DEALER.COM FP
COMMITTED TO COMMUNITY.
Dealer.com proudly supports the Seven Daysies Awards and is honored to be a part of a community that encourages a strong local culture, entrepreneurship, and sustainable living. Learn more about our community involvement here in Vermont: dealer.com/company/corporate-responsibility
Burlington & Waterbury
LOCALS PICK THE BEST OF VERMONT SEVENDAYSVT.COM/DAYSIES
3
THANK YOU for your votes! Local, affordable, and on your side™.
800-400-8790 · nefcu.com
Federally Insured by NCUA
Untitled-7 1
7/18/16 11:07 AM
we’re winning
(with you)
From all of us at The Automaster:
Thank you for your continued support. Come in to one of our showrooms today and allow us to demonstrate our
SEVEN DAYSIES 2016-17
commitment to auto excellence.
3328 Shelburne Road 985-8411 theautomaster.com
4 D2H-automaster15.indd 1
7/8/15 1:53 PM
W
As the media section always made obvious, it’s not just places that make Vermont special — it’s the people here, too. So there’s another surprise inside this issue: our own Daysies picks for six “gnometown heroes.” Get it? These are notable locals whom we know and love and think you should know, as well. Can you spot the gnome hiding in each of their photos? Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty Daysies details. Arriving at the winners took two rounds of voting. First, folks wrote in their favorites for everything from best museum to mani/pedi, best day hike to dive bar. Second, we tallied the votes, selected the top finalists in each category and asked readers to vote again. Good thing everyone loves multiple choice. A note about the “Outside Chittenden County” sections. In Vermont, the largest population is inside Chittenden County, so it’s tough for anyone outside of it to top the Burlington area (unless the category involves mountains). But in some instances, the swell of votes for places not in Chittenden County justified separating the category. So that’s what that means. As always, there were plenty of bombshell winners. Who snagged the coveted best new restaurant award? To which vocalist did Grace Potter pass the torch? Read on to find out. Thanks to Seven Days readers for voting, and congrats to all the Daysies winners! Because of you, there’s no place like gnome — er, home.
FOOD DRINK ARTS+ENTERTAINMENT SHOPPING SERVICES Outdoor+RECREATION
6 18 26 34 42 50
........................................................... .......................................................... ..............
...............................................
................................................ ............
The Seven Daysies Awards are produced annually by:
P.O. Box 1164, Burlington, VT 05402 802-864-5684 @sevendaysvt © 2016 Da Capo Publishing, Inc.
CAROLYN FOX COVER ILLUSTRATION BY JEFF DREW
LOCALS PICK THE BEST OF VERMONT SEVENDAYSVT.COM/DAYSIES
elcome to the Daysies, the locals’ guide to the best of Vermont, brought to you by Seven Days. This special issue is devoted to readers’ picks for the best places to eat, drink, shop, get outside, be entertained and, well, pretty much everything else. Whether you live here or are just visiting, consider this the inside scoop on doing as the locals do. In the 14th year of the Daysies, we knew we had to really bring it. You know what they say: Go big or go home. Being an altweekly, we decided to go … gnome. After all, the Daysies are already a pretty huge endeavor: 7,743 people cast 619,515 individual votes in 168 categories. It takes an elite team of Excelsavvy talliers to pull this thing off every year, gnome sayin’? And garden gnomes are cute and fun. To keep things fresh as a Daysie, we welcomed some new categories this year and weeded out some old ones. After much deliberation, we retired our media section. Every year, we read your write-in nominations — that’s right, all of them! Over time, it became clear that voters were confused by several of the media categories. So we revamped that content and merged it with the services section. That doesn’t mean Tom Messner, perennial winner for best meteorologist, doesn’t hold a special place in our hearts.
5
SEVEN DAYSIES 2016-17
JEB WALLACE-BRODEUR
6
* = New category in 2016
Vermonters’ extreme enthusiasm for food was evident even in their Daysies votes. Rather than simply nominating Burlington’s ArtsRiot for best burger and fries, voters got specific, gushing about its 400 Burger and truffle fries. Ditto the fish tacos at Manhattan Pizza & Pub and the chocolate creemees at Joe’s Snack Bar. It made tallying votes kind of a bitch, but hey. At least we know what we’re ordering next time we go out to eat. The 43 categories that follow are designed to point you in the right direction, too, whether you’re hankering for breakfast, lunch, dinner or dessert. Vermont’s food scene encompasses everything from innovative farmto-table dining to greasy late-night fare popular among the college crowd, so you’ll find a veritable smorgasbord here. Looking for the best Thai food? The best food truck? We present you with some tasty options. Chefs and restaurants are always coming and going, making the Daysies food section the most dynamic. New winners popped up in categories such as best comfort food, best vegetarian fare and best restaurant for dessert. That last one is new to the Daysies this year, and Burlington mainstay Mirabelles Café earned the inaugural win. We’re pretty sure its decadent German chocolate cake had something to do with it. There’s no denying it: We’re all lucky to have a seat at this table.
BEST VEGETARIAN RESTAURANT OUTSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY
Green Goddess Café
First things first: Green Goddess Café is not a by-the-book vegetarian restaurant. Its menu offers breakfasts built around runny eggs and peppery maple bacon. And the Cuban sandwich, stacked with long-roasted pork and slabs of smoky ham, is a favorite at lunch. But Green Goddess’ vegetarian fare is more than just an afterthought. Imagine fresh-baked, griddled toast oozing with pesto aioli, melty mozzarella, leafy greens and avocado — or a springy Asian salad heaped with crisp summer veggies and fresh edamame noodles. And with many items now packaged in grab-and-go format at the café’s new takeout counter, Green Goddess is a winning choice for everyone. 618 S. Main St., Stowe, 253-5255 • greengoddessvt.com
FOOD FOOD
BEST NEW RESTAURANT (OPENED IN LAST YEAR)
Barnyard Wood Crafted Pizza
The aptly named Barnyard — run by members of the prolific Handy family — brings farm-fresh fare to the table in the shape of wood-fired pizzas, calzones, sandwiches and burgers. Many of the ingredients hail from local producers. (1705 Williston Rd., South Burlington, 489-5982 • barnyardvt.com)
Other finalists: • Bistro de Margot: 126 College St., Burlington, 863-5200 • bistrodemargot.com • Doc Ponds: 294 Mountain Rd., Stowe, 760-6066 • docpond.com • Down Home Kitchen: 100 Main St., Montpelier, 225-6665 • downhomekitchenvt. com • The Spice Traders’ Kitchen: 212 Main St., Winooski, 654-8000 • spicetradersrestaurants.com
BEST RESTAURANT
Hen of the Wood
With locations in a former grist mill and in the elegant Hotel Vermont, Hen of the Wood is beloved for its rustic feel, legendary wine list and creative locavore cuisine. (55 Cherry St., Burlington, 540-0534 • 92 Stowe St., Waterbury, 244-7300 • henofthewood.com)
Other finalists:
OUTSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY
Prohibition Pig
This restaurant had big shoes to fill when it opened in the onetime home of the Alchemist brewpub. With barbecue, “proper” cocktails and one of the largest craft beer selections in New England, Pro Pig lives up to its sidewalk signage, giving the community an excellent excuse to “Meat Here.” (23 S. Main St., Waterbury, 244-4120 • prohibitionpig.com)
Other finalists: • Blue Paddle Bistro: 316 Route 2, South Hero, 372-4814 • bluepaddlebistro.com • Kismet: 52 State St., Montpelier, 223-8646 • kismetkitchens.com • Michael’s on the Hill: 4182 Route 100, Waterbury Center, 244-7476 • michaelsonthehill.com
Eric Warnstedt (Hen of the Wood)
This seven-time nominee for the James Beard Award for best chef in the Northeast earns his plaudits with locavore fare prepared with flair — and fire. (55 Cherry St., Burlington, 5400534 • 92 Stowe St., Waterbury, 244-7300 • henofthewood.com)
Other finalists: • Aaron Josinsky and Nathan Wade (Misery Loves Co.): 46 Main St., Winooski, 497-3989 • miserylovescovt.com • Donnell Collins (Leunig’s Bistro & Café): 115 Church St., Burlington, 863-3759 • leunigsbistro.com • George Lambertson (ArtsRiot): 400 Pine St., Burlington, 540-0406 • artsriot.com • Phoebe Bright (Blue Paddle Bistro): 316 Route 2, South Hero, 372-4814 • bluepaddlebistro.com
BEST FAMILY RESTAURANT
American Flatbread Burlington Hearth
With large and small pie options and the opportunity to split toppings, these flatbreads — licked by flames in a central, wood-fired oven — are perfect for all-ages sharing. (115 St. Paul St., Burlington, 861-2999 • americanflatbread.com)
Other finalists: • Bluebird Barbecue: 317 Riverside Ave., Burlington, 448-3070 • bluebirdbbq.com • The Farmhouse Tap & Grill: 160 Bank St., Burlington, 859-0888 • farmhousetg.com • The Skinny Pancake: 60 Lake St., Burlington, 540-0188 • 89 Main St., Montpelier, 262-2253 • 3 Lebanon St., Hanover, N.H., 603-277-9115 • skinnypancake.com • The Windjammer Restaurant: 1076 Williston Rd., South Burlington, 862-6585 • windjammerrestaurant.com
OUTSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY
Piecasso Pizzeria & Lounge
Chefs spinning pies in the open kitchen provide family entertainment at this pizza, pasta and salad joint. Friendly service, a kids’ coloring menu and a game room make sure there’s never a dull moment. (1899 Mountain Rd., Stowe, 2534411 • piecasso.com)
Other finalists: • Blue Paddle Bistro: 316 Route 2, South Hero, 372-4814 • bluepaddlebistro.com • Wayside Restaurant, Bakery & Creamery: 1873 Route 302, Montpelier, 223-6611 • waysiderestaurant.com
Daysies Winners 2012-2015
Thank you to all who voted for us. We especially want to thank our kick-ass staff: Abigayle, Ada, Al, Alex, Andrea, Arden, Beth, Brittany, Caitlin, Chelsea, Chelsea, Christopher, Cory, Cliff, Dave, Doodle, Ethan, Georgia, Gina, Haleigh, Ira, Jay, Jenny, Jim, Joan, Jon, Jordan, Josh, Justin, Justin, Kasey, Kate, Kirstyn, Kristen, Laura, Marc, Michelle, Mike, Mike, Mikey, Mike, Nate, Neff, Poodle, Phil, Phil, Ray, Rob, Rob, Sam, Sam, Sam, Sean, Shalonda, Steve, Teagan, Tom, Topher, Tori 23 South Main Street • Waterbury • Vermont prohibitionpig.com
LOCALS PICK THE BEST OF VERMONT SEVENDAYSVT.COM/DAYSIES
• The Farmhouse Tap & Grill: 160 Bank St., Burlington, 859-0888 • farmhousetg.com • Leunig’s Bistro & Café: 115 Church St., Burlington, 863-3759 • leunigsbistro.com • Misery Loves Co.: 46 Main St., Winooski, 497-3989 • miserylovescovt.com • The Windjammer Restaurant: 1076 Williston Rd., South Burlington, 862-6585 • windjammerrestaurant.com
BEST CHEF
Featured in et Journal, The Wall Stre eal Gazette M , ontr Boston Globe Pouce and Sur le
7 D2v-ProPig16.indd 1
7/21/16 10:38 AM
LEE KROHN
BEST LUNCH
The Farmhouse Tap & Grill BEST RESTAURANT FOR DESSERT*
Mirabelles Café
A buttery scent greets the crowds who come to this sunny Main Street spot — a BTV staple since 1990 — for decadent sweets such as crème brûlée cakes, mixed-berry brown-butter tarts, cream puffs and more. (198 Main St., Burlington, 658-3074 • mirabellescafe.com)
Other finalists: • Hen of the Wood: 55 Cherry St., Burlington, 540-0534 • 92 Stowe St., Waterbury, 244-7300 • henofthewood.com • Leunig’s Bistro & Café: 115 Church St., Burlington, 863-3759 • leunigsbistro.com • The Skinny Pancake: 60 Lake St., Burlington, 540-0188 • 89 Main St., Montpelier, 262-2253 • 3 Lebanon St., Hanover, N.H., 603-277-9115 • skinnypancake.com • Trattoria Delia: 152 St. Paul St., Burlington, 864-5253 • trattoriadelia.com
BEST BREAKFAST/BRUNCH
Penny Cluse Café
Long lines signal food that’s worth the wait. A wide-ranging menu offers gingerbread pancakes, huevos rancheros and garlicky kale quesadillas, to name a few. (169 Cherry St., Burlington, 6518834 • pennycluse.com)
Other finalists: • Magnolia Bistro: 1 Lawson Lane, Burlington, 846-7446 • magnoliabistro.com • Mirabelles Café: 198 Main St., Burlington, 658-3074 • mirabellescafe.com • Sneakers Bistro: 28 Main St., Winooski, 655-9081 • sneakersbistro.com • The Swingin’ Pinwheel Café and Bakery: 11 Center St., Burlington, 448-3961 • theswinginpinwheel.com
OUTSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY
SEVEN DAYSIES 2016-17
158 Main Restaurant & Bakery
8
Brunch is only on the weekend, but the daily breakfast menu, served ’til 11:30 a.m., outdoes most restaurants. Choose from fruit-studded pancakes, 14 types of omelettes, breakfast sammies and scrambles. (158 Main St., Jeffersonville, 644-8100 • 158main.com)
Other finalists: • Down Home Kitchen: 100 Main St., Montpelier, 225-6665 • downhomekitchenvt.com • Kismet: 52 State St., Montpelier, 223-8646 • kismetkitchens.com
Burgers and farm-to-table lunch plates ranging from fish and chips to tarragon chicken salad draw daily crowds. It may only be lunchtime, but the beer list begs to be sampled, too. (160 Bank St., Burlington, 859-0888 • farmhousetg.com)
Other finalists: • Leunig’s Bistro & Café: 115 Church St., Burlington, 863-3759 • leunigsbistro.com • Penny Cluse Café: 169 Cherry St., Burlington, 651-8834 • pennycluse.com • Zabby and Elf’s Stone Soup: 211 College St., Burlington, 862-7616 • stonesoupvt.com
OUTSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY
Prohibition Pig
This destination restaurant serves the craftbeer-loving crowd barbecue-style lunches Friday through Monday. Or pair a house brew with a rotating selection of tacos and small bites any day of the week in the adjacent brewery. (23 S. Main St., Waterbury, 244-4120 • prohibitionpig. com)
Other finalists: • Piecasso Pizzeria & Lounge: 1899 Mountain Rd., Stowe, 253-4411 • piecasso.com • Wilaiwan Kitchen: 34 State St., Montpelier, 505-8111 • Facebook
BEST PLACE TO GET LATE-NIGHT FOOD
Kountry Kart Deli
In the mood for a Philly cheesesteak at breakfast or bedtime? This famous Queen City deli serves its full menu from 7 a.m. to 3 a.m. all year round. (155 Main St., Burlington, 864-4408 • kountrykartdeli.com)
Other finalists: • Ahli Baba’s Kabob Shop: 163 Main St., Burlington, 862-5752 • Facebook • El Cortijo Taqueria Y Cantina: 189 Bank St., Burlington, 497-1668 • cortijovt.com • Mr. Mikes Pizza: 206 Main St., Burlington, 864-0072 • mrmikespizzavt.com • Nectar’s: 188 Main St., Burlington, 658-4771 • liveatnectars.com
BEST OUTDOOR DINING
Splash at the Boathouse Stunning views of Lake Champlain are on the menu at this floating eatery adjacent to Waterfront Park. Drink or dine on the dock May through September. (0 College St., Burlington, 658-2244 • splashattheboathouse.com)
Other finalists: • Breakwater Café & Grill: 1 King St., Burlington, 658-6276 • breakwatervt.com • The Farmhouse Tap & Grill: 160 Bank St., Burlington, 859-0888 • farmhousetg.com • Leunig’s Bistro & Café: 115 Church St., Burlington, 863-3759 • leunigsbistro.com • The Skinny Pancake: 60 Lake St., Burlington, 540-0188 • 89 Main St., Montpelier, 262-2253 • skinnypancake.com
BEST RESTAURANT SERVICE
Hen of the Wood
The exceptional cocktails, carefully selected wines and memorable cuisine wouldn’t be complete without an able navigator. The servers here always rise to the occasion. (55 Cherry St., Burlington, 540-0534 • 92 Stowe St., Waterbury, 244-7300 • henofthewood.com)
Other finalists: • The Farmhouse Tap & Grill: 160 Bank St., Burlington, 859-0888 • farmhousetg.com • Leunig’s Bistro & Café: 115 Church St., Burlington, 863-3759 • leunigsbistro.com • Misery Loves Co.: 46 Main St., Winooski, 497-3989 • miserylovescovt.com • Trattoria Delia: 152 St. Paul St., Burlington, 864-5253 • trattoriadelia.com
BEST PLACE TO GRAB A QUICK MEAL
Al’s French Frys
The retro décor and fried fare are a throwback to the ‘50s at this spot named one of “America’s Classics” by the James Beard Foundation. Order at the counter, and your cheeseburger or chili dog will be ready in a jiffy. Don’t miss the seasonal creemees. (1251 Williston Rd., South Burlington, 862-9203 • alsfrenchfrys.com)
Other finalists: • Boloco: 92 Church St., Burlington, 658-9771 • 35 S. Main St., Hanover, N.H., 603-643-0202 • boloco.com • City Market/Onion River Co-op: 82 S. Winooski Ave., Burlington, 861-9700 • citymarket.coop • New World Tortilla: 696 Pine St., Burlington, 865-1058 • newworldtortilla.com • Zabby and Elf’s Stone Soup: 211 College St., Burlington, 862-7616 • stonesoupvt.com
BEST STEAK
Guild Tavern
The folks in the Farmhouse Group have a knack for turning spaces that used to house fast-food joints into bastions of local cuisine. They did it at the Farmhouse Tap & Grill on Burlington’s Bank Street, which used to be a McDonald’s, and at Guild Tavern, formerly a Ground Round. At the Tavern, chefowner Phillip Clayton offers up classic steakhouse fare — such as rib eye with Béarnaise and steak sauce accompanied by buttermilk whipped potatoes and onion rings — using ingredients sourced from area farms. While waiting for your steak, choose from the selection of classic cocktails, such as a gin, brandy and vermouth concoction from the 1930s called Warday’s, or try out the bartender’s original takes on modern mixology. 1633 Williston Rd., South Burlington, 497-1207 • guildtavern.com
FOOD FOOD
DAYSIES DEALS! 1 large, 1-topping pizza, 12 wings and a 2 liter Coke product
$19.99
THANKS FOR THE VOTES!
