BOB online issue Winter 26

WINTER 2026

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 19 NO.1

WINTER LIGHTS IS BACK AND FABULOUS!

DAILY PLANET

YOUR GO-TO FOR ALL APPETITES

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A HERO REMEMBERED

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Contents

winter features

46 SHOOT, SKATE, AND SMILE!

At Vermont Hockey School, there's fun for everyone

BY JEN DUBY

38 A HERO REMEMBERED

Burlington's Ethan Allen Monument stands tall

BY PAUL HELLER

68 FROM PARADE TO PREJUDICE Honoring Vermont's Buffalo Soldiers

BY PAUL HELLER

COVER PHOTO BY STEPHEN MEASE COURTESY OF BURLINGTON CITY ARTS 16 | www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

BURLINGTON VERMONT’S BOUTIQUE C H O C O L AT I E R 1 8 0 B AT T E RY S T . S T E 1 1 0 B U R L I N G T O N , V T 8 0 2 . 5 4 0 . 8 3 7 8 | N U C H O C O L AT . C O M “ TH E

BEST CHOCOLATE IN V ERMONT

BE A U T I F U L LY

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M U S T - V I S I T

C H O C O L AT E G I F T

F O R

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Departments

Contents 21 PUBLISHERS’ NOTE 22 ONLINE HUB

24 PETS AND PEOPLE Make winter wonderful for your pets

26 ART SCENE Winter Lights is back

30 NEARBY TREASURES Shop locally to support your community

34 IN THE KITCHEN Daily Planet

42 CHEERS Eggnog: a holiday clossic

53 MEET ME DOWNTOWN News, shopping, dining, and more

66 FUN FACTS Winter wisdom

74 WINTER HAPPENINGS Calendar of events

42

18 | www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

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Keep us posted. Best of Burlington wants to hear from our readers. Correspondence may be addressed to Letters to the Editor, Best of Burlington, 32 Hermit Thrush Lane, South Burlington, VT 05403. Advertising inquiries may be made by emailing ctpublishing@ comcast.net or coffeetablepublishing@comcast.net.

Best of Burlington is published quarterly by Coffee Table Publishing, LLC, ©2026. All rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or in part is strictly prohibited.

Best of Burlington accepts no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, artwork, or photographs.

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PUBLISHERS’ NOTE

Champlain’s Chill, Burlington’s Warmth Welcome to this edition of The Best of Burlington—where the Champlain Valley’s vibrant past meets its promising future, all set against a backdrop of breathtaking scenery and endless adventures. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or prefer cozy indoor escapes, there’s something here for everyone.

Step back in time with us as we explore the remarkable story of the Buffalo Soldiers, the legendary African American cavalry unit once stationed at Fort Ethan Allen. Their arrival sparked curiosity, but what truly surprised the community was how these soldiers transformed local perspectives and left a lasting legacy.

Craving a taste of Burlington’s culinary scene? Slip into Daily Planet, a hidden gem just off Church Street. Treat yourself to inventive cocktails and mouthwatering bites in a lively, welcoming atmosphere—where affordability meets unforgettable flavor, and the staff make every visit special.

Plus, don’t miss our roundup of the latest events, pet-friendly happenings, and community updates from across the Champlain Valley. Thank you for letting us bring you the very best of Burlington—where every day is an invitation to discover something new.

Cheers!

John and Robin Gales Publishers

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK!

@bestofburlingtonmag

WINTER 2026 | Best of Burlington | 21

ONLINE HUB WWW.BESTOFBURLINGTONVT.COM

But wait, there’s more...

Check us out online!

ONLINE EXCLUSIVES

WINTER 2026

BEST OF BURLINGTON

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 19 NO.1

WINTER LIGHTS IS BACK AND FABULOUS!

DAILY PLANET

YOUR GO-TO FOR ALL APPETITES

ETHAN ALLEN

A HERO REMEMBERED

WINTER 2026

SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER PARTY BITES FOR WINTER CELEBRATIONS If you’re looking for inspiration for your next seasonal gathering, look no further than accompaniments made with premium European ingredients, like Grana Padano PDO cheese and Prosciutto di Parma PDO. See recipes at www.bestof burlingtonvt.com.

What does our newsletter include?

• A summary of our most popular articles and comments from our readers • Local event listings from our calendar • Special offers from Best of Burlington and local businesses • Exclusive insights into upcoming features and articles, and much more . . .

Join the conversation online... www.bestof burlingtonvt.com Share your comments on our site or on social media, or drop us a line at ryan@bestofburlingtonvt.com. You might even see your name in our next issue.

TIPS FOR TEENS CHOOSING A CAREER Want to help young adults prepare for the future and choose a career path? Learn how at www.bestof burlingtonvt.com.

22 | www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

Click on our online calendar to see local events happening in our community, and you can add your own event for free!

PETS AND PEOPLE SPONSORED BY FETCH THE LEASH

MAKE WINTER WONDERFUL FOR YOUR PETS Some dogs just love being outside, no matter what the weather is like! But when winter brings cold, snow, and ice, it can be tough on their health. Just like we take extra care of our furry friends in the summer, it’s important to watch out for the special challenges that come with colder weather. With a little extra care, you and your pet can enjoy a safe and happy winter together!

Regular grooming and pet-safe moisturizers help keep their coat soft and healthy. Be mindful of salt and de-icing chemicals on sidewalks—they can irritate sensitive paws. Booties or paw balms are great for protection, and a quick wipe after walks helps prevent discomfort. Check their paws after walks for any signs of irritation or injury and wipe away salt or chemicals.

WINTER’S HIDDEN DANGERS Cold weather can bring risks like frostbite and hypothermia, especially for pups with short coats or health concerns. So, keep outdoor adventures brief, make sure your dog has a cozy shelter, and watch for signs like shivering or pale gums.

MORE EASY TIPS • Always keep your pet’s water bowl filled with fresh, unfrozen water.

• Add a little extra food if your pet is more active outdoors (ask your vet if you’re not sure).

• Use reflective gear for walks when it’s dark out.

• Before starting your car, tap the hood to make sure no outdoor cats are hiding underneath for warmth.

WINTER PAW AND SKIN TLC Winter air can dry out your dog’s skin, leaving it flaky and itchy.

24 | www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

THIS VALENTINE’S DAY ♥

SHOW YOUR PET SOME LOVE

A

mericans are expected to spend a record $27.5 billion this Valentine’s Day, and many plan to purchase gifts for their pets, according to an annual survey conducted by the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics.

“Dogs are very in tune with their pet parents’ emotions,” says Dr Aziza Glass, veterinarian for Freshpet. “Pups are sure to feel the love from the actions and little things pet parents do.”

Science confirms cats also form secure attachments to their pet parents similar to human babies, relying on their humans for comfort and security. While sometimes more subtle than dogs, a cats’ love is expressed through trust and bonding, indicating deep connections.

important for everyone – dogs and humans alike. Head to a nearby dog park or plan a play date with some neighborhood friends to get your dog out and playing with others.

In addition to providing an excuse to run

around with friends, your pup will thank you for it later.

These actions reinforce the bond between pets and owners, contributing to the health and happiness of both.

HOW TO SHOW YOUR LOVE Cook a batch of pet-friendly treats: Since the classic Valentine’s Day gifts of chocolate and candies are out of the question for dogs, homemade treats are a great alternative.

• Dehydrated veggies and fruit treats are easy options. All you need to do is choose pet-safe fruits and vegetables and bake them for a few hours.

• Pet-friendly foods include strawberries (loaded with vitamins C, B1, B6, K, and more), cranberries (include antioxidants to help prevent inflammation), and beets (packed with fiber, vitamins and minerals).

• Plan a doggie play date: Socialization is WINTER 2026 | Best of Burlington | 25

ART SCENE | WINTER LIGHTS PHOTOS BY ADAM SILVERMAN

Winter Lights Is Back!

ILLUMINATING THE DARKEST DAYS AT SHELBURNE MUSEUM

S

tep into a world of magic and wonder as the beloved Winter Lights event returns for its fifth season at Shelburne Museum. From now through January 4, 2026, this festive tradition transforms the museum’s iconic landmarks into a dazzling winter wonderland, delighting visitors of all ages.

Bundle up and explore the museum’s grounds, where thousands of colorful lights adorn favorite stops, such as the historic 220foot steamboat Ticonderoga, the charming 1871 Lighthouse, the twinkling forest of Beach 26 | www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

Woods, and gardens aglow with sparkling spritzers and baubles.

Another must-see are the whimsical weather vanes, inspired by the museum's collection, illuminated on the Round Barn.

WHAT’S NEW FOR CHRISTMAS 2025 Discover reimagined holiday light displays staged throughout the grounds of the museum.

