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t the red carpet:
Lights, camera ... Daysies! Hollywood has its star-studded Oscars season, fêting A-list celebrities for their silver-screen talents. It’s glitzy and glamorous, and from the red-carpet looks to the high-drama awards sweeps and snubs, we love to watch. But we can’t help but feel left out. What do the rest of us have to do for 15 minutes of fame?
Well, cue the soundtrack and get ready for the close-up, because Seven Days is transporting our annual best-of-Vermont competition to the Hollywood Hills. Every year our All the Best guide pulls back the curtain on what’s great about our state, from farmers markets to festivals, brewpubs to bike shops, restaurants to record stores. These are our leading lights — the prized people and places that make Vermont feel like the winners’ circle. Surely these locals deserve a golden Daysies statuette in recognition of their starring roles in our lives.
AND THE WINNERS ARE
We’re awarding the best of Verm t
How did the Academy arrive at these award-worthy victors? It’s all readers’ choice, of course. Nearly 14,000 fans of Seven Days cast more than 300,000 votes in hundreds of categories, from mass-appeal blockbusters (creemee, country store, craft brewery) to niche indies (podcast, pedicure, pet groomer). This year’s Daysies applaud 230 winners, all of whom locals say live up to the hype. We also nod to 908 fabulous finalists — there are no small roles. Read on to learn more about this praiseworthy pack. And be sure to support them. In a La-La Land world that sometimes seems to have lost touch with reality, spending time — and money — at these local gathering spots helps unite our communities and gives our downtowns a needed boost. Do that, and everyone’s a winner.
CAROLYN FOX
DRINK FOOD
CULTURE
ABOUT THE AWARDS
The Daysies are the locals’ guide to Vermont, brought to you by Seven Days. Each year, we invite our readers to participate in the democratic process — gotta keep it alive — and identify their favorite things about this state.
We love our members, and are glad the feeling is mutual. If you’ve never banked with us, here’s what you’ve been missing:
We’re not-for-profit. More value! Free services, fewer fees, better rates.
For the first round of voting, thousands of Vermonters submit write-in nominations. We tally the votes, then present the finalists for Round 2 of voting — multiple choice-style. When the votes warrant it, we divide categories into “inside Chittenden County” and “outside Chittenden County” in order to spotlight businesses beyond the populous Burlington area.
The top vote-getter in every category earns the Daysie, and all winners and finalists score invites to our summertime awards party on the Lake Champlain waterfront. Additionally, the Vermont Community Foundation will award a $10,000 grant to this year’s winner of best nonprofit organization. Now that deserves a standing ovation.
Editors: Carolyn Fox, Angela Simpson
Art Director: Rev. Diane Sullivan
Production Manager: John James Designer: Jeff Baron
Illustrator: Sean Metcalf
Photographers: Luke Awtry, Daria Bishop, Bear Cieri, Oliver Parini, Jeb Wallace-Brodeur
Contributors: Jeff Baron, Jordan Barry, Alice Dodge, Gillian English, Chris Farnsworth, Mary Ann Lickteig, Cecilia Luce, Julia Maguire, Melissa Pasanen, Ken Picard, Sarah Sieber
We’re convenient. Access your account online and at our nationwide network of credit union partners. We’re local. High-quality personal service, and a dedication to our community.
food
BEST NEW RESTAURANT
La Di Da Pizza
Chef-owner Celine Eid has “always been obsessed with pizza,” she says. That’s good news for the Old North End, where she serves New York-style pies so huge that she has to keep buying bigger to-go boxes. (Burlington • ladidapizza.com)
Other finalists:
Café Monette: St. Albans • cafemonettevt.com
• La Reprise: Burlington • lareprisewines.com
Pizzeria Corinna: Essex Junction • pizzeriacorinna.com
Spaghet: Williston • spaghet.com
BEST RESTAURANT
Honey Road
Church Street’s busy eastern Mediterranean bistro has earned multiple James Beard Award nods — for best chef, best pastry chef, best new restaurant and outstanding restaurateurs — since its launch in 2017. (Burlington • honeyroadrestaurant.com)
Other finalists:
• Fancy’s: Burlington • fancysbtv.com
• Frankie’s: Burlington • frankiesvt.com Hen of the Wood: Burlington, Waterbury • henofthewood.com Waterworks Food + Drink: Winooski • waterworksvt.com
OUTSIDE
CHITTENDEN COUNTY
Starry Night Café
Right on Route 7, this fine-dining spot features elegant rooms and a patio surrounded by gardens. Chef Robert Smith III’s Italian-inflected California cuisine, from coal-roasted local vegetables to housemade pastas, matches the stunning setting. (Ferrisburgh • starrynightcafe.com)
Other finalists:
• Café Monette: St. Albans • cafemonettevt.com
• Sarducci’s Restaurant & Bar: Montpelier • sarduccis.com
The Tillerman: Bristol • thetillermanvt.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: Jericho Café & Tavern: Jericho • jerichocafeandtavern.com
• Waterworks Food + Drink: Winooski • waterworksvt.com
• Wayside Restaurant, Bakery & Creamery: Berlin • waysiderestaurant.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. She has earned four James Beard Award nominations for Best Chef: Northeast and shared a finalist spot for Outstanding Restaurateur with coowner Allison Gibson in 2025. (Burlington • greyjayvt.com, honeyroadrestaurant.com)
Other finalists: Daniel Mims (Grant’s): Stowe • stowevillageinn.com/restaurant
• Paul Trombly (Fancy’s): Burlington • fancysbtv.com
• Robert Smith III (Starry Night Café): Ferrisburgh • starrynightcafe.com
• Weston Nicoll (Cork): Stowe • corkvt.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. The servers here always rise to the occasion. (Burlington, Waterbury • henofthewood.com)
Other finalists:
• Frankie’s: Burlington • frankiesvt.com
• Honey Road: Burlington • honeyroadrestaurant.com
• Waterworks Food + Drink: Winooski • waterworksvt.com
Thank you to everyone who voted! Your support is the secret sauce in every slice.
D4T-folinos26 1 7/16/26 3:32 PM
Food
BEST TAKEOUT
Tiny Thai Restaurant
An enduring fave for two decades, Tiny Thai continues to serve up steaming tom kha, satay and curries, all easy to grab and go. (Winooski • tinythairestaurant.net)
Other finalists:
• Aromas of India by Sarita’s Kitchen: Williston • aromasofindiavt.com
• Kate’s Food Truck: Jericho • katesfoodtruck.com
Pho Hong: Burlington • Facebook
• The Wise Fool: Burlington • wisefoolvt.com
BEST BREAKFAST/BRUNCH
Sneakers Bistro
Folks have frequented the Onion City’s retro café for more than 40 years. The allday breakfast, particularly the Sneakers Famous Eggs Benedict, is legendary. (Winooski • sneakersbistrovt.com)
Other finalists:
• Deep City: Burlington • deepcityvt.com
The Grey Jay: Burlington • greyjayvt.com
The Pinwheel: Essex • thepinwheelvt.com
OUTSIDE
CHITTENDEN COUNTY
Wayside Restaurant, Bakery & Creamery
Since 1918, the family-friendly restaurant just over the Montpelier border has cooked up homestyle favorites — as one diner put it, “It’s like they bake nostalgia into every dish.” Breakfast is served all day. (Berlin • waysiderestaurant.com)
Other finalists:
3 Squares Café: Vergennes • threesquarescafe.com
158 Main: Jeffersonville • 158main.com
• Maxi’s: Waterbury • maxisrestaurant.com
BEST LUNCH
Martone’s Market & Café
“If you know, you know,” one Yelp fan wrote about Martone’s. The Main Street institution has been serving up some of the biggest sandwiches around since 1992. (Essex Junction • martonesmarket.com)
Other finalists:
• Aromas of India by Sarita’s Kitchen: Williston • aromasofindiavt.com
Pingala Café: Burlington • pingalacafe.com
• Poppy: Burlington • poppyvt.com
Zabby & Elf’s Stone Soup: Burlington • stonesoupvt.com
NEW RESTAURANT
LA DI DA PIZZA
Well, La Di Da. Burlington loves pizza, and it especially loves Celine Eid’s humongous New York-style pies. Last we checked, she had once again ordered bigger boxes to fit the spicy Hot Mama and savory-sweet Fig + Blu. (When the pies are too big, she splits them between two boxes. Crumpled pizzas not allowed.)
This no-frills neighborhood spot is the opposite of hoity-toity. Slices are served quickly and with a smile. There’s enough Parm sprinkled on the crust to make you think it’s snowing cheese. The cupcakes
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 oldschool joint quells late-night cravings with burgers and signature “frys.” (South Burlington • alsfrenchfrys.com)
Other finalists:
• Ahli Baba’s Kabob Shop: Burlington • Facebook
• The Daily Planet: Burlington • dailyplanetvt.com
Three Needs Tap Room & Pizza Cube: Burlington • threeneeds.net
The Wise Fool: Burlington • wisefoolvt.com
• Waterworks Food + Drink: Winooski • waterworksvt.com BEST
— yes, cupcakes — usually come topped with edible glitter. La Di Da’s menu is mostly vegetarian, outside of a pepperoni pie added to meet popular demand. Check the chalkboard for the day’s offerings, and don’t miss the chimichurri slice, with fresh mozz, caramelized onions, juicy mushrooms, punchy herb sauce and perfectly piped dollops of ricotta.
Eid has been obsessed with pizza since she was a kid in NYC, and her love of the crusty craft shows in every crispy-chewy bite. She’s happy to share the love, too: Year-round, for an extra $1, staff will write a custom valentine on the inside of your pizza box.
Burlington • ladidapizza.com
BEST RESTAURANT FOR DESSERT
Honey Road
Sweet standouts at this eastern Mediterranean spot include the tahini sundae topped with sesame caramel and a housemade baklava with flaky phyllo pastry, walnuts and orange-blossom honey. (Burlington • honeyroadrestaurant.com)
Other finalists: Frankie’s: Burlington • frankiesvt.com
• Jericho Café & Tavern: Jericho • jerichocafeandtavern.com
Waterworks Food + Drink: Winooski • waterworksvt.com
Wayside Restaurant, Bakery & Creamery: Montpelier • waysiderestaurant.com
BEST OUTDOOR DINING
The Spot on the Dock
In the summer, there’s no better place to mix waterfront views with dock nachos, Baja fish tacos and falafel burgers. Mango margaritas and Pain Killers mirror the colors of the sunset. (Burlington • spotonthedock.com)
Other finalists:
• Farmers & Foragers Dockside: Burlington • vtfarmersandforagers.com
Idletyme Brewery & Restaurant: Stowe • idletymebrewing.com
Splash at the Boathouse: Burlington • splashattheboathouse.com
• Switchback Beer Garden & Smokehouse: Burlington • switchbackvt.com
Celine Eid
Congratulations to this year’s
Seven Daysies winners!
The Vermont Community Foundation is proud to sponsor the Daysies and to join Seven Days in celebrating the people, places, and organizations that help Vermont thrive.
Voted “Most Likely to Help You Give Back”? Not o icially—but we love helping Vermonters support the causes they care about.
At VCF, we believe in the power of community—and the Daysies are a joyful reminder of what makes this place so special. Here’s to the nominees, the winners, and all the Vermonters who showed up to vote, cheer, and celebrate what we love most about our state.
Our certified Philanthropic Advisors work with you to align your giving with your values— and keep it rooted in the place you love most.
Give Where Your Heart Lives
more or schedule a conversation at vermontcf.org/meet.
BEST
PLACE TO GRAB
A QUICK MEAL
Bliss Bee
At three outposts, this homegrown fastcasual group slings freshly prepared meals to satisfy every member of the family, from the vegan to the omnivore. (South Burlington, Williston • getblissbee.com)
Other finalists:
• City Market, Onion River Co-op: Burlington • citymarket.coop Innovation Café: Burlington • innovationcafevt.com
• Pingala Café: Burlington • pingalacafe.com
The Wise Fool: Burlington • wisefoolvt.com
BEST LOCALLY OWNED GROCERY STORE
City Market, Onion River Co-op
Both locations of Burlington’s grocery cooperative will fill your basket with fresh produce, local meats, robust bulk offerings and tasty café cuisine. (Burlington • citymarket.coop)
Other finalists:
Healthy Living: South Burlington, Williston • healthylivingmarket.com
• Jake’s ONE Market: Burlington • jakesonemarket.com
• Jericho Market: Jericho • jerichomarketvt.com
Lantman’s Market: Hinesburg • Facebook
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:
Keeler’s Bay Variety: South Hero • kbvstore.com
• Mehuron’s Supermarket: Waitsfield • mehurons.com
• Middlebury Natural Foods Co-op: Middlebury • middlebury.coop
The Roots Farm Market: Middlesex • therootsfarmmarket.com
BEST GLOBAL FOODS MARKET
Always Full Asian Market
This family-owned market overflows with hardto-find Asian staples and snacks, from baby bok choy to grilled squid-flavored chips. When offered, the fresh sesame balls are a must-try. (Burlington, South Burlington • Facebook)
Other finalists:
Asian Mart: Essex Junction • asianmartvt.com
• Cork Market: Stowe • corkvt.com
European Market: South Burlington • Facebook
• Thai Phat: Burlington • Facebook
AROMAS OF INDIA BY SARITA’S KITCHEN
The world is full of accomplished home cooks whose friends and family urge them to open restaurants. Often this suggestion is a stretch, but occasionally it’s the right call. Sarita Devi’s Aromas of India is one of those rare cases.
Devi started cooking her excellent North Indian dishes for customers in her South Burlington home before graduating to regular Sarita’s Kitchen pop-ups at Richmond Community Kitchen. In July 2023, with her family’s full support, Devi opened a charmingly decorated restaurant in Williston serving spiced lentil dumplings laced with yogurt and housemade chutneys; well-seasoned saag paneer with tender, fresh cheese cubes; and desserts such as her layer cake riff on cardamom syrup-soaked gulab jamun. The menu is entirely vegetarian, with many clearly marked vegan and gluten-free options. Aromas is also currently BYOB while the family considers a liquor license.
The business has been so successful that Devi’s husband, Yogi Singh, left his infotech job to help manage the operation, which includes a busy catering arm. Nothing makes his wife happier than feeding family, friends and customers, Singh said: “Magic is in her hands when she is cooking.” Williston • aromasofindiavt.com
BEST NEIGHBORHOOD CORNER STORE
Old Brick Store
The best corner stores stock what their communities need most. Since Jolene Kao reimagined this Charlotte staple in 2023, the local list of essentials has grown to include housemade bagels, excellent coffee, natural wine and local, seasonal lunches on the porch. (Charlotte • oldbrickstore.com)
BEST CSA
Paul Mazza’s Fresh Produce
Paul Mazza’s has grown fresh, local, affordable produce for 40 years. The farm offers a traditional weekly CSA pickup and a more flexible “CSA Your Way” gift card option. (Colchester, Essex • paulmazzas.com)
Other finalists:
• Bread & Butter Farm: Shelburne • breadandbutterfarm.com
• Intervale Community Farm: Burlington • intervalecommunityfarm.com
• Pete’s Greens: Craftsbury • petesgreens.com
Trillium Hill Farm: Hinesburg • trilliumhillfarm.com
BEST FARMSTAND
Sam Mazza’s Farm Market, Bakery and Greenhouses
From 350 acres of seasonal produce to pies baked daily in-house, this sprawling farmstand is a must-visit. Stroll through the greenhouses while you’re there. (Colchester • sammazzafarms.com)
Other finalists: Full Belly Farm: Monkton • fullbellyfarmvt.com
Head Over Fields: Charlotte • headoverfieldsvt.com
• Paul Mazza’s 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. The 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 • shelburnefarmersmarket.org
Waitsfield Farmers Market: Waitsfield • waitsfieldfarmersmarket.com Winooski Farmers Market: Winooski • downtownwinooski.org
BEST FARMERS MARKET VENDOR
Last Resort Farm
Other finalists: Chick’s Market: Winooski • Facebook
• Korner Kwik Stop: Williston • Facebook Momo’s Market: Burlington • momosmarketburlington.com
• The Shopping Bag: Burlington • shoppingbagvt.com
This organic farm is known for pickyour-own strawberries, but the fruit and other produce it sells at markets in Richmond and Winooski have a dedicated following, too. (lastresortfarm.com)
Other finalists: Birch Hill English Muffins: birchhillenglishmuffins.com
• Chimera Meats: chimerameats.com
Crazy Cotton Candy Lady: crazycottoncandylady.com
• Head Over Fields: headoverfieldsvt.com The Tipsy Pickle: thetipsypickle.com
Sarita Devi and Yogi Singh in 2023
Donuts Donuts
Food
Farmers & Foragers
At a seasonal dockside location on the Burlington waterfront or trucking around town, the Farmers & Foragers team spins organic local ingredients into fanciful fare such as pork belly bánh mì and perch po’boys. (vtfarmersandforagers.com)
Other finalists: The Broccoli Bar: broccolibar.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. (Montpelier • redhenbaking.com)
Other finalists:
Birchgrove Baking: Montpelier • birchgrovebaking.com
• Bohemian Bakery: Montpelier • bohemianbakeryvt.com
• Gerber’s Joint: Facebook Hangry Hogg: hangryhogg.com
• Kate’s Food Truck: katesfoodtruck.com
August First
These European-style loaves are baked with love. From seven-grain and country French to ciabatta and brioche, the breads are delicious any way you slice ’em. (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.