Fresh, Affordable, Authentic Thai Food!
Thank all our you to customloyal ers!
2 large, 1-topping pizzas & 2-liter Coke product
$24.99
Take Out • BYOB • For a full menu visit: tinythairestaurant.net
Plus tax. Pick-up or delivery only. Expires 12/31/16. Limit: 1 offer per customer per day.
24 Main Street, Downtown Winooski, 655-4888 M-F 11:30am-2:30pm / 4:30-9:30pm / Sa-Su 11:30am-9:30pm
973 Roosevelt Highway • Colchester • 655-5550 www.threebrotherspizzavt.com
DQ13-tinythai.indd 1
7/29/13 4:02 PM
D4t-ThreeBros16.indd 1
6/24/16 2:14 PM
THANKS FOR VOTING US
1186 Williston Rd., So. Burlington (Next to the Alpine Shop) 802.863.0143 • Open 7 days 10am-7pm Web & Mobile site: www.cheesetraders.com
LOCALS PICK THE BEST OF VERMONT SEVENDAYSVT.COM/DAYSIES
BESTOVERWINE SHOP THE YEARS!
9 D2h-CheeseTraders16.indd 1
7/8/16 11:29 AM
GOOD FOOD SAMARITAN
BEST PLACE TO EAT ALONE
City Market/ Onion River Co-op
Other finalists: • El Cortijo Taqueria Y Cantina: 189 Bank St., Burlington, 497-1668 • cortijovt.com • Leunig’s Bistro & Café: 115 Church St., Burlington, 863-3759 • leunigsbistro.com • New Moon Café: 150 Cherry St., Burlington, 383-1505 • newmoonvt.com • Zabby and Elf’s Stone Soup: 211 College St., Burlington, 862-7616 • stonesoupvt.com
BEST LOCALLY OWNED GROCERY STORE
City Market/Onion River Co-op
This co-op caters to wallets of every thickness with local, organic and conventional foods. Check out the bulk section! (82 S. Winooski Ave., Burlington, 861-9700 • citymarket.coop)
Other finalists: • Healthy Living Market and Café: 222 Dorset St., South Burlington, 863-2569 • healthylivingmarket.com • Shelburne Supermarket: 20 Shelburne Shopping Park, Shelburne, 985-8520 • • Sweet Clover Market: 21 Essex Way, Suite 418, Essex Junction, 872-8288 • sweetclovermarket.com
SEVEN DAYSIES 2016-17
OUTSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY
10
Hunger Mountain Coop
Montpelier’s spot for healthy choices offers a wide selection of locally sourced graband-go foods, from soups to salads to grilled sandwiches. Eat outside, or enjoy the river view from the café. (623 Stone Cutters Way, Montpelier, 223-8000 • hungermountain.coop)
Other finalists: • Commodities Natural Market: 512 Mountain Rd., Stowe, 253-4464 • commoditiesnaturalmarket.com • The Farm Store: 143 Main St., Jeffersonville, 644-9463 • thefarmstorevt.com • The Uncommon Market: 1 School St., Montpelier, 223-7051 • uncommonmarket.net
Ren Weiner Age: 30
Occupation: baker, Miss Weinerz Town: Winooski Most locals know Ren Weiner for her doughnuts, which she delivers each weekend to local spots such as Scout & Co. and Pingala Café & Eatery. The pillowy fried treats come stuffed with fresh berries or sour cherries, or maybe sprinkled with candied violets, crisped herbs or other forage. Weiner leavens each batch with natural yeasts, fermented slowly for two days. The doughnuts have a hearty following, but Weiner sees her pastry production as a way to support and subsidize her real mission — which doesn’t pay the bills. The baker spends Wednesdays prepping and packing meals at the Chittenden Emergency Food Shelf. In 2015, she founded FoodfightVT, a community web forum exploring local food issues. She sits on the board of Slow Food Vermont and organizes meetings and workshops examining food waste, labor, access and other concerns. In the past year, she’s held bake sales for or donated sweets to the Pride Center of Vermont, the Salvation Army, Bike Recycle Vermont and Bernie Sanders’ presidential campaign, among others. She regularly mentors young people — in cooking and food and agricultural issues — at local schools and colleges.
MATTHEW THORSEN
Feast on your sandwich, salad or sushi in the separate eating area at the front of the market while enjoying some of the best people watching around. Chances are, you’ll run into someone you know. In summer, there are outdoor tables, too. (82 S. Winooski Ave., Burlington, 861-9700 • citymarket.coop)
All this because Weiner sees eating as a collaboration of farmers, cooks, organizations and communities. In her mind, food is a way to fuel social, economic and agricultural change — and serving meals is a way to serve others. What could taste better than that? Clutch summer sweet: Popsicles from Adam’s Berry Farm in Charlotte. Favorite picnic spot: Bread and Puppet Theater in Glover. Underappreciated community service organizations: The Good Food Truck and its gleaning operation; Burlington High School’s Fork in the Road food truck and Food Fighters school garden program that Sarah Heusner is working on; and the Vermont Community Garden Network. How to eat like a pro at the farmers market: Get a bacon hot dog at Maple Wind Farm’s stand, wrap it in a scallion pancake from Green Mountain PotStickers, and top it off with kraut from Sobremesa, microgreens and flowers from Half Pint Farm and herbs from Digger’s Mirth. Wash it down with an ExtraGinger shot from the Juice Bar. Then drink a Northern Bayou cocoa-nib cold brew for dessert.
HANNAH PALMER EGAN
BEST FARMERS MARKET VENDOR
Doughnut Dilemma
These artisanal doughnuts are so popular, baker Michelle Cunningham offers them six days a week at her Burlington storefront, too. Flavors range from classic Boston cream to PB&J. (55 Main St., Burlington, 540-8388 • thedoughnutdilemma.com)
Other finalists: • Barrio Bakery: 197 N. Winooski Ave., Burlington, 863-8278 • barriobakeryvt.com • Does’ Leap: 1703 Route 108, East Fairfield, 827-3046 • doesleap.com • Half Pint Farm: 180 Intervale Rd., Burlington, 316-6073 • halfpintfarm.com • Rookie’s Root Beer: 24 Sunset Dr., Burlington, 861-6777 • rookiesvt.com
BEST FOOD TRUCK
Beansie’s Bus
This retrofitted school bus pulled up to Burlington in 1944 — well before the current food-truck trend. At Battery Park, the elder statesman carries the basics: hot dogs, hamburgers, fries and creemees. (Battery Park, Burlington • beansies.com)
Other finalists: • Burger Barn: Cambridge, 730-3441 • Facebook • Dolce VT: Burlington, 324-6220 • dolcevt.com • The Hindquarter: Burlington, 373-9866 • thehindquartervt.com • Lazy Farmer: Burlington, 922-1148 • lazyfarmervt.com
FOOD FOOD
BREAKFAST
D4t-gobeille15.indd 1
LUNCH
7/8/15 11:24 AM
BEST AUTHENTIC
MEXICAN FOOD IN VT STREET TACOS • POZOLE TAMALES • CHILI RELLENOS
LOCALS PICK THE BEST OF VERMONT SEVENDAYSVT.COM/DAYSIES
SO MUCH MORE... BIGGEST
TEQUILA BAR IN VT
Over 30 Margaritas Made Fresh from Scratch
authentic mexican cuisine 169 Church Street | BURLINGTON | 802-540-3095 4 Park Street | ESSEX JUNCTION (Lincoln Inn) | 802-662-4334
802-253-5255
618 South Main Street • Stowe, VT greengoddessvt.com
ElGatoCantina.com | info@elgatocantina.com D4t-elgato16.indd 1
11 7/13/16 3:00 PM
D2v-greengoddesscafe16.indd 1
7/13/16 3:43 PM
OLIVER PARINI
BEST SWEETS BAKERY
Mirabelles Café BEST FOOD CART
Hong’s Chinese Dumplings
Perennial winner Hong Yu attracts pedestrians with her high-wattage smile and the smell of frying chicken-and-cheddar dumplings. (Church Street, Burlington, 864-9097 • hongsdumplings.com)
Other finalists: • The Broccoli Bar: 1 Mill St., Burlington, 540-0110 • pingalacafe.com • The Skinny Pancake: Burlington, 540-0188 • skinnypancake.com • South End Sliders: 133 Church St., Burlington, 349-0085 • Facebook • Taco Gordo: Church Street, Burlington, 881-1691 • tacogordovt.dudaone.com
BEST BREAD BAKERY
SEVEN DAYSIES 2016-17
Red Hen Baking Co.
12
Watch the bakers shape 16 kinds of artisan breads, from polenta to pumpernickel, made with grains sourced from within 150 miles. You can get breakfast or lunch in the café, too. (961B Route 2, Middlesex, 223-5200 • redhenbaking.com)
Other finalists: • August First Bakery & Café: 149 S. Champlain St., Burlington, 540-0060 • augustfirstvt.com • Great Harvest Bread Co.: 382 Pine St., Burlington, 660-2733 • greatharvestburlington.com • Klinger’s Bread Company: 10 Farrell St., South Burlington, 860-6322 • klingersbread.com • O Bread Bakery: 352 Farm Barn Lane, Shelburne Farms, Shelburne, 985-8771 • obread.com
Homemade pastries, cookies, cakes and pies, as well as daily breakfast and lunch specials, distinguish this bakery-café. The croissants are truly French-style, the flourless chocolate cake to die for. (198 Main St., Burlington, 658-3074 • mirabellescafe.com)
Other finalists: • August First Bakery & Café: 149 S. Champlain St., Burlington, 540-0060 • augustfirstvt.com • Barrio Bakery: 197 N. Winooski Ave., Burlington, 863-8278 • barriobakeryvt.com • Chef’s Corner Café & Bakery: 2121 Essex Rd., Suite 7, Williston, 878-5524 • 208 Flynn Ave., Burlington, 660-7111 • chefscornervermont.com • My Little Cupcake: 217 College St., Burlington, 660-9330 • 4 Carmichael St., Suite 101, Essex, 872-7676 • mylittlecupcakevt.com
BEST OUTDOOR DINING
Splash at the Boathouse
Plenty of Burlington eateries offer al fresco dining, but only one lets you eat on the lake. Literally. At Burlington’s Splash at the Boathouse, the outdoor seating is located on a floating dock. You can enjoy the view of Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks while eating a lobster Cobb salad, some Malibu Rum coconut shrimp or fish tacos. Splash is also an event space, hosting weddings, dance classes and business meetings. Whatever brings you there, watching the sunset over the water as you dine is an unparalleled experience. Arriving by boat? No problem. There are slips for that. 0 College St., Burlington • 658-2244, splashattheboathouse.com
BEST THAI RESTAURANT
BEST CHINESE RESTAURANT
BEST MEXICAN RESTAURANT
Tiny Thai Restaurant
A Single Pebble
El Cortijo Taqueria Y Cantina
The dishes here — including papaya salad, tom kha, ginger chicken and krapow stir-fry — take their cues from both Thai food carts and family tables. Ask for the authentic Thai menu. (24 Main St., Winooski, 655-4888 • tinythairestaurant.net)
Other finalists: • East West Café: 2 N. Winooski Ave., Burlington, 540-8145 • Facebook • Royal Orchid Thai Restaurant: 38 Elm St., Montpelier, 223-0436 • royalorchidthaivt.com • Sukho Thai: 21 Essex Way, Suite 210, Essex, 878-2788 • sukhothaiessex.com • Thai House Restaurant: 333 Swanton Rd., St. Albans, 524-0999 • thaihousevt.com
There’s no sign of General Tso in this authentic Asian eatery. Chef Chiuho Duval’s tasting menu is the best lunch deal in town. (133 Bank St., Burlington, 865-5200 • asinglepebble.com)
Other finalists: • Chef Leu’s House: 3761 Shelburne Rd., Shelburne, 985-5258 • chefleuhouse.com • Joyce’s Noodle House: 5 Carmichael St., Essex Junction, 288-9828 • joycesnoodlehouse.com • Silver Palace: 1216 Williston Rd., South Burlington, 864-0125 • silverpalaceofvt.com • Zen Gardens: 7 Fayette Dr., South Burlington, 862-8885 • zengardens-vt.com
This taqueria from the team behind the Farmhouse Tap & Grill serves locally inspired tacos, burritos and entrées, along with “wicked fly” margaritas. Order your takeout online. (189 Bank St., Burlington, 497-1668 • cortijovt.com)
Other finalists: • El Gato Cantina: 169 Church St., Burlington, 540-3095 • 4 Park St., Essex Junction, 662-4334 • elgatocantina.com • The Mad Taco: 2 Village Sq., Waitsfield, 496-3832 • 72 Main St., Montpelier, 225-6038 • themadtaco.com • Madera’s Restaurante Mexicano & Cantina: 180 Battery St., Burlington, 657-3377 • maderasvermont.com • Mexicali Grill & Cantina: 28 Walnut St., Suite 180, Maple Tree Place, Williston, 879-9492 • mexicalivt.net
FOOD FOOD
Untitled-17 1
7/8/16 11:27 AM
D4t-Pennycluse16.indd 1
THANKS FOR VOTING FOR
7/19/16 10:36 AM
THE BAGEL PLACE!
