Seven Daysies 2023

FLOWER POWER

OWER

Twenty years in, the Seven Daysies bloom large

Sniff ... sniff ... . It’s Seven Daysies season again, and stopping to smell these flowers is a sweet experience indeed. Especially when you consider how much they’ve bloomed and grown over 20 years.

That’s right, it was in 2003 when Seven Days launched our first annual Daysies issue, a guide to the best of Vermont as chosen by our readers. Voters nominated their faves in 103 categories — some straightforward (best fest, tastiest takeout, coolest craft gallery) and others delightfully offbeat (most delectable dildos, best touristfree site, best makeout spot).

A couple of the categories now read as hilariously — or sadly, depending on your point of view — outdated. Lookin’ at you, most fab cab service and best place to rent a movie. For historical context, the winner for farthest-reaching Vermont news story that year was civil unions. The runner-up? Dean for President.

Over the decades, the Daysies have blossomed. We now have 234 categories and two rounds of voting instead of one. And we use the magic of online balloting to count all those votes — no more late pizza nights deciphering handwritten ballots sent in by snail mail, praise Daysie. The issue itself has grown from a mostly black-and-white section inside the regular paper to a stand-alone, fullcolor glossy magazine with an ever-changing theme and signature quirky illustrations.

Some things change, but others stay the same — namely, the Daysies’ mission to shine a light

on what’s great about our state. As cofounders Pamela Polston and Paula Routly wrote way back when, “Thanks to the Seven Days readers who took the time to pick our firstever Daysies. And thanks to all the great Vermont businesses, people, places and things that provide so many options. Without you, we have no flower

We were reminded of that fact last month, when historic flooding across the state sadly impacted many of our Daysies winners and finalists. As this magazine went to press in mid-July, some businesses were still closed. It’s possible some may never reopen.

But it was heartening to see all the love poured into these Daysies votes spilling over into real-life community action. As recovery efforts began, Vermonters were lending a hand, loaning industrial-strength fans to their favorite local bookstore and shoveling silt at their go-to bike shop.

“We are overwhelmed (in a good way) by all of your support!”

Daysies winner Onion River Outdoors of Montpelier posted on social media.

power.” a silt feet. love.

Keep that flower power comin’. As we celebrate this year’s Daysies, let’s continue volunteering, donating and shopping local to get our beloved businesses back on their feet. Let’s make it a real summer of love.

Peace, love and Daysies, dude!

FOX

CAROLYN

aahhhh

ABOUT THE AWARDS

The Daysies are the locals’ guide to Vermont, brought to you by Seven Days. Each summer, we invite our readers to weigh in on hundreds of categories to identify their favorite people and places in the state.

Upwards of 16,000 voters cast more than 460,000 votes this year. For the first round of voting, Vermonters submitted write-in nominations. We tallied the votes, then presented the finalists for Round 2 of voting — multiple choice-style. When the votes warranted it, we divided categories into “inside Chittenden County” and “outside Chittenden County” fields in order to give some love to businesses beyond the populous Burlington area.

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

MANAGING EDITOR

Carolyn Fox

CONTRIBUTORS

Jordan Barry, Dan Bolles, Gillian English, Chris Farnsworth, Abigail Sylvor Greenberg, Emily Hamilton, Margot Harrison, Martie Majoros, Katie Olson, Bryan Parmelee, Melissa Pasanen, Ken Picard, Pamela Polston, Carolyn Shapiro, Angela Simpson

ILLUSTRATIONS

Jeff Drew

FOOD

BEST NEW RESTAURANT The Grey Jay

Honey Road’s new sister restaurant brightens up Burlington’s brunch scene with eastern Mediterranean flavors. e Turkish Breakfast is a towering showstopper. (Burlington • greyjayvt.com)

Other finalists:

• Boxcar Bakery: Essex Junction • boxcarbakeryvt.com

• Bramble: Essex • bramblevt.com

• May Day: Burlington • maydayvt.com

• Onion City Chicken & Oyster: Winooski • mlcvt.com

BEST RESTAURANT Honey Road

Church Street’s busy eastern Mediterranean bistro has earned multiple James Beard Award nominations — for best chef, best pastry chef and best new restaurant — since its launch in 2017. (Burlington • honeyroadrestaurant.com)

Other finalists:

• Hen of the Wood: Burlington, Waterbury • henofthewood.com

• Jericho Café & Tavern: Jericho • jerichocafeandtavern.com

• Restaurant Poco: Burlington • restaurantpoco.com

• Waterworks Food + Drink: Winooski • waterworksvt.com

OUTSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY

Blue Paddle Bistro

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)

Other finalists:

• e Drake Bar and Kitchen: St. Albans • thedrakevt.com

• Kuya’s at One Main: Randolph • facebook.com/kuyasvt

• Piecasso Family Pizzeria: Stowe • piecasso.com

• Shore Acres Inn & Restaurant: North Hero • shoreacres.com

BEST FAMILY RESTAURANT American Flatbread

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

Other finalists:

• e Farmhouse Tap & Grill: Burlington • farmhousetg.com

• Jericho Café & Tavern: Jericho • jerichocafeandtavern.com

• Piecasso Family Pizzeria: Stowe • piecasso.com

• e Windjammer: South Burlington • windjammerrestaurant.com

BEST CHEF

Cara Chigazola Tobin (The Grey Jay, Honey Road)

Running hot-spot restaurants at opposite ends of the Church Street Marketplace, Chigazola Tobin has mastered Mediterranean mezze for brunch and dinner. (Burlington • honeyroadrestaurant.com, greyjayvt.com)

Other finalists:

• Bobby Chompupong (BKK in the Alley): Burlington • bkkinthealley.com

• Jonathan Nelson (Piecasso Family Pizzeria): Stowe • piecasso.com/index.php

• Phoebe Bright (Blue Paddle Bistro): South Hero • bluepaddlebistro.com

• Stephen Coggio (Cloud 9 Caterers, Mimi’s Italian Eats, Qué Rico Taquería): Colchester • cloud9caterers.com

BEST RESTAURANT SERVICE

Hen of the Wood

Hen’s exceptional cocktails, carefully selected wines and memorable cuisine wouldn’t be complete without an able navigator. e servers here always rise to the occasion. (Burlington, Waterbury • henofthewood.com)

Other finalists:

• BKK in the Alley: Burlington • bkkinthealley.com

• Honey Road: Burlington • honeyroadrestaurant.com

• Jericho Café & Tavern: Jericho • jerichocafeandtavern.com

• Waterworks Food + Drink: Winooski • waterworksvt.com

BEST TAKEOUT

Tiny Thai Restaurant

Now settled in its new Winooski location, Tiny ai continues to serve up steaming tom kha, satay and curries. Expanded parking makes it even easier to grab to-go. (Winooski • tinythairestaurant.net)

Other finalists:

• BKK in the Alley: Burlington • bkkinthealley.com

• Pho Hong: Burlington • Facebook

• Piecasso Family Pizzeria: Stowe • piecasso.com

• Taco Gordo: Burlington • tacogordovt.com

BEST BREAKFAST/BRUNCH

Sneakers Bistro

Folks have frequented the Onion City’s retro café for more than 40 years. e all-day breakfast, particularly the Sneakers Famous Eggs Benedict, is legendary. (Winooski • sneakersbistrovt.com)

Other finalists:

:

FOOD

BEST BREAKFAST/BRUNCH OUTSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY Wayside Restaurant, Bakery & Creamery

Since 1918, this family-friendly restaurant has partnered with farms, fishermen and foragers. Breakfast is served all day, and free, scratch-made doughnut holes are offered each morning from 7 to 8 a.m. (Montpelier • waysiderestaurant.com)

Other finalists:

• 158 Main: Jeffersonville • 158main.com

• Erica’s American Diner: Fairfax • Facebook

• Maxi’s: Waterbury • maxisrestaurant.com

• Oakes & Evelyn: Montpelier • oakesandevelyn.com

BEST LUNCH

Martone’s Market & Café

“If you know, you know,” one Yelp fan wrote about Martone’s. is Essex Junction institution has been serving up some of the biggest sandwiches around since 1992. (Essex Junction • martonesmarket.com)

Other finalists:

• August First: Burlington • augustfirstvt.com

• Bliss Bee: South Burlington, Williston • getblissbee.com

• Poppy: Burlington • poppyvt.com

• Zabby & Elf’s Stone Soup: Burlington • stonesoupvt.com

BEST PLACE TO GET LATE-NIGHT FOOD

Al’s French Frys

Open ’til at least 11 p.m. — and midnight on Friday and Saturday — this retro spot quells late-night cravings with speedy burgers and signature “frys.” (South Burlington • alsfrenchfrys.com)

Other finalists:

• Ahli Baba’s Kabob Shop: Burlington • Facebook

• BKK in the Alley: Burlington • bkkinthealley.com

• Manhattan Pizza & Pub: Burlington • Instagram

• ree Needs Tap Room & Pizza Cube: Burlington • threeneeds.net

BEST RESTAURANT FOR DESSERT Honey Road

Pastry chef Amanda Wildermuth made the James Beard Award semifinalist list this year. Her standout desserts include a sesame tart with local strawberry-rhubarb preserves, mahleb cream and almonds. (Burlington • honeyroadrestaurant.com)

Other finalists:

• Burlington Beer Co.: Burlington • burlingtonbeercompany.com

• Hen of the Wood: Burlington, Waterbury • henofthewood.com

• Jericho Café & Tavern: Jericho • jerichocafeandtavern.com

• Waterworks Food + Drink: Winooski • waterworksvt.com

BEST NEW RESTAURANT

The Grey Jay

Honey Road’s new sister restaurant is named for executive chef and co-owner Cara Chigazola Tobin’s favorite bird: the curious, friendly grey jay. Since the brunch spot opened on Burlington’s Pearl Street in December 2022, early birds have flocked there for Turkish breakfast towers and falafel Benedicts.

Eagle-eyed diners will notice connections between the two restaurants, especially when it comes to eastern Mediterranean-inspired flavors — and the beloved kale salad. But each spot has its own personality, said Chigazola Tobin, who won this year’s Daysie for best chef.

“Honey Road has a pink and sparkly nighttime

BEST OUTDOOR DINING

The Spot on the Dock

When the weather’s warm, patrons chill out in the windswept waterfront bar with salmon poke, Cobb salads and veggie burgers. Mango margaritas and blue Hawaiians mirror the colors of the sunset. (Burlington • spotonthedock.com)

Other finalists:

• BKK in the Alley: Burlington • bkkinthealley.com

• Idletyme Brewing Co.: Stowe • idletymebrewing.com

• Leunig’s Bistro & Café: Burlington • leunigsbistro.com

• Waterworks Food + Drink: Winooski • waterworksvt.com

vibe, and the Grey Jay is natural, earthy and energetic,” she explained.

Rich, tomatoey shakshouka and tahini iced coffee will start your day on the right wing. But the full-fledged experience has to include sweet treats such as decadent doughnuts filled with rhubarb jam and mahleb cream. (Pastry chef Amanda Wildermuth landed on this year’s James Beard Award semifinalist list.)

While you’re there, be sure to peruse the tribute to the restaurant’s past: a wall full of memorabilia from Burlington’s longtime LGBTQ+ bar, 135 Pearl. Burlington • greyjayvt.com

BEST PLACE TO GRAB A QUICK MEAL

Al’s French Frys

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

Other finalists:

• BKK in the Alley: Burlington • bkkinthealley.com

• Bliss Bee: South Burlington, Williston • getblissbee.com

• City Market, Onion River Co-op: Burlington • citymarket.coop

• Zabby & Elf’s Stone Soup: Burlington • stonesoupvt.com

BEST PLACE TO EAT ALONE City Market, Onion River Co-op

Feast on your sandwich, salad or sushi while enjoying some of the best people-watching around. Chances are, you’ll run into someone you know. (Burlington • citymarket.coop)

Other finalists:

• BKK in the Alley: Burlington • bkkinthealley.com

• Leunig’s Bistro & Café: Burlington • leunigsbistro.com

• e Spot: Burlington • thespotvt.com

• Waterworks Food + Drink: Winooski • waterworksvt.com

• Zabby & Elf’s Stone Soup: Burlington • stonesoupvt.com

FILE: JAMES BUCK

Tahini French toast, pastries, crispy potatoes, falafel eggs Benedict and spiced tahini iced coffee

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. Sign up for a cooking class, herb walk or Pennywise Pantry Tour. (Burlington • citymarket.coop)

Other finalists:

• Healthy Living: South Burlington, Williston • healthylivingmarket.com

• Jake’s ONE Market: Burlington • jakesonemarket.com

• Jericho Market: Jericho • jerichomarketvt.com

• Sweet Clover Market: Essex • 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:

• Georgia Market: Georgia • georgiamarketvt.com

• Mehuron’s Supermarket: Waitsfield • mehurons.com

• Middlebury Natural Foods Co-op: Middlebury • middlebury.coop

• Village Market of Waterbury: Waterbury • villagemarketvt.com

BEST GLOBAL FOODS MARKET

Always Full Asian Market

is family-owned market overflows with hard-to-find Asian staples and snacks, from baby bok choy to grilled squid-flavored chips. When offered, the fresh sesame balls are a must-try. (South Burlington • Facebook)

Other finalists:

• Burlington Asian Market: Burlington • Facebook

• Lee’s Asian Mart: South Burlington • Facebook

• ai Phat: Burlington • Facebook

BEST CSA Intervale Community Farm

rough summer and winter shares, the Intervale Community Farm typically serves more than 600 member households each year, supplementing local veggies with fellow producers’ eggs, bread and goat cheese. (Burlington • intervalecommunityfarm.com)

Other finalists:

• Bread & Butter Farm: Shelburne • breadandbutterfarm.com

• Jericho Settlers Farm: Jericho • jerichosettlersfarm.com

• Paul Mazza’s Fresh Produce: Colchester, Essex • paulmazzas.com

• Pete’s Greens: Craftsbury • petesgreens.com

BEST FARMSTAND* Sam Mazza’s Farm Market

From 350 acres of seasonal produce to pies baked daily in-house, this sprawling farmstand is a must-visit. Take a stroll through the greenhouses while you’re there. (Colchester • sammazzafarms.com)

Other finalists:

• Bread & Butter Farm: Shelburne • breadandbutterfarm.com

• Head Over Fields: Charlotte • headoverfieldsvt.com

• Paul Mazza Fresh Produce: Colchester, Essex • paulmazzas.com

• Trillium Hill Farm: Hinesburg • trilliumhillfarm.com

BEST FARMERS MARKET Burlington Farmers Market

Farmers market Saturdays have been a Burlington tradition since 1980. e summer market on Pine Street feels like a festival. (Burlington • burlingtonfarmersmarket.org)

Other finalists:

• 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

BEST FARMERS MARKET VENDOR

Green Mountain PotStickers

Founder Carey Kolomaznik grew up in 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 or on the Church Street Marketplace. (gmpotstickers.com)

Other finalists:

• Crazy Cotton Candy Lady: crazycottoncandylady.com

• Head Over Fields: headoverfieldsvt.com

• Nomadic Kitchen: nomadic-kitchen.com

• Trenchers Farmhouse: trenchersfarmhouse.com

BEST FOOD TRUCK

Farmers & Foragers

Chef-owners Solomon Bayer-Pacht and Lauren Johnson spin organic local ingredients into fanciful fare such as pork belly bánh mì and perch po’boy. Find them in their seasonal dockside location on the Burlington waterfront or trucking around town. (vtfarmersandforagers.com)

Other finalists:

• Beansie’s Bus: beansies.com

• e Broccoli Bar: broccolibar.com

• Kate’s Food Truck: katesfoodtruck.com

• Mister Foods Fancy: Instagram

CHEERS TO ALL OF THE WONDERFUL RESTAURANTS NOMINATED THIS YEAR, TO ALL OF THE HARD-WORKING CHEFS, SERVERS, AND FARMERS THAT WE ARE LUCKY ENOUGH TO WORK WITH, AND TO OUR WONDERFUL GUESTS, FRIENDS, AND PATRONS - WITHOUT YOU, WE WOULD BE NOTHING!!

FOOD

BEST FOOD CART

The Skinny Pancake

Crêpes are griddled before customers’ eyes — get ’em sweet or savory, depending on your mood. (skinnypancake.com)

Other finalists:

• Maudite Poutine: vermontpoutine.com

• Micro Mobile Kitchen: micromobilekitchen.com

• Only Cannoli: onlycannolivt.com

• South End Sliders: Instagram

BEST

BREAD BAKERY

August First

Phil Merrick and Jodi Whalen opened shop on August 1, 2009; in 2022, they sold the biz to chef Frank Pace and his wife, Marnie Long. From seven grain to seeded baguette, these European-style loaves are baked with love. (Burlington • augustfirstvt.com)

Other finalists:

• Great Harvest Bread Co.: Burlington • greatharvestburlington.com

• Klinger’s Bread Company: South Burlington • klingersbread.com

• O Bread Bakery: Shelburne • obread.com

• Trent’s Bread: Westford • trentsbread.com

OUTSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY

Red Hen Baking Co.