Whether you go for a massive miche, opencrumbed ciabatta or “sprouternickel,” these breads are made with grains sourced from within 150 miles of the bakery. Try one at the new downtown Montpelier café, which opened in May. (Montpelier • redhenbaking.com)
Other finalists:
• Downhill Bread: Bristol • Instagram
• Elmore Mountain Bread: Wolcott • elmoremountainbread.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. The croissants are truly French-style; the flourless chocolate cakes, to die for. (South Burlington • mirabellesbakery.com)
Other finalists:
• Belleville Bakery & Catering: Burlington • bellevillevt.com
• Boxcar Bakery: Essex Junction • boxcarbakeryvt.com
Madeleine’s Bakery: Milton • madeleinesbakery.com
Poorhouse Pies: Underhill, Cambridge • poorhousepies.com
• Sweet Simone’s Bakery Café: Richmond • sweetsimones.com
• Red House Sweets: St. Albans • redhousesweetsvt.com
Windy Lane Bakehouse: Randolph • windylanebakehouse.com
BEST MEXICAN RESTAURANT
Taco Gordo
These West Coast-style tacos — on fresh corn tortillas — brim with everything from slow-cooked pork shoulder to house-ground spicy chorizo to beans made from “Grandma’s recipe.” (Burlington • tacogordovt.com)
Other finalists:
• Casa Grande: Williston • casagrandevt.com
Casa Real: Colchester • casarealvt.com
• El Comal Mexican Cuisine: Williston • elcomalwillistonvt.com
El Gato Cantina: Jeffersonville, South Burlington (coming soon) • elgatocantina.com
BEST CHINESE RESTAURANT
A Single Pebble
There’s no sign of General Tso in this authentic Asian eatery. Chef-owner Chiuho Sampson’s tasting menu puts your table in the kitchen’s expert hands. (Burlington • asinglepebble.com)
Other finalists:
Chef Leu’s House: Shelburne • chefleushouse.com
Eastern Dragon: St. Albans • easterndragonvermont.com
• Oriental Wok: Essex • Facebook Zen Garden: South Burlington • zengardensvt.com
BEST THAI RESTAURANT
Tiny Thai Restaurant
Tom kha, satay, stir-fries and curries take their cues from food carts and family tables across Thailand. (Winooski • tinythairestaurant.net)
Other finalists:
• Maliwan Thai Restaurant: Essex • maliwanvermont.com
• Saap: Randolph • saaprestaurant.com
Thai House Restaurant: St. Albans • Facebook
• Wilaiwans: Montpelier • wilaiwanskitchen.com
BEST FARMERS MARKET VENDOR
LAST RESORT FARM
A few years after Eugenie Doyle and Sam Burr established Monkton’s Last Resort Farm in 1986, they became founding vendor-members of the Richmond Farmers Market. “I’ve always wanted people to realize that markets are community-supported agriculture, too,” Doyle said.
The certified-organic vegetable and fruit farm remains a legacy presence at the festive Friday market on Volunteers Green, its table piled high with a seasonally shifting berrypalooza of strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and red and black currants. The bounty also includes freshly harvested tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, intoxicatingly sweet melons and fat heads of garlic, along with farm-made jams, corn relish and hot sauce.
About 15 years ago, Last Resort also began vending regularly at Winooski’s Sunday market, thanks to Doyle and Burr’s son Silas Burr, who now co-owns the farm with his wife, Kristie. The couple lived in Winooski at the time and still feel connected to that community, Silas said. Their wholesale deliveries may be more efficient, but farmers markets provide a direct link to customers. “One of the joys of farming,” Silas said, “is getting to see kids with their faces covered in strawberry juice.” lastresortfarm.com
Pho Hong
Lan Hong opened Pho Hong in a former bus station in the Old North End more than a decade ago. The expanded restaurant’s curries, noodle soups and Thai offerings always draw a crowd. (Burlington • Facebook)
Other finalists:
Pho Capital: Montpelier • Facebook
Pho Dang Vietnamese Café: Winooski • Facebook
Vietnamese Pho Ly: St. Albans • Facebook
• Viet Thai: Essex Junction • vietthaiessex.weebly.com
Aromas of India by Sarita’s Kitchen
The vegetarian restaurant evolved from chef-owner Sarita Devi’s popular pop-ups. Her menu includes the tasty bites called chaat, deeply flavored bean and lentil dishes, and nine flavors of fresh-baked naan. (Williston • aromasofindiavt.com)
Other finalists:
• Delight Restaurant & Bar: Burlington • delightburlington.com
Namaste Garden: Essex Junction • namastegardenvt.com
Namaste Indian-Nepali Kitchen: Montpelier • Facebook
• Namaste Kitchen: Shelburne • namastekitchenshelburne.com
Food
Trattoria Delia
A romantic, firelit grotto setting and award-winning wine list are hallmarks of “the Tratt.” Try the housemade pasta or cioppino swimming with seafood. (Burlington • trattoriadelia.com)
Other finalists: Papa Frank’s Italian Restaurant: Winooski • papa-franks.com
• Pascolo Ristorante: Burlington • pascolovt.com
• Sarducci’s Restaurant & Bar: Montpelier • sarduccis.com
Toscano Bistro: Williston • toscanobistro.com
BEST VEGAN/VEGETARIAN FARE
Pingala Café
The vegan eatery lavishes nachos, macaroni and the signature Crunchwrap Supreme with several kinds of “cheesy” sauces. Even Food Network star Guy Fieri said, “Dude, I’m so impressed.” (Burlington • pingalacafe.com)
Other finalists:
• Aromas of India by Sarita’s Kitchen: Williston • aromasofindiavt.com
• Bent Hill Brewery: Braintree • benthillbrewery.com
The Daily Planet: Burlington • dailyplanetvt.com Fancy’s: Burlington • fancysbtv.com
BEST GLUTEN-FREE MENU OPTIONS
Aromas of India by Sarita’s
Kitchen
The carefully labeled menu reassures those who don’t eat gluten that every entrée, from paneer tikka masala to vegetable vindaloo, is safe — not to mention delicious. (Williston • aromasofindiavt.com)
Other finalists:
• Bliss Bee: South Burlington, Williston • getblissbee.com
• Jules on the Green: Essex • julesvt.com
• Waterworks Food + Drink: Winooski • waterworksvt.com
• West Meadow Farm Bakery: Essex • westmeadowfarmbakery.com
BEST CANNABIS EDIBLE MAKER
Upstate Elevator
BEST BREAKFAST SANDWICH
Burlington Bagel Bakery
The family-run biz with four locations boils and bakes bagels, then piles them high with creative breakfast combos. The Mansfield, with corned beef, cheddar, a hash brown and egg, will power you up that mountain. (Burlington, Essex, South Burlington, Williston • burlingtonbagelbakery.com)
Other finalists:
August First: Burlington • augustfirstvt.com
Henry Street Deli: Burlington • henrystreetdeli.com
Kountry Kart Deli: Burlington • kountrykartdeli.com
• Myer’s Wood Fired: South Burlington • myersbagels.com
BEST BAGEL
Burlington Bagel Bakery
“Vermont’s Original” bagel bakery, dating back to 1979, has expanded to a quartet of locations where it cooks up more than 15 varieties, including Montréal spice and cheddar-dill. (Burlington, Essex, South Burlington, Williston • burlingtonbagelbakery.com)
Other finalists:
The Bagel Place: Essex Junction, South Burlington • thebagelplacevt.com
• Green Mountain Bagels: Williston • vtbagels.com
• Myer’s Wood Fired: South Burlington • myersbagels.com
Willow’s Bagels: Burlington • willowsbagels.com
OUTSIDE
CHITTENDEN COUNTY
Wally’s Place
This longtime island café brings the community together over bagels baked fresh daily. Twelve sandwich options are served on the New York-style rounds. (South Hero • wallysplacevt.com)
Other finalists:
The Bagel: Stowe • thebagelstowe.com
• K.C.’s Bagel Café: Waterbury • kcsbagelcafe.com
• Middlebury Bagel & Deli: Middlebury • Facebook
Wee Bird Bagel Café: Randolph • weebirdbagelcafe.com
BEST SANDWICHES
Whether sativa, indica, low-dose or at the legal limit, there’s a gummy for every occasion — and a combo pack, if you want a little bit of everything — in flavors such as yuzu and passion fruit. (Burlington • upstateelevator.com)
Other finalists:
• Haute & Heady Cannabis Cuisine: Colchester • hauteandheady.com
Magic Mann Premium Cannabis: Essex • magicmann.com
Rosie’s: Winooski • rosiescannabis.com
Sunset Lake Cannabis: South Hero • sunsetlakecannabis.com
Martone’s Market & Café
The deli and market is popular for its high-piled sandwiches. Try the Vermonter — a local favorite made with maple turkey, ham, cheddar and honey mustard on homemade bread. (Essex Junction • martonesmarket.com)
Other finalists:
August First: Burlington • augustfirstvt.com
• Henry Street Deli: Burlington • henrystreetdeli.com
Leo & Co.: Essex • weareleoand.co
• Poppy: Burlington • poppyvt.com
Food
BEST SANDWICHES
CONTINUED
OUTSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY
Red Hen Baking Co.
The bakery’s Green Gobbler and jambonbeurre are all served on its Daysiewinning housemade bread, of course. (Montpelier • redhenbaking.com)
Other finalists:
• Edelweiss Mountain Deli: Stowe • edelweissstowe.com
Morse Block Deli & Taps: Barre • morseblockdeli.com
Mother Hubbard’s Bakery, Deli & Country Store: St. Albans • Facebook
• Noonie’s Deli: Middlebury • nooniesdeli.com
BEST PIZZA (RESTAURANT)
Folino’s Pizza
Folino’s thin-crusted, wood-fired pies have just the right amount of char. For a change of pace, try the Detroit-style pizza, baked in a steel pan and layered with toppings, cheese and then sauce. (Burlington, Northfield, Shelburne, South Burlington, Williston • folinopizza.com)
Other finalists:
American Flatbread: Burlington, Middlebury, Stowe, Waitsfield, West Dover • americanflatbread.com
• La Di Da Pizza: Burlington • ladidapizza.com
• Pizza 44: Burlington, Shelburne • pizza44vt.com
• Pizzeria Verità: Burlington • pizzeriaverita.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:
Pearl Street Pizza: Barre • pearlstpizza.com
• Pie in the Sky: St. Albans • pieintheskyvermont.com
• Positive Pie: Hardwick, Montpelier, Plainfield, Woodstock • positivepie.com
The Tillerman: Bristol • thetillermanvt.com
BEST PIZZA (DELIVERY)
Leonardo’s
Think 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, Woodstock • positivepie.com
• Ramunto’s Brick Oven Pizza: Arlington, Bennington, Brattleboro, Williston • ramuntos.com
• Zachary’s Pizza: Colchester, Milton, South Burlington • zacharyspizzavt.com
STARRY NIGHT CAFÉ
Where can you get deconstructed steak tartare, mafaldine with wild morel ragù and a damn good Philly cheesesteak? This Ferrisburgh dining destination, of course.
Whether choosing the casual bar menu or polenta and grilled picanha steak in the elegant sunroom, diners can have it all at Starry Night Café.
Since late 2021, executive chef Robert Smith III — a Daysies finalist for best chef, too — has revamped the restaurant’s menu to reflect his experience with Italian-inflected California cuisine, bringing his Michelin-starred fine-dining chops home to Vermont. These days he can usually be found picking little gem lettuces in the garden outside, making pasta in
BEST BURGER
The Farmhouse
Tap & Grill
The Farmhouse Group’s award-winning gastropub now boasts two locations offering local burgers, from a black bean patty with herbed Does’ Leap feta and Pitchfork Pickle kimchi to the classic LaPlatte River Angus Farm beef, topped with bacon, arugula, cheddar and pickled red onion. (Burlington, Williston • farmhousetg.com)
Other finalists:
• Black Flannel Brewing & Distilling: Essex • blackflannel.com
• Kate’s Food Truck: Jericho • katesfoodtruck.com
Switchback Beer Garden & Smokehouse: Burlington • switchbackvt.com
Waterworks Food + Drink: Winooski • waterworksvt.com
whimsical shapes and scraping up gooey bits of Cooper Sharp for the Philly.
The multiroom restaurant has been renovated tip to toe during his tenure, making it among the prettiest places on Route 7. Whichever room you land in, service is exemplary. Before you can blink, staff drops off complimentary housemade focaccia with vadouvan butter. And, like the food, cocktails make the most of what’s in season: The Roquette features gin, lime, arugula simple syrup and green poblano liqueur. Sip one outside on the perfectly landscaped patio, surrounded by the stars.
Ferrisburgh • starrynightcafe.com
OUTSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY Burger Barn
This snack shack serves more than 30 burgers with Boyden Farm beef — but any can be made veggie. The impressively large El Alamo features bacon, onion rings, banana peppers, Cabot cheddar and barbecue sauce. (Jeffersonville • Facebook)
Other finalists:
Black Radish at 14th Star Brewing Co.: St. Albans • 14thstarbrewing.com
• Buddy’s Famous: Montpelier • buddysfamousvt.com
• Three Penny Taproom: Montpelier • threepennytaproom.com Worthy Burger: South Royalton • worthyvermont.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: Farmers & Foragers: Burlington, Charlotte • vtfarmersandforagers.com
• Kate’s Food Truck: Jericho • katesfoodtruck.com
• Waterworks Food + Drink: Winooski • waterworksvt.com The Wise Fool: Burlington • wisefoolvt.com
Robert Smith III
Food
BEST WINGS
Honey Road
The sesame-sprinkled, brown sugarharissa chicken wings soar at this celebrated Church Street restaurant. They’re sticky, spicy and sweet — and balanced perfectly by dried lime labneh. (Burlington • honeyroadrestaurant.com)
Other finalists:
Black Flannel Brewing & Distilling: Essex • blackflannel.com
Donwoori: Winooski • donwoorivt.com
• Switchback Beer Garden & Smokehouse: Burlington • switchbackvt.com
Wings at Maple: Burlington • wingsatmaple.com
BEST BARBECUE
Prohibition Pig
Waterbury’s destination brewpub offers a Vermont take on eastern North Carolina barbecue: fall-off-the-bone ribs, brisket and even smoked mushrooms for those looking for a meatless meal. (Waterbury • prohibitionpig.com)
Other finalists:
Black Diamond Barbecue: Morristown • blackdiamondbarbeque.com
• Bluebird Barbecue: Burlington • bluebirdbbq.com
• Switchback Beer Garden & Smokehouse: Burlington • switchbackvt.com
BEST SUSHI
Koto Japanese Steak House
From the Dragon Roll to the Rainbow Roll, this fusion-style Japanese restaurant is known for its creative, expertly rolled combinations. (South Burlington • kotovt.com)
Other finalists:
Asiana Noodle Shop: Burlington • asiananoodle.com
• Hana Japanese Restaurant: South Burlington • hanasushiburlington.com
• Sakura Sushi & Kitchen: Williston • Facebook
Sushi Yoshi: Killington, Stowe • sushiyoshi.com
BEST DUMPLINGS OR MOMOS
Hong’s Chinese Dumplings
Hong Yu’s signature dumplings have been a hit since the early days of her food cart on the Church Street Marketplace. These days, the brick-and-mortar biz has limited hours — check the website to ensure dumpling delight. (Burlington • hongsdumplings.com)
Other finalists:
A Single Pebble: Burlington • asinglepebble.com
Café Dim Sum: Burlington • Instagram
• Namaste Kitchen: Shelburne • namastekitchenshelburne.com
Sherpa Foods: South Burlington • sherpafoodsusa.com
BEST BURGER OUTSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY
BURGER BARN
Burgers are American staples, predictable in their omnipresence everywhere from fast-food spots to fine-dining bar menus. When you order one, you usually know what you’re gonna get.
Not at Burger Barn. If you say, “I’ll have a burger” at the cash-only Jeffersonville food trailer, you’ll immediately be asked, “Which one?”
Between menu mainstays and specials, Burger Barn’s 30-plus options include an ode to Ethan Allen, with juicy grilled apples, melty Cabot cheddar and cranberry-garlic mayo; the impressively large El Alamo, topped with bacon, onion rings, banana peppers, cheddar and barbecue sauce; and the Nutty Goat, with chèvre, maplecrusted walnuts, caramelized onions and bacon. All are made with beef from Boyden Farm in nearby Cambridge but can also be veggie, if that’s your patty preference.
Burger Barn gets busy, especially on a perfect summer day. Co-owner Kierstin Colaceci tells new employees that the first rule is “Don’t look at the line.”
“You look at that line, you’re gonna get nervous,” she said.
But 18 seasons in, they’ve figured out how to keep things moving, and the payoff — a juicy burger made to order with unexpected, time-tested topping combos — is worth the wait.
