Ready to Roll! THE
SUMMER ISSUE
Retro Summer
STAFF & CONTRIBUTORS
Crossing the causeway to South Hero has always felt to me like entering another world. Every time I hit the open stretch of road, surrounded by the water and the mountains, I’m reminded of how lucky I am to live in Vermont.
Last summer, to celebrate my 50th birthday, my wife and I rented a five-bedroom lake house in Grand Isle and invited family members and friends to share it with us. Growing up, our kids logged multiple weeks every summer in the islands — at Camp Hochelaga and Camp Abnaki — and I decided it was time we got a chance to try it, too.
We spent the whole week on island time, acting like tourists and enjoying the lake — swimming, kayaking, watching the Fourth of July fireworks. I’m so glad we did!
That trip inspired me to revisit some of the pre-pandemic summertime routes Kids VT published in a magazine called Daytripper. With help from some of my colleagues, I updated three of the itineraries we produced in 2017 and 2018, starting with the one for the Champlain Islands.
Creemees at Seb’s Snack Bar, beach time at Sand Bar State Park or Alburgh Dunes State Park, biking or walking the Island Line Trail, stopping to see Harry Barber’s miniature castles made of rocks and pebbles, complete with turrets and moats, scattered throughout the area. That last one was my addition. We took many of our guests to see them last summer.
Yet another blast from the past: I had lunch with my friend Megan James, who edited Kids VT from 2014 to 2016. She told me that she and her husband recently installed an old-fashioned home phone; their 9- and 12-year-old daughters use it to make and receive calls. She agreed to explain why in an article for this issue, on page 16.
This summer’s edition of the Good Citizen Challenge goes even further back in the past — to 1776.
On July 4 the country celebrates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Challenge participants in grades K-8 who embark on this self-guided adventure can learn about life in Vermont in the 18th century and be entered to win prizes, including a free trip to Washington, D.C.
You’ll also find updated versions of day trips from Shelburne to Middlebury, and another from Montpelier to Waterbury/ Stowe.
Reading is also a big part of the Challenge — whether that’s books, newspapers, historical markers or lessons on the Vermont Historical Society website. We’ll help kids read even more by giving away a $50 Phoenix Books gift card to one lucky participant every week starting June 11. Phoenix is just one of our many statewide partners. All of us want to remind Vermont’s young people that there are things we can all do to make a positive difference in our communities. The Challenge makes it easy and fun to explore them.
Find all of the activities beginning on page 13 of this issue and at goodcitizenvt.com.
We hope this issue of Kids VT helps you enjoy Vermont’s oh-so-short-but-sweet summer season. Don’t forget to turn in your coloring contest entries by August 7!
CATHY RESMER
Our annual showcase of talent from ages 4 through pre-professional will dance their way onto the Flynn Main Stage in Burlington for 2 exciting performances, Saturday May 25, 2019 at 1:00 & 6:30 pm. For show & ticket information visit www.vbts.org.
Week-long camps for ages 5-9
Week-long ballet Mini-Intensive for ages 13-18, for the serious dancer looking to stay in shape for various summer-long intensives
ballet classes for young dancers, beginners and advanced pre-professional dancers
Save the Dates
Summer fun for the whole family
BY REBECCA DRISCOLL
AUGUST 4-8
Enjoy the Ride
The ADDISON COUNTY FAIR & FIELD DAYS logo reads “Family Fun Since 1948,” a reminder that some Vermont traditions stand the test of time. Merrymakers flock to New Haven for the 78th year of classic summer fun, complete with all the usual draws — think midway rides, carnival eats, livestock competitions and agricultural exhibits — as well as newer o erings such as chainsaw artist demos and mini golf.
Tuesday, August 4, through Saturday, August 8, at the Addison County Fairgrounds in New Haven. Various prices. Info, 802-545-2557, addisoncountyfairfielddays.com.
JUNE 19-21
Eye on the Sky
An annual tradition for decades, the QUECHEE HOT AIR BALLOON FESTIVAL lifts spirits with aerial adventures, artisan vendors, a historic photo gallery, food o erings and live music from pop to zydeco — just in time for Father’s Day. Take Dad sky high into the wild blue yonder, or keep your feet on the ground while you gaze at the kaleidoscopic collection floating serenely overhead .
Friday, June 19, through Sunday, June 21, at Quechee Green Park. $5-25; free for kids 3 and under. Info, 802-295-7900, quecheeballoonfestival.com.
JUNE 19-JULY 4
Old School
Weston Theater’s Young Company delivers a blast from the past with SCHOOLHOUSE ROCK LIVE! at venues across southern Vermont. Based on the Saturday-morning TV series of animated shorts that originally ran in the 1970s and ’80s (parents, you remember!), kid performers delight with unforgettable — and educational — tunes, including “Conjunction Junction”and “I’m Just a Bill.”
Friday, June 19, through Saturday, July 4, at various southern Vermont locations. See website for dates, times and locations. Free; preregister. Info, 802-824-5288, westontheater.org.
JULY 11 & 12
Living History
Don your breeches for the BATTLE OF HUBBARDTON REVOLUTIONARY WAR ENCAMPMENT, illuminating life in the independent republic of Vermont at the eponymous historic site. The 249th anniversary of the pivotal clash is honored with military demos, colonial activities and Sunday morning’s unmissable reenactment, featuring scores of authentically garbed soldiers in a patriotic display.
Saturday, July 11, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sunday, July 12, 7:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., at Hubbardton Battlefield State Historic Site. $1-8; free for Green Mountain Passport holders and kids under 6. Info, 802-273-2242, hubbardton.org.
JULY 18 & 19
All That Glitters
Budding geologists explore a treasure trove of prehistoric relics and wonders at the CHAMPLAIN VALLEY GEM, MINERAL AND FOSSIL SHOW at the Champlain Valley Exposition in Essex Junction. The long-running showcase of Earth’s hidden riches dazzles with interactive identification tables, lapidary demos, and a vast market of crystalline formations and ancient specimens.
Saturday, July 18, and Sunday, July 19, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., at Champlain Valley Exposition in Essex Junction. $3-5; free for kids under 16. Info, vtbgmc@gmail.com, burlingtongemandmineralclub.org.
