewing & Distilling Co.: Essex Junction • blackflannel.com • Green Mountain Distillers: Morrisville • greendistillers.com • Mad River Distillers: Burlington, Waitsfield, Warren • madriverdistillers.com • Smugglers’ Notch Distillery: Burlington, Jeffersonville, Waterbury Center • smugglersnotchdistillery.com

BEST BREWPUB

Burlington Beer Company

It took Burlington Beer seven years to open a location in its namesake city but no time at all for the new taproom to become a hopping spot for house suds and top-notch pub fare. Founderowner Joe Lemnah established his brewery in Williston in 2014 and added a massive taproom, beer-aging facility and shop in Burlington’s South End last fall. The company still brews a broad, inventive roster — from Strawberry Whale Cake cream ale to It’s Complicated Being a Wizard, a double IPA — in the original facility.

In Burlington, its historic brick building seats more than 235 across several areas, including a high-ceilinged dining room and a beer garden. While sipping beer flights, guests tuck in to juicy, local beef burgers loaded with brew-adjacent garnishes — think hopped pickles and IPA-infused Wizard sauce. Or they can graze on housemade pretzel bites with beer mustard, superlative shoestring fries and crisp wedge salads. It’s all well worth those years of waiting, according to Daysies voters.

Burlington • burlingtonbeercompany.com

Double-stack Smash Burger with hand-cut fries and an Elaborate Metaphor pale ale

BEST WINE SHOP

Dedalus For many oenophiles, Dedalus is the place to buy wine; the purchasing team only stocks bottles it stands behind 100 percent.

In addition to three retail shops, there’s a wine bar in Burlington and a seasonal wine garden and grill in Stowe. (Burlington, Middlebury, Stowe • dedaluswine.com)

Other finalists: • Cheese & Wine Traders: South Burlington • cheeseandwinetraders.com

FILE: DARIA BISHOP

SEVEN DAYSIES 2022-23

• Birdsong Beer & Wine: Hardwick • Facebook • Cheese & Wine Traders: South Burlington • cheeseandwinetraders.com • Craft Beer Cellar: Waterbury • waterbury.craftbeercellar.com • Stowe Public House & Bottle Shop: Stowe • stowepublichouse.com

Edward (Hill Farmstead Brewery)

Other finalists:

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Other finalists:

BEST PLACE TO DRINK ALONE

BKK in the Alley

The Archives

The Thai restaurant and bar’s monthly craft cocktail specials ensure that imbibers never get stuck in a rut. By its own account, BKK is the first bar in Burlington to serve drinks with aromatic infused bubbles.

(Burlington • bkkinthealley.com)

Drinking solo? You’ll find ample entertainment at Burlington’s downtown arcade or its newer Winooski outpost. They serve up everything from sour beers to sake to Street Fighter II. (Burlington, Winooski • thearchivesbar.com)

Other finalists: • The 126: Burlington • deli126vt.com • The Archives: Burlington, Winooski • thearchivesbar.com • Mule Bar: Winooski • mulebarvt.com • The Wallflower Collective: Burlington • Instagram

BEST BARTENDER

Jenny Sangkhanond (BKK in the Alley) BKK’s co-owner and head mixologist has won readers over by building specialty cocktails such as the Rum-yong (a Thai moonshine old-fashioned) and the Chao Praya, made with tequila, homemade Thai chile syrup and fresh mango juice. (Burlington • bkkinthealley.com)

Other finalists: • Dan Avery (Finnigan’s Pub): Burlington • finnigansvt.com • Kate Wise (Juniper Bar & Restaurant): Burlington • hotelvt.com • Sydney Sloan (Red Square): Burlington • Instagram • Willem Sandercox (Waterworks Food + Drink/Salt & Bubbles Wine Bar and Market): Winooski, Essex Junction • waterworksvt.com, saltandbubbleswine.com

BEST DIVE BAR

T. Rugg’s Tavern Beloved local bartender Mike Dunn bought this Old North End institution in 2021.

It’s open 365 days a year, from noon to 2 a.m., and has all the calling cards of a classic dive — pool tables, darts, a jukebox and plenty of PBR — but the bathrooms are clean. (Burlington • Facebook) • Charlie-O’s World Famous: Montpelier • Instagram • Finnigan’s Pub: Burlington • finnigansvt.com • Last Stop Sports Bar: Winooski • Facebook • The Other Place: Burlington • Facebook

BEST SPORTS BAR

McGillicuddy’s TV sports entertain diners as they nosh on burgers or corned beef and cabbage. Draft beers and top-shelf whiskeys keep ’em happy no matter who’s winning the game.

(Colchester, Essex Junction, Williston • mcgillicuddysonthegreen.com, mcgillicuddysfivecorners.com, mcgillicuddysirishalehouse.com)

Other finalists: • The 126: Burlington • deli126vt.com • Happy Place Café (Vermont Comedy Club): Burlington • vermontcomedyclub.com/happyplace • The Wallflower Collective: Burlington • Instagram

BEST BLOODY MARY

Penny Cluse Café

Thank you for your support!

Some consider tomato juice and spirits to be part of a well-rounded breakfast. Penny Cluse’s Simple Bloody Mary or Bloody Maria, loaded with horseradish and pickled peperoncini, hits the spot. (Burlington • pennycluse.com)

Other finalists: • American Flatbread Burlington Hearth: Burlington • americanflatbread.com • Après: Stowe • Instagram • Misery Loves Co.: Winooski • mlcvt.com • Rustic Roots: Shelburne • rusticrootsvt.com

BEST COCKTAILS

BKK in the Alley BKK’s cocktail menu goes far beyond the standard martini or Manhattan. Follow head mixologist Jenny Sangkhanond on Instagram (@wicked_tequilaqueen) for enticing pics of unique concoctions — or, better yet, swing by the bar to sip one yourself. (Burlington • bkkinthealley.com)

Other finalists: • The 126: Burlington • deli126vt.com • Caledonia Spirits: Montpelier • caledoniaspirits.com • Monarch & the Milkweed: Burlington • monarchandthemilkweed.com • Waterworks Food + Drink: Winooski • waterworksvt.com

DAYSIES FINALISTS: BEST BREWPUB • BEST TACO

A fantastic selection of traditional and innovative award-winning brews Delicious handcrafted burgers, tacos, salads, nachos and more!

LIVE MUSIC! OPEN SEVEN DAYS! 83 Huntington Road, Richmond • (802) 434-5787 • stonecorral.com Visit our website for music, events and limited release beers.

WE APPRECIATE 24 YEARS OF YOUR SUPPORT!

BEST TO-GO COCKTAIL*

W

BKK in the Alley Updated Vermont liquor laws mean carryout cocktails, popularized during the pandemic, are still good to-go. You can pair your takeaway panang curry with the boozy beverage of your choice.

(Burlington • bkkinthealley.com)

Proudly serving:

Other finalists: • Caledonia Spirits: Montpelier • caledoniaspirits.com • El Gato Cantina: Burlington, Essex • elgatocantina.com • Monarch & the Milkweed: Burlington • monarchandthemilkweed.com • Waterworks Food + Drink: Winooski • waterworksvt.com

Other finalists: • Akes’ Place: Burlington • Facebook • Finnigan’s Pub: Burlington • finnigansvt.com • Ruben James: Burlington • rjsburlingtonvt.com

COFFEE, TREATS, BREAKFAST & LUNCH capitolgrounds.com • 27 State St • Montpelier • Open 7 Days D4T-CapitolGrounds22.indd 1

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LOCALS PICK THE BEST OF VERMONT SEVENDAYSVT.COM/DAYSIES

Other finalists:

DRINK

BEST BAR

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DRINK BEST MOCKTAIL*

Waterworks Food + Drink You don’t have to stan The Outsiders author S.E. Hinton to get into the Cherry Valance, an alcohol-free mix of fresh lemon and orange juices, Luxardo cherry syrup, and soda water. Stay gold. And sober. (Winooski • waterworksvt.com)

Other finalists: • The 126: Burlington • deli126vt.com • Caledonia Spirits: Montpelier • caledoniaspirits.com • The Drake Bar and Kitchen: St. Albans • thedrakevt.com • Happy Place Café (Vermont Comedy Club): Burlington • vermontcomedyclub.com/happyplace

BEST NONALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE BRAND*

Rookie’s Root Beer Throw a stone in Vermont, and you’ll likely hit a bar, restaurant or market that carries Rookie’s carbonated concoctions — from ginger beer to orange cream. (Burlington • Facebook)

Other finalists: • Aqua ViTea Kombucha: Middlebury • aquavitea.com • Bitter Bubble: Burlington • bitterbubble.com • Rescue Club Brewing Company: Burlington • rescueclubbrewing.com • Savouré: Bristol • savouremtl.com

BEST SMOOTHIES/JUICES

Tomgirl Kitchen In the Soda Plant, Tomgirl’s juice makers cold-press local produce into raw, organic, seasonal sips — options include beetapple-lime with cayenne. Get yours in a mason jar to-go. (Burlington • tomgirl.co)

Other finalists:

BEST TEAHOUSE

• Eco Bean + Greens: South Burlington • ecobeanandgreens.com • Greene Mountain Nutrition & Smoothies: Essex Junction • greenemountainnutrition.com • The Main Squeeze: St. Albans • themainsqueezevt.com • The Vermont Juice Company: Burlington • vtjuiceco.com

Dobrá Tea At Dobrá’s new, well-lit digs on South Winooski Avenue, guests sit on bohemian floor pillows and browse a menu of more than 100 varieties of direct-sourced loose-leaf tea from around the globe. (Burlington • dobrateavt.com)

Other finalists: • Morning Light Bakery: Winooski • morning-light-vt.com • The North Branch Café: Montpelier • thenorth-branch.com • Stone Leaf Teahouse: Middlebury • stoneleaftea.com • Vermont Artisan Coffee & Tea Co.: Waterbury Center • vtartisan.com

BEST PLACE TO GET A CBD DRINK

Zenbarn Cocktails made with Zenbarn Farms CBD are as tasty as they are chill — and they’re often garnished with a hemp leaf. They’re perfect for Wednesdays, when Grateful Dead cover bands play. Or any night, really.

(Waterbury Center • zenbarnvt.com)

BEST COFFEE SHOP

Uncommon Coffee Co.

Other finalists: • The Cosmic Grind: Burlington • thecosmicgrind.com • Healthy Living Market & Café: South Burlington, Williston • healthylivingmarket.com • Rosie’s Confections: Winooski • rosiesconfections.com • Waterworks Food + Drink: Winooski • waterworksvt.com

After Uncommon Grounds closed its Queen City doors in 2019, former manager Maya Crowley opened this coffee and breakfast space with in-house roasting. Jump-start your day with a cup of Costa Rica La Minita or Vietnam Opal Bold. (Essex Junction • uncommonvt.com)

Other finalists: • The Cosmic Grind: Burlington • thecosmicgrind.com • Muddy Waters: Burlington • Facebook • Onyx Tonics: Burlington • onyxtonics.com • Speeder & Earl’s Coffee: Burlington • speederandearls.com

BEST COFFEE SHOP • BEST COLD-BREW/ICED COFFEE • BEST BARISTA

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Maya Crowley

Burlington’s Uncommon Grounds took home the Daysie for best coffee shop six years in a row prior to its closing in 2019. Now, a coffee shop run by its former manager follows in its footsteps.

Maya Crowley opened Uncommon Coffee in the Essex Experience in 2020.

The 5,000-square-foot space feels like a cozy library, with wingback armchairs, wooden benches, and floor-to-veryhigh-ceiling shelves filled with books and plants. Rob Maynard, another Uncommon Grounds alum, runs the roaster in the back of the shop.

Uncommon’s Japanese-style iced coffee is flash-chilled; it’s bright and strong, showing off the subtle flavors of carefully selected single-origin beans. Customers can personalize their 16-ounce cups with local maple, housemade vegan flavor syrups or even CBD. If iced coffee’s not your jam, Crowley also dreams up unique and luxurious seasonal drink specials, including what she called the “#VeryAsian” Ube and Cardamom & Smoke lattes to celebrate Lunar New Year.

Essex Junction • uncommonvt.com

Capitol Grounds Café On a typical morning, you’ll find folks who live, work, legislate and lobby in Montpelier fraternizing at Capitol Grounds.

Beans for the coffee and espresso drinks are sourced from around the world and roasted in-house under the 802 Coffee label. (Montpelier • capitolgrounds.com)

Other finalists: • Catalyst Coffee Bar: St. Albans • catalystcoffeebar.com • PK Coffee: Stowe, Waterbury • pkcoffee.com • Stowe Street Café: Waterbury • stowestreetcafe.com • Vermont Artisan Coffee & Tea Co.: Waterbury Center • vtartisan.com

BEST COFFEE ROASTER

Brio Coffeeworks From a Soda Plant coffee bar and roastery come Brio’s single-origin beans and blends, which make a perfect pour. Light roasting brings forward each carefully sourced coffee’s sweet, vibrant and complex flavors.

(Burlington • briocoffeeworks.com)

Other finalists: • Speeder & Earl’s Coffee: Burlington • speederandearls.com • Uncommon Coffee Co.: Essex Junction • uncommonvt.com • Vermont Artisan Coffee & Tea Co.: Waterbury Center • vtartisan.com • Vivid Coffee Roasters: Burlington • vividcoffee.com PHOTOS: OLIVER PARINI

SEVEN DAYSIES 2022-23

Uncommon Coffee Co. + Maya Crowley

OUTSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY

Don't be a Drunken Monkey. Drink Responsibly.

Monkey Shoulder Scotch Whisky, 43% alc/vol ©2022 Imported by William Grant & Sons, Inc. New York, NY.

BEST COLD-BREW/ICED COFFEE*

Uncommon Coffee Co. Iced, iced coffee, baby. Uncommon serves it Japanesestyle, brewing directly over ice to maintain maximum flavor. (Essex Junction • uncommonvt.com)

Other finalists: • 1A Coffee Roasters: Wilmington • 1acoffee.com • Brew House Coffee Company: Jericho • brewhousecoffeecompany.com • Vermont Artisan Coffee & Tea Co.: Waterbury Center • vtartisan.com

BEST BARISTA

Maya Crowley (Uncommon Coffee Co.) The owner of Chittenden County’s favorite coffee shop helps locals start the day with classic caffeinated beverages, as well as signature drinks such as the Tiger Claw: a double shot of espresso with milk, fresh orange syrup and housemade dark chocolate. (Essex Junction • uncommonvt.com)

Other finalists: • Connor MacEachern (1A Coffee Roasters): Wilmington • 1acoffee.com • Jason Gonzalez (Onyx Tonics): Burlington • onyxtonics.com • Piper Mamis (Muddy Waters): Burlington • Facebook • Tom Alario (Vermont Artisan Coffee & Tea Co.): Waterbury Center • vtartisan.com

FILE: JEB WALLACE-BRODEUR

DRINK

BEST PLACE TO GET A CBD DRINK

Zenbarn

Vermont has thousands of barns — but only one Zenbarn. The restaurant and music club in Waterbury Center is, at once, Zen and buzzy.