Jeffersonville • facebook.com/burgerbarnvt
BEST DOUGHNUTS
Madeleine’s Bakery
It’s all about the classics at this old-fashioned bakery: Boston cream, braided French crullers, chocolate glazed and, of course, maple. (Milton • madeleinesbakery.com)
Other finalists:
• Miss Weinerz: Burlington • missweinerz.com North Country Donuts: Morrisville • northcountrydonuts.com
Poorhouse Pies: Cambridge, Underhill • poorhousepies.com
• Quality Bake Shop: Essex Junction • Facebook
BEST CREEMEE
Palmer Lane Maple
Craving a creemee? Join the crowd at this popular roadside spot, where pure maple syrup imbues soft-serve swirls with Vermont’s famous flavor. Don’t miss the housemade maple sprinkles. (Jericho • palmerlanemaple.mybigcommerce.com)
Other finalists:
• Burlington Bay Market & Cafe: Burlington • burlingtonbaycafe.com
Mr. Creemee: Burlington • mrcreemee.com
• The Village Scoop: Colchester • Facebook
OUTSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY
Vermont Cookie Love
The 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 high-butterfat Vermont dairy. New in 2026, a second outpost opened in Middlebury. (Middlebury, North Ferrisburgh • vermontcookielove.com)
Other finalists: Canteen Creemee Company: Waitsfield • canteencreemee.com
• Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks: East Montpelier • morsefarm.com
• Red Hen Baking Co.: Montpelier • redhenbaking.com
Silloway Maple: Randolph Center • sillowaymaple.com
Food
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:
• Island Homemade Ice Cream: Williston • islandhomemadeicecream.com
• lu•lu: Vergennes • luluvt.com
• Odd Otter Ice Cream: Burlington • oddottericecream.com
• Sisters of Anarchy Ice Cream: Shelburne • sistersofanarchyicecream.com
BEST CHOCOLATE BRAND
Lake Champlain Chocolates
Burlington’s premier chocolatier has something for everyone — think luscious hot cocoa, boxes of truffles and housemade chocolate hazelnut ice cream. (Burlington, Stowe, Waterbury • lakechamplainchocolates.com)
Other finalists:
• Daily Chocolate: Vergennes • dailychocolatevt.com
• Farmhouse Chocolates: Bristol • farmhousechocolates.com
NU Chocolat: Burlington • nuchocolat.com
• Snowflake Chocolates: Jericho, South Burlington • snowflakechocolate.com
BEST MAPLE SYRUP
Palmer’s Sugarhouse
During maple season, the family-owned biz hosts sugarhouse pancake breakfasts with an endless supply of syrup. But its sweet stuff is Grade A and golden year-round. (Shelburne • palmersugarhouse.com)
Other finalists:
Baird Farm: North Chittenden • bairdfarm.com
• Bragg Farm Sugarhouse & Gift Shop: East Montpelier • braggfarm.com
• Palmer Lane Maple: Jericho • palmerlanemaple.mybigcommerce.com
Shelburne Sugarworks: Shelburne • shelburnesugarworks.com
Silloway Maple: Randolph Center • sillowaymaple.com
BEST VERMONT CHEESE BRAND Cabot Creamery
The prolific cheesemaker took home 17 awards from the World Championship Cheese Contest in 2026 alone. Try the clothbound cheddar or the Buffalo-flavored block. (Hardwick, Waterbury • cabotcreamery.com)
Other finalists:
• Blue Ledge Farm: Salisbury • blueledgefarm.com
Grafton Village Cheese Co.: Grafton, Proctorsville • graftonvillagecheese.com
• Jasper Hill Farm: Greensboro • jasperhillfarm.com
• Shelburne Farms: Shelburne • shelburnefarms.org
BEST COOKING CLASS
Baking School at King Arthur Baking Company
Head to the flour company’s flagship campus for delicious lessons in chemistry. World-class instructors will school you on everything from French pastries to the magic of wild yeast. (Norwich • kingarthurbaking.com)
Other finalists:
• Access CVU: Hinesburg • cvsdvt.ce.eleyo.com
• City Market, Onion River Co-op: Burlington • citymarket.coop The Essex Resort & Spa: Essex • essexresort.com
Richmond Community Kitchen: Richmond • richmondcommunitykitchen.com
BEST FOOD/DRINK EVENT
South End Get Down
Get Southern barbecue, arepas, wood-fired pizza or a frosty local beer — all in one parking lot. The lively block parties are family- and dog-friendly. (Burlington • getdownvt.com)
Other finalists:
Burlington Wine & Food: Burlington • burlingtonwineandfood.com
• Vermont Brewers Fest: Burlington • vermontbrewers.com
• Vermont Cheesemakers Festival: Shelburne • vtcheese.com/festival Vermont VegFest: Burlington • vermontvegfest.com
Drink
Zero Gravity
The Burlington brewery’s beer hall has ample indoor and outdoor seating for sipping suds such as Conehead IPA and Green State Lager. Even teetotalers can get in on the action with nonalcoholic versions of its staple pours. (Burlington • zerogravitybeer.com)
Other finalists:
Black Flannel Brewing & Distilling: Essex • blackflannel.com
• Burlington Beer Co.: Burlington • burlingtonbeercompany.com
• Foam Brewers: Burlington • foambrewers.com Switchback Brewing Co.: Burlington • switchbackvt.com
OUTSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY Hill Farmstead Brewery
Since RateBeer first voted Shaun Hill’s brewery the best in the world in 2012, 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 • 14thstarbrewing.com
• The Alchemist: Stowe • alchemistbeer.com
• Bent Hill Brewery: Braintree • benthillbrewery.com
• Lawson’s Finest Liquids: Waitsfield • lawsonsfinest.com
• von Trapp Brewing: Stowe • vontrappbrewing.com
BEST BREWPUB
Zero Gravity Beer Hall
Brews at this industrial-chic spot start at 8 a.m. with coffee and waffles and continue throughout the day with hazy IPAs, clean lagers and creamy nitro porters. Pair ’em with crispy cheese curds or Detroit-style Coney dogs. (Burlington • zerogravitybeer.com)
Other finalists:
Black Flannel Brewing & Distilling: Essex • blackflannel.com
Burlington Beer Co.: Burlington • burlingtonbeercompany.com
• Switchback Beer Garden & Smokehouse: Burlington • switchbackvt.com
• The Vermont Pub & Brewery: Burlington • vermontbrewery.com
BEST CRAFT BREW SELECTION
Beverage Warehouse
The state’s largest craft beer, wine and liquor store goes above and beyond to keep its 15,000-plus Facebook fans in the loop on deliveries and free tastings. Recycle those cans at the drive-through redemption center. (Winooski • beveragewarehousevt.com)
Other finalists:
802bws: Burlington • 802bws.com
• Cask & Cork: Waterbury • caskandcorkvt.com
Hunger Mountain Co-op: Montpelier • hungermountain.coop
Stowe Public House & Bottle Shop: Stowe • stowepublichouse.com
BEST WINERY
Shelburne Vineyard
Winemakers Ethan Joseph and Tyler MacKelvey constantly pioneer new techniques in the vineyard and the cellar. Sample the fruits of their labor in the airy tasting room, out on the patio or in the loft. (Shelburne • shelburnevineyard.com)
Other finalists:
• Ellison Estate Vineyard: Grand Isle, Stowe • ellisonestatevineyard.com
• Lincoln Peak Vineyard: New Haven • lincolnpeakvineyard.com
Maquam Barn & Winery: Milton • maquambarnandwinery.com
Snow Farm Vineyard and Distillery: South Hero • snowfarm.com
BEST WINE LIST
Salt & Bubbles
Wine Bar and Market
Certified sommelier Kayla Silver and her team know a lot, but they don’t take themselves — or wine — too seriously. Ask for advice on a fun flight to pair with the menu’s delightful shareable plates. (Essex • saltandbubbleswine.com)
Other finalists:
Bar Renée: Burlington • barrenee.com
• Hen of the Wood: Burlington, Waterbury • henofthewood.com
• La Reprise: Burlington • lareprisewines.com
• Waterworks Food + Drink: Winooski • waterworksvt.com
• Wilder Wines: Burlington • wilderwinesvt.com
Locally Roasted Coffee Espresso / Lattes
Breakfast / Lunch Housemade Pastries
Lunch / Delicious Sandwiches Fine Art / Gifts / Cards
BEST CRAFT BREWERY
BEST WINE SHOP
Salt & Bubbles
Wine Bar and Market
In a former Van Heusen outlet store, the welcoming shop offers a wide world of wine, from bottles featuring lesser-known grapes to familiar varieties grown in unexpected regions. All are made with thought and care. (Essex • saltandbubbleswine.com)
Other finalists:
Bar Renée: Burlington • barrenee.com
• La Reprise: Burlington • lareprisewines.com
• The Local: Wine & Beer: Middlesex • thelocalvt.com
• Standing Stone Wines: Winooski • standingstonewinesvt.com
Wilder Wines: Burlington • wilderwinesvt.com
BEST HARD CIDERY
Stowe Cider
Enjoy a cider après-ski — or après-hike. Stowe sippers can sample a range of tap selections all year round, from the gingerspiced Mountain Glow to the limited-release Strawberry Fields. (Stowe • stowecider.com)
Other finalists:
• Citizen Cider: Burlington • citizencider.com
Shacksbury: Vergennes • shacksbury.com
• Vermont Cider Lab: Essex • vtciderlab.com Woodchuck Hard Cider: Middlebury • woodchuck.com
BEST CANNABIS BEVERAGE MAKER
Upstate Elevator
Fast-acting with organic ingredients, Upstate’s THC seltzers come in flavors such as green mango, orange pop and blackberry zinger. They’ll have you tasting the rainbow, perhaps literally and figuratively. (Burlington • upstateelevatorvt.com)
Other finalists:
CLEANN: Wolcott • sipcleann.com
• Sunset Lake Cannabis:
South Hero • sunsetlakecannabis.com
Taunik: Hinesburg • drinktaunik.com
• Yut: Milton • drinkyut.com
BEST SPIRITS DISTILLER
Barr Hill
At the impressive Capital City distillery, try award-winning vodkas and gins unique for their use of raw honey. USA Today counts this place among the “10 craft gin distilleries in the U.S. you need to know about.” (Montpelier • barrhill.com)
Other finalists:
Black Flannel Brewing & Distilling: Essex • blackflannel.com
• Mad River Distillers: Burlington, Waitsfield, Warren • madriverdistillers.com
• Smugglers’ Notch Distillery: Burlington, Jeffersonville, Manchester, Stowe, Waterbury • smugglersnotchdistillery.com
• St. Johnsbury Distillery: St. Johnsbury • stjohnsburydistillery.com
BEST BAR
Devil Takes a Holiday
From the swanky-for-Burlington bar to its seasonal spritz deck, everyone loves partying with the Devil. Go ahead, drink the Snake Oil. (Burlington • deviltakesaholiday.com)
Other finalists:
The Archives: Burlington • thearchivesbar.com
The Wallflower Collective: Burlington • Instagram
• Waterworks Food + Drink: Winooski • waterworksvt.com
OUTSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY Barr Hill
Why not go straight to the source for your spirited beverages? This distillery is the bee’s knees — and makes a darn good one, too. It earned a James Beard Award finalist nod for Outstanding Bar in 2024. (Montpelier • barrhill.com)
Other finalists:
Babes Bar: Bethel • babesvt.com
• Blackback Pub: Waterbury • theblackbackpub.com
Wolf Tree: White River Junction • wolftreevt.com
BEST BARTENDER
Bryan Buley (Olde Northender Pub & Waterworks Food + Drink)
Whether serving complex cocktails or an ice-cold Bud, Buley is a popular presence behind the bar. He won the People’s Choice award at Waterworks’ Great Shakes cocktail competition in 2018. (Burlington, Winooski • olde-northender-pub.edan.io)
Other finalists:
Brenna Goodine (St. Johnsbury Distillery): St. Johnsbury • stjohnsburydistillery.com
• Isa Masi (Switchback Beer Garden & Smokehouse): Burlington • switchbackvt.com
• JC Dugan (Woodchuck Hard Cider): Middlebury • woodchuck.com
• Tatiana Bruno (Doma Bar): Burlington • doma.bar
BEST DIVE BAR
T. Rugg’s Tavern
Beloved local bartender Mike Dunn bought this Old North End institution in 2021. It’s open 365 days a year, from noon to 2 a.m., and has all the calling cards of a classic dive — pool tables, darts, a jukebox and plenty of PBR — but the bathrooms are clean. (Burlington • Facebook)
Other finalists:
• Charlie-O’s World Famous: Montpelier • Instagram Finnigan’s Pub: Burlington • finnigansvt.com
• JP’s Pub: Burlington • Instagram The Other Place: Burlington • Facebook
BEST COCKTAILS • BEST MOCKTAILS
BEST BAR INSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY
DEVIL TAKES A HOLIDAY
If this stylish Burlington cocktail lounge were someone you went to high school with, she’d be the cool, creative girl playing happily to her own tune but welcoming all who wanted to dance along with her. Co-owner Taylor Watts and head bartender Joe Choiniere set the tone but encourage their small, passionate team to contribute to one of the most inventive and just plain fun drink menus around.
Inspired by punny names, colors, ingredients and beloved foods (think Nilla Wafers banana pudding), the ever-changing cocktails and zero-proof “atonements” are equally compelling, from the creamy, spicy, caffeinated Café Pa’lante — which Taylor described as the love child of Mexican coffee and an espresso martini — to the tart, citrusy, bitter-edged NA Mama Ghia. During the summer, don’t miss the second-floor spritz deck and its lighter sips, including a frozen version of the bar’s mintmelon fave, We Can’t Elope.
Almost every ingredient beyond the base distilled spirits is made from scratch in house: fresh juices, infusions, tinctures, shrubs, syrups, atomized mists and macerated sugars.
The devil is in the details, as they say — and these details are fire. Burlington • deviltakesaholiday.com
drink
BEST SPORTS BAR
McGillicuddy’s
TV sports entertain diners as they nosh on burgers or corned-beef sandwiches. Draft beers and top-shelf whiskeys keep ’em happy no matter who’s winning the game. (Colchester, Essex Junction, Waterbury, Williston • mcgillicuddysonthegreen.com)
Other finalists:
• Last Stop Sports Bar: Winooski • Facebook Ruben James: Burlington • rubenjamesvt.com
• Upper Deck Pub: South Burlington • windjammerrestaurant.com
BEST COCKTAILS
Devil Takes a Holiday
Thots & Pears go out to others in this category
— it’s tough to compete with boozy bevs like this pear martini and the smoky-sweet Lil’ Mister, which the menu says will “put hair on your chest, or singe it off, who’s to say?”
(Burlington • deviltakesaholiday.com)
Other finalists:
• Barr Hill: Montpelier • barrhill.com
Specs: Winooski • Instagram
• Switchback Beer Garden & Smokehouse: Burlington • switchbackvt.com
Waterworks Food + Drink: Winooski • waterworksvt.com
BEST MOCKTAILS
Devil Takes a Holiday
Alcohol-free “atonements” give NA spirits, housemade syrups and juices the topshelf treatment. No hangover required. (Burlington • deviltakesaholiday.com)
Other finalists:
• The 126: Burlington • deli126vt.com
• The Daily Planet: Burlington • dailyplanetvt.com
• The Drake Bar and Kitchen: St. Albans • thedrakevt.com
Waterworks Food + Drink: Winooski • waterworksvt.com
BEST NONALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE BRAND
Rookie’s Root Beer
Rookie’s garage brewery produces a beloved root beer and a maple lemonade. Get ’em on draft at restaurants around the state — or, as of this spring, grab a can of maple lemonade. (Burlington • Facebook)
Other finalists: Aqua ViTea: Middlebury • aquavitea.com
• Sap!: Burlington • sapvt.com
• Switchback N.A.: Burlington • switchbackvt.com
• Zero Gravity: Burlington • zerogravitybeer.com
HILL FARMSTEAD BREWERY
A journey up to Hill Farmstead is a real introduction to Vermont dirt roads, especially in mud season. But the payoff — “beer-flavored beer” that’s a pleasure to drink, as founder-brewer Shaun Hill describes it — has made the Greensboro Bend brewery a mecca for beer seekers.
Founded in 2010, Hill Farmstead won RateBeer’s best new brewery title that year; its first of eight world-best ratings came in 2012. The brewery is remote, but as its website boasts, it’s in “the middle of everything.”
Sipping an Edward, Abner, Anna or Florence on the brewery porch, one can appreciate the almost otherworldly setting of Hill’s ancestral farm — and the brews named for those ancestors, of course. These days, the pastoral scene is a balance of society and solitude, depending on how many people have made the trek for the latest Society & Solitude double IPA release.
Hill Farmstead’s ever-changing taproom drafts and retail bottles include American pale ales, IPAs, lagers, porters, imperial stouts and vintage Farmstead ales — some barrel aged, some blended for a bit of Civil Disobedience. Prized ingredients come from afar, such as New Zealand hops, and right outside, like dandelions harvested from the fields surrounding the brewery. It’s always worth the trip. Greensboro Bend • hillfarmstead.com
BEST SMOOTHIES/JUICES
The Vermont Juice Co.
Forged in an industrial-level hydraulic press, these juices are no joke. Brightly colored blends such as Greens to the Extreme and Carroty Clarity promise immunity, abundance, energy and strength. (Burlington • vtjuiceco.com)
Other finalists: Greene Mountain Nutrition & Smoothies: Essex • greenemountainnutrition.com
• Healthy Living: South Burlington, Williston • healthylivingmarket.com
• Muddy Waters: Burlington • Instagram
BEST PLACE TO GET TEA
Dobrá Tea
Guests can 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:
• Fresh Bubble Tea & Juice: South Burlington • freshbubbletea.com Morning Light Bakery: Winooski • morning-light-vt.com The North Branch Café: Montpelier • thenorth-branch.com
• Stone Leaf Teahouse: Middlebury • stoneleaftea.com
BEST COFFEE SHOP
Uncommon Coffee Co.
Owner Maya Crowley continues the 25-year tradition of Burlington’s nowclosed Uncommon Grounds, bringing high-quality, freshly roasted coffee to her hometown of Essex. Jump-start your day in the plant-filled, library-like space with an ube latte or a cup of coffee sourced from Vietnam. (Essex • uncommonvt.com)
Other finalists: Brio Coffeeworks: Burlington • briocoffeeworks.com
• Muddy Waters: Burlington • Instagram Onyx Tonics: Burlington • onyxtonics.com
• Specs: Winooski • specs-cafe-bar.com
OUTSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY Capitol Grounds
On a typical morning, you’ll find folks who live, work, legislate and lobby in Montpelier fraternizing at Capitol Grounds. Beans for the coffee and espresso drinks are sourced from around the world and roasted in-house under the 802 Coffee label. (Montpelier • capitolgrounds.com)
Other finalists:
• Black Cap Coffee & Bakery of Vermont: Morristown, Stowe, Waterbury • blackcapvermont.com
Catalyst Coffee Bar: St. Albans • catalystcoffeebar.com
• Little Seed Coffee Roasters: Middlebury • littleseed.coffee
• Vermont Artisan Coffee & Tea Co.: Waterbury Center • vtartisan.com
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
Vermont Artisan Coffee & Tea Co.: Waterbury Center • vtartisan.com
Vivid Coffee Roasters: Burlington • vividcoffee.com
BEST COLD-BREW/ICED COFFEE
Uncommon Coffee Co.
