BLIND TIGER BURLINGTON THE INSIDERS INN CHAMPLAIN VALLEY IN BLOOM A SEASON PAINTED IN SUNLIGHT
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presents the concert series on the stage
34 THE INSIDERS INN
Blind Tiger Burlington boutique hotel has a speakeasy charm BY
MERYL SIEGMAN
44 CHAMPLAIN VALLEY IN BLOOM
A season painted in sunlight and soil
56 PURPOSE IN ACTION
Saint Michael’s College turns mission into service for Burlington and beyond BY
MARGARET THOMAS
COVER PHOTO BY LUKE AWTRY, COURTESY OF BCA
Departments Contents
21
26 ART SCENE
SOCAPA's teen program is training tomorrow's performing artists
30 ON THE GRILL
Elevate your summer BBQ with these spectacular sides
40 THE ESSEX EXPERIENCE
A must-see hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment
50 IN THE KNOW
Learn how healthy struggle improves resiliency.
73
Summer in the City
Turn up the heat with Burlington City Arts’ Summer in the City. Live music, unforgettable festivals, immersive art experiences, familyfriendly fun, and so much more from June through September–come be a part of it all!
In the summer edition of Best of Burlington, we celebrate the season with stories that invite exploration, reflection, and enjoyment of everything our area has to offer.
Among this issue’s highlights is Blind Tiger Burlington, a distinctive boutique hotel housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century mansion. We also visit The Essex Experience, a lively shopping and entertainment hub, where local businesses, food, art, music, and film create a destination for gathering and discovery.
Just outside Burlington, we also spotlight Saint Michael’s College, a Catholic liberal
arts college with a longstanding place in the region’s educational and cultural life.
This issue also blooms with a feature on summer flowers and a story exploring how resilience can grow through greater awareness of personal struggles, with insight from two wellness experts.
We also spotlight SOCAPA, the School of Creative & Performing Arts, based at Champlain College in Burlington, where young adults receive intensive summer training in acting, dance, filmmaking, music, and more.
For summer entertaining, we’ve included BBQ recipes sure to inspire your next
backyard gathering. You’ll also find our regular feature on Downtown dining and shopping, spotlighting favorite places to browse, gather, and enjoy the season.
Thank you, as always, for reading and for supporting the people, places, and ideas that bring this community to life. We hope this issue inspires a joyful, memorable, and beautifully local summer.
Warmly,
John and Robin Gales Publishers
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HAVE A PET-PERFECT SUMMER!
It’s the pet-friendliest time of year
In the Champlain Valley, you know can always tell when it’s summer: Farmstands reopen, lake days return, and evening light lingers. But what makes the season even better is the fact that you can spend more time outdoors with your pet. Whether it’s a quiet morning walk or a bustling community event, having a pet along is a special summer treat.
JUMP IN THE LAKE
Lake Champlain becomes the center of activity during the warmer months. Dog-friendly areas like North Beach and Oakledge Park offer space to swim, play, and unwind. Water provides both relief from the heat and a great form of exercise. Some canines don’t like to get wet, so use caution when you’re lakeside for the first time.
TAKE A HIKE
Beyond the lake, trails and open land are perfect places to take your dogs. The Burlington Greenway provides sweeping lake views, while Shelburne Farms offers pastoral landscapes perfect for a slower-paced walk.
OUT & ABOUT
Vermont’s culture naturally embraces pets as part of daily life. Restaurants, like Splash at the Boathouse, and cafes and restaurants along Church Street are dog-friendly, along with breweries like Switchback Brewing Company, Mad River Distillers, and Foam Brewers. In fact, some places not only accommodate pets—they expect them! It’s not uncommon in Burlington to see water bowls outside stores, with doggie treats on offer at the counter.
Beat the Heat Treats
Summer is a good time to make frozen treats for your pets. For dogs, freezing a rubber chew toy for a few hours can be a great way to provide relief on hot days. You can also add ice cubes to their water bowl or give them directly as a treat. Cats can enjoy frozen catnip-stuffed toys or ice cubes with a bit of tuna water dripped inside.
Try these recipes
PB & Banana Bites
Blend 1 cup plain yogurt, 1/4 cup xylitol-free peanut butter, and 1 mashed banana. Freeze in molds.
Berry Coconut Delight
Blend 1 cup coconut milk with 1/2 cup blueberries and 1/2 cup strawberries, then freeze.
Tuna/Salmon Bites
Freeze tuna or salmon packed in water into small, icy cubes (add a little extra water before you freeze).
Cat “Nice” Cream
Blend frozen blueberries with a small amount of fish broth; freeze.
Get Up & Go
Community life thrives in the summer months, and many events throughout the Champlain Valley welcome pets. Below are just a few.
Burlington Farmers Market
A vibrant weekly market along the waterfront. Every Saturday, 9am–2pm
Summervale at the Intervale Center
A free weekly summer festival at the Intervale Center in Burlington, celebrating local food, drink, and live music.
www.intervale.org/summervale
Town Green Concert Series
Relaxed outdoor performances across the region. For schedules, check local municipal websites for their summer bandstand schedules.
Shelburne Village Dog Park
A three-acre off-leash, fenced area for dogs to run and play, featuring dog-themed sculptures and furniture.
Summer-Smart Toys
Whether your furry friend loves splashing in water, chasing toys, or lounging in the sun, the right summer toys can keep them entertained and safe. Here are some suggestions for dogs and cats:
SPLASH-READY TOYS FOR DOGS
Keep your pup cool with water-friendly toys that float and can be thrown for a game of fetch at the beach or pool. The Playology Squeaky Chew Ball is a great option! But any squeaky toy will do. Pair it with a kiddie pool for splashy fun in your backyard.
CHASE & POUNCE TOYS FOR CATS
Cats may not enjoy water, but they’ll love toys that mimic the movement of prey. Crinkle or pouncing cat toys from Playology’s Cat Collection are perfect for engaging their hunting instincts. For outdoor-safe cats, a rolling toy can turn your garden into their playground.
Summer Safety Basics
While Vermont’s climate is mild compared to many places, summer heat can still pose risks. The following advice comes from aspca.org:
• Give pets plenty of fresh, clean water when it’s hot or humid outdoors, as pets can get dehydrated quickly.
• Know the symptoms of overheating in pets, which include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, stupor, or even collapse.
• Never leave your animals alone in a parked vehicle. Not only can it lead to fatal heat stroke, but it’s illegal in several states!
• Do not leave pets unsupervised around a pool. If you plan on spending time near a pool, lake or beach with your pet, make sure you give them fresh water and avoid letting them drink from the pool, or ingest ocean or lake water.