Watch bakers work while you grab a massive miche, open-crumbed ciabatta or “sprouternickel.” Breads are made with grains sourced from within 150 miles of the bakery. (Middlesex • redhenbaking.com)

Other finalists:

• Elmore Mountain Bread: Elmore • elmoremountainbread.com

• e Manghis’ Bread: Montpelier • manghisbread.com

• Red House Sweets: St. Albans • redhousesweetsvt.com

• Two Sons Bakehouse: Hyde Park, Johnson • twosonsbakehouse.com

BEST SWEETS BAKERY

Mirabelles Bakery

Fine pastries, pies, cookies and cakes are the hallmarks of this bakery. e croissants are truly French-style; the flourless chocolate cakes, to die for. (South Burlington • mirabellesbakery.com)

Other finalists:

• Belleville Bakery: Burlington • bellevillevt.com

• Boxcar Bakery: Essex Junction • boxcarbakeryvt.com

• Madeleine’s Bakery: Milton • madeleinesbakery.com

• Sweet Simone’s: Richmond • sweetsimones.com

OUTSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY

Red Hen Baking Co.

Lovely loaves are Red Hen’s bread and butter, but its sweet treats are made with the same care — and local ingredients. Popular pastries range from apple pie to pain au chocolat. (Middlesex • redhenbaking.com)

Other finalists:

• Birchgrove Baking: Montpelier • birchgrovebaking.com

• Bohemian Bakery: Montpelier • bohemianbakeryvt.com

• Red House Sweets: St. Albans • redhousesweetsvt.com

• Windy Lane Bakehouse: Randolph • windylanebakehouse.com

BEST MEXICAN RESTAURANT

Taco Gordo

Taco Gordo started as a food cart in 2014. Today its tinga tacos, Crispy Boi tostadas and hefty burritos draw diners to a taqueria in the Old North End. (Burlington • tacogordovt.com)

Other finalists:

• Agave Taco and Tequila Casa: Williston • agavevt.com

• El Cortijo Taqueria: Burlington • cortijovt.com

• El Gato Cantina: Burlington, Essex Junction • elgatocantina.com

• e Mad Taco: Essex, Middlebury, Montpelier, Waitsfield • themadtaco.com

OUTSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY

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

• Tacocat Cantina: Randolph • tacocatcantina.com

BEST FOOD/DRINK EVENT

South End Get Down

Where can you find more than 3,300 Vermonters on a Friday night in summer? Whether they’re after Japanese street food, Mediterranean vegetarian dishes, wood-fired pizza, tacos, barbecue, creemees or just a cold beer, they’ll be at the South End Get Down. Each week from Memorial Day through Labor Day, twin brothers Louie and Max Orleans throw Burlington’s most bumpin’ block party, bringing together roughly 20 of the area’s top food trucks, carts and tented pop-ups. In 2022, the popular gathering moved across the street from ArtsRiot to the spacious Coal Collective lot at 377 Pine Street. This year, it got a new name and a seasonal outdoor beer garden, the Pinery.

The Get Down goes on rain or shine, but on those perfect summer evenings, the sunset view over the Barge Canal to Lake Champlain can’t be beat.

Burlington • getdownvt.com

BEST CHINESE RESTAURANT A Single Pebble

ere’s no sign of General Tso in this authentic Asian eatery. Chef-owner Chiuho Sampson’s tasting menu is the best deal in town. (Burlington • asinglepebble.com)

Other finalists:

• Café Dim Sum: Burlington • cafe-dim-sum.business.site

• Eastern Dragon: St. Albans • easterndragonvermont.com

• Mandarin: Winooski • mandarinvt.com

• Oriental Wok: Essex • Facebook

BEST THAI RESTAURANT

Tiny Thai Restaurant

Tom kha, satay, stir-fries and curries take their cues from food carts and family tables across ailand. Try the authentic ai menu. (Winooski • tinythairestaurant.net)

Other finalists:

• BKK in the Alley: Burlington • bkkinthealley.com

• Maliwan ai Restaurant: Essex • maliwanvermont.com

• ai House Restaurant: St. Albans • Facebook

• Wilaiwan’s: Montpelier • wilaiwanskitchen.com

FILE: DARIA BISHOP

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. e newly expanded restaurant’s curries, noodle soups and ai offerings always draw a crowd. (Burlington • Facebook)

Other finalists:

• Mama Pho: Essex • mamaphovt.com

• Pho Capital: Montpelier • Facebook

• Pho Dang Vietnamese Café: Winooski • Facebook

• Viet ai: Essex Junction • vietthaiessex.com

BEST NEPALI RESTAURANT

Sherpa Kitchen

Visitors slide into booths for classic Himalayan momos, curries, thali platters and stews, best enjoyed with a mango lassi. (Burlington • sherpakitchenvt.com)

Other finalists:

• Everest Indian-Nepali Restaurant: South Burlington • everestindiannepalirestaurantvt.com

• Irrawaddy: Essex Junction • irrawaddyvt.com

• Namaste Kitchen: Shelburne • Facebook

• Red Panda: Burlington • Facebook

• Red Panda: Essex Junction • Facebook

BEST ITALIAN RESTAURANT

Trattoria Delia

A romantic, firelit grotto setting and award-winning wine list are hallmarks of “the Tratt.” Try the housemade pasta or wood-grilled Vermont rabbit. (Burlington • trattoriadelia.com)

Other finalists:

• Papa Frank’s Italian Restaurant: Winooski • papa-franks.com

• Pascolo Ristorante: Burlington • pascolovt.com

• Pulcinella’s: South Burlington • pulcinellas.us

• Sarducci’s Restaurant & Bar: Montpelier • sarduccis.com

BEST VEGETARIAN FARE

Pingala Café

Chef and co-owner Trevor Sullivan’s casual eatery satiates vegans, vegetarians and omnivores with its creative, fromscratch, animal product-free menu. (Burlington • pingalacafe.com)

Other finalists:

• Honey Road: Burlington • honeyroadrestaurant.com

• Namaste Garden: Essex Junction • namastegardenvt.com

• Revolution Kitchen: Burlington • revolutionkitchen.com

• Zabby & Elf’s Stone Soup: Burlington • stonesoupvt.com

BEST VEGAN FARE

Pingala Café

e vegan eatery lavishes nachos, macaroni and the signature Crunchwrap Supreme with several kinds of “cheese.” Even Food Network star Guy Fieri said, “Dude, I’m so impressed.” (Burlington • pingalacafe.com)

Other finalists:

• Daily Planet: Burlington • dailyplanetvt.com

• Despacito: Burlington • despacitovt.com

• Nourish Deli & Bakery: St. Albans • nourishwfpb.com

• Sweet Alchemy Bakery & Café: Essex • sweetalchemyvt.com

BEST GLUTEN-FREE MENU OPTIONS

Jules on the Green

Gluten-free options are clearly marked on the menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Yep, those even include pancakes and pasta! (Essex • julesvt.com)

Other finalists:

• Bliss Bee: South Burlington, Williston • getblissbee.com

• Daily Planet: Burlington • dailyplanetvt.com

• Sweet Alchemy Bakery & Café: Essex • sweetalchemyvt.com

• West Meadow Farm Bakery: Essex • westmeadowfarmbakery.com

BEST PLACE TO GET AN EDIBLE

Magic Mann

Magic Mann started as a canna-café, then went full-on dispensary. It’s no wonder the edible stash — think blackberry gummies, chocolate bliss bars and THC seltzers — is top-notch. (Essex • magicmann.com)

Other finalists:

• Ceres Collaborative: Burlington • ceresvt.com

• Grass Queen: Burlington • grassqueenvt.com

• Green State Dispensary: Burlington • greenstatedispensary.com

• Zenbarn Farms: Waterbury Center • zenbarnfarms.com

BEST BARBECUE

Bluebird Barbecue

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

Other finalists:

• Black Diamond Barbeque: Morristown • blackdiamondbarbeque.com

• Mark BBQ: Colchester • markbbqvt.com

• Mill River Brewing BBQ & Smokehouse: St. Albans • millriverbrewing.com

• Prohibition Pig: Waterbury • prohibitionpig.com

BEST COMFORT FOOD

Our House Bistro

Frickles, chicken pot pie, and mac and cheese with add-ons such as lobster and pulled pork live up to the bistro’s slogan: “Twisted comfort food.” (Winooski • ourhousebistro.com)

Other finalists:

• Bluebird Barbecue: Burlington • bluebirdbbq.com

• Harmony’s Kitchen: Burlington • harmonyskitchenvt.com

• Wayside Restaurant, Bakery & Creamery: Montpelier • waysiderestaurant.com

BEST EGGS BENEDICT

Sneakers Bistro

Folks have frequented the Onion City’s retro café for more than 35 years. ree styles of Benedict are a staple of weekend brunch. (Winooski • sneakersbistrovt.com)

Other finalists:

• Chef’s Corner Café & Bakery: Williston • chefscornervermont.com

• e Friendly Toast: Burlington • thefriendlytoast.com

• e Grey Jay: Burlington • greyjayvt.com

• Maxi’s: Waterbury • maxisrestaurant.com

BEST BREAKFAST SANDWICH

Kountry Kart Deli

Whether you choose a Shiner, a Morning Riser or one of the 21 variations thereof, chowing down on these greasy treats is a Burlington rite of passage. (Burlington • kountrykartdeli.com)

Other finalists:

• August First: Burlington • augustfirstvt.com

• Burlington Bagel Bakery: Burlington, Essex, South Burlington • burlingtonbagelbakery.com

• e Café HOT.: Burlington • thecafehot.com

• Myer’s Wood Fired: Burlington • myersbagels.com

BEST BAGEL

Myer’s Wood Fired

e wood-fired oven has been turning out hundreds of hand-rolled, Montréalstyle bagels daily since 1996. is year, the retail operation moved to an expanded space on Shelburne Road. (South Burlington • myersbagels.com)

Other finalists:

• e Bagel Place: Essex Junction, South Burlington • thebagelplacevt.com

• Burlington Bagel Bakery: Burlington, Essex Junction, South Burlington • burlingtonbagelbakery.com

• Feldman’s Bagels: Burlington, Enosburg, Shelburne, St. Albans • feldmans-bagels.com

• Vermont Bagel Co.: Colchester • vermontbagelcompany.wixsite.com/bagel

OUTSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY

K.C.’s Bagel Café

New York-style bagels are boiled and baked daily — and available with 13 varieties of housemade cream cheese — at this shop that’s been around since 1995. (Waterbury • kcsbagelcafe.com)

Other finalists:

• Maria’s Bagels: Barre • mariasbagels.com

• Wee Bird Bagel Café: Randolph • weebirdbagelcafe.com

BEST PIZZA (RESTAURANT)

Folino’s

in-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, Stowe, Waitsfield, West Dover • americanflatbread.com

• Pizza 44: Burlington • pizza44vt.com

• Pizzeria Verità: Burlington

• pizzeriaverita.com

• Stone’s row: Charlotte, Fairfax, Richmond, Waterbury • stonesthrowpizzavt.com

OUTSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY

Piecasso Family Pizzeria

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:

• Jimmz Pizza: Waterbury • jimmzpizzavt.com

• Pearl Street Pizza: Barre • pearlstpizza.com

• Pie in the Sky: St. Albans • pieintheskyvermont.com

• Positive Pie: Hardwick, Montpelier, Plainfield • positivepie.com

BEST PIZZA (DELIVERY) Leonardo’s

ink beyond basic cheese and pepperoni. Pies such as Gorgonzola Gourmet and Meat

Lover’s Revenge are available on white, wholewheat or gluten-free crusts. (Burlington, South Burlington • leonardosonline.com)

Other finalists:

• Piecasso Family Pizzeria: Stowe • piecasso.com

• Positive Pie: Hardwick, Montpelier, Plainfield • positivepie.com

• Ramunto’s Brick Oven Pizza: Arlington, Bennington, Brattleboro, Williston • ramuntos.com

• Vespa’s Pizza Pasta Deli: Essex Junction • vespaspizza.com

FOOD

BEST BURGER

The Farmhouse Tap & Grill

e Farmhouse Group’s award-winning gastropub offers several local burgers, from a chickpea-based veggie patty to its classic LaPlatte River Angus Farm beef, topped with bacon, arugula, cheddar and pickled red onions. (Burlington • farmhousetg.com)

Other finalists:

• Archie’s Grill: Shelburne • archiesgrill.com

• Black Flannel Brewing & Distilling Co.: Essex • blackflannel.com

• Grazer’s: St. Albans, Williston, Winooski • grazersvt.com

• e Shopping Bag: Burlington • shoppingbagvt.com

OUTSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY

Burger Barn

is snack shack serves more than 30 burgers with Boyden Farm beef — but any can be made veggie. e impressively large El Alamo features bacon, onion rings, banana peppers, Cabot cheddar and barbecue sauce. (Jeffersonville • Facebook)

Other finalists:

• Buddy’s Famous: Montpelier • buddysfamousvt.com

• Doc Ponds: Stowe • docponds.com

• e Reservoir: Waterbury • waterburyreservoir.com

• Worthy Burger: South Royalton • worthyvermont.com/worthy-burger

BEST BREAD BAKERY • BEST SWEETS BAKERY • BEST SANDWICHES OUTSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY

Red Hen Baking Co.

Soon after Red Hen Baking’s husband-and-wife coowners, Randy George and Eliza Cain, moved their bread bakery to Middlesex from its original Duxbury location in 2007, they added pastries. When customers started asking for lunch, George recalled, “I thought, We’ve got bread. I guess we can put some things on it.”

Red Hen’s long-fermented breads include airy ciabatta, crisp-crusted baguettes and hearty loaves of Mad River Grain. They are made almost entirely with freshly milled, organic regional grain, 20 percent of which is milled on-site.

The bread is sold throughout Vermont and at

New Hampshire’s Upper Valley co-op stores. For pastries and sandwiches, head to the bakery, where the daily rotation of sweets might include seasonal strawberry-rhubarb Danish, flaky almond croissants or a nutty buckwheat coconut chocolate chip cookie — which happens to be made without wheat flour.

Sandwiches range from the classic jambon beurre on baguette to a soul-satisfying, grilled mushroom Reuben loaded with sauerkraut and Swiss cheese on Alice’s Rye. You won’t even consider leaving the crusts. Middlesex • redhenbaking.com

Randy George and Eliza Cain

BEST STEAK

Hen of the Wood

Hen’s fare changes daily to make best use of local and seasonal ingredients. When there’s steak on the menu, the elevated dish might feature coal-roasted onions, beets and Bayley Hazen Blue cheese. (Burlington, Waterbury • henofthewood.com)

Other finalists:

• EB Strong’s Prime Steakhouse: Burlington • ebstrongs.com

• Guild Tavern: South Burlington • guildtavern.com

• J. Morgans Steakhouse: Montpelier • jmorgans.com

• e Windjammer: South Burlington • windjammerrestaurant.com

BEST FRENCH FRIES Al’s French Frys

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

Other finalists:

• Leunig’s Bistro & Café: Burlington • leunigsbistro.com

• May Day: Burlington • maydayvt.com

• Mule Bar: Winooski • mulebarvt.com

• Waterworks Food + Drink: Winooski • waterworksvt.com

BEST CREEMEE INSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY

Palmer Lane Maple

The biggest challenge that creemee lovers face at Palmer Lane Maple — besides reaching the order window amid the usual crowds on a summer day — is deciding which flavors to twist or enjoy solo.

Fittingly for a maple farm, the maple creemee is the expected standout. Diehards can go megamaple with a sundae of maple creemee topped with maple syrup and housemade maple sprinkles — invented here, Palmer Lane’s owners claim. But weekly features, such as a twistable chocolatepeppermint, add to the mix. Can’t decide? Palmer Lane staffers can give you the scoop by, for

example, describing the meld of maple and black raspberry. The maple is delightfully delicate and as creamy as creemees get, while the black raspberry packs a fruity punch.

Vermonters have discerning creemee palates, and Palmer Lane has won locals’ hearts — and two consecutive Daysies awards. That’s a distinction as sweet as its other treats, which include the Nor’easter, with Oreos or M&M’s mixed in; the Creemee Cookie Sandwich; milkshakes and root beer floats; and creemee pies made to order.

