Best of Burlington - Spring 2014

BURLINGTON

BEST OF

SPRING 2014

L I F E A N D C U LT U R E I N T H E C H A M P L A I N VA L L E Y

VOLUME 7 NO. 2 $4.95

trend watch

Homeowners’ Guide Build, Remodel & Decorate

Play Ball!

Vermont Lake Monsters Discover Jazz Festival Old Spokes Home

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Contents FE A TURES

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Vermont Lake Monsters

Dancing with

CHAMP.

by Dean whitlock

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SPECIAL SECTION Trend Watch

Build, remodel, and decorate

with tips from local experts.

COMPILED by mary gow

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Lunaroma Aromatic Apothecary

The sweet smell of success.

by sarah tuff

100 Old Spokes Home

For cyclists who need to get there. by mark aiken

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d e pa r t m e n t s 11

Editor’s Note

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Contributors

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Online Hub

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Gatherings

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A rt Scene Burlington College Visual Arts. by jennifer rose smith

78 What’s Hot

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Burlington Discover Jazz Festival. by nancy humphrey case

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What’s in Store August First.

Special Advertising Section Cover photo

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Spring Surprises Shopping and fun things to do in our local Burlington area.

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by sarah zobel

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ining & D Entertainment Guide

107 Happenings A calendar of events.

112 Closing Thought

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BEST OF

BURLINGTON Coffee Table Publishing, LLC PO Box 1460, Quechee, VT 05059 (802) 295-5295 www.bestofburlingtonvt.com Publishers

Robin Gales John Gales Bob Frisch editor

Deborah Thompson ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Kristy Erickson Copy EDITOR

Elaine Ambrose Art direction/Design

CW Design Solutions, Inc. advertising design

Hutchens Media, LLC web design

Locable advertising

Robin Gales John Gales (802) 295-5295 coffeetablepublishing@comcast.net Keep us posted Best of Burlington wants to hear from our readers. Correspondence may be addressed to Letters to the Editor, Best of Burlington, PO Box 1460 Quechee, VT 05059. Or email editor@bestof burlingtonvt.com. Advertising inquires may be made by emailing ctpublishing@comcast.net or coffeetable publishing@comcast.net. Best of Burlington is published quarterly by Coffee Table Publishing, LLC,Š 2014. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is strictly prohibited. Best of Burlington accepts no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, artwork, or photographs.

SFI-00665

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SFI-CS-A-HC

editor’s note

Springtime Cheer After a historically brutal winter, I’m more than ready for spring. In fact, I’ve been ready for it since about January 1st. As far as I’m concerned, once Christmas is over, the snow and ice should disappear until next December. To say I’m not an outdoor person during winter is an understatement. I think we, like our animal friends, should hibernate for the season. Actually, I believe they are smarter than we are. While they’re snuggled in warm, cozy dens, we’re doing ridiculous things like pumping gas in subzero temperatures and howling wind. It doesn’t make sense. I know many of you love to ski our beautiful mountains, but as a person who can’t even remain upright on skis while standing still, I really don’t think I should attempt taking to the slopes. I’m sure you’ll thank me! I say it’s better to hang out in the lodge, cocktail in hand, in front of a roaring fire.

We’re welcoming spring with a visit to Centennial Field and the Vermont Lake Monsters (page 22). If the arrival of baseball season doesn’t mean spring is here, nothing does. For an affordable outing that’s filled with fun for the whole family, be sure to take in a game—or several—this year. Go to our website at www.bestofburlingtonvt.com to find out how to win four tickets to a game, generously donated by the team’s management.

Beginning on page 31, we’re featuring what’s new in home building and remodeling, interior design, landscaping, and much more in our special Trend Watch section. A thousand thank-yous to Mary Gow for compiling the information for us. Mary spent several weeks calling, emailing, interviewing, and gathering information and photos for our pages. Thanks, too, to all the local professionals who provided the tips and advice we were looking for as well as for sending gorgeous photos of their finished projects. We’re fortunate to have so many talented, dedicated people in the area. It’s been a pleasure to work with all of you.

During this beautiful spring season, head outdoors to hike, bike, dig in your garden, or just relax in the warm sunshine. Be sure to refer to Best of Burlington in print and online for information on local businesses, exciting events, and more. Enjoy!

Deborah Thompson Editor editor@bestofburlingtonvt.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/ Best-of-Burlington-Life-and-Culture-in-theChamplain-Valley-Magazine/185081471716

TWITTER: @BurlingtonVTmag

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B ES T O F B U R L I N G T O N

Contributors Mark Aiken

Paul O. Boisvert

Mark writes about a wide range of topics and especially enjoys covering recreational pursuits. An avid cyclist, he turns his sights to Old Spokes Home, his favorite bike shop, in this issue. When he’s not writing, Mark teaches skiing at Stowe, trains for marathons, and plans bigger and better vacations.

Paul’s love of photography began when his father gave him a camera when he was eight years old. He now takes acclaimed photographs for such publications as the New York Times, several magazines, and commercial clients. Paul’s travels have taken him all over the world, but Lake Champlain always draws him back to his home state.

Mary Gow Journalist and freelance writer Mary Gow is always inspired and impressed by the creativity and talent of our local community.

Writing and compiling Trend Watch, she heard about exciting trends and projects from local builders, landscape architects, interior designers, and other home design experts. An arts correspondent for the Times Argus, she also writes regularly for regional magazines.

Dean Whitlock Dean cut his creative teeth on journalism, tech writing, marketing, and fiction before hanging out his shingle as a freelance writer. From his home in Thetford, he has made forays into topics that range from banking and boating to running a youth circus. He loves to lead workshops for budding authors in local schools and libraries.

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Jennifer Rose Smith Jennifer is a freelance writer, baker, and assistant sugarmaker. She writes about food, travel, and culture, and her work has appeared in Best of Burlington, Vermont Magazine, and Local Banquet. She lives in Burlington.

Sarah Zobel Sarah writes about health and wellness and parenting for regional and national publications. She lives with her husband and two sons in Essex Junction, Vermont.

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ONLINE H UB

www.bestofburlingtonvt.com Old Spokes Home

Lunaroma

Discover Jazz

August First

Visit our website often for more information, extra photos from our articles, contests, and more. When you see the special icon at the end of an article, that means there’s something more related to it online. Join the fun!

CHECK OUR April

ONLINE CALENDAR TO SEE LOCAL EVENTS HAPPENING IN OUR COMMUNITY, AND YOU CAN ADD YOUR OWN EVENT FREE!

We’re looking forward to hearing from you!

www.facebook.com/bestofburlingtonvt

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Gatherings ENJOYING EVENTS AROUND TOWN

The 48th Annual Vermont Maple Festival

Clockwise from top: Annual Fiddlers’ Variety Show. There’s lots of activity in Taylor Park—enjoy fun with balloons, a Frisbee Dog Show, and pony rides. Savor a maple cream doughnut, take in a maple cooking demonstration, or browse the Antique Show.

Send photos of your event to editor@bestofburlingtonvt.com.

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Photos courtesy of Lockhart/Perceptions.

On April 25 through 27, head to downtown St. Albans for maple treats, maple education, and all kinds of maple fun!

Attractions include an exhibition hall, sugarhouse tours, crafts, and much more. For more information, visit www.vtmaplefestival.org.

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ART SCENE S P O N S O R E D B Y V er m on t ener g y by j enn i f er rose s m i t h P h o t os C O U R T E S Y O F B U R L I N GT O N C O L L E G E

Burlington College VISUAL ARTS BREATHING LIFE, AND ART, INTO AN OLD SPACE

When Burlington College moved to 351 North Avenue, its sign was hung on a piece of Burlington history. The former orphanage comes with lake views and a lot of memories, layered thickly between inches of wallpaper and plaster laid down in decades past. 4 18

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Clockwise from far left: Students and faculty in front of The Louvre on a recent class trip to Paris, France.

Sketching, reading, and relaxing on the campus green. The Eiffel Tower, a painting by Fine Arts major Gabrielle Tsounis, class of ‘14. Dana Heffern, Chair of Visual Arts at Burlington College. Student signing an original print. Package designs by Graphic Design major Sarah Barnes, ‘14. Three posters for recent exhibits in The Gallery at Burlington College.

Art Scene is sponsored by Vermont Energy

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And when Dana Heffern arrived to chair the fine arts department, she was ready to add some layers of her own. She started with the walls, peeling away sections of ribbed beige paper in the “modern” wing of the school and replacing it with brightly colored artwork. Scattered throughout the building are entire hallways that she’s painted by hand, their diversity a testament to her background painting sets on Broadway. From abstract squiggles to carmine-hued graffiti, the walls are vivid frames for pieces created by Heffern’s students—artwork that she displays with a teacher’s pride.

But even as Heffern adds a modern touch to the old-fashioned space, carpenters are peeling away plaster in the oldest part of the school to expose the brick walls, wide doorways, and graceful windows that are the bones of the building.

Art That Serves Society

From top: Diptych, a photo by Photography major Ash LaRose, ‘11.

Painting techniques class. Students collaborate on an art project.

Opposite, clockwise from top left: Painting by Expressive Arts major Emily Hoffman, ‘11. Student applies ink to a print in a silk screening class. Black and white photo by Photography major Emma Scripture, ‘12. Street photograph taken in Havana, Cuba, by Photography major Rebecca Jocek, ‘14.

This balancing act reflects Heffern’s overall approach to education, as she seeks to shape artists with equilibrium. At a school that is defined by an unusually personal approach to studying, the Fine Arts department is also teaching student artists to look beyond themselves for inspiration, to group work, apprenticeships, and real engagement with the artistic community.

This community focus has been a part of Burlington College’s mission since it was founded in 1972, with an emphasis on education as a tool of social justice. In the Fine Arts department, this means an ongoing discussion about the way art can serve society, and how some artists have used their work to advocate for the disenfranchised. In 2014, Dana Heffern is introducing a class on art history through the lens of graffiti to help her students think outside of the frame and look around Burlington for ways that local artists are already speaking out. “Over the course of the semester, I’m going to ask the students to think about who is going unheard in our community, and what they see as important, and for the final project, we’re going to come up with something that needs to be said, and use art to say it.”

The Confidence to Make Mistakes To Heffern, this process of creating art projects as a group holds valuable lessons for emerging artists, especially given that the gallery world puts an intense focus on the individual. It’s a perspective that she learned in her years on

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Broadway. “You’ll be working on a set piece and feeling like you’ve really nailed it, walk away for a second, and when you come back, someone’s painted over it with a different idea about how it should look,” she explains. “You have to learn to appreciate different ways of doing things and to not take your own work quite so seriously.”

Heffern hopes to send her students into their artistic lives with a healthy willingness to make mistakes, collaborate, and to not be precious about their own work. When teaching the basics of painting or drawing, she paints atop canvasses she’s done during previous lessons, often over students’ protests. “If you meditate on impermanence as an artist, it gives you the confidence to make mistakes,” Heffern notes. “I don’t

mean that I don’t think they should value their work. But I want them to feel free to have failures.”