BRING IN THIS AD FOR 15% OFF YOUR ENTIRE PURCHASE
Cannot be combined with other offers. Exp. 2/29/17.
RIVERSIDE SEATING | LOCAL PRODUCE | WOOD-BURNING OVEN GREAT ITALIAN FOOD | OUTSTANDING SERVICE
• Choose from over 20 types of bagels and 15+ cream cheeses made fresh in-house daily.
featuring organic produce from local farmers
• Breakfast sandwiches available all day. • Uncommon Grounds coffee, soups, salads, pastries & more!
COME SEE US & ENJOY NEW SPECIALS DAILY AT 3 MAIN ST, MONTPELIER, VERMONT | 802 223 0229 | WWW.SARDUCCIS.COM
Open 6am-4pm Mon-Sat and 7am-4pm on Sundays 1166 Williston Rd., South Burlington (next to Gadue’s) www.thebagelplacevt.com • 802-497-2058
LOCALS PICK THE BEST OF VERMONT SEVENDAYSVT.COM/DAYSIES
- come join us -
13 Untitled-19 1
7/18/16 3:14 PM
D4t-theBagelPlace16.indd 1
7/27/16 3:10 PM
CALEB KENNA
BEST VIETNAMESE RESTAURANT
Pho Hong
The pho’s the thing at this family-owned eatery. Don’t feel like soup? Try the Happy Pancakes — crêpes stuffed with shrimp, pork and onions. (325 N. Winooski Ave., Burlington, 865-8031 • Facebook)
Other finalists: • M-Saigon Vietnamese Noodle House: 370 Shelburne Rd., Burlington, 865-8383 • Facebook • Pho Capital: 107 State St., Montpelier, 225-6183 • Facebook • Pho Dang Vietnamese Café: 215 Main St., Winooski, 655-0707 • Facebook • Pho Dang Vietnamese Restaurant: 9 Park St., Essex Junction, 878-6699 • Facebook
BEST ITALIAN RESTAURANT
Trattoria Delia
A romantic, firelit grotto setting and awardwinning wine list distinguish this Italian restaurant. Try specialties such as antipastone, squid-ink spaghetti or osso bucco. (152 St. Paul St., Burlington, 864-5253 • trattoriadelia.com)
Other finalists: • Junior’s Italian: 85 S. Park Dr., Colchester, 655-0000 • juniorsitalianvt.com • Papa Frank’s: 13 W. Center St., Winooski, 655-2423 • papa-franks.com • Pascolo Ristorante: 83 Church St., Burlington, 497-1613 • pascolovt.com • Sarducci’s Restaurant and Bar: 3 Main St., Montpelier, 223-0229 • sarduccis.com
BEST VEGETARIAN FARE
A Single Pebble
This authentic Chinese restaurant cooks up a mean mock eel. Lunch every day except Sunday, when there’s dim sum. Dinner nightly. (133 Bank St., Burlington, 865-5200 • asinglepebble.com)
Other finalists:
SEVEN DAYSIES 2016-17
• City Market/Onion River Co-op: 82 S. Winooski Ave., Burlington, 861-9700 • citymarket.coop • Pingala Café & Eatery: 1 Mill St., Burlington, 540-0110 • pingalacafe.com • Revolution Kitchen: 9 Center St., Burlington, 448-3657 • revolutionkitchen.com • Zabby and Elf’s Stone Soup: 211 College St., Burlington, 862-7616 • stonesoupvt.com
14
OUTSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY
Green Goddess Café
Why stop at Meatless Mondays? This veggiefriendly café serves up tofu Asian salads, pesto wraps and Tree Hugger breakfast sandwiches six days a week. (618 S. Main St., Stowe, 253-5255 • greengoddessvt.com)
Other finalists: • Kismet: 52 State St., Montpelier, 223-8646 • kismetkitchens.com • MINT Restaurant and Tea Lounge: 4403 Main St., Waitsfield, 496-5514 • mintvermont.com
BEST COMFORT FOOD
Our House Bistro
Frickles, chicken pot pie, and mac and cheese with add-ons such as lobster and pulled pork live up to the bistro’s slogan: “Twisted comfort food.” End the meal with a deep-fried PB&J. (36 Main St., Winooski, 497-1884 • ourhousebistro.com)
Other finalists: • Bluebird Barbecue: 317 Riverside Ave., Burlington, 448-3070 • bluebirdbbq.com • The Farmhouse Tap & Grill: 160 Bank St., Burlington, 859-0888 • farmhousetg.com • Misery Loves Co.: 46 Main St., Winooski, 497-3989 • miserylovescovt.com • Penny Cluse Café: 169 Cherry St., Burlington, 651-8834 • pennycluse.com
BEST EGGS BENEDICT
Sneakers Bistro
Locals have frequented this retro café for more than 30 years. The weekend brunch, with its three styles of Benedict, is legendary, and the daily specials are always eclectic. (28 Main St., Winooski, 655-9081 • sneakersbistro.com)
Other finalists: • Kismet: 52 State St., Montpelier, 223-8646 • kismetkitchens.com • Leunig’s Bistro & Café: 115 Church St., Burlington, 863-3759 • leunigsbistro.com • Magnolia Bistro: 1 Lawson Lane, Burlington, 846-7446 • magnoliabistro.com • Pearl Street Diner: 85 Pearl St., Burlington, 862-3220 • pearlstdiner.com
BEST BREAKFAST SANDWICH
Kountry Kart Deli
Whether you choose a Shiner, a Morning Riser or one of the 17 variations thereof, chowing down on these greasy treats is a Burlingtonian rite of passage. (155 Main St., Burlington, 864-4408 • kountrykartdeli.com)
Other finalists: • The Bagel Place: 1166 Williston Rd., South Burlington, 497-2058 • thebagelplacevt.com • Burlington Bagel Bakery: 992 Shelburne Rd., South Burlington, 864-0236 • burlingtonbagelbakery.com • City Market/Onion River Co-op: 82 S. Winooski Ave., Burlington, 861-9700 • citymarket.coop • Henry Street Deli: 11 Henry St., Burlington, 864-1754 • Facebook • Pine Street Deli: 316 Flynn Ave., Burlington, 862-9614 • Facebook
BEST CREEMEE OUTSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY
Vermont Cookie Love
Since selling its first batch at the Shelburne Farmers Market in 2007, Vermont Cookie Love has gained a loyal following for its chewy cookies and logs of frozen dough. While those sweets are now available in 60 stores and markets, Route 7 travelers can pull over at the home base — the Love Shack in North Ferrisburgh — for a just-baked cookie, scoop of hard ice cream or a dense creemee made from local milk and premium ingredients. Flavors include chocolate, vanilla, maple, coffee and twist. Also on the menu are homemade drinks, sorbets and ice-cream-cookie sandwiches made to order. All of this can be savored at the picnic tables and wooden benches by the Love Shack’s walk-up window. 6915 Route 7, North Ferrisburgh, 425-8181 • vermontcookielove.com
FOOD FOOD
BEST BAGEL
Myer’s Bagels
A wood-fired oven bakes Montréal-style bagels at this small South End café. Try them stacked with house-smoked brisket or turkey. (377 Pine St., Burlington, 863-5013 • myersbagels.com)
Other finalists: • Bagel Market Bakery and Café: 30 Susie Wilson Rd., Essex Junction, 872-2616 • thebagelmarket.com • The Bagel Place: 1166 Williston Rd., South Burlington, 497-2058 • thebagelplacevt.com • Burlington Bagel Bakery: 992 Shelburne Rd., South Burlington, 864-0236 • burlingtonbagelbakery.com • Feldman’s Bagels: 660 Pine St., Burlington, 540-0474 • feldmansbagels.com
OUTSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY
The Bagel
Twenty different bagels are made from scratch each day at this café. Get yours schmeared with baconhorseradish cream cheese or made into a sandwich. (394 Mountain Rd., Stowe, 253-9943 • Facebook)
Other finalists: • K.C.’s Bagel Café: 17 Stowe St., Suite 1, Waterbury, 244-1740 • kcbagelcafewaterburyvt.com • Maria’s Bagels: 162 N. Main St., Barre, 622-8100 • mariasbagels.com • Wally’s Place Bagel & Deli: 1 Ferry Rd., South Hero, 372-4666 • wallysplacevt.com
BEST CIDER DOUGHNUTS
Cold Hollow Cider Mill
This cider mill is a must-stop for locals and tourists alike. Gourmet magazine ranked its doughnuts — churned out by the hundreds every day, all year long — among the nation’s four best. (3600 Route 100, Waterbury Center, 800-327-7537 • coldhollow.com)
Other finalists:
BEST PIZZA (RESTAURANT)
American Flatbread Burlington Hearth
Flatbreads topped with gourmet local and organic ingredients cook before your eyes in an open, wood-fired oven. Pair one with a housemade Zero Gravity beer. (115 St. Paul St., Burlington, 861-2999 • americanflatbread.com)
Other finalists: • Folino’s: 6305 Shelburne Rd., Shelburne, 881-8822 • folinopizza.com • Junior’s Italian: 85 S. Park Dr., Colchester, 655-0000 • juniorsitalianvt.com • Pizzeria Verità: 156 St. Paul St., Burlington, 489-5644 • pizzeriaverita.com • Vermont Tap House: 22 Merchants Row, Williston, 879-7060 • vermonttaphouse.com
Positive Pie
All locations of this pizzeria serve hand-tossed specialty pies and create-your-owns, along with locavore entrées, sandwiches and Vermont beers. (87 S. Main St., Hardwick, 472-7126 • 22 State St., Montpelier, 229-0453 • 65-69 Main St., Plainfield, 454-0133 • 219 N. Main St., Barre, 6228051 • positivepie.com)
Other finalists: • The Blue Stone: 15 Stowe St., Waterbury, 882-8185 • 5351 Main St., Waitsfield, 496-3499 • bluestonevermont.com • Piecasso Pizzeria & Lounge: 1899 Mountain Rd., Stowe, 253-4411 • piecasso.com
BEST PIZZA (DELIVERY)
Leonardo’s Pizza
This pizza delivery service goes above and beyond basic cheese and pepperoni. Pies such as the Roasted Maine Potato and Goat Cheese Honey are available on white, whole-wheat or gluten-free crusts. (83 Pearl St., Burlington, 862-7700 • 1160 Williston Rd., South Burlington, 951-9000 • leonardosonline.com)
Thank you.
Other finalists: • Big Daddy’s Pizza: 177 Church St., Burlington, 863-0000 • 49 Heineberg Rd., Colchester, 497-1794 • bigdaddysdelivers.com • Junior’s: 176 Main St., Burlington, 862-1234 • 85 S. Park Dr., Colchester, 655-0000 • juniorsdowntown.com • Ramunto’s Brick Oven Pizza: 18 Taft Corners Shopping Center, Williston, 879-1000 • 102 Strongs Ave., Rutland, 747-9980 • 1216 Railroad St., St. Johnsbury, 751-8500 • 6800 Woodstock Rd., Quechee, 295-6883 • 519 Main St., Bennington, 442-6622 • ramuntos.com • Three Brothers Pizza & Grill: 973 Roosevelt Hwy., Colchester, 655-5550 • threebrotherspizzavt.com Outside Chittenden County
13 3 B A N K S T R E E T, BU R L I NGT ON • 8 6 5 - 52 0 0 • W W W. A SI NGL E PE BBL E .C OM D4T-SinglePebble16.indd 1
Positive Pie
7/20/16 12:16 PM
for voting us for voting into into the finals of of 1134 categories! categories! We are humbled by the privilege of serving you— with the panache of Paris and the value of Vermont, right in the center of town.