Jericho • palmerlanemaple.mybigcommerce.com

GLENN RUSSELL

BEST POUTINE

Maudite Poutine

Seeking a Québec-style fix of fries, gravy and cheese curds? Look no farther than Maudite Poutine’s cart, a regular on the Church Street Marketplace and events around town. (Burlington • vermontpoutine.com)

Other finalists:

• Deep City: Burlington • deepcityvt.com

• Leunig’s Bistro & Café: Burlington • leunigsbistro.com

• Nectar’s: Burlington • liveatnectars.com

• e Skinny Pancake: Burlington, Montpelier, Quechee, Stowe • skinnypancake.com

BEST WINGS

Honey Road

e sesame-sprinkled, brown sugar-harissa chicken wings soar at this celebrated Church Street restaurant. ey’re sticky, spicy and sweet — and balanced perfectly by dried lime labne. (Burlington • honeyroadrestaurant.com)

Other finalists:

• Jericho Café & Tavern: Jericho • jerichocafeandtavern.com

• Ruben James: Burlington • Instagram

• Wicked Wings: Winooski • wickedwingsvermont.com

• Wings Over Burlington: South Burlington • wingsover.com

BEST SANDWICHES

Martone’s Market & Café

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

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

Other finalists:

• Four Corners of the Earth: Burlington • fourcornersdeli.com

• Kountry Kart Deli: Burlington • kountrykartdeli.com

• Poppy: Burlington • poppyvt.com

• e Red Onion: Charlotte • redonioncafevt.com

OUTSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY

Red Hen Baking Co.

e bakery’s Green Gobbler, tofu bánh mì and jambon beurre are all served on its Daysies-winning housemade bread, of course. (Middlesex • redhenbaking.com)

Other finalists:

• Kuya’s at One Main: Randolph • Facebook

• Morse Block Deli & Taps: Barre • morseblockdeli.com

• Mother Hubbard’s Bakery, Deli & Country Store: St. Albans • Facebook

• Stowe Sandwich Company: Stowe • stowesandwich.com

BEST SUSHI

Koto Japanese Steak House

From Rainbow Maki to Red Sox Maki, this fusion-style Japanese restaurant is known for its creative, expertly rolled combinations. (South Burlington • kotovt.com)

Other finalists:

• Asiana House: Burlington • orderasianahouse.com

• Hana Japanese Restaurant: South Burlington • hanavermont.com

• Sakura Sushi & Kitchen: Williston • Facebook

• Sushi Maeda: Burlington • sushimaeda.com

BEST DUMPLINGS

Hong’s Chinese Dumplings

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:

• A Single Pebble: Burlington • asinglepebble.com

• Café Dim Sum: Burlington • cafe-dim-sum.business.site

• Green Mountain PotStickers: gmpotstickers.com

• Mandarin: Winooski • mandarinvt.com

BEST NACHOS

El Gato Cantina

e nachos here are either simple, with melted cheese and jalapeños, or “grande,” piled high with cheese, beans, jalapeños, lettuce, tomato, sour cream and your choice of protein. (Burlington, Essex Junction • elgatocantina.com)

Other finalists:

• El Cortijo Taqueria: Burlington • cortijovt.com

• Stone Corral: Richmond • stonecorral.com

• Taco Gordo: Burlington • tacogordovt.com

• Upper Deck Pub: South Burlington • windjammerrestaurant.com

BEST TACO

Taco Gordo

ese 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)

Other finalists:

• El Cortijo Taqueria: Burlington • cortijovt.com

• El Gato Cantina: Burlington, Essex Junction • elgatocantina.com

• e Mad Taco: Essex Junction, Middlebury, Montpelier, Waitsfield • themadtaco.com

• Stone Corral: Richmond • stonecorral.com

BEST DOUGHNUTS

Madeleine’s Bakery

It’s all about the classics at this oldfashioned bakery: Boston cream, braided French crullers, chocolate glazed, and, of course, maple frosted and maple cream. (Milton • madeleinesbakery.com)

Other finalists:

• Hangry the Donut Bar: St. Albans • hangrythedonutbarvt.com

• Miss Weinerz: Burlington • missweinerz.com

• North Country Donuts: Morrisville • northcountrydonuts.com

• Quality Bake Shop: Essex Junction • Facebook

BEST CREEMEE

Palmer Lane Maple

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

Other finalists:

• Al’s French Frys: South Burlington • alsfrenchfrys.com

• Burlington Bay Market & Café: Burlington • burlingtonbaycafe.com

• Little Gordo Creemee Stand: Burlington • littlegordocreemeestand.com

• e Village Scoop: Colchester • Facebook

OUTSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY

Vermont Cookie Love

e sweet-toothed swing by 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:

• Bragg Farm Sugarhouse & Gift: East Montpelier • braggfarm.com

• Canteen Creemee Company: Waitsfield • canteencreemee.com

• Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks: Montpelier • morsefarm.com

• Red Hen Baking Co.: Middlesex • redhenbaking.com

BEST HOUSEMADE ICE CREAM OR GELATO

Shy Guy Gelato

Crafted by a gelato maker who perfected his technique in Italy, these Sicilian-style scoops come in flavors such as fior di latte, honey-sea-salt-Toblerone and creamy cantaloupe. (Burlington • shyguygelato.com)

Other finalists:

• Lake Champlain Chocolates: Burlington, Waterbury • lakechamplainchocolates.com

• Little Gordo Creemee Stand: Burlington • littlegordocreemeestand.com

• lu•lu: Vergennes • luluvt.com

• Offbeat Creemee: Winooski • offbeatcreemee.com

BEST CHOCOLATE BRAND

Lake Champlain Chocolates

Burlington’s premier chocolatier has something for everyone — luscious hot cocoa, boxes of truffles and homemade chocolate hazelnut ice cream. (Burlington, Waterbury • lakechamplainchocolates.com)

Other finalists:

• Daily Chocolate: Vergennes • dailychocolatevt.com

• Laughing Moon Chocolates: Now closed • Stowe

• NU Chocolat: Burlington • nuchocolat.com

• Snowflake Chocolates: Jericho, South Burlington • snowflakechocolate.com

BEST VERMONT CHEESE BRAND

Cabot Creamery

e prolific cheesemaker took home 10 awards from the U.S. Championship Cheese Contest in 2023 alone. Try the clothbound cheddar or one flavored with Buffalo wing sauce. (Waterbury • cabotcreamery.com)

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

FOOD

BEST GLOBAL FOODS MARKET

Always Full Asian Market

Many Chinese homes have a small barrel for rice storage bearing characters that translate to “always full.” Married couple Wen Dong and Mei Yu chose that name for the compact, neat-as-a-pin, abundantly stocked market they opened in July 2019.

Coolers and shelves overflow with pan-Asian products, from fresh baby bok choy to prickly lychee fruit, lotus root to Japanese bonito flakes, Korean gochujang paste to Filipino spiced coconut vinegar. A “hot pot freezer” holds delicacies such as fish balls and rolls of crispy tofu skin. Another contains bags of paper-thin sliced beef, pig ears and chicken feet.

About 20 years ago, as a teen, Dong moved with his family to Vermont from China’s Guangdong province. His wife came from the same region about a decade later. They cater to fellow immigrants seeking a taste of home, avid cooks hunting for hardto-find ingredients, and college students grabbing ramen, wasabi peas and Hello Kitty matcha green tea marshmallows.

Don’t miss Yu’s freshly fried sesame balls and homemade mochi filled with red bean paste or peanuts and coconut.

BEST FOOD/DRINK EVENT

South End Get Down

Get southern barbecue, veggie-forward Mediterranean dishes, wood-fired pizza or a frosty local beer — all in one parking lot. e lively block parties are family- and dog-friendly. (Burlington • getdownvt.com)

Other finalists:

• Adventure Dinner: adventuredinner.com

• Burlington Wine & Food: Burlington • burlingtonwineandfood.com

• Vermont Brewers Festival: Burlington • vermontbrewers.com

• Red Poppy Cakery: Waterbury • redpoppycakery.net

South Burlington • Facebook

DARIA BISHOP

DRINK

BEST CRAFT BREWERY

Zero Gravity Craft Brewery

e 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)

Other finalists:

• Black Flannel Brewing & Distilling Co.: Essex • blackflannel.com

• Burlington Beer Company: Burlington • burlingtonbeercompany.com

• Foam Brewers: Burlington • foambrewers.com

• Four Quarters Brewing: Winooski • 4qbc.com

OUTSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY

Hill Farmstead Brewery

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)

Other finalists:

• 14th Star Brewing Co.: St. Albans City • 14thstarbrewing.com

• e Alchemist: Stowe • alchemistbeer.com

• Bent Hill Brewery: Braintree • benthillbrewery.com

• Lawson’s Finest Liquids: Waitsfield • lawsonsfinest.com

BEST COLD-BREW/ICED COFFEE

Brio Coffeeworks

Everyone knows that summer is peak season for cold coffee drinks; fewer realize that coffee beans also have seasonal peaks. For example, the Costa Rican harvest runs roughly from December through April, while in Tanzania it’s May through November, explained Nate Van Dusen, co-owner with his wife, Magda, of Burlington’s Brio Coffeeworks.

Such careful attention to freshness helps the Van Dusens’ 9-year-old business stand out in a highly caffeinated city — as does its excellent cold coffee.

The Brio team brews the coffee hot and then rapidly cools it to lock in aromas and flavors, a process called flash chilling. The couple believe that heat brings out the best of each coffee, whether a bright, fruity Ethiopian or a nutty, syrupy Brazilian.

At Brio’s coffee bar, cold coffee comes over ice or as a nitro pour, which adds a frothy head and creamy mouthfeel. The company also sells canned, flash-chilled coffee throughout Vermont. Pop the tab for a still drink or shake it to activate the nitro magic.

Burlington • briocoffeeworks.com

2023-24

BEST BEER FROM A LOCAL BREWERY

Edward (Hill Farmstead Brewery)

Part of Hill Farmstead’s Ancestral Series, Edward is an award-winning American pale ale crafted with water from the namesake’s own well. (Greensboro Bend • hillfarmstead.com)

Other finalists:

• Disco Montage (Black Flannel Brewing & Distilling Co.): Essex • blackflannel.com

• Fiddlehead IPA (Fiddlehead Brewing Company): Shelburne • fiddleheadbrewing.com

• Frankie (Zero Gravity Craft Brewery): Burlington • zerogravitybeer.com

• Green State Lager (Zero Gravity Craft Brewery): Burlington • zerogravitybeer.com

BEST BREWPUB

Burlington Beer Company

Burlington Beer went big when it opened its brewpub in the city’s South End. e 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 Brewery: Richmond • stonecorral.com

• Vermont Pub & Brewery: Burlington • vermontbrewery.com

• Zero Gravity Beer Hall: Burlington • zerogravitybeer.com

BEST DRAFT BEER LIST

The Farmhouse

Tap

& Grill

is gastropub taps into what brew hounds want, with more than 20 local favorites and hard-to-finds alongside classics from abroad. (Burlington • farmhousetg.com)

Other finalists:

• e Archives: Burlington, Winooski • thearchivesbar.com

• e Blackback Pub: Waterbury • theblackbackpub.com

• Mule Bar: Winooski • mulebarvt.com

• ree Penny Taproom: Montpelier • threepennytaproom.com

BEST CRAFT BREW SELECTION

Beverage Warehouse

e 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)

Other finalists:

• City Market, Onion River Co-Op: Burlington • citymarket.coop

• Craft Beer Cellar: Waterbury • waterbury.craftbeercellar.com

The Archives + Chris Keast

At the Archives, customers wash down fun and games with seriously good drinks. The arcade bar, with locations in Burlington and Winooski, is an ideal spot to sip solo, catch up with friends or set Pac-Man high scores.

The draft beer and cocktail list is as interesting as the vintage arcade games. One standout drink is the clarified milk punch, featuring Plantation Pineapple rum, green Chartreuse, green tea, citrus and, yes, clarified milk. It’s an aromatic delight and, in the words of one bartender, “a total booze bomb.”

Patrons enjoy the booze bomb of their choice between rounds of classic games such as Galaga

BEST BEER FESTIVAL

Vermont Brewers Festival

At a July festival on the Burlington waterfront, beer lovers from near and far raise a tasting glass to the state’s robust brewing scene. (Burlington • vermontbrewers.com)

Other finalists:

• Funk on the Water: Burlington • funkonthewater.com

• Oktoberfest Vermont: Burlington • oktoberfestvermont.com

• SIPtemberfest: Fayston • siptemberfest.com

• Vermont NanoFest: Tunbridge • brocklebankvt.com/vermont-nanofest.html

and Mortal Kombat. Thanks to convenient wooden countertops between the consoles, gamers play with both hands beverage-free — one of many thoughtful touches that level up the Archives experience.

On weekends in Winooski, look for bartender Chris Keast. A line forms around his spot at the bar, where he slings South Sides, advises on the best brews and queues up indie rock. Ask him about his tattoos or his rudimentary Norwegian language skills and prepare for a great conversation.

Burlington, Winooski • thearchivesbar.com

BEST WINERY

Shelburne Vineyard

Winemaker Ethan Joseph constantly 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. (Shelburne • shelburnevineyard.com)

Other finalists:

• Boyden Valley Winery & Spirits: Cambridge • boydenvalley.com

• Ellison Estate Vineyard: Grand Isle, Stowe • ellisonestatevineyard.com

• La garagista Farm + Winery: Bethel • lagaragista.com

• Snow Farm Vineyard: South Hero • snowfarm.com

BEST WINE LIST

Dedalus Wine Shop, Market & Wine Bar

Next to its carefully curated Burlington and Stowe wine markets, Dedalus pours enticing wines by the glass. Visit the Middlebury location for tastings and pop-ups. (Burlington, Middlebury, Stowe • dedaluswine.com)

Other finalists:

• Hen of the Wood: Burlington, Waterbury • henofthewood.com

• May Day: Burlington • maydayvt.com

• Salt & Bubbles Wine Bar and Market: Essex • saltandbubbleswine.com

• Trattoria Delia: Burlington • trattoriadelia.com

BEST WINE SHOP

Dedalus Wine Shop, Market & Wine Bar

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

• e Local: Wine & Beer: Middlesex • thelocalvt.com

• Salt & Bubbles Wine Bar and Market: Essex • saltandbubbleswine.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 cocktails. Start with the OG flight, which includes the traditional semidry Unified Press, the ginger-infused Dirty Mayor and the dry-hopped Lake Hopper. (Burlington • citizencider.com)

Other finalists:

• Eden Ciders: Newport • edenciders.com

• Shacksbury: Vergennes • shacksbury.com

• Stowe Cider: Stowe • stowecider.com

• Woodchuck Hard Cider: Middlebury • woodchuck.com

BEST SPIRITS DISTILLER

Caledonia Spirits

At the impressive Capital City distillery, sippers sample award-winning Barr Hill vodkas and gins, unique for their use of raw honey. USA Today counts Caledonia Spirits among the “10 craft gin distilleries in the U.S. you need to know about.” (Montpelier • caledoniaspirits.com)

Other finalists:

• Black Flannel Brewing & Distilling Co.: Essex • blackflannel.com

• Mad River Distillers: Burlington, Waitsfield • madriverdistillers.com

• Smugglers’ Notch Distillery: Burlington, Jeffersonville, Manchester, Waterbury • smugglersnotchdistillery.com

• Wild Hart Distillery: Shelburne • wildhartdistillery.com

BEST BAR

The Archives

Classic games meet craft beer and cocktails at both locations of this arcade bar.