Uncommon’s Japanese-style iced coffee is flash-chilled, bright and strong, showing off the subtle flavors of carefully selected singleorigin beans. Customers can personalize their pours with local maple or housemade vegan flavor syrups. (Essex • uncommonvt.com)
Other finalists:
Brew House Coffee Company at Jericho Ale & Bean: Jericho • brewhousecoffeecompany.com Brio Coffeeworks: Burlington • briocoffeeworks.com
• Catalyst Coffee Bar: St. Albans • catalystcoffeebar.com
• Vivid Coffee Roasters: Burlington • vividcoffee.com
NOW IN VT STORES
Proudly serving:
BRAND
&
capitolgrounds.com • 27 State St • Montpelier • Open 7 Days Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas & New Year’s Days. D6h-CapitolGrounds080526.indd 1
ROOKIE’S ROOT BEER
Rookie’s 21st year in business was a big one. Not because the Burlington beverage brand is old enough to drink — we’re talking nonalcoholic here — but because the enduring soda biz showed that you’re never too old to stick it to the man.
In May, Jenny and Dave Rooke officially made the leap from draft-only, working with Zero Gravity (another Daysies player for best nonalcoholic beverage brand) to produce 12-ounce cans of their sparkling Vermont Maple Lemonade. The refreshing, sweet-tart cans are now for sale around the state, finding a niche in places where Big Soda’s exclusive contracts prevent Rookie’s from selling its root beer.
Have no fear, root beer fans: Back in their New North End garage brewery, the Rookes are still pumping out kegs of their longtime local favorite pop, too. Serving Rookie’s on draft is a sign that a bar or restaurant values its customers who forgo alcohol, whether kids or kids at heart.
If that doesn’t make you smile, maybe Jenny will pull out the inflatable dinosaur suit she donned to dance around the neighborhood during the pandemic. One way or another, Rookie’s spreads joy.
Burlington • facebook.com/rookiesrootbeer
Emily Airoldi (Catalyst Coffee Bar)
Other finalists: Jason Gonzalez (Onyx Tonics): Burlington • onyxtonics.com
• Naima Chamorro (Great Harvest Bread Co.): Burlington • greatharvestburlington.com
• Noah Richland (Kru Coffee): Burlington • krucoffee.com
Airoldi’s coworker told the Saint Albans Messenger that she’s “the queen of latte art.” On top of that, she can brew a precise siphon and will likely recommend adding a shot to your cold-brew. (St.
• Quinn Johnson (Brio Coffeeworks): Burlington • briocoffeeworks.com
Sarah Hofmann (Brio Coffeeworks): Burlington • briocoffeeworks.com BEST NONALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE
Culture
BEST OUTDOOR MUSIC VENUE
Shelburne Museum
Shelburne Museum’s picturesque grounds serve as an outdoor venue each summer. There’s nothing like catching music from Shakey Graves or Trombone Shorty as the sun sets behind an al fresco stage. (Shelburne • shelburnemuseum.org)
Other finalists:
• The Essex Experience: Essex • essexresort.com
• Shelburne Farms: Shelburne • shelburnefarms.org Snow Farm Vineyard and Distillery: South Hero • snowfarm.com
Waterfront Park: Burlington • burlingtonvt.gov
BEST LARGE LIVE MUSIC VENUE
Shelburne Museum
Ben & Jerry’s Concerts on the Green, held on the sweeping natural amphitheater of the museum lawn, can accommodate up to 3,000 people. The music is first-rate; the vibe, familyfriendly. (Shelburne • shelburnemuseum.org)
Other finalists:
• Champlain Valley Exposition: Essex Junction • cvexpo.org
The Flynn: Burlington • flynnvt.org
• Higher Ground: South Burlington • highergroundmusic.com
• Waterfront Park: Burlington • burlingtonvt.gov
BEST SMALL LIVE MUSIC HOT SPOT
Radio Bean
Rising stars and funky lamps brighten the night at Radio Bean and the adjoining Light Club Lamp Shop. Early in 2026, owner Lee Anderson announced his intention to step aside after 25 years, but the cultural hub remains open. (Burlington • radiobean.com)
Other finalists:
• The 126: Burlington • deli126vt.com Foam Brewers: Burlington • foambrewers.com
• Monkey House: Winooski • monkeyhousevt.com
• Standing Stone Wines: Winooski • standingstonewinesvt.com
OUTSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY
Zenbarn
Audience members party ’til the cows come home in this dairy barn turned events venue. There’s live music most nights — check the website for the full calendar of local and touring talent. (Waterbury Center • zenbarnvt.com)
Other finalists:
Afterthoughts: Waitsfield • afterthoughtsvt.com
• Charlie-O’s World Famous: Montpelier • Instagram
• Stowe Cider: Stowe • stowecider.com
• The Underground — Listening Room: Randolph • theundergroundshows.com
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 world-class music. (Burlington • flynnvt.org)
Other finalists:
• Do Good Fest: Montpelier • dogoodfest.com
Grand Point North: Burlington • grandpointnorth.com
• Green Mountain Bluegrass & Roots Festival: Manchester Center • greenmountainbluegrass.com
• Stowe Jazz Festival: Stowe • stowejazzfestival.org
BEST VOCALIST
Noah Kahan
Earlier this summer, Strafford’s homegrown singer-songwriter sensation became the first artist to headline and sell out four consecutive nights at Fenway Park. Listeners from Vermont and far beyond knew all the words to his chart-topping new album, The Great Divide. (noahkahan.com)
Other finalists:
Ali T: sheisalit.com
• Erica Mae Couture: Facebook
• Grace Potter: gracepotter.com Kat Wright: Instagram
Culture
BEST INSTRUMENTALIST
Ray Vega
Every set from this trumpeter, percussionist and composer is a master class in Latinjazz improvisation and innovation. Catch him at weekly gigs, solo or with the Ray Vega Afro-Caribbean Jazz Ensemble or Ray Vega QuARTet. (rayvegamusic.com)
Other finalists:
• André Maquera: Facebook
Bob Wagner: bobwagner.art
• Paul Asbell: paulasbell.com
BEST BAND
The Wormdogs
The Burlington bluegrass and Americana outfit leaned into country on the 2025 record It’s for You, which crackles with sincerity and warmth. (thewormdogs.com)
Other finalists:
• Cricket Blue: cricketbluemusic.com
• The Grift: thegrift.com
MOMDAD: Instagram
• Robber Robber: robberrobber.info
• Soul Porpoise: soulporpoise.com
BEST CLUB DJ
Craig Mitchell
This perennial Daysies winner is a Burlington house favorite in the DJ booth, bringing the party wherever he goes. In June, locals turned the tables to support him through health struggles at a dance-party benefit. (mydjlens.com/craigmitchell)
Other finalists:
• DJ Taka
• GAYBAR: Instagram
Kate Kush: Instagram
• The Kwame Vibe: thekwamevibe.com
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:
Dobbs’ Dead: Facebook
Experience Queen — Jesse Agan: experiencequeen.com
Sticks and Stones: sticksandstonesbandvt.com
• Ultraviolet: uv.events
THE WORMDOGS
What’s Vermontier than a band in which multiple members are farmers? To accommodate the demands of the growing season, Burlington Americana and bluegrass outfit the Wormdogs tend to record their albums in the winter. But that seasonal rhythm hasn’t slowed the band’s rapid local ascent.
Formed in 2017, the five-piece is a true collective: Each member writes and sings, creating a collaborative spirit that underpins songs spanning classic, foot-stomping bluegrass to full-on country rock. Just take a listen to the band’s 2025 EP, It’s for You, a record that both captures the energy of the Wormdogs’ raucously good live show and expands on their sound.
It’s a sound rooted in the Burlington scene — the band has teamed up with the likes of indie-rock singer-songwriter Lily Seabird, Americana trio the Larkspurs, and folk singer and producer Eric George.
Still want to know more about the band? Pick up your phone and dial 802-WORMDOG. You can hear some smooth jazz, leave the band a message or order the members a pizza. thewormdogs.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 hits all the right notes as the country’s oldest state-assisted orchestra. (vso.org)
Other finalists:
• Champlain Trio: champlaintrio.com
Skylark: janekittredge.com/skylark
• Vermont Youth Orchestra: vyo.org
BEST CHORAL ENSEMBLE
Bella Voce
Women’s Chorus
The state’s premier women’s chorus is composed of auditioned members who sing at concerts across Vermont, the Northeast and Europe. Bella Voce’s smaller ensemble, Cantiamo, brings a cappella choral selections to more intimate venues. (bellavocevt.org)
Other finalists:
• Solaris Vocal Ensemble: solarisensemble.org
• South County Chorus: hinesburgartistseries.org
Vermont’s Freedom & Unity Chorus: vermontsfreedomandunitychorus.org
BEST KARAOKE JP’s Pub
Wannabe rock stars belt out their all-time favorites multiple nights a week 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 • Instagram
• Jenny Red Karaoke: Burlington • Facebook Standing Stone Wines: Winooski • standingstonewinesvt.com
BEST TRIVIA NIGHT
Zero Gravity Beer Hall
Brainiacs and beer enthusiasts find common ground at the South End brewpub, which serves up “cold suds, good buds” and all the fun facts you can handle. (Burlington • zerogravitybeer.com)
Other finalists:
• 14th Star Brewing Co.: St. Albans • 14thstarbrewing.com
Black Flannel Brewing & Distilling: Essex • blackflannel.com
Charlie-O’s World Famous: Montpelier • Instagram
• Four Quarters Brewing: Winooski • 4qbc.com
Vermont Cider Lab: Essex • vtciderlab.com
BEST PLACE TO DANCE
Higher Ground
Looking to bust a move? The region’s marquee rock club hosts a constant stream of top-tier touring musical acts in the Ballroom to get your booty shaking, plus occasional themed dance parties in the Showcase Lounge. (South Burlington • highergroundmusic.com)
Other finalists:
• Einstein’s Tap House: Burlington • einsteinsvt.com
Light Club Lamp Shop: Burlington • radiobean.com/light-club-info Radio Bean: Burlington • radiobean.com
• Red Square: Burlington • Instagram
BEST COMEDIAN
Rusty Dewees
Dewees created his rural Vermont alter ego, “The Logger,” to entertain locals and flatlanders alike. Over the decades he has performed his one-man show all over the state, from town halls to prisons. As former governor Jim Douglas said: “We should never take ourselves too seriously, and Rusty makes sure we don’t.” (rustydewees.com)
Other finalists:
• Max Higgins: maxheadgear.net
Tal Friedman: Instagram
• Tina Friml: tinafriml.com
BEST PLACE TO SEE COMEDY
Vermont Comedy Club
Follow the “unicow” mascot to standup and improv shows most nights — Melissa Villaseñor, Gary Gulman and Roy Wood Jr. have been among the gut-busting big-name headliners. The new Vermont Comedy Arts nonprofit makes comedy education accessible to all. (Burlington • vermontcomedyclub.com)
Other finalists:
Barre Opera House: Barre • barreoperahouse.org
The Flynn: Burlington • flynnvt.org
Woolen Mill Comedy Club: Bridgewater • Facebook
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. Don’t miss the Double E Lounge and Theater for multimedia live shows in front of the big screen. (Essex • essexcinemas.com)
Other finalists:
Majestic 10: Williston • majestic10.com
• Marquis Theatre: Middlebury • middleburymarquis.com
Partizanfilm: Burlington • partizanfilm.org
• Savoy Theater: Montpelier • savoytheater.com
• The Screening Room @ VTIFF: Burlington • vtiff.org
BEST THEATER COMPANY
Lyric Theatre Company
Three things you can count on: death, taxes and Lyric Theatre shows never disappointing you. For more than half a century, the community theater group has delighted audiences with beloved classics, from The Sound of Music to Disney’s Frozen (South Burlington • lyrictheatrevt.org)
Other finalists:
• Lost Nation Theater: Montpelier • lostnationtheater.org
• Vermont Repertory Theatre: Williston • vermontrep.com
Vermont Stage: Burlington • vermontstage.org
Very Merry Theatre: Burlington • verymerrytheatre.org
BEST
DRAG PERFORMER OR GROUP
Emoji Nightmare & Katniss Everqueer
The creative partners bring the perfect mix of sass and class to their shows celebrating fat drag and burlesque artists. The dynamic duo also traverses Vermont through the local chapter of Drag Story Hour — a tribute to gender fluidity and playful imagination. (nightpagne.com, Facebook)
Other finalists:
• The House of LeMay: Facebook
Lizzie Murderz: Instagram
• Miss Chekova: misschekova.com
Rhedd Rhumm: Instagram
Sasha Sriracha: Instagram
SPRUCE PEAK ARTS
Some things are worth climbing a mountain for. Or, in the case of Spruce Peak Arts, driving up a mountain pass.
At the base of Stowe Mountain Resort, you’ll find a 420-seat Alpine gem of a venue with pristine acoustics and immaculate vibes. Headed by executive director Seth Soloway, the nonprofit performance center has become one of the best spots in the state to catch a show, whether it’s a nationally touring artist (Indigo Girls, Spin Doctors, James Taylor) or local talent (Troy Millette & the Fire Below).
“When I took this job, I knew my mandate was to elevate Spruce Peak to the level of a national
BEST LGBTQ+ EVENT
Winter Is a Drag Ball
For 31 years and counting, local drag performers, burlesque artists and go-go dancers have banished winter blues with red-hot talent. This year’s event raised crucial funds for Vermont CARES. (South Burlington • highergroundmusic.com)
Other finalists:
• Burlington Dyke Night: Burlington • Facebook Essex Pride Weekend: Essex, Essex Junction • essexvtpride.org Pride Ball: South Burlington • highergroundmusic.com
• Queeraoke at Standing Stone Wines: Winooski • Facebook
• Supernova: Winooski • Instagram
performing arts center,” Soloway told Seven Days in 2024. “But I also didn’t want to forget about the local music scene, which I knew was incredibly robust.”
Soloway has been as good as his word, often pairing Vermont musicians and bands with A-list headliners; he also launched the yearly Homegrown in Vermont Music Festival. Grab your tickets now for some big shows coming up: rock legend Graham Nash, the Police’s Stewart Copeland and author David Sedaris.
Stowe • sprucepeakarts.org
OUTSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY
BEST PERFORMING ARTS VENUE
The Flynn
The Flynn’s Main Street marquee is a beacon for fans of music, theater and dance. The lovingly restored 1930s art-deco movie house draws some 200,000 individuals each year to experience world-class arts and entertainment. (Burlington • flynnvt.org)
Other finalists:
• Higher Ground: South Burlington • highergroundmusic.com Main Street Landing Performing Arts Center: Burlington • mainstreetlanding.com/ performing-arts-center Off Center for the Dramatic Arts: Burlington • offcentervt.com Vermont Comedy Club: Burlington • vermontcomedyclub.com
Spruce Peak Arts
Striving to be Stowe’s “community living room,” the modern, 420-seat performance center leveled up with its 2026 lineup. Coming acts include Indigo Girls, Pete Yorn and Béla Fleck. (Stowe • sprucepeakarts.org)
Other finalists: Barre Opera House: Barre • barreoperahouse.org
Chandler Center for the Arts: Randolph • chandler-arts.org
• Paramount Theatre: Rutland • paramountvt.org
• Town Hall Theater: Middlebury • townhalltheater.org
BEST PERFORMING ARTS VENUE OUTSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY
Sierra Hull at Spruce Peak Arts in 2025
Cannabis has not been analyzed or approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For use by individuals 21 years of age and older. KEEP THIS PRODUCT AWAY FROM CHILDREN AND PETS. DO NOT USE IF PREGNANT OR BREASTFEEDING. Possession or use of cannabis may carry significant legal penalties in some jurisdictions and under federal law. It may not be transported outside of the state of Vermont. The effects of edible cannabis may be delayed by two hours or more. Cannabis may be habit forming and can impair concentration, coordination, and judgment. Persons 25 years and younger may be more likely to experience harm to the developing brain. It is against the law to drive or operate machinery when under the influence of this product. National Poison Control Center 1-800-222-1222.
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 events — from classes to concerts to block parties — for the entire community. (Burlington • burlingtoncityarts.org)
Other finalists:
Fleming Museum of Art: Burlington • uvm.edu/fleming
• Frog Hollow Vermont Craft Gallery: Burlington • froghollow.org
• Soapbox Arts: Burlington • soapboxarts.com
• The S.P.A.C.E. Gallery: Burlington • spacegalleryvt.com
OUTSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY
Edgewater Gallery
This fine-art gallery represents an eclectic collection of emerging and established artists, including Woody Jackson, best known for his iconic cow prints; and Julia Purinton, painter of ethereal Vermont landscapes. Check out both locations, opposite the town green and at Middlebury Falls. (Middlebury • edgewatergallery.co)
Other finalists:
Bryan Memorial Gallery: Jeffersonville • bryangallery.org
• The Current: Stowe • thecurrentnow.org
Northwood Gallery: Stowe • northwoodgallery.com
• Studio Place Arts: Barre • studioplacearts.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 historic Round Barn. Coming soon: the Perry Center for Native American Art. (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
BEST ARTS EVENT
South End Art Hop
Art Hop showcases the best that Burlington’s South End Arts District has to offer. The mostly free slate of events draws tens of thousands for a September weekend of open studios, music, fashion and food. (Burlington • seaba.com)
Other finalists:
Festival of Fools: Burlington • vermontfestivaloffools.com
Morning Glory Artistry’s Paint & Sips: Berlin • morninggloryartistry.com
• PechaKucha Night Burlington: Burlington • pknburlington.com
• Vermont International Film Festival: Burlington • vtiff.org
JEREMY AYERS POTTERY
Tucked behind Prohibition Pig, Jeremy Ayers’ yellow 1870 barn — the same one his grandfather owned — feels like a sudden departure to the past from the bustle of downtown Waterbury.