Young Filmmakers
BURLINGTON BACKDROP
SOCAPA teens find inspiration from campus to Church Street
Champlain College, a small liberal arts college perched in the historic Hill Section of Burlington, overlooking Lake Champlain and the surrounding Adirondack Mountains, is not only in the center of Vermont’s arts scene, but is also host to SOCAPA (School of Creative and Performing Arts), which runs pre-college summer intensive camps for teens ages fourteen to eighteen.
PROXIMITY MATTERS
Jamie Yerkes, SOCAPA’s founder and executive director, felt Champlain College made the ideal educational partner because of the college’s proximity to other fine and performing arts establishments, like Flynn and the Church Street Marketplace, which is also favorite shooting location for student filmmakers.
Jamie, a native Vermonter, who lives and has raised a family here, says, “Burlington feels safe and manageable, but still exciting and inspiring. Students can live on a college campus, work on serious creative projects, walk downtown, film on Church Street, photograph by the lake, and feel like they are a part of a real community.” According to Jamie, “[The program is] a place where collaboration is built into the structure of the experience.
Besides filmmaking, teens can study screenwriting, sound mixing, photography, acting, music, and dance. Classes run from 9am to 5pm on weekdays, and night and weekend activities are planned for each group. Movie nights and the final showcase festival are held in Champlain College's 200-seat Alumni Auditorium.
THE BIG PICTURE
SOCAPA students can choose from among three intensives: Screenwriting, with two- and three-week options; Core Filmmaking, with two- to five-week options; and Advanced Filmmaking, with three- to six-week options. In each intensive, students focus on storytelling. Each student writes, directs, and edits their own films, crafting the stories they
want to tell from start to finish. They learn to capture picture and sound separately, like the pros. They collaborate with SOCAPA’s acting students and crew on one another’s films, gaining experience on set with other filmmakers.
COLLEGIAL COUNTRY FEEDBACK
It is clear while walking through Church Street that the locals have taken to SOCAPA students.
Many owners allow filming in and around their shops, and local artists will occasionally provide their own feedback. “It is an ideal place for students to immerse themselves without being overwhelmed. There is space to focus. There is natural beauty. There is a strong sense of community,” says Jamie.
SOCAPA also runs programs in New York and Los Angeles. However, many students and teachers alike prefer Burlington because of the
level of interaction with locals. In fact, a major part of the SOCAPA experience for students are the opportunities afforded to them locally, like getting to record music in a professional studio or jumping onto a comedy club stage on open mic night.
Master classes are offered in up-and-coming genres like hip-hop and aerial skills, and an increase in local production companies has been a major boon for film students. Businesses such as LeZot Camera see Burlington as a haven, encouraging other institutions to stick around and new ones to set up shop.
MAKING THE SCENE
Students stay in Champlain College’s Lakeview Residence Hall, a traditional-style dormitory looking out over Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains. Students who live locally or who have friends/family to stay with in or around Burlington are welcome to attend the program as day students. Day students commute to campus each day and return home each evening after classes.
Resident students eat most of their meals in the campus dining hall, but weekly outdoor barbecues and dinners on the town are planned, as well.
A variety of extracurricular activities take place in the evenings and on weekends, ranging from the much anticipated “NonTalent Show” and Karaoke Night to taking in a local show and summer blockbuster movie. Cool-off swims in Lake Champlain, hikes in the beautiful Green Mountains, leisurely strolls downtown, and summer concerts in the park are also on the agenda.
IT’S A WRAP
As for the guiding principal behind SOCAPA, Jamie says, “The next generation of teens needs creative, supportive spaces more than ever. They need places where they can tell stories, work with others, build confidence, and feel that their voices matter.”
SOCAPA at Champlain College
163 South Willard Street
Burlington, VT
www.socapa.org
ELEVATE your SUMMER BBQ with these SPECTACULAR SIDES
A great summer BBQ isn’t just about what’s on the grill—it’s the sides that steal the show. Build your spread around bold, colorful dishes that feel fresh and a little unexpected: a bright watermelon and feta salad with mint, or a grilled peach and burrata salad brightens any summer menu.
Add a farro salad with roasted eggplant and lemon vinaigrette, a smoky grilled corn salad tossed with lime and cotija cheese, and a platter of heirloom tomatoes drizzled with olive oil and topped with flaky salt.
Round it out with warm, crusty bread and a punchy dipping sauce.
When the sides bring crunch, acidity, and vibrant flavor, the whole BBQ feels elevated—and guests keep coming back for seconds.
Grilled Peach & Burrata Salad
• creamy, smoky, salty, and stunning •
INGREDIENTS:
3 ripe peaches, halved
2 balls burrata
Arugula or mixed greens
Torn prosciutto slices
Olive oil
Balsamic glaze
Fresh basil
INSTRUCTIONS:
Grill peaches until lightly charred. Arrange greens, peaches, and torn burrata on a platter. Add prosciutto.
Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze. Finish with fresh basil.
Watermelon, Feta & Mint Salad
• sweet and savory at their best •
INGREDIENTS:
4 cups watermelon, cubed
½ cup crumbled feta
¼ cup fresh mint, chopped
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp fresh lime juice
Pinch of salt + black pepper
INSTRUCTIONS:
Combine watermelon, feta, and mint in a bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and lime juice. Gently toss and season lightly. Serve chilled.
Charred Lemon & Broccolini
• simple, bold, and elevated •
INGREDIENTS:
2 bunches broccolini
4 lemons halved
Olive oil
1 clove garlic
Lemon zest + juice
Shaved parmesan
INSTRUCTIONS:
Grill broccolini and lemon halves until lightly charred. Toss with garlic, lemon, and olive oil. Finish with parmesan.
Smoky Grilled Corn Salad
• smoky and sweet •
INGREDIENTS:
5 ears corn, husked
¼ cup mayo
¼ cup crumbled cotija cheese
1 tbsp Lime juice
½ tsp smoked paprika
¼ cup cilantro, chopped
Salt + pepper
Lime wedges
INSTRUCTIONS:
Grill corn until lightly charred. Let cool, then cut kernels off.
Toss with mayo, lime juice, paprika, cheese, and cilantro.
Season to taste. Garnish with lime wedges. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Herby Yogurt Dip
• great with everything •
INGREDIENTS:
1 cup Greek yogurt
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
2 tbsp herbs (dill, parsley, or chives)
Salt + pepper
INSTRUCTIONS:
Mix everything together. Top with torn herbs. Chill before serving.