Space Invaders and an F’in Vodka Drink? Sounds like a perfect combo. (Burlington, Winooski • thearchivesbar.com)

Other finalists:

• e 126: Burlington • deli126vt.com

• BKK in the Alley: Burlington • bkkinthealley.com

• ree Needs Tap Room & Pizza Cube: Burlington • threeneeds.net

• e Wallflower Collective: Burlington • Instagram

BEST BARTENDER Chris Keast (The Archives)

On Friday and Saturday nights at the Archives’ Winooski location, Keast can be found slinging superb drinks, conversing with customers and queuing up a kick-ass playlist. (Burlington, Winooski • thearchivesbar.com)

Other finalists:

• Jennifer Gomo (1st Republic Brewing Co.): Essex • Facebook

• Jenny Sangkhanond (BKK in the Alley): Burlington • bkkinthealley.com

• Matt Miller (Zenbarn): Waterbury Center • zenbarnvt.com

• Patty Burns (Kuya’s at One Main): Randolph • Instagram

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 • truggstavern.com)

Other finalists:

• Charlie-O’s World Famous: Montpelier • Instagram

• Finnigan’s Pub: Burlington • finnigansvt.com

• JP’s Pub: Burlington • Facebook

• e 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, Waterbury, Williston • mcgillicuddysirishalehouse.com)

Other finalists:

• Akes’ Place: Burlington • Facebook

• Finnigan’s Pub: Burlington • finnigansvt.com

• Ruben James: Burlington • Instagram

• T. Rugg’s Tavern: Burlington • truggstavern.com

BEST PLACE TO DRINK ALONE

The Archives

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

Other finalists:

• e 126: Burlington • deli126vt.com

• BKK in the Alley: Burlington • bkkinthealley.com

• Charlie-O’s World Famous: Montpelier

• Instagram

• Devil Takes a Holiday: Burlington • Instagram

DRINK

BEST BLOODY MARY

Sneakers Bistro

e menu bills this breakfast drink as a “spicy wake-up call.” It’s served in a pint glass and garnished to perfection. (Winooski • sneakersbistrovt.com)

Other finalists:

• e Friendly Toast: Burlington • thefriendlytoast.com

• e Grey Jay: Burlington • greyjayvt.com

• Misery Loves Co.: Winooski • mlcvt.com

• Rustic Roots: Shelburne • rusticrootsvt.com

BEST COCKTAILS

Caledonia Spirits

Why not go straight to the source for your spirited beverages? is distillery is the Bee’s Knees — and makes a darn good one, too. (Montpelier • caledoniaspirits.com)

Other finalists:

• e 126: Burlington • deli126vt.com

• e Archives: Burlington, Winooski • thearchivesbar.com

• BKK in the Alley: Burlington • bkkinthealley.com

• Devil Takes a Holiday: Burlington • Instagram

BEST TO-GO COCKTAIL

Caledonia Spirits

Canned Barr Hill gin and tonics are now sold all over the state. At the distillery, the takeout cocktail list is extensive — and your drink might come in a bear-shaped honey container. Sweet! (Montpelier • caledoniaspirits.com)

Other finalists:

• BKK in the Alley: Burlington • bkkinthealley.com

• Burger Bar: Colchester • burgerbarvt.com

• El Gato Cantina: Burlington, Essex Junction • elgatocantina.com

• Taco Gordo: Burlington • tacogordovt.com

BEST MOCKTAIL

Waterworks

Food + Drink

Sip a Winooski Sunset while watching the last rays of light over the river. e fancy nonalcoholic drink combines fresh orange, fresh lime, hibiscus and soda water. (Winooski • waterworksvt.com)

Other finalists:

• e 126: Burlington • deli126vt.com

• e Archives: Burlington, Winooski • thearchivesbar.com

• BKK in the Alley: Burlington • bkkinthealley.com

• Daily Planet: Burlington • dailyplanetvt.com

BEST NONALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE BRAND

Rookie’s Root Beer

Rookie’s 15-barrel garage brewery produces a beloved root beer and a lemon mapleade. Get ’em on draft at restaurants around the state. (Burlington • Facebook)

Other finalists:

• Aqua ViTea: Middlebury • aquavitea.com

• Bitter Bubble: Burlington • bitterbubble.com

• Rescue Club Brewing Co.: Burlington • rescueclubbrewing.com

• Upstate Elevator Supply Co.: Burlington • upstateelevator.com

BEST SMOOTHIES/JUICES

Tomgirl Kitchen

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

Other finalists:

• Eco Bean + Greens: South Burlington • ecobeanandgreens.com

• Lakelife Nutrition!: Milton • Facebook

• e Vermont Juice Company: Burlington • vtjuiceco.com

BEST TEAHOUSE

Dobrá Tea

At Dobrá’s newish 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:

• e North Branch Café: Montpelier • thenorth-branch.com

• Stone Leaf Teahouse: Middlebury • stoneleaftea.com

BEST DIVE BAR

T. Rugg’s Tavern

There’s something special about a bar located across the street from a graveyard. Maybe it just makes you appreciate your drink that much more? The century-old headstones you can spy from the pool table are only one of the many strange charms of T. Rugg’s Tavern, a dive bar in Burlington’s Old North End that isn’t really a dive bar. What’s a dive bar that’s not a dive bar, you ask? It’s a spot where you can have a nice, cheap drink by yourself in peace, if you so desire. It’s also a perfect place for a crew of friends to grab a table on the patio and post up for the night. The bathrooms are clean, the bartender will air-fry your drunk ass some Yummy Dino Buddies nuggets, and there are sports on the TV — but it’s not in your face like a sports bar.

T. Rugg’s is a unicorn bar, a place that can be your favorite dive whether you’re a boomer or a Gen Zer. Burlington • truggstavern.com

BEST COFFEE SHOP

Uncommon Coffee

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 • uncommonvt.com)

Other finalists:

• Catalyst Coffee Bar: St Albans City • catalystcoffeebar.com

• Cosmic Grind Coffee Shop: Burlington • thecosmicgrind.com

• Kru Coffee Collective: Burlington • krucoffee.com

• Nomad Coffee: Burlington, Essex Junction, Warren • Instagram

BEST COFFEE ROASTER

Speeder & Earl’s Coffee

Roasting in the South End since 1993, this family biz serves up small batches of single-origin beans alongside flavored faves. (Burlington • speederandearls.com)

Other finalists:

• Brio Coffeeworks: Burlington • briocoffeeworks.com

• Uncommon Coffee: Essex • uncommonvt.com

• Vermont Artisan Coffee & Tea Co.: Waterbury Center • vtartisan.com

• Vivid Coffee Roasters: Burlington • vividcoffee.com

LUKE AWTRY

DRINK

BEST BARISTA Maya Crowley (Uncommon Coffee)

e 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 • uncommonvt.com)

Other finalists:

• Cole ornton ( e Cosmic Grind): Burlington • thecosmicgrind.com

• Ethan Craighead (Kestrel Coffee Roasters): Burlington • kestrelcoffees.com

• Jason Gonzalez (Onyx Tonics): Burlington • onyxtonics.com

• Paige Small (Catalyst Coffee Bar): St. Albans City • catalystcoffeebar.com

BEST COLD-BREW/ICED COFFEE Brio Coffeeworks

From flash-chilled cans to coffee sodas, the iced drinks at this Soda Plant coffee bar and roastery make a perfect pour. Light roasting brings forward each carefully sourced coffee’s sweet, vibrant and complex flavors. (Burlington • briocoffeeworks.com)

Other finalists:

• Brew House Coffee Company: Jericho • brewhousecoffeecompany.com

• Kestrel Coffee Roasters: Burlington • kestrelcoffees.com

• Kru Coffee Collective: Burlington • krucoffee.com

• Onyx Tonics: Burlington • onyxtonics.com

BEST BEER FESTIVAL Vermont Brewers Festival

If there’s one thing Vermonters love, it’s craft beer. If there’s another thing Vermonters love, it’s buying local and directly from the makers. And if there’s a third thing Vermonters love? It’s combining both at the Vermont Brewers Festival.

Now in its 30th (nonconsecutive) year, this annual tasting party is put on by the Vermont Brewers Association as a way to connect its members with the beer-drinking public. The 2023 event, held at Burlington’s Waterfront Park on July 21 and 22, featured 70 participating taprooms serving up sips of beloved beers alongside batches brewed especially for the festival.

Educational programming also highlighted the unique techniques that put Vermont on the craft beer map. The fermentation tent, for example, hosted experts from such businesses as Foam Brewers, Elmore Mountain Bread and Jasper Hill Farm digging deep into the world of pickles and probiotics. Sour power!

Burlington • vermontbrewers.com

CULTURE

BEST OUTDOOR MUSIC VENUE

Shelburne Museum

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

Other finalists:

• Essex Experience: Essex • essexexperience.com

• Shelburne Farms: Shelburne • shelburnefarms.org

• Snow Farm Vineyard: South Hero • snowfarm.com

• Waterfront Park: Burlington • enjoyburlington.com

BEST LARGE LIVE MUSIC VENUE

Higher Ground

e region’s marquee rock club hosts a constant stream of big-name musical touring acts on its palatial Ballroom stage. e adjacent Showcase Lounge features rising stars. (South Burlington • highergroundmusic.com)

Other finalists:

• Champlain Valley Exposition: Essex Junction • cvexpo.org

• e Flynn: Burlington • flynnvt.org

• Shelburne Farms: Shelburne • shelburnefarms.org

• Shelburne Museum: Shelburne • shelburnemuseum.org

Three years ago, we thought we might not make it, as a yearslong construction project feet away from our front door chipped away at both our revenue and our sanity. Then a pandemic hit and, just like that, the peril was to all of us. And you rallied. Thanks to your overwhelming support, we survived. Today we are thriving! Over the last 74 years VBS has weathered major social upheaval, recessions, inflation, changes in ownership, a pandemic, and the internet. It's tempting to be lulled into believing we are invincible! Alas, we are not. We are certain, however, that our community is there for us, as we are for it. The future will hold fresh challenges and more change will come, as it does, but if we stick together, we will SUR-THRIVE!

BEST POP ARTIST

TAliSinger-songwriter Alison Turner — better known as Ali T — has blazed her own path in the Vermont music scene. She honed her one-woman show touring the small-venue circuit, including coffeehouses and breweries across the state.

With a style that recalls ’90s singer-songwriters such as Alanis Morissette and Aimee Mann, Turner has grown with her sound over the years. She took her DIY ethos to another level on her most recent album, 2023’s Pancakes at Midnight, playing just about every instrument on the record. She self-produced it, too — a career first.

An artist who has continually evolved, Ali T worked hard for this Daysie.

sheisalit.com

BEST SMALL LIVE MUSIC HOT SPOT

Nectar’s

Iconic nightclub Nectar’s — aka the House at Phish Built — has live performances throughout the week from local, regional and national acts of all genres. It’s also got the coolest, and only, revolving neon sign in town. (Burlington • liveatnectars.com)

Other finalists:

• Foam Brewers: Burlington • foambrewers.com

• Monkey House: Winooski • monkeyhousevt.com

• Radio Bean: Burlington • radiobean.com

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)

Other finalists:

• Bent Nails Bistro: Montpelier • bentnailsbistro.com

• e Underground: Randolph • theundergroundshows.com

BEST VOCALIST Kat Wright

Known for her soulful serenading, the Burlington-based songbird has been a major player in the local scene — and beyond — for more than a decade. (katwright.com)

Other finalists:

• Ali T: sheisalit.com

• Jon Berg: Facebook

• Megan Ferris

• Myra Flynn: myraflynn.com

BEST INSTRUMENTALIST Ray Vega

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:

• André Maquera: 8084rocks.com

• Bob Wagner: Facebook

BEST FOLK ARTIST OR GROUP Troy Millette & the Fire Below

e Fairfax singer-songwriter and his band serve up country-tinged Americana

— these original songs are guaranteed to tug at your heartstrings. Don’t sleep on their cover of Taylor Swift’s “All Too Well.” (troymillettemusic.com)

Other finalists:

• CONANT: conantmusic.com

Cricket Blue: cricketbluemusic.com

Hungrytown: hungrytown.net

• Tall Travis: Facebook

BEST STANDUP COMIC

Max Higgins

Few comedians can riff on jam band culture and loving Phish and make it fresh and funny, but Burlington-based standup Max Higgins is one of them. The comedian gets the room howling while talking about coming out, gender identity and dating audience members’ fathers, too.

In November 2022, Higgins launched Comedy Wolf at Burlington’s Radio Bean nightclub. The goal of the bimonthly comedy showcase — which includes open mics and American Werewolf comedy shows, all hosted by Higgins — is to shine a light on the local scene. “It’s open doors here, and very few comedy sets are like that,” Higgins told the Vermont Cynic last fall. “We’re all thinking funny stuff all the time — after that, it’s all about putting it into joke format with a punch line.”

Higgins also fronts the indie band H3adgear. With so much going on, it’s surprising Higgins finds time to notice — and roast — the absurd in life. But according to you, the comedy fans, no one does it better.

instagram.com/max_headgear

BEST COUNTRY ARTIST OR GROUP

Brett Hughes

A local legend and the onetime host of Radio Bean’s iconic Honky Tonk Tuesdays, Hughes can be heard at venues around the state. He plays solo and with his group, at Bluegrass Band. (Facebook)

Other finalists:

• CONANT: conantmusic.com

• Minced Oats: Instagram

• Wild Leek River: wildleekriver.com

BEST BLUEGRASS ARTIST OR GROUP

The Tenderbellies

e 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

• Minced Oats: Instagram

• e Wormdogs: thewormdogs.com

BEST JAZZ ARTIST OR GROUP

Kat Wright

A musician of many hats, Wright can lean into the sounds of a smoky jazz club just as strongly as she can belt soul and folk music. When she decides to indulge her jazzier side and transform into a chanteuse, there aren’t many around who do it better. (katwright.com)

Other finalists:

• Dave Grippo: grippofunkband.com

• Paul Asbell: paulasbell.com

• Ray Vega: rayvegamusic.com

BEST BLUES ARTIST OR GROUP

Seth Yacovone Band

In addition to traditional blues, Yacovone cites the Grateful Dead and Frank Zappa among his musical influences. Backed by drummer Steve Hadeka and bassist Alex Budney, he’s been performing dynamic cross-genre music in Vermont for years. (Facebook)

Other finalists:

• All Night Boogie Band: Facebook

• Dave Keller Band: davekeller.com

• Dave Mitchell Blues Revue: Facebook

• Dwight + Nicole: dwightandnicole.com

BEST SOUL/FUNK/R&B ARTIST OR GROUP

Kat Wright

From the early days at Radio Bean, where she gathered local all-stars to form Kat Wright and the Indomitable Soul Band, Wright has been one of the area’s bright lights in soul music. Now performing a strippeddown sound with her four-piece outfit, she still shines onstage. (katwright.com)

Other finalists:

• Dwight + Nicole: dwightandnicole.com

• Grippo Funk Band: grippofunkband.com

• Myra Flynn: myraflynn.com

• Purple: A Tribute to Prince: mydjlens.com/craigmitchell

CULTURE

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.com)

Other finalists:

• 8084: 8084rocks.com

• James Kochalka: jameskochalkasuperstar.com

BEST POP ARTIST OR GROUP

Ali T

Ali T (aka Alison Turner) prolifically writes, produces and performs indie pop music in and around Vermont. If you don’t catch her live, her latest album, Pancakes at Midnight is available to stream on all platforms. (sheisalit.com)

Other finalists:

• Andriana Chobot: andrianachobot.com

• Night Protocol: nightprotocol.com

• Ryan Sweezey: ryansweezey.com

BEST HIP-HOP ARTIST OR GROUP

99 Neighbors

is hip-hop group formed in Burlington but has since hit the big leagues. Its singers, rappers and producers stay close to their Vermont roots, despite a deal with Warner Records and more than 11 million Spotify streams. (99nbrs.com)

Other finalists:

• A2VT: a2vt.com

• Charlie Mayne: Facebook

BEST CLUB DJ Craig Mitchell

is perennial Daysies winner 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)

Other finalists:

• DJ ATAK: Facebook

• DJ GAYBAR

• DJ Memery: Instagram

• DJ Taka: Facebook

BEST COVER OR TRIBUTE BAND

Purple: A Tribute to Prince

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)

Other finalists:

• e Full Cleveland: thefullclevelandvt.com

• Heartless: heartlesstribute.com

• Jesse Agan — e Music of Queen: experiencequeen.com

• Sticks and Stones: sticksandstonesbandvt.com

BEST INSTRUMENTALIST

Ray Vega

Few musicians in Vermont can boast a pedigree like Ray Vega’s. The South Bronx-born trumpeter has played with everyone from Tito Puente to Paul Simon in a glittering career that eventually landed him at the University of Vermont as a senior lecturer on jazz history and, naturally, the trumpet.

Vega also hosts his own show on Vermont Public, the weekly “Friday Night Jazz” radio program. He can be found all over the state playing jazz with some of the area’s best, whether it’s at his Wednesday night gig at Burlington’s Hotel Vermont or doing a summer tour with the Vermont Symphony Orchestra.