Berry Good
For more than 50 years, Middletown Springs Historical Society has paid homage to the sweet summer staple at its annual STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL. Fans of the fruit dig into shortcake made from biscuits topped with whipped cream, ice cream and fresh berries, then take in a craft fair, live music, botanical art activities and an exhibit on late local polymath Dana S. Carpenter.
Sunday, June 21, 2-4 p.m., at Middletown Springs Historical Society. Free. Info, 802-235-2376, mshsvt.org.
JULY 31 & AUGUST 1
Be Foolish
Whimsical street performers take over downtown Burlington during the 18th annual free FESTIVAL OF FOOLS, an assemblage of circus arts, live music and comedy. This year’s dynamic lineup of open-air entertainment includes a twilight concert by seven-piece global-pop outfit the Big Takeover, as well as the Queen City debut of internationally renowned juggler Jacob D’Eustachio.
Friday, July 31, and Saturday, August 1, at various Burlington locations. Free. Info, 802-865-7166, vermontfestivaloffools.com.
Find more family fun each week in the Seven Days calendar or online at sevendaysvt.com/familyfun.
Festival of Fools
Fruit Pico de Gallo
Serve it on tacos or as a summery snack
When I make tacos, especially the fish or shrimp variety, I prefer pico de gallo, aka salsa fresca, to traditional salsa. The difference between them is that pico de gallo is fresh and chunky, whereas salsa is partially puréed and sometimes includes cooked elements. Pico de gallo also doubles as an irresistible snack. The best thing about it is that you can customize it to your liking. Last summer, I made watermelon pico de gallo on a whim when I saw a really good watermelon at the store. Then I proceeded to eat it by the bowl as a kind of zesty fruit salad. I experimented with a lot of other fruits and decided that there really are few wrong methods of making a fruity pico de gallo.
This recipe includes watermelon, mango, pineapple, cucumber, cherry tomatoes and red onion, along with jalapeño, plenty of lime juice and cilantro. If you don’t like any of those, experiment with leaving it out or substitute other fruity favorites. I’ve tried the recipe with peaches, which is also simply delicious.
You can adjust the spiciness level, too. I used a jalapeño with the seeds and membrane removed this time, because my mother does not like spicy
food, but when I make it at home, we use one or two jalapeños with the seeds and membrane, because we love a little heat. Be careful when working with these peppers, as your fingers will get spicy. Do not touch your eyes, and wash your hands thoroughly after cutting the pepper.
This recipe makes a lot of pico de gallo, 10 cups or a little more. The flavor gets even better after an hour or two, though I would recommend eating it within three to five days, before the ingredients lose their delectable crispness. Unless you have a big family or are prepping for a party, you might want to halve the recipe.
I recommend using a simple, inexpensive veggie chopper (with attached collection container); it makes the prep on this a snap. I found one online for less than $20 that is amazing for both this recipe and chopped salads. Otherwise, the chopping can be pretty time consuming.
We served this with simple shrimp tacos, made with frozen breaded shrimp, along with an easy avocado crema and cotija cheese. Then my son ate an entire bowl of the pico essentially for dessert — and again for lunch the next couple of days. I’m shocked that I got any of the leftovers at all. K
INGREDIENTS (yields 10-12 cups)
• 1/2 red onion
• 1/2 small watermelon (about 2-3 cups)
• 1/2 pineapple (about 2 cups)
• 1 pound cherry tomatoes
• 1 mango
• 1 English cucumber 1 jalapeño pepper (seeds and membranes removed if you don’t like it spicy)
• Juice of 3 limes
• A handful of cilantro, chopped fine
• 1 teaspoon chile-lime seasoning or Mexican Tajín seasoning (optional)
DIRECTIONS
1. Chop the red onion and all of the fruits, including the tomatoes and cucumber, into about half-inch cubes and mix together in a large glass or ceramic bowl.
2. Mince the jalapeño and stir into the bowl — you want to spread this heat around.
3. Stir in the lime juice, cilantro and chile-lime seasoning, if using.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Enjoy within 3 to 5 days for best flavor and texture.
Children ages 18 months to age 12 *A
Ages 8-11, 11-14
Clay, crafts, cooking, outdoors & more SAT Prep Class
College Essay Workshop Driver’s Education
MIDDLE & HIGH SCHOOL
Small class sizes where every student is known
Experiential and service learning
Successful graduates ready to engage with the world
GAMEPLAY
Anyone in grades K-8 who completes and submits one activity by Labor Day, September 7, 2026, will be entered in prize drawings. The more activities completed and submitted, the more times the participant will be entered. Each star is one entry.
Open to all K-8 students
How to Be a Good Citizen
BY CATHY RESMER
Learning about history and your community, keeping up with current events, respecting others, lending a hand: These are things all good citizens do. This summer, kids in grades K-8 can practice doing them, too, by taking the Good Citizen Challenge. This summer civics project, launched in 2018 by Seven Days and Kids VT — with support from the Vermont Community Foundation — consists of 25 activities of various levels of difficulty. Some can be done in a few minutes; others require planning.
Complete them in whatever order you choose: Start with No. 1, start with the easiest and work your way through, or pick and choose the ones that appeal to you.
Once you’re finished with each entry, upload it, along with evidence of your work, at goodcitizenvt.com to earn stars. Don’t wait until you’re done to send us your submissions! Every star is a chance to win prizes, and we’ll have weekly prize drawings all summer long, every Thursday on WCAX-TV’s “Channel 3 This Morning” at 6 a.m.
Young people who take the Challenge as a team — with a total of three or more team members — can also win the opportunity to direct a Vermont Humanities grant of $500 to the nonpartisan nonprofit of their choice. Past winners have given their grants to groups such as Franklin County Animal Rescue and New Farms for New Americans.
Participants who complete all 25 activities will be honored as Distinguished Citizens and recognized at a special Statehouse event in March 2027, during the next legislative session. Last year’s Distinguished Citizens met Lt. Gov. John Rodgers and Secretary of State Sarah Copeland Hanzas and were
introduced before the Vermont House of Representatives — to a round of applause from the reps.