Farro Salad with Roasted Eggplant & Lemon Vinaigrette
•nutty, hearty, and sophisticated •
INGREDIENTS:
1 cup cooked farro
Sliced roasted eggplant
¼ cup goat cheese
Chopped sun-dried tomatos
Fresh parsley and basil
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
INSTRUCTIONS:
Toss cooked farro with cheese, herbs, and sun-dried tomatos. Dress with olive oil, and lemon. Top with roasted eggplant. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Heirloom Tomato Platter
•simple but impactful •
INGREDIENTS:
3–4 heirloom tomatoes, sliced
2 tbsp olive oil
Flaky salt
Fresh basil
INSTRUCTIONS:
Arrange tomato slices on a platter. Drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and basil.
The Insider’s Inn
Blind Tiger Burlington has a speakeasy charm that redefines the concept of the boutique hotel
The term “boutique hotel” doesn’t begin to describe Blind Tiger Burlington, a relative newcomer to the city’s burgeoning luxury hotel scene. This fourteen-room guest house on South Willard Street offers an experience so unique, it makes visitors feel as if they’re staying in a beautiful, stately mansion with a charm all its own.
First built as a private home in 1881, the property’s original brick facade, slate roof, and exterior marble staircase remain, and overflowing flower and herb gardens are the centerpiece of the sprawling, manicured lawn in front of the house.
A HOUSE WITH A HISTORY
Once the home of the banker Charles Williamson Woodhouse, the property served as a retirement home in the early twentieth century, then was converted into the Willard Street Inn, which opened in 1996 and was in operation for nearly twenty-five years.
In 2023, the historical inn was reborn as Blind Tiger Burlington, which is one of three guest houses of the same name owned by Lark Hotels, a company specializing in unique, experiential, design-driven properties throughout the US.
And since its opening in May 2023, Blind Tiger Burlington has lived up to the Lark Hotels’ reputation, earning two prestigious Michelin keys and twice being named Best Hotel in Burlington.
WHAT’S IN A NAME?
Paige Mooradian, the property’s general manager, explains that the term “blind tiger” refers to establishments that sold and traded liquor during Prohibition. They charged admission to see a supposed attraction, such as a “blind tiger,” and then sold drinks to patrons once inside.
Over time, the term became a colorful term for a speakeasy, which aptly describes the vibe of the boutique property: discreet, stylish, and like a hideaway just waiting to be discovered.
CURATED DECOR
Paige describes the décor as artistically curated, using a combination of historic details, as
evidenced in the millwork and other architectural features, and modern curated design. But mostly, she says, it’s cozy and welcoming.
Each space at Blind Tiger Burlington is decorated with mostly handmade, antique, and one-of-a kind furnishings, along with unique works of art collected carefully over the past decade. Some guest rooms are
Above: The front hallway and entryway of the Blind Tiger Burlington features a classic, cherry-paneled foyer highlighted by a grandiose hardwood staircase. Left: The two-room Mr. Sun suite is a signature, boldly designed room named by Ryan Miller, the lead singer of the band Guster. It features one king bed, a seating area, and offers picturesque lake views through two large windows.
equipped with gas fireplaces, while many boast original mantels and architectural detail. Several rooms include comfortable seating areas, with antique leather wingback chairs, and others have separate living areas with sofas, reading nooks, and work (or craft) areas.
RED-CARPET WELCOME
There’s no cold reception desk here. Instead, when you arrive and ring the doorbell, you are greeted by a staff member, who will give you a personal tour of the property. You then settle into one of the fourteen individually designed rooms, each with its own distinct style. Your local “host” who will provide you with their unique perspectives on how to best explore and enjoy the locale.
Above: Curated by design duo Elder & Ash, The Horizon Times suite is a cozy, light-filled king room, featuring a vintage writing desk and a bay window, offering garden views and scenic glimpses of Lake Champlain. Right: Blind Tiger Burlington is a grand 1881 Victorian-style brick mansion, featuring a prominent west-facing double staircase, a classic slate roof, an eye-catching polygonal corner turret, and the original, sweeping exterior marble staircase.
“We’re a guest house that hosts people, and we deliver an elevated experience,” she continues. “Guests don’t just check in and then disappear into their rooms. They’re encouraged to interact with the staff and each other.”
They tend to gravitate toward the junglelike solarium, Paige says, a beautiful, sunlit space, with an original green-and-whiteveined marble floor and mature plants.
The fully stocked pantry is complimentary to guests, including small batch snacks and drinks available at any hour. “It’s part of the guest house experience,” Paige says, adding, “Burlington has some great places to stay, but we’re unique because of the historical
Below: The interior decor blends vintage lighting statements, custom antiques, and eclectic contemporary art to create an inviting, residential feel.
character of the space and a guest experience that is distinct. It’s unlike anything guests will get anywhere else.”
A TASTE OF BURLINGTON
During her tenure as GM, Paige has arranged partnerships with local businesses to enhance the personal nature of guests’ stays. She explains that this local connection is a large part of Blind Tiger’s package, saying, “Each room has a number and a name, which references a local artist or business. The guests love it—it creates a real sense of community.”
One such partner is La Reprise, a nearby wine shop and farm-to-table restaurant, known for its knowledgeable staff, genuine hospitality, and relaxed atmosphere. Paige makes sure Blind Tiger’s guests are provided with VIP service when dining there.
Another partnership is with Doma Bar, a local cocktail bar and vinyl listening lounge,
ADIRONDACK AUDIOLOGY
Photo by Laura Wells.
Opposite page: The solarium at Blind Tiger Burlington is a bright, jungle-like communal space, featuring original green-and-whiteveined marble floors and an abundance of mature plants. It serves as a relaxed, sunwashed living room and is the perfect spot for morning breakfast, reading, or board games.
affectionately known as “Pine Street’s living room.” Paige describes it as a comfortable but elevated bar with an energy, vibe, and mission similar to Blind Tiger’s.
HEARTFELT HOSPITALITY
The inn’s connection to Burlington extends beyond ties to its community of artists and local partnerships. It also supports Pathways, a nonprofit that provides mental health services and housing assistance to people experiencing homelessness. Guests are invited to contribute, as well, adding another layer to the hotel’s sense of place.
WHAT’S AHEAD
Paige is constantly envisioning new ways to introduce more people to Blind Tiger and expand the experience beyond overnight stays. One of her next goals is to make the inn better known as a venue for private gatherings and special events. The entire property can be reserved, accommodating up to thirty-one overnight guests and as many as sixty people for an event, and Paige plans to welcome even larger groups in the future.
“I would love to host more local events,” she says, imagining everything, from intimate celebrations to murder mystery parties. “I want more people to know about Blind Tiger.”
For all its distinctive character, Blind Tiger is surprisingly affordable. Its rates are generally in line with many traditional hotels in the Burlington area, yet it delivers a truly unique Vermont experience that embodies the soul of New England’s natural beauty, practical elegance, and connection to the local community.
Plan your special day at Sugarbush in the heart of the Green Mountains during the beauty of Fall foliage.