As we speak, Heffern and I walk through the north wing of the old orphanage. Long window bays offer sweeping vistas of the Adirondacks. Renovation has exposed domed ceilings and confessional grilles that speak of the building’s past, but characteristically, Heffern is also looking ahead. She envisions a gallery to highlight the work of artists in residence, displays of international and local pieces, and student artists breathing life into the empty spaces. As afternoon light filters onto the scratched hardwood floors, she sweeps an arm around the historic room. “I can already see the artwork.

I can already see the easels.” w

BURLINGTON COLLEGE 351 North Avenue Burlington, VT (802) 862-9616 www.burlington.edu

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Dancing with CHAMP by dean whitlock Photos courtesy of the vermont lake monsters

The Vermont Lake Monsters will open their third decade at Burlington’s Centennial Field on June 16. A member of the New York Penn league, the Lake Monsters play “Single-A Short-Season Affiliated Baseball.” To translate, they are a minor league affiliate of the Oakland Athletics, and the short season is short indeed: 76 games over 80 packed days.

But there’s a whole lot of entertainment crammed into every one of those 80 days, particularly at the 38 home games. Spectators crowd Centennial Field for family fun, both on the field and off—headed up by the Lake Monsters’ near-mythic mascot from the depths of Lake Champlain—CHAMP. Says Kyle Bostwick, Lake Monsters VP, “The level of entertainment is right in that sweet spot where you can take a child without worrying about any offensive content, but young adults can also spend a great evening without feeling it’s just for kids.” 4

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G R E AT B A S E B A L L A N D A L O T M O R E

Centennial Field, home of the Vermont Lake Monsters, was built in 1906 but has seen millions of dollars in upgrades over the past few seasons.

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Award-Winning Improvements Bostwick, an intern during the team’s very first season, says that pleasing the spectators has been the priority since day one. He points out the picnic area along the left-field line, the Fun Zone for kids, the hot-dog-and-ketchup races between innings, the pre- and post-game entertainment, the fundraising events for nonprofits, and of course CHAMP. Now he can add the two-story-tall video scoreboard, part of a significant set of renovations completed over the past two years to make the spectator experience even more enjoyable. There’s modern lighting, better sightlines, more room and games in the Fun Zone, new seats behind home plate, and more comfortable seats instead of century-old concrete bleachers. The improvements are so impressive they won an award from Ballpark Digest.

The oldest venue in affiliated baseball, Centennial Field was completed in 1906 to celebrate the turn of the century. The current grandstand was built in 1922 after the original wooden bleachers burned. The lights were added in 1954, when minor league ball first came to Burlington. There have been improvements and maintenance in those 100-plus years, but the signs of age were showing.

Luckily, the Lake Monsters have a local owner who is committed to making his team a contributing part of the community. Ray Pecor Jr. brought affiliated baseball back to Vermont after a five-year absence by purchasing the franchise in 1994. 4

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The 27-foot-wide by twostory-high video board was installed as a way to increase the entertainment value, and as a way to connect the fans to the players.

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In a league where player turnover is consistent, the Lake Monsters’ mascot, CHAMP, provides the one constant in the community.

One problem with upgrading Centennial Field was its year-to-year lease with the University of Vermont. Once Pecor outlined his goals, the university showed their support by offering a 20-year lease arrangement. Now, just two years later, the safety issues are resolved and the fans are delighted—even the players have an all-new clubhouse and more comfortable dugouts. This is, after all, a baseball field.

A Whole Lot of Hustle A minor league game is not the same as the major leagues. What you see is a whole lot of hustle from talented young players determined to make their way up to the majors. Most of them have just been drafted, and Single-A Short Season is, in the words of former Lake Monster Jordan Zimmermann, “a stepping stone.”

Zimmermann, now with the Washington Nationals, is one of 70 players who have made it to the majors from the Lake Monsters. (Others include Jason Bay, Orlando Carrera, and Danny Espinoza.) Zimmermann was drafted in 2007, pitched well in Burlington that season, and then moved up through Advanced Single-A and Double-A the next year. In 2009, he debuted with the Nationals (the Lake Monsters’ affiliate then), where he’s still pitching. Last year, in fact, Zimmermann won 19 games for the Nationals, which tied him for winningest-pitcher honors in the National League. (CHAMP was very proud.)

Zimmermann has good memories of playing with the Lake Monsters—his helpful and generous host family, the great little sandwich shop down the street from Centennial Field, learning how to communicate with his Spanish-speaking teammates, and becoming

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best friends with pitcher Adrian Alaniz. “The friendships you get along the way, they all start there,” Zimmermann says.

Centennial Field was larger than the college stadiums he’d played in, with a lot more spectators. And the competition was tougher. The pitchers would test each other constantly. “One guy goes out and does well; you go out and try to do better. You’re pushing each other up.” The fans helped.

“They were great. The guys were always happy to go out, say hi, shake hands, and sign autographs.”

One of those fans, Leslie Wall, agrees.

“The players aren’t so high up they won’t do anything for the hometown crowd.”

A 13-year season-ticket holder who has even caught a foul ball down the third base line, Wall is not interested in talking about player stats. She likes her seat behind home plate and the new safety net, where she can people-watch without having to worry about getting smacked in the face by a wayward foul. Another big draw has been her grandchildren, who took part in CHAMP’s Kids Club, a free program. And she loves all of CHAMP’s high jinks, like sweeping first base with a toothbrush, dancing on the dugout, and working voodoo on the other team. 4

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“CHAMP is so energetic and funny,” she says. “He brings everything to life. It’s really cute and so family oriented, and so inexpensive for three or four hours. It’s cheaper than going to a movie, that’s for sure.”

What Could Be Better?

A Lake Monsters game is also a way for some groups to make money. Community outreach has been there since day one, and many nonprofits have benefited from selling a block of tickets for half of the take. The Epilepsy Foundation of Vermont is a good example.

Just as important as the money, says foundation director Audrey Butler, is the exposure.

“We set up an information table, and the announcer makes a big deal about the raffle, building up excitement for the drawing. It’s a great opportunity to increase awareness about epilepsy and our activities, and also to connect with individuals who have been affected by epilepsy. What could be better than a wonderful evening at a baseball game in support of a good cause?”

Butler is proud of the active partnership between the two organizations, and the foundation regularly presents certificates of appreciation to the Lake Monsters’ “dedicated, helpful staff” at their annual meetings. CHAMP has also made appearances at the foundation’s other major fundraiser, the “Big Chill: Be a Hero for Epilepsy” swimming challenge at Malletts Bay every April, where he encourages the participants to jump into his freezing lake!

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Fans get on their feet for entertaining promotions as much as they do for big plays during the baseball game.

CHAMP is the one consistent face of the Lake Monsters, on and off the field,” general manager Nate Cloutier explains. “He makes you smile, and he also shows the good things you can do.”

Kyle Bostwick agrees. “People have that memory of the smiles, of the hot dogs, and games with their parents. Now, fast-forward 21 years, they’re coming back to see the same smiles on their own kids’ faces. There are lifelong memories being created every evening during the home season.” w

For this year’s game schedule, tickets, and more information, go to www.milb.com.

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trend watch B E ST O F B U R L I N GTO N

m ag a z ine ’ s

Build, Remodel & Decorate

CR Laine photo courtesy of Design Matters

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PHOTOS BY JIM WESTPHALEN

a pair by

Peregrine

BY MARY GOW

“Changing the way you live in your home.”

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Left: Sunlight drenches the Great Room, bringing to life the warmth of the natural pine floors and fir millwork details. Above: The welcoming front porch entry is framed in Douglas fir timbers.

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he design and construction team at Peregrine Design/Build, based in South Burlington, has built a superb reputation through their professional and collaborative process and the high quality of their work. The firm has been remodeling existing homes and building new ones in the Northeast for a quarter of a century.

“Our approach has remained formal yet fun, as we love what we do,” says Cliff Deetjen, Manager of Design and Sales. “We listen carefully to our clients’ needs and respond by offering creative design solutions and making sensible construction recommendations that are aesthetically pleasing and functionally smart. Our personal design attention from the office and our craftsmanship in the field culminate to bring out a client’s true spirit of the home.” 4

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Above: The beautiful fieldstone chimney is double-sided for outdoor enjoyment on the screened porch beyond. The warm Douglas fir cathedral ceiling unites the master bath and bedroom en suite. Below: Sliding barn doors created from site-salvaged barn boards give a fun, informal character to this lower level walk-out recreation room. Inset: Owner Tim Frost with Cliff Deetjen.

REFINED TIMBERFRAME

“The family built this home for longevity. The homeowners imagined what they want and what their grandchildren would want,” says Deetjen about this spacious home that Peregrine designed and built on a wooded knoll.

Though currently a vacation residence, with an area of 5,000 square feet, the owners plan to eventually make this their primary home.

“The owners fell in love with this property,” says Deetjen. “The solitude, wonderful hardwood growth, and pastoral setting were among the things in the landscape that they connected to on a personal level.” Peregrine worked with the clients to site and design the home to emphasize those features.

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a comfortable lodge feeling. In addition to using local stone and milled lumber, Peregrine’s construction team reclaimed timbers and boards from an old barn that had stood on the property to create doors and mantels in the home. Custom cabinetry and furnishings from local artisans further enhance the home’s Vermont quality.

“This home is a celebration of the land and landscape,” states Deetjen. “It is designed to celebrate its surroundings as a series of connected and stepped forms along a welldefined ridge and an exclamation point—the screened porch nestled into the trees. The rustic yet refined feel of the house is further connected to the landscape with a rear walkout basement opening up to a sculpted pool and landscaped patio area.” 4

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PHOTOS BY SUSAN TEARE

“

Size follows function but certainly is not everything: The quality of well-proportioned spaces, architectural details, natural and artificial light, and the deep understanding of how the clients want to live in their home are the most important qualities.

�

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“Small and smart has a lot of appeal.”

—Cliff Deetjen Peregrine Design/Build

elegant lakeside

Above: The kitchen and dining area opens up onto the screened porch, extending the family’s life at the lakeside. Opposite: Clean and crisp painted architectural details highlighted by natural dark cherry and granite accents give the interior interest and character.

Peregrine Design/Build 49 Commerce Avenue South Burlington, VT (802) 383-1808 www.peregrinedesignbuild.com

“Enjoying life in a simple elegant way,” explains Deetjen, was one of the main goals of the homeowners of this compact lakeside home.

The home was honored by an award from the Home Builders and Remodelers Association of Northern Vermont in 2013. “The family owned a camp and wanted to turn it into a year-round property and a home to retire to in the future.

They wanted to get the house ready and begin enjoying it now.” Given the limitations of the narrow lakefront site and the condition of the old camp, the homeowners and the Peregrine team decided to start fresh, razing the camp and designing a new home on the same footprint.

In designing this 2,000-square-foot home, the Peregrine team had an eye to the family’s interests—her gardens, his cars (a shop garage was built separately), and their shared enjoyment of lakefront living inside and out. The desire for long-term easy maintenance guided the selection of materials, including the durable exterior finishes. Substantial insulation, efficient windows, and passive solar benefits also contribute to the home’s energy efficiency.