Inside the barn studio, you’ll likely find Ayers throwing pots and mugs with traditional techniques and an artisan’s hand. The pieces in his shop, however, read as bold and modern. Stripes and triangles construct precise geometries that play across plates. Sometimes Ayers opts for subtle color combinations, such as white glaze on raw clay; other times his choices
PLACE TO TAKE AN ARTS CLASS
BCA Studios
For more than 40 years, Burlington City Arts has pursued its mission to help all people access arts experiences. From darkroom photography to wheel throwing, 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
practically leap off the shelf in jazzy black-and-white or ultramarine blue. He breaks patterns and bends the occasional line, enhancing a sense of movement and ensuring the pieces are more dynamic than rigid. The natural colors and textures of stoneware — all microwave and dishwasher safe — ground his designs with an underlying earthiness. Commissioned by local businesses from Hotel Vermont to Black Cap Coffee & Bakery, Ayers’ no-frills forms are stout and satisfying to hold in the hand.
jeremyayerspottery.com
BEST FAMILY-FRIENDLY FESTIVAL
Vermont Maple Festival
The Green Mountain State produces the most maple syrup in the U.S. — about 3 million gallons in 2026. That’s cause for celebration, and St. Albans obliges every April with sugarhouse tours, a maple menu contest, a “sappy” art show and, of course, a pancake breakfast. (St. Albans • vtmaplefestival.org)
Other finalists:
Do Good Fest: Montpelier • dogoodfest.com
• Festival of Fools: Burlington • vermontfestivaloffools.com
Middlebury Festival-on-the-Green: Middlebury • festivalonthegreen.org
South End Art Hop: Burlington • seaba.com
This autumn extravaganza of arts and crafts is chock-full of handmade and vintage finds as well as live artist demonstrations. Bonus: It happens during peak foliage, making it a preholiday-season stop for shoppers from Vermont and beyond. (Essex Junction • castleberryfairs.com)
Other finalists:
CVU Craft Fair: Hinesburg • Facebook
• Queer Arts Festival/Queer Craft Fair: Barre • Instagram
BEST CRAFT FAIR
Champlain Valley Craft Show & Antique Expo
BEST CRAFT ARTISAN
BEST WOMEN’S CLOTHING STORE
ECCO Clothes
Fashionistas flock to this cornerstone of the Church Street Marketplace, which offers fresh designs in denim, dresses, tops and shoes. (Burlington • eccoclothesboutique.com)
Other finalists:
Addie & Grace Boutique: Essex • addieandgrace.com
• Bailey Road: Montpelier • baileyroadvt.com
Charlotte Case Boutique: Essex • charlottecaseboutique.com
Outdoor Gear Exchange: Burlington • gearx.com
• Someday Boutique: Waitsfield • someday-boutique.com
BEST EVENING-WEAR STORE
ECCO Clothes
The chic boutique serves up special outfits for special occasions. Whether it’s a little black dress, a simple white sheath or a stylish look in any color of the rainbow, owner Lara Heath Allen has shoppers covered. (Burlington • eccoclothesboutique.com)
Other finalists:
• Addie & Grace Boutique: Essex • addieandgrace.com
• Billie Jean Vintage: Burlington • billiejeanvintage.com
Coco Goose: Burlington, Manchester Center, Stowe • shopcocogoose.com
• Harbour Thread: Burlington • harbourthread.com
BEST BRIDAL SHOP
Fiori Bridal Boutique
Elegance abounds at this enduring bridal shop, which celebrated its pearl anniversary not long ago. Fiori’s consultants guide brides to top-quality gowns by the latest designers — a memorable step toward “I do.” (Essex Junction • fioribridal.com)
Other finalists:
• Hinterland Bride: Stowe • hinterlandbride.com
• Needleman’s Bridal & Formal: South Burlington • needlemansbridal.com
Shaline: East Montpelier • shalinebridal.com
Veilmonté Bridal Showroom: South Burlington • veilmontebride.com
BEST WOMEN’S SHOE STORE
Danform Shoes
Comfort and style come together at three Vermont locations. Danform’s fitting experts help customers of all ages attire their unique feet in well-made, popular brands — from Birkenstock to Wolky. (Colchester, Shelburne, St. Albans • danformshoesvt.com)
Other finalists:
• Harbour Thread: Burlington • harbourthread.com
Lenny’s Shoe & Apparel: Barre, St. Albans, Williston • lennyshoe.com
Outdoor Gear Exchange: Burlington • gearx.com
• Roam Vermont: Montpelier • roamvt.com
BEST MENSWEAR STORE
Lenny’s Shoe & Apparel
Whether your vibe is professional, laid-back or adventurous, this shop has a head-to-toe look to fit. Find rugged New England brands such as Darn Tough and Life Is Good, as well as a timeless selection of flannels. (Barre, St. Albans, Williston • lennyshoe.com)
Other finalists:
Harbour Thread: Burlington • harbourthread.com
MK Clothing: Burlington • mk-clothing.com
• Outdoor Gear Exchange: Burlington • gearx.com
Slowpoke Exchange: Barre • slowpoke.exchange
• Vermont Flannel: Burlington, East Barre, Ferrisburgh, Johnson, Manchester, Shelburne, Waterbury, Woodstock • vermontflannel.com
BEST MEN’S SHOE STORE
Lenny’s Shoe & Apparel
From HOKA running shoes to steel-toe work boots, well-heeled fellas know they’ll get top brands and top-notch service at Lenny’s three family-owned Vermont locations. (Barre, St. Albans, Williston • lennyshoe.com)
Other finalists:
Danform Shoes: Colchester, Shelburne, St. Albans • danformshoesvt.com
• Farm-Way, Inc./Vermont Gear: Bradford • vermontgear.com
• Outdoor Gear Exchange: Burlington • gearx.com
shopping
BEST VINTAGE CLOTHING
Old Gold
What’s old is new again at Old Gold, a source for vintage finds of all kinds. Whether it’s a pink faux-leather jacket, a perfectly broken-in pair of cowboy boots or the makings of a Hamburglar Halloween costume, there’s always something kitschy and cool. (Burlington • Facebook)
Other finalists:
• The Getup Vintage: Montpelier • Facebook Project Object Vintage: Burlington • povintage.com
• Slowpoke Exchange: Barre • slowpoke.exchange
• Spotlight Vintage: St. Albans • spotlight-vintage.com
BEST SECONDHAND CLOTHING STORE
ReSOURCE
ReSOURCE started selling apparel during the pandemic, and sales took off. The nonprofit receives so many donations that employees call the warehouse pile “Clothes Mountain.” (Barre, Burlington, Morrisville, Williston • resourcevt.org)
Other finalists:
• Battery St. Jeans: Burlington • batterystjeans.com
• Dirt Chic: Burlington • dirtchicvt.com Slowpoke Exchange: Barre • slowpoke.exchange
• Style Encore: Williston • style-encore.com
BEST CHILDREN’S CLOTHING STORE
Once Upon a Child
Kids grow up fast, and Once Upon a Child helps parents keep up. The shop’s gently used clothes, shoes, toys and baby gear are friendly on your wallet — and the planet. (Williston • onceuponachild.com)
Other finalists:
Amy’s Armoire: Barre • amysarmoire.org
• Boho Baby: Williston • bohobabyvt.com Mud and Lace Children’s Clothing Boutique, LLC: Johnson • mudandlaceclothing.com
• Zutano Outlet Store: Montpelier • Facebook
BEST CHILDREN’S TOY STORE
Turner Toys
Tackle weekend birthday parties with ease at this kid-oriented gift shop. Wooden trains, yo-yos, games and art supplies — the shelves here hold plenty of options for the perfect present. (Williston • turnertoys.com)
Other finalists:
• The Collection: Waitsfield • vtcollection.com
Jamie Two Coats’ Toy Shop: Shelburne • Facebook
Vermont Teddy Bear: Burlington, Shelburne • vermontteddybear.com
• Woodbury Mountain Toys: Montpelier • woodburymountaintoys.com
HOMEPORT
In an age when so many brick-and-mortar housewares stores have gone the way of the passenger pigeon — think Bed Bath & Beyond, Christmas Tree Shops, and Pier 1 — it’s refreshing to see locally owned Homeport not just surviving but thriving. With four levels of bazaar-like retail space on Burlington’s Church Street, Homeport offers shoppers quirky and cool items around every corner. Clever greeting cards share the same floor as high-end kitchen gadgets and funky flatware. Mod lighting options are mixed in with garden gnomes, children’s toys, tarot cards and travel mugs. It’s little wonder that Seven Days readers have bestowed Homeport with the Daysie for best housewares 18 times since 2006.
This month, the retailer enters a new era, opening a 6,000-square-foot second location in the Essex Experience devoted primarily to kitchen goods and housewares. But as co-owner Mark Bouchett noted when he announced the new store, “We’re gonna make sure we bring our greatest hits from the rest of the other floors.” Here’s to a home run.
Burlington, Essex • homeportonline.com
802 Eye Care
From initial exam to final fitting, this fullservice optometry center helps customers find their focus. The extensive inventory of frame styles even offers the specs for a new outlook on life. (South Burlington • 802eyecare.com)
Other finalists:
• Chroma Optics: Burlington • chromaoptics.com
Eyecare of Vermont: Burlington, Essex Junction • eyecareofvermont.com
Eyes of the World: Burlington • eyesoftheworldvt.com
• The Optical Center: Burlington • opticalcentervt.com
TO BUY JEWELRY
Perrywinkle’s
Perrywinkle’s crafts its own fine designs with diamonds, pearls, and other gemstones and metals sourced from around the world. Or you can shop exclusive luxury brands, including Rolex and Tudor. (Burlington • perrywinkles.com)
Other finalists:
After Midnight Jewelers: South Burlington • aftermidnightjewelers.com
• Found & Feral: foundandferal.com
Tradewinds: Burlington • tradewindsvt.com
• Zinnia: Burlington • zinniastores.com
BEST BEAUTY PRODUCT PURVEYOR
Ursa Major
From the Golden Hour Recovery Cream to the Mountain Glow Serum, this “clean beauty” company based in Waterbury creates coveted products that get snapped up online and in about 400 stores across the country. (Waterbury • ursamajorvt.com)
Other finalists:
Good Edit Beauty: South Burlington • goodeditbeauty.com
Mirror Mirror: Burlington, Shelburne • mirrormirrorvt.com
• Splash Naturals: Montpelier • splashnaturals.com
BEST PLACE TO BUY A UNIQUE GIFT
Common Deer
Devoted to small-batch, American-made goods, this smartly curated shop stocks ceramics, blankets, jewelry, candles and Vermont souvenirs from 500-plus artists and makers. Buy a great gift — or commandeer something special for yourself. (Burlington • commondeer.com)
Other finalists:
• ArtHound Gallery: Essex • arthoundgalleryvt.com
Golden Hour: Burlington, Colchester, Winooski • goldenhourgiftco.com
• Home & Garden Vermont: Burlington • homeandgardenvermont.com
• Thirty-odd: Burlington • thirtyodd.com
OUTSIDE CHITTENDEN
COUNTY Artisans Hand
This Capital City craft gallery has cornered the market on local creativity, stocking the handiwork of more than 120 regional makers. Their textiles, pottery and jewelry prove that the best gifts are made from scratch. (Montpelier • artisanshand.com)
Other finalists:
• Bees on Broadway: Swanton • beesonbroadway.net
• Blockhouse Studio: Waitsfield • blockhousestudio.com
Magpie & Tiger: Montpelier • magpieandtigervt.com
Northwood Gallery: Stowe • northwoodgallery.com
BEST RECORD STORE
Pure Pop Records
The selection at this subterranean store will spin you right ’round, baby. Audiophiles can find everything from Frédéric Chopin to Chappell Roan on vinyl, CD or cassette. (Burlington • purepoprecords.com)
Other finalists:
• Autumn Records: Waterbury, Winooski • autumnrecordsvt.com
Buch Spieler Records: Montpelier • buchspielerrecords.com
Burlington Records: Burlington • burlingtonrecords.com
• Speaking Volumes: Burlington • Instagram
Speaking Volumes: Randolph • speakingvolumesvt.com
EYEGLASSES STORE
BEST PLACE
Homeport manager Francois Bouchett at the Burlington store
BEST HOUSEWARES STORE
shopping
BEST BOOKSTORE
Phoenix Books
Locally owned bookstores are national treasures, and Phoenix is no exception.
Owners Mike DeSanto and Renee Reiner stock their shelves with the latest and greatest reads, often highlighting Vermont authors. (Burlington, Essex, Rutland • phoenixbooks.biz)
Other finalists:
• Bear Pond Books: Montpelier • bearpondbooks.com
• Bear Pond Books: Stowe • stowebooks.com
• Crow Bookshop: Burlington • crowbooks.com
Flying Pig Bookstore: Shelburne • flyingpigbooks.com
Vermont Book Shop: Middlebury • vermontbookshop.com
BEST ARTS AND
SUPPLY STORE
CRAFT
The Makery
Combining Vermonters’ creative spirit with their “Use it up, wear it out, make do or do without” ethos is a winning combination for this secondhand arts and crafts store. (Burlington • themakeryvt.com)
Other finalists:
• Brainstorm Art Supply: Randolph • brainstorm.art
• Daydream Art Supply: Burlington • daydreamartsupply.com
The Drawing Board: Montpelier • drawingboardvt.com
Notion Fabric & Craft: Montpelier • notionvt.com
BEST GENERAL STORE/ COUNTRY STORE
Shelburne Country Store
Whether you’re looking for a cow cookie cutter, a retro Fisher-Price chatter phone or old-fashioned butterscotch candy sticks, this charming outpost from the 1800s is a browser’s paradise of nostalgic treasures and one-of-a-kind gifts. (Shelburne • shelburnecountrystore.com)
Other finalists:
Jericho Country Store: Jericho Center • jerichocountrystore.com
• Shaw’s General Store: Stowe • shawsgeneralstore.com
• The Vermont Country Store: Rockingham, Weston • vermontcountrystore.com
The Willey’s Store: Greensboro • Facebook
ARTISANS HAND
While the tagline “fine contemporary crafts” might sound rather formal — perhaps even snooty — Montpelier mainstay Artisans Hand is anything but. For nearly 50 years, the downtown gallery has maintained a funky artist co-op vibe. You can still purchase prints and pottery by some of its founding members, such as Mary Azarian and Georgia Landau, but the roster has grown to include upwards of 130 Vermont artists of all sorts.
That means Artisans Hand inevitably has something to suit every price point, from artisanal
Upstate Elevator
Find your new best bud at this South End cannabis shop, where the elevated inventory features award-winning edibles, beverages, pre-rolls and flower. (Burlington • upstateelevatorvt.com)
Other finalists:
• Bern Gallery Cannabis: Burlington • berngallerydispensary.com
• Heybud: Burlington • heybudheybud.com
• Magic Mann Premium Cannabis: Essex • magicmann.com
• Sweetspot: Essex Junction • sweetspotfarms.com
Winooski Organics: Winooski • winooskiorganics.com
lip balm to elaborate ironwork. Need something for a foodie friend? One of Laura Zindel’s plates emblazoned with sardines is perfect for serving tinned fish. Got a cottagecore-curious aunt? Gift her an adorable hand-felted fox sculpture by Gail Carrigan. Emo-phase teen nephew? He’ll appreciate a print of ravens by Carol MacDonald. Tireless art reporter mom? Funky earrings by Lochlin Smith. (Hint, hint.)
Montpelier • artisanshand.com
OUTSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY Capital Cannabis Co.
Founder Lauren Andrews is also a registered nurse, so education, safety and respect are core values at the first 100 percent woman-owned dispensary in Vermont. As the biz says, it serves everyone, from the “canna-curious” to the “cannasseur.” (Montpelier • capitalcannabisvt.com)
Other finalists:
• Kushies: Derby • kushies.life Lake Effect Vermont: South Hero • lakeeffectvt.com
• Polestar Cannabis: Randolph • polestarvt.com
• Zenbarn Farms: Waterbury Center • zenbarnmj.com
Upstate Elevator
This Vermont cultivator digs deep into the craft scene with cannabis strains grown entirely in organic soil, yielding an uplifting harvest of flower, pre-rolls and concentrates that are a cut above the rest. (Burlington • upstateelevatorvt.com)
Other finalists:
Bern Legacy: Burlington • bernlegacy.com
• Bushy Beard Cultivation: East Burke • bushybeardcultivation.com
Mr. Z Craft Cannabis: Middlebury • mrzcraft.com Yellowbird: Jericho • yellowbirdvt.com
BEST CANNABIS GROWER
shopping
BEST HOUSEWARES STORE
Homeport
Church Street’s four-level home goods emporium expanded to Essex this year. Find a wide range of lifestyle and household products that are both fun and functional. (Burlington, Essex • homeportonline.com)
Other finalists:
• Abode VT: Burlington • abodevermont.com
• Addison West: Middlebury, Waitsfield • theaddisonwest.com
• April Cornell: Burlington • aprilcornell.com Slate: Burlington • slatehome.co
BEST SECONDHAND HOUSEWARES STORE
ReSOURCE
Vermont’s largest nonprofit reuse chain keeps more than 1,000 tons from landfills each year and serves as a haven from the inflated prices of new products. (Barre, Burlington, Morrisville, Williston • resourcevt.org)
Other finalists:
• Green Mountain Habitat for Humanity ReStore: Milton, Swanton, Williston • vermonthabitat.org
• Sweet Charity: Vergennes • sweetcharityvt.com
BEST ANTIQUES STORE
Barge Canal Market
From quirky art to elegant furniture, this sprawling showroom specializes in mid-20th-century décor, as well as American industrial and vintage barn furnishings. (Burlington • Facebook)
Other finalists:
Five Corners Antiques: Essex Junction • Facebook
• J. Langdon: Montpelier • jlangdonvermont.com
• The Vintage Den: Cambridge • Facebook Vintage Inspired Marketplace: South Burlington • vintageinspiredmarketplace.com
BEST FURNITURE STORE
Wendell’s Furniture
The 40,000-square-foot showroom can outfit your whole home. Browse a huge selection of recliners, American-made Amish woodwork and an upstairs floor of discounts called the Loft. (Colchester • wendellsfurniture.com)
Other finalists:
• Anjou: Burlington • Facebook
Burlington Furniture: Burlington • burlingtonfurniture.us
Modern Design: Shelburne • moderndesignvt.com
• The SuperStore: Williston • superstorevt.com
BEST CANNABIS DISPENSARY INSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY
BEST CANNABIS GROWER • BEST CANNABIS EDIBLE MAKER BEST CANNABIS BEVERAGE MAKER
UPSTATE ELEVATOR
It was probably just a matter of time before Upstate Elevator reaped the harvest of all the seeds it has sown since its 2017 founding. This year, the Burlington cannabusiness swept the field of Daysies categories it competed in — a fitting metaphor for a company whose family roots run deep in the world of home gardening. Founder Dylan Raap is the son of the late Will Raap, who launched Gardener’s Supply and the Intervale Center. In Chittenden County’s ultracompetitive weed marketplace, cannabis connoisseurs chose the South End dispensary as their go-to spot for buying THC and CBD goodies. The bright, airy, colorful flagship store on Pine Street has a plethora of options to choose from, including pre-rolls, tinctures, and its own award-winning brand of flower and THC edibles and beverages, the last of which are available for purchase in refrigerated cases. It’s safe to say Upstate Elevator is taking cannabis consumers to the next level. Going up!