This July 4, the country will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, which announced
the English colonies’ intent to break away from the king of Great Britain. The colonists eventually formed their own sovereign nation — now the United States of America. The 2026 Challenge leans into the semiquincentennial; several activities tie into the 250th. It’s an opportunity to learn more about the nation’s founding chapter and about life in Vermont in the 18th century.
We got help compiling this year’s slate of activities from our Good Citizen partners and Professor Ben t. Matchstick, founder of the Cardboard Teck Instantute and cocreator of the award-winning PinBox 3000 cardboard tabletop pinball machine kit. Ben offered suggestions and PinBox 3000 prizes!
We hope you have as much fun doing the Challenge as we had designing it. The deadline to submit activities is Labor Day, September 7. Please note: You do not have to be an American citizen to be a Good Citizen. K
Activities must be completed during the Challenge period, from May 20 through Labor Day, September 7, 2026.
Work completed for each activity may only be submitted once.
PRIZES
• Free trip for two to Washington, D.C.
• $50 gift cards to Phoenix Books
• Cardboard pinball machine kits
• Your “I Voted” sticker distributed at the polls on Election Day
• Invitation to a September reception at the Vermont Statehouse
• Get published in Kids VT and Seven Days
Submit something weekly for more chances to win. Anyone who completes all 25 activities will be named a Distinguished Citizen and will be invited to a special day at the Statehouse in March 2027.
TEAM PRIZES
Teams of three or more participants are eligible for two team prizes:
• one for the most activities completed by members of the team — each activity completed by any team member counts toward this total
• one for the team that submits the best quality of work
Both winners will get to direct a $500 Vermont Humanities grant to a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization of their choice. Each team member will also be entered individually in the prize drawings for the number of stars they themselves earned.
No purchase necessary to win; employees of Seven Days and sponsors are not eligible for prizes.
2025 Distinguished Citizens and family members at the Statehouse
2025 grand prize winner Susannah Rye posing near the Washington Monument
Activity Checklist
KEY TO ACTIVITIES
1 star = easy; 1 entry in prize drawings per completion
2 stars = moderate; 2 entries in prize drawings per completion
3 stars = involved; 3 entries in prize drawings per completion.
1. Visit the Library
Visit your local library, a critical “third space” in your community (not your home or your school/office) where people can gather to exchange ideas and skills. Borrow something from the collection — a book, a movie, a museum pass, a cake pan, gardening tools, a telescope, etc. Do you need a library card? Get one! Tell us what you borrowed and why. Don’t forget to tell your librarian that you’re taking the Good Citizen Challenge. Bonus: Earn a second star by participating in your library’s summer reading program. The 2026 theme: Unearth a Story.
2. Read a Book
Did you borrow a book from the library? Now’s your chance to read it! Good Citizens take time to explore new possibilities through quiet moments of reading and reflection. Reading is also a great way to relax. Fiction can take you to new worlds of possibility, while nonfiction can open your mind to new ideas. A Good Citizen reads thoughtfully and engages with literature and the practice of reading. Audiobooks count, too!
3. Visit a Memorial or a Historical Marker
a memorial to soldiers who served in a war. Visit a memorial or historical marker near where you live and find out whom it honors and why. Send us a photo of the one you picked and tell us why it was placed there.
4. Suggest a Memorial or a Historical Marker
If you could add a memorial that doesn’t already exist to a public space near where you live, whom would it honor and why? Would it be a plaque, a sculpture, a memorial park? Would you rename something that already exists? Share your ideas with us. We would love to see sketches or prototypes! Is there an event or person from your hometown that could be recognized with a memorial sign or historical marker? Tell us about your chosen marker (at least 10 to 25 words).
5. Explore Vermont’s State Parks and the VYCC
Choose a Vermont State Park to visit — see the list at vtstateparks.com. Before you visit, explore how teams of young conservationists keep our parks beautiful and accessible to all by visiting the Vermont Youth Conservation Corps website, vycc.org. Did you spot any VYCC projects on your visit or in your community? What was the best part of your Vermont State Park visit? What can you do to help the VYCC with its mission to “take action and build community by working and learning together with the land”?
6. Meet the Native Fauna
time to pick ’em!
Tell us about your favorites!
Best public place to ice skate
Best state park
Best place to camp
Best day hike
Best place to picnic
Best pick-your-own farm
Best place to bike
Best public beach
Best public place to swim
Best nature center
Best Vermont day trip with the kids
Best indoor children’s play space
Best children’s clothing store
Best children’s toy store
Best family-friendly festival
Public memorials and historical markers commemorate people and events a community wants everyone to remember. These could range from a plaque at the local high school football field to
Our Vermont ecosystem is flourishing with animal diversity. For this activity, Good Citizens must observe an animal that is native to Vermont and learn more about it. Tell us where you observed this critter — a lake, a path, your backyard or a park. Keep an eye out for tracks, dens, scat or nests. Is your animal a predator or prey? Is it endangered? Tell us five things you learned about this critter.
Good Citizen Challenge Activity Checklist
7. Pick Up Trash
Sometimes, when a space belongs to everyone, no one person feels responsible for taking care of it. Good Citizens always clean up after themselves, and they take responsibility for picking up after others as well. The next time you see trash in a public place, pick it up and throw it out instead of walking away. Do that three times to complete this activity.
8. Explore Vermont History
One way to honor our country’s historic 250th anniversary is to learn about our past. Did you know that before Vermont became the 14th state, we declared our own independence from New York with our own Vermont Constitution in 1777? Good Citizens explore history and consider how past events have shaped the present day. Read an article from the Vermont Historical Society’s Explorer website (vermonthistoryexplorer. org/becoming-a-state) or read a book from its semiquincentennial book list (vermonthistoryexplorer. org/250th-book-list). Tell us what you explored. Why is it important to learn about historical events?
9. Get Prepared!
A Good Citizen keeps their composure in an emergency or a stressful situation. How? By being prepared. This activity has three parts. 1) Check out the contents of a first-aid kit and see if you know what you would do with it. Don’t know? Ask an adult. 2) Talk with an emergency response volunteer or worker. This could be a local firefighter, doctor, nurse or lifeguard. Ask them about a stressful situation and
how they knew what to do. 3) Check the fire extinguishers and smoke alarms in your house and mark your calendar for when to change the batteries — and make a plan with your family to evacuate the home in case of fire.