Kids will love seeing the Locomotive 220 illuminated at the Train Station and will be equally enthralled by the model train in Diamond Barn, where they can see the train station in miniature and watch the tiny train chug through a holiday village.

SPECIAL PERFORMANCES On Saturday evenings and December 26, enjoy captivating performances by local artists. Experience the mesmerizing flow artistry of Maiz on Fire Productions and encounter fantastical puppet creatures from Puppet Ruckus as they roam the illuminated grounds.

WINTER 2026 | Best of Burlington | 27

28 | www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

Equipping Vermont Adventures Since 1995.

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Bundle up and explore the museum’s grounds, where thousands of colorful lights adorn favorite stops, such as the historic 220-foot steamboat Ticonderoga, the charming 1871 Lighthouse, the twinkling forest of Beach Woods, and gardens aglow with sparkling spritzers and baubles.

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PRESENTED BY Winter Lights is made possible thanks to sponsors, including Radiance Medical Aesthetics and Wellness Spa, Lake Champlain Chocolates, and PC Construction, with additional support from Union Bank, Farrell Distributing, and Global Foundries.

WINTER 2026 | Best of Burlington | 29

NEARBY TREASURES

Supporting your local businesses helps the area where you live, work, and play L’IVRESSE LINGERIE L’ivresse Lingerie is your bra-fitting, lingerie, and loungewear destination, featuring A-K cups and 28-50 bands in stock, sizing XS-3X. We help you through the bra-shopping experience, with an extensive size and style selection to meet every need. From first bra fittings through body changes and major life events, a little help makes finding bras a breeze. Fittings by walk-in or make an appointment online at www.shoplivresse.com.

RADIANCE MEDICAL AESTHETICS & WELLNESS SPA Winter is the perfect time to repair and refresh your skin. Did you know that vitamin C and professional skin-calming facials can restore glow, reduce damage, and protect your skin through every season? Learn more about the best ways to protect your skin with Dr. Parker’s “In the Know” segments, answering your questions on all things skin, wellness, and beauty, with science-backed facts. www.radiancevt.com

PURE BARRE Pure Barre Vermont’s boutique offers premium activewear from brands like Lululemon, Beyond Yoga, and Varley, alongside accessories from Teleties, Bala Bangles, and more. As the only Lululemon retailer in the Greater Burlington area, every purchase supports our small business, helping Pure Barre thrive in Vermont and continue offering amazing classes and a supportive community. www.purebarre.com 30 | www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

CHEEKS At Cheeks, skincare is more than a treatment—it’s a personalized journey. With concierge-level care, advanced technology, and curated products, every experience is tailored to your skin’s unique needs for results that radiate confidence and refinement. www.cheeks.com

Comfort food classic — huevos rancheros.

Open for breakfast & lunch seven days a week from 8am-3pm THE SPOT 210 SHELBURNE ROAD • 802-540-1778 • THESPOTVT.COM

WINTER 2026 | Best of Burlington | 31

A LITTLE SOMETHING Get cozy with gorgeous sweaters and more at A Little Something, featuring clothing, jewelry, gifts, and more from small companies and local and independent designers. We offer gift wrapping, lots of easy parking, and a continuously changing assortment of beautiful items. www.alittlesomethingvt.com

EDEN AESTHETICS & WAXING We’re your nearby beauty haven for luxury facial treatments, professional waxing, and therapeutic massage.

At Eden Aesthetics & Waxing, every detail is designed to help you relax, refresh, and glow from the inside out.

Discover why Vermont locals call Eden their favorite selfcare escape. Come experience your Eden moment. www.edenaestheticsvt.com, www.glossgenius.com

JAMIE TWO COATS 4T2D 4T2D {FOUR-TI-TUDE} is rooted in Burlington, making Vermont-made beanies and apparel built to move with you, wherever the day leads. Produced at our sister manufacturer, Fourbital Factory, every piece blends quality, comfort, and care—made close to home and designed with you in mind. www.4t2d.com

32 | www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

Jamie Two Coats, an old-fashioned children’s toy shop in the heart of Shelburne Village, is filled to the brim with the best toys, clothing in all sizes, and gift items guaranteed to be a hit with kids and adults. www.facebook.com/jamietwocoats and www.instagram.com/jamietwocoats

IN THE KITCHEN | BY JEN DUBY PHOTOS COURTESY OF DAILY PLANET

DAILY PLANET

I

f restaurant industry workers, people who cook and serve food for a living, like a place, you can bet your last burger that the place is special. That describes Daily Planet to a tee. It’s been a place to unwind for the food industry crowd since 1982, and

34 | www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

BURLINGTON’S GO-TO FOR ALL APPETITES

when Neil and Rachel Solis took over in 2020, they further solidified Daily Planet's reputation for great food.

By 2020, Neil and Rachel Solis had been part of the Burlington restaurant scene for years, Rachel as a server and front-of-house

team member and Neil as a line cook and chef. They were still working in restaurants but also running a food cart and catering business, and they were eager to open their own brick-and-mortar space. So when Daily Planet came up for sale, they jumped on it.

Clockwise from top: Front of House Manager Rylee Charnisky.

Daily Planet offers casual food, like nachos and burgers, but you'll also find intriguing fare, like sweet potato and apple bisque, North African vegan tagine, and Neil's tomato basil bucatini.

THE SAME, BUT DIFFERENT Right away, they knew some changes needed to be made. Daily Planet was popular with locals and the industry crowd, all of whom were devoted fans of the place and didn’t want to see it change, but Neil and Rachel promised to keep the best of Daily Planet while also bringing in some updates, like a new menu incorporating Neil’s background in classical French cuisine.

INCLUSIVITY IS ON THE MENU Daily Planet aims to satisfy everyone who walks in the door. “We really want it to be a place where people can come, even with dietary restrictions,” Neil says.

“You can come here as a vegan or as a meat-eater; you can sit down with a group of people who have different dietary preferences, and everyone can get a WINTER 2026 | Best of Burlington | 35

Below: Always known for its cocktails, Daily Planet has a full menu of mixed drinks, including the Solstice Sour. Right: Neil and Rachel Solis, owners of Daily Planet since 2020.

Bottom: The bar area is comfortably snug and has an informal vibe.

good meal.” He adds, “My goal is for people to come in and enjoy something they really want to eat, not just that they can eat.”

COOKING LOCAL One thing Neil has noticed is that Vermonters appreciate how food is sourced, and providing locally sourced food is important to Rachel and Neil, as well. “We use a lot of locally sourced ingredients,” Rachel says. “The chorizo is local. The steak is local. The beef for the burger is local. The venison is local. We use Cabot cheddar for our mac and cheese.”

Neil adds, “We get sustainable seafood from Boston,” and the majority of their in-season produce comes from the Intervale Community Farm.

FAMILIAR YET INTRIGUING Daily Planet offers casual food, like nachos and burgers, but you’ll also find intriguing 36 | www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

fare like the North African vegan tagine. And behind it all, supporting the delicious offerings, is Neil’s training in traditional French cooking.

COCKTAILS, ANYONE? Always known for its cocktails, Daily Planet still has a full menu of mixed drinks. In These Shoes?, a cocktail whose name is a nod to the Kirsty MacColl song from 2000, is a balanced and refreshing mix of blanco tequila, Pama pomegranate liqueur, Ancho Reyes chile liqueur, lime, and simple syrup.

THREE ROOMS, THREE VIBES With three dining rooms, each with its own décor and displaying art from local artists, Daily Planet offers a variety of dining experiences. There’s the greenhouse or solarium, a room filled with plants and abundant light from an entire wall of windows. But for a quieter and slightly more formal experience, the dining room is the place to be.

Finally, the bar is comfortably snug and has an informal vibe, with a stainless-steel bar top surrounded by wooden bar rail. The building is fronted by a garage door that can be opened in the warmer months.

CO-WORKERS, NOT BOSSES Along with their success in the kitchen and with the dining experience, Rachel and Neil have created a team of people that enjoys working there. “We have been so lucky with our staff.

We have a great crew, everybody gets along, and they have fun while they’re working,” Rachel says. “I think part of it is because Neil and I are here often, and we’re working alongside the staff. The staff knows us well, and I think it’s good for them to see that we’re here, we’re working, and that inspires them to work hard and want to be here.”

Neil adds, “I can say I still genuinely enjoy it, as hard as it’s been. Even when I’m cleaning out the mop sink and doing the worst of it, I still think, ‘I’m really happy we’re doing this.’ I wouldn’t want to do anything else right now.”