Clean architectural lines, porch details, and well-proportioned windows give the new home a sophisticated cottage feeling, and the interior spaces connect to the outdoors. The fireplace design and cathedral ceiling bring loftiness to the living room.

“The small-house design concept uses overlapping spaces to function together as one for a larger, more expansive feeling,” explains Deetjen, an approach used especially effectively here in the open floor plan of the kitchen, dining, and living spaces. “Small and smart has a lot of appeal,” he says. w

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creators & dream makers

builders • contractors

photos these two pages by Susan Teare courtesy of cushman design

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Choose clean lines for a fresh feel

living in harmony

C

lean, simple design details are growing in popularity with homeowners. “We are seeing a trend toward the desire for the

reduction of ornamentation and an increased emphasis on cleaning up how materials interface, rather than simply covering edges and joints up with trim,” says Andrew Volansky, Architect at Cushman Design Group.

“If done well, the overall design can have a very tranquil effect,” he explains. “Beware and do not be

Repurposing of reclaimed objects is a fun trend, seen here in the use of old metal minnow traps as light fixtures, corrugated metal roofing as wall panels, and overhead garage doors to create a generous connection to the outdoors.

deceived, however. In my experience, the more simple a detail looks, the more planning and forethought it takes, and much of this work requires the right craftsperson and contractor to execute properly.” 

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builders • contractors

Photos by Jeremy Gantz courtesy of Red House Building

“People in our region seem to be rooted in their neighborhoods and are willing to invest in improvements to meet their lifestyle needs and often growing family size,” says Chris Quinn of Red House Building.

“We continue to see more fully developed outdoor living spaces and architectural features to sync them with the main house, such as large lift and slide doors,” says Chris Quinn of Red House Building, Inc. “Common features include kitchen gardens, fire pits, outdoor kitchens, spas, and dining terraces. When well-planned and executed, they add an amazing touch to the overall feel and presentation of the house, beyond the functionality.”

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Photo by Jeremy Gantz courtesy of Red House Building

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builders • contractors

Open living area.

Photos by Jim Westphalen courtesy of TruexCullins

Jim Westphalen photo

The design of our homes “frequently pays homage to the white agrarian buildings that dot the Vermont landscape.

”

—Architect Rolf Kielman TruexCullins

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NOW THAT’S RECYCLING! “Interest and emphasis on local materials is high, even in using resources from a home’s site,” reports Lee Grutchfield of TruexCullins.

“When planning a new home, we assess the potential of trees that will be harvested and send appropriate ones to be cut and dried at a local mill. We can then use them in flooring or furniture. We can make the front door out of a tree from the property; it’s a symbolic connection too. The costs are roughly the same as purchasing lumber, but it’s from your site.” w

Jim Westphalen photo

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Birdseye

Architecture & Building

“The Cantilever Lake House offers a modern interpretation of the traditional camp aesthetic while maintaining contextual sensitivity.”

—Brian J. Mac, AIA Principal Architect Birdseye Design

Wagner Hodgson Landscape Architecture

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BY MARY GOW PHOTOS BY JIM WESTPHALEN

House showcases “Cantilever modern design and fine craftsmanship. ”

I

f you had the opportunity to construct the home of your dreams, where would you begin? A wise first step might be to contact the pro-

fessionals at Birdseye Building Company in Richmond, Vermont, which has been serving clients as a building company for 28 years and as an architectural company for 16 years. Beyond planning and designing, the Birdseye team also includes artisans in woodworking, metalworking, and glass who take pride in creating one-of-a-kind handcrafted details.

Integrating Design and Nature “In residential architecture, we are seeing sophisticated clients who bring a more contemporary aesthetic to the table,” says principal architect Brian Mac, AIA of Birdseye. “Real appreciation of architecture and the value of artistic expression are becoming more commonplace in the client/ architect dialogue. There is less fear in doing something unique.” With a fully integrated approach to architecture and building, Birdseye works hand in hand with clients, designing and building beautiful, innovative, and sustainable homes. 4 Western views to the lake are picture-framed by the architecture.

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Each architectural move, including kitchen design, furnishings, and light fixtures, plays a role in enhancing the concept of a minimalist palette to create a peaceful, contemplative space.

Kitchen and living spaces at lake level, both visually and architecturally, extend their reach to the exterior.

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Cantilever House, a spare and bold contemporary lakefront vacation home designed and built by Birdseye, garnered the firm an American Institute of Architects Vermont Honor Award, the highest award granted by the AIA in the state. “Most importantly, the clients love it.

The process was a full collaboration between the clients and Birdseye and in the end resulted in a beautiful project that everyone is proud of,” says Mac. On the Waterfront A lakefront oasis was the goal of the owners of Cantilever House, a vacation home to enjoy with family. From the start, they were looking for something that blended into the landscape with an eye for the clean vocabulary of contemporary design. On the narrow sloping property, they were constrained by the setbacks to the footprint of a summer cottage that once stood there. “They wanted a fresh approach, but one respectful of the scale and vernacular of the lake,” Mac explains.

“The concept is rooted in connecting the experience to the lake,” says Mac about this family retreat. Three geometrically strong layers make those connections. The writer’s studio and garage stand on the highest elevation.

The home, with its expanses of glass, concrete terrace, and cantilevered second-floor screened porch, create the centerpiece. Extending out over the water’s edge, the lakeside cantilevered deck culminates the experience. A cantilevered metal staircase and concrete pavers connect the layers as they move under the extensions of the two structures.

Glass, steel, and concrete set the palette for the home.

The interior design, also designed by Mac, is as sleek and uncluttered as the exterior. “Everything we did is concept based,” says Mac. “The materials are clean and tight. We went to extremes to keep it minimal, and it takes master craftsmen to make that precision happen.”

That’s where Birdseye’s construction team made the Birdseye Building Company

design a reality. Beyond the overall construction of

3104 Huntington Road Richmond, VT (802) 434-2112 www.birdseyebuilding.com

Cantilever House, Birdseye did all of the cabinetry and extensive custom metal work. w

Spring 2014 / Best of Burlington 47

Ask the Experts 2014

Jim Westphalen photo

What one tip would you give homeowners as they look ahead to their 2014 projects?

Birdseye building

LANDSHAPES

BUILDING “Planning and patience. This is certainly not new to 2014, but be cautious about rushing the design and construction planning to meet some arbitrarily established deadline.

Projects that start without thorough design planning and comprehensive cost-estimating are risky at best. If advised by a design professional or builder that the time frame seems rushed or too aggressive, heed the warning. Once a project starts, I equate it to a fast-moving train, and stopping to re-evaluate design elements or cost options can be very challenging, stressful, and expensive. Know the basis of the project cost and be wary of signing on with someone who proposes to do the construction project at a stated price based on limited design and specifications.”

Chris Quinn, Red House Building, Colchester, VT

Landscape “Our lives are so busy—and often stressful—that I believe everyone should have at least one special outdoor place in which to retreat and relax. It can be elaborate or simple, with just one focus that brings us pleasure—perennials with pleasing colors and fragrances, berry-laden shrubs for attracting birds, the soothing sound of water, or the flicker of flame. It can be a place to enjoy a morning cup of coffee or an evening glass of wine, and a place for just one comfortable chair or a larger space with a dining table for entertaining.”

Cynthia Knauf, Cynthia Knauf Landscape and Design, Burlington, VT

48 www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

Trowel Trades Supply

“Start now! Don’t wait until you want your landscape installed. Think ahead—a year ahead if possible.”

Jeff Hodgson, Wagner Hodgson Landscape Architecture, Burlington, VT “Make your plans early in the spring, then you can enjoy your project sooner.”

Eric Mootz, Trowel Trades Supply Company, Colchester, VT

OutdoorS “Plan ahead! Spring is just around the corner and the sunshine will be beckoning! Assess your budget and put together a wish list. Come in to our showroom, and we will guide you in creating a plan to achieve your ideal outdoor living space. Nothing can take the place of sitting in the furniture and touching the textiles. Our prices are extremely competitive, and most companies give a 15-year warranty on their frames. We look forward to welcoming you!”

Ann Roche, Ann Roche Casual Furniture, Shelburne, VT “Buy the best that you can afford. Cheaper materials won’t last as long.”

Paul Koenig, Koenig Cedar Company, South Burlington, VT

Jim Westphalen photo Burlington Marble & Granite (Brown + Davis design)

wagner hodgson landscape architecture/ Christopher smith architect

Kitchens “Transitional design is becoming very popular. This is mixing traditional and modern styles. An example would be sleek-looking cabinets with a comfortable look, or traditional cabinetry with contemporary colors as accents.”

Becky White, Kitchens by Design, Georgia, VT “Educate yourself about different materials. There’s a wide range of quality natural materials. For example, there are a lot of really cool stone products you can use on your countertops. With the right knowledge about how to care for and maintain them, you will have beautiful countertops for decades.”

Mike Richburg, Burlington Marble & Granite, Burlington, VT

Interior Design “Take into account the green movement. Being green isn’t just about using ‘green’ products like no VOC paint, toxicfree cleaning sprays, or biodegradable materials. It’s also about reducing our footprint on this earth. We don’t want people to purchase pieces that will end up in a landfill in a few years. Spend a little more and buy well-constructed solid pieces from companies that have good, sustainable practices. You will find that these pieces will last much longer and end up saving you money in the long run.”

“Rather than simply adding square footage, contemplate the best use of space and materials. Less is more.”

Michelle Holland, Michelle Holland Interiors, Patina, Shelburne, VT

“Textural fabrics offer a fresh look. Grays, taupes, and earth tones gain new dimension with textured patterns.

Linen base cloths may be accented with tasteful stripes or checks.”

Rick Massar, Rags and Riches, South Burlington, VT “The color of the year for Benjamin Moore is Breath of Fresh Air, a very soft blue, which is considered the new neutral. It’s a color you can decorate around. Most of the Benjamin Moore palette this year is very soft, not intense colors. Grays are popular too. Gray is the new black as a classy intelligent choice. When choosing colors, it’s always a good idea to take home an actual sample of the color and try it in two or three different areas of the room.

Lighting sources in the room, the amount of natural light, and existing colors can all affect the final color.”

David Erkson, Vermont Paint Company, Burlington and Williston, VT w

Lindsay Anderson, Design Matters: Furniture & Interior Design, South Burlington, VT

Spring 2014 / Best of Burlington 49

creators & dream makers

kitchens

Photo by Jeremy Gantz courtesy of red house Building

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“I love our project for a busy young family of five, with its massive kitchen counter and custom stools, that allows full family gathering, eating, food prep, homework, and easy conversation,” says Chris Quinn of Red House Building.

Photo by Susan Teare courtesy of red house building

a fresh look

W

hat elements would you include in your dream kitchen?

According to Chris

Quinn of Red House Building in Colchester, modern kitchens and décor are becom-

Surround yourself with the beauty of natural materials

ing the new norm. “The trend of frameless cabinets, chunky countertops, and distinctive accent lighting has been popularized across all architectural styles. Many of these kitchens are also designed to be the family hub and are built for multiple purposes.” 4

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kitchens

Wi-Fi has become essential to the kitchen,” says Becky White of “Kitchens

by Design. “Cooks can look up recipes on their tablets and computers. Moms and Dads are checking social media over their morning coffee.