The Montpelier and Barre branches of this pizzeria deliver hand-tossed pies to clearly appreciative central Vermonters. Go ahead, order the Old School Supreme. (22 State St., Montpelier, 229-0453 • 219 N. Main St., Barre, 622-8051 • positivepie.com)
Other finalists: • Jimmz Pizza: 70 McNeil Rd., Waterbury Center, 244-7911 • jimmzpizza.com • Piecasso Pizzeria & Lounge: 1899 Mountain Rd., Stowe, 253-4411 • piecasso.com
BEST BURGER
The Farmhouse Tap & Grill
This award-winning gastropub offers five local burgers, with diverse patties made from ingredients such as house-dry-aged beef, seasoned black beans and juicy local pork. (160 Bank St., Burlington, 8590888 • farmhousetg.com)
Other finalists: • Archie’s Grill: 4066 Shelburne Rd., Shelburne, 985-4912 • archiesgrill.com • ArtsRiot: 400 Pine St., Burlington, 540-0406 • artsriot.com • Grazers: 192 Boxwood St., Williston, 857-5829 • grazersvt.com • The Shopping Bag: 166 North St., Burlington, 658-4790 • Facebook
Drop in and let Matt make you a cocktail! C H U R C H & C O L L E G E • B U R L I N G TO N • 8 6 3 - 3 7 5 9 • W W W. L E U N I G S B I ST R O . C O M D4T14-leunigs.indd 1 D4T-leunigs15.indd 1
7/17/14 7/9/15 4:45 3:48 PM PM
LOCALS PICK THE BEST OF VERMONT SEVENDAYSVT.COM/DAYSIES
• Champlain Orchards: 3597 Route 74, Shoreham, 897-2777 • champlainorchards.com • Chittenden Cider Mill/The Mill Market & Deli: 1580 Dorset St., South Burlington, 862-4602 • themillmarketanddeli.com • Hackett’s Orchard: 86 South St., South Hero, 372-4848 • hackettsorchard.com • Sam Mazza’s Farm Market: 277 Lavigne Rd., Colchester, 655-3440 • sammazzafarms.com
OUTSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY
15
OLIVER PARINI
BEST BURGER OUTSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY
Prohibition Pig
It’s not just one burger bringing in the fans here. The Pig has seven regular options, including the house version topped with pimiento cheese, a fried green tomato and applewood-smoked bacon. (23 S. Main St., Waterbury, 244-4120 • prohibitionpig.com)
Other finalists: • Burger Barn: 4968 Route 15, Cambridge, 730-3441 • Facebook • Three Penny Taproom: 108 Main St., Montpelier, 223-8277 • threepennytaproom. com • Worthy Burger: 56 Rainbow St., South Royalton, 763-2575 • worthyvermont.com
BEST STEAK
Guild Tavern
Guild’s wood-fired grill cooks Vermont-raised dry-aged steak and other local meats. Don’t miss housemade sauces such as blue-cheese butter and horseradish crème fraîche. (1633 Williston Rd., South Burlington, 497-1207 • guildtavern.com)
Other finalists: • EB Strong’s Prime Steakhouse: 10 Church St., Burlington, 497-1214 • ebstrongs.com • Hen of the Wood: 55 Cherry St., Burlington, 540-0534 • 92 Stowe St., Waterbury, 244-7300 • henofthewood.com • Leunig’s Bistro & Café: 115 Church St., Burlington, 863-3759 • leunigsbistro.com • The Windjammer Restaurant: 1076 Williston Rd., South Burlington, 862-6585 • windjammerrestaurant.com
BEST FRENCH FRIES
Al’s French Frys
Like everything else about this place, the “frys” here are done the old-fashioned way: cut by hand and cooked twice to be hot, fresh and flavorful for your order. (1251 Williston Rd., South Burlington, 862-9203 • alsfrenchfrys.com)
SEVEN DAYSIES 2016-17
Other finalists:
16
• Beansie’s Bus: Battery Park, Burlington • beansies.com • The Farmhouse Tap & Grill: 160 Bank St., Burlington, 859-0888 • farmhousetg.com • Leunig’s Bistro & Café: 115 Church St., Burlington, 863-3759 • leunigsbistro.com • Misery Loves Co.: 46 Main St., Winooski, 497-3989 • miserylovescovt.com
BEST WINGS
Wings Over Burlington Late-night hours and delivery options make this wings place soar. The fresh chicken, available boneless, comes in 25 flavors, from Wimpy to Afterburner to the best-selling Honey BBQ. (150 Dorset St., South Burlington, 863-9464 • wingsover.com)
Other finalists: • Buffalo Wild Wings: 555 Shelburne Rd., Burlington, 489-5083 • 200 Consumer Sq. Mall, Plattsburgh, N.Y., 518-310-3536 • buffalowildwings.com • Nectar’s: 188 Main St., Burlington, 658-4771 • liveatnectars.com • Ruben James: 159 Main St., Burlington, 864-0744 • rjsvermont.com • Wicked Wings: 1 Market Place, Suite 25, Building 3, Essex Junction, 879-7111 • 12 Lower Main St., Johnson, 730-8134 • wickedwingsvermont.com
BEST SANDWICHES
Martone’s Market & Café
This deli-market is popular for its high-piled sandwiches. The Vermonter — maple turkey, ham, cheddar and honey mustard on homemade bread — is a local favorite. (16 Main St., Essex Junction, 878-8163 • martonesmarket.com)
Other finalists: • City Market/Onion River Co-op: 82 S. Winooski Ave, Burlington, 861-9700 • citymarket.coop • Four Corners of the Earth: 310 Pine St., Burlington, 657-3869 • Facebook • Kountry Kart Deli: 155 Main St. , Burlington, 864-4408 • kountrykartdeli.com • Red Onion: 140 Church St., Burlington, 865-2563 • Facebook
BEST THAI RESTAURANT
Tiny Thai Restaurant
According to Paul Ciosek, he “first fell in love with a Thai girl, then fell in love with Thai food.” After working more than three years in Thailand as a computer programmer and marrying a Bangkok local, Ciosek returned to Vermont, his home state, with a hunger for true Thai cooking. Urged by his wife, Ciosek opened Tiny Thai Restaurant in 2004 to satisfy his hankering for dishes such as moo palo, a sweet and savory stew of pork, tofu and hard-cooked egg in a fragrant five-spice broth. Specializing in the cuisine one might find in food stalls, street carts and family dinner tables in the Southeast Asian country, Tiny Thai pleases local palates with an array of vibrant dishes. Particularly sterling plates include sweet-and-crunchy pad Thai, moo ping, chu chee curry and, when available, a green papaya salad served with salt-preserved crab and fresh Thai chiles. Ask for the Genuine Thai Menu — and remember, it’s BYOB. 24 Main St., Winooski • 655-4888, tinythairestaurant.net
BEST SUSHI
BEST TACO
Asiana House
El Cortijo Taqueria Y Cantina
At this fusion-style Japanese spot, the vegetarian maki and sushi bar are especially popular, as are the Korean and Thai dishes. (191 Pearl St., Burlington, 651-0818 • 43 State St., Montpelier, 225-6180 • asianahouse.com)
Other finalists: • Asian Bistro: 25 Winooski Falls Way, Suite 112, Winooski, 655-9800 • 121 Connor Way, Williston, 878-8878 • asianbistrowinooski.com • Asiana Noodle Shop: 88 Church St., Burlington, 862-8828 • asiananoodleshop.com • Hana Japanese Restaurant: 150 Dorset St., Suite 340, South Burlington, 448-3525 • hanasushiburlington.com • Koto Japanese Steak House: 792 Shelburne Rd., South Burlington, 660-8976 • kotoburlington.com
Seasonal Vermont flavors inspire a menu of tacos filled with diverse ingredients such as quinoa, beef tongue, sweet potato and chorizo. Add-ons include pickled jalapeños, queso fundido and vegan cheese. (189 Bank St., Burlington, 497-1668 • cortijovt.com)
Other finalists: • Bueno Y Sano: 213 College St., Burlington, 864-9900 • buenoysano.com • El Gato Cantina: 169 Church St., Burlington, 540-3095 • 4 Park St., Essex Junction, 662-4334 • elgatocantina.com • The Mad Taco: 2 Village Sq., Waitsfield, 496-3832 • 72 Main St., Montpelier, 225-6038 • themadtaco.com • Taco Gordo: Church Street, Burlington, 881-1691 • tacogordovt.dudaone.com
FOOD FOOD
BEST CREEMEE
Burlington Bay Market & Café
This waterfront market’s seasonal creemee stand offers delicious vanilla and chocolate, but you’ve got to try the maple. Views of Lake Champlain from the prime patio seating can’t be beat. (125 Battery St., Burlington, 864-0110 • burlingtonbaycafe.com)
handmade. organic. delicious. family owned and operated.
Other finalists: • Al’s French Frys: 1251 Williston Rd., South Burlington, 862-9203 • alsfrenchfrys.com • Palmer Lane Maple: 1 Old Pump Rd., Jericho, 899-8199 • palmerlanemaple. mybigcommerce.com • Rocky’s N.Y. Pizza & Ice Cream: 39 Park St., Essex Junction, 878-4441 • rockysnypizza.com • The Village Scoop: 419 Main St., Colchester, 999-6962 • Facebook
OUTSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY
Vermont Cookie Love
The sweet-toothed swing by year-round for freshly baked cookies, but in summer the greater attraction is smooth, thick creemees made from Vermont dairy. (6915 Route 7, North Ferrisburgh, 425-8181 • vermontcookielove.com)
Other finalists: • Bragg Farm Sugarhouse & Gift Shop: 1005 Route 14, East Montpelier, 223-5757 • braggfarm.com • Dairy Creme: 320 State St., Montpelier, 223-5802 • dairycreme.com • Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks: 1168 County Rd., Montpelier, 800-242-2740 • morsefarm.com
BEST HOUSEMADE ICE CREAM
Lake Champlain Chocolates
This Burlington chocolatier has something for everyone. Order a luscious hot chocolate, take a factory tour or grab a homemade maple-butterpecan ice cream. (750 Pine St., Burlington, 864-1807 • 65 Church St., Burlington, 862-5185 • lakechamplainchocolates.com) • Hen of the Wood: 55 Cherry St., Burlington, 540-0534 • 92 Stowe St., Waterbury, 244-7300 • henofthewood.com • Scout & Co.: 237 North Ave., Burlington, 343-1218 • 1 E. Allen St., Winooski, 343-1218 • 128 Lakeside Ave., Burlington , 540-0340 • scoutandcompanyvt.com • Shy Guy Gelato: 273 St. Paul St., Burlington, 518-951-0442 • shyguygelato.com
OUTSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY
Island Homemade Ice Cream
Based in Grand Isle, this small-batch biz creates basic flavors such as French Vanilla and Chocolate Supreme and quirkier ones including Vermont Maple Bacon and mojito sorbet. (64 W. Shore Rd., Grand Isle, 372-6266 • islandhomemadeicecream.com)
Other finalists: • Chill Vermont Gelato: 32 State St., Montpelier, 223-2445 • Facebook • Lu•lu: 11 Main St., Bristol, 318-0883 • luluvt.com • Scout’s Honor: 40 Bridge St. , Waitsfield, 496-9199 • thesweetspotvermont.com
SoYo Frozen Yogurt
The small-batch frozen yogurt here is made from farm-fresh, local ingredients. There are more than 25 toppings, including local berries in season, and more than 35 flavors, which change weekly. (696 Pine St., Burlington, 540-0851 • 49 Church St., Burlington Town Center, Burlington • soyobtv.com)
Go to obread.com to find our bread near you! Come visit the bakery when you visit Shelburne Farms.
Shelburne, Vermont 05482 – Since 1977 –
D6H-obread15.indd 1
6/30/15 1:23 PM
Other finalists: • Orange Leaf: 192 College St., Burlington, 448-3772 • orangeleafyogurt.com • Yogurt City: 121 Connor Way, Suite 110, Williston, 876-7207 • 63 Main St., Middlebury, 398-2001 • 34 Rutland Plaza, Rutland, 747-5960 • 321 Swanton Rd., St. Albans, 528-5785 • yogurtcity.com
BEST VERMONT CHEESE BRAND
Cabot Creamery
The prolific cheesemaker has gained respect in recent years for its clothbound cheddar. Others prefer the flavored cheeses, including Buffalo wing and bacon. Factory tours are everpopular. (2878 Main St., Cabot, 800-837-4261 • 2657 Route 100, Waterbury Center, 244-6334 • 5573 Woodstock Rd., Quechee, 295-1180 • cabotcheese.coop)
Other finalists: • Grafton Village Cheese: 400 Linden St., Brattleboro, 472-3866 • graftonvillagecheese.com • Jasper Hill Farm: 884 Garven Hill Rd., Greensboro, 533-2566 • jasperhillfarm.com • Shelburne Farms: 1611 Harbor Rd., Shelburne, 985-8686 • shelburnefarms.org • Vermont Creamery: 20 Pitman Rd., Websterville, 479-9371 • vermontcreamery.com
BEST FOOD/DRINK EVENT
ArtsRiot Truck Stop (Burlington)
lunch| dinner | weekend brunch | parties up to 200 | friday night live music| tuesday trivia Located in the Champlain Mill,Winooski — 1 mile from Downtown Burlington! waterworksvt.com | 802.497.3525 D6h-waterworks16.indd 1
7/15/16 3:11 PM
BARRIO
The big-city food-truck trend is finally realized in Burlington. Get Malaysian street food, southern barbecue, wood-fired pizza or a frosty local beer — all in one parking lot. (400 Pine St., Burlington, 540-0406 • artsriot.com)
Other finalists: • Burlington Farmers Market: City Hall Park, Burlington • burlingtonfarmersmarket.org • Burlington Wine & Food Festival: Waterfront Park, Burlington • burlingtonwineandfoodfestival.com • Eat by Northeast: Oakledge Park, Burlington, 652-0777 • eatxne.com • Vermont Brewers Festival: Waterfront Park, Burlington • vtbrewfest.com • Vermont Restaurant Week: Statewide, 864-5684 • vermontrestaurantweek.com
OPEN 7 DAYS/WEEK 7AM-3:30 PM
OPEN TUES-SAT NIGHTS 5:30-9 PM
1 9 7 N O R T H W I N O O S K I AV E | 8 6 3 - 8 2 7 8 | B A R R I O B A K E R Y V T. C O M D6h-BarrioBakery16.indd 1
7/14/16 11:20 AM
LOCALS PICK THE BEST OF VERMONT SEVENDAYSVT.COM/DAYSIES
Other finalists:
BEST FROZEN YOGURT
17
DRINK SEVEN DAYSIES 2016-17 18
JAMES BUCK
* = New category in 2016
Excuse the pu pun, but Vermont is awash in acclaimed craft beverages. We’re practically swimming in breweries and distilleries recognized on the international level. Our coffees are carefully sourced, our ciders pressed from nearby orchards. Basically, our cups runneth over. So let’s raise a glass to all the folks who keep ours more than half full. Cheers to the smoothie makers and cocktail shakers among us, the baristas keeping us caffeinated, the bouncers keeping us legal and the brewers keeping us buzzed. If the out-of-state license plates at Hill Farmstead Brewery — which earned its third Daysie this year — are any indication, the rest of the country wants a taste of what we’ve got, too. No question, drinking brings us together. Whether you’re looking for a Switchback and a stool to watch the game or a dimly lit place to hook up — no judgment! — there’s a bar for that. As for Vermont’s best bar, Winooski’s Mule Bar knocked out last year’s winner, Three Needs Brewery & Taproom in Burlington. Have we outgrown dollar drafts? (Never!) Other new winners this year conquered the categories of best spirits distiller, best cocktails and best barista. We toast them and all of the returning victors.