The Zen comes from the country setting and laid-back vibe created by brothers Ari and Noah Fishman, who founded the venue in 2016.

The buzz is courtesy of the crowd, the Grateful Dead cover bands that play every Wednesday night and, of course, the booze.

Cocktails at Zenbarn can be ordered with Zenbarn Farms CBD, extracted from cannabis grown at the on-site farm of Noah and his wife, Marlena. The CBD pairs with other local ingredients in mixed drinks such as the Gin and Chronic, with Barr Hill gin, and Pigs on the Wing, with WhistlePig Rye Whiskey.

Enjoy a cocktail on the patio by the gardens or in the big red barn, where the band sprinkles in other oldies, such as “Dancing in the Street,” to get the crowd moving. Zenbarn has a lot going on. No wonder it won three Daysies this year, for best small music hot spot, CBD retail shop and CBD drinks.

Waterbury Center • zenbarnvt.com

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SEVEN DAYSIES 2022-23

ARTS

+ENTERTAINMENT

Arts • Cra fts • Foods • Antiques BEST LARGE LIVE MUSIC VENUE

Shelburne Museum

Shelburne Museum

Shelburne Museum’s picturesque grounds serve as an outdoor venue each summer season. There’s nothing like the sweet sound of good music as the sun sets behind an al fresco stage.

(Shelburne • shelburnemuseum.org)

Big bands need big spaces, and Shelburne Museum’s 45-acre grounds fit the bill. The annual Ben & Jerry’s Concerts on the Green series books nationally known acts that draw a crowd — think Wilco, Lyle Lovett and Norah Jones. (Shelburne • shelburnemuseum.org)

Other finalists:

Other finalists:

• Essex Experience: Essex Junction • essexexperience.com • Shelburne Farms: Shelburne • shelburnefarms.org • Snow Farm Vineyard: South Hero • snowfarm.com • Waterfront Park: Burlington • enjoyburlington.com

• Champlain Valley Exposition: Essex Junction • cvexpo.org • The Flynn: Burlington • flynnvt.org • Higher Ground: South Burlington • highergroundmusic.com • Shelburne Farms: Shelburne • shelburnefarms.org

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BEST OUTDOOR MUSIC VENUE

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A2VT

What makes Vermont’s best hip-hop group, A2VT, stand out?

For one, its members perform their songs in up to eight languages, including English, Swahili, French, Maay Maay and a combination language they’ve dubbed “Swahenglish.” Add in the fact that the group, originally founded by African refugees Said Bulle, George Mnyonge and Cadoux Fanoy, managed to write an anthem, 2012’s “Winooski, My Town.” It was just a matter of time before A2VT’s dance- and pop-leaning brand of hip-hop, mixed with sounds of the African diaspora, captivated the state.

Their most recent work, 2020’s Twenty Infinity, is a slick, highenergy dance record that suggests the group is evolving into a more expansive sound. These days, A2VT is headed primarily by Bulle, aka Jilib, with a cast of guest performers who are young refugees themselves, all showcasing their talents within a group tailor-made to do just that.

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BEST HIP-HOP GROUP

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FILE: JAMES BUCK

ARTS +ENTERTAINMENT

On a mission to “destroy apathy,” this South End restaurant and event space showcases, as the venue’s website puts it, “artists who try new shit and push the envelope.” (Burlington • artsriot.com)

Pride Vermont Festival & Parade

OUTSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY

Zenbarn

Audience members party ’til the cows come home in this dairy barn turned events venue featuring live music most nights. Check the website for the full calendar of local and touring talent.

(Waterbury Center • zenbarnvt.com)

June may officially be Pride Month, but Burlington’s LGBTQ+ community knows the party doesn’t stop there. Every September, the Pride Center of Vermont presents a week of events celebrating queer and trans community and solidarity, and it all culminates in the radiant rave that is the Pride Vermont Festival & Parade. After a march down Church Street sure to get spectators cheering, revelers make their way to Battery Park, where activist groups hand out materials, drag performers bring the laughs and sass, and musicians get everyone on their feet.

With attacks on LGBTQ+ rights escalating across the country, this year’s event will balance pride and protest in the tradition of more than half a century of parades before it — to lift up love while rejecting bigotry, to celebrate joy while acknowledging grief and to toast the progress that’s been made with an eye toward the fight that is still ongoing.

Other finalists: • Bent Nails Bistro: Montpelier • bentnailsbistro.com • Billsville House Concerts: Manchester Center • billsvillehouseconcerts.com • Charlie-O’s World Famous: Montpelier • Facebook

BEST VOCALIST

Kat Wright

BEST INSTRUMENTALIST

SEVEN DAYSIES 2022-23

Dave Grippo

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The alto saxophonist and his Grippo Funk Band got their start in 1999, performing every Monday night at Burlington’s Red Square — for seven years. Also a music educator for the South Burlington School District, Grippo is shaping the next generation of players. (grippofunkband.com/artist/dave-grippo)

Other finalists: • André Maquera: weststreetdigital.com/meetandre • Bob Wagner: Facebook • Dylan Berno • Paul Asbell: paulasbell.com

Kat Wright

BEST LGBTQ+ EVENT

• Foam Brewers: Burlington • foambrewers.com • Monkey House: Winooski • monkeyhousevt.com • Nectar’s: Burlington • liveatnectars.com • Radio Bean: Burlington • radiobean.com

AliT: sheisalit.com Andriana Chobot: andrianachobot.com Mariko Gilman-Raymond Steve Hartmann: stevehartmannmusic.com

Bob Wagner: Facebook Dave Keller: davekeller.com Nobby Reed Project: nobbyreed.com Sarah King: sarahkingsings.com

BEST SOUL/FUNK/R&B ARTIST OR GROUP

Other finalists:

• • • •

The Burlington-based trio moves listeners with powerful and poignant blues and R&B numbers. Blast “Wait” from the 2018 EP Electric Lights for some serious catharsis. (dwightandnicole.com) • • • •

ArtsRiot

Other finalists:

Dwight + Nicole

Other finalists:

BEST SMALL MUSIC HOT SPOT

Known for her soulful serenading, Wright, along with bandmates Bob Wagner and Josh Weinstein, explored her folksy side on the 2021 and ’22 EPs Trio Sessions, Vol. 1 and 2. The Burlington-based songbird remains a major player in the local scene — and beyond. (katwright.com)

BEST BLUES ARTIST OR GROUP

Burlington • pridecentervt.org

BEST FOLK ARTIST OR GROUP

Troy Millette & the Fire Below This Fairfax singer-songwriter serves up altcountry-tinged light-rock songs about universal topics of love, friendship and finding one’s path in the world. (troymillettemusic.com)

Other finalists: • • • •

Bishop LaVey: bishoplavey.bandcamp.com Lavendula: lavendula.bandcamp.com Sarah King: sarahkingsings.com Steve Hartmann: stevehartmannmusic.com

BEST COUNTRY ARTIST OR GROUP

Jamie Lee Thurston Trace Adkins, Montgomery Gentry and Rodney Atkins have all performed songs penned by this Waterbury native. Country fans can tap their boots to high-octane tunes such as “Killin’ Song” and “Ghosts in His Eyes.” (jamieleethurston.com)

Other finalists: • • • •

Brett Hughes: Facebook Chris & Erica: Facebook Sarah King: sarahkingsings.com Wild Leek River: wildleekriver.com

What started as the house band for a weekly soul night at Radio Bean has grown into one of the region’s most dynamic ensembles. Look for the group at hometown venues and beyond. (katwright.com)

Other finalists: • Dwight + Nicole: dwightandnicole.com • Grippo Funk Band: grippofunkband.com • Purple: A Tribute to Prince: mydjlens.com/craigmitchell

BEST ROCK ARTIST OR GROUP

Rough Francis One of the loudest and rowdiest bands in Burlington, punk-rock group Rough Francis imbue their live performances with a rebellious spirit. Seven Days music editor Chris Farnsworth describes their records as “dripping with raw energy, political bite and pure musical muscle.” (roughfrancis.bandcamp.com)

Other finalists: • Father Figuer: fatherfiguer.com • Lily Seabird: lilyseabird.bandcamp.com • Troy Millette & the Fire Below: troymillettemusic.com

BEST POP ARTIST OR GROUP BEST BLUEGRASS ARTIST OR GROUP

The Tenderbellies The Burlington-based string band formed at an impromptu show in 2013 and has been serving up fingerpickin’-good bluegrass ever since. (tenderbellies.com)

Other finalists: • Beg, Steal or Borrow: begstealorborrowvt.com • The Wormdogs: thewormdogs.com

Shake Shake bring big energy to the stage with a modern take on retro pop and rock. Soaring vocal harmonies and up-tempo selections are their signature. (shaketheband.com)

Other finalists: • • • •

AliT: sheisalit.com Andriana Chobot: andrianachobot.com Derek O’Kanos: derekokanos.com Will Keeper: soundcloud.com/willkeeper

BEST HIP-HOP ARTIST OR GROUP

BEST JAZZ ARTIST OR GROUP

A2VT

Ray Vega

African and Western song and dance influence this hip-hop collective, which reached the 2021 International Songwriting Competition finals for the empowering anthem “I’m a Soul Survivor.” (a2vt.com)

Onstage and on air — as the host of Vermont Public’s “Friday Night Jazz” — trumpeter Ray Vega gets everyone grooving. He’s performed with some of the most famous Latin-jazz musicians of all time, from Mongo Santamaría to Tito Puente. (rayvegamusic.com)

Other finalists: • Cookie’s Hot Club: Facebook • Dan Ryan Express • Jenni Johnson & the Jazz Junketeers: jennijohnson.net • Paul Asbell: paulasbell.com

Other finalists: • Humble Among: humbleamong.bandcamp.com • Mister Burns: misterburnsvt.com

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ARTS +ENTERTAINMENT BEST MUSIC FESTIVAL

Burlington Discover Jazz Festival In Burlington, June is synonymous with jazz, thanks to this annual 10-day festival.

It fills venues from the Flynn to Waterfront Park with music from world-class headliners and locals alike. (Burlington • flynnvt.org)

Other finalists: • Grand Point North: Burlington • grandpointnorth.com • Green Mountain Bluegrass & Roots Festival: Manchester • greenmountainbluegrass.com • Tumble Down: Burlington • Facebook • Waking Windows: Winooski • wakingwindows.com

BEST CLUB DJ

BEST CLASSICAL MUSIC GROUP OR ENSEMBLE

Craig Mitchell

Vermont Symphony Orchestra

Multiple Daysies winner Craig Mitchell is a Burlington house favorite in the DJ booth, making his own music or playing a wild mix of others’. Wherever he goes, he brings the party. (mydjlens.com/craigmitchell)

Bringing music to Vermont’s biggest concert halls as well as its school gymnasiums and scenic hillsides, the VSO is the country’s oldest state-assisted orchestra, with a history dating back nearly 90 years. (vso.org)

Other finalists: • • • •

ATAK: mixcloud.com/djatak CRWD CTRL: soundcloud.com/bigwhite DJ Taka: Facebook DJ Whitehorse

Other finalists: • Champlain Trio: champlaintrio.com • Scrag Mountain Music: scragmountainmusic.org

BEST COVER/TRIBUTE BAND

BEST CHORAL ENSEMBLE

Purple: A Tribute to Prince

Bella Voce Women’s Chorus

Renowned house DJ Craig Mitchell is also a singer and arguably the biggest Prince fan in Vermont — or maybe anywhere.

For proof, seek out his killer tribute act. (mydjlens.com/craigmitchell)

The state’s premier women’s chorus is composed of auditioned members who sing at concerts across Vermont, the Northeast and Europe. Bella Voce’s smaller ensemble, Cantiamo, brings a cappella choral selections to more intimate venues. (bellavocevt.org)

Other finalists: • • • •

The Full Cleveland: thefullclevelandvt.com Heartless: heartlesstribute.com Lazer Dad: lazerdad.com RaiZed on Radio: Facebook

Other finalists: • The Aphasia Choir of Vermont: karenmcfeeters.com • Counterpoint Chorus: counterpointchorus.org • Solaris Vocal Ensemble: solarisensemble.org

BEST BOUNCERS

Chocolate Thunder Security If you’ve ever set foot in a Burlington bar or club, you’ve likely encountered Mikey van Gulden. He spent two decades working crowds and spotting fake IDs at Queen City hot spots before founding Chocolate Thunder Security.

(Burlington • chocolatethundersecurity.com)

BEST MOVIE THEATER

SEVEN DAYSIES 2022-23

Essex Cinemas

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Anyone who believes that shopping centers are soulless hasn’t been to the Essex Experience, which boasts a craft brewery, a live music venue, an art gallery and a center green. But its cultural anchor is still the Essex Cinemas, the 10-screen multiplex that owner Peter Edelmann opened in 2001 as Vermont’s first movie house with stadium seating. In 2010, Edelmann added the monster 400-seat T-Rex Theater, with 3D digital capability and a 60-foot curved screen.

Essex Cinemas got clobbered by the pandemic, but Edelmann refused to let it fade to black. Forced to shutter the auditoriums, he invested in a 40-foot inflatable screen and projected movies outdoors, with an FM broadcast signal for sound and free popcorn.

Then, when local schools reopened and many families were left without childcare, the theater hosted hundreds of students daily, showing them movies while their parents worked. Essex Cinemas is a first-time Daysies winner. It worked long and hard to earn the accolade.

Essex Junction • essexcinemas.com

FILE: LUKE AWTRY

Peter Edelmann

Other finalists: • The 126: Burlington • deli126vt.com • Higher Ground: South Burlington • highergroundmusic.com • Nectar’s: Burlington • liveatnectars.com • Radio Bean: Burlington • radiobean.com

BEST KARAOKE

JP’s Pub Wannabe rock stars belt out their all-time favorites every Thursday through Saturday at this no-frills dive bar. Writes one Yelp reviewer: “Omg it was good, it was bad, it was ugly. It was the best combination of songs I’ve ever heard.” (Burlington • Facebook)

Other finalists: • Charlie-O’s World Famous: Montpelier • Facebook • Ruben James: Burlington • rjsburlingtonvt.com

BEST PLACE TO PLAY POOL

Three Needs Tap Room & Pizza Cube With its meticulously maintained tables, Three Needs is a pool player’s paradise.

The competition here is always fierce; the craft brews and atmosphere, always chill. (Burlington • threeneeds.net)

Other finalists: • Charlie-O’s World Famous: Montpelier • Facebook • Monkey House: Winooski • monkeyhousevt.com • T. Rugg’s Tavern: Burlington • truggstavern.com • The Wallflower Collective: Burlington • Instagram

BEST TRIVIA NIGHT

Vermont Comedy Club Competitors test their memories on Trivia Tuesday, with hosts and themes rotating each week. Winners are rewarded with prizes including tickets to comedy shows.