10. Visit Your Town Clerk’s Office
Did you know that your city or town clerk has public records on the oldest buildings in your community? Visit your town clerk’s office and ask them to help you find more information about the oldest building in town. Who built it? Why was it built? Call ahead if you’re going as a group.
11. Attend a Community Event
There are lots of chances to participate in community life during the summer: festivals, parades, games and sporting events, fireworks shows. Go to a gathering near where you live. Tell us about your experience. Did you see anyone you knew? Did you meet a new friend or neighbor?
12. Use It Up, Wear It Out, Make Do or Do Without
A common phrase heard in Vermont is “Use it up, wear it out, make do or do without.” Good Citizens have to decide on their own interpretation of this phrase and how they’ll conserve energy and prevent waste. For this activity, think about how you can reuse items in your house. Do you conserve aluminum foil and paper bags? Does your household throw away things that could be repurposed? Try reusing something or doing without something new and let us
know how it goes. Be sure to memorize this saying!
13. Organize Support for a Cause
Gather donations for a nonprofit or nonpartisan charity of your choice by encouraging friends, neighbors or family members to contribute. Past participants have collected nonperishable food items for a food bank, run a bake sale, collected used eyeglasses for the Lions Club and taken a long bike ride for charity, with friends contributing for each mile completed. Tell us which charity you chose and why, and how much you raised. Bonus star: Get a fourth star by using Front Porch Forum to announce your project and gather donations.
14. Visit a Historical Site or Museum
Visit one of the area’s historical sites or museums. There are many in Vermont, but visiting Fort Ticonderoga in New York counts, too. Tell us about your visit. What did you learn? Check to see if you can get free museum passes at your local library. Bonus star: Get a second star by going to an exhibit or event for the country’s 250th anniversary.
15. Talk About History With an Elder Citizen
You’re young! That’s a great advantage for becoming a lifelong Good Citizen. Our elder citizens have stories and wisdom to share with us about recent history. Ask an older family member, community member or friend what life was like when they were young. What was their first job? What was it like at school? What do they remember about the news or events in the world? What did they do for fun when they were your age? Tell us whom you spoke with and what you found out.
16. Meet a Local Business Owner
Local business owners help improve the fabric of the community and employ workers in the area. Many businesses support local events and public efforts. Farmers markets and craft fairs help small creative business owners stay small and succeed, or give them room to grow into a larger enterprise. With your parent or caregiver’s permission, introduce yourself to a local business owner. Ask them about the rewards and challenges of owning their business. How did they get
A group of Good Citizens at the Morristown Centennial Library raised $529 at a bake sale to help the Johnson Public Library after the July 2023 flood.
started? What’s the best part of owning their business and the hardest part? Tell us whom you talked to and what you learned.
17. Go to a Concert, Performance or Art Exhibit
Supporting the arts lifts our spirits and shakes up our routines. It can make us see the world in a new way. And performances bring Good Citizens together to enjoy each other’s company. Many community events feature great local musicians! Festivals, parades, concerts and talks work for this activity. Tell us: How would you describe the event? How did it make you feel?
18. Read the News
Keeping up with current events in your community, state and world is an important part of being a Good Citizen. Read an issue of your local community newspaper, in print or online. Don’t have a copy? Check the library. If your town doesn’t have its own news source, read at least five articles from a statewide news outlet such as Seven Days or VTDigger. Tell us what you found out. Bonus: Add a second star for looking up the issue of your local newspaper that was published on or a few days before or after the day you were born. Add a third star for looking up the issue of your local newspaper on the day your parent or grandparent was
born. You can often find past issues of local newspapers through your local library.
19. Watch or Listen to the Local News
Watch a local news broadcast — for example, WCAX-TV Channel 3 airs local news multiple times a day. You can also access these reports when it’s convenient at wcax.com or on the WCAX app. Or find local news broadcasts on the radio — for example, through Vermont Public or on the Vermont Public app, which o ers “Vermont This Week,” a program that features journalists from other local outlets. Younger participants can choose to listen to an episode of “But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids.” Tell us which news program you chose and what you learned.
20. Talk to a Journalist
makes the news? Which one of their stories had the biggest impact? You can do this in person, by phone, in a virtual meeting or by email. Sign up for an o ce or studio tour of WCAX, Vermont Public and Seven Days at goodcitizenvt. com/tours. Space is limited! Tell us what you learned and share a photo if you have one.
21. Learn and/or Teach a New Game
Citizens who play together stay together. Games invite us to engage with each other, laugh together, and share a common challenge or friendly competition. Games are practice for participation, and participation is essential to democracy. Every citizen gets a turn. Tell us what new game you learned and with whom you played.
22. Design a New “I Voted” Sticker
Interview a reporter, videographer or photojournalist from your local newspaper, radio or TV station, or online news service. Why did they become a journalist? How do they decide what
After voters go to the polls on Election Day, they receive an “I Voted” sticker. This is a way of promoting participation in our democracy. Design a new two-inch circular sticker, using the words “I Voted,” that everyone will want to wear! A panel of judges will choose one to be reproduced and distributed by the Vermont Secretary of State’s O ce.
23. Nominate a Good Citizen
Good Citizens rarely act alone. This is your chance to nominate a person (grown-up or big kid!) who makes your community a better place. Join (or ask your parents to join) Front Porch Forum and share your nomination. Tell us how this person helps others. All nominations will be entered into a Front Porch Forum ra e, and a randomly selected nominee will receive a $250 gift card to recognize them for their community-minded work.
24. Take a Break From Screens
Back in 1776, no one looked at screens. Can you imagine your life now without them? The designers of digital devices and the content we watch don’t always have our best interests in mind. They want to keep us watching, or to sell us something. Try taking a break from screens for three days. Make notes about your feelings and the activities you do. Do you feel like you learned something about your world, habits or imagination? Let us know!