BEST CRAFT BREWERY
BEST WINERY
BEST CIDERY (NONALCOHOLIC)
Hill Farmstead Brewery
Shelburne Vineyard
Cold Hollow Cider Mill
Other finalists:
Other finalists:
• 14th Star Brewing Co.: 133 N. Main St., St. Albans, 528-5988 • 14thstarbrewing.com • Fiddlehead Brewing Company: 6305 Shelburne Rd., Shelburne, 399-2994 • fiddleheadbrewing.com • Switchback Brewing Co.: 160 Flynn Ave., Burlington, 651-4114 • switchbackvt.com • Zero Gravity Craft Brewery: 716 Pine St., Burlington, 497-0054 • 115 St. Paul St., Burlington, 861-2999 • zerogravitybeer.com
• Boyden Valley Winery & Spirits: 64 Route 104, Cambridge, 644-8151 • boydenvalley.com • East Shore Vineyard: 20 E. Shore Rd., South Hero, 378-5090 • eastshorevineyard.com • Lincoln Peak Vineyard: 142 River Rd., New Haven, 388-7368 • lincolnpeakvineyard.com • Snow Farm Vineyard: 190 W. Shore Rd., South Hero, 372-9463 • snowfarm.com
Since RateBeer first voted this brewery the best in the world in 2013, the rural spot has gained an international following. Fill a growler or grab a bottle in the retail shop — and make new friends while waiting in line to do so. (403 Hill Rd., Greensboro Bend, 533-7450 • hillfarmstead.com)
Winemaker Ken Albert is pioneering new techniques with his northern varietal grapes, both in the vineyard and in the cellar. Sample a few, such as the crisp Cayuga White, in the airy tasting room. (6308 Shelburne Rd., Shelburne, 985-8222 • shelburnevineyard.com)
This Waterbury institution is a must-visit on Route 100. It earned the Daysie for best cider doughnut, too! Head here to sample fudge, dine at the Apple Core Luncheonette and watch the action on the 1920s-era press. (3600 Route 100, Waterbury Center, 800-327-7537 • coldhollow. com)
Other finalists: • Champlain Orchards: 3597 Route 74, Shoreham, 897-2777 • champlainorchards.com • Chittenden Cider Mill/The Mill Market & Deli: 1580 Dorset St., South Burlington, 862-4602 • themillmarketanddeli.com • Citizen Cider: 316 Pine St., Suite 114, Burlington, 497-1987 • citizencider.com • Shelburne Orchards: 216 Orchard Rd., Shelburne, 985-2753 • shelburneorchards.com
BEST BAR (OVERALL)
Mule Bar
There’s a reason Mule Bar deems itself “Winooski’s craft beer hitchin’ post.” Mounted behind the wraparound bar, 16 tap handles allow access to one of the best-curated draft lists around. The ever-changing roster of coveted brews ranges from gold-hued German pilsners to revered Vermont favorites such as Lawson’s Finest Liquids. Patrons thirsty for something besides beer can turn to awardwinning cocktails featuring housemade sodas, tonics and shrubs: Mule Bar’s Matt Farkas was named 2016’s Bartender of the Year in a Vermont Tourism Summit competition last spring. Food with that drink? The bar menu — featuring charcuterie, banh mi, burgers, hand-cut fries, an all-day breakfast “sammich” and the house-cured pork-belly Cuban — will satisfy any comfortfood craving. No wonder Mule Bar is the favored hitchin’ post of Seven Days readers. 38 Main St., Winooski, 399-2020 • mulebarvt.com
FOR ALL THE LOVE!
FROM ALL OF US AT
A BOUTIQUE BAR WITH A SERIOUS WINE LIST, NOT TO BE TAKEN TOO SERIOUSLY.
DRINK
thanks THANK YOU FOR YOUR DAYSIES VOTES!
SPECIALS SUNDAY: 1/2 Price Bottles of Wine MONDAY: $5 Milagro Margaritas TUESDAY: $5 Wine Night WEDNESDAY: CosMos with Mo THURSDAY: Live Music, 7-9 *no cover*
COME TRY IT FOR YOURSELF!
LIKE US ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE SPECIALS, LIVE MUSIC & EVENTS!
VISIT US AT 316 PINE STREET IN BURLINGTON, OR ONLINE AT CITIZENCIDER.COM
Located on the northeast corner of the Winooski speedway. For our event space please email oak45booking@gmail.com.
Untitled-4 1
7/18/16 11:00 AM
local, fresh, original since 1978
LOCALS PICK THE BEST OF VERMONT SEVENDAYSVT.COM/DAYSIES
862.6585 | 1076 Williston Road, South Burlington www.windjammerrestaurant.com
19 Untitled-15 1
7/8/16 11:13 AM
Untitled-41 1
7/15/16 1:44 PM
Twisted Comfor t Food Lunch, Dinner, Weekend Brunch &
27 upscale mac & cheeses
D6h-OurHouse16.indd 1
COURTESY OF CALEDONIA SPIRITS
36 Main S treet, Winooski 802 497-1884 www.ourhousebistro.com 7/15/16 2:29 PM
THANK YOU! A heartfelt thank you for all the nominations and votes. We are tickled silly by the community’s relentless support of our restaurants. See you soon!
FARMHOUSE TAP & GRILL PASCOLO RISTORANTE EL CORTIJO TAQUERIA GUILD TAVERN FARMHOUSE GROUP EVENTS
♥
♥
Untitled-20 1
BEST SPIRITS DISTILLER
Caledonia Spirits
It’s unlikely that a tiny Vermont distillery, situated behind a log yard in Hardwick, would produce one of the world’s top-rated gins, right? Wrong. At Caledonia Spirits, that gin is based in honey — seemingly even more unlikely at a time when honeybees are perishing in unprecedented numbers. And, as the art of barrel making fades into history, the distillery has found a nearby artisan to coop its barrels using rare Vermont white oak. Caledonia Spirits accomplishes all of these unlikely things to craft bartender favorites such as Barr Hill gin and vodka, along with the sweet, amber-hued Tom Cat Reserve gin (and a forthcoming aged whiskey!). Tasting them is believing. 46 Log Yard Dr., Hardwick, 472-8000 • caledoniaspirits.com
7/18/16 3:16 PM
Thank you Burlington and thank you Seven Days!
SEVEN DAYSIES 2016-17
20
Caledonia Spirits
Muddy Waters Brewing strong for 20 years.
184 Main street Burlington, Vt ~ 802-658-0466 D6h_MuddyWaters15.indd 1
BEST SPIRITS DISTILLER
7/2/15 12:23 PM
BEST HARD CIDERY
Citizen Cider
Stop by Citizen Cider’s lively tasting room for its signature Unified Press or new, dry-hopped Lake Hopper. Stay for the tasty bar snacks, or go home with a growler. (316 Pine St., Suite 114, Burlington, 497-1987 • citizencider.com)
Other finalists: • Champlain Orchards: 3597 Route 74, Shoreham, 897-2777 • champlainorchards.com • Shacksbury: 3442 Route 22A, Shoreham, 458-0530 • shacksbury.com • Stowe Cider: 1799 Mountain Rd., Stowe, 253-2065 • stowecider.com • Woodchuck Hard Cider: 1321 Exchange St., Middlebury, 385-3656 • woodchuck.com
Deep in the Northeast Kingdom, this distillery crafts acclaimed Barr Hill vodka and gins. The secret ingredient? Honey straight from the hive. (46 Log Yard Dr., Hardwick, 472-8000 • caledoniaspirits.com)
Other finalists: • Green Mountain Distillers: 192 Thomas Lane, Stowe, 253-0064 • greendistillers.com • Mad River Distillers: 8 Route 17, Waitsfield, 496-6973 • 137 St. Paul St., Burlington, 489-5501 • madriverdistillers.com • Smugglers’ Notch Distillery: 276 Main St., Jeffersonville, 309-3077 • 2657 Route 100, Waterbury Center • smugglersnotchdistillery. com • WhistlePig: 1030 Palmer Rd., Shoreham, 897-7700 • 52 Seymour St. (inside Danforth Pewter), Middlebury, 388-0098 • whistlepigwhiskey.com
BEST DRAFT BEER LIST
BEST WINE SHOP
The Farmhouse Tap & Grill
Cheese & Wine Traders
Other finalists: • The Archives: 191 College St., Burlington, 448-4333 • thearchivesbar.com • Manhattan Pizza & Pub: 167 Main St., Burlington, 658-6776 • manhattanpizzaandpubvt.com • McGillicuddy’s: 18 Severence Rd., Colchester, 871-5480 • 14 Langdon St., Montpelier, 223-2712 • 28 Walnut St., Williston, 857-5908 • mcgillicuddysonthegreen.com • Mule Bar: 38 Main St., Winooski, 399-2020 • mulebarvt.com
OUTSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY
A multiple Daysie winner, this emporium of more than 1,500 quality wines, dozens of cheeses and miscellaneous “seconds” of gourmet foods, all at discounted prices, is a South Burlington institution. (1186 Williston Rd., South Burlington, 863-0143 • cheesetraders.com)
Other finalists: • Cork Wine Bar & Market: 1 Stowe St., Waterbury, 882-8227 • 35 School St., Stowe, 760-6143 • corkvt.com • Dedalus Wine: 180 Battery St., Burlington, 865-2368 • dedaluswine.com • Village Wine and Coffee: 5288 Shelburne Rd., Shelburne, 985-8922 • villagewineandcoffee.com • Vin Bar & Shop: 126 College St., Burlington, 497-2165 • vinbarvt.com
BEST CRAFT BREW SELECTION (RETAILER)
Prohibition Pig
Beverage Warehouse
Other finalists:
Other finalists:
• Doc Ponds: 294 Mountain Rd., Stowe, 760-6066 • docpond.com • The Reservoir Restaurant & Tap Room: 1 S. Main St., Waterbury, 244-7827 • waterburyreservoir.com • Three Penny Taproom: 108 Main St., Montpelier, 223-8277 • threepennytaproom.com
• City Market/Onion River Co-op: 82 S. Winooski Ave., Burlington, 861-9700 • citymarket.coop • Craft Beer Cellar: 3 Elm St., Waterbury, 882-8034 • craftbeercellar.com • Healthy Living Market & Café: 222 Dorset St., South Burlington, 863-2569 • healthylivingmarket.com
One of the largest craft-beer selections in New England is on the menu at this popular Waterbury gastropub. What better way to wash down the duck-fat fries? (23 S. Main St., Waterbury, 244-4120 • prohibitionpig.com)
BEST BREWPUB
Prohibition Pig
Get the “finest barbecue north of the Carolinas” in the restaurant, or head around back to the sun-soaked brewery and tasting room for pours of housemade Downtown Piggy Brown or Brass Monkey. (23 S. Main St., Waterbury, 244-4120 • prohibitionpig.com)
Vermont’s largest craft beer, wine and liquor store goes above and beyond to keep its 10,000-plus Facebook fans in the loop on in-demand beer deliveries. There’s a growler bar, too! (1 East St., Winooski, 655-2620 • beveragewarehousevt.com)
BEST PICKUP BAR
Red Square
This hip downtown bar hosts DJs and live music in two different spaces, as well as outside in the alley during warmer months. Cozy and convivial, it’s a great place to see and be seen. (136 Church St., Burlington, 859-8909 • Facebook)
Other finalists:
• 14th Star Brewing Co.: 133 N. Main St., St. Albans, 528-5988 • 14thstarbrewing.com • Lost Nation Brewing: 87B Old Creamery Rd., Morrisville, 851-8041 • lostnationbrewing.com • Vermont Pub & Brewery: 144 College St., Burlington, 865-0500 • vermontbrewery.com • Zero Gravity Craft Brewery: 115 St. Paul St., Burlington, 861-2999 • 716 Pine St., Burlington, 497-0054 • zerogravitybeer.com
• The Archives: 191 College St., Burlington, 448-4333 • thearchivesbar.com • Nectar’s: 188 Main St., Burlington, 658-4771 • liveatnectars.com • Three Needs Brewery & Taproom: 185 Pearl St., Burlington • Facebook
Hen of the Wood
Popular private-label pinot noir and MüllerThurgau are just the beginning at this popular Burlington restaurant. Co-owner and wine expert William McNeil’s list boasts 100 bottles and more than a dozen varieties by the glass. (55 Cherry St., Burlington, 540-0534 • 92 Stowe St., Waterbury, 244-7300 • henofthewood.com)
Other finalists: • Leunig’s Bistro & Café: 115 Church St., Burlington, 863-3759 • leunigsbistro.com • Oak45: 45 Main St., Winooski, 448-3740 • oak45.com • Trattoria Delia: 152 St. Paul St., Burlington, 864-5253 • trattoriadelia.com • Vin Bar & Shop: 126 College St., Burlington, 497-2165 • vinbarvt.com
D4T15-dobra.indd 1
7/8/15 12:37 PM
20 YEARS AND SEVEN DAYS!
BEST DIVE BAR
The Other Place
The front wall of this friendly neighborhood institution is a garage door that opens up in the summer. You can go here to people watch — or to ignore everyone and watch a game instead. Snacks served until late. (4 N. Winooski Ave., Suite 1, Burlington, 863-5803 • Facebook)
Other finalists: • Charlie-O’s World Famous: 70 Main St., Montpelier, 223-6820 • • Esox: 194 Main St., Burlington, 862-7314 • Facebook • JP’s Pub: 139 Main St., Burlington, 658-6389 • Facebook • The Olde Northender Pub: 23 North St., Burlington, 864-9888 • Facebook
168 battery street D4t-EyesOfTheWorld071316.indd 1
burlington
651.0880 7/12/16 11:38 AM
LOCALS PICK THE BEST OF VERMONT SEVENDAYSVT.COM/DAYSIES
Other finalists:
BEST WINE LIST
DRINK
The taproom, parlor and seasonal outdoor beer garden at this hot-spot gastropub — which operates where a McDonald’s once stood — offer a host of rare and coveted brews from Vermont and beyond. (160 Bank St., Burlington, 859-0888 • farmhousetg.com)
21
THANK YOU FOR YOUR VOTES!
BEST BOUNCERS
Higher Ground BEST SPORTS BAR
@caledoniaspirits STOP BY FOR A VISIT FREE TASTING AND TOURS OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 12pm-5pm Untitled-5 1
7/18/16 11:01 AM
Enjoy Lunch, Hard Cider & Wine Tasting
McGillicuddy’s
Sports play on TVs as far as the eye can see, drawing in diners for corned beef and cabbage or Highland beef burgers. The long tap list and high-quality whiskeys don’t hurt, either. Pool tables in the Montpelier location. (28 Walnut St., Maple Tree Place, Williston, 8575908 • 14 Langdon St., Montpelier, 223-2721 • 18 Severence Rd., Colchester, 871-5480 • mcgillicuddysirishalehouse.com)
Other finalists: • Akes’ Place: 134 Church St., Burlington, 864-8111 • Facebook • Buffalo Wild Wings: 555 Shelburne Rd., Burlington, 489-5083 • 200 Consumer Sq. Mall, Plattsburgh, N.Y., 518-310-3536 • buffalowildwings.com • Church Street Tavern: 103 Church St., Burlington, 658-1309 • churchstreettavernvt.com • Ruben James: 159 Main St., Burlington, 864-0744 • rjsvermont.com
BEST PLACE TO DRINK ALONE
Fresh Bread Baked Daily Sandwiches | Paninis | Wraps Homemade Soups | Salads Kid-Friendly Fare
The Daily Planet Thanks for all of the votes for Best Cidery &
Best Cider Donuts!