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photo: Andy Medea
Photo: Ryan Bent
An
all-day destination for connection, creativity, and community
See You at The EE
THE ESSEX EXPERIENCE, OR THE EE, HAS BECOME ONE OF VERMONT’S DEFINING DESTINATIONS.
Located just a short stroll from The Essex Resort & Spa in Essex, The EE is part entertainment district and part social hub, housing over twenty independently owned businesses that showcase the best in local and national music, cinema, art, wellness, and dining,
In fact, The EE was named “Best Retail Hub” in 2025 by a well-known New England magazine.
On warm mornings, The EE wakes gradually. Early visitors sip coffee at a sidewalk café, families arrive with strollers, cyclists stop in after morning rides, and friends settle into shaded tables to map out the day ahead.
There’s a rhythm to The EE that feels distinctly Vermont—welcoming, relaxed, and community-centered,” says Alexis Hayes, marketing director of the Essex Resort & Spa.
SHOP LOCALLY
By late morning, the walkways begin to fill with energy. Local boutiques, like Addie & Grace, which offers women’s clothing and accessories from well-known designers, and Nusantara, a global fashion wholesaler selling unique goods from Southeast Asia, open up for the day.
Part of The EE’s appeal is how intentionally local it feels. Many of the businesses are Vermont-owned. Arthound Gallery, for example, features curated Vermont product for the home, and Magic Mann, offers Vermont-
grown cannabis, cannabis education, and resources for cannabis consumers.
“You come for one thing and end up discovering five more,” says Alexis.
FOOD AND DRINK CHOICES
Food and drink are central to The EE. Options range from Bramble, a farm-to-table restaurant showcasing the best from local farmers, butchers, and artisans to Leo & Co., a café offering juices and smoothies, baked goods, sandwiches, and salads.
There’s also The Mad Taco, inspired by creative Latin cuisine, and The Oriental Wok, specializing in Hunan, Szechuan, and Cantonese cuisine.
Salt & Bubbles Wine Bar and Market
Opposite: Bramble, a farm-to-table restaurant, showcasing the best from local farmers, butchers, and artisans. This page: Black Flannel Brewing operates forty taps, featuring ales, lagers, sour beers, and barrel-aged selections brewed on-site, in addition to crafting their own spirits and cocktails. Their kitchen features elevated pub fare.
focuses on ethically made wines, while Vermont Cider Lab serves up fresh-pressed hard cider crafted locally using local ingredients.
Black Flannel Brewing Co. has become one of the anchors of The EE. The brewery’s industrial-inspired taproom balances polished design with Vermont comfort—large communal tables, warm wood finishes, and an
Above: Double E Music offers live music on the Old Stage, made from a lovingly restored 200-year-old barn. Right and below: Nusantara's flagship boutique specializes in curated clothing, handmade jewelry, home decor, and unique antiques.
atmosphere that encourages people to stay awhile. Their rotating beer menu ranges from approachable lagers to hop-forward IPAs and creative seasonal releases.
The brewery’s distillery program allows visitors to sample craft cocktails made with house spirits, while bartenders mix refreshing summer drinks that pair perfectly with live music and warm evenings.
Says Alexis, “A simple afternoon visit can easily turn into an entire evening out.”
MUSIC AND EVENTS
What truly transforms The EE during the summer is the steady calendar of live events. Double E Music provides everything, from live music shows to lectures, lifestyle events, classes, and private parties.
Double E’s newest venue, the Double E Lounge, is a multifaceted performance space that accommodates up to 150 guests. It has a fully stocked bar, a kitchen, a professional stage and screen, and a professional hospitality team that’s there to make sure everything runs smoothly.
Movie nights take on a new dimension at Double E’s 400-seat theater, which offers Vermont’s only large-format cinema screen. The theater can also be used to host large private or public parties and multimedia presentations, private screenings and concerts, recitals, and larger speaking events.
WELLNESS OPTIONS
The EE offers a holistic approach to wellness, providing a rejuvenating escape where relaxation takes center stage.
Providers include Elements of Healing, a holistic health center, as well as an acupuncture center and school of massage, and Purple Salt, which specialized in a wide range of beauty and wellness services, from traditional spa treatments to treatments in their salt cave and detoxifying sessions in their infrared sauna.
WOMEN MEN KIDS JEWELRY ACCESSORIES GIFTS
Peace of Mind Pilates is a communityfocused fitness studio offering classes in Pilates, Barre, yoga, cardio, and more, while Essential Elements, a holistic health and wellness practice founded by Leslie Chadwell, offers Chinese medical massage, essential oils, and nutritional counseling.
A NEW VT TRADITION
In many ways, The Essex Experience reflects what people increasingly want from summer destinations: authenticity, connection, and flexibility. Visitors can spend hours there without a strict plan, letting the day unfold naturally.
For some, it’s a place to meet friends after work. For others, it’s a weekend family outing or a date-night destination. And for travelers discovering Vermont in 2026, it offers an easy entry point into the local culture.
The Essex Experience
21 Essex Way Essex, VT www.essexresort.com/ essex-experience-vermont
Champlain Valley in Bloom
A SEASON PAINTED IN SUNLIGHT AND SOIL
In Vermont’s Champlain Valley, summer gardens unfold in layers —where lake-cooled breezes, resilient perennials, and iconic blooms create a landscape both cultivated and wild.
The Champlain Valley (including Burlington and South Burlington) is one of the warmest, longestgrowing parts of Vermont— sometimes called the state’s “banana belt” because of Lake Champlain’s moderating effect. That influence creates a wide palette of summer plants compared to the rest of the state, allowing gardens here to stretch further and bloom longer.
Clockwise from top: Peonies, Coneflowers, Blue Flax, and Dahlias. Photos courtesy of Shelburne Farms and Red Wagon.
Summer in the Champlain Valley does not arrive all at once. It eases in—soft mornings, longer light, and a steady warming that seems to rise from the lake itself. By midJune, the shift is unmistakable. Gardens, quiet for months, begin to stretch and fill, their early restraint giving way to color, texture, and movement.
THE FIRST FLOURISH
Garden foliage arrives in waves. Daylilies rise quickly, their vivid blooms appearing almost overnight, lighting up borders and roadsides. Close behind come the essential perennials: bee balm, coneflower, and black-eyed Susan. Bee balm, with its slightly untamed form and saturated reds and pinks, brings immediate life. Hummingbirds hover, dart, and return in looping patterns. Coneflowers stand more quietly, their sturdy forms holding steady through heat and wind. Black-eyed Susans create a sense of continuity—fields of gold that echo the sun.
Together, these plants form the foundation of a Champlain Valley summer: resilient, sun-
loving, and deeply connected to the rhythms of pollinators.