Burlington • upstateelevator.com
BEST KITCHEN STORE
Kiss the Cook
With brands including Wüstof, Breville and every color of the Le Creuset cookware rainbow, Kiss the Cook has equipped kitchens with pots, pans, napkins, knives, spatulas and strainers for decades. Get your knives sharpened on-site. (Burlington • kissthecook.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:
• City Lights: Burlington • city-lights.com
Conant Metal & Light: Burlington • conantmetalandlight.com
• The Lamp Shop: Burlington • shopthelamp.com
BEST GARDEN CENTER Gardener’s Supply Company
Founded in 1983, this Vermont garden center was purchased by Indiana-based brand Gardens Alive! in 2025. In two local outposts, it still offers an array of plants and everything needed to help them grow. (Burlington, WiIliston • gardeners.com)
Other finalists:
• Claussen’s Florist, Greenhouse & Perennial Farm: Colchester • claussens.com
• H & B Greenhouse & Nursery: Highgate Center • hbgreenhouse.com
• Paquette Full of Posies Nursery: Williston • vermontnursery.com
Red Wagon Plants: Hinesburg • redwagonplants.com
BEST PET SUPPLY STORE
Pet Food Warehouse
The customer service at Vermont’s longstanding animal emporium is pawsitively first-rate. Pet owners find all the gear and goods they need to keep their fur babies happy and healthy. (Shelburne, South Burlington • pfwvt.com)
Other finalists: The Dog and Cat: Essex, Stowe • thedogandcat.com
• Guy’s Farm and Yard: Montpelier, Morrisville, St. Albans, Williston • guysfarmandyard.com
• Houndstooth: Burlington • houndstoothvt.com
The Pet Advantage: South Burlington • thepetadvantage.com
The Quirky Pet: Montpelier • quirkypet.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 multiple dealerships dedicated to new and pre-owned Mercedes Benz, BMW, Honda and Mini vehicles. There’s even an auto spa to spiff up your ride. (Shelburne • theautomaster.com)
Other finalists:
• Almartin Volvo Cars: Shelburne • almartinvolvocars.com
Other finalists:
• As the Crow Flies: St. Albans • Facebook Capital Kitchen: Montpelier • capitalkitchenvt.com
• Homeport: Burlington, Essex • homeportonline.com
• Burlington Subaru: Burlington • burlingtonsubaru.com
Heritage Toyota: South Burlington • heritagetoyotacars.com
Shearer Volkswagon: South Burlington • shearervw.com
From left: Steve Downer, Ren Toussaint and Kelsy Raap
INCLUDING A SECOND LOCATION IN ESSEX
Opening August 1 st
It started with the Bouchett family and a simple idea: travel the world, find the things people can't get anywhere else, and bring them home to Church Street. Forty years later, that idea has grown into four sprawling floors of furniture, kitchenware, décor, gifts, and anything else you can think of; we’ve got it.
Three generations of Bouchetts now work the store, and the habit of chasing down the unusual hasn't changed a bit. They still travel the country, still show up at trade shows most people have never heard of, still shake hands with small vendors nobody else carries, all so something new is waiting for you nearly every time you walk in.
Because that's really what a trip to Homeport is: a trip. You go in for a birthday gift and end up on the third floor, turning over a hand carved something-or-other you've never seen before and don't quite have a name for. You come back a month later and half the store has changed again. Regulars describe it like a place to get pleasantly lost for an hour, surrounded by four floors of the specific, the unusual, and the genuinely delightful.
This August, that same experience gets a lot closer for Essex Junction. Our second location opens in The Essex Experience August 1st. Come get lost in our new store.
shopping
BEST BIKE SHOP
Old Spokes Home
Since 2000, this nonprofit has been on a roll with its goal of bike access for all. Get a tune-up, shop for a new or used ride, or learn to fix common issues at a community clinic. (Burlington • oldspokeshome.com)
Other finalists:
• Earl’s Cyclery & Fitness:
South Burlington • earlsbikes.com
North Star Sports: Burlington • northstarsportsvt.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. Group gravel and trail rides depart from the shop weekly when conditions allow. 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: St. Albans • bootleggerbikes.com
Chuck’s Bikes: Morristown • chucksbikes802.com
The Gear House: Randolph • gearhousevt.com
• Vermont Bicycle Shop: Barre • vermontbicycleshop.com
BEST SKI/SNOWBOARD SHOP
Outdoor Gear Exchange
Before you hit the slopes, stop here for skis, boards, bindings and poles. OGE 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
• Skirack: Burlington • skirack.com
SlopeStyle Ski & Ride: Montpelier • slopestylevt.com
BEST OUTDOOR OUTFITTER
Outdoor Gear Exchange
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. (Burlington • gearx.com)
Other finalists:
Alpine Shop:
South Burlington • alpineshopvt.com
• Lenny’s Shoe & Apparel: Barre, St. Albans, Williston • lennyshoe.com
• Onion River Outdoors: Montpelier • onionriver.com
Skirack: Burlington • skirack.com
BEST BEAUTY PRODUCT PURVEYOR
URSA MAJOR
As Ursa Major’s motto proclaims, its products are “Made for skin and spirit.” In other words, founders Emily Doyle and Oliver Sweatman strive to create skin care that helps customers look and feel their best.
Since 2010, the Waterbury company has expanded from a modest line of men’s shaving products to gender-inclusive essentials for skin, body and hair. It stands out for its commitment to personal wellness — proudly advertising “no harsh chemicals or hidden junk” — and sustainability, having recently transitioned from plastic packaging to mostly glass and aluminum.
Above all, Doyle wants customers to feel empowered. She rejects the beauty industry’s promotion of anti-aging, saying, “I earned these wrinkles. I earned my laugh lines.”
Her message clearly resonates. The certified B corporation has become popular well beyond its home state and today brings in revenue of about $30 million, the founders told Seven Days earlier this year. But with forest-derived ingredients like wild birch, black jack daisy and even moss stem cells, products such as the Mountain Glow Serum and Forest Alchemy Eye Cream remain about as Vermont-inspired as you can get. Waterbury • ursamajorvt.com
Oliver Sweatman and Emily Doyle
services
BEST NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION
Merrymac Farm Sanctuary
Vermont’s first accredited farm animal sanctuary gives rescued livestock a new lease on life. Beyond providing medical care and pastures for its residents, the nonprofit raises the next generation of animal advocates through guided public tours, youth education and school partnerships. (Charlotte • merrymacfarmsanctuary.org)
Other finalists:
• Age Well: Colchester, Middlebury, St. Albans • agewellvt.org
• Camp Ta-Kum-Ta: South Hero • takumta.org Champlain Community Services: Colchester • ccs-vt.org
• VT-CAN! (Vermont Companion Animal Neutering): Middlesex • vt-can.org
BEST VETERINARIAN/ ANIMAL HOSPITAL
Burlington Emergency & Veterinary Specialists
Whether your pet needs specialty care from dentistry to ophthalmology or simply ate something they shouldn’t have — at 2 a.m., of course — Vermont’s first 24-7 emergency animal hospital is there for all of it. (Williston • bevsvt.com)
Other finalists:
Essex Veterinary Center: Essex • essexvet.com
Green Mountain Animal Hospital: Burlington, South Burlington • greenmountainah.com
Petit Brook Veterinary Clinic: Colchester • petitbrook.com
• Richmond Animal Hospital: Richmond • richmondanimalhospitalvt.com
• Shelburne Veterinary Hospital: Shelburne • shelburneveterinaryhospital.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 furry friends happy and healthy. Plus, you’ll love spotting your pooch in the photos posted to the daycare’s Facebook page each day. (South Burlington • ohmydogvt.com)
Other finalists:
• The Crate Escape: Richmond • crateescapevt.com
Gulliver’s Doggie Daycare: Williston • doggiedaycare.com
• Play Dog Play: Burlington, South Burlington • playdogvt.com
• Wag on Inn, LLC: Vergennes • Facebook
BEST PET GROOMER
Doggie Styles Salon
Fido is sure to look fly after a bath and blow-dry at this full-service salon. The expert groomers at the Colchester boutique, in business since 2003, provide a warm and fuzzy pampering experience. (Colchester • doggiestylesvt.com)
Other finalists: Ali’s Comfort Clips Pet Grooming: St. Albans • Facebook
• Queen City Paw Spa: South Burlington • Instagram
• Sit Pretty Grooming Salon: Essex • sitprettygrooming.com Wag on Inn, LLC: Vergennes • Facebook
BEST DOG TRAINING COMPANY
Gold Star Dog Training
Hounds and their humans fetch positive behavioral results at classes in Essex, St. Albans, Williston and neighboring towns. Owner Deb Helfrich sets the gold standard for canine obedience. (Fairfax • goldstardog.com)
Other finalists:
• Apex VT Dog Training: Williston • apex802.com
• Black Jack Dog Training: Richmond • blackjackdogtraining.com
• Canine Consulting: Winooski • canineconsultingvt.com Fetch the Leash Dog Behavior and Training: Burlington • fetchtheleash.biz
BEST BANK/CREDIT UNION
EastRise Credit Union
More than 75 years of Vermont roots meet big-bank digital tools at the state’s largest credit union. The member-owned institution helps locals make dollars and sense of their savings. (eastrise.com)
Other finalists:
• Community National Bank: communitynationalbank.com
• NorthCountry Federal Credit Union: northcountry.org Northfield Savings Bank: nsbvt.com
• Vermont Federal Credit Union: vermontfederal.org
BEST LAW FIRM
Peet Law Group
In today’s real estate market, it helps to have experienced pros on your side. Whether you’re buying or selling, Peet’s attorneys and paralegals take you from title search to closing with as little stress as possible. (White River Junction, Williston • peetlaw.com)
Other finalists:
• Bauer Gravel Farnham, LLP: Colchester, Montpelier, Newport, St. Albans • vtlawoffices.com
• Dinse: Burlington • dinse.com Page Law, PLLC: Burlington, Rutland • pagelawvt.com
• Sheehey Furlong & Behm PC: Burlington, White River Junction • sheeheyvt.com
ON A BUDGET?
Please never feel embarrassed about having a budget. Everyone's financial comfort level is different, and we respect that. Our team is always happy to work with you to create a personalized treatment plan that helps you achieve the best possible results while aligning with your goals, priorities, and budget.
NERVOUS OR ANXIOUS ABOUT TREATMENTS?
This is more common than you may think. Just let us know how you're feeling, and we'll take the time to ensure you're comfortable and confident before moving forward with your treatment. You're always welcome to ask questions—we want you to fully understand your treatment and feel informed every step of the way.
FEELING EMOTIONAL?
Conversations about aging and appearance can bring up a lot of emotions. We pride ourselves on keeping Bare Medical Spa a safe space. You will never be pressured into any treatments you aren't ready for.
SCAN ME ▼
services
BEST MORTGAGE PROVIDER
EastRise Credit Union
Buying a house is likely the biggest purchase of your life. The local experts at this credit union put you on the road to your home sweet home with a quick and stress-free mortgage process. (eastrise.com)
Other finalists:
• Northfield Savings Bank: nsbvt.com Union Bank: ublocal.com
• Vermont Federal Credit Union: vermontfederal.org
Vermont Mortgage Company: Burlington • vermontmortgagecompany.com
BEST REAL ESTATE AGENCY
Coldwell Banker
Hickok & Boardman
Coldwell Banker has been helping buyers and sellers in northwestern Vermont since 1958. Its powerhouse team of 90-plus professionals markets properties of all kinds, facilitates relocations and analyzes current trends. (Burlington, East Montpelier, St. Albans, Vergennes • hickokandboardman.com)
Other finalists:
• Element Real Estate: Burlington, Stowe • realestatevt.com
• Flex Realty: Colchester • flexrealty.com
• Green Light Real Estate: Barre, Montpelier • greenlight-realestate.com
• Prime Real Estate Co.: Williston • primerealestatevt.com
BEST REAL ESTATE AGENT
Heather Morse (Coldwell Banker Hickok & Boardman)
For more than 10 years and in all market conditions, this Vermont native has been helping people find a place to call home. Her connections and expertise will get you where you want to be, whether you’re coming or going. (Vergennes • morseandperta.com)
Other finalists:
Bradley Auclair (Polli Properties): Williston • polliproperties.com
• Darcy Handy (RE/MAX North Professionals): Colchester • remax.com
• Eileen O’Rourke (Coldwell Banker Hickok & Boardman): Burlington • hickokandboardman.com
• Julie Lamoreaux (Coldwell Banker Hickok & Boardman): Burlington • hickokandboardman.com
MERRYMAC FARM SANCTUARY
Era MacDonald’s mother used to laugh as she wondered what would come home under Era’s shirt. A stray kitten? A puppy found on a hiking trail? MacDonald never outgrew her childhood instinct to take in animals. Three years ago, she established Merrymac Farm Sanctuary as a nonprofit, which gives a permanent home in Charlotte to more than 100 rescued farm animals: horses, goats, sheep, chickens, turkeys, rabbits, cows and ducks. Often abandoned or neglected, some residents arrive in rough shape. When MacDonald took in Honey, an emaciated horse, she stayed by her side for six weeks, feeding her around the clock. Merrymac is accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries and will receive $10,000 from the Vermont Community Foundation for winning this Daysie award.
The nonprofit offers internships, school partnerships and volunteer opportunities. While it’s not open for drop-ins, visitors are welcome during scheduled events and tours. Connecting with the animals can be equally healing for humans. As one team member observed: “I believe we’re really a sanctuary for people as well.”
Charlotte • merrymacfarmsanctuary.org
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. (Milton, Plainfield, Williston • gruntsmovejunk.com)
Other finalists:
• Booska Worldwide Movers: South Burlington • booskaworldwide.com
• Divine Moving: South Burlington • divinemoving.llc
Local Muscle Movers: Burlington • localmusclemovers.com
• Vermont Moving & Storage Inc.: St. Albans, Stowe, Winooski • vtmoving.com
BEST HOUSEHOLD ELECTRICIAN
Lakeside Electric Inc.