DAILY PLANET 15 Center Street Burlington, VT www.dailyplanetvt.com

WINTER 2026 | Best of Burlington | 37

BY PAUL HELLER PHOTOS COURTESY OF PAUL HELLER

A HERO Remembered BURLINGTON’S ETHAN ALLEN MONUMENT STANDS TALL IN VERMONT’S HISTORY

Four score and seventy-two years ago, the grave of Ethan Allen, Vermont’s great Revolutionary War hero, was marked with a plain marble headstone.

However, in 1855, the Vermont Legislature appropriated $3,000 for the memorial, which was finally dedicated eighty years later, in 1873. It was originally believed that the monument was erected directly over Ethan Allen’s actual grave, but now historians admit that Allen’s remains probably lay somewhere nearby the memorial.

T

he eight-foot-tall Carrara marble statue, carved in Italy from a design by Boston sculptor Peter Stephanson, is situated in Burlington’s Greenmount Cemetery on Colchester Avenue. It sits atop a thirty-fivefoot column fashioned of Barre granite, which rests upon a granite base. (Fun fact: It’s likely that the granite used for the base was salvaged 38 | www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

from the ruins of the second Vermont State House, which burned down in 1857.)

STORIES SEALED AND FENCED IN The base of the statue bears inscriptions on each of its four sides and is embedded with a

“time capsule.” According to an article that ran in the Burlington Free Press on July 5, 1873, the capsule contains several books about the life of Ethan Allen, literary periodicals and magazines of the day, Vermont newspapers, Appleton’s Railroad Guide, Walton’s Vermont Register,

Above: Fort Ticonderoga, built by the French near the south end of Lake Champlain and occupied by the British until captured by the Americans in 1775.

Left: The iron fence surrounding the Ethan Allen memorial is composed of four iron cannons and a stand of iron muskets with bayonets fixed.

specimens of paper currency, photographs of Ethan Allen’s handwriting and autograph, various plant seeds, and the program from the monument dedication.

Enclosing the obelisk is a remarkable hand-forged iron fence. The Argus and Patriot newspaper at the time of the dedication described it as being “composed of four iron cannons with balls in the muzzles at the corners while the intervening spaces are filled with a stand of eighty-eight iron muskets with bayonets fixed, over which boys cannot easily climb.”

WINTER 2026 | Best of Burlington | 39

The eight-foot-tall marble statue of Ethan Allen sits atop a thirty-five-foot granite column. The resulting statue depicts Allen in one of his most historic and triumphant moments, when he and his Green Mountain Boys captured Fort Ticonderoga from the British in 1775.

A FESTIVE DAY FOR BURLINGTON The unveiling ceremony for the statue took place on July 4, 1873, in a twelve-acre acre field in Burlington with seating for almost 2,000.

A nephew of Ethan Allen and numerous veterans of the War of 1812 attended the ceremony, along with countless civic groups, cornet bands, fire departments, and a citizen contingent of over 500 carriages. At final tally, it was estimated that 10,000 were present for the ceremony.

The opening procession, which assembled in City Hall Park and marched around the square and then from College Street through Colchester Avenue to Greenmount Cemetery, included the Burlington Police, the St. Albans Fife and Drum Band, and the First Regiment Vermont Militia.

Two brass field pieces captured by General Stark at the Battle of Bennington were part of the parade and were escorted by a detachment of sixteen men dressed in the uniform of the Continental Army: cocked hat, dress coat, buff vest, and knee breeches.

At the unveiling of the statue, the poem “God and Our Country” by Oliver Wendell Holmes, which had been set to music, was sung by the St. Albans Glee Club and the Harmonic Society of Burlington.

DELAYS, DRAMA, AND DEDICATION As an artillery shell exploded from the brass field pieces, the drapery that shrouded the monument parted, revealing the statue, amid cheers from the assembled throng. The soldiers saluted by presenting arms, and the formal presentation continued with an address by John Pomeroy, chair of the monument committee, who candidly explained why the monument, which had been approved in 1855, had not been dedicated until 1873.

40 | www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

Pomeroy explained that the committee charged with planning the monument had called for artists to submit their designs for a “heroic statue” and selected the model submitted by a young Brattleboro artist, Larkin Mead. When the plan to raise funds by asking each Vermonter to contribute a

dollar fell short, the legislature hijacked the committee’s plans and commissioned the Larkin Mead statue of Ethan Allen for the Vermont State House portico.

In addition, one of the prominent members of the monument committee, environmentalist George Perkins Marsh, was appointed as

It is believed that no portrait of Allen was ever made. The one above was copied from his heroic statue in Montpelier.

U.S. Minister to Italy for twelve years, further stymying the committees efforts.

The Civil War also proved to be a distraction to the completion of the monument, but Pomeroy admitted that the delay was not entirely without benefit, as the initial $3,000 appropriation had been profitably invested.

DRESS FOR SUCCESS VACATION “BUSINESS” ATTIRE

A VICTORY IMMORTALIZED IN STONE However, by 1872, there was enough money in the bank to order the marble statue from the Italian firm of Cassoni and Isola of Carrara.

The resulting statue depicts Allen in one of his most historic and triumphant moments, when he and his Green Mountain Boys captured Fort Ticonderoga from the British in 1775.

This was a pivotal moment in the early stages of the American Revolutionary War and was the first significant victory of the Continental Army. This early triumph boosted the morale of the American forces and demonstrated that the British could be defeated. It also interrupted the advance of the redcoats and provided the rebel army with a staging ground for the invasion of Quebec, expanding the scope of the conflict and putting additional pressure on British forces in Canada.

WOMEN

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BURLINGTON VERMONT • WNDNWVS.COM • 802-540-2529 • FREE SHIPPING

WINTER 2026 | Best of Burlington | 41

CHEERS!

A Holiday Classic

42 | www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

j ENJOY

A NOSTALGIC

DRINK WITH A STORIED PAST

E

ggnog’s story starts way back in medieval Britain, with a cozy drink called “posset.” Imagine monks gathering around, adding eggs and figs to their warm, milky ale or wine, turning it into a symbol of celebration and good fortune.

By the 1600s, posset had made its way into fancy aristocratic halls, where ingredients like eggs, milk, and spices were so special

that serving the drink was a sign of wealth.

Nutmeg, especially, was the ultimate touch of luxury!

favorite. Even George Washington loved it—his version was famously loaded with rum, whiskey, brandy, and sherry!

EGGNOG COMES TO AMERICA Eggnog truly found its home in America.

Thanks to the colonies’ easy access to rum from the Caribbean, and plenty of milk, eggs, and sugar, eggnog became a winter

THE EGGNOG RIOT OF 1826 Here’s a wild holiday tale: In 1826, West Point cadets snuck whiskey into their Christmas celebration, despite strict rules.

The party got out of hand, leading to chaos, WINTER 2026 | Best of Burlington | 43

George Washington's famous eggnog Washington famously served this version of eggnog at his holiday gatherings.

1 quart cream 1 quart milk 12 tablespoons sugar 1 pint brandy 1/2 pint rye whiskey 1/2 pint rum 1/4 pint sherry Mix liquors first. Separate egg yolks and whites. Beat yolks with sugar until creamy. Slowly add milk and cream while mixing. Beat egg whites until stiff and fold gently into mixture. Refrigerate for several days for depth of flavor.

Vermont Maple Eggnog A regional favorite, featuring pure Vermont maple syrup.

4 large eggs 1/3 cup pure Vermont maple syrup (Dark Robust preferred) 2 cups whole milk 1 cup heavy cream 1 tsp vanilla extract Fresh grated nutmeg Whisk eggs and maple syrup until smooth. Warm milk slightly and slowly mix into eggs. Add cream and vanilla. Chill 4–6 hours. Serve with grated nutmeg.

44 | www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

damage, and even court-martials. It’s one of the quirkiest stories in American holiday history!

TRADITION MEETS INNOVATION Throughout the 1800s and 1900s, eggnog became a beloved American tradition. Dairy farms, department stores, and soda fountains all offered their own versions. Eventually, packaged eggnog made its way to grocery stores, and today, you’ll find everything from classic recipes to creative new twists— think vegan, maple-sweetened, or even nitro cold brew eggnog!

WHAT MAKES EGGNOG… EGGNOG? Classic eggnog is all about eggs, milk or cream, sugar, spices, and sometimes a splash of spirits. Its signature creamy texture comes from blending eggs and cream just right, making every sip rich and velvety.

Vermont adds its own special touch, using farm-fresh eggs, local dairy, and pure maple syrup. Local producers and craft distilleries whip up unique versions that are perfect for holiday gatherings.

MODERN EGGNOG CULTURE Eggnog is still going strong! You’ll spot it in festive cocktails, seasonal coffees, social media posts, and cherished family recipes passed down through generations. It’s a tradition that keeps bringing joy to every holiday season.

For more eggnog recipes go to www.bestofcentralvermont.com.