EVOLVING COLOR
Unlike more formal landscapes, gardens here are rarely fixed; they shift. One bloom fades as
another rises, each overlapping just enough to keep the scene in motion.
By July, the effect is immersive. Bees move steadily from flower to flower. Butterflies drift through open spaces. Even the air seems to carry the hum of activity.
Above and right: Blue Bacopa and African Violets. Photos courtesy of Red Wagon and Claussen's.
A lush organic garden at Shelburne Farms, featuring hoop houses used to extend the growing season. Photo courtesy of Shelburne Farms.
Where to Buy Your Blooms
From landmark gardens to small, plant-loving nurseries, these Champlain Valley stops are great places to find summer standouts— and the local know-how to help them thrive at home.
SHELBURNE FARMS
1611 Harbor Road
Shelburne, VT www.shelburnefarms.org
A quintessential Champlain Valley landscaper, with iconic peony displays and sweeping lake views.
A destination nursery specializing in hardy perennials and pollinatorfriendly plants
CLAUSSEN’S FLORIST, GREENHOUSE & PERENNIAL FARM
789 U.S. Route 2A Colchester, VT www.claussens.com
A longtime local favorite for annuals, perennials, and garden inspiration.
UVM HORTICULTURE RESEARCH CENTER
65 Green Mountain Drive, South Burlington, VT www.uvm.edu/hrec
Trial gardens and research plantings showcase what thrives locally.
ROCK POINT
20 Rock Point Road Burlington, VT www.rockpointvt.org
A natural setting with trails and native plant communities along Lake Champlain.
Plant orchids (left) in a chunky bark mix, and only water when the roots fade from vibrant green to a silvery-gray. Orchids require bright, indirect light, and these stunning epiphytes will reward you with gorgeous petals for months. Photo courtesy of Claussen's.
Peonies bloom in a quiet but unmistakable display. Their forms are generous—full, layered, and almost impossibly soft. Whites, blush pinks, and deep rose tones gather in clusters, catching the morning light.
They bloom briefly, but their presence lingers, drawing visitors to pause and take in the quiet abundance.
NATURE NURTURES
Beyond cultivated gardens, native plants define the region. Milkweed supports monarch butterflies, while goldenrod provides late-season nectar. Asters follow, signaling the shift toward fall. Along roadsides and meadows, these plants create a changing tapestry—one shaped by the valley’s soils, moisture, and climate. They offer a model of beauty grounded in resilience. Shrubs bring structure. Hydrangeas thrive,
their blooms shifting color through the season. Summersweet adds fragrance, its late blooms carrying scent through warm evenings.
These elements anchor the garden, providing continuity as flowers come and go.
IT’S AN ANNUAL AFFAIR
Annuals bring immediacy. Petunias spill from containers, marigolds endure the heat, and zinnias add bold color. They allow for experimentation and seasonal expression—an opportunity to embrace color and change.
LEANING INTO FALL
By August, the garden reaches fullness. Hydrangeas peak. Coneflowers persist. Goldenrod begins to glow.
The light softens, stretching across gardens and fields. The season tapers gently toward fall.
Building resilience requires intentionally facing challenges and allowing time to process and integrate experiences.
WHY
HEALTHY
STRUGGLE IS THE MISSING INGREDIENT IN MODERN SELF-CARE
Resilient by Design
We’re often told to relax and unwind to cope with stress, but that’s only part of the equation. If we fail to foster the other side—the capacity to struggle and expand our resilience—the endless quest for relaxation can weaken our capacity to handle stressors. However, by intentionally challenging our minds and bodies in the right ways, we can train our resilience and strengthen our ability to overcome life’s inevitable challenges.
OPTIMAL STRUGGLE IS KEY
“The ability to struggle and overcome is in our DNA,” Rachel Oblak, a licensed clinical mental health counselor in Williston, explains. “Struggle that falls within our
growth edge feels exhilarating to conquer. We suffer without it.”
Many of us have been conditioned to see struggle as bad. If we feel uncomfortable, we tend to assume something’s wrong. But a certain amount of stress isn’t just helpful— it’s necessary. In fact, a lack of healthy
struggle can feed depression, anxiety, or destructive behavior, just as much as too much adversity can.
“You’ve heard about a victory high—that’s a struggle high,” says Rachel. “Your brain rewards you for optimal struggle, just as it rewards you for other survival behaviors, like eating when you’re hungry.”
THE ART OF SAFE DISCOMFORT
One of the most overlooked forms of resilience training is play. Not productivity, not perfection—play.
Animals, including humans, use play to learn skills, regulate emotions, negotiate conflict, and build confidence. Adults often abandon play in favor of efficiency, but playful struggle is one of the most powerful
Activities like rock climbing and martial arts can help build a sense of mastery and confidence in the face of challenge, while self-care helps the body reset and recover for continued growth.
ways to retrain your nervous system. It gives you permission to be silly, start imperfectly, and take risks.
Things like trying a new hobby, taking a dance or improv class, doing an escape room, playing a high-stakes game of chess, or other ways of engaging in activities that create excitement, curiosity, and a dash of frustration or fear amid fun are all playful ways to hone your capacity under nonthreatening pressure.
WHEN ADRENALINE ASSISTS YOU
Your nervous system is designed to adapt. It ramps up to meet a challenge and then settles back down. If you avoid all discomfort, you lose the opportunity to experience survivability. On the other hand, when you intentionally move through a challenge, your body learns that activation is survivable— sometimes, even fun.
Engaging in activities such as rock climbing, trail running, martial arts, playing music at
a recital, public speaking, or performing in a play temporarily raises your heart rate and activates your stress response. Many of us associate adrenaline with dread, but at the right dose, it enhances our performance.
The key is that the stress is time-limited and contained, giving your nervous system the chance to complete the stress cycle. Your nervous system doesn’t just need to calm down; it needs to know it can ramp up, meet the challenge, and then recover. That’s where true adaptability lives.
“Over time, you may notice that you recover from stressors more quickly or aren’t shaken by things that previously would’ve overwhelmed you,” explains Dr. Sarah Paquette, owner of Compass Chiropractic in Richmond, who uses chiropractic care to help patients rebalance their nervous systems and improve the brain’s communication with the body. “You can feel activated and still be okay. You’re building on your experience of accomplishment and problem-solving in real time. That’s resilience.”
AVOIDING BURNOUT
Training resilience starts like training for any other ability: with enough high-quality food, water, and rest to fuel and energize you. “That foundation—nutrition, rest, supportive care—is not the end goal. It’s the starting line,” says Dr. Sarah Paquette.
We also need to recognize that resilience training is not a prescription for pushing through burnout. If you’re exhausted to your core, feeling numb, depleted, or resentful in ways that feel foreign to you, your first step is not to sign up for more of anything. Burnout is a signal to reassess the load you’re carrying. Sometimes, resilience begins with subtraction, removing or renegotiating what is unsustainable.