Hours of Operation
Cider Mill
7-days: 8am-6pm
Other finalists:
Luncheonette Tasting Room 11am-3:30pm *4pm on weekends
7-days: 11am-5pm
View our full menu and events at Coldhollow.com D6h-coldhollowcidermill15.indd 1
SH_ELBURNE \flNEYARD
If you’re drinking alone, why not drink well? With a hip, intimate bar, this downtown hot spot is also welcoming to loners. Don’t drown your troubles with a plain ol’ G&T; go for a cinnamonand-clove-kissed Root Toddy. (15 Center St., Burlington, 862-9647 • dailyplanetvt.com)
Raise a glass of Shelburne Vineyard wine to all the Daysies winners!
7/9/15 11:34 AM
• The Other Place: 4 N. Winooski Ave., Suite 1, Burlington, 863-5803 • Facebook • Radio Bean: 8 N. Winooski Ave., Burlington, 660-9346 • radiobean.com • Three Needs Brewery & Taproom: 185 Pearl St., Burlington • Facebook • Vermont Comedy Club: 101 Main St., Burlington, 859-0100 • vermontcomedyclub. com
BEST BAR (OVERALL)
Mule Bar
SEVEN DAYSIES 2016-17
Hang your hat at “Winooski’s craft beer hitchin’ post” and stay a while, partner. There’s elevated pub fare, a thoughtfully curated tap list 16 beers long, original and classic cocktails, and housemade sodas, tonics and shrubs. What more do you want? (38 Main St., Winooski, 3992020 • mulebarvt.com)
Other finalists: • The Archives: 191 College St., Burlington, 448-4333 • thearchivesbar.com • Manhattan Pizza & Pub: 167 Main St., Burlington, 658-6776 • manhattanpizzaandpubvt.com • Nectar’s: 188 Main St., Burlington, 658-4771 • liveatnectars.com • Three Needs Brewery & Taproom: 185 Pearl St., Burlington • Facebook • Vermont Comedy Club: 101 Main St., Burlington, 859-0100 • vermontcomedyclub.com
22 Untitled-8 1
7/8/16 10:57 AM
This premier nightclub in South Burlington hosts a continuous stream of bands and their fans in the larger Ballroom and smaller Showcase Lounge. Good to know there are superlative bouncers to monitor the comings and goings. (1214 Williston Rd., South Burlington, 652-0777 • highergroundmusic.com)
Other finalists: • Chocolate Thunder: Burlington, 777-8448 • chocolatethundersecurity.com • Club Metronome/Nectar’s: 188 Main St., Burlington, 658-4771 • liveatnectars.com • Red Square: 136 Church St., Burlington, 859-8909 • Facebook • Three Needs Brewery & Taproom: 185 Pearl St., Burlington • Facebook
BEST BARTENDER
Chris Maloney (Hen of Wood, Burlington)
This barkeep has a magic touch wherever he goes. Since migrating to Hen of the Wood from the late Bluebird Tavern, the mixologist — a Saint Michael’s College grad — has become known for his no-nonsense classic cocktails for the modern palate. (55 Cherry St., Burlington, 540-0534 • henofthewood.com)
Other finalists: • Justin Barrows (The Gryphon): 131 Main St., Burlington, 489-5699 • gryphonvt.com • Mike Dunn (Misery Loves Co.): 46 Main St., Winooski, 497-3989 • miserylovescovt.com • Peyton White (Vermont Comedy Club): 101 Main St., Burlington, 859-0100 • vermontcomedyclub.com • Sandy Payne (McGillicuddy’s Irish Ale House, Williston): 28 Walnut St., Williston, 857-5908 • Facebook
BEST GAY-FRIENDLY BAR
Oak45
This sleek, candlelit wine bar on the Winooski traffic circle has long communal tables, comfy couches and elegant cocktails that beckon to all. The cute bartenders are definitely part of the appeal. (Plus free Skee-Ball!) (45 Main St., Winooski, 448-3740 • oak45.com)
Other finalists: • Drink: 135 St. Paul St., Burlington, 860-9463 • vtdrink.com • Halflounge Speakeasy: 136 1/2 Church St., Burlington, 962-2188 • Facebook • Red Square: 136 Church St., Burlington, 859-8909 • Facebook • Three Needs Brewery & Taproom: 185 Pearl St., Burlington • Facebook
LEE KROHN
TO ALL OF YOU
DRINK
THANKS WHO KEEP OUR WRENCH CRANKING!
55 0-00 M 6 6 802 AGE.CO AR ONG T G IN GIRL D4T-girlington080316.indd 1
7/13/16 11:54 AM
Uncommon Grounds Coffee and Tea & Rob Maynard Just across the Church Street Marketplace from Starbucks, familyowned Uncommon Grounds has creaky wooden floorboards, patterned tablecloths and local art on the walls. Treats such as vegan peanut-butter bars, teacakes and biscotti sit in glass bakery cases. Burlap bags of coffee beans, sourced from all over the world, are stacked against the walls, waiting to roast in the huge Probat L12 by the door. It’s little surprise that, after more than two decades in business, the spot is still winning over the hearts and minds of the coffee-drinking public. It doesn’t hurt that best barista Rob Maynard is behind the counter, appreciated by local coffee aficionados for his passion and perfect cups. 42 Church St., Burlington, 865-6227 • ugvermont.com
Thanks for the bread love! Come to our café and discover everything else we do. Middlesex. Exit 9, just off I-89. OPEN EVERY DAY: Mon 7-4, Tue-Sat 7-6, Sun 8-6
802.223.5200 | www.redhenbaking.com D4T-RedHen072016.indd 1
LOCALS PICK THE BEST OF VERMONT SEVENDAYSVT.COM/DAYSIES
BEST COFFEE SHOP & BEST BARISTA
23 7/27/16 2:59 PM
Jamie Two Coats Toyshop
Dobrá Tea BEST BLOODY MARY
Lo c at e d i n t h e
Sneakers Bistro
The weekend brunch — with its signature spicy Bloody — is legendary, and the daily specials are always eclectic. Go early to beat the crowds. (28 Main St., Winooski, 655-9081 • sneakersbistro.com)
of Shelburne 5 4 fa ll s r o a d M o n - S at 1 0 - 6 S u n da y 1 1 - 5 8 02 - 9 8 5 - 3 2 2 1
k6h-JamieTwoCoats0516.indd 1
BEST TEAHOUSE
New Collection Has Arrived
Other finalists: • American Flatbread Burlington Hearth: 115 St. Paul St., Burlington, 861-2999 • americanflatbread.com • Leunig’s Bistro & Café: 115 Church St., Burlington, 863-3759 • leunigsbistro.com • Magnolia Bistro: 1 Lawson Lane, Burlington, 846-7446 • magnoliabistro.com • Penny Cluse Café: 169 Cherry St., Burlington, 651-8834 • pennycluse.com • Rustic Roots: 195 Falls Rd., Shelburne, 985-9511 • rusticrootsvt.com 4/27/16 3:37 PM
BEST COCKTAILS
Waterworks Food + Drink
This gorgeous space on the edge of the roaring Winooski River has plenty of seats at the bar. Order a Waterworks original, like the colorful River Zombie, or a tried-and-true classic, like the Pisco Sour. You won’t regret it. (20 Winooski Falls Way, Winooski, 497-3525 • waterworksvt.com)
Other finalists: • Church & Main: 156 Church St., Burlington, 540-3040 • churchandmainvt.com • The Daily Planet: 15 Center St., Burlington, 862-9647 • dailyplanetvt.com • Hen of the Wood: 55 Cherry St., Burlington, 540-0534 • 92 Stowe St., Waterbury, 244-7300 • henofthewood.com • Juniper: 41 Cherry St., Burlington, 651-5027 • hotelvt.com/dining-drinking
BEST SMOOTHIES/JUICES
Tomgirl Juice Co. Untitled-1 1
7/14/16 11:09 AM
At this sunny South End juice shop, get raw, organic, seasonal juices — think cantaloupe or cayenne-salted-maple lemonade — from local produce in to-go mason jars. (463 St. Paul St., Burlington, 540-0337 • tomgirl-juice. blogspot.com)
Other finalists:
SEVEN DAYSIES 2016-17
• Eco Bean + Juice: 688 Pine St., Burlington, 497-2075 • ecobeanandjuice.com • Juicebox: 194 College St., Burlington, 658-7433 • juiceboxvt.com • Muddy Waters: 184 Main St., Burlington, 658-0466 • Facebook • The Vermont Juice Company: 77 Main St., Burlington, 651-7070 • vtjuiceco.com
Ring a bell, and your choice of more than 90 varieties of direct-sourced, international loose-leaf tea will be served according to tradition in this bohemian tearoom. Need a snack? Try the locally made pastries or eclectic light fare. (80 Church St., Burlington, 951-2424 • dobrateavt.com)
Other finalists: • Muddy Waters: 184 Main St., Burlington, 658-0466 • Facebook • The North Branch Café: 41 State St., Montpelier, 552-8105 • thenorth-branch.com • Stone Leaf Teahouse: 111 Maple St., Middlebury, 458-0460 • stoneleaftea.com • Tulsi Tea Room: 34 Elm St., Montpelier, 223-1431 • tulsitearoom.com
BEST COFFEE SHOP
Uncommon Grounds Coffee and Tea
The in-house roasting, speedy service and seasonal outdoor seating make this a fave on the Church Street Marketplace. So do the organic and exotic teas, chai lattes, and various baked goods. (42 Church St., Burlington, 865-6227 • ugvermont.com)
Other finalists: • Maglianero: 47 Maple St., Burlington, 861-3155 • maglianero.com • Muddy Waters: 184 Main St., Burlington, 658-0466 • Facebook • Scout & Co.: 237 North Ave., Burlington, 343-1218 • 1 E. Allen St., Winooski, 343-1218 • 128 Lakeside Ave., Burlington, 540-0340 • scoutandcompanyvt.com • Speeder & Earl’s Coffee: 412 Pine St., Burlington, 658-6016 • 104 Church St., Burlington, 860-6630 • speederandearls.com
BEST COFFEE ROASTER
Vermont Coffee Company
All the blends from this Middlebury roaster are organic and fair trade. Sip a hot cup of espresso or drip coffee in the café — or grab a housebaked pastry or sandwich — as workers roast the beans. (1197 Exchange St., Suite 3, Middlebury, 398-2776 • vermontcoffeecompany.com)
Other finalists: • Brio Coffeeworks: 696 Pine St., Burlington, 777-6641 • briocoffeeworks.com • Keurig Green Mountain: 1 Rotarian Place, Waterbury, 879-2326 • keurig.com • Speeder & Earl’s Coffee: 412 Pine St., Burlington, 658-6016 • 104 Church St., Burlington, 860-6630 • speederandearls.com • Uncommon Grounds Coffee and Tea: 42 Church St., Burlington, 865-6227 • ugvermont.com
BEST BARISTA
Rob Maynard (Uncommon Grounds Coffee and Tea)
Maynard roasts high-quality, responsibly grown beans right in the front of this Daysie-winning coffee shop. No wonder regulars think he makes the perfect cup. (42 Church St., Burlington, 8656227 • ugvermont.com)
Other finalists: • Nate House (Maglianero): 47 Maple St., Burlington, 861-3155 • maglianero.com/ • Tom Green (Scout & Co.): 237 North Ave., Burlington, 343-1218 • 1 E. Allen St., Winooski, 343-1218 • 128 Lakeside Ave., Burlington, 540-0340 • scoutandcompanyvt.com
24 Untitled-8 1
7/18/16 11:40 AM
I’m proud to serve the local community!
DRINK
Thank You for the Votes!
BEST BEER GEEK ENABLER
KELLY A. DEFORGE Senior Mortgage Loan Originator NMLS: 103643
30 Kimball Avenue, Suite 200, South Burlington, VT ublocal.com • 802.652.2985 kdeforge@unionbankvt.com
JEB WALLACE-BRODEUR
D6h-unionbankkellydeforge16.indd 1
7/13/16 3:28 PM
Meg Schultz Age: 38 Occupation: owner, Meg’s Events Town: Moretown
The Old Lantern Inn & Barn
Proud to be a Daysie Award Finalist-Best Wedding Venue www.oldlantern.com • Charlotte, VT 802-425-2120 D6h-OldLantern16.indd 1
7/27/16 2:55 PM
Go-to Vermont beer: At the
moment, Lawson’s Super Session or Zero Gravity Little Wolf. Regular watering hole: If I’m in Waterbury, I’ve been really enjoying Blackback Pub and the Prohibition Pig brewery. In Waitsfield, the Mad Taco — that place is like a damn vortex; it just sucks you right in.
Unexpectedly great new brewery: I’m digging Foam, Frost and Upper Pass right now. There are a lot I haven’t had the chance to try yet, too! HANNAH PALMER EGAN
“WE KNOW WE CAN ALWAYS COUNT ON JIVANA FOR GREAT TREATMENTS AND GREAT SERVICE IN EVERY REGARD. THANKS, GUYS!” —LISA W.
DAYSIES FINALIST! D6h-jivana16.indd 1
BY APPOINTMENT 113 CHURCH STREET 2ND FLOOR • 660-4772
For a full list of treatments, visit:
www.jivanaspa.com 7/7/16 1:14 PM
LOCALS PICK THE BEST OF VERMONT SEVENDAYSVT.COM/DAYSIES
One afternoon, many winters ago, Meg Schultz sat at the bar at Mad River Glen enjoying an après-ski brewski with Lawson’s Finest Liquids brewer Sean Lawson. “We should plan our own beer fest,” Schultz recalls one of them saying. The following September, the event planner — a social butterfly and beer lover who had previously focused more on private events and weddings — cooked up a homegrown little brew fest at the base area of Fayston’s cooperative, skiersonly, no-snowmaking mountain. Dubbed SIPtemberfest, the event was small, but Schultz had persuaded some of Vermont’s finest brewers to participate, and the music was great, the vibes good, the setting beautiful. This fall will be the event’s eighth season and, in the interim years, Schultz has forayed further into festival territory — to the delight
of Vermont’s craft beer scene. Hop Jam, a larger summer soirée at Bolton Valley Resort, has been a hit since 2014, and 2015 brought Betty’s Beer Fest, an intimate celebration of women in brewing. While Schultz enjoys bringing the best brewers in the Northeast together for a fun party, she says her favorite part of the job is “looking out on the crowd and seeing all these people having fun and thinking: I did that. I made this happen.”