”

SLEEK AND SIMPLE

Ask Mike Richburg of Burlington Marble & Granite what’s hot this year and his immediate reply is “White marble in kitchens! White is bright, and from a design standpoint it opens up possibilities for cabinets, backsplashes, and flooring.”

Mike also sees a trend toward honed and brushed surfaces on granite instead of high polishes.

Honed, the stone has a matte finish, while brushed finishes have a slightly textured look. “These finishes put a different spin on the stone—a little more toned down, more organic,” Mike explains. “Vermont stone products have always had interest, but since the financial crash five years ago, I’ve seen a big increase in requests for local materials.” w COURTESY OF BURLINGTON MARBLE & GRANITE (Brown + Davis Design)

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Becky White updated this 1950s ranch house kitchen by removing two walls, one between the kitchen and dining area, and the other between the kitchen and living room area. “The homeowners wanted a more contemporary feel to their kitchen,� Becky says.

Courtesy of Kitchens by Design

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creators & dream makers

windows

“Power prints are still making a statement.

Vivid, bright, and powerful, these striking patterns commonly adorn pillows and curtains. Power prints allow you to keep the palette softer and more traditional, but with a snap. More cost-effective and versatile than buying new furniture or fully repainting your walls, power prints are a sure way to keep your home updated in 2014.”

—Kelly Conklin Gordon’s Window Décor

Photos (3) courtesy of Gordon’s Window DÉcor

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WINDOW DRESSING Beauty combined with functionality

C

reating beautiful windows in your home can be one of the most difficult challenges you may face. Why

not consult the experts to make your windows not only beautiful but also functional and energy efficient? Beautiful drapery fabrics coupled with energysaving blinds and shades can transform the look and feel of any living space.

Gordon’s Window Décor surprises customers with much more than window curtains.

“We offer accent pillows, bedding treatments, valances, décor accents,” says Kelly Conklin, COO of Gordon’s. “People come in for an education, and then when they start expanding in their home, they are able to tie things together.” 

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windows What’s Kelly’s best piece of advice for 2014?

Beautiful drapes and blinds frame the room and unite design elements and colors.

“Make a budget and stick with quality over quantity,” she says. “Window treatments are investments that last. It’s a smart first step to come in and have hands-on time with our products and operating styles, including many motorized shades. When you have a decorator come to your home afterwards, you will be five steps ahead.” w

Photos (2) courtesy of Gordon’s Window DÉcor

and builders can “nowConsumers order shades with their Marvin windows that are custom made for each unit.

Shades are offered in a variety of colors and can be light filtering or blackout.

”

—April Brolin Windows and Doors by Brownell

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In the News Catch up on what’s keeping local companies busy.

New Projects for Cushman Design Cushman Design Group of Stowe is busy with new projects, according to architect Andrew Volansky. The first is a 23,000-square-foot addition and renovation to the Sun and Ski Inn and Suites on the Mountain Road in Stowe. The project includes new hotel rooms and lobby, and a face-lift to the existing hotel. The goal of the addition will be to connect all three existing buildings and to provide many new amenities, including an eight-lane bowling boutique.

The team is also working on the North of Eden Pavilion in Lowell, Vermont, a retreat center for various types of group activities including therapy, gatherings, and yoga.

Knauf Gets Good Press Projects by Cynthia Knauf Landscape Design, Inc., have been included in some well-known publications recently. “We have received a lot of publicity this year with two of our landscape projects,” Cynthia says. “Our Home in a Meadow was featured in New England Home in the Nov/Dec 2013 issue, and our Traditional Urban Sanctuary was featured in Vermont Magazine in the Nov/Dec 2013 issue.” Traditional Urban Sanctuary will also be featured in Old Home Journal in spring 2014.

Michelle Holland Expands What could be better than having a second business location in Nantucket? Just ask Michelle Holland of Michelle Holland Interiors/Patina. “My latest venture is expanding on the Shelburne design business and antique shop by taking over our family business in Nantucket, Massachusetts,” Michelle says. “Nantucket House has been providing interior design and fine country antiques for nearly 40 years. My husband Tucker and I are enthusiastic about bringing it into the next generation.”

Red House Celebrates “We have had a great year with a broad balance of project types and scales, ranging from a lakefront estate to a small super-cool micro guesthouse to complex farmhouse restorations,” says Chris Quinn of Red House Building in Colchester. The company, which celebrated its tenth anniversary last summer, is looking forward to a few recently completed projects being featured in This Old House magazine and New England Home this spring.

Broadleaf Landscape Architecture WINS AWARD Broadleaf has won the Green Works Vermont Nursery & Landscape Association 2013 “Exceeds Excellence Award” in the Large Scale Residential Design category for their work on a residence in Waitsfield. The house was designed by Ellen Strauss of Sanford/Strauss Architects and constructed by Birdseye Building of Richmond, Vermont. The judges cited the project’s sensitivity to both the architecture of the home and the site, nice plant palette, integration of stonework, creative grade-change solutions, and development of seating areas. Additionally, several of Broadleaf’s projects have been included in a recently published Taunton Press book entitled Landscaping Ideas That Work by Julie Moir Messervy.

Design Matters Welcomes New Designer “We are excited to introduce Lindsay Anderson as part of our team,” says Annette Besaw, owner of Design Matters in South Burlington. Lindsay graduated cum laude from Endicott College in Beverly, Massachusetts, with a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design and a concentration in Sustainable Design. Welcome, Lindsay!

In late-breaking news, Design Matters recently won a 2014 Best of Houzz Award from Houzz.com for Customer Satisfaction.

Wagner Hodgson Wins Wagner Hodgson Landscape Architecture of Burlington was recognized with a national American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) design honor award for their Quaker Smith Point residence. Owners Jeff Hodgson and Keith Wagner remark, “It was great to get national recognition for our residential design work.” w

Spring 2014 / Best of Burlington

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bathrooms

Create a luxurious bathroom with a spa-like feel. Frank DeAngelis, owner of Close to Home, shares tips and advice.

RELAX AND UNWIND

“The renewed demand for USA-made faucets has brought about the rise of many fine, highquality American faucet manufacturers,” says Frank DeAngelis, owner of Close to Home in South Burlington. “Our showroom represents USA faucet lines such as Watermark, Sigma, California Faucets, and Waterstone, all made in America with pride! These manufacturers deserve our support because not only are they creating American jobs, but they are also adhering to very strict environmental laws, and many of them have been cited with ‘Green’ awards.” photos courtesy of close to home

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SHOWER TRENDS “Many of our customers are opting out of having a master bathtub and are instead putting in a great master shower,” says Frank. “Since a bathtub is important for a home’s resale value, a standard alcove bathtub is usually installed in a secondary bathroom.”

Master showers are incorporating glass walls and doors along with multiple showerheads, with the rainhead still being the most popular at Close to Home.

“Rainheads can come out from the wall or drop down from the ceiling, and recent offerings are much more streamlined and clean-looking than earlier versions,” Frank says.

“Clients are also enjoying the benefit of a thermostatic valve, which allows them to set water temperature and precisely control the volume of water.” w

Lighted mirrors put the light right where you want it for applying makeup or shaving. Available dimmers can create a peaceful bathing mood or a nightlight.

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creators & dream makers

lighting

bright ideas

photos courtesy of THE lighting house

60 www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

“The best advice we can give to folks with new projects coming up is to learn their options for the use of LED bulbs and LED fixtures.”

—Roger Corbitt The Lighting House

The world of home lighting is promising to be very exciting for 2014. What should you look for?

“The hottest things in lighting design are the choices of polished nickel and chrome,” says Roger Corbitt of The Lighting House in Shelburne. “The vintage look with reproduction vintage bulbs is also popular, and antique brass is seeing a little resurgence.”

Roger also suggests making the switch to LED lighting. “LED is definitely the biggest thing going in the lighting industry. The bulbs look just like regular bulbs and use an average of 85 percent less energy than conventional bulbs.” w

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creators & dream makers

spotlight

Conant

Metal & Light

Reflections of the past repurposed

C

onant Metal & Light on Pine Street in Burlington produces a broad range of custom products with a focus on repurposed lighting and repurposed furniture. “We believe

there’s a bright future for makers in America, and the domestic lighting market is ready for inspired lighting that reflects our industrious past,” says Steve Conant.

Staff members at Conant have noticed several new and exciting trends recently. According to Bryn Appe, “Brass is back! We have

seen a lot of beautiful spaces that are incorporating brushed or satin brass touches,” says Bryn. “Brass is a great way to bring a touch of glamour to your space.”

Metals have been growing in popularity for home décor for a few years, and this trend is evident in lighting for your home.

“Industrial pieces, whether they are vintage finds or new, are a great way to add character to a space,” says Bryn. “There is no better way to make a space feel like home than to add a touch of history.

We love incorporating vintage materials in our custom light fixtures for a unique product that will be sure to draw your attention.”

Bryn continues, “My tip for homeowners shopping for upcoming projects is to be bold and different! Sticking too closely to one color palette or style can end up feeling anticlimactic.” Bryn’s advice? “Play around with accents that are interchangeable and keep the permanent design more neutral. Choose a few statement pieces for each room that will demand attention and jazz up the space.”

Sounds like fun! w

62 www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

Conant Metal & Light 270 Pine Street Burlington, VT (800) 832-4482 www.conantmetalandlight.com

Push-Mower Table Lamp A utilitarian object is reborn as a graceful helix.

Ice-Block Pendant This combination of repurposed architectural glass and ice tongs is surprisingly elegant and tells a story.

Blowtorch Chain Pendant with 10-inch Copper Shade “So hot right now,� Bryn remarks.

Singer Swing-Arm Sconce Curvaceous legs from vintage sewing tables are repurposed as swing-arm sconces.

Spring 2014 / Best of Burlington 63

creators & dream makers

interiors

CR Laine photos courtesy of Design Matters (except top right)

Comfort & style Turn to the colors you love for comfortable furnishings and accessories

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A

re you thinking it’s time to freshen at least one of your living spaces? Designer Lindsay Anderson of Design Matters: Furniture and Interior Design of South Burlington says, “With our long dark winters, vibrant

colors are especially welcoming. Bright colors warm up the whole room. Bright accent pieces can transform a room. We love to use Company C for their bright rugs, furniture, and accent pieces.” 4

HOT TIP “Recover an existing piece of furniture! You can reupholster or slipcover your existing pieces for less money than purchasing new ones. You’ll have a ‘new’ and often betterconstructed sofa or chair and a fresh look.”

—Rick Massar Rags and Riches

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interiors

courtesy of Vermont Custom Closets

Cheryl Bodette of Vermont Custom Closets says that organized closets and storage spaces are in demand, and not just for the bedroom.

“Other spaces that are showing value to consumers are the pantry, garage, home office, laundry room, and more.”