For more than 30 years, Lakeside’s licensed electricians have kept the power flowing throughout Chittenden County. From surge protection to safety inspection, they tackle it all in residential, commercial and industrial jobs. (South Burlington • lakesideelectricvt.com)
Other finalists:
• Cummings Electric: South Burlington • cummingselectric.com New England Electric: Williston • newenglandelectric.com
• RVG Electrical Services: Bristol • rvgelectric.com
• Village Voltage LLC: Williston • villagevoltagevt.com
BEST HOUSEHOLD PLUMBING COMPANY
Benoure Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning
Employee owned since 2024, Benoure has 70plus licensed technicians to solve all manner of residential and commercial plumbing, heating and air conditioning conundrums. Existing customers benefit from 24-7 emergency services. (South Burlington • benoure.com)
Other finalists:
• Falcon Plumbing & Heating Service Inc.: Williston • falconplumbingvt.com
• J.A. Gould Plumbing & Heating, Inc.: Barre • jagouldplumbingandheating.com
• Platinum Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning: Williston • platinumplumbingvt.com
• Red Rock Mechanical: Colchester • redrockmechanical.net
BEST HOUSEHOLD GENERAL CONTRACTOR*
Lewis Creek Builders
Homeowners frame their futures with this general contractor, which unites architectural designers, craftspeople and construction pros in a range of projects, including custom homes, renovations and property management. (Essex • lewiscreekbuilders.com)
Other finalists:
• Ecowood Floors & Construction Inc.: Burlington • ecowoodfloorsinc.com
• Prop Ready: Winooski • propreadyvt.com
• Richer’s Home Improvements: Essex Junction • Facebook
• Vermont Construction Co.: Colchester • vermontconstructioncompany.com
BEST LANDSCAPING COMPANY
di Stefano Landscaping
From stonemasonry to snow removal, this full-service design, construction and maintenance company transforms Vermont’s rugged terrain into curated patios and enviable garden retreats. Find its outdoor oases everywhere from Champlain College to Topnotch Resort to neighborhood backyards. (Essex • distefanolandscaping.com)
Other finalists:
Church Hill Landscapes: Charlotte • churchhilllandscapes.com
Creative Landscapes: Putney • creativelandscapesvt.com
• Landshapes Landscape Design & Installation: Richmond • landshapes.net
• Pinnacle Properties: South Burlington • pinnaclepropertiesvt.com
BEST SOLAR COMPANY
SunCommon
Founded in Vermont and now owned by Siltstone Capital, SunCommon brightens the local landscape with everything from residential solar canopies to Tesla Powerwall storage, fueling the state’s transition to a carbon-free future. (Waterbury • suncommon.com)
Other finalists:
Building Energy: White River Junction, Williston • buildingenergyvt.com
Catamount Solar: Randolph • catamountsolar.com
• Green Mountain Solar: East Dorset, South Burlington • greenmtnsolar.com
BEST LODGING (RESORT OR HOTEL)
Hotel Vermont
Burlington’s first independent boutique hotel trades generic hospitality for white oak, Lake Champlain views and an on-site “beer concierge.” From loaner bikes to fireside spirits, it offers travelers a suite spot to check in and branch out into the Vermont way of life. (Burlington • hotelvt.com)
Other finalists:
• The Essex Resort & Spa: Essex • essexresort.com
• The Lodge at Spruce Peak: Stowe • sprucepeak.com
Topnotch Resort: Stowe • topnotchresort.com
von Trapp Family Lodge & Resort: Stowe • vontrappresort.com
BEST LODGING (INN)
Shelburne Farms Inn
Not to the manor born? You can still spend a night at this gorgeous historic inn with a Vanderbilt pedigree. Every room is unique — think claw-foot tubs instead of televisions and central air. Between farm-to-table dining and walks through the formal gardens, guests will enjoy a rural retreat that funds a mission of environmental sustainability. (Shelburne • shelburnefarms.org)
Other finalists:
The Green Mountain Inn: Stowe • greenmountaininn.com
• Sinclair Inn Bed & Breakfast: Jericho • sinclairinnbb.com
• The Tillerman: Bristol • thetillermanvt.com
• Woodstock Inn & Resort: Woodstock • woodstockinn.com
Maquam Barn & Winery
Love bears fruit at this vineyard estate that doubles as a rustic backdrop for weddings. The property pairs its stunning barn venue with a lineup of award-winning wines, ensuring every reception is replete with local flavor. (Milton • maquambarnandwinery.com)
Other finalists:
• The Mansfield Barn: Jericho • mansfieldbarn.com
• Old Lantern Events Barn: Charlotte • oldlantern.com
Sleepy Hollow Inn: Huntington • skisleepyhollow.com
Topnotch Resort: Stowe • topnotchresort.com
SPA AT THE ESSEX RESORT & SPA
Mmm. Ooh. Aah. Like a zen chant at a Buddhist retreat, this is the unofficial soundtrack of the Spa at The Essex Resort & Spa, winner of double Daysies. The full-service spa is one of the main draws of the resort, and for good reason: It’s the place to go for unparalleled pampering. The treatment options are vast, ranging from the Korean Fire & Ice Facial to Reiki energy therapy, couples massage to Mud Masque Detox. For a head-to-toe refresh, beauty services include manicures, pedicures, waxing, brow tints and lash lifts. Guests are invited to enhance their relaxation with cocktails, mocktails or prosecco, plus access to saunas and heated pools.
Located 20 minutes outside Burlington, the resort also offers wellappointed rooms, two on-site restaurants and multiple event venues. If R&R is what you’re after, check it out, then check in. Essex • essexresort.com
BEST CATERER
Sugarsnap
The party people at Sugarsnap can elevate any event with a farm-to-table menu. 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:
Cloud 9 Caterers: Colchester • cloud9caterers.com
• Harmony’s Kitchen: Winooski • harmonyskitchenvt.com
• The Hindquarter: Essex • 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 florist shop turns fresh stems into handcrafted stories for every occasion; the greenhouse and farm are a go-to source for annuals, perennials, houseplants, mulch and accessories. (Colchester • claussens.com)
Other finalists:
A Clover and One Bee: Essex • acloverandonebee.com
In Full Bloom: Shelburne • infullbloomvt.com
Maplehurst Florist: Essex Junction • maplehurstflorist.com
Tipsy Daisy: Swanton • tipsydaisyflowers.com
BEST SALON
Indigo
Hair is everything at this upscale lakefront salon in Burlington. Its team of specialists masters the art of the pixie and the science of balayage, ensuring the Queen City stays sharp from root to tip. (Burlington • indigovt.com)
WEDDING PLANNER
Julie Martin Olson Weddings & Events
With her background as an interior designer, Olson curates picture-perfect weddings. “You told us not to worry about it all and handled every little detail,” one couple raved online. Happily-ever-after starts here. (juliemartinolson.com)
Lindsey Leichthammer Studio
As a past president of the Vermont Association of Wedding Professionals, Leichthammer runs a studio that’s a one-stop shop for matrimonial milestones, offering calligraphy, travel coordination and site-specific event management — anything to make that special day memorable. (lindseyleichthammer.com)
Other finalists: Katie Hopkins Events: katiehopkinsevents.com
Sophia Morton (Willow Hill Design Co.): willowhilldesign.co
BEST COMMERCIAL/ EVENT PHOTOGRAPHER
Karen Pike Photography
For 25 years, Pike has captured her subjects’ unique personalities, from high school senior photos to engagement portraits to business headshots, in sessions that are actually fun. Use her 2,000-square-foot Burlington studio, or she’ll come to you. (kpikephoto.com)
Other finalists: Arielle Thomas Photography: ariellethomasphotography.com Danielle Allendorf Photography dallendorfphotography.com
• Love Wins Photography (Kim and Mike Chait): lovewinsvermont.com
• StoryWorkz: storyworkz.com
Other finalists:
• Ego Salon: Williston • egosalonvt.com
Harmonia: Bristol • Facebook
Stephen & Burns Salon and Spa: South Burlington • stephenandburns.com
Talmo Hair Co.: Barre, Burlington • talmohairco.com
BEST BARBERSHOP
Imperial Barber Co.
Owner and barber Andrew Juhasz is behind the chair at this Queen City cuttery established in 2021. In the market for a more permanent alteration? Check out the impressive body of artwork at the adjoining Imperial Tattoo Co. (Burlington • theimperialcollective.com)
Other finalists:
Burlington Barber Shop: Burlington • burlingtonbarbershop.mysalononline.com
• Myles Court Barbershop: Montpelier • mylescourt.com
• On Point Barbershop: Colchester, Williston • onpointbarbershopvt.com
Park Street Kuts: Essex Junction • parkstreetkuts.com
BEST MANICURE/PEDICURE
Blossom Nail Salon
The salon promises “botanical inspiration meets modern nail artistry” and nails the results through trendy mani-pedi treatments — think glitter-powder designs and hot stone foot massages. (South Burlington • blossomnailsalonvt.com)
Other finalists:
• Adore Nails & Spa: Essex Junction • adorenailsvt.com
• Naku Nails Design: South Burlington • nakunailsalon.com Perfect Nails & Co.: Essex • perfectnailsandco.com
Tip Toe Nail Salon: Williston • Facebook
BEST PLACE TO GET BODY ART
Imperial Tattoo Co.
Want ink? When it comes to body art, Imperial Tattoo owner Jaime Pompa and his team have you covered — literally — with everything from fine-line tats to traditional flash. (Burlington • theimperialcollective.com)
Other finalists:
Crone Collective: Burlington • cronecollectivetattoo.com
Marigold Adornment: Montpelier • marigoldadornment.com
• Monster Mash Ink: Essex Junction • monstermashink.com
• World Famous Monkey House Customs: Stowe • monkeyhousecustoms.com
BEST PLACE TO GET A MASSAGE
Spa at The Essex Resort & Spa
Tension melts away at this sanctuary, a destination that targets muscle relief through a menu of tempting massage treatments. The Essex Signature features oils infused with flower essences. (Essex • essexresort.com)
Other finalists:
Blossom Wellness Center: Montpelier • blossomwellness.center
Brilliant Massage & Skin: Burlington, South Burlington, Stowe • brilliantmassageandskin.com
Mad River Massage: Waitsfield • madrivermassage.com
• Stephen & Burns Salon and Spa: South Burlington • stephenandburns.com
BEST PLACE TO GET A FACIAL*
Mirror Mirror
Whether it’s the Diamond Luminous Facial for dark spot correction or the Oxygen Infusion Facial for hydration, Mirror Mirror’s skin care specialists help you feel like the fairest of them all. (Burlington, Shelburne • mirrormirrorvt.com)
Other finalists:
• Apple Blossom Esthetics & Massage: Williston • appleblossomesthetics.com
• BHAV Spa: Waterbury • bhavspa.com
• Brilliant Massage & Skin: Burlington, South Burlington, Stowe • brilliantmassageandskin.com
Stephen & Burns Salon and Spa: South Burlington • stephenandburns.com
LEWIS CREEK BUILDERS
It’s not every day that you learn something about neuroscience from a general contractor: Lewis Creek Builders’ website features a blog post explaining how the built environment where people spend most of their time — that is, their homes — influences how their brains make and recall memories. In fact, new research reveals that memories are stored in the same part of the brain that is also involved in navigating the physical environment.
Simply put, the place where you lay your head at night influences how you see, experience and remember the world around you — an intriguing insight from an Essex company whose entire mission is to design and build Vermonters their dream homes. Whether you’re looking to construct a house, garage or accessory dwelling unit from the ground up or to remodel and modernize an existing one, the team at Lewis Creek will work within your budget to do it efficiently and beautifully. And that’s a solid foundation on which to build your future.
Essex • lewiscreekbuilders.com
BEST DAY SPA
Oasis Day Spa
Treatments such as mud wraps, facials and hydrotherapy make this suburban establishment a blissful escape. Pure R&R awaits. (Williston • oasisdayspavt.com)
Other finalists:
Brilliant Massage & Skin: Burlington, South Burlington, Stowe • brilliantmassageandskin.com
Body Le Bronze: Essex, South Burlington • bodylebronze.com
Good Edit Beauty: South Burlington • goodeditbeauty.com
• “It’s My Day” Spa and Salon: South Burlington • itsmydayspa.com
* = NEW CATEGORY IN 2026
BEST RESORT SPA
Spa at The Essex Resort & Spa
The resort’s recipe for rejuvenation includes massages of all kinds, plus facials, Reiki and wraps. Take self-care a step further by soaking in a hot tub or vibing in a relaxation lounge. (Essex • essexresort.com)
Other finalists:
• The Spa at Spruce Peak: Stowe • sprucepeak.com
• The Spa at the Woodstock Inn & Resort: Woodstock • woodstockinn.com Topnotch Resort: Stowe • topnotchresort.com
BEST MEDICAL SPA
Bare Medical Spa + Laser Center
Dare to go bare? To help you meet your cosmetic goals, trained and licensed specialists offer the full monty of medical aesthetics, from chemical peels to CoolSculpting body contouring. (Burlington • barevt.com)
Other finalists:
• Glow Aesthetics: South Burlington • glowmedspavt.com
• Pêche Medical + Wellness: Burlington • pechemedical.com
• Radiance Medical Aesthetics & Wellness Spa: Williston • radiancevt.com
BEST CHIROPRACTIC PRACTICE
Office of Dr. Laura A. Ramirez, D.C.
A backbone of the local wellness scene, Dr. Ramirez has decades of experience in spine and joint management. It pairs perfectly with the soft-tissue work of her on-staff massage therapists. (Burlington • Facebook)
Other finalists:
Compass Chiropractic & Performance Center: Richmond • compasschirovt.com
Drs. Marko Family Chiropractors: South Burlington • drsmarko.com
• Middlebury Sport and Spine: Middlebury • middleburysportandspine.com
• Woodhaven Health: Williston • woodhavenhealth.com
BEST PHYSICAL THERAPY PRACTICE
PT360
This employee-owned physical therapy cooperative keeps the community in motion with a full circle of services — from aquatic therapy in saltwater pools to strengthening and conditioning through sports medicine. (Burlington, Williston • pt360coop.com)
Other finalists:
• Burlington Physical Therapy: Burlington, Williston • burlingtonptvt.com
• The EDGE Physical Therapy: Essex, South Burlington • edgevt.com
Snow Beast Performance: Williston • snowbeastperformance.com
• Vasta Performance Training and Physical Therapy: South Burlington, Waterbury, Williston • vastasports.com
BEST ACUPUNCTURE PRACTICE
Integrative
Acupuncture
Harnessing 4,000 years of Chinese medicine knowledge, the licensed acupuncturists here pin down pain relief and other health goals by merging evidence-based solutions with traditional needlework. (Colchester, Montpelier, Williston • acupunctureinvermont.com)
Other finalists:
• Acupuncture in Bloom (Zizi Zolten-Chandler): Richmond • acupunctureinbloom.janeapp.com
• Maynard Acupuncture: South Burlington • maynardacupuncture.com
OPEN Community Acupuncture: Berlin, Waterbury • opencommunityacupuncture.com
• Vermont Community Acupuncture: Burlington • vtcommunityacupuncture.org
services
BEST HEALTH CLUB/GYM
The EDGE
With multiple locations, the EDGE makes physical fitness 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:
Greater Burlington YMCA: Burlington • gbymca.org
• Green Mountain Community Fitness: Barre • gmcf.life
• HWPO Gym VT: Williston • gym.hwpotraining.com LiftVT: Williston • liftvt.org
BEST BOUTIQUE FITNESS STUDIO
ALIGN
Locals find their center at founder Sarah DeGray’s premier indoor fitness studio. From musically charged cycling to kettlebellheavy strength blocks, classes here prioritize an inclusive atmosphere, motivating instructors and killer beats. (South Burlington, Williston • alignstudiovt.com)
Other finalists:
• The Body Lab: South Burlington, Williston • thebodylabvt.com
Emerge: Winooski • mysite.vagaro.com/emergellc
Peace of Mind Pilates: Essex • peaceofmindpilatesvt.com
• take good care fitness: Burlington • takegoodcarefitness.com
• VASTA Performance Training and Physical Therapy: South Burlington, Waterbury, Williston • vastasports.com
BEST YOGA STUDIO
Sangha Studio
In Sanskrit, sangha means “community.” This nonprofit lives up to its name and stretches the definition of accessibility, offering donationbased flows across three physical locations, a virtual studio and outreach programs. (Burlington, Williston • sanghastudio.org)
Other finalists:
• Blossom Wellness Center: Montpelier • blossomwellness.center
• Hot Yoga Burlington VT: Burlington • hotyogaburlingtonvt.com
Laughing River Yoga: Burlington • laughingriveryoga.com
SoulShine Power Yoga: Burlington, Essex • soulshinepoweryoga.com
• Williston Hot Yoga: Williston • willistonhotyoga.com
BEST WEDDING VENUE
MAQUAM BARN & WINERY
Social norms dictate that guests must not upstage a bridal couple. But the wedding venue can get away with it. At Maquam Barn & Winery in Milton, rustic marries elegance. Happy couples exchange vows before a breathtaking backdrop of rolling mountains and lush vineyard, then dine and dance under the rafters of a magnificent barn.
This working vineyard is operated by the Brooks family, who proudly claim they’ve “been in the booze business” since Prohibition. They make award-winning wines from pears, cherries, apricots, blueberries and black currants — as well as grapes. Hard ciders recently joined the lineup.
Locals know they don’t need a fancy invitation to drop in for a glass of wine at the serene setting. Maquam serves up live music, drinks and charcuterie boards every Thursday and Sunday, May through October, with food trucks each Thursday. Want to go? Who wouldn’t say “I do” to that proposal?
Milton • maquambarnandwinery.com
BEST CYCLING STUDIO
ALIGN
Kick it into high gear at a studio that champions authenticity and body neutrality through expert instruction. Silent-disco technology lets riders dictate their own volume while pedaling through rhythm-based choreography. (Williston • alignstudiovt.com)
Other finalists: Alpenglow Fitness: Montpelier • alpenglowfitness.com
• Ride Cycle + Strength: Stowe • rideindoorcycling.com
BEST CROSSFIT STUDIO
CrossFit Burlington
This South End box has been raising the bar since 2012 with its “stronger together” ethos. Start with a free “no-sweat intro” session — and then prepare to, well, sweat. (Burlington • crossfitburlington.com)
Other finalists:
• Champlain Valley Community Fitness: Williston • cvcfvt.com
• Green Mountain Community Fitness: Barre • gmcf.life HWPO Gym VT: Williston • gym.hwpotraining.com
Vermont Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Students get a grip on self-defense at an academy focused on values and character. Authentic Brazilian instruction under a founder who trained with the legendary Carlson Gracie Sr. has both kids and adults mastering the mats in no time. (Williston • vermontbjj.com)
Other finalists:
Aikido of Champlain Valley: Burlington • burlingtonaikido.org
Martial Way Self-Defense Center: Colchester • martialwayvt.com
• Villari’s Vermont: South Burlington • villaricenter.com
• Yordan’s Black Belt Academy: Jericho, South Burlington • ybba.com
BEST AUTO REPAIR
Girlington Garage
“If you want something said, ask a man; if you want something done, ask a woman.”