A virtuoso on his trusty trumpet, Vega is one of the leading lights of Vermont jazz.

rayvegamusic.com

BEST CLASSICAL MUSIC GROUP OR ENSEMBLE

Vermont Symphony Orchestra

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:

• Champlain Trio: champlaintrio.com

• Vermont Youth Orchestra

BEST CHORAL ENSEMBLE Bella Voce

Women’s Chorus

e 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:

Counterpoint Chorus: counterpointchorus.org

Solaris Vocal Ensemble: solarisensemble.org

BEST MUSIC FESTIVAL Burlington Discover Jazz Festival

In Burlington, June is synonymous with jazz, thanks to this annual festival. It fills the Flynn, Waterfront Park and open-air stages across the city with music from world-class headliners and locals alike. (Burlington • flynnvt.org/jazzfest40)

Other finalists:

• Green Mountain Bluegrass and Roots Festival: Manchester • greenmountainbluegrass.com

• Waking Windows: Winooski • wakingwindows.com

BEST BOUNCERS

Chocolate Thunder Security

Founded in 2010 by veteran bouncer Mikey Van Gulden, Chocolate under delivers security services while emphasizing compassion and de-escalation. Event guests stay safe — and smiling. (Burlington • chocolatethundersecurity.com)

Other finalists:

• Higher Ground: South Burlington • highergroundmusic.com

• Nectar’s: Burlington • liveatnectars.com

• Ruben James: Burlington • Facebook

BEST KARAOKE

JP’s Pub

Wannabe rock stars belt out their all-time favorites every ursday 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 • Facebook

“Foca” Fernandez, Carlson Gracie 7th Degree Coral Belt and Two-Time Champion of the IBJJF World Masters

CULTURE

BEST PLACE TO PLAY POOL

Three Needs Tap Room & Pizza Cube

With its meticulously maintained tables, ree Needs is a pool player’s paradise. e competition here is always fierce; the craft brews and atmosphere, always chill. (Burlington • threeneeds.net)

Other finalists:

• Charlie-O’s World Famous: Montpelier • Facebook

• T. Rugg’s Tavern: Burlington • truggstavern.com

• Vermont Pool and Bar: South Burlington • Facebook

• e 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:

• Four Quarters Brewing: Winooski • 4qbc.com

• Nectar’s: Burlington • liveatnectars.com

• Ruben James: Burlington • Facebook

BEST PLACE TO DANCE Club Metronome

Club Metronome has provided a space for Burlingtonians to get their groove on since the ’90s. ey do exactly that, whether it’s at Emo Night or a YDK Pop party. (Burlington • liveatnectars.com)

Other finalists:

• Light Club Lamp Shop: Burlington • radiobean.com/light-club-info

• On Tap Bar & Grill: Essex Junction • ontapbargrill.com

• Radio Bean: Burlington • radiobean.com

• Red Square: Burlington • Instagram

BEST STANDUP COMIC Max Higgins

A young comedic star on the rise, Higgins performs dry, easygoing standup that doesn’t shy away from touchy subjects. Tokenism? Coming out? It’s all on the table at their statewide gigs, which include hosting Comedy Wolf shows at Radio Bean. (Instagram)

Other finalists:

• Maisie Laud: Instagram

• Vicki Ferentinos: vickiferentinos.com

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:

• e Flynn: Burlington • flynnvt.org

• Woolen Mill Comedy Club: Bridgewater • Facebook

BEST ILLUSTRATOR

Harry Bliss

If you’re looking for a drawing of a dog peeing words across a snowy field, Harry Bliss is your man. Need an illustrator for your children’s book? He’s your guy there, too. Bliss, who splits his time between Burlington and Cornish, N.H., has 25 kiddie books to his credit; several were turned into an animated series, “The Bug Diaries,” on Amazon Prime Video. And then there are his 24-and-counting New Yorker covers.

To Seven Days readers and his nearly 58,000 Instagram followers, Bliss might be best known for his eponymous single-panel cartoon. Each one is a small masterwork that makes you LOL — and often includes a pooch. (If it weren’t for perennial fave Alison Bechdel, Bliss might be picking up a Daysie for best cartoonist, too.) Steve Martin also finds him pretty funny: The comedy icon has collaborated with Bliss on two books and numerous cartoon gags.

In a Seven Days profile of Bliss last year, the artist revealed that he has considered retiring. We can confidently speak for all his fans in saying: No freaking way, Harry! store.harrybliss.com

BEST MOVIE THEATER

Essex Cinemas

Stadium seating and 3D capabilities have established Essex’s mainstream movie house as a fun place to view fresh flicks. e theater also offers sensory-friendly screenings and subtitled showings to make the magic of the movies more accessible. (Essex • essexcinemas.com)

Other finalists:

• Majestic 10: Williston • majestic10.com

• Merrill’s Roxy Cinema: Burlington • merrilltheatres.net

• Palace 9: South Burlington • palace9.com

• Savoy eater: 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 e Prom and Elephant & Piggie (Burlington • lyrictheatrevt.org)

Other finalists:

• Foul Contending Rebels eatre Co.: Burlington • foulcontendingrebels.org

• Lost Nation eater: Montpelier • lostnationtheater.org

• e Shelburne Players: Shelburne • shelburneplayers.com

• Vermont Stage: Burlington • vermontstage.org

BEST ACTOR

Kaitie Bessette

e Burlington thespian has starred in dramatic works with Saints and Poets Productions, the University of Vermont Department of eatre, and Lyric eatre Company. Seven Days critic Alex Brown has called Bessette’s acting chops “delightful.” (Facebook)

Other finalists:

• Ryan Poulin: Facebook

• Sean Reeks

BEST DRAG PERFORMER OR GROUP

The House of LeMay

Hailing from “the Hot Dam Trailer Park in Beaver Pond, Vt.,” the House of LeMay has long been one of New England’s premier drag troupes. is year, the group honored the memory of beloved member Michael Hayes, aka Marguarite LeMay, who passed away in March. (Facebook)

Other finalists:

• Amy Leigh Celestial: Facebook

• Emoji Nightmare: nightpagne.com

• Sasha Sriracha: Instagram

BEST LGBTQ+ EVENT Pride Vermont Parade & Festival

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

Other finalists:

• Fierce Fridays: Rutland • rcpride.square.site

• Untapped: A Night of Drag and Burly-Q: Winooski • pridecentervt.org

• Winter Is a Drag Ball: South Burlington • highergroundmusic.com

BEST PERFORMING ARTS VENUE

The Flynn

e Flynn’s Main Street marquee is a beacon for fans of music, theater and dance. e 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:

• Higher Ground: South Burlington • highergroundmusic.com

• Vermont Comedy Club: Burlington • vermontcomedyclub.com

COURTESY OF SOFI DILLOF

CULTURE

BEST ART GALLERY BCA Center

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 and arts education events for the community. (Burlington • burlingtoncityarts.org)

Other finalists:

• ArtHound Gallery: Essex • arthoundgalleryvt.com

• Soapbox Arts: Burlington • soapboxarts.com

• e S.P.A.C.E. Gallery: Burlington • spacegalleryvt.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)

Other finalists:

ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain: Burlington • echovermont.org

Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium: St. Johnsbury • fairbanksmuseum.org

Fleming Museum of Art: Burlington • uvm.edu/fleming

• Montshire Museum of Science: Norwich • montshire.org

• e Museum of Everyday Life: Glover • museumofeverydaylife.org

BEST ARTS EVENT

South End Art Hop

Art Hop showcases the best that Burlington’s South End Arts District has to offer. e mostly free slate of events draws tens of thousands for a September weekend of open studios, music, food and fashion. (Burlington • seaba.com/arthop)

Other finalists:

• Burlington Discover Jazz Festival: Burlington • flynnvt.org/jazzfest40

• Waterbury Arts Fest: Waterbury • waterburyartsfest.com

BEST PAINTER

Katharine Montstream

No one captures the Vermont landscape quite like 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:

• Charlotte Dworshak: charlottedworshak.com

• Robert Waldo Brunelle Jr.: Instagram

• Stephanie Bush: stephaniebush.com

BEST ILLUSTRATOR Harry Bliss

In a syndicated daily comic strip, dozens of New Yorker cover illustrations and two book collabs with Steve Martin, Bliss’ art and humor range from sweet to sardonic to downright twisted. (store.harrybliss.com)

Other finalists:

• Julianna Brazill: juliannabrazill.com

• Robert Waldo Brunelle Jr.: Instagram

• Sunniva Dutcher: sunnivadutcher.com

BEST SCULPTOR Chris

Cleary

e Jericho Center sculptor gives stone new life as ornaments, memorials, birdbaths and custom pieces. is past New Year’s Eve, Cleary set ablaze a wood sculpture of Champ, creating an ephemeral work of pyrotechnic art. (ontherocksvt.com)

Other finalists:

• Gerald K. Stoner: geraldkstoner.com

• Julia Chalmers: juliabchalmers.com

BEST PHOTOGRAPHER Hillary Dubie Photography

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)

Other finalists:

• Coco Rae Photography: Facebook

• John Churchman: brickhousestudios.com/index

• Peter Riley: rileyphotos.com

• Sydney Brynn: sydneybrynnphotography.com

BEST CARTOONIST Alison Bechdel

e former cartoonist laureate of Vermont may be most famous for her 2006 graphic novel Fun Home, which became an awardwinning Broadway musical. But she has a vast body of work, including the long-running comic strip “Dykes to Watch Out For,” now also a podcast. (dykestowatchoutfor.com)

Other finalists:

• Harry Bliss: store.harrybliss.com

• James Kochalka: jameskochalkasuperstar.com

• Rachel Lindsay: rachellivesherenow.com

• Robert Waldo Brunelle Jr.: Instagram

BEST PUBLISHED AUTHOR Chris Bohjalian

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

Other finalists:

• Joey Truman: joeytruman.com

• Stephen P. Kiernan: stephenpkiernan.com

• ea Lewis: Facebook

BCA Studios’ Daysieapproved arts classes go on sale August 21!

LEARN MORE AT BURLINGTONCITYARTS.ORG

SHOPPING

BEST WOMEN’S CASUAL CLOTHING STORE

Ecco Clothes

Fashionistas flock to this chic cornerstone of the Marketplace, which offers hot designs in denim, dresses, tops and shoes in a range of prices. (Burlington • eccoclothesboutique.com)

Other finalists:

• Charlotte Case: Essex • charlottecaseboutique.com

• Kish: Burlington • shop-kish.com

• SidePony Boutique: Hinesburg • sideponyboutique.com

• Sweet P: Essex • sweetpvt.com

BEST EVENING-WEAR STORE

Ecco Clothes

e Church Street boutique serves up special outfits for special occasions. Whether it’s a little black dress, a simple white sheath or a fashionable look in any color of the rainbow, owner Lara Heath Allen has shoppers covered. (Burlington • eccoclothesboutique.com)

Other finalists:

• Billie Jean Vintage: Burlington • billiejeanvintage.com

• Jess Boutique: Burlington • jessboutique.com

• Monelle Vermont: Burlington, Shelburne • monellevermont.com

• Needleman’s Bridal & Formal: South Burlington • needlemansbridal.com

BEST BRIDAL SHOP

Fiori Bridal Boutique

Elegance abounds at this bridal shop owned by three generations of women. To minimize the stress of the dress-buying experience, Fiori’s consultants guide brides to top-quality gowns by the latest designers. (Essex Junction • fioribridal.com)

Other finalists:

• Hinterland Bride: Burlington • hinterlandbride.com

• Needleman’s Bridal & Formal: South Burlington • needlemansbridal.com

• Veilmonté Bridal Showroom: South Burlington • veilmontebride.com

BEST WOMEN’S SHOE STORE

Danform Shoes

Comfort and style come together at four Vermont locations. Danform’s fitting experts help customers of all ages attire their unique feet in well-made, popular brands — from Birkenstock to Wolky. (Burlington, Colchester, Shelburne, St. Albans City • danformshoesvt.com)

Other finalists:

• Dear Lucy: Burlington • dearlucy.com

• Harbour read: Burlington • harbourthread.com

• Lenny’s Shoe & Apparel: Williston • lennyshoe.com

• Outdoor Gear Exchange: Burlington • gearx.com

BEST MENSWEAR STORE

Outdoor Gear Exchange

Vermont men tend to dress more Black Diamond than Brooks Brothers, and OGE keeps them clad in plaid button-downs, cargo shorts and quilted vests. When the thermostat dips, stock up on Vermont’s own Darn Tough socks and Turtle Fur hats. (Burlington • gearx.com)

Other finalists:

• Harbour read: Burlington • harbourthread.com

• Lenny’s Shoe & Apparel: Williston • lennyshoe.com

• McNeil & Reedy: Rutland • mcneilandreedy.com

• MK Clothing: Burlington • mk-clothing.com

BEST MEN’S SHOE STORE

Lenny’s Shoe & Apparel

Lenny’s is legendary when it comes to work wear for feet, taking customers from the farm to the street. e outdoor apparel store sells quality work boots, sandals and sneakers from brands such as Carhartt, Danner, Keen and Timberland. (Williston • lennyshoe.com)

Other finalists:

• Danform Shoes: Burlington, Colchester, Shelburne, St. Albans City • danformshoesvt.com

• Harbour read: Burlington • harbourthread.com

• Outdoor Gear Exchange: Burlington • gearx.com

BEST VINTAGE CLOTHING STORE

Old Gold

What’s old is new again at Old Gold, a source for vintage finds of all kinds. is is where you’ll score a cool jacket or costume party outfit. Stop by during the spooky season, when the store goes all out for Halloween. (Burlington • Facebook)

Other finalists:

• Billie Jean Vintage: Burlington • billiejeanvintage.com

• e Getup Vintage: Montpelier • Facebook

• Project Object Vintage: Burlington • povintage.com

• e Vault Collective: Burlington • thevaultcollective.com

BEST SECONDHAND CLOTHING STORE

Battery Street Jeans

Shoppers are sure to find a hidden gem or two on BSJ’s jam-packed racks. Enjoy local art and a quirky atmosphere while browsing the recycled clothes. (Burlington • Facebook)

Other finalists:

• Dirt Chic: Burlington • dirtchicvt.com

• Plato’s Closet: Williston • platoscloset.com

• Style Encore: Williston • style-encore.com

• Twice Is Nice: Hinesburg • hinesburgresource.org/twice-is-nice

BEST CHILDREN’S CLOTHING STORE

Once Upon a Child

Kids grow up fast, and Once Upon a Child helps parents keep up. e shop’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

• Sweet P: Essex • sweetpvt.com

BEST CHILDREN’S TOY STORE

Turner Toys

Tackle those weekend birthday parties with ease at this kid-oriented gift shop. From wooden trains and yo-yos to games and art supplies, the shelves here hold plenty of options for the perfect gift. (Williston • turnertoys.com)

Other finalists:

BEST

DISPENSARY OUTSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY

• echovermont.org

• ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain Museum Store: Burlington

• 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: e practice has served 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

• e Optical Center: Burlington • Facebook

BEST PLACE TO BUY JEWELRY Perrywinkle’s

Perrywinkle’s crafts its own designs with diamonds, pearls, and other gemstones and metals sourced from around the world. Part of the family-owned Bixlers jewelry company, based in Pennsylvania, the Vermont store also carries other luxury brands, including Rolex watches. (Burlington • perrywinkles.com)

Other finalists:

• Jennifer Kahn Jewelry: Burlington • jenniferkahnjewelry.com

• Tradewinds: Burlington • tradewindsvt.com

• Von Bargen’s Jewelry: Burlington • vonbargensjewelry.com

• Zinnia: Burlington • zinniastores.com

Mountain Girl Cannabis

Back in the 1970s, long before most people had heard of California’s cannabis-growing region known as the Emerald Triangle, pot smokers spoke with almost religious reverence of a fabled strain of sativa known as Colombian Gold. Cultivated in the mountains of South America, it was, like those shiny bars inside Fort Knox, the gold standard of cannabis — and to most black-market weed buyers, equally inaccessible.

Colombian Gold isn’t currently on the menu at Mountain Girl Cannabis, but another ’70s classic is: Acapulco Gold. And if gold isn’t your color, you can try Blue Dream, Purple Sprite or Tropical Cherry. Thanks to a Colombian-born Vermonter’s golden business

BEST BEAUTY PRODUCT PURVEYOR

Mirror Mirror

is beauty store and day spa carries the most coveted brands of makeup, skin care, hair care, fragrances and accessories to help customers feel like the fairest of them all. e Stowe location includes a café and cocktail lounge, Après. (Burlington, Stowe • mirrormirrorvt.com)

Other finalists:

• be. Skin Clinic: Shelburne • vtskinclinic.com

• Pure Energy Apothecary: Williston • pureenergyvt.com

idea, local adults can now enjoy all the colors of the cannabis spectrum, including Rainbow Sherbet. Ana MacDuff, a native of the Andes Mountains, and her husband, Josh MacDuff, offer flowers, pre-rolls, edibles and more at their Rutland dispensary. The couple, who first bonded over a joint, went on to score the coveted spot of Vermont’s first licensed adult-use retail outlet, then opened its doors on day one of legalization. Now they run the first dispensary outside Chittenden County to win a Daysie. Mountain Girl Cannabis can proudly proclaim, “We’re No. 1!”