What’s hot in decorator fabrics? “We’re seeing some bold, colorful, large-scale florals. Multicolored and tone-on-tone ethnic looks and ikats are also popular,” says Rick Massar of Rags and Riches in South Burlington. 4 66 www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

interiors

A MUTED PALETTE Interior designer Michelle Holland of Patina in Shelburne sees a trend toward lighter colors. “Recently, I have been using lighter, clearer paint colors with white trim for a clean, modern look,” Michelle says. “I like the simplicity of muted colors, natural fabrics, and clean lines. I always place emphasis on paint and pillows, which are easy to change year to year and offer maximum impact for minimal cost.”

Photos courtesy of Michelle Holland/Patina

Photos by Jane Beiles Photography Interior Design by Nantucket House Interior Design Studios

68 www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

WHAT’S HOT Wood treatments, such as whitewashing, bleaching, and cerusing to lighten and finish wood while enhancing the natural grain, are very popular now, according to Michelle.

Also consider updating your lighting.

“Transitional lighting gives a modern sensibility to a traditional home. Look for simple forms and finishes that can fit with either a historic or a contemporary setting,” Michelle advises. w Spring 2014 / Best of Burlington 69

creators & dream makers

landscaping • outdoors

Photo by Susan Teare. Trowel Trades Supply materials; design by Landshapes.

70 www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

Photo by Susan Teare courtesy of Distefano Landscaping

THE GREAT OUTDOORS Surround yourself with the beauty of nature

W

hile today’s homeowners are expressing the desire to expand and enhance their outdoor spaces, they are also becoming aware that their

decisions can impact the environment.

“More of our clients are asking us to design landscapes that will not harm the environment,” says Landscape Designer Cynthia Knauf. “Some communities actually require it, for example, by requesting that additional storm water generated by a new landscape is contained within the property boundaries. This requirement helps to keep pollutants out of our streams, rivers, ponds, and Lake Champlain. Rain gardens and pervious pavers catch storm water and allow it to infiltrate the ground below them,” Cynthia explains.

“Folks are also interested in minimizing air pollution by reducing or eliminating lawns and using local materials that require short deliveries to the site.”

When it comes to planning your garden, Kirsten Seibert of Broadleaf Landscape Architecture says, “We’re seeing more Spring 2014 / Best of Burlington

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Photo by Carolyn Bates courtesy of Cynthia Knauf

landscaping • outdoors

weather extremes, from dry to saturated.” Her advice? “You can build a resilient garden by using high-quality, local materials, including zone-hardy native plants and species with proven track records.” Be sure soil is weed free and deep enough for your chosen plants, and top the area with two to three inches of dark, natural bark mulch.

Kirsten’s final word of advice: “Create garden and landscape conditions that can be maintained with relative ease. Just be sure to take the final step . . . find time to enjoy the garden!”

courtesy of otter creek

courtesy of Broadleaf

“ Retractable awnings provide instant relief from the elements while a stationary canopy provides an around-the-clock benefit, no matter what the weather.”

Cheryl Bodette Otter Creek Awnings

INVEST IN COMFORT The migration to the outdoors calls for comfortable furniture. Ann Roche of Ann Roche Casual Furniture in Shelburne says, “The current color trend is white. It is fresh and timeless and can coordinate with anything. Lime greens, navy blues, and aquas are bright and cheery. I recommend a solid fabric on large furniture pieces with patterns on pillows for emphasis.” Ann adds, “Cantilevered umbrellas are hot!” courtesy of Ann Roche

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landscaping • outdoors

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LET THERE BE FIRE Many of our experts agree that fire pits are in demand. “Outdoor fireplaces and fire pits can expand a home’s outdoor living space and extend the outdoor living seasons,” says Chris DiStefano of DiStefano Landscaping. “We are seeing a lot more designs incorporating the fire pit into the natural stone patio,” adds Eric Photo by Susan Teare courtesy of Trowel trades

Mootz of Trowel Trades Supply.

courtesy of landshapes

Photo by Jim Westphalen courtesy of Wagner Hodgson

“Recent advances in lighting technology have opened up entirely new design possibilities,” say Jeff Hodgson and Keith Wagner of Wagner Hodgson Landscape Architecture.

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landscaping • outdoors “Barn-style garages are very popular,” says Robert Therrien, owner of The Carriage Shed in White River Junction. “These garages can also include an apartment for guests or family.”

courtesy of Koenig courtesy of THE CARRIAGE shed

Decking is hot, and the “all-important cedar decking and tropical hardwoods, including mahogany and ipe, are superb choices for your outdoor space.

”

—Paul Koenig Koenig Cedar

SHEDS AND MUCH MORE Need to expand your space with a new garage or barn? “From huge, elaborate horse barns to modest outbuildings for tools to garden pavilions, we specialize in Amishbuilt structures,” says Robert Therrien of The Carriage Shed. Amish crews craft components and install the structures.

“Our main objective is to build buildings that will last forever. In 100 years, we want your barn or outbuilding to look like it did when we put it there.” w 76 www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

Cedar

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Burlington Discover Thirty years ago, a few jazz musicians made a plea to Burlington City Arts, then operating out of a closet office in City Hall. “They sat at my desk and said, ‘We need your help,’” says Doreen Kraft, director of BCA and advisory board member of Burlington’s annual Discover Jazz Festival. “There were a lot of musicians who had no work, and jazz was an unrecognized idiom in Vermont.” 4

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EXUBERANCE IN HARMONY

W H A T ’ S H OT

by NANCY HUMPHREY CASE P h o t o s b y b r i an mac d o na l d un l ess o t her w i se n o t e d

Spring 2014 / Best of Burlington 79

Above: The Flynn Center announces the first weekend of MainStage performers for 2013. Photo by Michael Worthington. Right: 2013 artist-in-residence Ray Vega performs on the Flynn Center MainStage with Poncho Sanchez and his Latin Jazz Band. Photo by Michael Worthington. Below: 2013 artists from New Orleans, The Soul Rebels, perform at the Thursday Waterfront Tent.

Doreen hashed out ideas for promoting jazz in the Burlington area with Tony Micocci, former artistic director of the Flynn Center, and as the budding idea of a festival developed, they found it warmly embraced by the community. “It was like a perfect chord,” Doreen says. Everyone—from restaurateurs and the Church Street Marketplace to radio stations, the Burlington Free Press, and the mayor’s office—pitched in to make the 1984 three-day festival “a roaring success.”

Since then, the early-June event has exploded into a 10-day celebration packed with 125 events. This year, from May 30 to June 8 the whole city will come together to kick off summer with the joy and exuberance of music increasingly let loose from old jazz stereotypes.

Besides ticketed events at the Flynn and other indoor venues, free concerts will be held in parks, on the Marketplace, in clubs, and at the waterfront. Vermont talent will mix harmoniously with emerging artists and big-name performers. Free “JazzLab” concerts will fea80

www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

ture undiscovered guitarists whose compositions have a strong musical voice. Sixty school bands from around the state will take part too, inspiring kids with the knowledge that their music is part of something bigger. Approximately 100 events will be offered to the public free of charge.

Music for Everybody “This is what separates our festival from other jazz festivals around the country,” says Linda Little, managing director. Besides presenting world-class artists and giving the public general exposure to jazz, the festival’s mission includes an educational component. Jazz historian Bob Blumenthal writes original, enlightening program notes. Workshops, lectures, and preconcert Q & A’s with musicians invite listeners to peek into artists’ creative processes and philosophies, especially inspiring for other musicians but for the public as well. The festival planners aim to invite people to think about music in ways they may Spring 2014 / Best of Burlington

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never have before, as well as to simply have a great time.

“Part of our mission is to create an environment of discovery for the community,” says Abbie Tykocki, marketing and development manager. “So many people think of jazz as music they can’t relate to or that doesn’t make sense to them. But there are so many different facets to jazz—Latin, world music, electronic, funk, big band, free jazz.

There’s a type of jazz for everyone. I’ve been exposed to artists that I never thought I’d be interested in but am suddenly really excited about.”

“I like to define it as improvised music,” says Linda, a graduate of Berklee College of Music. “If improvisation is the heart of the music, then it’s jazz.” She believes that the jam-band culture so prevalent in Vermont is a direct descendant of the genre. “It’s music for everybody,” she says. Her goal for the festival is for people to walk down the street and say, “That’s jazz? Maybe I do like jazz.”

Headliners this year will be three National Endowment for the Arts awarded Jazz Masters: Ron Carter, a bass player who was in the Miles Davis Quintet and who has played on more than 2,500 recordings; Benny Golson, composer of jazz standards 82

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Crowds dance on Church Street Marketplace during the Long Trail Live opening night party.

Left and above: 2013 artists perform at the Waterfront Tent. Photo above by Michael Worthington.

including “I Remember Clifford,” “Killer Joe,” and “Along Came Betty”; and Eddie Palmieri, a pianist of Puerto Rican descent who helped shape the mixing-styles movement in jazz, specifically the Latin jazz culture. In addition, Maceo Parker, an American funk and soul jazz saxophonist, will perform in the Waterfront Tent. Abbie is most excited about Grammy Award–nominated Cécile McLorin Salvant, a young jazz vocalist who will perform at the FlynnSpace. “She embodies the spirit of bringing the next big thing,” Abbie says. “She’s about to blow up. We’re lucky we booked her when we did.”

“Artists who might not otherwise come to a city of this size are willing and desirous to come here because of how well they are treated and how warmly they’re received by our audiences,” Doreen says. “This festival is becoming legendary in musicians’ circles.” w For a complete list of performers and schedule of events, please visit www.discoverjazz.com now and in the coming weeks.

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w h at ’ s in s to r e

by SARAH ZOBEL P ho t os b y P a u l O . Bo i s v er t

August First

NO SHORTCUTS TO DELICIOUS

Even before reaching its fifth anniversary— a milestone that will happen this summer—August First Bakery and Café is something of a Burlington institution. “When we first opened, people would say to us, ‘It feels like it’s been here forever,’” says Jodi Whalen of the “love child” she co-owns with her husband Phil Merrick. “Now we feel like part of the fabric of Burlington.” Merrick’s background in artisan bread baking and Whalen’s experience in restaurant kitchens coupled naturally to create August First, where customers return time and again for substantial sandwiches, soups made from scratch, hearty salads, and sweet pastries that are baked fresh daily. 4

Owner Jodi Whalen gets ready for another busy day at the bakery.

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Quintessential Vermont

From top: Pastries are displayed on an upcycled wood rack made by owner Phil Merrick. Raspberry Sour Cream muffins. Racks of freshly baked organic bread. Opposite, top and bottom: Local customers and travelers alike are attracted by the bright, cheery bakery. Center: Owners Phil and Jodi.

“Our vision was for it to be an extension of our home,” says Whalen, adding that employees are instructed to treat customers like visiting friends. There are eight staffers on site each day, with the earliest arriving at 4 in the morning to get the bread into the armoire-sized Italian oven—“It’s an imitation brick oven,” says Merrick, “but a little more efficient”—and all are full-time employees because, says Whalen, “Quality of life for the staff is very important to us.” They keep busy making just about everything from scratch: soups, salad dressings, tofu marinades, jams, and of course the baked goods.