(Burlington • vermontcomedyclub.com)

Other finalists: • Charlie-O’s World Famous: Burlington • Instagram • Four Quarters Brewing: Winooski • 4qbc.com • Marquis Theatre & Café: Middlebury • middleburymarquis.com • Nectar’s: Burlington • liveatnectars.com

BEST PLACE TO DANCE

Club Metronome Burlingtonians have been boogying at Metronome since the 1990s. Live acts and themed dance parties — think Emo Night and No Scrubs: ’90s Night — mean the dance floor is rarely empty. (Burlington • Facebook)

Other finalists: • Nectar’s: Burlington • liveatnectars.com • Radio Bean: Burlington • radiobean.com • Red Square: Burlington • Instagram

BEST STANDUP COMIC

Meredith Gordon In 2011, the Shelburne comic told Seven Days cofounder Pamela Polston that life stories, “the things people do and say,” provided fodder for her comedy. Nowadays that includes parenting foibles, which the mother of two ridicules on her Instagram account (@imakeyourparentinglookgood).

Other finalists: • Jared Hall: Facebook • Ryan Kenyon: Facebook • Tim Bridge: Instagram

BEST PLACE TO SEE COMEDY*

Vermont Comedy Club Follow the “unicow” mascot for standup and improv shows most nights. Grab a drink at the bar or a cup of joe at the club’s daytime Happy Place Café.

(Burlington • vermontcomedyclub.com)

Other finalists: • • • •

The 126: Burlington • deli126vt.com The Flynn: Burlington • flynnvt.org Lincolns: Burlington • Facebook Paramount Theatre: Rutland • paramountvt.org

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ARTS +ENTERTAINMENT BEST MOVIE THEATER

Essex Cinemas Stadium seating and 3D capabilities have established Essex Junction’s mainstream movie house as a fun place to view fresh flicks. In addition to current feature films, the theater screens old favorites and National Theatre Live performances.

(Essex Junction • essexcinemas.com)

Other finalists: • Majestic 10: Williston • majestic10.com • Marquis Theatre & Café: Middlebury • middleburymarquis.com • Merrill’s Roxy Cinema: Burlington • merrilltheatres.net • The Savoy Theater: Montpelier • savoytheater.com

BEST LOCAL THEATER COMPANY

Lyric Theatre Company Formed in 1973, Lyric is one of the largest community theater groups in the region.

With local casts and hundreds of volunteers, the nonprofit stages musicals such as Into the Woods and Shrek: The Musical.

(Burlington • lyrictheatrevt.org)

BEST LGBTQ+ EVENT*

BEST ART GALLERY

BEST ARTS EVENT

Pride Vermont Festival & Parade

BCA Center

South End Art Hop

Revelers show up for Vermont’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer community with a lively procession from Church Street to Battery Park, followed by an epic all-day party. (Burlington • pridecentervt.org)

Other finalists: • New Queers Eve: South Burlington • highergroundmusic.com • The People’s Pride Burlington: Burlington • Facebook • Untapped: A Night of Drag and Burly-Q: Winooski • monkeyhousevt.com • Winter Is a Drag Ball: South Burlington • highergroundmusic.com

BEST PERFORMING ARTS VENUE

The Flynn The Flynn’s Main Street marquee is a beacon for fans of music, theater and dance. The lovingly restored 1930s art deco movie house draws nearly 200,000 individuals each year to experience world-class arts and entertainment. (Burlington • flynnvt.org)

Other finalists: • Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center: Stowe • sprucepeakarts.org • Town Hall Theater: Middlebury • townhalltheater.org • Vermont Comedy Club: Burlington • vermontcomedyclub.com

Celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2022, Vermont’s largest art event attracts more than 30,000 for a weekend of open studios, music, food and a fashion show. The mostly free fest is organized by the South End Arts + Business Association and takes place along Burlington’s Pine Street. (Burlington • seaba.com)

Born from an arts council founded in 1981 by then-mayor Bernie Sanders, this multilevel gallery was once a firehouse. Now it hosts rotating contemporary art shows.

(Burlington • burlingtoncityarts.org)

Other finalists: • ArtHound Gallery: Essex Junction • arthoundgalleryvt.com • Milton Artists’ Guild: Milton • miltonartistsguild.org • Soapbox Arts: Burlington • soapboxarts.com

Other finalists: • Bern Gallery Pipe Classic: Burlington • berngallery.com • Festival of Fools: Burlington • vermontfestivaloffools.com • Vermont Burlesque Festival: multiple locations • vermontburlesquefestival.com • Waterbury Arts Fest: Waterbury • waterburyartsfest.com

BEST MUSEUM

Shelburne Museum Founded in 1947 by prolific collector Electra Havemeyer Webb, Shelburne Museum has more than 150,000 items in its permanent collection and connects past to present in compelling special exhibitions. View the art in 39 different structures, from the Ticonderoga steamboat to the contemporary Pizzagalli Center for Art and Education.

(Shelburne • shelburnemuseum.org)

BEST PAINTER

Katharine Montstream

No one captures the Vermont landscape quite like Katharine Montstream. Since her first solo show at the Daily Planet in 1989, she’s never stopped sharing new views of this place, in oils and watercolors. (kmmstudio.com)

Other finalists:

Other finalists:

• ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain: Burlington • echovermont.org • Fleming Museum of Art: Burlington • uvm.edu/fleming • Montshire Museum of Science: Norwich • montshire.org • Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum: Stowe • vtssm.org

• • • •

BEST ILLUSTRATOR

Amanda Brunell (Kitchen Table Studios)

Other finalists: • Foul Contending Rebels Theatre Co.: Burlington • foulcontendingrebels.org • Lost Nation Theater: Montpelier • lostnationtheater.org • Vermont Stage Company: Burlington • vermontstage.org • Very Merry Theatre: Burlington • verymerrytheatre.org

BEST ACTOR

Kaitie Bessette The Burlington thespian has starred in Saints and Poets Production’s rendition of Gorey Stories, as well as University of Vermont Department of Theatre productions of Noises Off and Urinetown. In her review of the latter, Seven Days theater critic Alex Brown called Bessette “delightful.” (Facebook)

Other finalists:

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BEST PLACE TO SEE COMEDY* • BEST TRIVIA NIGHT

Realistic renderings of pets, people and a delicious-looking stack of banana pancakes populate Brunell’s Kitchen Table Studios Facebook page. The artist accepts commissions and sells some works on Etsy. (Facebook)

Vermont Comedy Club

Other finalists:

Finding a solid place to see standup is no joke; we’ve all had to sit through sets that could have been tighter and improv hours that went a little too off-script. Luckily, anyone who’s been to a show at Burlington’s Vermont Comedy Club knows to expect the cream of the crop at this small but mighty venue. Most days of the week, the stage plays host to world-class comedians — Cameron Esposito, Maria Bamford and Naomi Ekperigin are just a few of the names coming down the pike later this year — as well as a rotating slate of improv, open mics, sketch shows and drag brunches. The Tuesday trivia nights are so good, they even warranted a second Daysie win.

(Leave some awards for the rest of us!) To top it all off, the club’s bar churns out crave-worthy cocktails by night and scrummy coffee by day as the Happy Place Café.

• Matt Douglas: matthewdouglas.com • Robert Waldo Brunelle Jr.: mrbrunelle.com

BEST PRINTMAKER

Sabra Field

Widely viewed as one of the country’s most accomplished printmakers, Field distills her love for Vermont’s human and natural landscapes into woodblock and giclée prints that speak to concepts of harmony and home, wherever that may be. (sabrafield.com)

Other finalists:

BEST DRAG PERFORMER OR GROUP

• Bethany Andrews-Nichols (Beenanza): beenanzadesign.com • Donna Waterman (Big D Stamps): Instagram • James Keenan: LinkedIn • New Duds: newduds.net

House of LeMay

BEST SCULPTOR

Hailing from “the Hot Dam Trailer Park in Beaver Pond, Vt.,” the House of LeMay is among New England’s most established drag troupes. Longtime regulars at the annual Winter Is a Drag Ball and many other charitable parties, members of the LeMays are entering a new era, which includes TikTok and a live web series. (Facebook)

Other finalists: • • • •

Emoji Nightmare: Facebook Giardia B: Instagram Katniss Everqueer: Facebook Sasha Sriracha

Burlington • vermontcomedyclub.com

Chris Cleary

COURTESY OF KYLE TANSLEY

SEVEN DAYSIES 2022-23

• Brendan Rice • G. Richard Ames: Facebook • Jayden Choquette: Facebook

Charlotte Dworshak: charlottedworshak.com Dakin Fuller: fineforager.com Eliza-Marie Phillip: lizasart.com Robert Waldo Brunelle Jr.: mrbrunelle.com

The Jericho Center sculptor gives stone new life as ornaments, memorials, birdbaths and custom pieces. A man of many trades — he’s also cocreator of daredevil performance troupe Cirque de Fuego — Cleary does additional work in materials such as wood and copper. (ontherocksvt.com)

Other finalists: • Leslie Fry: lesliefry.com • Sean Hunter Williams: seanhunterwilliams.com

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HOMESHARE Finding you just the right person!

(802) 863-5625 HomeShareVermont.org

SEVEN DAYSIES 2022-23

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THANK YOU From the Bottom of Our Paws.

A good dog is a tired dog www.ohmydogvt.com

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ARTS +ENTERTAINMENT BEST PHOTOGRAPHER

Hillary Dubie Photography

Alison Bechdel From her long-running comic strip “Dykes to Watch Out For” to her 2021 graphic memoir The Secret to Superhuman Strength, the former cartoonist laureate of Vermont never stops. Her breakout book, Fun Home, was made into a Broadway musical that won five Tony Awards. (dykestowatchoutfor.com)

Other finalists: • • • •

Harry Bliss: store.harrybliss.com Julianna Brazill: juliannabrazill.com Rachel Lindsay: rachellivesherenow.com Robert Waldo Brunelle Jr.: mrbrunelle.com

BEST PUBLISHED AUTHOR

Other finalists:

Chris Bohjalian

• Amelia Marie Photography: ameliamariephoto.com • Coco Rae Photography: Facebook • Isora Lithgow Creations: isoralithgowcreations.com • Jenn Adams (Studio 2N Portrait Photography): studio2nphotography.com

A New York Times best-selling author, Bohjalian has written more than 20 novels, including the 2022 historical thriller The Lioness, which follows a Hollywood starlet on a deadly safari. His 2018 thriller, The Flight Attendant, was adapted into a hit HBO Max show starring Kaley Cuoco. (chrisbohjalian.com)

Fun Summer Arrivals from

A+E

Burlington-based photographer Hillary Dubie captures life’s most momentous occasions with an artful eye and perfect focus. She shoots everything from weddings to boudoir sessions to babies’ first birthdays. (hdubiephoto.com)

BEST CARTOONIST

Other finalists: • Lauren Courcelle: wickednormal.weebly.com • Stephen P. Kiernan: stephenpkiernan.com • Thea Lewis: queencityghostwalk.com • Alex Shevrin Venet: unconditionallearning.org

Chris Cleary

Eileen Fisher, Margaret O'Leary, Elliott Lauren, Nic+Zoe, Kinross Cashmere, Lisette, Rails...

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Thank You FOR BEING OUR BIGGEST FANS SINCE 1983!

ontherocksvt.com

LOCALS PICK THE BEST OF VERMONT SEVENDAYSVT.COM/DAYSIES

A wooden sculpture composed of three letters, YES, makes a statement in the front yard of sculptor Chris Cleary’s house and studio in Jericho Center.

His mailbox is perched on a set of stones, in descending size, that form an artful post. A walk around Cleary’s place reveals that this imaginative, playful and bold artist is up for creating pretty much anything. YES, indeed!

In the garden, beautiful stonework that Cleary laid in the ground makes a passageway through phlox and lilies. A metal sculpture he crafted from soldered pipes is on view, though it’s missing the urinal that once topped it. The work was paired with a pogo stick that could transport a daring user from the ground to the trough.

Cleary’s yard is home to his word garden: stones that he sandcarves to write a word in the rock. While these pieces could last for eons, the fire-breathing Cleary is also known for setting some of his sculptures — including a 20-by-12-foot Champ — ablaze.

LUKE AWTRY

BEST SCULPTOR

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SHOPPING

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BEST WOMEN’S CASUAL CLOTHING STORE

ECCO Clothes

Outdoor Gear Exchange

Located on the Marketplace, “Burlington’s hottest clothing store” carries the latest in everything from denim to dresses.

Even the basics are beautiful here.

(Burlington • eccoclothesboutique.com)

Vermont men tend to be practical dressers — more Black Diamond than Brooks Brothers — and OGE keeps them covered in plaid button-downs, cargo shorts and quilted vests.

Don’t forget to stock up on Vermont’s own Darn Tough socks. (Burlington • gearx.com)

Other finalists:

Other finalists:

BEST WOMEN’S EVENING-WEAR STORE

ECCO Clothes Designer-chic in a Church Street boutique — that’s ECCO in a nutshell. Since 1992, Lara Heath Allen’s shop has set the trend for everyday-luxury and special-occasion looks.

(Burlington • eccoclothesboutique.com)

Other finalists: • Althea’s Attic Boutique: Montpelier • altheasatticboutique.com • Harbour Thread: Burlington • harbourthread.com • Jess Boutique: Burlington • jessboutique.com • Monelle Vermont: Burlington, Shelburne • monellevermont.com

BEST BRIDAL SHOP

Fiori Bridal Boutique

Other finalists: • Amber Sprott Boutique: Rutland • ambersprott.com • Hinterland Bride: Burlington • hinterlandbride.com • Needleman’s Bridal & Formal: South Burlington • needlemansbridal.com • Veilmonté Bridal Showroom: Burlington • veilmontebride.com

BEST WOMEN’S SHOE STORE

Danform Shoes Comfort and style aren’t mutually exclusive.

Equipped with high-quality brands from Frye to Dansko, Danform’s fitting experts help customers of all ages attire their unique feet. (Burlington, Colchester, Shelburne, St. Albans • danformshoesvt.com)

Other finalists:

JEFF DREW

• Dear Lucy: Burlington • dearlucy.com • Harbour Thread: Burlington • harbourthread.com • Lenny’s Shoe & Apparel: Barre, St. Albans, Williston • lennyshoe.com • Roam: Montpelier • roamvt.com

BEST MEN’S SHOE STORE

Lenny’s Shoe & Apparel “We fit you right,” promises this outdoor apparel store selling quality work boots, sandals, sneakers and slippers from brands such as Timberland PRO and KEEN. (Barre, St. Albans, Williston • lennyshoe.com)

Other finalists: • Danform Shoes: Burlington, Colchester, Shelburne, St. Albans • danformshoesvt.com • Harbour Thread: Burlington • harbourthread.com

BEST VINTAGE CLOTHING STORE

Jonathan simkhai, Shoshanna, Alice & Olivia, Shona Joy, Trina turk, Ted Baker, Halston, Julie Vos, DVF, Monique L'huillier, Toccin, Mac Duggal, tadashi shoji, Marella, Alexis...