Rutland • mountaingirlcannabis.com

BEST PET SUPPLY STORE

Pet Food Warehouse

e customer service at Vermont’s longstanding animal emporium is pawsitively first-rate. Since 1983, pet owners have found all the gear and goods they need to keep their fur babies happy and healthy. (Shelburne, South Burlington • pfwvt.com)

Other finalists:

• e Dog and Cat: Essex, Stowe • thedogandcat.com

• Guy’s Farm and Yard: Montpelier, Morrisville, St. Albans, Williston • guysfarmandyard.com

• Houndstooth: Burlington • houndstoothvt.com

• e Pet Advantage: South Burlington • thepetadvantage.com

BEST RECORD STORE

Pure Pop Records

e selection at this subterranean store will spin you right ’round, baby. Audiophiles can find everything from Johann Sebastian Bach to Neil Young on vinyl, CD, cassette and DVD. (Burlington • purepoprecords.com)

Other finalists:

• Autumn Records: Winooski • autumnrecordsvt.com

• Buch Spieler Records: Montpelier • buchspielerrecords.com

• Burlington Records: Burlington • burlingtonrecords.com

CANNABIS

BEST BOOKSTORE

Phoenix Books

Locally owned bookstores are national treasures, and Phoenix is no exception. Owners Mike DeSanto and Renee Reiner stock their stores with the latest and greatest reads, highlight Vermont authors, and suggest staff favorites. (Burlington, Essex, Rutland • phoenixbooks.biz)

Other finalists:

• Crow Bookshop: Burlington • crowbooks.com

• e Flying Pig Bookstore: Shelburne • flyingpigbooks.com

OUTSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY Bear Pond Books

Bear Pond Books has turned pages for local readers since 1973. With book clubs, author events and educator resources, the store provides new and used titles, staff picks, audio books, and a spacious Children’s Room upstairs. (Montpelier • bearpondbooks.com)

Other finalists:

• Bear Pond Books: Stowe • stowebooks.com

• Bridgeside Books: Waterbury • bridgesidebooks.com

• e Eloquent Page: St. Albans • theeloquentpage.com

• e Vermont Book Shop: Middlebury • vermontbookshop.com

Other finalists:

• ArtHound Gallery: Essex • arthoundgalleryvt.com

• Golden Hour Gift Co.: Burlington, Winooski • goldenhourgiftco.com

• irty-odd: Burlington • thirtyodd.com

• Vermont Gift Barn: South Burlington • vermontgiftbarn.com

OUTSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY Stowe Street Emporium

Whether you need a cute outfit for your friend’s first baby, a stylish cross-body bag for your mom’s birthday or a quality cutting board for a housewarming gift, this downtown store has all that and more. (Waterbury • stowestreetemporium.com)

Other finalists:

• Blockhouse Studio: Waitsfield • blockhousestudio.com

• Island Craft Shop: South Hero • islandcraftshop.com

• Remarkable ings at Stowe Craft: Stowe • stowecraft.com

BEST PLACE TO BUY A PIPE

Bern Gallery

BEST FURNITURE STORE

Wendell’s Furniture

BEST PLACE

TO BUY A UNIQUE GIFT

Common Deer

e family-owned shop combs the country for the best small-batch, American-made goods. Find a standout gift in this selection of ceramics, blankets, bags, jewelry, candles, clothing and Vermont souvenirs — or commandeer something special for yourself. (Burlington • commondeer.com)

Known worldwide for its annual Pipe Classic competition, Bern Gallery is a more than a pipe shop. It’s a showcase for the pipe-making craft, featuring on-site glassblowing workstations, as well as a retail selection that’s appropriately smokin’. (Burlington • berngallery.com)

Other finalists:

• Garcia’s Tobacco Shop: Burlington • garciastobaccoshop.com

• Grass Queen: Burlington • grassqueenvt.com

• Northern Lights Smoke Shop: Burlington • northernlightspipes.com

You can come for the giant selection of sofas, dining room tables and bedroom sets — or for the chocolate. Either way, the family that has owned Wendell’s Furniture for two generations is happy to host you. Always ready to answer questions and direct shoppers to the right section of the 40,000-square-foot Colchester showroom, the sales staff will also hang back and let you wander the floor, where you’ll find bowls of Hershey’s Nuggets on random tables.

Wendell Farrell started the business in 1999 and has since turned it over to his son, Ryan, and Ryan’s cousin Joe Dunlavey. The store boasts a huge range of recliners and a large selection of Amish bedroom and dining room sets made in the United States, as well as a few hardwood pieces from Thor’s Elegance, based in Brandon.

Bargain seeking? Visit Wendell’s Loft upstairs for deals on discontinued designs and floor models. Colchester • wendellsfurniture.com

Joe Dunlavey (left) and Ryan Farrell

BEST CANNABIS DISPENSARY*

Bern Gallery Cannabis

With Vermont’s legalization of adult cannabis use, this longtime Burlington smoke shop expanded from pipes to the products that go in them. e dispensary operates out of Bern Gallery and offers edibles, tinctures, prerolls and flower to help you reach new highs. (Burlington • berngallerydispensary.com)

Other finalists:

• Ceres Collaborative: Burlington, Brattleboro, Middlebury, South Burlington • ceresvt.com

• Grass Queen: Burlington • grassqueenvt.com

• Magic Mann: Essex • magicmann.com

• Winooski Organics: Winooski • winooskiorganics.com

OUTSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY

Mountain Girl Cannabis

Owners Josh and Ana MacDuff believe it’s high time that consumers gain greater awareness of the benefits of legal weed and the need for sustainable cultivation.

e adult-use dispensary provides a “wellness guide” to usher customers through a curated cannabis experience. (Rutland • mountaingirlcannabis.com)

Other finalists:

• Cambridge Cannabis Company: Cambridge • cambridgecannabiscompany.com

• Gram Central: Montpelier • gramcentral.com

• Higher Elevation: Morrisville • higherelevationvt.com

• Zenbarn Farms: Waterbury Center • zenbarnfarms.com

BEST HOUSEWARES STORE Homeport

Church Street’s four-level home goods emporium has a wide range of lifestyle and household products. You can outfit your whole house here with dishware, furniture, décor, bath products and kitchen equipment that’s as fun as it is functional. (Burlington • homeportonline.com)

Other finalists:

• As the Crow Flies: St. Albans • Facebook

• Kiss the Cook: Burlington • kissthecook.net

• Slate: Burlington, Middlebury • slatehome.co

• Stowe Living: Stowe • stoweliving.net

BEST SECONDHAND HOUSEWARES STORE

ReSource VT

is secondhand center for gently used or refurbished donations keeps more than 1,000 tons of material from landfills each year. ere’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, Swanton, Williston • vermonthabitat.org/restore

• Replays: South Burlington • Facebook

BEST BOOKSTORE OUTSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY

Bear Pond Books

Bear Pond Books has been a steadfast part of downtown Montpelier since its founding in 1973. Fifty years in business would be an impressive feat for any mom-and-pop shop, of course — but for an independent bookstore to have survived the Amazon-pocalypse for so long, it has to be something special.

And Bear Pond Books is special: Its merger with Rivendell Books in 2015 led to an exceptional collection of both new and used titles. Dedicated staffers — some of whom have worked at Bear Pond for decades — have a knack for supplying the perfect recommendation. In the mood for educational nonfiction or a madcap road trip comedy? They’ve got you, from cover to cover.

The community has their back, too. Like much of downtown Montpelier, Bear Pond took on water during last month’s flooding. At press time, cleanup of soggy books was still under way, but the store expressed gratitude for the local outpouring of love and offers of assistance. Pages to the people!

Montpelier • bearpondbooks.com

BEST ANTIQUE STORE

Barge Canal Market

From quirky art to elegant furniture, this Pine Street outpost offers unique accents for the home. e sprawling showroom specializes in mid-20th-century décor, as well as American industrial and vintage barn furnishings. (Burlington • bargecanalmarketvt.com)

Other finalists:

• Anjou & the Little Pear: Burlington • anjouvt.com

• Five Corners Antiques: Essex Junction • 5cornersantiques.com

• Vintage Inspired Marketplace: South Burlington • vintageinspired.net

BEST FURNITURE STORE

Wendell’s Furniture

e 40,000-square-foot showroom can outfit your living room, bedroom, dining room and home office. e store features a huge selection of recliners, specializes in American-made Amish woodwork and offers an upstairs floor of discounts called the Loft. (Colchester • wendellsfurniture.com)

Other finalists:

• Anjou & the Little Pear: Burlington • anjouvt.com

• Barge Canal Market: Burlington • bargecanalmarketvt.com

• Burlington Furniture: Burlington • burlingtonfurniture.us

• e SuperStore: Williston • superstorevt.com

BEST KITCHEN STORE

Kiss the Cook

Kiss the Cook has equipped kitchens with pots, pans, napkins, knives, spatulas and strainers since the 1990s. Foodies find brands including Wüstoff, Breville and every color of the Le Creuset cookware rainbow. e store also hosts 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 • stoweliving.net

BEST LIGHTING STORE

The Lighting House

Vermont’s premier lighting showroom has brightened customers’ lives since 1977. Find chandeliers, shades, sconces and more — plus a selection of quality outdoor furniture. (Shelburne • vermontlightinghouse.com)

Other finalists:

• Barre Electric & Lighting Supply, Inc.: Barre • barreelectric.com

• Conant Metal & Light: Burlington • conantmetalandlight.com

• e Lamp Shop: Burlington • shopthelamp.com

BEST GARDEN CENTER

Gardener’s Supply Company

Founded in 1983 by Vermont gardeners, this employee-owned business cultivates customers with a vast array of annuals, perennials, shrubs and houseplants — and everything needed to help them grow. e Williston location also has a café. Dig it? (Burlington, Williston • gardeners.com)

Other finalists:

• Claussen’s Florist, Greenhouse & Perennial Farm: Colchester • claussens.com

• Evergreen Gardens of Vermont: Waterbury Center • evergreengardensvermont.com

• Paquette Full of Posies: Williston • vermontnursery.com

• Red Wagon Plants: Hinesburg • redwagonplants.com

BEST AUTO DEALER The Automaster

It started as Jack DuBrul’s little Rambler dealership in 1968. Today the Automaster spreads its road-worthy wares across five dealerships dedicated to new and pre-owned Mercedes Benz, BMW, Honda and Mini vehicles. ere’s even an auto spa to spiff up your ride. (Shelburne • theautomaster.com)

Other finalists:

• 802 Subaru: Berlin • 802subaru.com

• Almartin Volvo Cars: Shelburne • almartinvolvocars.com

• Burlington Subaru: Burlington • subaruvt.com

• Goss Dodge Jeep Chrysler Ram: South Burlington • gossdodgechryslerramjeep.com

BEST SKI/SNOWBOARD SHOP

Outdoor Gear Exchange

Before you hit the slopes, stop here for skis, boards, bindings and poles. is 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, Stratton • burton.com

• Pinnacle Ski & Sports: Stowe • pinnacleskisports.com

• Skirack: Burlington • skirack.com

JEB WALLACE-BRODEUR

SHOPPING

BEST BIKE SHOP

Earl’s Cyclery and Fitness

Earl’s has kept locals on two wheels for 65 years with a wide selection of bikes, gear and accessories — and an emphasis on attentive customer service. Bikers can get tune-ups here, too. (South Burlington • earlsbikes.com)

Other finalists:

• North Star Sports: Burlington • northstarsportsvt.com

• Old Spokes Home: Burlington • oldspokeshome.com

• Outdoor Gear Exchange: Burlington • gearx.com

• Skirack: Burlington • skirack.com

OUTSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY

Onion River Outdoors

Biking buffs can find everything they need at the Onion — including new riding buddies. Volunteers lead groups for different pace levels and on different types of terrain. Trade in and trade up to new wheels during the store’s annual bike swap. (Montpelier • onionriver.com)

Other finalists:

• Bicycle Express: Waterbury • bikeexpressvt.com

• Bootlegger Bikes: Jeffersonville, St. Albans • bootleggerbikes.com

BEST OUTDOOR OUTFITTER

Outdoor Gear Exchange

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 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:

• Onion River Outdoors: Montpelier • onionriver.com

• Skirack: Burlington • skirack.com

Where Sports

meets

BEST PLACE TO BUY A UNIQUE GIFT OUTSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY

Stowe Street Emporium

Now that we’re back to in-person celebrations post-pandemic, the nearly 30-year-old Stowe Street Emporium is more of a destination than ever. This fixture of Waterbury’s historic downtown offers a little bit of everything for anyone in need of a gift.

A decade ago, owners Larry and Kathy Murphy took over the store, founded by Jack Carter, a prominent local presence until his death in 2021. The Murphys’ daughter, Kate Ruggles, often helms the shop, where she brings her interior design sensibility and comfortable conversation with visitors.

The store abounds with color — literally and figuratively — from the rainbow-hued kitchen utensils to the salty language on Blue Q socks. You can buy a dish towel that says “Fuck I love cheese,” Stonewall Kitchen sauces and an appetizer tray on which to serve them, a purple knit poncho to ward off chilly Vermont nights, and a baby onesie printed with carrots and bok choy on eco-conscious fabric.

The emporium carries local products, too, including the Ursa Major skin care line, headquartered across the street, and gourmet bars from Rabble Rouser Chocolate & Craft in Montpelier.

Waterbury • stowestreetemporium.com

SERVICES

BEST NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION

Humane Society of Chittenden County

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

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

BEST VETERINARIAN/ ANIMAL HOSPITAL

Burlington Emergency & Veterinary Specialists

As the only 24-7 vet hospital in the state, BEVS offers top-notch care and peace of mind, whether Fluffy ate something he shouldn’t at 2 a.m. or needs to see an advanced specialist in fields including neurology and internal medicine. (Williston • bevsvt.com)

Other finalists:

• Animal Hospital of Hinesburg: Hinesburg • hinesburgvtvet.com

• Essex Veterinary Center: Essex • essexvet.com

• Green Mountain Animal Hospital: Burlington, South Burlington • greenmountainah.com

• Malletts Bay Veterinary Hospital: Colchester • mallettsbayvet.com

• River Cove Animal Hospital: Williston • rivercove.net

BEST SOLAR COMPANY

SunCommon

There’s an odd phenomenon that can kick in once SunCommon techs install a photovoltaic system at your home or office. On your first sunny day, you might find yourself obsessively checking your smartphone app to watch, in real time, how much electricity your solar panels are generating.

As those previously unharnessed photons rain down from the sky for free, you might get a warm feeling inside knowing that you’re saving money and doing your part to help fight climate change.

When it comes to installing solar and other energy-saving devices, such as heat pumps and backup storage batteries, SunCommon, a certified B Corp, has more than a decade of experience in Vermont. Last year, it installed solar systems at 871 homes and 31 businesses, adding nearly 10 megawatts of renewable power to the local grid. That’s equivalent to removing 17,878 cars from the roads for one year.

A Daysie-worthy endeavor, indeed.

Waterbury • suncommon.com

BEST PET DAYCARE Oh my DOG

With a mix of indoor and outdoor play spaces and a state-of-the-art sanitation system, Oh my DOG keeps best friends happy and healthy. Plus, you’ll love spotting your pooch in the hundreds of photos posted to the daycare’s Facebook page each day. (South Burlington • ohmydogvt.com)

Other finalists:

• Comfort Hill Kennel: Vergennes • comforthillkennel.com

• 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. e expert groomers at the Colchester boutique, in business since 2003, provide a warm and fuzzy pampering experience. (Colchester • doggiestylesvt.com)

Other finalists:

• Bow Meow Pet Grooming Boutique: Essex • bowmeowpetgrooming.com

• Northern Vermont Pet Grooming: Milton • Facebook

• Pampered Pet Grooming and Supply: Burlington • pamperedpetvt.com

• Sit Pretty Grooming Salon: Essex • sitprettygrooming.com

BEST DOG TRAINING COMPANY

Fetch the Leash Dog Behavior & Training

Using positive, reward-based methods, Fetch the Leash helps pups and their people tackle fear, reactivity, off-leash skills and socialization. New pup but no time to train? Puppy Camp will get your good boy started on the road to good behavior. (Burlington • fetchtheleash.biz)

Other finalists:

• Coast Peak K9: Richmond • Facebook

• Waggles, LLC: Williston • wagglesvermont.com

BEST BANK/CREDIT UNION

New England Federal Credit Union

e 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. (nefcu.com)

Other finalists:

• North Country Federal Credit Union: northcountry.org

• Northfield Savings Bank: nsbvt.com

• Vermont Federal Credit Union vermontfederal.org

• VSECU: vsecu.com

BEST YOGA STUDIO

Sangha Studio

By its very nature, yoga is noncompetitive, so there’s something antithetical about a competition to decide which yoga studio is “best.” Nobody wins or loses at yoga. It’s like trying to decide who is the best breather, the most spiritually centered or has the biggest Svadhisthana chakra.