“There are a lot of shortcuts we could take, but we don’t,” says Whalen. That’s part of the couple’s goal to make August First the “quintessential Vermont country bakery.” In a space that was once an auto-body repair shop and a tire store before housing the nonprofit Turning Point Center, with two massive glass garage doors a reminder of the building’s past, creating cozy might have been a challenge. But the interior has plenty of tables and chairs, a few gingham tablecloths, a full bookshelf for customer perusal, maple counters, and the bakers in plain view; it’s a space where people come to relax.

A Signature Pastry and More The location at the corner of Main and South Champlain Streets is sometimes given the “off the beaten path” descriptor, but as Whalen notes, they’re only three blocks from Church Street and one block from the lake. They host plenty of repeat customers from Montreal, as well as locals who work in the area, once a lunch desert. They come for items like the top-selling sandwich, the BLT served on a baguette—with plenty of bacon—with an herb mayonnaise that’s made in-house with fresh thyme and rosemary. The turkey sandwich features Vermont Smoke and Cure meat topped with a homemade honey-curry dressing. The menu hasn’t changed much in five years, but Merrick and Whalen are toying with adding a few new offerings that they’ll test as specials first.

One item that’s guaranteed a place on the menu is their signature pastry, the Hungarian Roll, a flaky, multilayered crescent sprinkled 86

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with powdered sugar. It evolved because Whalen wanted to offer something that was reminiscent of a croissant. A collector of vintage cookbooks, she found a recipe for Hungarian Rolls that she tweaked; since then, it’s been available daily with walnut-meringue, raspberry, and apricot fillings. Every February a raspberry-flavored roll is added as part of the Valentine’s Day–centered Raspberry Week, which last year featured chocolate raspberry whoopie pies, raspberry crumb muffins, and white chocolate raspberry brownies. Scones— available in a rotating lineup of cranberry almond, lemon ginger, and chocolate hazelnut—are routine bakery bestsellers, as is “old faithful,” the chocolate chip cookie (theirs includes walnuts). In general, Merrick and Whalen have shied away from food trends such as olive oil cupcakes and anything with salted caramel, while continuing to create pastries and entrées that are uniquely theirs.

The Science in the Dough “We’re on trend without being trendy,” says Merrick. But in some ways, August First is ahead of trend, particularly when it comes to bread baking. After studying the basics with an artisan baker in southern California in the 1990s, Merrick opened a bakery and coffee shop in upstate New York, where he and his son built a 20-ton bread oven. Working as a team, they’d fire the oven while they made the bread dough, let the oven cool overnight while the dough rose, and bake the bread in the morning—around 4:30. The longer fermentation period resulted in chemical changes in the bread that gave it a distinctive flavor. The science behind this approach, which Merrick brought with him to August First, is that wheat sprouts at a lower temperature than yeast, but when standard bakeries toss in sugar and lots of yeast with their flour to “blow it up” quickly into a loaf, the benefits of the sprouting process are lost. At that point, he says, “You’re just eating raw starch and proteins,” a factor in gluten intolerance.

The August First doughs, however, use very little yeast. Unlike other bakeries’ breads, which call for two and one-fourth teaspoons per loaf, Merrick and his staff use about one teaspoon of yeast for every five pounds of flour. The dough rests at a cooler temperaSpring 2014 / Best of Burlington

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“Our vision was for it to be an extension of our home, ” says Whalen, adding that employees are instructed

to treat customers like visiting friends.

ture—no higher than the low 60s—which allows the wheat growth to stay ahead of the yeast. The result? A more easily digestible loaf that is full of flavor.

The bread options always include sourdough, seven grain, whole wheat, Kalamata olive, and jalapeño cheddar in addition to the baguettes; they’re used on-site in sandwiches but are also available for purchase and at City Market, where the August First bread bike travels every day, regardless of weather.

More recently, Merrick and Whalen have begun opening the bakery Monday through Saturday nights for private parties—corporate groups, rehearsal dinners, 50th birthdays— to enjoy unlimited amounts of 12 kinds of

August First Bakery & Café 149 S. Champlain Street Burlington, VT (802) 540-0060 www.augustfirstvt.com 88

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The original brick building, almost 100 years old, contributes to the unique character of the bakery. Jodi and Tom start early in the morning to prepare the day’s offerings.

flatbread pizza in combinations including sweet potato, apple, walnut, blue cheese, and caramelized onion or bacon, jalapeño, and mozzarella along with wine and local beer. In addition, they provide loaves to Burlington Wine Shop for tastings, slider and lobster rolls to caterers for summer weddings, and hamburger buns to the dealer.com café. Until November, they also owned Stacks Sandwiches; though they still provide it with hoagie rolls, they sold it, says Whalen, “when we realized that our hearts are right here.” w

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Spring Surprises

Shopping & fun things to do in our local Burlington area!

ECCO Clothes

ECCO, Burlington’s original designer boutique, has been dressing Vermonters in top brands for over 20 years! From denim to dresses, boots to stilettos, ECCO has it all! Premium denim lines like J Brand, AG, Paige, and Citizens of Humanity; elevated basics by James Perse, Splendid, and Michael Star; blouses by Ella Moss, Bella Dahl, and Velvet by Graham & Spencer; dresses by ABS, Laundry, and BCBG; shoes by Steve Madden, Dolce Vita, and Seychelles; handbags by Hobo and Liebeskind. From basic to anything but, ECCO has you covered. For big city style with a small town feel, visit ECCO on the corner of Bank Street and Church Street in the heart of Burlington.

81 Church Street Burlington, VT (802) 860-2220 www.eccoclothesboutique.com

Jamie Two Coats A magical place in the heart of Shelburne Village filled to the brim with your favorite things! Beautiful dolls, wonderful wooden toys, fun dress up, creative art supplies, Lego, Playmobil, and Bruder trucks.

A great place to pick up that lastminute party or birthday gift.

54 Falls Road Shelburne, VT (802) 985-3221 Mon–Sat 10am–6pm; Sun 11am–5pm

Boutiliers Fine Art Materials and Custom Framing A fixture in downtown Burlington since 1925, we offer the finest art supplies from around the world. Come discover the artist in you!

139 Bank Street Burlington, VT (802) 864-5475 www.boutiliersart.com Mon–Sat 10am–6pm; Sun 12–5pm See us on Facebook.

Shelburne Vineyard Winery and Tasting Room Join us for a taste and tour, and let us share our adventure growing grapes and making wine in Northern Vermont. Stay a while to stroll among the vines and enjoy a glass of your favorite wine on our canopied patio overlooking the vineyard. Visit our website or Shelburne Vineyard on Facebook to learn about concerts and events, and don’t forget to ask about planning your own special event here! Gift baskets and certificates available.

6308 Shelburne Road Shelburne, VT (802) 985-8222 www.shelburnevineyard.com Open 7 days a week, all year. 11am–6pm May–Oct; 11am–5pm Nov–April

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Salaam & The Men’s Store A savvy boutique on Church Street Marketplace featuring our own locally made Salaam line as well as a fantastic selection of clothing, jewelry, and accessories for men and women by your favorite brands such as Desigual, Lucky, and Ben Sherman. *New Location* 106 Church Street Burlington, VT (802) 658-8822 www.salaamclothing.com

Ben & Jerry’s Catering Peace, love & ice cream...

Let our friendly staff set it up, scoop it up & clean it up! It’s like having your very own Ben & Jerry’s scoop shop at your wedding!

Choose from over 30 euphoric flavors of ice cream, frozen yogurt & sorbet, served in cups or cones or an all out sundae bar. Let us know when, where and how many & we’ll turn any wedding gathering into a memorable ice cream extravaganza! We vow to make your day euphoric!

Central Vermont 802-882-2052 Chittenden County 802-222-1665

Vermont Furniture Designs Morse Farm It’s our time of year at Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks! We’re making syrup the traditional way here at Morse Farm—every golden drop of maple syrup we make is boiled over a wood fire. Our season is short, so don’t pass up the chance to drop by, whiff the heavenly aroma of boiling sap, and have a taste. We’ll also tell you the whole story of Vermont maple syrup from “tap to table.” Our eight–generation story is a “can’t miss” here in the heart of maple country!

VFD is a small, high-quality furniture manufacturer using age-old techniques.

We have supplied national chains with their highest quality, solid hardwood traditional and contemporary furniture for over 40 years. We have a large showroom and Factory Store at our shop in Winooski, and we can ship our furniture right to your home.

4 Tigan Street Winooski, VT (802) 655-6568 www.vermontfurnituredesigns.com

1168 County Road Montpelier, VT (800) 242-2740 maple@morsefarm.com www.morsefarm.com

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Stella Mae Find this season’s hottest trends at Stella Mae. Located on the Church Street Marketplace, Stella Mae carries a carefully selected shoe, clothing, and accessory collection. Brands include Frye, Sam Edelman, Coclico, Donald Pliner, Jeffrey Campbell, Alternative, Miz Mooz, Dolce Vita, and Chaser.

We also offer an online experience at stella-mae.com.

96 Church Street Burlington, VT (802) 864-2800 stella-mae.com

Petra Cliffs Petra Cliffs Climbing Center and Mountaineering School focuses on climbing and mountain-related education and recreation, accessible to all ages and abilities. We offer premium instruction and services through experience-based education in an inspiring atmosphere for families and friends to gather for a challenge and fun. Petra Cliffs is also home to an indoor ropes course for birthday parties, teams, and groups.

105 Briggs Street Burlington, VT (802) 657-3872 www.petracliffs.com

Furchgott Sourdiffe Gallery For more than 20 years, FS Gallery has been a destination for discerning art lovers seeking the finest in original art, museum-quality custom framing, and restoration services.

We also offer an eclectic and affordable selection of handmade and fair trade crafts and gifts. Original artwork can be taken home on a trial basis before purchasing.

86 Falls Road Shelburne, VT (802) 985-3848 www.fsgallery.com

Mason Brothers Offering a wide selection of reclaimed and antique building materials, Mason Brothers’ Architectural Salvage Warehouse’s 13,000-square-foot warehouse is filled with fireplace mantels, stained and beveled-glass windows, lighting, hardware, columns and pillars, marble and pedestal sinks, claw-foot tubs, windows, furniture, and unique artifacts.

11 Maple Street Essex Junction, VT (802) 879-4221 www.greatsalvage.com

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Lunaroma Aromatic Apothecary the sweet smell of success

DaMarla Von Tipton introduces a customer to the therapeutic line. Opposite: Jayne Stearns pours local Vermont beeswax into molds.

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by sarah tuff Photos by Paul O. Boisvert

Sidling up to the bar in one of Pine Street’s newest hot spots is an entirely different experience than you might imagine. Instead of gins and vodkas, there are jasmines and violets; peppermints and cardamoms replace pinot noirs and cabernets.

And chances are your mixologist will be Leyla Bringas, the aromatherapy expert who has spent nearly 20 years bringing essential oils and natural body care products to the people of Burlington and beyond. Now, she’s moved the boutique into this gleaming new 2,500-square-foot space, complete with kitchen, “synergies wall,” and bin after bin of exotic—yet handmade—products.