WINTER 2026 | Best of Burlington | 45

Above: Owner Ben Finkelstein (right) teaching celebrity influencer/ streamer "Marlin" how to shoot a puck at Gutterson Fieldhouse. Below, from left: Zack Johnson and his son, Hank, enjoy some father-son bonding time. Hank's first time holding a hockey stick was at the Vermont Hockey school, and he loved it! Brothers Wes and Sutter Miles working hard on their shots.

46 | www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

BY JEN DUBY | PHOTOS COURTESY OF VERMONT HOCKEY SCHOOL

Shoot, Skate, and Smile!

At Vermont Hockey School, there’s hockey fun for everyone

W

hat happens when three University of Vermont hockey players, fresh from graduating, get together and decide to open a hockey school?

The Vermont Hockey School, that’s what.

It was the summer of 1974, and Willie MacKinnon, Ted Castle, and Ted Child were going on to professional careers as players and coaches. But there was no place in the Burlington area for them to train that summer, so they opened a camp, which they operated for more than twenty-five years, and which has now been reborn as an off-ice shooting facility for anyone who wants to learn, improve, and enjoy the game, especially kids.

LOCAL KID, GLOBAL CAREER One of those kids was Ben Finkelstein from South Burlington. Ben grew up playing hockey and in the orbit of these hockey legends because his dad played hockey with them and brought his boys along.

It turns out, Ben not only loved the game, but he was also pretty good at it. He played for Chittenden South Burlington (CSB), the local youth team, then he played a few years for the Green Mountain Glade, which, at the time, was the only travel team in the state.

He played at Cardigan Mountain School and Kimball Union Academy, and he played when he went away to college at Saint Lawrence

University and Boston College.

Ben had the chops, but more than that, he had the passion and dedication and self-belief to take himself all the way to a pro career, first for the Florida Panthers, then the Toronto Maple Leafs, a Minnesota Wild farm team, and finally in Vienna and Berlin.

THE ‘I MADE IT’ MOMENT Today, Ben’s passion for the game is still evident, but he also has modesty and gratitude, which has served him well. “The first game I played at UVM, when I was at Saint Lawrence, was my ‘I made it’ moment. I treated my professional career as a bonus, icing on the cake.”

WINTER 2026 | Best of Burlington | 47

Right: Kyle Haskins of Huntington, VT, has been training with Owner Ben Finkelstein for four years. After a collegiate career at both Michigan State University and Canisius University, he has started his professional career playing for the Reading Royals in the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL). Opposite: Jake Bernadet of South Burlington, VT, is currently playing Division 1 hockey for St. Lawrence University. Jake has been training with Owner Ben Finkelstein for the last four years.

Even as a young guy playing on school teams and travel teams, Ben understood that not everyone gets a career playing for a professional hockey team, and even if they do, they can’t play forever. He knew he needed, if not a plan, then a background in whatever post-hockey career he might want.

BRINGING EXPERIENCE HOME At Boston College, he studied psychology and childhood development, learning to understand the way people think “and the way people approach certain situations. I really do

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feel like that helped shape the way I teach and coach,” Ben says.

After retiring from his professional hockey career, he approached Willie and the two Teds to discuss opening a hockey school, since they were no longer involved with the original Vermont Hockey School. “I actually loved the name,” says Ben, “and I figured it was a good time to start my own thing. I asked if I could use the name, and they were happy to allow me to do so.”

LEVELING THE ICE Ben opened his Vermont Hockey School in May 2025. Situated on Dorset Street in South Burlington, it’s an off-ice training facility with shooting lanes that are almost like batting cages, except, instead of having a pitching machine, the lanes are covered in synthetic ice that can be skated on. Lanes are separated from one another and are spacious enough to be able to practice approaching the goal.

Ben offers group and one-on-one lessons, and individuals can rent lanes for private practice.

Students range in age, from kids to folks close to retirement. Ben finds that many people take up hockey as adults, and they really benefit from proper instruction in a safe and supportive environment. One of the joys of operating the school, he says, is seeing grown-ups bring their kids for a family activity, where they can spend a few hours together shooting pucks.

WINTER 2026 | Best of Burlington | 49

Made in Vermont USA Beanies | Apparel

50 | www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

Opposite: Andrew Roblee and Fletcher Matheson working hard on their one-timers.

Ben offers group and one-on-one lessons, and individuals can rent lanes for private practice.

In addition to the off-ice facility, Ben offers on-ice lessons in power skating, ideal for anybody looking to improve their stride, stops and starts, quick turns, and first step agility.

In these lessons, open to individuals, as well as hockey teams, Ben provides high-end skill development, using overspeed training to mimic game situations.

HOCKEY DREAMS MADE POSSIBLE Ben teaches for the love of the game, and his vision is to share it with as many people as possible. He could have opted to work for a team or coached for a school or a training program, but that would have limited his influence to just that organization. He wanted a more democratic approach. The name “Vermont Hockey School” is appropriate because Ben’s goal is to make the opportunity to learn hockey available to anyone who wants to come play. His school is for the good of Vermont, not just a single team or organization.

And as a veteran of the pro hockey life, Ben knows well the struggles young players face.

“Paying for your training is expensive. Paying for your living is expensive,” he says. And to succeed, athletes need to spend their time playing and training, which leaves little time to earn the funds necessary to underwrite their ambitions.

Ben wants to support their hockey careers by offering them work that aligns with the skills needed to excel. “My goal is that, one day, we have, you know, five or six professional hockey players who get to come home in the summer to coach one-on-one or group clinics.” It’s a win all around: These young athletes earn the financial support needed for their hockey ambitions, Ben gets assistance he can trust, and the students reap the benefits of receiving instruction from instructors of the highest caliber.

Vermont Hockey School 8B Dorset Street South Burlington, VT www.vermonthockeyschool.com WINTER 2026 | Best of Burlington | 51

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MEET ME DOWNTOWN

Everything to know about our vibrant downtown and waterfront areas—shopping, dining, news, and more!

Plus a handy map to help you locate where you want to be.

NEWS AROUND TOWN!

SIP AND SAVOR AT JITTERS PASCOLO RISTORANTE IS COMING HOME

LET’S CELEBRATE! Raise a glass and join us as Pascolo Ristorante returns to its beloved original home at 83 Church Street to ring in 2026! We’re bringing back your favorite dishes, the friendly faces you know and love, and our signature laidback vibe—plus a few sparkling surprises to make this New Year unforgettable. Gather your friends, bring your appetite, and get ready to celebrate with us. www.pascolovt.com

Jitters Cafe and Lounge is now open in Burlington Square and the A/C Marriott Hotel, offering more than just exceptional coffee.

Whether you’re craving artisanal pastries, a signature cocktail, or a cozy spot to unwind, we’ve got you covered. Meet up after work for our famous dirty martini with house-stuffed bleu cheese olives—yes, please! Discover your new favorite downtown destination today. www.jitters-cafe.com WINTER 2026 | Best of Burlington | 53

MEET ME

DOWNTOWNNew Year’s Eve

BY ELENA ROSEN PHOTOS BY STEPHEN MEASE AND LUKE AWTRY

Dance, Dine, and Dazzle!

BURLINGTON’S HIGHLIGHT NEW YEAR’S EVE RETURNS The countdown to Highlight New Year’s Eve is on! Burlington City Arts is once again welcoming revelers from far and wide to celebrate NYE in the city’s vibrant waterfront and downtown.

Everyone is invited to the biggest party of the year as we gather and celebrate the experiences and ideas that make our community a creative hub. This year’s festivities will feature a jam-packed lineup of live music, unique art events, spectacular circus shows, fireworks, and so much more from noon through midnight on December 31.

This year, beloved New Year’s Eve favorites are back to help us ring in 2026 in true Burlington fashion. Circus Smirkus returns with an aweinspiring stage show custom-created for Highlight. Families can expect plenty of joy, laughter, and amazement, but they should also expect these three popular shows to reach capacity, so get there early!

Close out 2025 on the shores of Lake Champlain at Waterfront Fest.

From 2pm–10pm, Highlight fills Burlington’s iconic Waterfront Park

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with live music, local food vendors, the return of the Fluffy Bus, fireworks, and the unique NYE tradition of setting a wooden sculpture of Champ aflame.

Celebrate all day and night with one-of-a-kind, artistdriven events, like The Will to Dance, a mini festival in the ECHO Center that showcases the sonic diversity of Burlington’s stellar music scene.

Revelers of all ages can boogie down and still be home by bedtime with Daytime Disco at Foam Brewery, featuring Burlington’s best DJs, fueling a family-friendly getdown all afternoon long. And these are just a few of the highlights of Highlight!