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Old Gold A staple of Burlington fashionistas since 1973, Old Gold specializes in sartorial treasures new and old. Visit during the spooky season — the vintage store goes all out with Halloween costumes. (Burlington • Facebook)

Other finalists: • Billie Jean Vintage: Burlington • billiejeanvintage.com • Camille’s Experienced Clothing: Rutland • camillesvt.com • Project Object Vintage: Burlington • Instagram • The Vault Collective: Burlington • thevaultcollective.com

BEST SECONDHAND CLOTHING STORE

Battery Street Jeans Exchange Shoppers are sure to find a hidden gem or two on Battery Street Jeans’ jampacked racks. Enjoy local art and a quirky atmosphere while browsing the recycled clothes here. (Burlington • Facebook)

Other finalists: • Boho Baby: Williston • bohobabyvt.com • Camille’s Experienced Clothing: Rutland • camillesvt.com • Dirt Chic: Burlington • dirtchicvt.com • Style Encore: Williston • style-encore.com

* = NEW CATEGORY IN 2022

All the lines you love...

LA MER Bobbi Brown Trish McEvoy Laura Mercier Natura Bissé Vintner’s Daughter 111Skin Tata Harper Kérastase Westman Atelier

NOMINATED FOR BEST BEAUTY-PRODUCT PURVEYOR & BEST DAY SPA

Kiehl’s More than 120 National Lines 3 MAIN STREET, BURLINGTON | 802.861.7500 2038 MOUNTAIN ROAD, STOWE | 802-585-7713

Open 7 days a week • mirrormirrorvt.com D4t-mirrormirror080322.indd 1

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Three generations of women run this boutique, which carries an elegant collection of designer gowns. Minimizing stress and maximizing fun, the attentive consultants guide brides to the dresses of their dreams.

(Essex Junction • fioribridal.com)

• Harbour Thread: Burlington • harbourthread.com • McNeil and Reedy: Rutland • mcneilandreedy.com • MK Clothing: Burlington • mk-clothing.com • Slow Process: Burlington • slow-process.com

SHOPPING

• Althea’s Attic Boutique: Montpelier • altheasatticboutique.com • Expressions: Burlington • expressionsvt.com • Harbour Thread: Burlington • harbourthread.com • SidePony Boutique: Hinesburg • sideponyboutique.com

PB

BEST MENSWEAR STORE

Very Special Dresses for Very Special Occasions

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BEAR CIERI

SHOPPING BEST CHILDREN’S CLOTHING STORE

Once Upon a Child Kids grow up so quickly! Once Upon a Child’s gently used clothes, toys, furniture and baby gear are friendly on your wallet — and the planet. (Williston • onceuponachild.com)

Other finalists: • Boho Baby: Williston • bohobabyvt.com • Jamie Two Coats’ Toy Shop: Shelburne • Facebook • Minikin: Montpelier • minikin.com • Sweet Bug Boutique: Facebook

BEST RECORD STORE

Pure Pop Records

BEST CHILDREN’S TOY STORE

Turner Toys Your nephew’s birthday party is tomorrow, and you still need a gift. With everything from wooden trains and yo-yos to games and art supplies on hand, Turner Toys is here to save the day. (Williston • turnertoys.com)

Other finalists: • Jamie Two Coats’ Toy Shop: Shelburne • Facebook • Woodbury Mountain Toys: Montpelier • woodburymountaintoys.com

BEST EYEGLASSES STORE

Eyecare of Vermont When it comes to seasoned optometry, EyeCare of Vermont is lookin’ sharp: The practice has been serving Chittenden County for more than 40 years and offers designer brands of eyeglasses and sunglasses. (Burlington, Essex Junction • eyecareofvermont.com)

Other finalists: • 802 Eye Care: South Burlington • 802eyecare.com • Chroma Optics: Burlington • chromaoptics.com • Eyes of the World: Burlington • eyesoftheworldvt.com • The Optical Center: Burlington • opticalcentervt.com

BEST CHILDREN’S TOY STORE

Turner Toys

When Toys R Us closed its Williston store in 2018, one would have expected no small wave of panic to rise in Vermont parents — not to mention kids. That didn’t happen. When it comes to shopping, locals have always been inclined to think outside the big-box store.

And locally owned Turner Toys provides.

The shop relocated from Essex Junction to Williston in April 2022, growing its space by 30 percent. Puzzles, games, dolls, stuffed animals and art kits share the bright, well-organized store with art kits, Frisbees, boomerangs and trucks. Many toys are designed to teach while they entertain. Peter Sloan, who has co-owned the business with his wife, Elizabeth Skinner, since 2011, once likened it to a science museum gift shop. You’ll find classics — Tiddlywinks, Lite-Brite, Etch A Sketch and jump ropes — as well as birthday cards and a free gift-wrapping station.

“You’re going to want to look at everything, so let me hold your smoothie for you,” a mom told her daughter as they walked in.

A smoothie and a toy store?

“I know,” Mom said. “It’s a good day.”

Williston • turnertoys.com

SEVEN DAYSIES 2022-23

BEST PLACE TO BUY JEWELRY

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Perrywinkle’s Fine Jewelry Jewelers, diamond setters, designers, handengravers and gemologists source stones from around the world for Perrywinkle’s original jewelry. This boutique biz also carries many national brands. (Burlington; Plattsburgh, N.Y. • perrywinkles.com)

Other finalists: • Jennifer Kahn Jewelry: Burlington • jenniferkahnjewelry.com • Tradewinds Imports: Burlington • tradewindsvt.com • Von Bargen’s: Burlington, Stratton, Stowe • vonbargensjewelry.com • Zinnia: Burlington • zinniastores.com

BEST BEAUTY PRODUCT PURVEYOR

Mirror Mirror The beauty supply store’s high-quality skincare products and day-spa services help customers feel like the fairest of them all.

In 2021, the longtime Burlington business expanded to Stowe — don’t miss that location’s café and cocktail lounge, Après.

(Burlington, Stowe • mirrormirrorvt.com)

Other finalists: • be.Skin Clinic: Shelburne • vtskinclinic.com • BelleRose Organic Body Nourishment’s LLC: Georgia Center • Facebook • Pure Energy Apothecary: Williston • pureenergyvt.com

You spin me right ’round, baby. The subterranean store’s selection of vinyl, CDs, cassettes, DVDs and candy cigarettes doesn’t disappoint. (Burlington • purepoprecords.com)

Other finalists: • Autumn Records: Winooski • autumnrecordsvt.com • Buch Spieler Records: Montpelier • buchspielerrecords.com • Burlington Records: Burlington • burlingtonrecords.com • Speaking Volumes: Burlington • speakingvolumesvt.com

BEST BOOKSTORE

Phoenix Books Who says bookstores are passé? Owners Mike DeSanto and Renee Reiner have been attracting avid readers with sweet, sweet paper pages for years. Of course, they offer thousands of titles for your e-reader, too. (Burlington, Essex Junction, Rutland • phoenixbooks.biz)

Other finalists: • Bear Pond Books: Montpelier • bearpondbooks.com • Bear Pond Books: Stowe • stowebooks.com • Bridgeside Books: Waterbury • bridgesidebooks.com • Crow Bookshop: Burlington • crowbooks.com • The Flying Pig Bookstore: Shelburne • flyingpigbooks.com

BEST PET SUPPLY STORE

BEST PLACE TO BUY A UNIQUE GIFT

Pet Food Warehouse

Common Deer

The customer service at Vermont’s longstanding animal emporium is pawsitively top-notch. Since 1983, the warehouse has pleased pets and their owners with healthy dog foods, kitty toys, leashes and more.

(Shelburne, South Burlington • pfwvt.com)

The family-owned shop combs the country for the best small-batch, American-made goods. These ceramics, blankets, jewelry and Vermont souvenirs make standout gifts — or you can commandeer something special for yourself. (Burlington • commondeer.com)

Other finalists:

Other finalists:

• The Dog and Cat: Essex Junction, Stowe • thedogandcatvt.com • Guy’s Farm & Yard: Morrisville, Montpelier, St. Albans, Williston • guysfarmandyard.com • Houndstooth: Burlington • houndstoothvt.com • Rolling Meadow Natural Pet Market: Essex Junction • rollingmeadownaturalpet.com

• Golden Hour Gift Co.: Burlington, Winooski • goldenhourgiftco.com • Home & Garden Vermont: Burlington • homeandgardenvermont.com • MOSS Boutique: Morrisville • mossboutiquevt.com • Thirty-odd: Burlington • thirtyodd.com

Beauty From Aroun d Th e World

it feels good t o sh op l oca l

SHOPPING

Support small business and shop local at Style Encore.

We care about providing fresh, gently used styles at an everyday value to the women just like you in our community.

We sell current name brand clothing,

31 Taft Corners Shopping Center Williston (802) 876-7113 styleencorewilliston.com

shoes, accessories, handbags, and more at a fraction of regular retail prices.

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Thank you for nominating us for both BEST GARDEN CENTER & BEST FLORIST

Beautiful

20% OFF

SHOP LO CAL

Purchase a plant & pot together and we will repot it for free

All houseplants with this coupon *must present coupon.

Offer not valid with any other offers EXPIRES 8/31/22

We offer the largest selection of top quality indoor house plants OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK • (802) 878-2361 • 187 MAIN STREET, COLCHESTER • WWW.CLAUSSENS.COM D2h-Claussens080222.indd 1

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HOUSEPLANTS

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SHOPPING PHOTOS: LUKE AWTRY

Executive director Jon Copans

Service manager Dan Hock

BEST CBD RETAIL SHOP

Zenbarn Farms “We believe in the power of cannabis to make the world a better place,” reads Zenbarn Farms’ website. To that end, hemp farmers Noah and Marlena Fishman put forth CBD products such as tinctures, bath fizzes, edibles and smokables.

(Waterbury Center • zenbarnfarms.com)

Other finalists: • Green Mountain Hemp Company: Burlington, St. Albans • greenmountainhempcompany.com • Magic Mann: Essex Junction • magicmann.com • vTerra Farms: Starksboro • vterrafarms.com • Winooski Organics: Winooski • winooskiorganics.com

BEST PLACE TO BUY A PIPE

Bern Gallery Smoke Shop Every autumn, Bern Gallery hosts artists from around the world for the Pipe Classic competition.

The shop’s on-site glassblowing workstations demonstrate its dedication to the pipe-making craft, and the retail selection is appropriately smokin’. (Burlington • berngallery.com)

BEST BIKE SHOP

Old Spokes Home

Call it a chain reaction. When the pandemic hit, it seemed as though everyone wanted a new twowheeler for getting around, which spiked global demand. As finding both new and used bikes became more difficult and the price tags rose apace, Vermonters sought out cycling solutions in their own backyard, at an established and affordable hub.

Founder Glenn Eames opened Old Spokes Home in 2000 in a former turn-of-the-century Jewish deli in Burlington’s Old North End. Since then, the nonprofit bike shop has become a cultural mecca for local riders — and a perennial favorite for Daysies voters.

The enterprise wins for good reasons: Old Spokes is geared entirely toward serving its community. It houses Bike Recycle Vermont, which refurbishes used bicycles for low-income Vermonters. It teaches kids and adults how to repair and maintain their bikes. Most importantly, it keeps cycling affordable for everyone, whether folks ride for transportation, exercise, competition or the sheer joy of it.

Burlington • oldspokeshome.com

Downtown Burlington’s

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BEST HOUSEWARES STORE

Homeport Church Street’s four-level home goods emporium has a wide range of lifestyle and household products — think dishware, furniture, décor and kitchen doodads you didn’t know you needed. (Burlington • homeportonline.com)

Other finalists:

THANKS TO EVERYONE FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

Favorite Pet Shop!

We’ve got stuff for humans, too!

• Northern Lights: Burlington • Facebook • VT Grow Shop: St. Albans • vtgrowshop.com

• Kiss the Cook: Burlington • kissthecook.net • SLATE: Burlington, Middlebury • slatehome.co

Taking a deep dive into social distancing?

Buy now, shop later with a Houndstooth gift certificate!

Other finalists:

Call or DM us for info

126 College Street • 802-540-0762 • @houndstoothvt

126 College Street• Burlington • 802.540.0762 Follow us @houndstoothvt

Locally owned & operated for over 30 years! www.KissTheCook.net 72 Church Street • Burlington, VT • 863-4226

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SHOPPING

VERMONT MADE + SOUVENIRS + USA MADE

From our family to yours, thank you for supporting our local business.

Family owned since 1990.

Williston | St. Albans | Barre | Plattsburgh | Shop Online: LennyShoe.com D4T-Lennys080322 1

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commondeer.com

@commondeer

210 college st, btv

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THANK YOU FOR

we're now delivering the goods online, too!

P.C.: Marianne Ramshaw sc

an

qr

code t shop loc o

AMAZING YEARS! We are grateful to have been a part of your lives and memories since 1992!

al

Free local shipping to select towns for $39+ orders

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81 Church Street | Burlington 860.2220 | eccoclothesboutique.com M 7/18/22 10:33 AM

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LOCALS PICK THE BEST OF VERMONT SEVENDAYSVT.COM/DAYSIES

T h a n ky o uf o r Thank you for Th ha an nk yo ou fo or b e n go u rb u d being our bud! be eiiin ng ou ur bu ud d!!

30 P

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BEAR CIERI

SHOPPING BEST SECONDHAND HOUSEWARES STORE

ReSOURCE This secondhand center for gently used or refurbished donations keeps more than 1,000 tons of material from landfills each year. There’s a huge selection of building materials, too. (Barre, Burlington, Hyde Park, Williston • resourcevt.org)

Other finalists: • Anjou & the Little Pear: Burlington • anjouvt.com • Barge Canal Market: Burlington • bargecanalmarketvt.com • Green Mountain Habitat for Humanity ReStore: Milton, Williston • vermonthabitat.org/restore • Vintage Inspired Lifestyle Marketplace: Burlington • vintageinspired.net

BEST ANTIQUE STORE

Barge Canal Market This Pine Street outpost is perfect for folks who’d prefer to live in a Wes Anderson film. The shop focuses on mid-20thcentury design as well as American industrial and vintage barn furnishings.

(Burlington • bargecanalmarketvt.com)

Other finalists: • Anjou & the Little Pear: Burlington • anjouvt.com • 5 Corners Antiques: Essex Junction • 5cornersantiques.com • Vintage Inspired Lifestyle Marketplace: Burlington • vintageinspired.net • Willow House: Shelburne • willowhousevt.com

BEST FURNITURE STORE

Wendell’s Furniture A 40,000-square-foot showroom holds furnishings for the living room, bedroom, dining room and home office. Embellishing your dwelling on a budget? Find deals in Wendell’s LOFT. (Colchester • wendellsfurniture.com)

Other finalists:

SEVEN DAYSIES 2022-23

• Barge Canal Market: Burlington • bargecanalmarketvt.com • Burlington Furniture: Burlington • burlingtonfurniture.us • Modern Design: Shelburne • moderndesignvt.com • The SuperStore: Williston • superstorevt.com

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Other finalists:

BEST GARDEN CENTER

Gardener’s Supply Company

During the doldrums of the pandemic, nest-obsessed Vermonters flocked to garden centers and nurseries for retail therapy. To be fair, though, Gardener’s Supply has been a destination for all things budding and blooming since its 1983 founding. Expert green thumbs are always on hand to help customers pick from a plethora of plants and every imaginable tool to cultivate them.