25. Write a Short Essay
Write 300 words or more explaining what you’ve learned by taking the Good Citizen Challenge. You can attach the document to your submission. What was your favorite activity? Tell us in your own words what it means to be a Good Citizen. We’ll print a selection of answers in a future issue of Kids VT, which appears four times a year inside Seven Days
The winning “I Voted” sticker in 2024, by Kezia Warfisch of Wolcott
All Genres
Affordable Lessons in Burlington’s South End randalpiercemusic.com randal.pierce@gmail.com
Rokeby Museum
Summer Camp
5-day program combining art, history, and nature Ages: 9-13 Price: $350 July 13-17 & July 20-24 4334 Route 7, Ferrisburgh Register at rokeby.org
On the Phone
he first thing my 9-year-old does when she gets home from school these days is take our PeptoBismol-colored family telephone o its cradle to call her friend Archie and
Archie is only 8 and doesn’t have access to a phone of his own, so it’s Archie’s mom’s cellphone she calls. My daughter knows the number by heart, though it’s also in our family phone book. When we first got the phone, last fall, Frankie and her older sister transcribed all of their friends’ parents’ cellphone numbers, and the occasional family landline, into a notebook we keep in the kitchen.
These days, as parents grow wary of giving their kids smartphones and schools crack down on allowing them in class, good old-fashioned home phones are becoming popular again.
I started my campaign to convince my husband that we should install
a household phone a few years ago. Friends of ours have had one forever, and I loved the agency it seemed to give their kids, the younger of who is my 12-year-old daughter’s best friend.
During the pandemic, when this little girl and her older brother — who didn’t have a cellphone yet — were home alone during the workday, she’d sometimes call me on my cell. At age 6, her phone etiquette was impeccable. She always introduced herself, asked politely if she could speak to my daughter and carried on amiably with my chitchat.
Meanwhile, my kids were monosyllabic and panicky when presented with a phone to speak into — like Garth Algar abandoned on the air in the “Wayne’s World” studio set.
My husband and I plan to hold o on getting our kids their own cellphones as long as we possibly can. Their entire adult lives are likely to be dictated by addictive devices. They deserve a
The James-Houghton family phone
it’s practical.
But we also want them to have extremely monitor call. monitoring, whose house.
some independence. I hate being the middleman in their social plans. I want them to learn basic phone manners and to appreciate the pleasure of talking to a friend you can’t see while pacing the kitchen and twirling a long, coiled cord around your fingers — like I did as a kid.
It’s made it easier to leave the kids home alone, because we can call
anytime to check in.
My husband was on board, mostly, but he couldn’t get over the cost. Maintaining a traditional landline, with copper wires and a phone jack, would cost us about $100 a month. Was it worth it? For this antiquated technology?
He changed his tune when we discovered a di erent kind of home phone option, called a VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol), that connects directly to our Wi-Fi. Technically, it’s not a landline: If the power goes out, the phone stops working. But you use it just like a landline. And the service costs just $6.50 a month.
There are lots of options. A friend got her VoIP directly through her internet service provider, Maple Broadband. My social newsfeeds have been overrun with ads for Tin Can, which is an extremely cute, closed VoIP network that allows parents to monitor who can call their kids and whom the kids can
We didn’t feel like we needed all that monitoring, so we opted for Ooma, whose line of retro phones (including a rotary phone!) I couldn’t resist. Ours was wall-mounted, with buttons and a curly cord, though it kept coming o the wall, so we keep it on a little side table now. It cost $160 for the phone plus the Wi-Fi adapter device, which plugs into our modem.
Six months in, we all love it. It’s made it easier to leave the kids home alone, because we can call anytime to check in. It’s made it possible for us to hire a babysitter who doesn’t have her own cellphone yet — and for our 12-year-old to try out babysitting the neighbors’ kids for short stints at our
The girls’ phone manners are still evolving. Early on, they would hang up on their friends without saying goodbye. Sometimes they say goodbye back and forth for many minutes until I have to intervene with “OK, enough already!” Occasionally the kids yank the phone too hard and the whole cradle flies across the kitchen.
They’re learning.
And it’s so fun to see their personalities emerge through this new-old technology. My 12-year-old calls me sometimes when she gets home from school just to chat about the book she’s reading. I tell her what I’m seeing out the window of the bus on my way home from work, and she listens in an entirely di erent way from when we’re in a room together. When the telephone rings at home, the girls run to answer it. It might be their grandmother asking if they want to come over next Thursday after school. It might be a friend who wants to tell them about her trip to Six Flags. Or it might be Archie’s mom calling for him to come home, or to invite Frankie to dinner at their house.
It feels like the old days. At the same time, it feels like the future. Every time they answer the phone or make a call, I catch a glimpse of who they are when I’m not involved, and who they might become. I like how it sounds. K
Hit the Road
Three summer day trips for locals and visitors alike
BY MARY ANN LICKTEIG, ALISON NOVAK, BRETT STANCIU & CATHY RESMER
In 2017, Kids VT first published Daytripper, our family summer-fun guide. For three years, we compiled a variety of action-packed itineraries — until the guide became another victim of the pandemic. This year we decided to update some of these tried-and-true routes for the next generation of families.
Each itinerary contains must-see attractions and hidden gems. All of them were compiled by local parents. We hope they inspire you to make the most of these warm-weather days! And if you’re ambling about outside, don’t forget to do a thorough tick check when you get home. K
THE LAKE CHAMPLAIN ISLANDS:
Orchards, Fossils and the Country’s Oldest Log Cabin
When glaciers carved Lake Champlain centuries ago, they left a strip of narrow islands, stretching like a string of pearls between Milton, on mainland Vermont, and Alburgh, on a peninsula that borders Canada. “ e islands,” as they’re now known, are home to five historic towns, five state parks and 200 miles of shoreline. Samuel de Champlain landed here — on Isle La Motte in 1609 — when he entered the lake that now bears his name. Today, migratory birds flock here, as do outdoor enthusiasts looking to bike, camp, and reel in bass or perch.