As for the “aroma bar,” it’s the starting point for a journey into the world of aromatic medicine. 4

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A Wide Variety of Blends “Aromatherapy is effective for creating positive change in so many facets of life,” says Bringas. “But it’s not just about smells—it’s about application as well.” Born and raised in New York to Cuban parents and landing her first job as a pharmacist’s assistant when she was 14, Bringas has barely had time to stop and smell the roses—not when it takes 50,000 roses to make an ounce of oil.

She began studying herbal and aromatic medicine in 1993, moved to Burlington in 1995, and opened Lunaroma in 2000.

For more than a decade, the shop stood at the corner of St. Paul and Howard Streets, but eventually it outgrew the building, thanks to increasing demand from customers from afar as well as local companies.

Testimonials have poured in from individuals whose skin problems have been resolved by Lunaroma’s custom products; treatment managers at spas rave about the wide-ranging line of essential oils. “I’ve seen aromatherapy help people attain a good night’s sleep when 96

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Clockwise from left: Owner Leyla Bringas, left, and assistant Rachael Keener blend Nourishing Facial Elixir. Collection of organic body colognes. Staff includes DaMarla Von Tipton, Leyla Bringas, Jayne Stearns, Rachael Keener, Amy Noel, and Nathanael Asaro.

nothing else works,” says Bringas, who has created everything from pain relief for teething babies to “transition” blends to help customers heal from divorce or a death in the family.

“Aromatherapy has been used for centuries to help the body deal with stress and infection, and seeing our Immune Support Blend being chosen over and over because it works makes me very happy.”

A A Symphony Symphony of of Aromas Aromas So does Lunaroma’s state-of-the-art kitchen, where Bringas and her six employees concoct mixtures made with some of the more than 200 essential oils from around the world. (The mother of a middle schooler, Bringas doesn’t get to travel to such far-flung places as Madagascar—the provenance of ylang ylang—as often as you might think, but she did spend two years operating a Lunaroma shop in Maui.) The shop’s staff does everything by hand, whether that’s filling a vial with muscle-soothing, cayenne pepper–containing Dragon Fire and Ice Linament or labeling a “clarity” candle. 4 Spring 2014 / Best of Burlington

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Clockwise from far left: Rachael looks for rose oil in the drawer of precious oils. Leyla shows finished products awaiting shelf space. Display of home care products.

“Being on top of ordering our 500-plus ingredients, making sure we have all the packaging on hand and the labels ready, and then manufacturing and bottling the products,” says Bringas, “all while managing employees, taking care of customers and orders, and continuing to grow the business is all very intense.”

Luckily, the “symphony of aromas” that Bringas describes as the shop’s signature smell is an instant mood booster, the everpopular lavender mingling with jasmine, sandalwood, wild orange, cocoa, and cucumber. After a long winter, it’s possible to travel to India or Turkey without leaving town, just by sniffing a tester.

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“I call these my masterpieces in perfume,” says Bringas, pointing to a museum-like display of organic, botanical perfumes made with none of the synthetic stuff that can stink up scarves for weeks. The difference between handmade and commercial body care products, says Bringas, is like the difference between Mirabelle’s baked goods and Chips Ahoy cookies.

LocalSupport Support Local Mirabelle’s, it turns out, is just one of more than 70 wholesale clients now working with Lunaroma; Stoweflake has long used the Maple Sugar Body Polish and Vermont

Body Butter in its signature line, while Hotel Vermont treats guest to the Lemon Lavender Lotion, Lemon Eucalyptus Shampoo, and Rose Bergamot Conditioner, as well as other Lunaroma products.

It’s the hand soap, however, that really has Bringas beaming. “I feel like we’re doing a good service for Burlington,” she says. You see, by stocking local businesses such as Burton, El Cortijo, and Vermont Pub & Brewery with refillable dispensers—no plastic bags—and delivering hand soaps in reusable five-gallon containers, Lunaroma not only prevents synthetic chemicals from draining into Lake Champlain but also eliminates waste and even elevates an evening out. “Chefs spend a lot of time on their cuisine,” explains Bringas, “and you don’t want to cover it up with perfume.”

Soon, researching Lunaroma products and placing orders from afar will be a soothing process too, thanks to a new website in the works.

But then again, entering the shop, housed in the same building as WND & WVS, Eco-Bean, and Salon Cruz, is half the fun. Customers can already spend 15 minutes designing their own personal line based on a favorite smell (say, ginger), and in the pipeline are classes and parties centered on aromatherapy.

And the bar is already in place. “Just working with these plant ‘spirits,’ as distillers have been calling them for centuries, is a huge honor,” says Bringas, “and I am forever grateful to have them in my life.” w

Lunaroma Aromatic Apothecary 688 Pine Street Burlington, VT (802) 951-9714 www.lunaroma.com

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Old Spokes Home for cyclists who need to get

there by mark Aiken Photos by Paul O. Boisvert

The museum at the bike shop is a humble attempt at chronicling some of the mechanical innovations of cycling’s Golden Age, the years 1866 through 1905.

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Everyone has a favorite vehicle. For Glenn Eames, it’s the bicycle. “I fell in love with the vehicle in the late 1970s after picking up a beautiful Raleigh International with full Campagnolo components,” says Eames, owner of the Old Spokes Home, a bike shop in Burlington’s old North End. “I came from a lethargic lifestyle without really good health habits, but when I got on my bike, it was the closest I had come to flying.” 4

From left: Brendan, Justin, Glenn, and Kai.

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One who fully immerses himself in an area of interest, Eames soon quit his job and traveled the world by bike. Two or three years later, after traveling Holland, Greece, Africa, Pakistan, Turkey, and India, he and his partner Mary Manghis landed in Burlington, Vermont, where Eames got a job repairing bicycles at the Ski Rack. Eames knew that a career in bicycles was his calling. “But I envisioned a different kind of shop,” he says. Old Spokes Home opened for business in 2000.

On its website, Old Spokes Home refers to itself as “the most unusual bike shop on the planet”—and it certainly is the most unique shop I have seen. Although founded upon a business model of selling used bikes, Old Spokes sells a nearly equal number of new 102

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bikes. Like many shops, a good deal of the business at Old Spokes Home is in service, maintenance, and repair. These, of course, are not so unusual. What makes Old Spokes unique are two things: its bike museum and the dedication of its staff toward the lifestyle surrounding bicycling.

The Museum “I have owned a lot of bicycles,” says Eames, in a massive understatement. Hanging from the ceilings of the Old Spokes Home and arranged in an attic storage-slash-viewing area is one of the world’s most complete collections of vintage bicycles. “I have tried to keep a few that would tell the story of the introduction of the bicycle post-

History of the Bicycle Old Spokes Home’s display of vintage bikes represents the early days of the bicycle, before the introduction of the automobile. “Cycling is like flying,” says Glenn Eames, who points out that the Wright Brothers, inventors of the airplane, owned a bike shop.

Says Eames, “Anyone is welcome to come in and see the bikes and share the spirit of cycling.” The museum is free, and someone will always try to be available to give a tour.

Below are a few bikes from Eames’s collection.

Velocipede: (1860s) Made by carriage maker Calvin Whitty.

“This early version came along after somebody came up with the idea of putting offset cranks on the front wheels with pedals,” says Eames.

Ordinary: (1870s to mid 1880s) This style of bike had a large front wheel and a small back wheel. “It defined what a practical machine they could be,” says Eames. “It was advertised as ‘the ever-saddled horse that eats nothing.’”

Safety: (mid to late 1880s) This bicycle, with equal-sized wheels, replaced the high wheelers and catered to a significant new biking population—women. “Another breakthrough was the invention of the pneumatic tire,” says Eames.

Templar: The 1890s was the golden age of bicycles, says Eames.

“Everyone wanted better, cheaper bicycles,” he says. The diamond frame, still used today, was developed during this period.

Opposite: A vast array of new bikes and accessories is available at the store. Above: Brendan wipes away the winter grime.

Civil War and its development until the inception of the automobile,” he says.

Listening to Eames is like leafing through a bike encyclopedia—a well-used encyclopedia that speaks in a soft tone with a very dry sense of humor. “There was an advertisement in the 1890s, the golden era of the bicycle,” says Eames, “‘the art of walking is on its last legs.’”

Peter Burns is a longtime customer who purchased his first bike from Eames at the Ski Rack 30 years ago. “There was something wrong with the bike even though it was brand new,” says Burns.

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“Glenn said, ‘You have a problem with your bike sounding like a washing machine?’” Obviously, Eames fixed the defect, and when he opened Old Spokes Home in the North End, Burns followed. “I bike to work,” says Burns and then pauses. “And they get that here.”

Bike-Loving Staff The “they” Burns speaks of is the staff at Old Spokes Home. They are deeply impassioned cyclists, says Eames. “They are committed to this lifestyle choice, and they are genuinely interested in sharing this passion with the public.”

I visited Eames at the Old Spokes Home on a snowy morning in January before the shop opened. Staff members arrived during my visit—all of them by bike. It was five degrees Fahrenheit, with six inches of new snow on the road outside. “None of them would drive to work,” Eames says. “They live to ride and they ride to live.”

So of course they understand Peter Burns’s situation; they are bike commuters themselves.

“I depend on my bicycle,” says Burns. “Besides, cars pollute and bikes don’t. Bikes are clean and

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make you fit. Do cars?”

Both Burns and Eames own cars, but they espouse the benefits of riding bicycles. “You can really impact your health and fitness—and your personal finances—if you park your car and ride your bike,” says Eames, who has been involved in local biking-advocacy organizations throughout the years.

Every shop has a niche, whether it’s racing, touring, mountain bikes, or what have you.

The Old Spokes Home specializes in commuter bikes. “We cater to people who want to get from Point A to Point B,” says Eames. You will also find a selection of mountain bikes, touring bikes, “fat” snow-riding bikes, and road bikes, but the Old Spokes Home is especially a shop for people who view their bicycles as modes of transportation.

Eames owns his shop for many reasons. It is a business, so therefore it needs to turn a profit.

“But Glenn doesn’t have a bike shop just to make money,” says Burns. “I like that there’s a still a place in our culture where someone with a little personality—a little eccentricity—can succeed.” w

Old Spokes Home 322 N. Winooski Avenue Burlington, VT (802) 863-4475 www.oldspokeshome.com

special advertising section

Spring 2014 Dining Guide

Guild and Company Farm-to-table steakhouse featuring dry-aged, locally sourced beef grilled over Vermont hardwood. Classic steakhouse entreés, seafood and vegetarian options, an innovative cocktail program, and lighter fare, such as burgers and sandwiches for a more casual dining experience. $$$

Great places to eat in and around Burlington.