“When you’re really living your life, stress is unavoidable; that’s not the problem,” Dr. Sarah says. “The problem is living a life where stress is unremitting and uncontained. We wouldn’t expect anyone to run a marathon every day or let our cars drive indefinitely without an oil change. How can we possibly expect the same of ourselves?”
This is where professional support can be invaluable for your mind and body. Therapy provides space to process and change patterns fueling chronic stress, while chiropractic, massage, and other forms of body-focused care can address the physical manifestations of prolonged tension.
And even when you’re not at the point of burnout, balancing self-care is still essential. “Resilience requires a pendulation between striving and recovery, seeking and retreating, expanding and consolidating,” says Rachel. Quieter practices such as journaling, art, spirituality, and therapy help you integrate your gains, preparing you for the next phase of growth.
Struggle without reflection can become punishment. Struggle with awareness fosters transformation.
OUR INVITATION
The cultural conversation needs to shift. Society has made important strides in elevating the value of relaxation, safety, and peace, but if the focus is solely on destressing, we risk stag-
Rachel Oblak, LCMHC, provides talks, online courses, and Jungian psychoanalytic therapy to adults ready to pursue a deeper process beyond symptom management. She specializes in recovery and resilience issues related to trauma, burnout, secondary traumatic stress, and post-cult recovery. Learn more about her practice in Williston at www.racheloblak.com
Dr. Sarah Paquette is the owner of Compass Chiropractic in Richmond, VT, where she and Dr. Nicole Bonneau Lee work together to help patients live their best with healthy doses of education, heart, and humor. You can find them at www.compasschirovt.com
nation. We can neither eschew softness nor constantly push. Integrating growth with rest honors both halves of our nervous systems—the part that calms, and the part that mobilizes to strive or seek. We become more adaptable, more confident, and more alive. We thrive Resilience is not about grinding yourself into the ground. It’s about choosing your challenges wisely, training thoughtfully, and trusting that your body and mind were built to do it all—struggle, conquer, rest, recover, and grow.
Rachel Oblak, LCMHC, and Dr. Sarah Paquette.
PURPOSE IN ACTION
Saint Michael’s College turns mission into service for Burlington and beyond
When you arrive on the Saint Michael’s campus, the first thing you encounter is the central green space. Flanked to the east by the Chapel of Saint Michael the Archangel, and the Durick Library to the west, it’s awe inspiring.
When you step back and see the peaks of the Adirondacks, look down at the Winooski River, and take in the surrounding forests, a sense of tranquility washes over you. You can even hear the sound of student athletic groups, such as the recently added track team, warming up.
And when you meet the students and faculty that live and breathe the Edmundite Mission,
to contribute through higher education to the enhancement of the human person and the advancement of human culture through the Catholic faith, there is a realization that Saint Michael’s College is a local institution focused on bettering the community and translating these improvements globally.
SAINT MICHAEL’S MISSION
In an age when artificial intelligence can generate information instantly, Saint Michael’s responds by saying, “Graduates must be able to discern what is true, engage across differences, and act with purpose in conditions of
uncertainty—capacities that cannot simply be downloaded,” says Saint Michael’s president, Richard Plumb, PhD.
Dr. Plumb carried this ideology with him throughout his career in Catholic higher education, and it inspired him to create the Division of Edmundite Mission, a collection of departments and campus organizations that work collectively to promote social justice and prepare students to find purpose in contributing to the common good. This commitment is not only philosophical but is also visible in the many ways the college serves and strengthens the Burlington community.
Previous page: Saint Michael's campus in early summer 2023. This page, clockwise from top left: Luwago Kaiza Kipingi ’26 of Leominster, Massachusetts, holds up his diploma after crossing the stage during Commencement at Saint Michael's College on Sunday, May 10, 2026. Hannah Bennett ’26, center, of Bedford, New Hampshire, sits among her classmates during Commencement in May 2026. Biology and Neuroscience Professor Ruth FabianFine works with students in summer 2025 involved in a research project focused on how Alzheimer’s disease develops in the human brain.
THE COURAGE TO SERVE
The most iconic of these examples is the Saint Michael’s Fire and Rescue Department. Established in 1969 as a response to the lack of emergency services in the community. Shannon Maloney, Rescue Unit chief, says, “The Edmundite Mission is reflected in everything our Fire and Rescue students do.
“At its core is a call to serve those most in need, and our students live that out every time they respond to a call in the community.” And with calls reaching over 3,000 last year alone, students have plenty of opportunities to respond. Besides responding to emergencies, students train new members and sustain operations, taking ownership and investing in more ways than one. Saint Michael’s administration recognized this level of investment and matched it with a transformative academic plan: the introduction of an Emergency Services degree path.
This plan is part of a larger academic restructuring, initiated by the college, to include degree paths targeting disparities in the workforce. In the last decade, requests for emergency services have increased by 22 percent statewide, according to the Vermont Department of Health, but the number of trained emergency professionals has dwindled.
It is not just emergency response teams that are suffering shortages; as the job landscape evolves, there is also a growing need for knowledgeable STEM educators, policymakers, and data analysts.
When asked what sets these academic tracks apart from standard certifications, Kate Soons, an Emergency Services/Health Science instructor, says, “Ultimately, certifications teach students how to respond in the moment, while the degree prepares them to lead, adapt, and help build more resilient systems over time.”
She goes on to say that these specialized tracks are informed by public health, psychology, ethics, and other social science coursework to develop a deeper understanding of care disparities and cultural competencies.
With such a commitment to building a strong EMS response force, it is no wonder that Saint Michael’s College’s Fire & Rescue is
among the top college-affiliated fire and EMS services in the country.
RESEARCH AND LIVING LABS
STEM education at Saint Michael’s is exemplified by the work being done by professors and students alike. While comparing past research on the brains of
Above: Saint Michael’s College Rescue member Joelle Cameron ’26 practices treatment procedures on a volunteer patient in spring 2026.
Right: Saint Michael’s College Biology professor Mark Lubkowitz, center, works with student researchers on a project related to corn genetics and food production.
Alzheimer’s patients and spiders dying of the same affliction, Dr. Ruth Fabian-Fine, professor of Biology and Neuroscience and her team, discovered similarities in neurons.
When asked what these findings might mean for medicine, she replied, “Based on these findings, we have identified drug targets. Testing one of these drug targets in preliminary studies, we have promising findings. We hope to team up with biotech to pursue this avenue; this is the biggest challenge at this point.”