Gardener’s Supply has four locations in Burlington, Williston, Lebanon, N.H., and Hadley, Mass. The Williston wonderland includes the Garden of Eatin’ Café, which serves seasonally inspired offerings such as fresh lemonade and zesty gazpacho. Gardener’s Club members get access to special events and discounts.

And Gardener’s Supply doesn’t go dormant in the winter. Its greenhouse remains a lush oasis all year, including in January, when the retailer hosts a Houseplants 101 workshop. True to its commitment to all things green, the company is an employeeowned B Corporation. That means the business places the same value on a healthy environment, happy employees and social consciousness as it does on profit.

Since the 1990s, Kiss the Cook has been a destination for quality kitchenware.

Foodies dig the colorful selection of Le Creuset items and the on-site knife sharpening. (Burlington • kissthecook.net)

Other finalists: • As the Crow Flies: St. Albans • Facebook • Capital Kitchen: Montpelier • capitalkitchenvt.com • Homeport: Burlington • homeportonline.com • Stowe Living: Stowe • stowekitchen.net

BEST LIGHTING STORE

BEST GARDEN CENTER

The Lighting House

Gardener’s Supply Company

The lights have been on in Vermont’s premier lighting showroom since 1977. Find chandeliers, shades, sconces and more — plus a selection of quality outdoor furniture.

(Shelburne • vermontlightinghouse.com)

Other finalists: • Conant Metal & Light: Burlington • conantmetalandlight.com • The Lamp Shop: Burlington • shopthelamp.com

BEST AUTO DEALER

The Automaster It started as Jack DuBrul’s little Rambler dealership in 1968. Today the Automaster’s 150-plus employees enjoy capacious quarters filled with new and pre-owned Mercedes Benz, BMW, Honda and MINI vehicles. Check out the on-site museum.

(Shelburne • theautomaster.com)

Other finalists: • Almartin Volvo Cars: Shelburne • almartinvolvocars.com • Bokan Auto Group: St. Albans • Facebook • Burlington Subaru: Burlington • subaruvt.com • Heritage Toyota: South Burlington • heritagetoyotacars.com

BEST SKI/SNOWBOARD SHOP

Outdoor Gear Exchange

Burlington, Williston • gardeners.com

BEST KITCHEN STORE

Kiss the Cook

• Claussen’s Florist, Greenhouse & Perennial Farm: Colchester • claussens.com • Horsford Gardens & Nursery: Charlotte • horsfordnursery.com • Paquette Full of Posies Nursery: Williston • vermontnursery.com • Red Wagon Plants: Hinesburg • redwagonplants.com

Founded in 1983 by Vermont gardeners, this employee-owned business aims to cultivate “new generations of earth stewards” by providing everything from fertilizer to bird feeders and seeds to perennials. Can you dig it? (Burlington, Williston • gardeners.com)

Hitting the slopes? Stop here first for skis, boards, bindings and poles. This apparel and equipment emporium has been serving outdoor adventurers — and stewarding the natural environment — since 1995. (Burlington • gearx.com)

Other finalists: • Alpine Shop: South Burlington • alpineshopvt.com • Burton: Burlington, Stowe • burton.com • Pinnacle Ski & Sports: Stowe • pinnacleskisports.com • Skirack: Burlington • skirack.com

Thank You for nominating us as your best local Medical Spa!

We look forward to seeing you for any of your aesthetic needs.

BOTOX • FILLER FAT REDUCTION ESTHETICIAN SERVICES LASER RESURFACING SKIN REJUVENATION TATTOO REMOVAL VEIN TREATMENT • AND MORE 5399 Williston Road, Suite 101 Williston, Vermont 802-777-7300 radiancevt.com @radiancevt

Thanks for the love!

STILL YOUR FAVORITE STORE COMPLIMENTARY INTERIOR DECORATING! FURNITURE | HOME DECOR | KITCHEN BATH | BEDDING | UNIQUE GIFTS WE SHIP + DELIVER EVERYWHERE!

B U R L I N G TO N

•

COLCHESTER

•

SHELBURNE

•

ST ALBANS

DanformShoesVT.com

SEVEN DAYSIES 2022-23

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FORMERLY STOWE KITCHEN BATH & LINENS (802) 253-8050 | 1813 MOUNTAIN RD. STOWE | STOWELIVING.NET

7/8/22 9:26 AM

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7/20/22 7:43 AM Co v Com m isit e m un our and ity ne Pe w tC lin ic!

142 KINDNESS COURT, SOUTH BURLINGTON • 802-862-0135• HSCCVT.ORG

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SHOPPING

YOU “toTHANK all of our loyal

DARIA BISHOP

customers and friends for voting for us for the SEVEN DAYSIES AWARD.

”

we show your home in its best light.

BEST BEAUTY PRODUCT PURVEYOR

Mirror Mirror

Burlington, Stowe • mirrormirrorvt.com

BEST BIKE SHOP

BEST OUTDOOR OUTFITTER

Old Spokes Home

Outdoor Gear Exchange

The Old North End bike shop wheels and deals in affordable rides and repair services — and teaches maintenance skills in an inclusive environment. As the nonprofit’s website puts it, “We believe that anyone interested should have access to a bicycle and bicycle knowledge.”

(Burlington • oldspokeshome.com)

If you’re heading into the great outdoors, OGE’s got you covered — literally. It’s been the go-to shop for in-the-know local kayakers, hikers, skiers and climbers for decades. To help save the planet, and some cash, check the downstairs consignment area. (Burlington • gearx.com)

Other finalists: • Earl’s Cyclery & Fitness: South Burlington • earlsbikes.com • North Star Sports: Burlington • northstarsportsvt.com • Onion River Outdoors: Montpelier • onionriver.com • Skirack: Burlington • skirack.com

RT 7 Shelburne Rd • 985-2204 • TheLightingHouse.net Hours: Monday – Friday 9 - 5:30, Saturday 9 - 5 D4T-lightinghouse22 1

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It’s baaaaaa-aack!

SEVEN DAYSIES PARTY A FRIDAY, AUGUST 5, 2022 � 7-10 P.M. ECHO LEAHY CENTER FOR LAKE CHAMPLAIN, BURLINGTON

Join us for a magical night celebrating this year’s legendary Daysies winners and finalists. Sip on cocktails, dance to live music by the Medallions and enjoy tasty treats from local eateries.

SORRY, THIS EVENT IS INVITE ONLY.

2022 Daysies finalists, winners, Seven Days advertisers and their guests are invited to attend.

All attendees must buy tickets in advance. Please request a link to buy tickets at:

7dVt.pub/dragon

Other finalists: • Onion River Outdoors: Montpelier • onionriver.com • Skirack: Burlington • skirack.com

Party proceeds benefit the Best Nonprofit Organization Daysies winner!

The Seven Daysies are presented by

LOCALS PICK THE BEST OF VERMONT SEVENDAYSVT.COM/DAYSIES

Vermont has a lot more outdoor gear shops than beauty emporiums — which makes Mirror Mirror all the more remarkable. There’s no need to drive to New York or visit a major chain for a sweeping selection of the most popular cosmetics and top-notch services, from hydra facials to eyelash extensions and massages to makeup applications. The store’s sleek elegance and attentive employees provide plenty of pampering even without the spa treatments.

Mirror Mirror specializes in exclusive brands such as Dr. Barbara Sturm, Natura Bissé and Biologique Recherche skin care; Westman Atelier, By Terry and Trish McEvoy cosmetic collections; Philip B., Virtue and Kérastase hair lines; Byredo and Diptyque fragrances; and Tom Ford eyewear.

Last year, Mirror Mirror added a second location in Stowe that includes a full-service café and cocktail lounge called Après, where shoppers can luxuriate while they try the latest in facial serums or a new shade of blush. Meanwhile, the Burlington shop has expanded into a multifaceted sanctuary of grooming with a full-fledged hair salon and separate lash studio.

SHOPPING

At The Lighting House. . .

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SERVICES

BEST NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION

BEST VETERINARIAN/ ANIMAL HOSPITAL

Humane Society of Chittenden County

Green Mountain Animal Hospital

Serving both animals and people, the humane society connects adoptable creatures with loving caregivers. Whether you seek a cat, dog, rabbit or ferret, this is the place to meet your new best friend. (South Burlington • hsccvt.org)

The highly trained team at this animal hospital has offered comprehensive critter care for more than half a century. “Everything we do is with your pet’s health and happiness in mind,” the website promises. (Burlington, South Burlington • greenmountainah.com)

Other finalists:

Other finalists:

• Camp Ta-Kum-Ta: South Hero • takumta.org • Cathedral Square: South Burlington • cathedralsquare.org • Champlain Housing Trust: Burlington • getahome.org • Spectrum Youth & Family Services: Burlington • spectrumvt.org

• Malletts Bay Veterinary Hospital: Colchester • mallettsbayvet.com • Milton Veterinary Hospital: Milton • miltonvethospital.com • River Cove Animal Hospital: Williston • rivercove.net • Shelburne Veterinary Hospital: Shelburne • shelburneveterinaryhospital.com

* = NEW CATEGORY IN 2022

BEST DOG TRAINING COMPANY

Nothing beats the love of a dog, but when the relationship hits the skids, Rhonda Bilodeau can help. Through her business, Vermont Dog Pack, she goes beyond obedience training to explore the root cause of dogs’ behavioral issues — and some of those hang-ups might belong to their humans.

Bilodeau aims to strengthen the heart-centered connection people have with their pups. She has offered private dog training and a slate of online courses, including classes to teach others to become dog trainers.

Though she is moving to Costa Rica, she announced on Facebook that her online courses will continue. And, she said, she’s got “The Divine Feminine Dog Trainer Podcast” in the works. “You didn’t think I was just gonna sit around on the beach, surf and snorkel all day, did you?”

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SERVICES

Vermont Dog Pack

THANK YOU FOR YOUR VOTES!

We appreciate all of your support and look forward to seeing you soon.

JEFF DREW

Rhonda Bilodeau with Milo (left) and Ziva

4000 Mountain Rd • Stowe • 800.451.8686 Topnotchresort.com Untitled-3 1

LOCALS PICK THE BEST OF VERMONT SEVENDAYSVT.COM/DAYSIES

LUKE AWTRY

Milton • vermontdogpack.com

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BEST PET DAYCARE

Oh my DOG Who let the dogs out? Not Oh my DOG — unless we’re talking about its safe, supervised outdoor play spaces. Trained staff make sure your four-legged friend has a doggone good time at daycare. (South Burlington • ohmydogvt.com)

Other finalists: • Gulliver’s Doggie Daycare: Williston • doggiedaycare.com • Play Dog Play: Burlington, South Burlington • playdogvt.com • Sleepydog Kennel: Colchester • sleepydogkennel.com

BEST PET GROOMER

Doggie Styles Salon Fido is sure to look fly after a bath and blow-dry at this full-service salon. The expert groomers at the Colchester boutique, in business since 2003, provide a pawsitive pampering experience. (Colchester • doggiestylesvt.com)

Other finalists: • Royal Paws Grooming: Williston • royalpawsgroomingllc.com • Shed Happens: St. Albans • Facebook • Sit Pretty Grooming Salon: Essex Junction • sitprettygrooming.com • Wizard of Paws, Mobile Pet Grooming: South Burlington • wizardofpawsvt.com

BEST DOG TRAINING COMPANY

Vermont Dog Pack Owner and professional dog trainer Rhonda Bilodeau seeks to support pups’ mindsets through socialization, human-dog connection and even the healing powers of Reiki. (MIlton • vermontdogpack.com)

Other finalists: • Dogs Rock! Vermont: Essex Junction • dogsrockvermont.com • Fetch the Leash Dog Behavior & Training: Burlington • fetchtheleash.biz • Snowbound Kennels: Addison • vermontdogkennels.com • Waggles, LLC: Williston • wagglesvermont.com

BEST BANK/CREDIT UNION

SEVEN DAYSIES 2022-23

New England Federal Credit Union

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The state’s largest credit union helps members make dollars and sense of their savings through free financial education programs, a full range of products and services, competitive rates, and fewer fees. (multiple locations • nefcu.com)

Other finalists: • North Country Federal Credit Union: multiple locations • northcountry.org • Northfield Savings Bank: multiple locations • nsbvt.com • Vermont Federal Credit Union: multiple locations • vermontfederal.org • Vermont State Employes Credit Union: multiple locations • vsecu.com

LUKE AWTRY

SERVICES

BEST LAW FIRM

Vermont Cannabis Solutions Attorneys Tim Fair and Andrew Subin helm the state’s only dedicated cannabis law firm. Together they offer consulting and legal services related to the ever-changing hemp, CBD and legal adult-use industry.

(Burlington • vermontcannabissolutions.com)

Other finalists: • Bauer Gravel Farnham, LLP: Colchester, South Hero, Montpelier • vtlawoffices.com • Jarvis McArthur & Williams: Burlington • jarvismcarthur.com • Langrock Sperry & Wool: Burlington, Middlebury • langrock.com • LMC Law, PLLC: Colchester • lmcvt.com

BEST ACCOUNTANT

Gallagher, Flynn & Company, LLP Accounting issues aren’t so taxing with help from Vermont’s largest independent CPA and business consulting firm. (Lebanon, N.H.; South Burlington • gfc.com)

Other finalists: • American Tax: South Burlington • americantax.com • Davis & Hodgdon CPAs: Williston, Rutland, St. Albans • dh-cpa.com • JMM & Associates: Colchester • jmmcpa.net • Justin Wicks, Stowe CPAs: Stowe • stowecpas.com • Lavallee & Company: Essex Junction • lavalleeco.com

BEST MORTGAGE BROKER

New England Federal Credit Union From preapproval to closing, northern Vermont’s No. 1 mortgage provider has your back with some of the lowest interest rates around. Sign up for a free home-buying seminar. (multiple locations • nefcu.com)

Other finalists: • Homebridge: Burlington, Colchester, St. Albans • homebridge.com • Spruce Mortgage: Burlington • sprucemortgage.com • Union Bank: multiple locations • unionbank.com • Vermont Mortgage Company: Burlington, Peru • vermontmortgagecompany.com

BEST REAL ESTATE AGENCY

Coldwell Banker Hickok & Boardman For more than 60 years, Coldwell Banker has been helping buyers and sellers feel at home in northwestern Vermont. Its savvy fleet of 90-plus Realtors and staff markets properties of all kinds, facilitates relocations and analyzes current trends. (Burlington, St. Albans, Vergennes • hickokandboardman.com)

Other finalists: • Flex Realty: Colchester • flexrealtyvt.com • Polli Properties: Williston • polliproperties.com • Ridgeline Real Estate Co.: Williston • ridgelinerealestate.com • Vermont Real Estate Company: Burlington, Montpelier • vermontrealestatecompany.com

From left: Peter Murphy, Susan McGrath, Nikki Louison, Michelle Watt, Derek Cherniawski and Max Berlow

BEST AUTO REPAIR

Girlington Garage Vermont has yet to send a woman to Congress, but the state does have female representation in one of the longest-standing old boys’ clubs in the service industry: auto repair. Most mechanics are men working at repair shops owned by men.