1633 Williston Road South Burlington, VT (802) 497-1207 guildandcompany.com

The Spot Enjoy our surf-style ambience and delicious breakfast, lunch, and dinner entrées. Conveniently located on Shelburne Road in Burlington. Free parking, free Wi-Fi. $–$$ 210 Shelburne Road Burlington, VT (802) 540-1778 www.thespotvt.com

Prohibition Pig

Key to Symbols $ most entrées under $10 $$ most entrées $10 to $25 $$$ most entrées over $25

Located in Waterbury, the food and beverage crossroads, we feature New England’s largest and best curated selection of craft beer, proper cocktails, and eclectic wines with a full menu featuring barbecue, vegetarian, and cozy American fare. $–$$ 23 South Main Street Waterbury, VT (802) 244-4120 prohibitionpig.com

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special advertising section

Beyond the Menu

dining guide for burlington and the surrounding area

Windjammer Restaurant

The Farmhouse Tap & Grill Dedicated to showcasing local farms and food producers, our menu features award-winning burgers, comfort entrées, artisan cheeses, vegetarian options, and nightly innovations. The Tap Room delivers highly prized and rare beers.

“Special Happenins” Wed nights. $$

Featuring American fare, vegetarian, and gluten-free options as well as an extensive salad bar. Specialty cocktails, craft beers and a Wine Spectator wine list complement both the restaurant and pub menus. Supporting Vermont farms, producers, and businesses since 1977. $–$$

160 Bank Street Burlington, VT (802) 859-0888 www.farmhousetg.com

1076 Williston Road South Burlington, VT (802) 862-6585 windjammerrestaurant.com

and Discover

Burlington!

The Flynn Center for the Performing Arts The Flynn Center for the Performing Arts presents its spring lineup, including Broadway diva Patti LuPone, Mermaid Theater of Nova Scotia, St. Patrick’s Day with Danú, Keb’ Mo’, the Broadway National Tour of “Man of La Mancha,” dance theater with Lucky Plush, Arturo O’Farrill & The Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra, bluegrass queen Rhonda Vincent and the Rage, Pilobolus, a celebration of Bread and Puppet’s 50th anniversary, and more.

discover

153 Main Street Burlington, VT (802) 86-FLYNN www.flynncenter.org www.flynntix.org

Guild Meats & Delicatessen Burlington’s neighborhood butcher shop and deli. Chef Tom Deckman and Master Butcher Frank Pace transform fine Vermont meats into sausages, deli meats, marinated steaks, trussed chickens, seasoned chops, burgers, and more. Housemade sandwiches, party platters, and baked seasonal treats. $$ 111 St. Paul Street Burlington, VT (802) 497-1645 guildfinemeats.com

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1834 Shelburne Road South Burlington, VT (802) 862-1081 www.paulinescafe.com

photo credit: Frédéric Silberman

Step out

Pauline’s Café Chef owned, featuring American cuisine, from casual to fine dining, local and wild food, and our famous crab cakes! Open seven days for lunch and dinner. Private dining rooms. Open daily.

Lunch, dinner plus Sunday brunch. $–$$

J Morgans Steakhouse Vermont’s cutting-edge steakhouse featuring over 20 steaks aged and hand cut in-house, 12 daily seafood dishes, and an award-winning Sunday brunch.

Located on Montpelier’s historic State Street. $$ 100 State Street Montpelier, VT (802) 223-5222 jmorganssteakhouse.com

El Cortijo A vibrant atmosphere featuring tacos, soups, salads, and entrées prepared with local ingredients and expressed as traditional Mexican fare. Freshsqueezed margaritas and handcrafted cocktails. Late night menu until 1am, Fridays and Saturdays. $–$$ 189 Bank Street Burlington, VT (802) 497-1668 CortijoVT.com

Happenings

SPRING 2014

Calendar of Events March 5

Golden Dragon Acrobats MainStage, 7:30pm

December 2

FLYNN CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

March 22

Lucky Plush MainStage, 8pm

153 Main Street Burlington, VT Tickets: (802) 863-5966 Info: (802) 652-4500 www.flynncenter.org

April 2–3

Lagartijas Tiradas al Sol: El Rumor del Incendio FlynnSpace, 7:30pm

March 3

DeJohnette / Lovano / Spalding / Genovese: The Spring Quartet

April 4

Nellie McKay FlynnSpace, 7 & 9:30pm

MainStage, 7:30pm March 7

Patti LuPone MainStage, 8pm

Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia MainStage, 2pm

March 15

Danú

4 4 4

March 9 444

MainStage, 8pm March 16

Keb’ Mo’ MainStage, 7pm March 20 444

Man of La Mancha MainStage, 7:30pm

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HAPPENINGS

April 19

Arturo O’Farrill

April 8–10

4 4 4

MainStage, 8pm

Guru of Chai

VERMONT SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

FlynnSpace, 7:30pm

No need to leave the comfort of your theater seat to take the Grand Tour this spring! Our musical journey includes stops in Italy for an overture from one of Rossini’s comic operas and in Norway for a delightful miniature by Grieg. Vaughan Williams’ native England is next. We hop back across the channel to Germany to enjoy a wonderful full-orchestra version of Death and the Maiden.

April 24444

Rhonda Vincent and the Rage MainStage, 7:30pm May 2

Pilobolus MainStage, 8pm May 13

FlynnSpace Comedy Series: Stand Up, Sit Down & Laugh

March 8

March 10

Flynn Center, 8pm

Bellows Falls Opera House, 7:30pm

March 9

Paramount Theater, Rutland, 3pm

FlynnSpace, 7:30pm

shelburne Farms

April 12–13

1611 Harbor Road Shelburne, VT (802) 985-8442 www.shelburnefarms.org Hours: 9am–5:30pm daily

12, 9am–5pm; 13, 9:30am–2pm

March 6, April 3 & May 1

Aspiring Naturalist Teens Monthly Program 4:30–7:30pm March 7–9

ABC’s of Farm-Based Education: Educator Workshop April 12

The New Horse-Powered Farm: Tools and Systems for the Small-Scale, Sustainable Market Grower 6:30–8pm

Green Mountain Draft Horse Beginner Driving Clinic May 1–4

Earthtime: Living Practice/ Practice for Living

Flynn Center, 8pm

Please check the VSO website at www.vso.org or call (800) VSO-9293, ext. 10 for additional information.

May 23–25444 Bedrock to Birds: Exploring the Natural History of the Shelburne Landscape at Spring Migration

5pm Friday–1:30pm Sunday

May 3

Lenses on the Land 2:30–10pm May 9–11444 Pasture to Palate: A Farmstead Cheesemaking Journey

11am Friday–4pm Sunday May 10–11

Aspiring Naturalist Teens Overnight 4:30pm Saturday–7:30pm Sunday

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May 3

www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

June 6–8

Forest to Furniture Build a rustic table or bench out of a slab of wood from a tree grown on the farm.

2–7pm Friday, 9am–6:30pm Saturday, 9am–5pm Sunday

Other Noteworthy Spring Events Through May 26

John Bisbee: New Blooms Info: www.shelburnemuseum.org Shelburne Museum Through June 8

Supercool Glass Info: www.shelburnemuseum.org Shelburne Museum March 13–23

Urinetown Info: www.uvmtheatre.org UVM Theatre March 15

Bella Voce “Bellissima Musica” Concert with the Burlington Ensemble Info: www.bellavocevt.org McCarthy Arts Center, Saint Michael’s College, 8pm April 12

MS Walk Info: walkMSGNE@nmss.org Burlington May 12

Whaleboat Launch Day–Champlain Longboats Info: www.lcmm.org 4472 Basin Harbor Road, Vergennes, 11am–1pm

May 31

Create a Spring Flower Arrangement & Tea Time at the Inn 1–3pm

Spring 2014 / Best of Burlington 109

HAPPENINGS ECHO LAKE AQUARIUM AND SCIENCE CENTER/ LEAHY CENTER FOR LAKE CHAMPLAIN 1 College Street, Burlington, VT (877) ECHOFUN, www.echovermont.org

June 14–15

Kids Pirate Festival

Info: www.lcmm.org Lake Champlain Maritime Museum

May 17 & 18

Bella Voce 10th Anniversary Celebration Gala Concert Info: www.bellavocevt.org 17, First Baptist Church, 8pm; 18, Stowe Community Church, 3pm May 30–June 8

Discover Jazz Festival Visit the website for events and locations.

Info: www.discoverjazz.com

Through May 11

March 28

Exhibit: Alice’s Wonderland: A Most Curious Adventure

Animal Disguises Costume Camp: Frog Skins

March 22

Webelos-Only Overnight 6:30pm Saturday–9am Sunday March 27

8:30am–2:30pm May 24–September 1

Exhibit: KEVA Planks: The Fusion of Art and Science

ECHO Animal Passport Camp: Meet the Snake 12–5pm

GET CONNECTED Get listed on the bestofburlingtonvt.com BUSINESS DIRECTORY and you will also be included on our printed list in every issue of Best of Burlington (see page 14).

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BEST OF

BURLINGTON

advertisers index

A&N Stoneworks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93

Lunaroma. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Ann Roche. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

Old Spokes Home. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109

Aristelle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

Optical Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109

August First. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Outdoor Living Space. . . . . . . . . . . . . 98

Automaster. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Patina. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

Ben & Jerry’s. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

Pauline’s Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98

Birdseye Building . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Peregrine Construction. . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Broadleaf Landscaping. . . . . . . . . . . . 71

Photo Garden. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Burlington College . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

PierVana Hair & Spa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Burlington Furniture. . . . . . . . . . Inside back cover

Prohibition Pig. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Burlington Marble & Granite. . . . . . . . . 9

Rags & Riches. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

Carriage Shed. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

Red House Building. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Catamount Restaurant Group. . . . . . . 13

Saba Marine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

City Market . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

Skin Deep . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

Close to Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Sportstyle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Colchester Dental. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

Spot Restaurant. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97

Conant Metal & Light. . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Stella Mae. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Contemporary Dental. . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

The Lighting House. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Co-op Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

The Woodlands. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97

Cushman Design. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Tom Moore . . . . . . . . . Inside front cover

Cynthia Knauf Landscaping. . . . . . . . . 77

Trowel Trades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

Design Matters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

TruexCullins. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Designers Circle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

UVM Summer Courses . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Discover Jazz Festival. . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Vermont Bed Store. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

DiStefano Landscaping. . . . . . . . . . . . 75

Vermont Custom Closets . . . . . . . . . . 66

ECCO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Vermont Energy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Echo Center Lake Aquarium. . . . . . . . 88

Vermont Frame Game. . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

Gordon’s Window Décor. . . . . . . . . . . 25

Vermont Kitchens at Rice Lumber. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Hickock & Boardman. . . . . . . Back cover

PT 360. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Interior Design by Keeping Good Company. . . . . . . . . 81

Vermont Paint Company. . . . . . . . . . . 66

Jess. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81 Kitchen Design by Becky White . . . . . 21

Wagner Hodgson Landscape Architecture. . . . . . . . . . 77

Koenig Cedar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Windows & Doors by Brownell. . . . . . 56

Landshapes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

Wnd N Wvs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

Vermont Tent. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104

Leibling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 For more information about print and online advertising opportunities, contact John or Robin Gales at (802) 295-5295 or email coffeetablepublishing@comcast.net.

Spring 2014 / Best of Burlington

111

Closing Thought

I don’t like formal gardens.

I like wild nature. —Walt Disney

112 www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

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Coffee Table Publishing, LLC P.O. Box 1460 Quechee, VT 05059

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