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MATTHEW THORSEN

Van Phan Billiards & Bar

Rack ’em

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One of our favorite bar pastimes is shooting pool. But you don’t have to wait until you’re 21 to scratch that itch — or the eight ball. VAN PHAN BILLIARDS & BAR features 14 tables and plenty of room to maneuver so that you’re not jostling with other patrons while making shots — a problem at most local bars. It’s a good time and a great place to hone your skills. Whatever you do, don’t get cocky and challenge pool hall owner Van Phan — unless you’re a glutton for punishment. She’s a former Vermont billiards champion and has competed nationally.

THEW

Start Your Engines Channel your inner Dale Earnhardt Jr. at the ESSEX SPEEDWAY & ACTION CENTER, the only indoor go-kart track in Vermont. If the slow lane is more your speed, try the bumper cars, the bounce area or the arcade.

OR LDB

Java Jive Main Street coffee shop MUDDY WATERS is a great spot for people watching by the street-facing picture window or just sipping lattes and admiring the woodsy décor — we’re partial to the treehouse-esque booth. However, the café has no Wi-Fi, so you’ll actually have to, like, read a book or talk to people and stuff. Think of it like updating your Facebook status, but face to face. If you absolutely have to plug in, spacious SPEEDER & EARL’S COFFEE on Pine Street, trendy MAGLIANERO and cozy UNCOMMON GROUNDS COFFEE & TEA are good options. wg

URLINGTON

FILE: LEE KROHN

168 battery street • burlington

651.0880 Uncommon Grounds

a clear vision since 1995