Demeny Pollitt became the rare female owner of a car repair shop when she opened Girlington Garage in South Burlington in 2009.

An automotive technology graduate of Vermont Technical College, Pollitt pledged to give women a place to bring their cars without fear of being intimidated or duped.

The concept worked. Girlington treats all customers — men, too — with respect and honesty. True to the biz’s nondiscriminatory commitment, Pollitt hires mechanics of all genders as long as they’re up to the tasks of repairing brake rotors and rotating tires. There’s free coffee in the lounge, and a fleet of loaner cars means you don’t have to wait while your wheels get fixed.

South Burlington • girlingtongarage.com

BEST REAL ESTATE AGENT

BEST MOVING COMPANY

Julie Lamoreaux (Coldwell Banker Hickok & Boardman)

Grunts Move Junk

Seeking your home sweet home? This Realtor has earned a nearly perfect customer satisfaction rating, as well as testimonials touting her as attentive, candid and conscious of clients’ individual needs.

(Burlington • hickokandboardman.com)

Other finalists: • Dora Dernavich (Coldwell Banker Hickok & Boardman): Burlington • hickokandboardman.com • Eileen O’Rourke (Coldwell Banker Hickok & Boardman): Burlington • hickokandboardman.com • Elise Polli (Polli Properties): Williston • polliproperties.com • Julie Danaher (Ridgeline Real Estate Co.): Williston • ridgelinerealestate.com

Whether you’re Marie Kondo-ing an overstuffed attic or simply spring cleaning, veteran-founded Grunts Move Junk gets the job done on the double. (Georgia, Williston, Barre • gruntsmovejunk.com)

Other finalists: • Booska Worldwide Movers: South Burlington • booskaworldwide.com • Brave Moving and Storage: Essex • bravemovingandstorage.com • Local Muscle Movers: Burlington • localmusclemovers.com • Morway’s Moving & Storage: Williston • morwaysmoving.com

BEST HOUSEHOLD ELECTRICIAN

Cummings Electric Electrical issues? This family-owned contractor has the right connections to assist with residential, commercial and industrial jobs.

(South Burlington • cummingselectric.com)

Other finalists: • Lakeside Electric Inc.: South Burlington • lakesideelectricvt.com • Northstar Electric, LLC: Colchester • northstarelectrician.com • RVG Electrical Services: Bristol • rvgelectric.com • Village Voltage, LLC: Williston • Facebook

BEST HOUSEHOLD PLUMBING COMPANY

Benoure Inc. Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning One downside of Vermont winters: frozen pipes. Luckily, Benoure’s plumbing and HVAC technicians are available for 24hour emergency services — and their work comes with a one-year warranty.

(South Burlington • benoure.com)

Other finalists:

BEST HOUSEHOLD PAINTING COMPANY

Lafayette Painting Inc. Time for a fresh coat? Multi-person crews mean Lafayette’s professionals get the job done quickly. The company has been brushing up Vermont since 1977.

(Burlington • lafayettepaintinginc.com)

Other finalists:

BEST LANDSCAPING COMPANY

di Stefano Landscaping This full-service landscape design, construction and maintenance company has created outdoor oases everywhere from Champlain College to Topnotch Resort. The team of designers, stonemasons and horticulturalists does backyard makeovers, too. (Essex Junction • distefanolandscaping.com)

Other finalists: • Landshapes: Richmond • landshapes.net • Noel Property Maintenance: Colchester • 338-9058 • Pinnacle Properties: South Burlington • pinnaclepropertiesvt.com • Siple Property Maintenance: Essex Junction • sipleproperty.com

Teaming up with architects and designers, Peregrine excels in custom-built homes, residential renovations and commercial fitups. What’s more, the company is committed to sustainable building practices promoting low energy use and high indoor air quality.

(South Burlington • peregrinedesignbuild.com)

Other finalists: • Excel Renovation & Design, LLC: Swanton • excelrenovationdesignllc.com • Sweeney DesignBuild: Shelburne • sweeneydesignbuild.com

BEST LODGING (RESORT/HOTEL)

Hotel Vermont Sophisticated rooms, farm-to-table restaurants and modern-rustic décor make Burlington’s independent downtown hotel a suite spot for guests to rest their heads. (Burlington • hotelvt.com)

Other finalists:

We’re grateful!

Thank you for nominating us in the Best Health Club/Gym category.

At the Y, we work together to ensure that everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to thrive. Join us!

gbymca.org Stop by @298 College Street

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• The Essex Culinary Resort & Spa: Essex • essexresort.com • Jay Peak Resort: Jay • jaypeakresort.com • The Lodge at Spruce Peak: Stowe • sprucepeak.com

BEST LODGING (INN)

Green Mountain Inn This landmark property in Stowe updates historic architecture with modern amenities such as a pool, game room and relaxing massage sessions. It’s been a beautiful base camp for outdoor recreation enthusiasts since 1833. (Stowe • greenmountaininn.com)

Other finalists: • Tälta Lodge Bluebird: Stowe • bluebirdhotels.com/hotels/talta-lodge • The Village Inn: East Burke • villageinnvt.com • Willard Street Inn: Burlington • willardstreetinn.com

BEST WEDDING VENUE

Shelburne Farms Shelburne Farms has long been a gorgeous place to tie the knot — think intimate affairs at the historic inn, large parties at the Coach Barn, local cuisine and, of course, the Lake Champlain view. Unfortunately, renovations mean the farm isn’t booking nuptials for this year and next. Wait for it? (Shelburne • shelburnefarms.org)

Other finalists: • The Essex Culinary Resort & Spa: Essex • essexresort.com • The Mansfield Barn: Jericho • mansfieldbarn.com • Maquam Barn & Winery: Milton • maquambarnandwinery.com • Old Lantern Inn and Barn: Charlotte • oldlantern.com

Timeless style meets old school customer service A modern men’s store and tailor shop located in Downtown Rutland for over 65 years.

Stocked with the largest selection of suits and sport coats in Vermont, from entry level suiting to custom Italian wools. All backed by three generations of the McNeil family’s legendary customer service.

’

81 MERCHANTS ROW | RUTLAND, VT | 802.773.7760 SHOP ONLINE AT MCNEILANDREEDY.COM

LOCALS PICK THE BEST OF VERMONT SEVENDAYSVT.COM/DAYSIES

• Classic Shades Painting: Burlington • cspvt.com • Geovann Painting: Colchester • geovannpainting.com • Mansfield Painting LLC: Burlington • mansfield-painting-llc.business.site • Piana Painting: Burlington • 881-1480

Peregrine Design/Build

SERVICES

• J.W. & D.E. Ryan: Vergennes • jwderyan.com • Laplante’s Plumbing & Heating: Colchester • laplantesplumbing.com • Platinum Plumbing: South Burlington • platinumplumbingvt.com

BEST RESIDENTIAL GENERAL CONTRACTOR

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DARIA BISHOP

SERVICES Sugarsnap Founder and CEO Abbey Duke’s dream of starting a farm-related business has grown into a deliciously popular catering and event operation. Sugarsnap also served the community during the pandemic by delivering more than 600,000 meals to unhoused Vermonters.

(South Burlington • thesnapvt.com)

Other finalists: • Crone Collective: Burlington • cronecollectivetattoo.com • Imperial Tattoo Co.: Burlington • theimperialcollective.com/tattoo • Marigold Adornment: Montpelier • marigoldadornment.com • World Famous Monkey House Customs: Stowe • monkeyhousecustoms.com

Other finalists: • 802 Dinner Party LLC: South Burlington • Facebook • Cloud 9 Caterers: Colchester • cloud9caterers.com • Green Meadows Catering: Essex Junction • Facebook • Let’s Pretend Catering: South Hero • letspretendcatering.com

Kathy + Co. Flowers What better way to celebrate a loved one than by sending beautiful blooms, luscious greenery, stuffed animals or chocolates to their doorstep? Kathy + Co. offers themed arrangements for all major life events.

(Burlington • kathycoflowers.com)

Other finalists: • Chappell’s Florist: South Burlington • chappellsflorist.com • Home & Garden Vermont: Burlington • homeandgardenvermont.com • In Full Bloom: Shelburne • infullbloomvt.com • Tipsy Tulip Designs: Milton • tipsytulipdesigns.com

BEST TAILOR

Linda’s Sew Unique Those with clothes in need of alteration find praise-worthy, professional and affordable tailoring here. Bridal attire is a specialty. (South Burlington • Facebook)

Other finalists: • Rigo Brothers Tailor: Burlington • Facebook • Silver Threads Tailoring: Burlington • 658-8050 • The Tailor Shop: Stowe • tailorshopstowe.com

BEST PLACE TO GET A MASSAGE

The Essex Culinary Resort & Spa BEST LOCAL RADIO PERSONALITY*

Mike Czarny + Mary Cenci (Star 92.9)

Easy, breezy banter is sometimes just what you need to get through the early morning hours. And that’s what Mike Czarny and Mary Cenci — the dynamic duo better known as Mike and Mary — offer from 5 to 9 a.m. every weekday on live radio. In between bubblegum pop and power ballads, the veteran DJs discuss relatable topics, from dishwasher disasters to how not to get a tractor trailer stuck in Smugglers’ Notch. On “One-Liner Wednesdays,” the pair dishes out corny jokes such as “What does a snail wear to go dancing?”

(Escar-go-go boots, of course.)

Cenci, who pulls double duty as Star 92.9’s program director, also shares her Pinterest picks and all-American recipes with listeners.

Czarny, meanwhile, spouts random factoids picked up on trips to the local library in his “Did You Know?” segment. It’s all punctuated by good-natured ribbing and Cenci’s infectious laugh.

Colchester • star929.com

SEVEN DAYSIES 2022-23

BEST SALON (UNISEX)

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Onyx Ink This woman-owned tattoo studio has been adorning clients in wearable art since 2018. Pics of black-and-gray nature-inspired pieces, as well as work by piercer Haley Zaleski, populate the shop’s Instagram page (@onyxinkstudio).

(Burlington • onyxinkstudio.com)

BEST CATERER

BEST FLORIST

BEST PLACE TO GET BODY ART

The resort’s recipe for relaxation includes massages of all kinds: custom, deep tissue, Eastern hand, warm stone and more.

Customers can take self-care a step further by soaking in the spa’s hot tub or vibing in a relaxation lounge. (Essex • essexresort.com)

Other finalists: • Healing Arts Massage: South Burlington • healingartsmassagevt.com • Mystic Waters: St. Albans • mysticwatersdayspa.com • Revive Salon & Spa: St. Albans • revivevt.com • Theta Massage and Bodywork LLC: Burlington • thetamassageandbodywork.com

BEST DAY SPA

Oasis Day Spa Treatments such as massages, facials, waxing and Reiki have made this Williston establishment a true local favorite — this is the sixth year Seven Days readers have voted it best day spa. (Williston • oasisdayspavt.com)

Other finalists: • “It’s My Day” Spa and Salon: Burlington • itsmydayspa.com • Mirror Mirror: Burlington, Stowe • mirrormirrorvt.com • Mystic Waters: St. Albans • mysticwatersdayspa.com • Vermont Salt Cave Spa & Halotherapy Center: Montgomery Center • vtsaltcaves.com

Indigo

BEST BARBER/MEN’S CUT

BEST MANICURE/PEDICURE

BEST RESORT SPA

Hair is everything at this upscale Burlington salon. The on-trend hair care goes beyond cuts to include coloring, conditioning, styling and more. (Burlington • indigovt.com)

Imperial Barber Co.

Perfect Nails by Thu

Owner and barber Andrew Juhasz is behind the chair at this first-time Daysiewinning business. Established in 2021, the Queen City cuttery is part of Imperial Collective, which also includes a tattoo shop.

(Burlington • theimperialcollective.com)

With their eye-catching manis and pedis, these nail techs could go toe to toe with the fierce ladies of “Claws.” They deserve a hand for their fun and classy creations, including floral designs, ombré color, and plenty of glitter and bling. (Essex Junction • perfectnailsbythu.com)

Topnotch Resort

Other finalists:

Other finalists:

• Burlington Barber Shop: Burlington • burlingtonbarbershop.mysalononline.com • Lux Barber Shop: Burlington • barber.luxburlington.com • The Men’s Room: Burlington • mensroomvt.com • Myles Court Barbershop: Montpelier • mylescourt.com • Old Soul Barbershop: Winooski • oldsoulvt.com

• Allstar Nail Salon: South Burlington • Facebook • Heavenly Beauty Spa: Winooski • heavenly-nails-spa-nail-salon.business.site • Sassy Nails: Milton • Facebook • Sofi Nails & Spa: Burlington • Facebook

Other finalists: • Ego Salon: Williston • Facebook • Ringlet Studio Salons: South Burlington • Facebook • Salon Vermont: South Burlington, Williston • salonvermont.com • Talmo Hair Co: Burlington • talmohairco.com

Visitors care for mind, body and soul at this mountain-view spa. In addition to restful and relaxing services such as massage, reflexology, energy healing and facial treatments, Topnotch features a full schedule of fitness classes. (Stowe • topnotchresort.com)

Other finalists: • The Essex Culinary Resort & Spa: Essex • essexresort.com • The Spa at Spruce Peak: Stowe • sprucepeak.com • Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa: Stowe • stoweflake.com

BEST MEDICAL SPA

Bare Medical Spa + Laser Center Cosmetic and aesthetic desires are at the forefront here. Bare’s trained and licensed specialists offer a menu ranging from chemical peels and Botox to nonsurgical breast lifts. (Burlington • barevt.com)

Other finalists: • Empower MedSpa: St. Albans • empowermedspa.com • GLOWAESTHETICS Medical Spa + Beauty Boutique: South Burlington • glowmedspavt.com • Radiance Medical Aesthetics & Wellness Spa: Williston • radiancevt.com • Revive Salon & Spa: St. Albans • revivevt.com

BEST BOUTIQUE FITNESS STUDIO

REV With a nonjudgmental atmosphere, motivating instructors and killer beats, Sarah DeGray’s premier indoor cycling studio puts a new spin on spin class.

Daily virtual livestream classes bring it home. (Burlington • revindoor.com)

Other finalists: • The Body Lab Pilates & Conditioning: South Burlington • thebodylabvt.com • Jazzercise Williston: South Burlington • jazzercise.com • Peace of Mind Pilates: Essex Junction • peaceofmindpilatesvt.com • Queen City Yoga & Fitness: South Burlington • queencityogavt.com

BEST CHIROPRACTIC PRACTICE

BEST YOGA STUDIO

Drs. Marko Family Chiropractors

Sangha Studio

Drs. Stefanie Kleinfeld Marko and Richard Marko have been practicing in the Green Mountain State since 1988, and Dr. Jason Marko joined in 2017. Together, they help countless clients “feel better from the inside out!” (South Burlington • drsmarko.com) • Epic Performance: South Burlington • epicwellnessvt.com • Health in Focus: Shelburne • vtchiropractors.com • Office of Dr. Laura A. Ramirez, D.C.: Burlington • officeofdrramirez.business.site • Woodhaven Health: Williston • woodhavenhealth.com

BEST ACUPUNCTURE PRACTICE*

Vermont Community Acupuncture If we had to pinpoint what makes Vermont Community Acupuncture a Seven Days readers’ favorite, we would guess it’s the affordable rates, in-depth health chats and herbal medicine consultations.