Margaret Thatcher totally would have taken her ride to Girlington Garage, where the female founder sets the standard for clear and honest communication about the world of car repairs. (South Burlington • girlingtongarage.com)
Other finalists:
• Halford Motors: St. Albans • Facebook
• Jason Leo’s Automotive: Essex • jasonleoautomotive.com
Mountain Trail CrossFit: Colchester • mountaintrailcrossfit.com BEST MARTIAL ARTS STUDIO
• Brian’s North End Automotive: Burlington • briansnorthendautomotive.com
• New England Automotive: South Burlington • newenglandautomotive.com
BEST PLACE TO GET YOUR OIL CHANGED
Girlington Garage
This inclusive female-owned garage provides routine maintenance and topquality repairs — without jargon, pressure or stereotypes. Plus, the lobby is dog-friendly and boasts organic coffee and a kids’ area. (South Burlington • girlingtongarage.com)
Other finalists:
• Brian’s North End Automotive: Burlington • briansnorthendautomotive.com
• Halford Motors: St. Albans • Facebook New England Automotive: South Burlington • newenglandautomotive.com
• Oil n Go: Essex, South Burlington • oilngo.com
BEST PLACE TO GET YOUR TIRES CHANGED
Vermont Tire
For more than 40 years, locals have tread a path to Vermont Tire for seasonal rubber rotations. The trusted independent dealer will get you the wheels you need and back on the road, while making sure you get the best value for your money. (Montpelier, South Burlington • vermonttire.com)
Other finalists: Brian’s North End Automotive: Burlington • briansnorthendautomotive.com
Halford Motors: St. Albans • Facebook
• Town Fair Tire: Bennington, Berlin, Rutland, Williston • townfairtire.com
VIP Tires & Service: Barre, Bennington, Burlington, Shelburne, Rutland, Williston • vipauto.com
ZIZI ZOLTEN-CHANDLER M.S.O.M., L.AC., FABORM, OBAA Fellow of the Acupuncture & TCM Board of Reproductive Medicine specializing in fertility, pregnancy, postpartum and reproductive health. Book online at acupunctureinbloom.janeapp.com Richmond, VT | 802-227-2807
D4t-AcupunctureInBloom080526.indd 1 7/10/26 8:33 AM D4T-ChurchHill26 1
RECREATION
BEST SKI/RIDE SLOPE
Bolton Valley Resort
Skiers and riders discover a wintry wonderland just 30 minutes from downtown Burlington at this family-owned resort. Get your downhill thrills on 71 trails and 300 skiable acres. (Bolton • boltonvalley.com)
Other finalists:
Cochran’s Ski Area: Richmond • cochranskiarea.com
• Jay Peak Resort: Jay • jaypeakresort.com
Smugglers’ Notch Resort: Jeffersonville • smuggs.com
Sugarbush Resort: Warren • sugarbush.com
BEST CROSS-COUNTRY SKI AREA
von Trapp Family Lodge & Resort
In winter, this 2,600-acre Austrian-inspired resort is a cross-country ski center with 40 miles of groomed trails and even more backcountry. After your snowy slide, replenish at the von Trapp Brewing Bierhall & Restaurant. (Stowe • vontrappresort.com)
Other finalists:
Catamount Outdoor Family Center: Williston • catamountoutdoor.org
• Craftsbury Outdoor Center: Craftsbury Common • craftsbury.com
• Rikert Outdoor Center: Ripton • rikertoutdoor.com
Sleepy Hollow Inn, Ski & Bike Center: Huntington • skisleepyhollow.com
BEST PLACE TO SNOWSHOE
von Trapp Family Lodge & Resort
Snowshoeing has never been so scenic — the hills really are alive at Trapp. Hit up the Outdoor Center for rentals, then trek to the sugarhouse or the rustic Slayton Pasture Cabin for an unforgettable snowy adventure. (Stowe • vontrappresort.com)
Other finalists:
• Bolton Valley Resort: Bolton • boltonvalley.com
Catamount Outdoor Family Center: Williston • catamountoutdoor.org
Intervale Center: Burlington • intervale.org
Sleepy Hollow Inn, Ski & Bike Center: Huntington • skisleepyhollow.com
BEST PUBLIC PLACE TO ICE SKATE
Lake Morey Skate Trail
This free 4.3-mile loop is the longest groomed ice skating trail in the U.S. Its season is weather dependent — that is, erratic — so check the ice report before heading out. Then lace up your skates or rent them on-site and glide off under a wide-open sky. (Fairlee • lakemoreyresort.com)
Other finalists: Arthur Park: Burlington • burlingtonwildways.org
• C. Douglas Cairns Recreation Arena: South Burlington • cairnsarena.com
• Gordon H. Paquette Ice Arena at Leddy Park: Burlington • burlingtonvt.gov
• Highgate Sports Arena: Highgate Center • highgatevt.myrec.com
BEST STATE PARK
Mount Philo State Park
Vermont’s first state park is the perfect high-altitude locale, offering big Champlain Valley views for relatively little huffing and puffing. You can also drive up to the 968-foot peak if that’s more your speed. (Charlotte • vtstateparks.com)
Other finalists:
Green River Reservoir State Park: Hyde Park • vtstateparks.com
Little River State Park: Waterbury • vtstateparks.com
• Niquette Bay State Park: Colchester • vtstateparks.com
• Sand Bar State Park: Milton • vtstateparks.com
BEST PLACE TO CAMP
Groton State Forest
Scenic vistas abound in this 26,000-plus-acre forest, which is home to seven state parks and eight lakes and ponds. Hike, swim, fish and paddle from the home base of your tent or a Civilian Conservation Corps-built hut or lean-to. (Plainfield • fpr.vermont.gov)
Other finalists:
• Grand Isle State Park: Grand Isle • vtstateparks.com
Green River Reservoir State Park: Hyde Park • vtstateparks.com
• Little River State Park: Waterbury • vtstateparks.com
• Stone City Treehouse & Glamping: Hardwick • stonecitytreehouse.com
BEST DAY HIKE
Camel’s Hump
Multiple paths lead hikers up this distinctive 4,083-foot peak, originally named Camel’s Rump on a map by Ira Allen. The Burrows Trail, which sees the most foot traffic, is the shortest route. (Duxbury/ Huntington • vtstateparks.com)
Other finalists:
• Mount Abraham: Lincoln • alltrails.com
Mount Philo : Charlotte • vtstateparks.com
• Snake Mountain: Addison • alltrails.com
• Sterling Pond: Stowe • alltrails.com
BEST PLACE TO PICNIC
Shelburne Farms
With a landscape designed by Frederick Law Olmsted — famous for New York City’s Central Park — Shelburne Farms has idyllic picnic spots everywhere you look. BYO basket or purchase provisions on-site, then soak up vibrant pastoral views by the edge of Lake Champlain. (Shelburne • shelburnefarms.org)
Other finalists:
• Mount Philo State Park: Charlotte • vtstateparks.com
• Oakledge Park: Burlington • burlingtonvt.gov
Sand Bar State Park: Milton • vtstateparks.com
Waterfront Park: Burlington • burlingtonvt.gov
BEST PICK-YOUR-OWN FARM
Adam’s Berry Farm
Slim pickings? Not here! Head to the fields for seasonal, organic berries and flowers. The farmstand is chock-full of other local goodies, including the homemade popsicles that are favorites at the Burlington Farmers Market. (Charlotte • adamsberryfarm.com)
Other finalists:
• Full Belly Farm: Monkton • fullbellyfarmvt.com
• Owl’s Head Blueberry Farm: Richmond • owlsheadfarm.com
Paul Mazza’s Fresh Produce: Colchester, Essex • paulmazzas.com
Sam Mazza’s Farm Market, Bakery and Greenhouses: Colchester • sammazzafarms.com
BEST PUBLIC GOLF COURSE
Cedar Knoll Country Club
The Ayer family once grazed 150 cows on this picturesque piece of land — now a reasonably priced 27-hole golf course where you’re welcomed like a member, even if you’re not one. After you’ve conquered the courses, compare scorecards at on-site Red’s Bar & Grille. (Hinesburg • cedarknollgolf.com)
Other finalists:
• Kwiniaska Golf Club: Shelburne • kwiniaska.com
• The Links at Lang Farm: Essex • linksatlangfarm.com
Rocky Ridge Golf Club: St. George • rockyridge.com
Williston Golf Club: Williston • willistongolfclub.com
BEST PICKLEBALL FACILITY
The EDGE
The popularity of the trendiest sport of the 2020s shows no sign of abating, so the EDGE serves it up year-round with eight outdoor and nine temperature-controlled indoor courts. That means it’s never too hot — or too cold — in this kitchen. (South Burlington • edgevt.com)
Other finalists: Colchester Recreation Center: Colchester • colchestervt.gov
• The Pop!: Essex, South Burlington • thepopvt.com
• Topnotch Resort: Stowe • topnotchresort.com
BEST NATURE CENTER
VERMONT INSTITUTE OF NATURAL SCIENCE
They had us at “Eagle Cam.” The 54-year-old Vermont Institute of Natural Science, a leader in environmental education and wildlife conservation, operates camps, field studies and New England’s premier avian rehabilitation clinic. But this year, educators at VINS Nature Center in Quechee outdid themselves.
After spying an eagles’ nest 100 feet high in a white pine last year, they banked on the return of the majestic birds and installed two video cameras trained on the aerie. The pair moved back in February, and VINS has live streamed their activity: preparing the nest, tending their egg, and feeding and caring for their eaglet.
The nest is visible from the Forest Canopy Walk, an accessible boardwalk that offers 360-degree views of the center’s 47 acres. Due to the slope of the land, people move from the forest floor to the treetops without having to navigate stairs or steep ramps. Elsewhere at VINS, visitors can see other raptors, songbirds and reptiles up close. They can take a woodland wildlife walk, watch a hawk devour a meal, and climb and crawl over wood and stone on the Adventure Playscape.
No wonder humans and animals alike flock here.
Quechee • vinsweb.org
BEST PLACE TO BIKE
Colchester Causeway
Part of the Island Line Rail Trail, the Causeway is a beautiful place to bike: The former railway route cuts into Lake Champlain, offering wide-open views of the water on both sides. A seasonal bike ferry bridges the 200-foot gap to the Champlain Islands due north. (Colchester • alltrails.com)
Other finalists:
Bolton Valley Resort: Bolton • boltonvalley.com
• Burlington Greenway: Burlington • burlingtonvt.gov
• Kingdom Trails: East Burke • kingdomtrails.org
Lamoille Valley Rail Trail: St. Johnsbury to Swanton • railtrails.vermont.gov
Stowe Recreation Path: Stowe • stowevt.gov
BEST BIKE RENTAL SHOP
Local Motion
An advocate for people-powered transportation, this nonprofit gets things rolling by steering cyclists straight onto the Burlington Greenway with a rental menu of conventional, electric and adaptive rides. (Burlington • localmotion.org)
Other finalists:
Onion River Outdoors: Montpelier • onionriver.com
• Outdoor Gear Exchange: Burlington • gearx.com
• Ranch Camp: Stowe, Woodstock • ranchcampwoodstock.com
Skirack: Burlington • skirack.com
BEST PUBLIC BEACH
Sand Bar State Park
Taking a dip is a no-brainer at Sand Bar. Its 15 idyllic island acres contain picnic areas, a bath house, soft and sandy beaches, and shallow water that warms up quickly in the sun. (Milton • vtstateparks.com)
Other finalists:
• Boulder Beach: Groton • vtstateparks.com
• Leddy Park: Burlington • burlingtonvt.gov
North Beach: Burlington • burlingtonvt.gov
• Oakledge Park: Burlington • burlingtonvt.gov
BEST PUBLIC PLACE TO SWIM
Lake Willoughby
Carved by glaciers thousands of years ago, Lake Willoughby is the place to be on a hot summer day — the water’s fresh, cool and crystal clear. (Westmore • vermontvacation.com)
Other finalists:
• Leddy Beach: Burlington • burlingtonvt.gov North Beach: Burlington • burlingtonvt.gov
• Oakledge Park: Burlington • burlingtonvt.gov
• Sand Bar State Park: Milton • vtstateparks.com
• Waterbury Reservoir: Waterbury • friendsofwaterburyres.org
BEST PLACE TO KAYAK/CANOE
Waterbury Reservoir
There 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:
• Branbury State Park: Salisbury • vtstateparks.com
Green River Reservoir State Park: Hyde Park • vtstateparks.com
• Lake Willoughby: Westmore • vermontvacation.com
• Lamoille River: lamoilleriverpaddlerstrail.org
BEST BOAT TOUR
Spirit of Ethan Allen
All aboard! This triple-decker ship sets sail multiple times a day, offering a narrated history of Lake Champlain as well as sunset and dinner cruises. Looking to host a wedding or special event? Float your boat with a private booking. (Burlington • soea.com)
Other finalists:
• Champlain Islands Magical Boat Tours: South Hero • champlainislandmagicalboattours.com
• Nauti Paddle Cycleboat Cruises: Burlington • nautipaddle.com
Whistling Man Schooner Company: Burlington • whistlingman.com
802-695-0362
gruntsmovejunk.com
info@gruntsmovejunk.com
recreation
BEST OUTDOOR TOURS
Queen City Ghostwalk
Brave souls learn about the darker side of Burlington — from ghosts to smugglers to serial killers — on guided seasonal walks with storyteller and cemetery sexton Holli Bushnell. (Burlington • queencityghostwalk.com)
Other finalists:
• Baird Farm: North Chittenden • bairdfarm.com
Umiak Outdoor Outfitters: Jeffersonville, Richmond, Stowe, Waitsfield, Waterbury • umiak.com
BEST BOWLING ALLEY
Spare Time
Entertainment
Slip on the bowling shoes and aim for a strike. This 45,000-square-foot family-fun facility has 30 bowling lanes, a packed arcade, a laser tag arena and escape rooms. (Colchester • sparetimeentertainment.com)
Other finalists:
• Stowe Bowl: Stowe • sunandskiinn.com
• Twin City Family Fun Center: Berlin • twincityfamilyfuncenter.com
• Valley Bowl: Randolph • valleybowlvermont.com
BEST RESORT ADVENTURE CENTER
Jay Peak Resort
Not just a ski-and-ride slope, Jay Peak packs in the action all year round — from an 18-hole golf course to a climbing gym to Vermont’s only indoor water park. Where else can you ski and surf all in one day? (Jay • jaypeakresort.com)
Other finalists:
• Killington Resort: Killington • killington.com
• Smugglers’ Notch Resort: Jeffersonville • smuggs.com
BEST NATURE CENTER
Vermont Institute of Natural Science
This 47-acre sanctuary takes environmental education to new heights with an elevated Forest Canopy Walk that puts visitors eye to eye with local foliage and feathered fliers. On the ground, find live raptor demonstrations, forested hiking trails and even an interactive dinosaur exhibit. (Quechee • vinsweb.org)
Other finalists:
Birds of Vermont Museum: Huntington • birdsofvermont.org
ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain: Burlington • echovermont.org
• Green Mountain Audubon Center: Huntington • audubon.org
• North Branch Nature Center: Montpelier • northbranchnaturecenter.org
BEST VERMONT DAY TRIP WITH THE KIDS
Shelburne Farms
The whole fam can graze through 1,400 acres at this working farm and nonprofit education center, which turns agricultural heritage into a playground through tractor pulls, forest trails, cheesemaking demos and adorable farm animal interactions. (Shelburne • shelburnefarms.org)
Other finalists:
• ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain: Burlington • echovermont.org
• Montshire Museum of Science: Norwich • montshire.org
Vermont Teddy Bear: Shelburne • vermontteddybear.com
Vermont Institute of Natural Science: Quechee • vinsweb.org
BEST INDOOR CHILDREN’S PLAY SPACE
ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain
Young explorers dive into the natural world at this waterfront education center, engaging in scientific discovery and environmental stewardship through 3D films, traveling exhibits and hands-on STEM activities. (Burlington • echovermont.org)
Other finalists:
• The Bright Side Playplace: St. Albans • thebrightsideplayplace.com
Get Air Trampoline Park: Williston • getairsports.com
Monkey Do! Indoor Playground: Williston • monkeydoplaygrounds.com
• Wonderfeet Kids’ Museum: Rutland • wonderfeetkidsmuseum.org
LOCAL MOTION
If you’ve ever been on the Burlington Greenway, you’ve probably seen Local Motion. The bike rental shop’s Steele Street location is hard to beat: Riders can hop on a set of wheels and coast over to the scenic eight-mile path, which passes just a few feet away.
But Local Motion is more than a rental outlet. It’s a statewide advocacy group aiming to “make it safe, accessible, and fun for everyone to bike, walk, and roll in Vermont.” Established in 1999, the nonprofit has spent the past 27 years connecting with the community and promoting bikefriendly infrastructure. Local Motion’s Bike Smart program, a bike skillbuilding initiative for kids, has reached more than 115,000 children across the state since 2012. Local Motion also thinks valet parking shouldn’t just be for fancy hotels. Thanks to its efforts, popular events such as the South End Get Down, Vermont Green FC home games and Summervale offer valet bike service.
The goal is simple: transportation that’s fossil fuel-free — and fun. Burlington • localmotion.org
BEST PLACE TO TAKE AN OUT-OF-TOWNER
Shelburne Farms
Even the most seasoned traveler’s eyes widen when Shelburne Farms’ magnificent, turreted Farm Barn comes into sight. This Gilded Age estate turned environmental education nonprofit and National Historic Landmark wows visitors with open-air wagon tours, raw-milk cheddar and unparalleled scenery. (Shelburne • shelburnefarms.org)
Other finalists:
• Baird Farm: North Chittenden • bairdfarm.com
Ben & Jerry’s Factory: Waterbury Center • benjerry.com
Church Street Marketplace: Burlington • churchstmarketplace.com
• Shelburne Museum: Shelburne • shelburnemuseum.org
BEST BIKE RENTAL SHOP
Luigi Lucioni (American, born Italy, 1900-1988), Early Autumn [detail], 1956, watercolor on paper, 14 x 20 inches. Collection of Midd lebury College Museum of Art. Gift of Mrs. Mortimer Addams, 0.117a.
THE PEOPLE WHO MAKE VERMONT SHINE
The Seven Daysies are more than awards — they’re a celebration of local character, hard work, and the places people return to again and again.
Coldwell Banker Hickok & Boardman is proud to be part of that Vermont story. For generations, our Realtors ® have helped buyers and sellers navigate the market with local insight, trusted guidance, and a deep understanding of what home means here.