Still, we all have our favorite places to practice, and in the manysplendored world of asanas, the nonprofit Sangha Studio strikes just the right chord with local yoga practitioners. The studio’s core values of inclusivity, connection and accessibility mean that Sangha’s doors are open and inviting to all. And its donation-based drop-ins, virtual class options and three Vermont locations keep yoga peeps coming back again and again. Want to learn more? As your yoga instructor might say, inquire within. Burlington, Williston • sanghastudio.org

BEST LAW FIRM

Peet Law Group

In today’s real estate market, it helps to have experienced professionals on your side. Whether you’re buying or selling commercial or residential property, Peet Law Group’s attorneys and paralegals specialize in taking you from title search to closing with as little stress as possible. (South Burlington, White River Junction • peetlaw.com)

Other finalists:

• Bauer Gravel Farnham, LLP: Colchester, Montpelier, Newport, South Hero, St. Albans • vtlawoffices.com

• Gale & McAllister, PLLC: Colchester, St. Albans, Stowe, Williston • gmlawvt.com

• Gravel & Shea: Burlington • gravelshea.com

• Langrock Sperry & Wool: Burlington, Middlebury • langrock.com

BEST ACCOUNTANT McSoley McCoy & Co.

e pros here demystify accounting services ranging from individual tax assistance to corporate audits, giving you the peace of mind to go about your business. (South Burlington • cpavt.com)

Other finalists:

• American Tax: South Burlington • americantax.com

• Jeffrey D. Small CPA: South Burlington • jeffsmallcpa.com

• JMM & Associates: Colchester • jmmcpa.net

• Stowe CPAs: Stowe • stowecpas.com

BEST MORTGAGE PROVIDER New England Federal Credit Union

Preapproval is a must in today’s real estate market. e local experts at NEFCU put you on the road to your home sweet home with a quick and stress-free mortgage process and seminars to prepare you for what’s likely the biggest purchase of your life. (nefcu.com)

Other finalists:

• Spruce Mortgage: Burlington • sprucemortgage.com

• Union Bank: unionbank.com

• Vermont Mortgage Company: Burlington • vermontmortgagecompany.com

BEST REAL ESTATE AGENT Eileen O’Rourke (Coldwell Banker Hickok & Boardman)

Past clients describe O’Rourke as meticulous, proactive, hardworking and “a rock star.” Whether you’re searching for your first home or finally ready for your dream home, this Realtor will help you buy (or sell) with confidence. (Burlington • hickokandboardman.com)

Other finalists:

• Amanda Headley (Ridgeline Real Estate Co.): Williston • ridgelinerealestate.com

• Julie Danaher (Ridgeline Real Estate Co.): Williston • ridgelinerealestate.com

• Kara Koptiuch (Vermont Real Estate Company): Burlington • vermontrealestatecompany.com

• Marie Shepherd (Malley Real Estate Group at KW Vermont): South Burlington • themalleygroup.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 staff of 90-plus professionals markets properties of all kinds, facilitates relocations and analyzes current trends. (Burlington, St. Albans, Vergennes • hickokandboardman.com)

Other finalists:

• Element Real Estate: Burlington • realestatevt.com

• Flex Realty: Colchester • flexrealtyvt.com

Ridgeline Real Estate Co.: Williston • ridgelinerealestate.com

Vermont Real Estate Company: Burlington, Montpelier • vermontrealestatecompany.com

BEST MOVING COMPANY

Grunts Move Junk

Whether down the road or across the country, moving is a hassle. The pros at Grunts Move Junk safely pack, transport and deliver your belongings to your new location — and will even cart away anything you’re ready to part with for good. (Barre, Georgia, Williston • gruntsmovejunk.com)

Other finalists:

Booska Worldwide Movers: South Burlington • booskaworldwide.com

Local Muscle Movers: Burlington • localmusclemovers.com

Morway’s Moving & Storage: Williston • morwaysmoving.com

• Vermont Moving & Storage Inc.: Winooski • vtmoving.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

New England Electric: Williston • newenglandelectric.com

• Northstar Electric, LLC: Colchester • northstarelectrician.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:

• Falcon Plumbing & Heating Service Inc.: Williston • falconplumbingvt.com

• Platinum Plumbing: South Burlington • platinumplumbingvt.com

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 • distefanolandscaping.com)

Other finalists:

Landshapes: Richmond • landshapes.net

VT Vineyards: Underhill • vtvineyards.com

BEST SOLAR COMPANY*

SunCommon

Is your property a good candidate for solar, and can you afford it? This certified B Corp has helped more than 10,000 homes and businesses go solar and is ready with all the answers so you can have a bright future with renewable energy. (Waterbury • suncommon.com)

Other finalists:

Green Mountain Solar: South Burlington • greenmtnsolar.com

Sunrun Solar: Essex • sunrun.com

BEST LODGING (RESORT/HOTEL)

Hotel Vermont

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

Other finalists:

The Essex Resort & Spa: Essex • essexresort.com

Jay Peak Resort: Jay • jaypeakresort.com

Topnotch Resort: Stowe • topnotchresort.com

• Trapp Family Lodge: Stowe • trappfamily.com

BEST LODGING (INN) The Inn at Shelburne Farms

Not to the manner born? You can still spend a night at this gorgeous historic inn with a Vanderbilt pedigree. Every room is unique — and none of them has a TV. With so much to see and do on the 1,400-acre grounds of this diversified farm and education nonprofit, you won’t miss it. (Shelburne • shelburnefarms.org)

Other finalists:

• The Green Mountain Inn: Stowe • greenmountaininn.com

The Village Inn: East Burke • villageinnvt.com

BEST WEDDING VENUE The Old Lantern Inn and Barn

From the outdoor arbor for the ceremony to the historic 1800s barn for the reception, weddings at the Old Lantern are magazineworthy. The in-house catering option means there’s one less thing to worry about. (Charlotte • oldlantern.com)

Other finalists:

The Essex Resort & Spa: Essex • essexresort.com

The Mansfield Barn: Jericho • mansfieldbarn.com

• Zenbarn: Waterbury Center • zenbarnvt.com

BEST WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER*

Isora Lithgow Creations

Isadora Lithgow Creations takes the time to capture every unique moment of your big day. Specializing in working with BIPOC and queer folks, these pros leave you with images you’ll treasure happily ever after. (Burlington • isoralithgowcreations.com)

Other finalists:

• Arielle Thomas Photography: Montpelier • ariellethomasphotography.com

Danielle Allendorf Photography: Huntington • dallendorfphotography.com

• Jacquelyn Potter: Burlington • jacquelynpotter.com

Sincerely Liz Photography: Burlington • sincerelylizphotography.com

BEST CATERER

Sugarsnap

The party people at Sugarsnap have been catering farm-to-table events for more than 20 years. With a 4,500-square-foot kitchen in South Burlington and bar service featuring craft beer and locally distilled spirits, there’s no size of shindig they can’t handle. (South Burlington • thesnapvt.com)

Other finalists:

bevo: Colchester • bevovt.com

Cloud 9 Caterers: Colchester • cloud9caterers.com

• Harmony’s Kitchen: Burlington • harmonyskitchenvt.com

The Hindquarter: Huntington • thehindquartervt.com

• Let’s Pretend Catering: South Hero • letspretendcatering.com

BEST FLORIST

Claussen’s Florist, Greenhouse & Perennial Farm

Claussen’s put down roots in Vermont in 1972, and it’s been growing ever since. The one-stop shop is a go-to source for annuals, perennials, houseplants, fresh-cut flowers, mulch and accessories. (Colchester • claussens.com)

Other finalists:

Chappell’s Florist: South Burlington • chappellsflorist.com

• In Full Bloom: Shelburne • infullbloomvt.com

• Kathy + Co Flowers: Burlington • kathycoflowers.com

Maplehurst Florist: Essex Junction • maplehurstflorist.com

BEST SALON

Indigo

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

Other finalists:

Ego Salon: Williston

• Facebook

• Salon Vermont: South Burlington, Williston • salonvermont.com

Santé Salon: Williston

• santesalonvt.com

Talmo Hair Co.: Burlington • talmohairco.com

BEST PET GROOMER

Doggie Styles Salon

Whether pampering a poodle or beautifying a bichon, Joanne Farrell and her team at Doggie Styles Salon know how to handle paws, coats and claws. Even the most compliant of canines can turn cantankerous when it comes to clipping their nails, drawing them into a bath or — horrors! — expressing their anal glands. Doggie Styles handles it all as a full-service salon for dogs and, remarkably, cats.

The basic package is the “BBNT”: bath, brush, nail trim. From there, pet owners can upgrade to the complete spa experience with a blowdry, haircut, ear cleaning, facial and teeth brushing. Specialty baths include deodorizing for four-legged explorers who’ve suffered a stinky skunk run-in.

Farrell does most nail trims — by appointment only — while other Doggie Styles groomers have their own specialties: long retriever and Aussie shepherd coats, stress-free baths, cat sprucing. For a truly pampered pet, don’t miss the salon’s retail section, which includes many made-in-the-USA brands of leashes, collars, treats, toys and jackets.

Colchester • doggiestylesvt.com

BEST BARBERSHOP

Old Soul Barbershop

Haircutting is a craft at Winooski’s old-school barbership. Customers take a seat in antique barber chairs for traditional men’s cuts; hot-towel, straight-razor shaves; and cuts for women and kids. (Winooski • oldsoulvt.com)

Other finalists:

• Imperial Barber Co.: Burlington • theimperialcollective.com

Lux Barber Shop: Burlington • barber.luxburlington.com

• Myles Court Barbershop: Montpelier • mylescourt.com

The Shop: Burlington • 557-2497

BEST MANICURE/PEDICURE

Perfect Nails by Thu

Family-owned and -operated for more than 20 years, Perfect Nails by Thu offers a range of manicure and pedicure services — plus all the glitters, flakes and foils to express your unique flair. You’ve got to give them a hand! (Essex • perfectnailsbythu.com)

Other finalists:

• Adore Nails & Spa: Essex Junction • adorenailsvt.com

Bella Vie Nail Spa: Williston • bellavienailspawilliston.com

• Blossom Nails Salon: South Burlington • Facebook

Glamour Nails: Williston • glamour-nails-vt.square.site

BEST PLACE TO GET BODY ART

Onyx Ink

The independent professional artists at Onyx are ready to bring your creative vision to life. Before booking your appointment, you can review online portfolios to learn about each artist’s aesthetic and check the studio’s Instagram page to see their latest work. (Burlington • onyxinkstudio.com)

Other finalists:

• Crone Collective: Burlington • cronecollectivetattoo.com

Imperial Tattoo Co.: Burlington • theimperialcollective.com

• Yankee Tattoo: Burlington • yankeetattoo.net

BEST PLACE TO GET A MASSAGE

The Essex Resort & Spa

The resort’s recipe for relaxation includes massages of all kinds — signature, hot stone, couples, prenatal — plus facials, Reiki and wraps. 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:

• Brilliant Massage & Skin: Burlington, South Burlington • jolitabrilliant.com

• Ethos Athletics: Burlington • ethosathleticsvt.com

Oasis Day Spa: Williston • oasisdayspavt.com

• Truly Therapeutic Massage: Shelburne • trulytherapeuticvt.com

BEST DAY SPA

Oasis Day Spa

Treatments such as massages, facials, waxing and hydrotherapy have made this Williston establishment a true local favorite. Pure relaxation awaits. (Williston • oasisdayspavt.com)

Other finalists:

“It’s My Day” Spa and Salon: Burlington • itsmydayspa.com

• Mirror Mirror: Burlington, Stowe • mirrormirrorvt.com

Purple Sage: Essex • purplesagevt.com

Ritual Skincare: Burlington • ritualskincare.co

BEST RESORT SPA

The Essex Resort & Spa

Take self-care to new levels at the full-service spa offering manis and pedis, haircuts and blowouts, body scrubs and detoxifying treatments, and massage options galore. Book a day pass and find your moment of Zen. (Essex • essexresort.com)

Other finalists:

• The Spa at Spruce Peak: Stowe • sprucepeak.com

The Spa at Woodstock Inn & Resort: Woodstock • woodstockinn.com

• Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa: Stowe • stoweflake.com

Topnotch Resort: Stowe • topnotchresort.com

Abbey Maynard grooming Wesley

JAMES BUCK

BEST MEDICAL SPA

Bare Medical Spa + Laser Center

e center’s passion is helping you meet your cosmetic goals. Bare’s trained and licensed specialists offer a menu ranging from chemical peels to Botox to CoolSculpting body contouring. (Burlington • barevt.com)

Other finalists:

• Dorset Street Dermatology: South Burlington • dorsetstreetdermatology.com

• Empower MedSpa: St. Albans • empowermedspa.com

• GLOWAESTHETICS Medical Spa + Beauty Boutique: South Burlington • glowmedspavt.com

• Radiance Medical Aesthetics & Wellness Spa: Williston • radiancevt.com

BEST CHIROPRACTIC PRACTICE

Office of Dr. Laura A. Ramirez D.C.

Dr. Laura A. Ramirez has spent 30 years working with clients in the Burlington area to treat and manage back pain. A staff of massage therapists helps patients find effective relief. (Burlington • officeofdrramirez.business.site)

Other finalists:

• Drs. Marko Family Chiropractors: South Burlington • drsmarko.com

• Health in Focus: Shelburne • vtchiropractors.com

• Sommers Chiropractic: South Burlington • sommerschiropractic.com

• Summit Chiropractic Center: Essex • summitchiropracticvt.com

BEST ACUPUNCTURE PRACTICE Vermont Community Acupuncture

If we had to pinpoint what makes Vermont Community Acupuncture a Seven Daysies 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)

Other finalists:

• Integrative Acupuncture: Montpelier, Williston • acupunctureinvermont.com

• Maynard Acupuncture: South Burlington • maynardacupuncture.com

• Trish Mitchell Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine: South Burlington • trishmitchellvt.com

• e Wellness Collective: Colchester • wellnesscollectivevt.com

BEST PHYSICAL THERAPY PRACTICE* PT360

is employee-owned physical therapy cooperative has three locations offering services such as postural restoration, aquatic therapy, TMJ rehabilitation and massage therapy to promote lifelong health and wellness. (Burlington, Shelburne, Williston • pt360coop.com)

Other finalists:

• Essex Physical erapy: Essex • eptvt.com

• Momentum Physical erapy: South Burlington • momentumpt.net

• e RehabGYM: Barre, Colchester, Williston • rehabgym.com

• Snowbeast Performance: Essex • snowbeastperformance.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 to make working out feel less like ... work.