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MEET ME

DOWNTOWNDining FARMHOUSE TAP & GRILL Oven-roasted Adams Farm chicken, served with a vibrant root vegetable succotash and tender braised kale. Finished with a rich, savory pan sauce for a comforting and flavorful farmhouse classic. www.farmhousetg.com

EL CORTIJO The burrito party pack is perfect for your next office lunch, house party, or post-game meal for the team. Burritos come with two fillings of your choice, house salad, and chips and salsa. Order online for next-day pickup! www.cortijovt.com

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CHURCH STREET TAVERN Our crunchy Caesar wrap, packed with grilled chicken, crisp romaine, and creamy Caesar dressing, is the ultimate postshopping lunch on Church Street. Pair it with a side of golden sweet potato fries, and you’ve got perfection on a plate! www.tavernvt.com

DAILY PLANET Since 1982, Daily Planet has carved out a hip space for food, local art, and bar banter. The restaurant serves American cuisine and creative cocktails, using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. Daily Planet boasts a romantic dining room, PASCOLO RISTORANTE botanical solarium, and a lively bar scene. www.dailyplanetvt.com Tender, handmade pumpkin gnocchi tossed in sage brown butter, with local lacinato kale, creamy chevre, and toasted hazelnuts. Pure comfort, Vermont-style. Now back at our original location, 83 Church Street! www.pascolovt.com

BISTRO DE MARGOT Seared venison loin with creamy potato gratin, buttered red cabbage with cherry and pear, finished with a bold tart cherry sauce. www.bistrodemargot.com

LEUNIG’S BISTRO Leunig’s Bistro is one of downtown Burlington’s oldest and most beloved restaurants. This classic French bistro and bar serves lunch and dinner in a lively, welcoming atmosphere, offering some of the best people-watching and live music in the area. Dedicated to great food, great times, and giving back to the community, Leunig’s is a true local institution. www.leunigsbistro.com

WINTER 2026 | Best of Burlington | 57

MEET ME

DOWNTOWN Shopping HOME & GARDEN VERMONT Step into Home & Garden Vermont and enjoy all the scents and colors of the winter season! With goods inspired by the great outdoors, we are ready to make your home a cozy habitat.

Looking for the perfect gift? We’ll help you find that special something for anyone from nine days to ninety-nine years! www.homeandgardenvermont.com COCO GOOSE Coco Goose offers elevated essentials and laid-back luxe style with a curated selection of over 150 brands, including Ulla Johnson, Veronica Beard, Frank & Eileen, Aviator Nation, and Nili Lotan. Women-owned, with fifteen-plus years in the industry, Coco Goose offers a personalized boutique experience to every shopper. Visit them in Burlington, Stowe, Manchester Center, and Providence, RI. Shop online at shopcocogoose.com.

THE OPTICAL CENTER You’ll find a diverse selection of eyewear at Optical Cener. We carry independent labels, such as Garrett Leight and the Pellicer collection from Etnia Barcelona, plus sunglasses by brands like Ray Ban, Costa, Maui Jim, and Smith. Our premium optical brands include Oliver Peoples, Barton Perreira, Gucci, and Kate Spade. Everything in the store is designed to be custom-fit. Stop in or check us out online. www.opticalcentervt.com

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NU CHOCOLAT Located on the Lake Champlain Waterfront in Burlington, Nu Chocolat makes all their chocolate on-site at their Vermont family-owned-andoperated chocolate boutique. Stop in for free samples of their world-class chocolate truffles or sit and enjoy an iced chocolate in their bright and contemporary cafe. You can even watch the chocolatiers creating the finest European-style chocolate confections through their viewing window. www.nuchocolat.com

KARLISE JEWELRY At Karlise Fine Jewelers, they craft timeless, exquisite jewelry. As a locally owned, family-run business, they combine meticulous craftsmanship with personal touches, creating unique pieces that reflect individuality and celebrate special moments. www.karlisejewelers.com

VERMONT DISTILLERS AND SMUGGLERS’ NOTCH DISTILLERY Vermont Distillers of Marlboro and Smugglers’ Notch Distillery of Jeffersonville have been working together since 2017 and now have opened their joint venture: Smugglers’ Notch Distillery & Vermont Distillers Tasting Room. Located at 28 Church Street in Downtown Burlington, the shop also sells traditional liquors, as well as canned cocktails, supplies, glassware, gift packs, and Vermont-themed merchandise, like barrel-aged maple syrup. www.vermontdistillers.com

WINTER 2026 | Best of Burlington | 59

MEET ME

DOWNTOWNHoliday Windows

where church street magic comes to life Burlington’s Winter Window Display Contest

T

here’s a special kind of magic that settles over Burlington each winter, and nowhere does it shine brighter than along the cobblestones of the Church Street Marketplace. As the first flakes fall and storefronts begin to glow, the historic pedestrian corridor transforms into a living holiday postcard—one where creativity, community, and hometown pride take center stage.

WINTER WINDOW WHIMSY At the heart of this seasonal sparkle is the beloved Church Street Winter Window Contest, a tradition that invites local shops to turn their front displays into miniature worlds of whimsy. For locals and visitors alike, wandering Church Street in December has 60 | www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

become a cherished annual ritual: part festive stroll, part art walk, and entirely Burlington.

purpose is to come together as a community and create a downtown that feels festive and magical for everyone.”

CREATIVITY MEETS COMMUNITY Each year, the Winter Window Display Contest brings together Burlington’s vibrant business community and its enthusiastic residents. Local shops compete to create the most imaginative and festive window displays, transforming the Marketplace into a gallery of holiday cheer. The contest isn’t just about winning—it’s about celebrating the spirit of the season and the creativity that makes Burlington unique.

As Llyndara Harbour, owner of Harbour Thread, shares: “The joy of the window contest is not about winning. The whole

THIS YEAR’S WINNERS Here’s who’s responsible for making Burlington’s Church Street Marketplace a winter destination like no other.

• Best Overall Church Street: Tradewinds Imports • Best Overall Side Street: Home & Garden Vermont • Most Creative: Phoenix Books • Most Festive: Outdoor Gear Exchange • And a special shoutout to our runnersup: ECCO Clothes, Common Deer, and Cynthea Spa.

WINTER 2026 | Best of Burlington | 61

Participants in this year’s Winter Window Display Contest, which concluded on December 15, included: (previous page, clockwise from top): Outdoor Gear Exchange, University of Vermont, Homeport. (This page clockwise from top left): Tradewinds Imports, Phoenix Books, Home & Garden Vermont, Frog Hollow Gallery, Vermont Distillers, and many more.

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Meet Me

DOWNTOWN SERVING LUNCH AND DINNER or pop into the Petit Bijou Kiosk for a hot latte and pastry treat

Est. 1933

Repairs, Buying, Watches, Vintage, Estate, Antique Jewelry & Custom Design

Trusted for Over 90 Years 112 Church Street, Burlington, VT

802-862-1042 | www.lippas.com

On Church Street Since 1980 Www.leunigsbistro.com

Visit us on Church Street!

WINTER 2026 | Best of Burlington | 63

MEET ME

Church Street Area DOWNTOWN Map Key Arts and Entertainment

17

Dining 3. Pascolo Ristorante www.pascolovt.com

Cherry Street

10

Jitters Cafe https://jitters-cafe.com

5.

Church Street Tavern www.tavernvt.com

6.

Black Cap Coffee www.blackcapvermont.com

7.

Bistro De Margot Out www.bistrodemargot.com 4. The Gryphon

21

9.

Leunig’s Bistro 19. Grey Jay 21. Gosia jewlery www.leunigsbistro.com

5

Church Street

4.

8 4

14

Bank Street

13

11

18 St. Paul Street

9. Honey Road

8. Battery Street Jeans

12. El Cotijo Taqueria IN www.cotijovt.com

Spa Vermont (need) A/C Marriot Hotel (need) 13. Farmhouse Tap and Grill Jitters Cafe (Have) www.farmhousetg.com Leunig’s (you have)

22. Daily Planet www.dailyplanetvt.com

7

25 9 20

College Street

12 6 22 19 24

16 15

3 Pine Street

17. Vermont Distillers Metcalf’s Smuggler’s Notch Distillery tasting room www.vermontdistillers.com www.smugglersnotchdistillery.com

South Winooski Avenue

Burlington City Arts www.burlingtoncityarts.org

Center Street

2.

Pearl Street

23 St. Paul Street

Flynn Theater www.flynnvt.org

Pine Street

1.