Take your prick — er, pick! (Burlington • vtcommunityacupuncture.org) • Integrative Acupuncture: Montpelier, Williston • acupunctureinvermont.com • Maynard Acupuncture: Burlington • maynardacupuncture.com • OPEN Community Acupuncture: Waterbury, Berlin • opencommunityacupuncture.com • re·sil·ience Acupuncture & Sports Medicine: Stowe • resiliencevt.com

BEST HEALTH CLUB/GYM

The EDGE With four locations in two towns, the EDGE makes swimming, spinning, tennis and physical therapy convenient for just about everyone in Chittenden County. Each gym offers programs, camps and activities so that working out feel less like ... work.

(South Burlington, Essex • edgevt.com)

Body Treatments Facials Full Service Salon Hydrotherapy Soft Pack Float

Make Up Manicures Pedicures Massage Reflexology

HydraFacials Dermaplaning Spa Packages

AN OASIS FOR YOUR MIND, BODY & SOUL

THANK YOU

to everyone who nominated us for Best Day Spa! We certainly couldn’t have done it without our amazing staff and clients.

Other finalists: • Bikram Yoga Williston: Williston • bikramyogawilliston.com • Hot Yoga Burlington VT: Burlington • hotyogaburlingtonvt.com • Laughing River Yoga: Burlington • laughingriveryoga.com • Queen City Yoga & Fitness: South Burlington • queencityogavt.com

300 Conerstone Drive, #220 • Williston 802.879.9499 • OasisDaySpaVT.com

BEST CYCLING STUDIO

REV Come for the music, stay for the workout.

Folks sweat it out while tuning in to cycling sessions such as Madonna vs. Cher and Rock ’n’ Rave. (Burlington • revindoor.com)

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Other finalists: • Alpenglow Fitness: Montpelier • alpenglowfitness.com • Ride: Stowe • rideindoorcycling.com

BEST CROSSFIT STUDIO

802 CrossFit

LOCALS PICK THE BEST OF VERMONT SEVENDAYSVT.COM/DAYSIES

Other finalists:

Experience a true day spa.

SERVICES

Other finalists:

In Sanskrit, sangha means “community.” This nonprofit lives up to its name by offering choose-your-own-donation membership to its three studios and online classes.

(Burlington, Williston • sanghastudio.org)

LOCALLY OWNED FOR 22 YEARS!!

Strengthening minds and bodies, instructors focus on speed, agility, cardiovascular and respiratory endurance, and more. Wondering if CrossFit is a good fit for you? Register for a free trial class.

(Essex Junction • 802crossfitvt.com)

Other finalists: • Champlain Valley Community Fitness: Williston • cvcfvt.com • CrossFit Burlington: Burlington • crossfitburlington.com • Threshold Training: South Burlington • crossfittt.com • Waterbury Functional Fitness: Waterbury • waterburyfunctionalfitness.com

cathedralsquare.org

Other finalists: • 802 CrossFit: Essex Junction • 802crossfitvt.com • The Fitness Zone: St. Albans • thefitnesszonevt.com • Greater Burlington YMCA: Burlington • gbymca.org

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SERVICES BEST RESIDENTIAL GENERAL CONTRACTOR

Peregrine Design/Build

From left: Griffin Allen, Tim Frost and Jillian Bartolo

BEAR CIERI

Buying a home is likely the largest lifetime purchase of anyone lucky enough to afford one. But measuring the return on investment involves more than appraising current market values. Ultimately, the true value of a home lies in how well it works for the occupants.

From small bathroom remodels to multiroom additions to full home builds, the construction professionals at Peregrine Design/Build help make that happen. The South Burlington firm has earned a reputation for listening to the needs of its clients, then drawing up building plans that align with their vision and budget. Known for custom designs that look clean but not sterile, stylish but not flashy, Peregrine has won numerous industry accolades, including those for durability and energy efficiency.

Now it can add a Daysies award to the mantelpiece.

South Burlington • peregrinedesignbuild.com

BEST MARTIAL ARTS STUDIO

Gracie Jiu Jitsu Vermont “Congrats Vermont, you just landed an amazing instructor.” That glowing endorsement, on Gracie Jiu Jitsu Vermont’s website, is attributed to Kevin Bacon. He’s talking about Seth Shamp, who brings more than 20 years of experience and a second-degree black belt to group and individual martial arts lessons.

(Essex Junction • gracievermont.com)

Other finalists: • Shedrick’s Martial Arts: St. Albans • Facebook • United Fighting Arts Institute: South Burlington • ufai.net • Villari’s Martial Arts Centers: South Burlington • villaricenter.com • Yordan’s Black Belt Academy: Jericho, South Burlington • ybba.com

SEVEN DAYSIES 2022-23

BEST DANCE STUDIO

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Studio 3 Dance

BEST PLACE TO TAKE AN ARTS CLASS

Burlington City Arts BCA serves the creative needs of the community through dynamic arts education.

Classes range from painting to printmaking and darkroom photography to Lego animation.

(Burlington • burlingtoncityarts.org)

Other finalists: • Burlington Paint & Sip Studio: Burlington • burlingtonpaintandsip.com • Davis Studio: South Burlington • davisstudiovt.com • Shelburne Craft School: Shelburne • shelburnecraftschool.org • Vermont Comedy Club: Burlington • vermontcomedyclub.com

BEST AUTO REPAIR

Girlington Garage

Codirectors Michelle Little and Rachel Bilodeau impart their passion for tap, jazz, hip-hop and many other movement styles to students at two fitness studios.

(Colchester, Swanton • vtstudio3.com)

Founded in 2009 by female mechanic Demeny Pollitt, Girlington Garage is for anyone who’s ever felt like they got screwed over at an auto shop. It promises high-quality car care with a side of clear communication and honest business practices. (South Burlington • girlingtongarage.com)

Other finalists:

Other finalists:

• Lines Vermont Dance Studio + Store: South Burlington • linesvt.com • RevolVT: Burlington • revolvt.com • Spotlight: South Burlington • spotlightvermont.com • Unity Dance Complex: Williston • urbandancecomplex.com

• Brian’s North End Automotive: Burlington • briansnorthendautomotive.com • Dave’s Williston AutoCare: Williston • dwrcitgo.com • Halford Motors: Georgia • halfordmotors.com • New England Automotive: South Burlington • newenglandautomotive.com

BEST CAR DETAILING*

Matt’s Wash & Wax Car windows, trunks, doorjambs and floor mats are spick-and-span after a visit to Matt’s. Transportation is no problem with its free local pickup and delivery service. (Jericho • autodetailingvt.com)

Other finalists: • Automaster SPA: Shelburne • theautomaster.com • Detail Works: Williston • detailworksvt.com • Executive Car Wash: South Burlington • executivecarwashvt.com • Seaway Car Wash and Detail Center: Burlington, Colchester • seawaycarwash.com

BEST PLACE TO GET YOUR OIL CHANGED*

Oil N Go When’s the last time you lubed your chassis?

The professionals at locally owned Oil N Go are happy to oblige as part of a 17-point service list that comes with every oil change. (Essex Junction, South Burlington • oilngo.com)

Other finalists: • Brian’s North End Automotive: Burlington • briansnorthendautomotive.com • Halford Motors: Georgia • halfordmotors.com • Jenkins Auto Repair: Milton • jenkinsautorepair.comcastbiz.net • MobiLube: Georgia • vtmobilube.com

BEST PLACE TO GET YOUR TIRES CHANGED

Vermont Tire & Service Forget waiting weeks for your auto shop to fit you in. Vermont Tire’s policy of first-come, firstserved makes the busy tire-changeover season easy for early birds. If your treads go bald, you can buy some new ones here, too. (South Burlington, Montpelier • vttireonline.com)

Other finalists: • Brian’s North End Automotive: Burlington • briansnorthendautomotive.com • Halford Motors: Georgia • halfordmotors.com • MobiLube: Georgia • vtmobilube.com • Noyes Automotive & Tire: Burlington • noyesautoandtire.com

BEST LOCAL TV PERSONALITY*

Darren Perron (WCAX) WCAX-Channel 3 News viewers have come to count on the longtime anchor and reporter for weekday news at noon, 5 and 6 p.m. The Castleton University alum has earned wider recognition, too, with a National Edward R. Murrow Award. (South Burlington • wcax.com)

Other finalists: • Cat Viglienzoni (WCAX): South Burlington • wcax.com • Gary Sadowsky (WCAX): South Burlington • wcax.com • Haley Bouley (Local 22/Local 44): Colchester • mychamplainvalley.com • Tyler Jankoski (WPTZ): South Burlington • mynbc5.com

BEST LOCAL RADIO PERSONALITY*

Mike Czarny & Mary Cenci (Star 92.9) For avid listeners of Star 92.9, the day starts with the dynamic duo of Mike and Mary. The pair keeps listeners on their toes weekdays from 5 to 9 a.m. (Colchester • star929.com)

Other finalists: • Jane Lindholm (Vermont Public): Colchester • vermontpublic.org • Johnny Utah (The Buzz): Winooski • 999thebuzz.com • Mel Allen (WIZN): Winooski • wizn.com • Mitch Wertlieb (Vermont Public): Colchester • vermontpublic.org

BEST LOCAL COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER (THAT’S NOT SEVEN DAYS)*

The Other Paper Published in print and online, this community newspaper keeps South Burlingtonians in the loop on local happenings, be they holiday events, school district business or a search for a missing pooch. (South Burlington • vtcng.com/otherpapersbvt)

Other finalists: • Addison County Independent: Middlebury • addisonindependent.com • Saint Albans Messenger: St. Albans • samessenger.com • Stowe Reporter: Stowe • vtcng.com/stowe_reporter • Waterbury Roundabout: Waterbury • waterburyroundabout.org

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BEST LODGING

Where to stay in Stowe? There are myriad options, but the best one, according to Seven Days readers, is smack-dab in the middle. At the busy intersection of Main Street and the Mountain Road, close to the slopes and within walking distance of downtown shops and restaurants, the Green Mountain Inn has accommodated overnight guests since the 1800s. A number of structures in the nine-building complex, which today includes townhouses and apartments as well as traditional guest rooms, are on the National Register of Historic Places: a onetime railroad depot, a former blacksmith shop and what’s called the Main Inn. Guests love the bygone Vermont coziness, roaring fireplaces and four-poster beds. Judging from online reviews, they also appreciate that those quaint touches are supplemented by modern amenities: a year-round heated outdoor pool, several in-room Jacuzzis, luxurious linens, a game room with arcade machines and a pool table, a sauna, and a massage studio. The onsite restaurant, Whip Bar & Grill, gets accolades, as does the warm and accommodating staff. Guests can add breakfast to their stay and, in winter, s’more kits for $1 each to enjoy by the firepit out back.

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SERVICES

Green Mountain Inn

LEADERS IN NATURAL MEDICINE LEADERS INNATURAL NATURAL MEDICINE LEADERS IN MEDICINE LEADERS IN NATURAL MEDICINE LEADERS IN Naturopathic NATURAL MEDICINE Acupuncture.

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LOCALS PICK THE BEST OF VERMONT SEVENDAYSVT.COM/DAYSIES

Kerry Boyle Dr. KerryDr. Boyle

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Zizi (Jessica) Zizi (Jessica)

JonathanJonathan Fleming Fleming

Renée Klorman Renée Klorman

Leane Rexford Leane Rexford

Anneke Jewee Anneke Jewee

Dr. Mary Dr. HallMary Hall

D.Ac., L.Ac., Dipl. Ac.Jen M.S.O.M, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. Zizi M.S.O.M, L.Ac. Dr. D.Ac., KerryM.S., Boyle Etheridge (Jessica) Fleming L.Ac., M.S., Dipl. Ac. M.S.O.M, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. M.S.O.M, L.Ac. Zolten-Chandler Jonathan Zolten-Chandler Dr.M.S., Kerry Boyle JenLicensed Etheridge Zizi (Jessica) Jonathan Fleming Doctor Licensed Licensed Acupuncturist D.Ac., L.Ac., Ac. of Acupuncture M.S.O.M, L.Ac.,Acupuncturist Dipl.

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Ac. Acupuncturist M.S.O.M, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. M.S.O.M, L.Ac. Licensed Licensed Acupuncturist Zolten-Chandler Doctor of Acupuncture Licensed Acupuncturist Acupuncturist Licensed Acupuncturist Licensed Licensed Acupuncturist M.S.O.M, L.Ac. D.Ac., M.S., L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. M.S.O.M, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. M.S.O.M, L.Ac. Zolten-Chandler Doctor of Acupuncture Licensed Acupuncturist Licensed Acupuncturist M.S.O.M, L.Ac. Licensed Acupuncturist Licensed Acupuncturist Doctor of Acupuncture Licensed Acupuncturist Licensed Acupuncturist M.S.O.M, L.Ac. Licensed Acupuncturist Licensed Acupuncturist Licensed Acupuncturist Licensed Acupuncturist

Stowe • greenmountaininn.com

M.S.O.M., L.Ac., Dipl.Ac Massage Therapist: Massage Therapist: M.S.O.M., L.Ac., Dipl.Ac Massage Therapist: Massage Therapist: N.D., L.Ac. N.D., L.Ac. Renée Klorman Rexford Jewee Dr. Mary Hall Naturopathic Licensed Acupuncturist Leane Swedish, Deep Tissue, Anneke Swedish, Deep Tissue, Licensed Licensed Acupuncturist Swedish, Deep Tissue, Swedish,Jewee Deep Tissue, Licensed Naturopathic Renée Klorman Leane Rexford Anneke Mary Hall Renée Klorman Leane Rexford Anneke Jewee Dr.Dr. Mary Hall M.S.O.M., L.Ac., Dipl.Ac Massage Therapist: Massage Therapist: N.D., L.Ac. Myofascial Release, Myofascial Release, Physician Myofascial Release, Myofascial Release, Physician M.S.O.M., L.Ac., Dipl.Ac Massage Therapist: Massage Therapist: N.D., L.Ac. M.S.O.M., L.Ac., Dipl.Ac MassageDeep Therapist: Massage Therapist: N.D., L.Ac. Licensed Acupuncturist Swedish, Tissue, Deep Tissue, Naturopathic and Prenatal Massage Swedish, and Prenatal Massage Licensed Licensed Acupuncturist and Prenatal Massage and Prenatal Massage Licensed Acupuncturist Licensed Swedish, Deep Tissue, Swedish, Deep Tissue, Licensed Naturopathic LicensedAcupuncturist Acupuncturist Deep Tissue, Swedish, Deep Tissue, Licensed Naturopathic Myofascial Release, Myofascial Release, Physician Myofascial Release, Myofascial Release, Physician Myofascial Release, Myofascial Release, Physician and Prenatal Massage and Prenatal Massage Licensed Acupuncturist and Prenatal Massage andPrenatal PrenatalMassage Massage Licensed Acupuncturist Prenatal Massage and Licensed Acupuncturist

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BEST SKI/RIDE SLOPE

Smugglers’ Notch Resort The locals call it Smuggs, and it offers some of the best tree skiing and riding around — not to mention a great terrain park. Bonus: SKI magazine readers voted it the No. 1 kid-friendly ski resort in the East. (Jeffersonville • smuggs.com)

Other finalists: • Bolton Valley Resort: Bolton Valley • boltonvalley.com • Jay Peak Resort: Jay • jaypeakresort.com • Stowe Mountain Resort: Stowe • stowe.com • Sugarbush Resort: Warren • sugarbush.com

BEST CROSS-COUNTRY SKI AREA

Trapp Family Lodge In winter, this 2,400-acre Austrianinspired resort is a cross-country ski center — but backcountry skiing and snowshoeing are popular here, too. After your snowy trek, replenish with food and drink from the Trapp Family Lodge Bierhall or Kaffeehous. (Stowe • trappfamily.com)

Other finalists: • Catamount Outdoor Family Center: Williston • catamountoutdoor.org • Craftsbury Outdoor Center: Craftsbury Common • craftsbury.com • Rikert Nordic Center: Ripton • rikertnordic.com • Sleepy Hollow Inn, Ski and Bike Center: Huntington • skisleepyhollow.com

* = NEW CATEGORY IN 2022

BEST STATE PARK

Little River State Park

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OUTDOORS LOCALS PICK THE BEST OF VERMONT SEVENDAYSVT.COM/DAYSIES

JEFF DREW

Waterbury • vtstateparks.com

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JEB WALLACE-BRODEUR

From one of Vermont’s worst natural disasters rose one of its most glorious natural areas. In the wake of the Great Vermont Flood of 1927, which killed 84 people and crippled the state, the federal government built three reservoirs to tame tributaries of the unruly Winooski River. The last and largest of the three was the 2,000-foot-long Little River Dam, finished in 1938, which created the 863-acre Waterbury Reservoir.