ATTRACTIONS
Arnold Zlotoff Tool Museum
71 Route 2, South Hero zlotofftoolmuseum.org
e late Arnold Zlotoff was a New York City industrial arts teacher who bought a complete set of bridge-builder’s tools when he was in college and continued collecting tools until he ran out of space more than 30 years later. His 3,000 treasures date from colonial times and come from a variety of trades and industries. See bark spuds, froes, twibils and more in a massive restored barn on the grounds of Apple Island Resort. e museum is open on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Stone Castle Tour
South Hero, snowfarm.com/blog/ things-to-do-in-south-hero-vt
Did you know that South Hero is home to a collection of miniature castles built by a Swiss gardener? Harry Barber sought a way to blend his native Switzerland with his life in Vermont, and over 30 years he built several small stone castles, some of which had electricity and lights! e structures are featured on a 15-mile Stone Castles Bike Loop — you’ll find it on the website above. ey’re all on private property but visible from the road, so it’s best to snap a photo and cruise on past.
Goodsell Ridge Preserve
239 Quarry Rd., Isle La Motte lclt.org/goodsell-and-fisk-quarrypreserves
See fossils in the outcroppings on this 83-acre preserve, where interpretive trails
and a visitor center tell the story of the 460-million-year-old Chazy Fossil Reef, a world-renowned geological treasure that underlies much of the bedrock of southern Isle La Motte. It was formed by hard-shelled marine organisms and reef dwellers, such as gastropods and cephalopods. Take the Walk rough Time Trail, where 80 colorful panels depict the history of life on Earth. Each foot represents one million years. See more fossils at the smaller, 20-acre Fisk Quarry Preserve nearby.
Hyde Log Cabin
228-230 Route 2, Grand Isle, gihsvt.org
Open ursday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., this 1.5-story cabin built by Revolutionary War veteran Jedediah Hyde Jr. around 1783 is believed to be the oldest log cabin in the country. A Connecticut native, Hyde came to the islands with his father to survey land for Ethan and Ira Allen. e cabin, constructed of cedar logs harvested on the island, was home to Hyde and his descendants for 150 years. Spinning wheels, butter churns, a wooden sap bucket and a wooden ladle from 1785 are among the period furnishings inside. e $3 admission also gets you into the 1814 Block Schoolhouse next door. Kids under 12 are free.
FOOD & DRINK
Seb’s Snack Bar
295 Route 2, South Hero vivamarketplacevt.com
Ask a local for favorite summer eats, and you get a one-word answer: Seb’s. e
beloved snack bar serves up burgers, fries, hot dogs and Red Hots, which are hot dogs split vertically, grilled and served on a bun with mildly spicy meat sauce, mustard and raw onions. Seb’s serves four flavors of creemees and 38 flavors of hard ice cream, including Playdough, bright-yellow vanilla ice cream flecked with hot-pink and blue sugar-cookie gems.
Blue Paddle Bistro
316 Route 2, South Hero bluepaddlebistro.com
is 21-year-old restaurant is the latest product of the more than 35-year friendship between owners Phoebe R. Bright and Mandy Hotchkiss. “I never want a plate to be pretentious,” chef Phoebe says. “It’s about the flavors complementing each other.” Burgers, sandwiches, coffee-crusted pork tenderloin and pan-roasted duck breast are among her specialties. Kids are invited to say hi to resident “Paddle Pup” Wilbur!
Wally’s Place
54 Community Ln., South Hero wallysplacevt.com
is bagel shop was in need of a new owner in 2023 when Marilee Silva stepped in, returning to Vermont after decades spent living in different parts of the U.S. Wally’s Place does not stop at bagels. In addition to breakfast sandwich staples, Wally’s features a selection of cold and hot sandwiches, salads, pastries, and loaves of bread. Open every day from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Hero’s Welcome 3537 Route 2, North Hero heroswelcome.com
Walk, bike, paddle or drive to the general store that’s been a purveyor of goods and island gossip for nearly 220 years. e deli serves wraps, salads and sandwiches, which come on homemade rolls — with the exception of the Little Hero, a PB&J served on plain white bread with the crust cut off. Take time to peruse the store’s vast inventory, ranging from home accessories and beauty products to sun hats and gadgets.
North Hero House Inn & Restaurant 3643 Route 2, North Hero northherohouse.com
Welcoming guests since 1891 — when they arrived by steamboat — this inn and restaurant features seasonal Vermont food, including produce grown on-site. Diners enjoy nouvelle American cuisine in the main dining room or on the porch, where picture windows overlook Lake Champlain. One of the best places to be in the summer is the adjoining Pier Bar, serving up summer classics such as lobster rolls and clam chowder, often accompanied by live music. Bonus: ere’s a kids’ menu.
e Main Stop
113 South Main Street, Alburgh thebabiccateringco.com/the-main-stop
Owned by a local couple, this new breakfastand-lunch spot serves sandwiches named for island roads on freshly baked 10-inch sub rolls. ere’s a simple grilled cheese on the menu, too — and breakfast sammies until 11 a.m. Try a freshly fried doughnut or a substantial cookie for dessert.
SHELBURNE TO MIDDLEBURY:
Cows, Creemees and Otter Creek
The Burlington-to-Shelburne stretch of Route 7, crammed with an abundance of chain stores and traffic lights, looks more like New Jersey than Vermont. Cruise on past all of that to find the picturesque farmland, mountain views, and momand-pop shops you’d expect in the Green Mountain State, as well as a quintessential New England college town.
ATTRACTIONS
Shelburne Farms
1611 Harbor Rd., Shelburne shelburnefarms.org
Animal lovers can commune with adorable goats and sheep, milk a Brown Swiss cow, pick up a chicken, and play in the children’s farmyard at this 1,400-acre working farm established by Dr. William Seward and Lila Vanderbilt Webb. Older kids and parents might enjoy a guided tour — landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted designed the grounds. The courtyard farm cart serves up tasty grilled cheeses (with cheddar and bread made on the premises). For an elegant but kidappropriate brunch and a stroll through the formal gardens, head to the inn.
Shelburne Museum 6000 Shelburne Rd., Shelburne shelburnemuseum.org
A variety of historical buildings house Electra Havemeyer Webb’s astounding collection of American folk art. The younger set will go gaga for carousel rides, blacksmith demos, the opportunity to explore a landlocked steamboat and the Owl Cottage, a playroom of kids’ dreams. Eat at the on-site cafe or bring a picnic.