City Hall Park

2 City

Hall

Main Street

1

Accessories

Flynn Theater

11. Karlise Jewelers www.karlisejewelers.com 20. The Optical Center www.opticalcentervt.com

23. Fetch the Leash www.fetchtheleash.biz

24. Lippa’s Estate and Fine Jewlery www.lippas.com

25. Lake Champlain Chocolates www.lakechamplainchocolates.com

Home, Garden, and more

Clothing and Apparel

Health and Wellness 14. Bare Medical Spa and Laser Center www.barevt.com

19. Cynthea’s Spa 15. Home and Garden www.homeandgardenvermont.com

21. Ecco Clothes for Women and Men www.eccoclothesboutique.com Hotels

16. Burlington Records www.burlingtonrecords.com

Outdoor Gear and Apparel

18. Phoenix Books www.phoenixbooks.biz

10. Outdoor Gear Exchange www.gearx.com

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https://cyntheaspa.com

8.

AC Marriott Hotel https://www.marriott.com

MEET ME

Waterfront DOWNTOWN Map Key Dining

4

Bleu Northeast Kitchen www.bleuvt.com Temporarily closed for renovation

Pearl Street

Juniper Restaurant www.hotelvt.com/eat-drink/ juniper/

Lily May’s Coffee and Café www.hotelchamplain vermont.com/dine/lily/

Lake Champlain

12 13

3

4

5

Cherry Street

et

7

2

1

Stre

Hen of the Wood www.henofthewood.com

Waterfront Park

Lake

5.

8

Battery Park

Battery Street

2

United States Coast Guard & ANT Burlington

Original Skiff Fish + Oyster www.hotelchamplain vermont.com/dine/skiff/

10 Santiago’s Cuban Cuisine https://santiagosvt.com

6 7 8 College Street

12 Deep City Brunch & Events https://www.deepcityvt.com 13 Foam Brewers https://www.foambrewers.com

Main Street

10

Hotels 1

Courtyard By Marriott Hotel Burlington Harbor www.marriott.com/en-us/ hotels/btvdt-courtyardburlington-harbor/overview/

3

Hotel Vermont www.hotelvt.com

6

Hotel Champlain www.hotelchamplainvermont.com

14

9

Coco Goose www.shopcocogoose.com

11. Nu Chocolate www.nuchocolat.com

King Street

11

Maple Street

Main Street Landing www.mainstreetlanding.com Health and Wellness

Shopping

15 9

15. Mirror Mirror Beauty & Spa www.mirrormirrorvt.com

Others

14. Local Motion Bike Rentals www.localmotion.org/bike_rentals

Union Station, Amtrak www.amtrak.com ECHO, Leahy Center www.echovermont.org United States Coast Guard & ANT Burlington Bike Path WINTER 2026 | Best of Burlington | 65

WINTER ESSENTIALS

FUN FACTS

a Winter Wisdom

WARM BOWLS, THE PERFECT FOIL FOR COLD DAYS As winter deepens, January brings National Soup Month— a time to enjoy comforting bowls, revive family recipes, and let something delicious simmer while the cold settles in.

WHY DO SOUP? • After December’s indulgence, soup offers a healthy reset, starring simple ingredients like root vegetables, beans, and grains. Winter produce, squash, onions, and herbs, shine in every pot.

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• Soup is a global comfort, with each bowl telling a story: French onion, Vietnamese pho, Italian ribollita, New England chowder, and Mexican pozole. Its universal appeal brings warmth to every culture.

• Soup is also budget-friendly, stretches groceries, and makes meal prep easy. Nothing soothes a chilly day like a simmering pot—it’s nourishing, hydrating, and endlessly customizable for any January wellness goal.

SQUEEZE MORE JOY INTO WINTER Winter citrus brings color, aroma, and energy to the season. Oranges, grapefruits, and lemons brighten dishes and drinks, while dried citrus and candles refresh your home. Citrus self-care lifts your mood, and these fruits add freshness and vitality to even the coldest months—whether for décor, gifts, or daily enjoyment.

5 TIPS FOR USING WINTER CITRUS 1. Zest first, squeeze second: Always grate the peel before cutting citrus to get the most flavorful oils for cooking or baking.

2. Use citrus to revive stale indoor air: Simmer peels with herbs like rosemary to naturally freshen closed-up winter rooms.

3. Brighten your mood: Add a few drops of citrus essential oil to a diffuser—not directly to skin—to boost your outlook during dark days.

4. Dehydrate citrus slices in batches: Oven-dry orange or lemon rounds at low heat for décor, cocktail garnishes, or gift tags.

5. Freeze citrus juice in trays: Keep cubes on hand to quickly perk up tea, sparkling water, or sauces long after peak season.

SOULFUL TIPS FOR FEBRUARY CLEAR THE CLUTTER Dedicate one hour to letting go of items, habits, or thoughts that weigh you down. Lightening your space mirrors lightening your mind.

INTENTIONAL PAUSES Take mindful walks or quiet moments without distractions— listen to your own rhythm and thoughts.

FEBRUARY’S FRESH START Short, crisp, and often overlooked, February is more than the bridge between winter and spring—it’s a natural pause. Traditionally seen as a time for clearing out the old and making space for new growth, this month offers a chance to slow down and focus on what matters. Use February to reflect, recharge, and prepare for the season ahead.

ACTS OF CONNECTION Reach out to someone you’ve lost touch with, write a note of gratitude, or share warmth—small gestures echo big.

CELEBRATE SMALL JOYS Treat yourself to seasonal comforts—tea, books, candlelit nights—reminding yourself that even the shortest month can be rich with feeling.

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Above: Modern-day re-enactors celebrating the 100th anniversary of the 10th US Calvary at Fort Ethan Allen Living History Day. This page: The 10th US Cavalry on horseback at Fort Ethan Allen in Colchester, where they were stationed from1909 to 1913.

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PHOTO COURTESY OF WILLIAM PARKINSON, CURATOR AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, FORT ETHAN ALLEN MUSEUM.

BY PAUL HELLER PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE VERMONT HISTORICAL SOCIETY, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED

From Parade to

Prejudice THE BUFFALO SOLDIERS’ VERMONT CHAPTER AND THE BATTLE OVER BIGOTRY

I

t all began with a headline to a brief story in the Burlington Free Press in July of 1909: “Prejudice Shown to Colored Troops.” The notion that a northern city in a state that had been famous for its abolitionist sympathies during the Civil War would now espouse segregationists’ beliefs related to the 10th Cavalry Regiment, an African American unit, being posted to Fort Ethan Allen, was beyond the sensibilities of most Vermonters—and most Americans.

The short piece attracted national attention, with southern newspapers sneering at the glaring hypocrisy rearing its ugly head in northern New England.

ECHOES OF BROWNSVILLE The affair reminded many of an incident in Brownsville, Texas, that had occurred three years earlier, when another regiment of Black soldiers—nicknamed Buffalo Soldiers by the Apache warriors because of their combat prowess, bravery, tenaciousness, and looks on the battlefield—was falsely incriminated in a disturbance that resulted in the murder of a white bartender and a police officer. Although white residents planted evidence to incriminate the Black soldiers, they were completely exonerated.

The 10th Cavalry Regiment, one of the original Buffalo Soldiers regiments in the post-Civil War Regular Army, had fought in

Cuba and the Philippines during the Spanish American War, where they joined Teddy Roosevelt’s Rough Riders in the charge up San Juan Hill.

A FIRST FOR THE FORT Their posting to Fort Ethan Allen was their first assignment in New England. In fact, according to the Montpelier Argus, it was “the first time Negro soldiers will occupy a northern fort.” By the end of July, the regiment was at full strength, with seven hundred fifty Black troops—the largest such community ever seen in Vermont.

When the 10th Cavalry returned from the Philippines by ship, the troops were feted at

WINTER 2026 | Best of Burlington | 69

This page and next: Re-enactors honoring the 10th Cavalry during at Fort Ethan Allen Living History Day, held to mark the 100th Anniversary of the Buffalo Soldiers. Below: The Buffalo Soldiers of the 25th Infantry in Ft. Keogh, Montana, circa 1890.

Visitors tour a Vermont Historical Society exhibit related to the Civil War-era Buffalo Soldiers.

a celebration in New York City’s Harlem, including a ticker-tape parade down Wall Street, then up Broadway, and on to City Hall Park. The day ended with a banquet, speeches, and a vaudeville show, and early the next morning, the 10th Cavalry proceeded to its new post in Burlington, Vermont, Fort Ethan Allen.

A COMMUNITY DIVIDED However, the arrival of the cavalry troops was just half of the African-American contingent arriving in the Queen City that July. Wives, children, and other relatives, as well as businessmen, gamblers, prostitutes, and the usual assortment of disreputable characters, made up the other half.

In a public backlash at having the Buffalo Soldiers in Burlington, it was suggested that the city introduce segregated streetcars. The suggestion produced an immediate hostile response from residents, such as Lucius 70 | www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

Bigelow, who lived on Church Street and had fought in the Civil War. Lucius had risked everything for the cause of abolition and was heartbroken to see the cause abandoned by bigots.