These results are exciting not only for Dr. Fabian-Fine but also for her students. Many of the students have a personal connection to the research, including some who have family members or know someone close to them affected by neurodegenerative diseases. However, the hardest challenge to date has been a lack of published research on the subject, which has driven down visibility. Says Dr. Fabian-Fine, “I wish the scientific community was more open to looking into this to collectively drive forward our understanding of neurodegeneration more quickly.”
Besides working on research projects like Dr. Fabian-Fine’s, Saint Michael’s also gives students the opportunity to utilize its outdoor and living classrooms (OLCs), 440 acres of outdoor learning space, both on and across from campus, much of which is used by students and locals alike.
Part of the Patrick ’61 and Marcelle Leahy Institute for the Environment, it includes a 360-acre Natural Area of conserved forests, wetlands, trails, and overall restored ecosystems. Students often utilize these spaces for internships, research, coursework, volunteer opportunities, and more. And Saint Michael’s often hosts workshops, classes, and activities for the public to enjoy the same natural resources as the students.
When asked what makes these outdoor classrooms distinct from other facilities, Kristyn Achilich, Leahy Institute director and senior sustainability officer, says: “They help students move beyond theory and develop the skills, habits of mind, and sense of responsibility needed to address complex environmental and social challenges collaboratively and compassionately.”
A prime example can be seen in the collaboration between The Farm & Food
'Summer on the Lake' oil painting by Elizabeth Allen
Program, Chemistry Department, and Undergraduate Research Program for the Saffron Project, where all students involved must not only navigate collaboration but also understand the various aspects of agriculture and business needed to harvest a sustainable and profitable crop annually.
The project’s goal is to develop a testing mechanism for saffron that ensures the spice’s purity in the broader marketplace. The results from this project not only teach students but also improve outcomes for Vermont-based and national farmers in real time.
RESULTS DON’T LIE
These are just a few examples of how Saint Michael’s College’s committment to the Edmundite Mission benefits the greater Burlington community, and, potentially, the world. The college’s students boast a 98 percent rate of student employment or enrollment in higher education six months after graduation, and over 80 percent matriculate into specialized pathways, such as medical school (double the national average). The
school supports nearly 3,000 jobs, 60,000 hours of community service, and makes $185 million in total economic impact.
When asked how all these improvements achieve the ultimate goal of Saint Michael’s, Dr. Plumb says: “At every level, this work reflects the enduring vision of Saint Michael’s:
preparing graduates not only for professional success, but for lives of purpose, integrity, and service to the common good.”
Saint Michael’s College 1 Winooski Park Colchester, VT
www.smcvt.edu
Summer in the City Burlington City Arts
Summer in the City is back! Beginning in June and running through September, Summer in the City is a celebration that embodies the vibrant energy of Burlington and captures everything that makes our community shine.
Anchored by Burlington City Arts’ seasonal series, festivals, and exhibitions, Summer in
the City presents more than 100 free events that fill the city with vibrant energy, creativity, and connection.
SIGNATURE PROGRAMS
At the heart of it all are BCA’s signature programs, which have long been the creative
heartbeat of the season.
Summer comes in hot with Downtown Jazz, presented in partnership with the Church Street Marketplace during The Flynn’s Burlington Discover Jazz Festival. Enjoy four evenings of live local music throughout downtown Burlington. From June 3 through
June 6, Church Street will be boppin’ with nightly concerts at the Top Block Stage.
Wander down the Marketplace and take in jazz on College Street, a more intimate setting that pairs perfectly with dinner—grab a table at Leunig’s, Sweetwaters, or Ri Ra and enjoy live tunes from 6–8pm, Wednesday through Saturday.
And the rhythm only builds from there! The Summer Concert Series returns to serve up a side of local music in City Hall Park at lunchtime on Wednesdays and Fridays in June and Fridays in July and August.
The Twilight Series pops up one evening a month with luminaries from all corners of the Vermont music scene lighting up the park. Kids soak up summer fun on Saturdays at Splash Dance, a DJ-fueled dance party in City Hall Park’s interactive fountain.
Turn up the volume during your Wednesday passeggiata stroll at the BCA Center with Art Amplified. Once a month, you can experience
the gallery in a whole new light with DJs, projections, live music, and a bar.
The gallery will also be home to Sunday Classical, where you can start your morning on a high note with Vermont’s finest classical players, alongside BCA’s summer exhibitions, Everything Is Everything: Will Kasso Condry and Dream/Mộng: Veronica Pham.
BLOWOUT CELEBRATIONS
The season builds toward blowout celebrations with the Main Street Block Party on Friday, July 17, and Saturday, July 18, to celebrate the culmination of Burlington’s Main Street: Great Streets revitalization, alongside the downtown business community, with live music, tours of new public artwork, steamroller printmaking, and more.
And it wouldn’t be summer without one of Burlington’s most beloved traditions since 2007: BCA’s Festival of Fools On July 31 and August 31, downtown welcomes a
curated celebration of street performance devoted to community engagement through the celebration of circus arts, music, and comedy for family audiences. It’s two days of nonstop, free, family-friendly fun.
Get the full schedule at www.loveburlington. org/summerinthecity.
BCA’s Summer in the City is made possible by Underwriter: Pomerleau Family Foundation. Support from Burlington Telecom, Myti, and Lake Champlain Chocolates. BCA’s Festival of Fools is brought to you by: Pomerleau Family Foundation. Pitch Sponsors: Ben & Jerry’s and AARP Vermont. Championed by: von Trapp Brewing, Hendrick’s Gin, and Float On Cannabis Co. Community support from: Karma Birdhouse, Play Dog Play, Eyes of the World, Muddy Waters, Honey Road Restaurant, Always Full Market, Vermont Pub & Brewery. Downtown Jazz is supported by Zero Gravity Brewery and High Noon. Media Sponsors: Best of Burlington, Seven Days, and WCAX.
THE SPOT
vermont maple-worthy — our pancakes.
MEET ME DOWNTOWNDining
GOODBYE EL CORTIJO!