Maple Landmark 1297 Exchange St., Middlebury maplelandmark.com
This local manufacturer makes highquality, built-to-last wooden toys such as magnetic name trains, spinning tops and mustaches on a stick. A $4 tour
gives visitors a peek at the toy-making process in action, Monday through Friday at 10 a.m. or 1 p.m. The shop is also open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., but there are no weekend tours.
Otter Creek and Middlebury Falls Main Street, Middlebury
Kids will enjoy playing on the big rocks and slabs of marble on the banks of Otter Creek, right off the college town’s main drag. A quick stroll through nearby Middlebury College might spark conversations about higher education. It’s never too early, right?
Junebug 211 Maple St., Middlebury junebugvt.org
This nonprofit resale shop is the perfect place to stock up on summer play clothes such as sun hats, bathing suits and rompers.
PARKS & BEACHES
Sand Bar State Park
1215 Route 2, Milton, vtstateparks.com
Named for the natural sandbar between South Hero and Milton, Vermont’s most popular day-use park offers a sandy, 2,000-foot beach that’s great for swimming. Canoes, kayaks and paddleboards are available to rent. With a large playground, picnic tables, grills and a snack bar, it’s easy to spend a day here.
FOOD & DRINK
Vermont Cookie Love 6915 Route 7, North Ferrisburgh and 40 Main St., Middlebury vermontcookielove.com
Stop for sweet treats including freshbaked cookies and coffee-maple-twist creemees. The original location is near Mount Philo State Park; now there’s a second one in downtown Middlebury.
Haymaker Bun 7 Bakery Ln., Middlebury haymakerbuns.com
Haymaker Bun’s flagship location is in Middlebury. In addition to offering a kids’ menu, this location has a deal on kids’ meals during any school break or snow day, $5 per meal with purchase of an adult meal. This means kids can eat for only $5 all summer long! This location has three floors of indoor seating and a spacious outdoor deck, making it an ideal summer destination.
Gilfeather’s Fine Provisions 3323 Route 7, Ferrisburgh gilfeathers.com
Located in Ferrisburgh in the former Methodist church and run by Rick and Nancy “Nan” Benson, the impressive space is meant to be a stop-off on your route; its motto is “Great Food to Go.” Moving to this larger space in February 2026 has allowed
Pelots Natural Area
1256 Pelots Point Rd., North Hero northherovt.com/49/pelots-natural-area
Three loops, totaling three miles, wind through fields, a sugar bush, mixed hardwoods and a cedar stand; they’re home to osprey, herons, hawks and the occasional eagle. Ducks, beavers and turtles are sometimes visible from trails along the marsh, and the parking lot offers spectacular panoramic views of the night sky.
them to expand their offerings. Find sandwiches, salads and prepared foods, as well as tinned fish and beverages.
FAMILY-FRIENDLY HIKES
Mount Philo State Park
5425 Mt. Philo Rd., Charlotte vtstateparks.com
Arguably the most kid-friendly peak in the state, Mount Philo provides families with young children a chance to conquer a (small) mountain. The hike is 1.9 miles round trip, and a road to the summit is open from late May until mid-October. Picnic tables and Adirondack chairs at the top are the perfect places to eat a snack and enjoy the view.
Robert Frost Interpretive Trail Route 125, Ripton, trailfinder.info/trails/trail/ robert-frost-interpretive-trail
This one-mile loop is dedicated to the poet’s words and the landscape that inspired them. The trail winds over rivers and streams and through blueberry patches and leaning birch trees. Frost’s poems and other quotations adorn plaques throughout the woods.
DETOUR
Peel off Route 7 onto Route 22A in Vergennes for more family fun.
Vergennes Laundry
205 Main St., Vergennes vergenneslaundry.co
Snag a killer latte or Swedish cardamom buns and choose from many full breakfast plates in a stylish atmosphere at this downtown café.
Lake Champlain Maritime Museum 4472 Basin Harbor Rd., Vergennes lcmm.org
Walk from building to building at this open-air museum devoted to preserving and sharing the history of Lake Champlain. Learn about the lives of Native Americans and early French explorers, check out bark canoes and rowing skiffs at the Hazelett Watercraft Center, and climb aboard a replica of the 1776 gunboat Philadelphia II on the lakefront. Admission is free!
Alburgh Dunes State Park
151 Coon Point Rd., Alburgh vtstateparks.com
This park takes its name from the sand dunes near the center and west end of its south-facing, 3,200-foot beach, one of the longest on Lake Champlain. Canoes, kayaks and paddleboards are available to rent, but the park has no drinking water or changing rooms, so come prepared.
Shelburne Farms
Middlebury Falls
Sand Bar State Park
MONTPELIER TO WATERBURY/STOWE:
Government, History, Hikes — and Ice Cream
Measuring by population, Montpelier — home to fewer than 8,000 souls — is the smallest state capital in the U.S. It’s also the only one without a McDonald’s. ere are no golden arches in Montpelier, but there’s a golden dome. It sits atop the Vermont Statehouse; from January to May, members of Vermont’s part-time legislature roam the building’s historic halls. Montpelier also boasts a museum, a woodsy park, and lots of locally owned shops and restaurants. e surrounding areas offer many biking and hiking options, foodieapproved pit stops, and one very famous factory.
ATTRACTIONS
Vermont Statehouse
115 State St., Montpelier vermont.gov
Built in 1859, Vermont’s Statehouse is one of the nation’s oldest and most accessible capitol buildings. Highlights include the beautifully restored House and Senate chambers, as well as a noteworthy art collection. Don’t miss the giant oil painting of the Civil War battle at Cedar Creek; soldiers from Vermont played a vital role in that Union victory. Visitors are welcome every day but Sundays and state holidays — free guided tours are available from July through October. Lounging on the lush front lawn is encouraged anytime.
Vermont History Museum
109 State St., Montpelier vermonthistory.org/museum
Walk through an Abenaki wigwam and belly up to the bar at the Revolutionary War-era Catamount Tavern — meeting place of Ethan Allen’s Green Mountain Boys — at this hands-on history museum. The price of admission includes entry to the Vermont History Center in neighboring Barre.