In a letter to the Burlington Free Press, he defiantly opined: “No manly Vermonter

wants any ‘Jim Crow’ cars. They do not exist in Boston, Philadelphia, or Chicago, or any decent city or town in the North. A northern man who wants a ‘Jim Crow’ in Vermont is either a vulgar brute or a silly snob. There is no color line in our laws and there will be no color line in our cars.”

NORTH AND SOUTH RESPOND Burlington’s other newspaper, The Daily News, pushed back, saying that Lucius Bigelow’s letter had caused more harm than good in that it had attracted unwanted attention from the major northern and southern newspapers due to the allegation of racism in the heart of northern New England.

The Brooklyn Eagle published an editorial, shaming the people of Burlington, saying that opposition to having the Buffalo Soldiers stationed in Burlington was “preposterous.”

The Savannah Morning News followed suit, mocking the town that had been so much in favor of equal rights for Blacks for now wishing to establish “Jim Crow” streetcars.

The New Orleans Times Democrat joined in.

“Burlington, once the “hotbed of abolition sentiment,” is now demanding Jim Crow streetcars. Winooski, a little town nearby, is seething with race antagonism, grown up almost overnight.”

BE SURE TO PICK UP YOUR COPY OF

REALITY VS RUMOR Surprisingly, one Burlington newspaper came to the defense of the opposition to the Black troops, writing, “If the government officials, after their trouble with Brownsville and other posts, thought the extreme north would make no objection to the presence of so large a body of Negroes, they were in error.”

This particular quote was repeated ad nauseum in the southern press. But upon closer

Your guide to

LOCAL BREWERIES, CIDERIES, DISTILLERIES, AND WINERIES WINTER 2026 | Best of Burlington | 71

72 | www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

Opposite: Part of the parade celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Buffalo Soldiers.

examination, it appears that the original article in the Free Press about the controversy was not based on fact. In fact, at the time of publication, very few Buffalo Soldiers had arrived in Burlington, and the reports of racial animosity in the Queen City were, very likely, overblown.

EMBRACED BY VERMONT However, as the number of African-American troops increased and their presence became more common, Vermonters throughout the state embraced the soldiers of the 10th Regiment.

In 1911, the regiment made an appearance at Montpelier’s Labor Day celebration. As five thousand spectators watched with rapt attention, the cavalrymen demonstrated their equestrian skills, culminating in Roman riding, where a horseman stands astride two mounts while galloping around a show ring.

The Argus noted that the troops conduct was “gentlemanly.”

B U R L I NGTO NC I T YA R TS .O R G John Killacky, Corpus, BCA Center installation, 2025

135 Church Street Downtown Burlington Wed-Fri: 12-5 pm Sat: 12-8 pm

Do We Say Goodbye? Grief, Loss, and Mourning is supported in part by the Maslow Family Foundation. Programmatic Partners: Vermont Association of Psychoanalytic Studies (VAPS) and Middlebury College. Hospitality sponsor: Lake Champlain Chocolates. Burlington City Arts is supported in part by the Vermont Arts Council & the National Endowment for the Arts.

FAREWELL AND VALOR The regiment left Fort Ethan Allen in 1913, summoned to the southwestern states to take up arms in the Mexican-American War. In 1916, the 10th cavalry suffered severe casualties in a battle with a leader of Mexico’s Revolutionary Army, Venustiano Carranza.

Upon hearing this news, the citizens of Winooski sent this letter of condolence to the unit’s commander: “As neighbors of Fort Ethan Allen, we citizens of Winooski, Vermont, have a peculiar and personal interest in the welfare of the officers and men of the 10th Regiment of US Cavalry who were stationed at this post for four years.

“It was therefore with the deepest emotion that we read the dispatches telling of the treacherous ambush and attack on the troops of this gallant regiment by the Mexicans of Carranza’s army at Carrizal in northern Mexico, in which Captain Charles Boyd and Lieutenant Henry Adair, and a large number of their men, were slain. The valor displayed by officers and men in the face of almost certain death is in keeping with American traditions and unsurpassed in the annals of heroic deeds of all ages.”

WINTER 2026 | Best of Burlington | 73

WINTER HAPPENINGS Sponsored by Champlain Valley Expo

JENNIFER KOH

NEKO CASE

FLYNN

MINTY FRESH CIRCUS

153 Main Street Burlington, VT www.flynnvt.org

DECEMBER 20, 2PM & 7PM DECEMBER 21, 1PM & 6:30PM

VERMONT’S OWN NUTCRACKER JANUARY 10, 10AM

ANIMAL DANCE JANUARY 11, 7:30PM

NEKO CASE

JANUARY 15, 7PM

MICHAEL BLAUSTEIN JANUARY 22, 7PM

SUNNY JAIN’S WILD WILD EAST JANUARY 30, 6PM

GABBY’S DOLLHOUSE LIVE! JANUARY 31, 7PM

KATHY GRIFFIN FEBRUARY 1, 3PM

VERMONT YOUTH ORCHESTRA ASSOCIATION–CHARTING A COURSE FEBRUARY 3, 6PM

CIRQUE MECHANICS: TILT FEBRUARY 12, 8PM

STAVROS HALKIAS FEBRUARY 14, 10AM

THE MOTT TWINS FEBRUARY 14, 3PM

VSO: LOVE NOTES WITH GRAMMY AWARD WINNING VIOLINIST JENNIFER KOH 74 | www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

FEBRUARY 14, 8PM

NOMFUSI

FEBRUARY 15, 7PM

FORTUNE FEIMSTER FEBRUARY 20, 6PM

BURLINGTON CITY ARTS 135 Church Street Burlington, VT www.burlingtoncityarts.org

MINTY FRESH CIRCUS

DECEMBER 31, NOON

FEBRUARY 22, 8PM

Burlington Downtown and Waterfront

DARCY AND JER FEBRUARY 24, 7:30PM FEBRUARY 25, 7:30PM

KINKY BOOTS

HIGHLIGHT NEW YEAR’S EVE JANUARY 21, 6:30PM

ARCHITECTURE + DESIGN FILM SERIES, THE PAVILION ON THE WATER FEBRUARY 18, 6:30PM

ARCHITECTURE + DESIGN FILM SERIES, VAN GOGH: POETS & LOVERS

WINTER HAPPENINGS Sponsored by Champlain Valley Expo

VERMONT SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

CHAD DANIELS

LAURIE KILMARTIN

2 Church Street, Suite 3B Burlington, VT www.vso.org FEBRUARY 11, 7:30PM

DAVID M. WILSON FARMERS’ NIGHT WITH THE VSO CHORUS House Chambers, The State House 115 State Street Montpelier, VT FEBRUARY 14, 3PM

VSO AT FLYNN: LOVE NOTES WITH VIOLINIST JENNIFER KOH

VERMONT COMEDY CLUB 101 Main Street Burlington, VT www.vermontcomedyclub.com

DECEMBER 31, 8PM & 10:30PM

MARINA FRANKLIN: NEW YEAR’S EVE JANUARY 8, 6:30PM JANUARY 9 & 10, 6:30PM & 8:30PM

ALEX FALCONE

JANUARY 10, 4:30PM

GOOD CLEAN FUN! JANUARY 15, 6:30PM JANUARY 16 & 17, 6:30PM & 8:30PM

CHAD DANIELS

DECEMBER 18–20 6PM & 8:30PM DECEMBER 21, 5PM

JANUARY 29, 6:30PM JANUARY 30 & 31, 6:30PM & 8:30PM

DECEMBER 26, 6:30PM

FEBRUARY 5, 6:30PM FEBRUARY 6 & 7, 6:30PM & 8:30PM

MARIA BAMFORD

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS: IMPROV! DECEMBER 27, 6:30PM & 8:30PM

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS (STAND-UP)

CHLOE RADCLIFFE CHRIS HIGGINS

FEBRUARY 13 & 14, 6:30PM & 8:30PM

FEBRUARY 14, 4:30PM

GOOD CLEAN FUN !