(Essex, South Burlington • edgevt.com)

Other finalists:

• 802 CrossFit: Essex • 802crossfitvt.com

• Champlain Valley Community Fitness: Williston • cvcfvt.com

• Greater Burlington YMCA: Burlington • gbymca.org

• Synergy Fitness: Williston • synergyfitnessvt.net

BEST BOUTIQUE FITNESS STUDIO

Align Cycling

Formerly known as REV, this studio still has an inclusive atmosphere, motivating instructors and killer beats. Founder Sarah DeGray’s premier indoor cycling studio puts a new spin on spin class. (Burlington • aligncycling.com)

Other finalists:

• e Body Lab Pilates & Conditioning: South Burlington • thebodylabvt.com

• Main Wellness Works: South Burlington • mainwellness.com

• Peace of Mind Pilates: Essex • peaceofmindpilatesvt.com

• Pure Barre: South Burlington • purebarre.com

BEST YOGA STUDIO

Sangha Studio

In Sanskrit, “sangha” means “community.” is nonprofit lives up to its name by offering a Choose Your Own Donation Membership option for its three studios and online classes. (Burlington, Williston • sanghastudio.org)

Other finalists:

• Hot Yoga Burlington VT: Burlington • hotyogaburlingtonvt.com

• Laughing River Yoga: Burlington • laughingriveryoga.com

• Queen City Yoga & Fitness: South Burlington • queencityogavt.com

• YogaSix: South Burlington • yogasix.com

BEST CYCLING STUDIO

Align Cycling

e studio formerly known as REV focuses on inclusivity, authenticity, body neutrality and expert instruction — plus rockin’ tunes in cycling classes with titles such as Swiftie Sunday, Disco Dance and JT vs Ariana. (Burlington • aligncycling.com)

Other finalists:

• Alpenglow Fitness: Montpelier • alpenglowfitness.com

• Ride: Stowe • rideindoorcycling.com

2023-24

BEST CROSSFIT STUDIO 802 CrossFit

Whether you’re a gym veteran or a newbie, 802 CrossFit’s coaches will guide you to your better self. Every workout is different, but the goal is always the same: to help people reach their fitness goals and have fun. (Essex • 802crossfitvt.com)

Other finalists:

• Champlain Valley Community Fitness: Williston • cvcfvt.com

• CrossFit Burlington: Burlington • crossfitburlington.com

• Waterbury Functional Fitness: Waterbury • waterburyfunctionalfitness.com

BEST MARTIAL ARTS STUDIO Villari’s Martial Arts Centers

With more than 50 years of experience teaching Shaolin Kempo Karate, Villari’s combines self-defense skills with a confidencebuilding workout, life skills and mental health benefits. (South Burlington • villaricenter.com)

Other finalists:

• Aikido of Champlain Valley: Burlington • burlingtonaikido.org

• Gracie Jiu Jitsu Vermont: Essex • gracievermont.com

• ONTA Studio: Williston • ontastudio.com

• Yordan’s Black Belt Academy: Jericho, South Burlington • ybba.com

BEST DANCE STUDIO

Vermont Ballet Theater School Center for Dance

From beginning ballet to its preprofessional program, Vermont Ballet eater School helps its students celebrate the joy of movement. Many alumni pursue professional careers in dance, but everyone who trains gains confidence, strength and discipline. (Essex, Shelburne • vbts.org)

Other finalists:

• Lines Vermont Dance Studio + Store: South Burlington • linesvt.com

• RevolVT: Burlington • revolvt.com

• Spotlight: South Burlington • spotlightvermont.com

• Studio 3 Dance: Colchester, Swanton • vtstudio3.com

BEST PLACE TO TAKE AN ARTS CLASS

Burlington City Arts

For more than 40 years, BCA has pursued its mission to help all people access arts experiences. From darkroom photography to screenprinting, there’s a class to get the creative juices flowing for youths, adults and families. (Burlington • burlingtoncityarts.org)

Other finalists:

• ACCESS CVU: Hinesburg • cvsdvt.ce.eleyo.com

• Blockhouse Studio: Waitsfield • blockhousestudio.com

• Davis Studio: South Burlington • davisstudiovt.com

• Shelburne Craft School: Shelburne • shelburnecraftschool.org

BEST AUTO REPAIR Girlington Garage

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:

• Brian’s North End Automotive: Burlington • briansnorthendautomotive.com

• Halford Motors: Georgia • halfordmotors.com

• Jason Leo’s Automotive: Essex • jasonleoautomotive.com

• Nate’s Automotive: Essex • natesautomotivevt.com

BEST CAR DETAILING

Matt’s Wash & Wax

Vermont winters wreak havoc on cars, inside and out. Family-owned Matt’s Wash & Wax is up to the challenge, with a range of detailing packages plus convenient pickup and delivery service. (Jericho • autodetailingvt.com)

Other finalists:

• Armstrong’s Better Detailing: Jeffersonville • armstrongsbetterdetailing.com

• Automaster SPA: Shelburne • theautomaster.com

• Detail Works: Williston • detailworksvt.com

• Seaway Car Wash and Detail Center: Burlington, Colchester • seawaycarwash.com

BEST PLACE TO GET YOUR OIL CHANGED

Oil n Go

An oil change in less than 30 minutes without an appointment? Sounds like the benefits you’d get at a big chain, but Oil n Go shops are locally owned and operated and ready to put your car through their 17-point inspection every time you drive in. (Essex, South Burlington • oilngo.com)

Other finalists:

• Brian’s North End Automotive: Burlington • briansnorthendautomotive.com

• Halford Motors: Georgia • halfordmotors.com

• Jason Leo’s Automotive: Essex • jasonleoautomotive.com

• Nate’s Automotive: Essex • natesautomotivevt.com

BEST PLACE TO GET YOUR TIRES CHANGED

Vermont Tire & Service

Vermonters have trusted their cars to Vermont Tire & Service for more than 40 years. e independent dealer will get you the tires you need and back on the road, while making sure you get the best value for your money. (Montpelier, South Burlington • vttireonline.com)

Other finalists:

• Brian’s North End Automotive: Burlington • briansnorthendautomotive.com

• Halford Motors: Georgia • halfordmotors.com

• Noyes Automotive & Tire: Burlington • noyesautoandtire.com

• Partner Tire & Service: Colchester • partnertire.com

BEST WEDDING VENUE

The Old Lantern Inn and Barn

A classically rustic venue, situated in the rolling hills of Charlotte, just 25 minutes from Burlington — and the historic 1800s-era barn is air-conditioned? It sounds too good to be true, but that’s why Vermonters ranked the Old Lantern as their favorite place to get hitched this year.

To be sure, there’s something here for everyone to love. The spouses-to-be will fall for the sweet outdoor ceremony space, the state’s largest maple dance floor, and the exceptional assistance of the on-staff planner and day-of coordinator. The wedding parties will enjoy the adjacent inn — no feeling in the dark for your car after the music stops! — and the guests will appreciate the premium bar service in a cocktail area illuminated by romantic string lights. You might say it’s a perfect marriage of amenities.

Charlotte • oldlantern.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. e Castleton University alum has earned wider recognition, too, including a National Edward R. Murrow Award. (wcax.com)

Other finalists:

• Ben Frechette (WPTZ): mynbc5.com

• Cat Viglienzoni (WCAX): wcax.com

• Gary Sadowsky (WCAX): wcax.com

• Tyler Jankoski (WPTZ): mynbc5.com

BEST LOCAL RADIO PERSONALITY

Mike Czarny & Mary Cenci (Star 92.9)

Star 92.9’s relatable morning team Mike and Mary serve up the perfect mix of easy banter, family-friendly humor and adult contemporary hits to start the day. (Colchester • star929.com)

Other finalists:

• Betty B. (107.1 FM Frank FM): frankvermont.com

• Jane Lindholm (Vermont Public): vermontpublic.org

• Mikaela Lefrak (Vermont Public): vermontpublic.org

• Mitch Wertlieb (Vermont Public): vermontpublic.org

BEST

COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

(THAT’S NOT SEVEN DAYS)

Williston Observer

e Observer has been covering what’s up in Williston since 1985. From stories about local schools and sports to need-to-know news and business info, if it’s buzzing in town, you’ll read about it in this weekly, in print and online. (Williston • willistonobserver.com)

Other finalists:

• Addison County Independent: Middlebury • addisonindependent.com

• e Islander: South Hero • theislandernewspaper.com

• e Other Paper: South Burlington • vtcng.com/otherpapersbvt

• Saint Albans Messenger: St. Albans • samessenger.com

OUTDOORS

BEST SKI/RIDE SLOPE Smugglers’ Notch Resort

e 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 recently voted it the No. 1 Overall Resort in the Eastern U.S. for the second year in a row. (Jeffersonville • smuggs.com)

Other finalists:

• Bolton Valley Resort: Bolton Valley • boltonvalley.com

• Jay Peak Resort: Jay • jaypeakresort.com

• Mad River Glen Cooperative: Waitsfield • madriverglen.com

• Sugarbush: Warren • sugarbush.com

BEST CROSS-COUNTRY SKI AREA

Trapp Family Lodge

In winter, this 2,500-acre Austrian-inspired 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:

• Bolton Valley Resort: Bolton Valley • boltonvalley.com

• Catamount Outdoor Family Center: Williston • catamountoutdoor.org

• Craftsbury Outdoor Center: Craftsbury Common • craftsbury.com

• Sleepy Hollow Inn, Ski and Bike Center: Huntington • skisleepyhollow.com

BEST PICK-YOUR-OWN FARM

Adam’s Berry Farm

Adam’s Berry Farm aims to “create community through food and berries,” according to its website. At the farm’s pick-your-own operation, visitors savor those connections while plucking top-notch organic raspberries and blueberries straight from their bushes.

After planting roots for their business in Lincoln and Burlington’s Intervale, founding duo (and married couple) Adam Hausmann and Jessica Sanford settled on a piece of conserved farmland in Charlotte in 2012, with help from the Vermont Land Trust and the Farmland Access Program. Their efforts bore fruit, in more ways than one: The plot boasts green, sloping hills that are suited to soil drainage and beautiful to boot.

A visit to Adam’s is the perfect all-ages family outing and a great activity to tack on to a hike up nearby Mount Philo. Pair your berrypicking adventure with a Saturday morning on-farm yoga class or a visit to the farmstand. Don’t miss the housemade popsicles — in berry flavors, of course.

Charlotte • adamsberryfarm.com

JAMES BUCK

OUTDOORS

BEST PUBLIC GOLF COURSE

Rocky Ridge Golf Club

On a stretch of rolling farmland just 20 minutes from downtown Burlington, this 18-hole course is suitable for players of all levels. (St. George • rockyridge.com)

Other finalists:

• Cedar Knoll Country Club: Hinesburg • cedarknollgolf.com

• Kwiniaska Golf Course: Shelburne • kwiniaska.com

BEST STATE PARK

Mount Philo State Park

e perfect high-altitude locale for picnics with friends, Mount Philo offers a short hike with big Champlain Valley views. (You can also drive up the 968-foot-high peak if that’s more your speed.) (Charlotte • vtstateparks.com)

Other finalists:

• Little River State Park: Waterbury • vtstateparks.com

• Niquette Bay State Park: Colchester • vtstateparks.com

• Sand Bar State Park: Milton • vtstateparks.com

• Waterbury Center State Park: Waterbury Center • vtstateparks.com

BEST STATE PARK

Mount Philo State Park

In exchange for relatively little huffing and puffing, Mount Philo State Park offers breathtaking views of the Champlain Valley and Adirondack Mountains to its visitors — tens of thousands of them per year. The 237-acre park sits at an elevation of 968 feet, making it a truly attainable outdoor paradise for all ages and abilities.

Pick your own adventure: Walk or drive up the summit access road; take a short hike, ascending an impressive system of stone staircases; or embark upon a longer expedition along the Devil’s Chair Trail. At the summit, Adirondack chairs and verdant vistas serve as perfect picnic spots, and a small campground makes it possible to stick around for a night. A 1930s lodge, equipped with electricity, grills and space for 60, is available for rent.

Philo is a prime location to spy a white-tailed deer or a moose; bird-watchers flock here to spot raptors. And for those who wish to bring their own furry friends along, dogs are welcome — just be sure to keep them leashed!

Charlotte • vtstateparks.com

BEST DAY HIKE

Camel’s Hump

Multiple paths lead hikers up this distinctive 4,083-foot peak. e Burrows Trail, which sees the most foot traffic, is the shortest route. (Duxbury/Huntington • vtstateparks.com)

Other finalists:

• Mount Philo: Charlotte • vtstateparks.com

• Snake Mountain: Addison • alltrails.com

• Stowe Pinnacle Overlook: Stowe • alltrails.com

• Sunset Ridge Trail: Underhill • alltrails.com

BEST PLACE TO BIKE

Colchester Causeway

Part of the Island Line Rail Trail, the Causeway is a beautiful place to bike: e 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 • alltrails.com)

Other finalists:

• Burlington Greenway: Burlington • enjoyburlington.com

• Lamoille Valley Rail Trail: St. Johnsbury to Swanton • lvrt.org

• Perry Hill Mountain Bike Loop: Waterbury • alltrails.com

• Stowe Recreation Path: Stowe • stowerec.org

BEST BIKE RENTAL SHOP

Outdoor Gear Exchange

is outdoor equipment hub on Church Street rents standard and premier bikes, plus accessories, at reasonable prices throughout the summer. Ready to ride? Book your rental online, over the phone or in store. (Burlington • gearx.com)

Other finalists:

• Local Motion: Burlington • localmotion.org

• North Star Sports: Burlington • northstarsportsvt.com

• Skirack: Burlington • skirack.com

BEST PUBLIC PLACE TO ICE SKATE

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:

• Arthur Park: Burlington • enjoyburlington.com

• Gordon H. Paquette Ice Arena at Leddy Park: Burlington • enjoyburlington.com

• e Ice Rink at Spruce Peak Village Center: Stowe • sprucepeak.com

BEST PUBLIC PLACE TO SWIM

Waterbury Reservoir

e ninth-largest body of water in Vermont is a clean, calm place for a dip on a hot day. Access the reservoir via the swimming beach in Waterbury Center State Park for a family-friendly summer adventure. (Waterbury • friendsofwaterburyres.org)

Other finalists:

• Hard’ack Recreation Area: St. Albans City • stalbansvt.com

• North Beach: Burlington • enjoyburlington.com

• Oakledge Park: Burlington • enjoyburlington.com

Waterbury Reservoir

There are many reasons readers chose Waterbury Reservoir as their go-to spot for swimming and paddling. Accessible through two of Vermont’s busiest day-use state parks — Waterbury Center and Little River — it offers scenery, a grassy beach with ample shade, an adaptive kayaking program for folks with disabilities, and 850 acres of water and 15 miles of shoreline to explore.

Here’s one more draw: the colorful stories the park attendants like to share. On the first day of summer at Waterbury Center State Park, Walter Carpenter was at the lower parking lot directing traffic. A 16year veteran, Carpenter spoke about how quickly

BEST PLACE TO KAYAK/CANOE

Waterbury Reservoir

ere aren’t too many motorboats on this protected 850-acre reservoir, 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

• LaPlatte River Nature Park: Shelburne • shelburnevt.org

the lot fills up — sometimes just 10 minutes after the park opens, and often with international visitors. “Africa, Asia, Europe, the Indian subcontinent, ” he said. “I’ve had Russians and Ukrainians here at the same time.”

Ask Carpenter about the woman who requested that he fish out the $100 she accidentally dropped down the composting toilet. Spoiler alert: It wasn’t Carpenter’s first such request, nor does he expect it’ll be his last. Guess that’s why his name tag reads “Walter the Survivor.”

Waterbury • friendsofwaterburyres.org

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! e 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: Stowe • stowe.com

• Waterfront Park: Waterfront Park • enjoyburlington.com

BEST PICK-YOUR-OWN FARM*

Adam’s Berry Farm

Ten miles south of Burlington, this organic farm offers seasonal raspberry and blueberry picking, as well as a farmstand chock-full of produce and other local goods. Don’t miss its popsicles and sorbets, favorites at the Burlington Farmers Market. (Charlotte • adamsberryfarm.com)

Other finalists:

• Full Belly Farm: Hinesburg • fullbellyfarmvt.com

• Owl’s Head Blueberry Farm: Richmond • owlsheadfarm.com

• Paul Mazza’s Fruit & Vegetables: Colchester, Essex • paulmazzas.com

• Sam Mazza’s Farm Market: Colchester • sammazzafarms.com

BEST PUBLIC

SPECIALIZING IN SAFETY!

OUTDOORS

BEST VERMONT DAY TRIP WITH THE KIDS

Shelburne Farms

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

Other finalists:

• ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain: Burlington • echovermont.org

• Jay Peak Resort: Jay • jaypeakresort.com

• Montshire Museum of Science: Norwich • montshire.org

• Vermont Institute of Natural Science: Quechee • vinsweb.org

BEST INDOOR CHILDREN’S PLAY SPACE

ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain

Kids and families engage in scientific discovery and environmental stewardship at ECHO. e waterfront museum is home to a 3D theater, an ever-changing array of traveling exhibits, and more than 70 species of fish, amphibians, invertebrates and reptiles. (Burlington • echovermont.org)

Other finalists:

• Get Air Trampoline Parks: Williston • getairsports.com

• Monkey Do! Indoor Playground: Williston • monkeydoplaygrounds.com

BEST PUBLIC GOLF COURSE

Rocky Ridge Golf Club

In a year that saw the merger of the PGA Tour with its Saudibacked rival, LIV Golf — does the PGA really want to be bedfellows with an autocratic country that resembles a huge sand trap? — it’s reassuring to know that there are still public courses available for those who aren’t bankrolled by oil sheikhs. Perennial favorite Rocky Ridge, which has claimed the Daysie for best public golf course at least half a dozen times over the years, has once again topped the leaderboard.

And with good reason. The scenic 18-hole course, located in the lush, rolling hills outside Hinesburg, offers varied driving and putting terrain for golfers of all ages and ability levels, with a useful hole-by-hole course review on its website.

With weekday greens fees of just $35 — or $25 if you only have time before or after work for a nine-hole quickie — the Double R is a great choice for a foursome, at non-petrodollar prices.

St. George • rockyridge.com

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