On its western shore, nestled in the Mount Mansfield State Forest, Little River State Park anchors the area’s bustling summer recreation scene, with 81 campground sites, swimming beaches, a boat launch and 24 miles of hiking trails. For those craving comfort, five indemand cabins are available for rent. For those looking to get away from it all, the park is the perfect jumping-off point to reach the 27 remote campsites accessible only by boat.

More than eight miles of History Hike trails acknowledge how past groups shaped what is now Washington County, from Indigenous people to the Civilian Conservation Corps that built the dam.

Visitors don’t have all year to explore, though: The park is only open mid-May through mid-October.

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OUTDOORS

BEST STATE PARK

BEST DAY HIKE

BEST BIKE RENTAL SHOP

Little River State Park

Camel’s Hump

Local Motion

BEST PUBLIC GOLF COURSE

The state’s largest campground is nestled in this popular park featuring miles of trails and nature education programs on the tranquil Waterbury Reservoir.

(Waterbury • vtstateparks.com)

Multiple trails lead hikers to this distinctive 4,083-foot peak. The Burrows Trail, which sees the most foot traffic, is the shortest route.

(Duxbury/Huntington • vtstateparks.com)

From its location on the Lake Champlain waterfront, the bike-advocacy nonprofit rents an array of wheels from spring through fall. Local Motion also operates the Island Line Ferry. (Burlington • localmotion.org)

+RECREATION Rocky Ridge Golf Club What’s better than 18 holes amid rolling farmland and rocky ridges? This public course is just 20 minutes from downtown Burlington. (St. George • rockyridge.com)

Other finalists: • Kwiniaska Golf Club: Shelburne • kwiniaska.com • The Links at Lang Farm: Essex Junction • linksatlangfarm.com

Other finalists:

Other finalists:

• • • •

• Grand Isle State Park: Grand Isle • vtstateparks.com • Mount Philo State Park: Charlotte • vtstateparks.com • Niquette Bay State Park: Colchester • vtstateparks.com • Sand Bar State Park: Milton • vtstateparks.com

Mount Philo: Charlotte • vtstateparks.com Snake Mountain: Addison • alltrails.com Sterling Pond Trail: Stowe • alltrails.com Stowe Pinnacle Trail: Stowe • alltrails.com

BEST FOOT RACE

• North Star Sports: Burlington • northstarsportsvt.com • Onion River Outdoors: Montpelier • onionriver.com • Ranch Camp: Stowe • ranchcampvt.com • Skirack: Burlington • skirack.com

Vermont City Marathon & Relay

BEST PUBLIC PLACE TO ICE SKATE

Long-distance runners pound the pavement during this annual 26.2-mile course through the Queen City. Cheering crowds and live music help carry them over the finish line. (Burlington • runvermont.org)

Other finalists: • The Colchester Causeway Race: Colchester • colchestervt.gov • The Vermont Corporate Cup Challenge and State Agency Race: Montpelier • vcccsar.org

BEST PLACE TO BIKE

Colchester Causeway Path JEB WALLACE-BRODEUR

BEST WATER SPORTS RENTAL

SEVEN DAYSIES 2022-23

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Paddling a river is a spot-on metaphor for life. Some days the trip is calm and serene; others it’s harrowing and rough. Regardless of whether you know what’s coming around the next bend, it’s always about the journey, not the destination.

Umiak Outdoor Outfitters is all about enabling water journeys — on lakes, rivers, reservoirs, even snow. Headquartered in Stowe, it also maintains summer locations in Richmond, on the Waterbury Reservoir, and along the Winooski and Lamoille rivers.

Whether you’re taking a nine-mile kayak or canoe trip on the Lamoille, a lazy tube float down the Winooski or a standup paddleboard outing on the Waterbury Reservoir, Umiak can bring you there, outfit you with top-notch watercraft and safety gear, and then shuttle you back to your car at journey’s end. About the only service the experienced staff doesn’t provide? Post-paddle massages for your sore arms, back and shoulders.

Richmond, Stowe, Waterbury Center • umiak.com

Other finalists:

Part of the Island Line Rail Trail, the causeway is a beautiful place to bike: The former railway route cuts into Lake Champlain, offering wide-open views of the water on both sides. A seasonal bike ferry bridges the 200-foot gap to the Champlain Islands due north. (Colchester • colchestervt.gov)

Other finalists: • Burlington Greenway: Burlington • enjoyburlington.com • Lamoille Valley Rail Trail: St. Johnsbury to Swanton • lvrt.org • Stowe Recreation Path: Stowe • stowerec.org

BEST MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAIL NETWORK

Kingdom Trails More than 100 miles of nonmotorized, multiuse trails make up this Northeast Kingdom network. With names like Nose Dive and Coronary Bypass, these routes are sure to leave a lasting impression.

(East Burke • kingdomtrails.org)

Other finalists: • Bolton Valley Resort: Bolton Valley • boltonvalley.com • Cochran’s Ski Area: Richmond • cochranskiarea.com • Perry Hill: Waterbury • waterburytrails.com/trails • Stowe Trails Partnership: Stowe • stowetrails.org

C. Douglas Cairns Recreation Arena Two National Hockey League-size rinks invite local hockey teams, curling clubs, figure skaters and fun seekers to hit the ice. Rent gear and glide! (South Burlington • cairnsarena.com)

Other finalists: • Gordon H. Paquette Ice Arena at Leddy Park: Burlington • enjoyburlington.com • The Ice Center: Waterbury • icecenter.org • Lake Morey Resort: Fairlee • lakemoreyresort.com • The Ice Rink at Spruce Peak Village Center: Stowe • stowe.com

BEST PUBLIC PLACE TO SWIM

Oakledge Park Located in Burlington’s South End, this picturesque park has not one but two beautiful beach areas: Blanchard Beach and the Cove.

Round out the day with visits to the park’s playground, walking trails and accessible tree house. (Burlington • enjoyburlington.com)

Other finalists: • Leddy Beach: Burlington • enjoyburlington.com • Maple Street Pool: Essex Junction • essexjunction.org • Myers Memorial Pool: Winooski • winooskivt.gov/pool • North Beach: Burlington • enjoyburlington.com

BEST PLACE TO KAYAK/CANOE

Waterbury Reservoir There aren’t too many motorboats on this protected 860-acre body of water, which makes it perfect for a leisurely paddle. Rentals are available at Waterbury Center State Park and, for campers, Little River State Park.

(Waterbury • friendsofwaterburyres.org)

Other finalists: • Green River Reservoir State Park: Hyde Park • vtstateparks.com • Lamoille River

Rediscover the Romance of the Rails

Enjoy a one-of-a-kind dining experience on the Champlain Valley Dinner Train! Savor a three course meal and signature drinks as you take a relaxing round-trip train ride from Burlington to Middlebury. Reconnect with friends and family while the beautiful Vermont landscape rolls by your window.

You’ll make memories to cherish forever!

Departs Burlington Union Station on weekend evenings through October. For information and reservations visit:

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OUTDOORS LOCALS PICK THE BEST OF VERMONT SEVENDAYSVT.COM/DAYSIES

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OUTDOORS

+RECREATION

BEST PLACE TO BIKE

Colchester Causeway Path BEST WATER SPORTS RENTAL

SEVEN DAYSIES 2022-23

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Whether you’re an aquatic sports enthusiast or just testing the waters, you can gear up at this outdoor adventure center, headquartered in Stowe and with summer locations along rivers and reservoirs. (Richmond, Stowe, Waterbury Center • umiak.com)

Other finalists: • Bayside Paddle Sports: Colchester • colchestervt.gov • Burlington Surf Club (WND&WVS): Burlington • burlingtonsurfclub.com • Clearwater Sports: Waitsfield • clearwatersports.com

Lake views — on both sides — for miles.

That’s likely what clinched a Daysie for the Colchester Causeway Path, where nature meets infrastructure in the middle of Lake Champlain. Built in 1901 as part of the Rutland Railroad, the old Island Line is now a flat, wide rec path that hosts bikers, walkers, strollers and fisherfolk.

Flanked by giant quarried chunks of granite and marble, the state-owned gravel strip starts where the Burlington bike path leaves

BEST GUIDED TOUR

Ben & Jerry’s Factory Satiate your sweet tooth and learn about the ice cream company’s history on a guided tour of the Waterbury factory.

Don’t miss the infamous Flavor Graveyard honoring the “dearly de-pinted.” Schweddy Balls, anyone?

(Waterbury • benjerry.com)

Other finalists: • 4 Points Vermont: Stowe • 4pointsvt.com • Queen City Ghostwalk: Burlington • queencityghostwalk.com • Umiak Outdoor Outfitters: Stowe • umiak.com • Whistling Man Schooner Co.: Burlington • whistlingman.com

off, in Colchester, and continues to a break in the causeway that allows boat traffic to pass through. A seasonal ferry bridges the gap, connecting bikers to great riding in the Champlain Islands and points north.

Just remember: That wind on your back will feel different on the return trip. Benches, picnic tables and fishing access points are great reasons to stop along the way.

Colchester • colchestervt.gov

BEST RESORT ADVENTURE CENTER

BEST VERMONT DAY TRIP WITH THE KIDS

BEST INDOOR CHILDREN’S PLAY SPACE

Jay Peak Resort

Shelburne Farms

Skiing and snowboarding? Jay Peak’s got it. Golf? It’s got that, too.

Heck, this kid-friendly resort even has pools, slides and cabanas at the Pump House Indoor Waterpark.

Start planning your next family adventure. (Jay • jaypeakresort.com)

Walk the paths, visit the cheesemakers or pet baby animals at this 1,400-acre nonprofit farm and education center. (Shelburne • shelburnefarms.org)

ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain

Other finalists: • ArborTrek Canopy Adventures: Jeffersonville • arbortrek.com • Killington Resort: Killington • killington.com • Smugglers’ Notch Resort: Jeffersonville • smuggs.com • Stowe Mountain Resort: Stowe • stowe.com

Other finalists: • ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain: Burlington • echovermont.org • Montshire Museum of Science: Norwich • montshire.org • Smugglers’ Notch Resort: Jeffersonville • smuggs.com • Vermont Institute of Natural Science: Quechee • vinsweb.org

Devoted to the ecology, culture, history and stewardship of Lake Champlain, this waterfront museum offers educational exhibits and interactive activities for all ages.

(Burlington • echovermont.org)

Other finalists: • Get Air Trampoline Park: Williston • getairsports.com/williston • Monkey Do! Indoor Playground: Williston • monkeydoplaygrounds.com • Montshire Museum of Science: Norwich • montshire.org • Wonderfeet Kids’ Museum: Rutland • wonderfeetkidsmuseum.org

OUTDOORS

+RECREATION BEST PLACE TO TAKE AN OUT-OF-TOWNER

Church Street Marketplace Is your sartorially savvy sister visiting? How about your foodie friend? To Burlington’s pedestrian mall you go! The Church Street Marketplace is a charming place to shop, dine, and enjoy street vendors and performers. (Burlington • churchstmarketplace.com)

Other finalists: • Ben & Jerry’s Factory: Waterbury • benjerry.com • Shelburne Farms: Shelburne • shelburnefarms.org • Shelburne Museum: Shelburne • shelburnemuseum.org • Stowe: gostowe.com

BEST PEOPLE-WATCHING PLACE

Church Street Marketplace Downtown Burlington’s pedestrian promenade is a great place to observe human activity. When the weather’s nice, dine outside and watch the world go by. (Burlington • churchstmarketplace.com)

Other finalists:

SEVEN DAYSIES 2022-23

• Burlington Farmers Market: Burlington • burlingtonfarmersmarket.org • Leunig’s Bistro & Café: Burlington • leunigsbistro.com • Manhattan Pizza & Pub: Burlington • Instagram • Waterfront Park: Burlington • enjoyburlington.com

BEST VERMONT DAY TRIP WITH KIDS

Shelburne Farms

Most children’s farmyards are modest affairs, with a random assortment of barn-dwelling animals and perhaps a gumball machine that churns out food pellets. Not so at Shelburne Farms, designed by famed landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted.

In addition to its 10-mile network of paths and postcard-worthy views of Lake Champlain, the 14,000acre property boasts a majestic barn inhabited by dairy cows, Nubian goats, a pair of draft horses and a fluffy English Angora rabbit named Willow. Farm educators are on hand to provide children with information about the animals.

Families looking to get their blood pumping can follow the steep but short trail from the back of the Farm Barn to Lone Tree Hill, the highest point on the property. Budding food scientists, meanwhile, can take in the farm’s impressive cheesemaking operation, where raw milk from Brown Swiss cows is turned into artisanal cheddar. Stop by the Farm Store & Welcome Center on your way out for a wax-wrapped block of that award-winning cheese or some cukes, green beans and herbs from the market garden.

Sooner or later, your kids will thank you.

Shelburne • shelburnefarms.org

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WE LOVE YOU TOO! ESSEX | SOUTH BURLINGTON

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Thank you for nominating us, and our agents, over the years... and entrusting us with one of the most important investments in your life — a home.

HickokandBoardman.com Guiding Northwest Vermont Home Since 1958

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