FEBRUARY 19 & 20, 6:30PM FEBRUARY 21, 6:30PM & 8:30PM

MOHANAD ELSHIEKY FEBRUARY 26, 6:30PM

ADAM GILBERT

LAURIE KILMARTIN

WINTER 2026 | Best of Burlington | 75

WINTER HAPPENINGS Sponsored by Champlain Valley Expo

CHURCH STREET MARKETPLACE

UNA PASSEGGIATA

131 Church Street Burlington, VT www.churchstmarketplace.com EVERY WEDNESDAY, 5PM

UNA PASSEGGIATA (A STROLL)

CHAMPLAIN VALLEY EXPOSITION 105 Pearl Street Essex Junction,VT www.cvexpo.org

DECEMBER 20, 10AM

JAY’S CHRISTMAS PARTY FOR KIDS FEBRUARY 7 & 8, 10AM

WINTER RENAISSANCE FAIRE FEBRUARY 15, 8:30AM-2PM

WOKO GIGANTIC INDOOR FLEA MARKET

HIGHER GROUND PHOENIX BOOKS

1214 Williston Road South Burlington, VT (802) 652-0777 www.highergroundmusic.com

JANUARY 10, 8:30PM

BACK IN BLACK

JANUARY 11, 7:30PM

EVERYTHING YES JANUARY 15–19

WILCO’S SKY BLUE SKY HARD ROCK HOTEL

89 Church Street Burlington, VT www.phoenixbooks.biz

DECEMBER 31, 9PM New Queer’s Eve

JANUARY 6,

JANUARY 1, 8PM Gogol Bordello

JANUARY 18, 8PM

JANUARY 2, 8PM Levitation Jones, Lemondoza

JANUARY 21, 7:30PM

JANUARY 3, 10:15AM

JANUARY 22, 7PM

Virtual

TOAST & JAMS

JANUARY 23, 7PM

JANUARY 6, 7:30PM

JANUARY 24, 7:30PM

CELEBRATE WINTER WITH BRITTANY VIKLUND JANUARY 7, 6PM

A FOUNDER FOR OUR TIME: JACK KELLY ON TOM PAINE’S WAR

MAN UP: CYNTHIA MILLER-IDRISS ON MISOGYNY OF VIOLENT EXTREMISM 76 | www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

TUESDAY TRIVIA

Riviera Maya, Mexico

SUNDAY NIGHT MASS ONDARA

THE ELOVATERS RACING MOUNT PLEASANT

WINTER HAPPENINGS Sponsored by Champlain Valley Expo

FEBRUARY 5–7, 8PM

MOE

FEBRUARY 10, 7:30PM

MOE

SOUTH BURLINGTON RECREATION AND PARKS 180 Market Street South Burlington, VT www.vt-southburlington.civicplus.com JANUARY 14, 6PM

COOKING WITH EVELYN SUN City Hall JANUARY 16, 6PM

OLD HOLLYWOOD MURDER MYSTERY DINNER

MOE

City Hall JANUARY 28, 8PM

JANUARY 31, 7:30PM

FEBRUARY 22, 7:30PM

VENNA

MARISSA NADLER

JANUARY 30, 8PM

FEBRUARY 1, 8PM

JANUARY 4, 10:30AM

JANUARY 30, 7:30PM

FEBRUARY 4, 8PM

DEAN JOHNSON JONAH KAGEN DRIFTWOOD

COLLIE BUDDZ JAZZ MANDOLIN PROJECT

VISIONING & GOAL-SETTING FOR THE NEW YEAR at Chace Mill

What’s your plan?

The people who choose to live at Wake Robin are forever looking forward.

Whether it’s making new friends in this Life Plan Community in Shelburne, Vermont, cultivating activities and hobbies, or receiving the support that grows with your needs, it’s time to start exploring all that Wake Robin has to offer.

It’s never too soon to start planning.

WakeRobin.com 802-264-5100

WINTER 2026 | Best of Burlington | 77

WINTER HAPPENINGS Sponsored by Champlain Valley Expo

JANUARY 16, 6PM

REIKI & RESTORATIVE

FEBRUARY 8, 11AM

DECEMBER 31, 8PM

Zero Gravity Brewery 716 Pine Street Burlington, VT www.runvermont.org/races/freezy-cheeks-5k

ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain 1 College Street Burlington, VT www.echovermont.org

MARCH 15, 11AM

DECEMBER 29, 10AM

FREEZY CHEEKS 5K SERIES 2026

at Chace Mill FEBRUARY 1, 10:30AM

COMMON INJURIES & INJURY PREVENTION at Chace Mill FEBRUARY 14, 12:30PM

THAI YOGA BODYWORK: A GUIDED PARTNER EXCHANGE at Chace Mill

FREEZY CHEEKS 5K SERIES 2026 Switchback Brewing Co. 160 Flynn Avenue Burlington, VT www.runvermont.org/races/freezy-cheeks-5k

FEBRUARY 20, 6PM

RESTORATIVE YOGA TRAINING at Chace Mill FEBRUARY 28, NOON

INTRO TO SANSKRIT at Chace Mill JANUARY 18, 11AM

FREEZY CHEEKS 5K SERIES 2026 Black Flannel Brewing Company 21 Essex Way #201 Essex Junction, VT www.runvermont.org/races/freezy-cheeks-5k

ADVENTURE DINNER CLUBHOUSE 70 Roosevelt Highway Colchester, VT www.adventuredinner.com

NEW YEAR’S EVE DANCE PARTY

SLED DOGS LIVE

OTHER NOTEWORTHY EVENTS FEBRUARY 7, 11AM

PENGUIN PLUNGE Burlington Waterfront www.penguinplunge.org

DECEMBER 20, 10AM

PROCRASTINATOR’S PARADISE HOLIDAY MARKET Meach Cove Farms Bostwick Farm Road Shelburne, VT

Visit The Lower Deck, Our New Twelve Seat Bar Enjoy the full dining room menu, fine wines, specialty cocktails, craft beers and more.

1076 Williston Road, S. Burlington | 862.6585 | WindjammerRestaurant.com

78 | www.bestofburlingtonvt.com

ADVERTISERS INDEX

Kinney Drugs...........................................................................79

.................................................................. Inside front cover, 1

Landshapes.............................................................................51

Bistro de Margo....................................................................33

Leunig’s Bistro.......................................................................58

Burlington City Arts.............................................................73

Lippa’s Jewelers...................................................................58

Burlington Marble and Granite..................................... 19

Nu Chocolat...................................................................... 17,59

Champlain Smile Solutions..............................................48

Otter Creek Awnings...........................................................51

Champlain Valley Exposition.......................................... 14

Outdoor Gear Exchange..................................................29

Cheeks Luxury Skin Clinic................................................. 12

Peche Medical Spa................................................................9

Chroma Optics .....................................................................45

Peregrine Build/Design ....................................................37

Church Street Tavern/Splash at .................................

Phoenix Books.......................................................................33

the Boathouse ............................................................ 23

Pure Barre................................................................................37

Coco Goose ...........................................................................20

Radiance Medical Aesthetics & Wellness Spa........

Crown Point Cabinetry.................................................2, 80

..................................................................Outside back cover

Culligan Water Services ................................................... 15

Red House Builders ...............................................................8

Daily Planet.............................................................................72

Slate...............................................................................................5

Ecco Clothes..............................................................................3

The Farmhouse Group......................................................52

Eden Aesthetics & Waxing..............................................49

The Spot Restaurant ..........................................................31

Ferro Estate Jewelers...........................................................4

Vermont Kitchen Design by Bouchard-Pierce......71

Fetch the Leash–Sponsor of Pets & People.........25

Vermont Plastic Surgery...................................................11

Furchgott Sourdiffe Gallery............................................20

Volansky Studio Architecture ....................................... 10

Hannaford Supermarkets..............Inside Back Cover Hen of the Wood...................................................................41

Wake Robin............................................................................. 77 Windjammer/Upper Deck............................................... 78

Vermont’s Best-Kept Wine Secret

The AT

You know what goes really well with wine?

Cheese!

COUPON MUST BE PRESENTED AT TIME OF PURCHASE. LIMIT ONE COUPON PER PERSON. VOID IF COPIED. NO CREDIT OR CASH BACK. $5 COUPON VALID ON A MINIMUM PURCHASE OF $5 OR MORE OF CHEESE. EXCLUDES: ALCOHOL, STAMPS, GIFT, CARDS, MONEY ORDERS/TRANSFER, LOTTERY TICKETS, DONATIONS, OR PHARMACY SERVICES.

Bare Medical Spa + Laser Center....................................

Your next cheese purchase of $5 or more.

Inspired Closets of Vermont............................................13

5 off

A Little Something..................................................................7

$

Hula ...............................................................................................6

We have a cheesy offer for you but don’t wine about it.

4T2D Clothing........................................................................50

www.KinneyDrugs.com

Home and Garden Vermont .........................................49

Wnd n Wvs................................................................................41 WINTER 2026 | Best of Burlington | 79

A whole new line of custom built inset and frameless cabinetry with the impeccable Crown Point fit and finish Handcrafted in New Hampshire and available direct, nationwide

Beautifully designed and engineered to be budget friendly

crownselect.com 603 • 542 • 3399

Available only from Crown Point Cabinetry

COFFEE TABLE PUBLISHING, LLC 32 Hermit Thrush Lane South Burlington, VT 05403

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