25
SEVEN DAYSIES 2016-17
entertainment
ARTS B
COURTESY OF LYRIC THEATRE
26
Here’s the thing about Vermonters: They know what they like. Specifically, maple syrup, Subarus, and the winners in the arts and entertainment section of the Daysies. The vast majority of these finalists — for best music venue, movie theater, museum and more — are perennial favorites. All we can say to them is, keep up the good work! You guys rock and, in some cases, roll. Still, we’ve Daysie-crowned some deserving new winners this year, especially in the musician categories. (Look for a changing of the guard in best vocalist.) And, since the visual arts are alive and well here, we welcomed best painter, best sculptor and best photographer into the fold. See any winners you’re not familiar with? Do yourself a favor and let them entertain you.
BEST LOCAL THEATER COMPANY
Lyric Theatre Company
It’s hard to argue with a community theater that helps shape the likes of Shaina Taub, described by the New York Times as “a gravitational force around whom others cluster like filings to a magnet.” Since its first production of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying in 1974, Lyric has grown into one of the largest community theater groups in the United States, producing two class-act musicals per year — usually to sold-out audiences. Lyric has something for every generation, making the company a certifiable fixture of the Burlington arts community. 55 Leroy Rd., Williston, 658-1484 • lyrictheatrevt.org
16/17 SEASON HIGHLIGHTS Ben Folds
A+E
Rennie Harris Puremovement Art Garfunkel Esperanza Spalding: EMILY’S D+EVOLUTION Marc Maron The Capitol Steps The Triplets of Belleville with live music by Le Terrible Orchestre de Belleville
AT THE FLYNN
Broadway National Tour:
Rent
Broadway National Tour:
Annie
Vienna Boys Choir Cirque Mother Africa MOMIX: Opus Cactus Garrison Keillor The Chieftains
Members: August 1 General Public: August 19
Ladysmith Black Mambazo Broadway National Tour:
42nd Street
Wild Kratts – Live! Broadway National Tour:
Pippin
Season Sponsor
Visit WWW.FLYNNTIX.ORG/SERIES Untitled-20 1
7/14/16 12:25 PM
LOCALS PICK THE BEST OF VERMONT SEVENDAYSVT.COM/DAYSIES
TICKETS ON SALE
27
JAMES BUCK
BEST LARGE LIVE MUSIC VENUE
Waterfront Park
Whenever massive white tents spring up at this lakeside green — for the Burlington Discover Jazz Festival, Lake Champlain Maritime Festival or Grand Point North — you can rest assured the music will be good. (Lake St., Burlington, 8657247 • enjoyburlington.com)
Other finalists: • Champlain Valley Exposition: 105 Pearl St., Essex Junction, 878-5545 • cvexpo.org • Flynn Center for the Performing Arts: 153 Main St., Burlington, 652-4500 • flynncenter.org • Higher Ground: 1214 Williston Rd., South Burlington, 652-0777 • highergroundmusic.com • Shelburne Museum: 6000 Shelburne Rd., Shelburne, 985-3346 • shelburnemuseum.org
BEST SMALL LIVE MUSIC HOT SPOT
Nectar’s
BEST PLACE TO DANCE
Other finalists:
Did you know that, until fairly recently, it was illegal to dance in a Burlington bar or club while holding a drink? Fortunately, that comically prudish blue law has been banished from the books. Not that it ever put much of a damper on the boogie business at Club Metronome. Thanks to long-running residencies such as the weekly 1980s dance party Retronome and regularly hosting electronic dance music DJs of local, national and international renown, the dance floor above iconic Burlington club Nectar’s is always packed — and well lubricated.
Iconic nightclub Nectar’s — aka the House That Phish Built — has live music seven nights a week from local, regional and national acts of all genres. It’s also got the coolest — and only — revolving neon sign in town. (188 Main St., Burlington, 658-4771 • liveatnectars.com) • ArtsRiot: 400 Pine St., Burlington, 540-0406 • artsriot.com • Monkey House: 30 Main St., Winooski, 655-4563 • monkeyhousevt.com • Radio Bean: 8 N. Winooski Ave., Burlington, 660-9346 • radiobean.com • Signal Kitchen: 71 Main St., Burlington, 399-2337 • signalkitchen.com
SEVEN DAYSIES 2016-17
BEST PLACE TO PLAY POOL
28
Three Needs Brewery & Taproom
A beautifully appointed bar provides favorite craft brews and a chill atmosphere, offering pool tables and music to a loyal local crowd. (185 Pearl St., Burlington, 658-0889 • Facebook)
Other finalists: • Charlie-O’s World Famous: 70 Main St., Montpelier, 223-6820 • • Monkey House: 30 Main St., Winooski, 655-4563 • monkeyhousevt.com • Nectar’s: 188 Main St., Burlington, 658-4771 • liveatnectars.com • Van Phan Billiards & Bar: 55 San Remo Dr., South Burlington, 651-0111 • vpbilliards.com
Club Metronome 188 Main St., Burlington, 658-4771 • clubmetronome.com
BEST PLACE TO DANCE
BEST TRIVIA NIGHT
BEST KARAOKE
Club Metronome
Nectar’s
JP’s Pub
Other finalists:
Other finalists:
Other finalists:
• Halflounge Speakeasy: 136 1/2 Church St., Burlington, 962-2188 • Facebook • Higher Ground: 1214 Williston Rd., South Burlington, 652-0777 • highergroundmusic.com • Nectar’s: 188 Main St., Burlington, 658-4771 • liveatnectars.com • Red Square: 136 Church St., Burlington, 859-8909 • Facebook
• ArtsRiot: 400 Pine St., Burlington, 540-0406 • artsriot.com • Hotel Vermont: 41 Cherry St., Burlington, 651-0080 • hotelvt.com • On Tap Bar & Grill: 4 Park St., Essex Junction, 878-3309 • ontapvt.com • Waterworks Food + Drink: 20 Winooski Falls Way, Winooski, 497-3525 • waterworksvt.com
• Backstage Pub: 60 Pearl St., Essex Junction, 878-5494 • backstagevt.com • Manhattan Pizza & Pub: 167 Main St., Burlington, 658-6776 • manhattanpizzaandpubvt.com • Ruben James: 159 Main St., Burlington, 864-0744 • Facebook • St. John’s Club: 9 Central Ave., Burlington, 864-9778 • stjohnsclub.com
Since the 1990s, this has been the place to shake your thang, especially at the enduring Retronome night on Saturdays. Touring and local live acts perform during the week. (188 Main St., Burlington, 658-4771 • clubmetronome.com)
Know-it-alls converge on Thursdays for Trivia Mania, which offers obscure questions on pop culture, history, science and lit, as well as worldfamous gravy fries. (188 Main St., Burlington, 658-4771 • liveatnectars.com)
This classic dive serves up wannabe rock stardom at least three nights a week. Can’t sing? There are also pool and foosball tables and, of course, TVs. (139 Main St., Burlington, 658-6389 • Facebook)
A+E
Dear Seven Days readers, Thank you for thinking the “best” of Phoenix Books. We intend to get even better! Think local first. Buy local first. Keep local first.
191 Bank Street Burlington | 448.3350
21 Essex Way Essex | 872.7111
2 Center Street Rutland | 855.8078
www.phoenixbooks.biz
7days_daysies_9.625.x5.56.pdf 1 7/14/2016 9:32:06 AM
D4t-phoenixbooks090216.indd 1
THANKES FOR TH
LOVE!
81 Church Street | Burlington, VT eccoclothesboutique.com 802.860.2220
Locally Owned since 1992. 6/14/16 3:02 PM
D4T-ecco080316.indd 1
7/14/16 12:33 PM
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
THANK YOU! for the Daysie nominations
echovt.orrg echovt.o echovt.org
Best VT day trip with the kids Best museum
LOCALS PICK THE BEST OF VERMONT SEVENDAYSVT.COM/DAYSIES
C
29 Untitled-5 1
7/14/16 11:39 AM
SMALL-TOWN ARTS IMPRESARIO
BEST STANDUP COMIC
Josie Leavitt
This very funny lady is almost single-handedly responsible for launching a standup-comedy scene in Vermont. She cofounded and performs with the Vermont Comedy Divas and has nurtured nascent comics through regular classes at FlynnArts. (josieleavittcomedy.com)
Other finalists: • • • •
Anya Volz: Facebook Kendall Farrell: Facebook Maggie Lenz: Facebook Richard Bowen: Facebook
BEST VOCALIST
Kat Wright
Her eyebrows, her vintage outfits and that sultry voice — it’s no wonder this retro-soul diva has captivated local audiences and is primed to make bigger waves with the release of her upcoming debut album. (katwrightsoulband. com)
Other finalists: Francesca Blanchard: francescablanchard.com Josh Panda: joshpanda.com Myra Flynn: myraflynn.com Nicole Nelson: dwightandnicole.com
BEST INSTRUMENTALIST
Age: 63
Seth Yacovone
Occupation: executive director, Town Hall Theater
Nectar’s regulars know Yacovone well: He’s held down the Friday-night happy hour slot for a decade. Nothing can match his bluesy guitar licks — unless it’s his deep, growly baritone or prolific songwriting. (Facebook)
Other finalists: • • • •
Bob Wagner: SoundCloud Dave Grippo: grippofunkband.com Josh Panda: joshpanda.com Paul Asbell: paulasbell.com
SEVEN DAYSIES 2016-17
BEST AMERICANA ARTIST OR GROUP
30
Doug Anderson
Starline Rhythm Boys
The revered rockabilly stalwarts have been honky-tonkin’ around since 1998 and are one of the hardest-working bands in Vermont. Catch them at festivals, Bluegrass Brunch Scrambles and nightclubs around the state. (starlinerhythmboys.com)
Other finalists: • • • •
Brett Hughes: ReverbNation Eric George: egeorgemusic.com Josh Panda and the Hot Damned: joshpanda.com Waylon Speed: waylonspeed.com
Town: East Middlebury Google “Doug Anderson,” and you’ll find a Tolkien scholar, an American gospel singer, a New Zealand rugby player and a Scottish wildlife photographer, among others. None of them is Doug Anderson, executive director of Town Hall Theater in Middlebury. Though, as he points out, the Douglas Anderson School of the Arts in Florida comes a little closer — conceptually, anyway. Trained as an actor and theater director, Ohio-born Anderson — an East Middlebury resident since 1993 — doesn’t just head up THT; he is the reason the beloved venue exists. “I first walked into the building in 1997 and found out it had been a theater,” he recalls. “I said, ‘We’ll take it!’ I sensed in an instant it matched up with my peculiar skill set.” The 1883 building had fallen into disrepair, but Anderson saw only potential — not just for a theater but for the community. When it comes to the
vitality and economy of downtowns, he says, “You open a theater, and things improve.” The restoration took 10 years and a number of creative, humorously themed fundraisers that yielded some $5 million. THT opened officially in 2008 and now hosts 165 events per year. But from the beginning, Anderson pursued his passion, mounting performances in the space even as bats flew in the rafters. He founded the Opera Company of Middlebury in 2004. He’s directed shows for the Middlebury Actors Workshop and college theater; he recently directed James and the Giant Peach through THT’s educational programs. Next year, he says, he’ll move into an artistic director role as the board solicits a new ED. What does he think about his big role in a small town? “It’s very gratifying,” says Anderson, “to know that the arts can have such an impact on everything.” Vermont performer more people should know: Kim Anderson is the most astonishing musical theater performer I’ve ever had the pleasure
CALEB KENNA
• • • •
to work with. I’d cast her yearly, monthly, weekly if I had the chance. Best place to dine before catching a show at THT: A tie: Sabai Sabai (excellent Thai food just next door to the theater) and Two Brothers Tavern (our performers’ favorite after-show gathering place). Off-the-beaten-track place to see a great show: Great bands, great wine and a great vibe at the Lincoln Peak Vineyard [concert series] in New Haven.
PAMELA POLSTON
SPECIALIZING IN SAFETY! BEST ELECTRONIC MUSIC DJ/GROUP
Kat Wright and the Indomitable Soul Band
Craig Mitchell
The Burlington band is aptly named, and front woman Kat Wright leads it with a croon. Beginning as the house band for a weekly soul night at Radio Bean, Wright and co. have grown to be one of the Queen City’s most dynamic and popular groups. (katwrightsoulband.com)
Other finalists: • • • •
Funkwagon: Facebook Grippo Funk Band: grippofunkband.com Madaila: musicofmadaila.com Sammich: Facebook
BEST JAZZ/BLUES ARTIST OR GROUP
Kat Wright and the Indomitable Soul Band
Yes, they’re technically a soul band. But the lineup boasts some of the area’s finest jazz players, including pianist Shane Hardiman and horn players Luke LaPlant, Jake Whitesell and Dave Purcell. Oh, and Kat ain’t so bad herself. (katwrightsoulband.com)
Multiple Daysies winner Craig Mitchell is a Burlington house favorite in the DJ booth, making his own music or playing a wild mix of others’. Now also DJing at Planet 96.7, Mitchell brings the party to the podcast, dance floor and radio dial. (SoundCloud)
Other finalists: • Disco Phantom: Facebook • D Jay Baron: Facebook • Nechromancer: Bandcamp
BEST MUSIC FESTIVAL
Burlington Discover Jazz Festival
Every June, BDJF fills venues from the Flynn Center to Waterfront Park with music. Headliners such as Béla Fleck, Mavis Staples and Diane Schuur bring world-class flair to the fest, while locals display their own chops all over town. (156 College St., Suite 202, Burlington, 863-7992 • discoverjazz.com)
BEST ROCK ARTIST OR GROUP
Rough Francis
BEST LOCAL THEATER COMPANY
• Blues for Breakfast: bluesforbreakfast.com • Dwight & Nicole: dwightandnicole.com • Ray Vega: rayvegamusic.com
The sons of proto-punk band Death carry on the family tradition with new music inspired by their dad’s old band. They’ve made national waves with their ripping single “MSP2.” (roughfrancis.com)
Other finalists:
Formed more than four decades ago, Lyric is one of the largest community theater groups in the region. With local casts and hundreds of volunteers, the nonprofit produces musicals such as Les Misérables, Mary Poppins and Grease. (55 Leroy Rd., Williston, 658-1484 • lyrictheatrevt.org)
Other finalists:
The Lynguistic Civilians
• Green Mountain Cabaret: greenmountaincabaret.com • Lost Nation Theater: 39 Main St., Montpelier, 229-0492 • lostnationtheater.org • Vermont Stage: 110 Main St., Burlington, 862-1497 • vermontstage.org • Very Merry Theatre: 333 N. Winooski Ave., Burlington, 355-1461 • verymerrytheatre.org
Other finalists: • The Aztext: theaztext.com • Bless the Child: blessthechild802.com • David Budnick: SoundCloud
Ask about our nonprofit discounts.
802-777-8448 • CHOCOLATE.THUNDER.LLC@GMAIL.COM D6H-chocthunder080316.indd 1
7/13/16 12:01 PM
We’re Pumped by Your Support!