Ben & Jerry’s Factory
1281 Route 100, Waterbury benjerry.com/about-us/factory-tours
No trip to Vermont is complete without a stop at the Ben & Jerry’s Factory in Waterbury. Friends Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield founded the ice cream company in 1978 in Burlington; its first scoop shop was in a renovated downtown gas station. A 30-minute guided factory tour explains how the company fulfills its social mission to make the world a better place. Visitors also get a peek at the production process and sample the sweet stuff. Don’t miss the Flavor Graveyard outside, located behind the playground. Erstwhile varieties such Wavy Gravy and Rainforest Crunch have their own headstones.
Stowe Recreation Path
Mountain Rd., Stowe
Bike or walk on this 5.3 mile paved route, which crisscrosses the Little River’s West Branch. Numerous entry and exit points offer access to restaurants, local stores and, on Sundays, a farmers market. In addition to flower-strewn meadows and mountain views, from mid-June until midOctober bikers and walkers can see a series of large contemporary sculptures, courtesy of the Current’s outdoor exhibit, “Exposed.”
FOOD & DRINK
Red Hen Baking
60 Main St., Montpelier redhenbaking.com
Famous as leaders of the local food movement, these bread bakers serve up delicious pastries, sandwiches and soups in a cozy coffee-shop atmosphere.
Woodstock Farmers’ Market
2802 Waterbury-Stowe Rd., Waterbury woodstockfarmersmarket.com
is market showcases a diverse array of Vermont agriculture, from farm-raised meats and small-batch cheeses to raw honey and prepared foods. It’s the perfect spot to grab picnic supplies this summer, with a wide selection of sandwiches and salads.
Café at Cold Hollow Cider Mill
3600 Waterbury-Stowe Rd., Waterbury coldhollow.com
is café offers weekend brunch, hearty lunches with options for kids, and a selection of baked goods, including apple pie and cider doughnuts. It wouldn’t be a cider mill without the cider; Cold Hollow offers canned sparkling nonalcoholic options in addition to a variety of hard ciders. Open ursday through Monday.
Stowe Bee Bakery & Café
1056 Mountain Rd., Stowe stowebeebakery.com
Driven by their mission to use the best natural and local ingredients, owners Dan and Lisa, a classically trained pastry chef, offer an array of cakes, pies and other treats in addition to a solid breakfast and lunch lineup. e menu boasts many gluten-free and vegan offerings.
FAMILY-FRIENDLY HIKES
Hubbard Park
400 Parkway St., Montpelier
Nearly 200 hilltop acres provide easy walking trails and plenty of picnicking spots. At the park’s highest point, a stone tower built in 1915 offers an amazing view of the Capital City ringed by mountains — including a fine photo op of the iconic Camel’s Hump.
Stowe Pinnacle Upper Hollow Rd., Stowe gostowe.com
A local favorite, this moderate hike ascends through thick forest. At its rocky summit, savor views of the quaint village tucked into a pristine landscape.
Smugglers’ Notch
Route 108, Stowe, vtstateparks.com
Closed to car travel in winter, the tippy top of Route 108 switchbacks sharply to a narrow pass. Make a pit stop and let the kids scramble over a jumble of boulders, which long ago hid Underground Railroad travelers and Prohibition-era bootleggers. A steep but short hike leads to the spectacular Sterling Pond and stunning views of the Smugglers’ Notch ski area.
Sarah Sieber contributed reporting.
Stowe Recreation Path
Stowe Pinnacle
Ben & Jerry’s Factory
KIDS JUST FOR
Coloring Contest!
Three winners will each receive a sun protection kit from the UVM Cancer Center Send Kids VT your work of art by August 7. Be sure to include the info at right with your submission. Winners will be chosen in the following categories: (1) ages 5 and younger, (2) ages 6-8 and (3) ages 9-12. Winners will be named in the next issue of Kids VT. Email your high-resolution scans to art@kidsvt.com with “Coloring Contest” in the subject line, or mail a copy to Kids VT, PO Box 1164, Burlington, VT 05401.
Sponsored by
KIDS JUST FOR
COLORING CONTEST WINNERS
Birds, Leopards & Water
Cedar Bless, 5 SHELBURNE
5 & under
We pawsitively adored all of the colorful cats who crept into our office over the past two months — some wearing pants, one on a pedestal, another in a tutu. One was floating in outer space! We’re not lion when we say that picking our favorites is a challenge. Congratulations to the winners, and please know that we’re furever grateful to all of the young artists who entered. We can’t wait to see what you send us next!
Color Land
Tena Bagley, 8
MIDDLETOWN SPRINGS
9 to 12
6 to 8
These winners receive a gift card to a local bookstore.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
MARSHMALLOW THE FLUFFO
Lia Lovshin-McDaid, 5, Shelburne
TIGER FROM MERCURY
Arthur Calvin, 5, Cambridge
A JAGUAR
Leni Lenguel, 4, East Middlebury
THE MIGHTY DOG
Juno Pfeil, 5, Richmond
RANDY
Rhys Weaver, 5, Panton
YELLOW BABY
THE COLOR MAZE
Princess Pink Nails
Willow Pfeil, 12
RICHMOND
Eva, 8, South Burlington
Frances Wieliczki, 6, Northfield
FRANK THE LION
Henry and James Baker, 6, Milton
PIRATE TIGER
Matteo Hunt, 7, Craftsbury
CHILL LIGER
Althea Russell, 10, Moretown
EASTER EGG HUNTER
Parker Fabiano, 10, Winooski
THE ONE AND ONLY
Hannah Mirkin, 10, Kirby
LOVELY JAGUAR
Alia Thorpe, 10, Barre
MOUNTAIN LIONS
Lily Urie, 10, Albany
DREAMS DO COME TRUE
Alba Iamonda, 10, South Burlington
RAINBOW JAGUAR
Lena Reichley, 11, Manchester
Summer You’ll Never Forget
Y summer day camps are filling fast! Every day is packed with experiences kids carry with them long after summer ends.
• Y Adventure Camp at Rock Point — for kids who’ve completed 2nd grade - age 13
• Summer Camp at the Y in BTV — for kids who’ve completed K - age 10