El Cortijo is closing it’s doors to become Burl’s Downtown Kitchenette, offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily. Expect diner classics with a Southern flair. Breakfast will include biscuits and sausage gravy, fried chicken and waffles, and a Creekside breakfast of fried catfish & grits. Lunch and dinner will feature diner classics, such as patty melts, house smoked turkey sandwiches, as well as gumbo, shrimp Louie, chopped smoked pork, and baskets of fried chicken. www.burlsdowntown.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. The Daily Planet boasts a romantic dining room, botanical solarium, and a lively bar scene. www.dailyplanetvt.com
BISTRO DE MARGOT
Perfect for summer, our famous steak frites, made with grilled hanger steak and topped with a black peppercorn sauce. Served with crisp french fries . www.bistrodemargot.com
FARMHOUSE TAP & GRILL
The Beer Garden is open! Beer, wine, cocktails, and our full menu is available in our outdoor oasis. Live sports broadcasted on the TV, comfortable couches that fit the whole crew, and corn hole make this the perfect spot for evening drinks and dinner. Open at 4pm nightly. www.farmhousetg.com
THE GREY JAY
The kale salad, chicken shawarma, and crispy fried potatoes are lunch favorites at The Grey Jay on Pearl Street. www.greyjayvt.com
SANTIAGO’S CUBAN CUISINE
Santiago’s is known for its inspired Cuban American cuisine, like their Cubano, a Cuban-style burger, typically served with papas fritos. www.santiagosvt.com
HONEY ROAD
LEUNIG’S BISTRO
Stop into Leunig’s Bistro to enjoy a comforting, hearty meal, like their grilled pork chop, served with sautéed greens and bubbling potato gratin. www.leunigsbistro.com
VERMONT PUB & BREWERY
Vermont Pub & Brewery is the state’s longest running brewery, serving a full menu that highlights local food producers, and fresh beer. A block from Church Street, enjoy friendly service at our bar, at a table in the family-friendly dining room, or dine al fresco on our expansive seasonal patio. www.vermontbrewery.com
Tahini hummus and baba ganoush, along with dolmas and fried chickpeas, are featured at this Eastern Mediterranean restaurant. www.honeyroadrestaurant.com
PASCOLO RISTORANTE
The patio is open! Enjoy house-made pasta, pizza, and delicious Italian wines right on Church Street. Open for dinner at 4pm nightly. www.pascolovt.com
Foam Brewers is a creative craft brewery in Burlington, known for imaginative, small-batch beers designed for enlightened palates. The taproom features a constantly rotating lineup of brews, alongside craft cocktails, wine, and unique non-alcoholic options. Pair your drink with worldclass cheese and charcuterie, tasty bar snacks, live music, and local art for a truly vibrant experience. www.foambrewers.com
DOWNTOWN Shopping
4T2D
Born in Burlington, 4T2D [Fourtitude] is a modern Vermont lifestyle boutique designing and manufacturing apparel locally while curating a collection of USA-made brands they genuinely love to wear themselves. Visit their new Church Street store to explore elevated everyday clothing focused on comfort, quality, and style. www.4t2d.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 www.shopcocogoose.com
On the Lake Champlain waterfront, Nu Chocolat crafts all their small-batch, European-style chocolates on-site. Stop in for free truffle samples, sip an iced chocolate in their bright café, or watch the chocolatiers at work through the viewing window. www.nuchocolat.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
NU CHOCOLAT
OUTDOOR GEAR EXCHANGE
For 31 years, Outdoor Gear Exchange has helped Vermonters make the most of every season. OGE is packed wall to wall with gear for skiing, snowboarding, biking, hiking, camping, backpacking, trail running, paddling, traveling, and whatever adventure you’re planning next. They stock everything from top-quality new arrivals to gently used finds at unbeatable discounts. Backed by a knowledgeable crew and expert service techs, OGE has earned the title of Burlington’s Best Outdoor Outfitter for an impressive 21 years running. www.gearx.com
HOMEPORT
DANFORTH PEWTER
Visit Danforth Pewter on Church Street to see Vermont-made pewter goods that celebrate traditional craftsmanship and lasting quality. Each piece is thoughtfully designed and individually cast, finished, and polished by skilled artisans using high-quality, lead-free pewter. Our collection includes ornaments, jewelry, keyrings, home goods, and keepsakes, all known for their durability, and timeless design. Because every item is handcrafted, each piece carries subtle variations that make it uniquely its own while reflecting the heritage and care behind Vermont metalworking. www.danfortpewter.com
Since 2002, their selection of cherished home furnishings have put a delightful touch on every space. Browse their collection of treasures for every room. And be sure to stop at their second location at The Essex Experience. www.homeportonline.com
ECCO CLOTHES
Ecco Clothes is a local boutique offering stylish, highquality women’s fashion with a curated selection of clothing, accessories, and seasonal must-haves. www.eccoclothesboutique.com
Arts and Entertainment 1. Flynn Theater
2. Burlington City Arts www.burlingtoncityarts.org
Dining
3. Pascolo Ristorante www.pascolovt.com
4. Jitters Cafe https://jitters-cafe.com
5. Church Street Tavern www.tavernvt.com
6. www.blackcapvermont.com
7. Bistro De Margot www.bistrodemargot.com
9. Leunig’s Bistro www.leunigsbistro.com
4.The Gryphon 9. Honey Road 19. Grey Jay 21. Gosia jewlery 8. Battery Street Jeans
12. Burl's Downtown Kitchen www.burlsdowntown.com
13. Farmhouse Tap and Grill www.farmhousetg.com
IN SpaVermont (need) A/C Marriot Hotel (need) Jitters Cafe (Have) Leunig’s (you have)
South Burlington, VT www.facebook.com/SouthBurlingtonRec
SOUTH BURLINGTON FARMERS MARKET
345 Pine Street Burlington, VT
JULY 10, 5PM
JACOB GREEN
JULY 24, 5PM JACOB GREEN
AUGUST 7, 5PM JACOB GREEN
SEPTEMBER 4, 5PM BART FELLER
SEPTEMBER 18, 5PM JACOB GREEN
SOUTH BURLINGTON NITE OUT
Veterans Memorial Park Pavillion
1000 Dorset Street
South Burlington, VT
www.southburlingtonvt.gov/651/SB-Nite-Out-2026
SUMMER HAPPENINGS
Sponsored by Champlain Valley Expo
JUNE 25, 6PM CIRQUE DE FUEGO PERFORMANCE
JULY 9, 6PM BEACH TOWEL GIVEAWAY
JULY 16, 6PM SOUL PORPOISE
JULY 23, 6PM A HOUSE ON FIRE
JULY 30, 6PM CIRQUE DE FUEGO PERFORMANCE
OTHER NOTEWORTHY
EVENTS
JUNE 24,7PM
BURLINGTON, VERMONT SOUND BATH
The Sanctuary for Healing & Liberation 1 Mill Street, Suite 208 Burlington, VT www.facebook.com/events/1492825445528274
JUNE 27, 7PM
CANDLELIGHT: ’90S HIP-HOP ON STRINGS
First Unitarian Universalist Society of Burlington 152 Pearl Street Burlington, VT www.feverup.com/m/604201?
JULY 3
INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATIONS
Waterfront Park Burlington, VT www.btvjuly3.com
JULY 4, NOON
STOWE VIBRANCY’S OLD-FASHIONED FOURTH OF JULY BLOCK PARTY Main Street Stowe, VT www.america250.org/event/stowe-vibrancys-old-fashioned-fourth-of-july-block-party/?