Celebrating nearly 20 years on Church Street! 20% OFF any glass over $20 (when you mention this ad)
Lyric Theatre Company
BEST HIP-HOP ARTIST/GROUP It should no longer come as a surprise that the hip-hop scene in Vermont is vital and vibrant. That’s in large part thanks to Walshie Steeze, LC, Mike Fulton and Mr. Burns, who are once again named the best rappers in the state. (Bandcamp)
Contact us today and book us for your next event!
Keeping Burlington Glassy Since 1998.
D6H-FullTank16.indd 1
7/19/16 3:56 PM
enjoyburlington.com
(802) 864-0123 @btvparks
BEST ACTOR (MALE OR FEMALE)
Rusty DeWees
It’s hard to beat “the Logger” in name recognition — and popularity. From town halls to prisons, Vermonter Rusty DeWees performs his one-man show about, well, a rural Vermonter. He also acts for TV and film and has penned a couple of memoirs. (thelogger.com)
So Many Ways To Enjoy Burlington! • • • • •
39 parks and over 500 acres of open space in Burlington Amazing events in our parks & at the Waterfront Boating, paddling & swimming in Lake Champlain Public marinas & boathouse with dockside dining and boat tours Biking, walking along the 8-mile Waterfront Bike Path
Other finalists: • • • •
Bob Bolyard: Facebook Chris Caswell: Facebook Jon van Luling: LinkedIn Kim Anderson: Facebook
Thanks For Voting For Your Parks! Untitled-15 1
7/18/16 1:22 PM
LOCALS PICK THE BEST OF VERMONT SEVENDAYSVT.COM/DAYSIES
• Madaila: musicofmadaila.com • Sammich: Facebook • Waylon Speed: waylonspeed.com
Join our team.
Other finalists: • Frendly Gathering: Timber Ridge Resort, 431 Glebe Mountain Rd., Windham • frendlygathering.com • Grand Point North: Waterfront Park, 1 Lake St., Burlington • grandpointnorth.com • Lake Champlain Maritime Festival: P.O. Box 9368, South Burlington, 482-3313 • lcmfestival.com • Waking Windows: Winooski • wakingwindows.com
Other finalists:
Thanks for your VOTES!
A+E
BEST FUNK/R&B ARTIST OR GROUP
VT born and nationally recognized! We are looking to hire competent and proactive individuals.
31
BEST PERFORMING ARTS VENUE COURTESY OF SHEM ROOSE
Flynn Center for the Performing Arts
The Flynn Center is a restored art-deco movie house with a 1,400-seat theater, as well as the smaller FlynnSpace, a dance studio and an art gallery. It also offers nationally recognized arts education and brings thousands of schoolchildren to shows each year. (153 Main St., Burlington, 652-4500 • flynncenter.org)
Other finalists: • ArtsRiot: 400 Pine St., Burlington, 540-0406 • artsriot.com • Higher Ground: 1214 Williston Rd., South Burlington, 652-0777 • highergroundmusic.com • Montpelier City Hall Auditorium: 39 Main St., Montpelier, 229-0492 • lostnationtheater.org • Vermont Comedy Club: 101 Main St., Burlington, 859-0100 • vermontcomedyclub.com
BEST ART GALLERY
Shelburne Museum
Art gallery? More like art galleries. Thirty-nine buildings — including historic houses, barns, a lighthouse and the steamboat Ticonderoga — exhibit the American folk art for which this museum is famous. The Pizzagalli Center for Art and Education houses classes and contemporary art, too. (6000 Shelburne Rd., Shelburne, 9853346 • shelburnemuseum.org)
BEST VOCALIST
Kat Wright
Tammy Fletcher and Grace Potter. That’s the entire list of singers who have won the best vocalist Daysies award since 2003. But this year, we’re adding a third: Kat Wright. Backed by the Indomitable Soul Band, the dynamic diva has charmed audiences all over the Northeast recently. That helps explain how Wright became the first vocalist other than Potter to win the award since Fletcher won her second Daysie in 2004. Interestingly, Grace Potter & the Nocturnals signed their major label deal in 2005, the same year Potter won her first Daysie. Is the “Daysies bump” real? With ambitious tour plans and an anticipated new record due this fall, Wright and company certainly appear poised to break out on a national stage in 2016. And they’ll always be hometown favorites — Seven Days readers named the band both the best funk/R&B group and best jazz/blues group for the second year. katwrightsoulband.com
BEST MOVIE THEATER
SEVEN DAYSIES 2016-17
Majestic 10
32
This Williston movie house with a massive sound system is a fun place to view your favorite blockbusters, and stadium seating ensures that everyone has a good view. Merrill Jarvis III, who also owns the Roxy downtown, calls this one his mainstream theater. (190 Boxwood St., Williston, 878-2010 • majestic10.com)
Other finalists: • Essex Cinemas: 21 Essex Way, Suite 300, Essex, 878-7231 • essexcinemas.com • Merrill’s Roxy Cinemas: 222 College St., Burlington, 864-4742 • merrilltheatres.net • Palace 9: 10 Fayette Dr., South Burlington, 864-5610 • palace9.com • The Savoy Theater: 26 Main St., Montpelier, 229-0509 • savoytheater.com
BEST ARTS EVENT
BEST MUSEUM
South End Art Hop
Shelburne Museum
Vermont’s largest art event attracts more than 30,000 for a weekend filled with open studios, music, food and a fashion show. The mostly free fest is organized by the South End Arts and Business Association and takes place along Burlington’s Pine Street. (Burlington, 859-9222 • seaba.com)
Other finalists: • Festival of Fools: Burlington, 865-7166 • vermontfestivaloffools.com • Montpelier Art Walk: Montpelier, 233-9604 • Facebook • Open Studio Weekend: Statewide, 223-3380 • vermontcrafts.com • Vermont Burlesque Festival: Statewide • vermontburlesquefestival.com
Katharine Montstream
A perennial Daysies winner, Katharine Montstream paints floral and scenic watercolors — many reproduced in fine prints and greeting cards — and oil paintings. Her downtown Burlington gallery is across the street from City Hall Park. (129 St. Paul St., Burlington, 862-8752 • kmmstudio.com)
Other finalists: • Dug Nap: Burlington, 860-1386 • dugnap.com • Jess Polanshek: Fairfax • ofthehills.com • Jon Young: 8 Hodges Ct., St. Albans, 752-7573 • jonyoungartworks.com • Sabra Field: 75 E. Barnard Rd., South Royalton, 763-7092 • sabrafield.com
BEST SCULPTOR*
Kate Pond
Other finalists: • BCA Center: 135 Church St., Burlington, 865-7166 • burlingtoncityarts.org • Frog Hollow Vermont Craft Gallery: 85 Church St., Burlington, 863-6458 • froghollow.org • The S.P.A.C.E. Gallery: 266 Pine St., Suite 105, Burlington, 578-2512 • spacegalleryvt.com • West Branch Gallery & Sculpture Park: 17 Towne Farm Lane, Stowe, 253-8943 • westbranchgallery.com
BEST PAINTER/ILLUSTRATOR*
Founded in 1947, the Shelburne Museum has more than 150,000 items in its permanent collection and is famous for its folk art and impressionist paintings. Though most of the buildings are only open seasonally, the Pizzagalli Center for Art and Education is year-round. (6000 Shelburne Rd., Shelburne, 985-3346 • shelburnemuseum.org)
Other finalists: • ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain: 1 College St., Burlington, 864-1848 • echovermont.org • Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium: 1302 Main St., St. Johnsbury, 748-2372 • fairbanksmuseum.org • Montshire Museum of Science: 1 Montshire Rd., Norwich, 649-2200 • montshire.org • University of Vermont Fleming Museum of Art: 61 Colchester Ave., Burlington, 656-0750 • uvm.edu/~fleming
The Burlington sculptor has sprinkled her steel works around the state: “Kiss II” stands outside the Fletcher Free Library, and her five “Steelhead” trout sculptures have made a splash along the Winooski River. (123 N. Union St., Burlington • vermontsculpture.com)
Other finalists: • John Brickels: brickels.com • Leslie Fry: 999-5313 • lesliefry.com
BEST PHOTOGRAPHER*
Karen Pike
From weddings to portrait sessions to editorial shoots, this Burlington photographer “works like a fly on the wall” to capture emotion, action, personality and important life events with artistry and, of course, perfect focus. (208 Flynn Ave., Suite 3C, Burlington, 233-7982 • kpikephoto.com)
Other finalists: • Kenneth Alderman: 503-5255 • Facebook • Matthew Thorsen: 318-3056 • matthewthorsen.com • Michael Rork (Zinfandel Photography): 47 Maple St., Suite 322, Burlington, 488-0323 • zinfandelphotography.com • Stephen Mease: 2361 N. Williston Rd., Williston, 578-8029 • stevemease.wix.com/ stevemeasephoto
A+E
Thanks Vermont for all your support! 85 Church St. Burlington VT 802-863-6458 WWW.FROGHOLLOW.ORG Untitled-14 1
7/18/16 1:16 PM
7/14/16 1:23 PM
LOCALS PICK THE BEST OF VERMONT SEVENDAYSVT.COM/DAYSIES
We’re a nationally awardwinning store, with 30,000 books, gifts, cards, and games for all ages.
D4T-froghollow080316.indd 1
Celebrating books and readers for 20 years!
5247 Shelburne Road, Shelburne VT - 802-985-3999 flyingpigbooks.com - flyingpigbooks@gmail.com
33 Untitled-16 1
7/18/16 1:25 PM
MATTHEW THORSEN
In our opinion, the biggest win of the Daysies is the fact that locally owned shops by and large outdo big-box competitors. Let’s hear it for the little guy, or gal! Not so little anymore, eh? Besides being loyal to local, Seven Days voters tend to be loyal to the same shops year after a year. But the votes are often really close, with several strong contenders in many categories, and this year saw some new winners rise to the top. ECCO stole the Daysie away from longtime favorite Sweet Lady Jane in the alwayscompetitive category of best women’s casual clothing (inside Chittenden County). Plato’s Closet scored its inaugural win for best secondhand clothing; Northern Lights did the same for best place to buy a pipe. And Church Street’s Kiss the Cook must be feelin’ the love: It won best housewares store in addition to maintaining best kitchen store. Others handily hung onto their Daysies. Outdoor Gear Exchange, Eyes of the World, Mirror Mirror, Pet Food Warehouse and Gardener’s Supply have won every single year since the competition started in 2003. Now that’s flower power.
SHOPPING SEVEN DAYSIES 2016-17
BEST BIKE SHOP BEST WOMEN’S CASUAL CLOTHING STORE
ECCO
This stylish boutique on the Marketplace carries the latest in denim, dresses, casual and evening wear, and accessories. (81 Church St., Burlington, 860-2220 • eccoclothesboutique. com)
Other finalists: • Stella Mae: 96 Church St., Burlington, 864-2800 • stella-mae.com • Sweet Lady Jane: 40 Church St., Burlington, 862-5051 • sweetladyjane.biz
OUTSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY
Salaam Boutique
SEVEN DAYSIES 2016-17
Vermont designer Andrea Miksic fashions comfortable, flattering clothing in bold patterns and colors to “celebrate your figure instead of hiding it.” She’s been doing it more than 20 years. (40 State St., Montpelier, 2234300 • salaamclothing.com)
34
Other finalists: • Green Envy: 1800 Mountain Rd., Stowe, 253-2661 • vermontenvy.com • Ruelle Boutique: 21 Stowe St., Waterbury, 882-8142 • ruelleboutique.com
Skirack
In a category with lots of stiff competition, Skirack has gained traction among gearheads as the go-to bike shop of choice. Whether you’re seeking a complete overhaul on an old but reliable beater, a new high-end mountain or road bike, a rental tandem for an afternoon of tooling around the Burlington Bike Path, or some new cycling accessories, Skirack has plenty to choose from and knowledgeable staff to help you choose it. Fun factoid: Skirack’s four-level shop, at the corner of Burlington’s Main and Pine streets, was once home to Ethan Allen’s daughter and survived a cannonball shot from a British ship in the War of 1812. What’s that got to do with cycling? Nothing, except that Ethan Allen’s homestead is just a short bike ride away. Saddle up! 85 Main St., Burlington, 658-3313 • skirack.com
* = New category in 2016
P
SHOPPING
Comfortable, Contemporary Clothing /or the way you live
Happily providing over 300 of your favorite brands in one location! Thank you for all the love and support.
XO
Untitled-38 1
7/20/16 11:07 AM
Untitled-3 1
7/27/16 4:58 PM
LOCALS PICK THE BEST OF VERMONT SEVENDAYSVT.COM/DAYSIES
1800 MOUNTAIN ROAD, STOWE I 802.253.2661 I VERMONTENVY.COM
35
BEST WOMEN’S EVENING-WEAR STORE
ECCO
Need to play dress up? This Church Street boutique excels in evening wear, shoes and accessories for every kind of special occasion. (81 Church St., Burlington, 860-2220 • eccoclothesboutique.com)
BEST CHILDREN’S CLOTHING STORE
Once Upon a Child
Other finalists:
Bargain-conscious Vermonters like the “gently used” idea when it comes to kids’ clothes — they grow up so fast! Find toys, furniture and baby gear here, too. (38 Taft Corners Shopping Ctr., Williston, 878-5434 • onceuponachildwilliston.com)
• Jess Boutique: 98 Church St., Burlington, 660-4004 • jessboutique.com • Monelle: 75 Church St., Burlington, 657-4074 • monellevermont.com • Old Gold: 180 Main St., Burlington, 864-7786 • oldgoldvermont.com • Sweet Lady Jane: 40 Church St., Burlington, 862-5051 • sweetladyjane.biz
Other finalists: • Little Citizen: 20 Church St., Burlington, 489-5993 • Facebook • Zutano: 79 Main St., Montpelier, 223-2229 • zutano.com
BEST MENSWEAR STORE Vermont men are practical dressers — more Black Diamond than Brooks Brothers — and Outdoor Gear defines “outdoor outfitter” broadly enough to keep them in clothes. It carries all the layers, including Vermont’s own Darn Tough socks. (37 Church St., Burlington, 860-0190 • gearx.com)
Other finalists: • Michael Kehoe: 117 Church St., Burlington, 863-3550 • mkltd.com • Warner Supply: 96 Church St., Burlington, 495-0771 • Facebook
BEST WOMEN’S SHOE STORE
Danform Shoes
Danform Shoes carries footwear for all ages, specializing in high-quality brands. Fitting experts at all four locations help attire your unique feet. (2 Church St., Burlington, 864-7899 • 104 Heineberg Dr., Colchester, 863-2653 • 3310 Shelburne Rd., Shelburne, 985-3483 • 150 Swanton Rd., St. Albans, 527-0916 • danformshoesvt.com)
Other finalists:
SEVEN DAYSIES 2016-17
• Dear Lucy: 38 Church St., Burlington, 862-5126 • dearlucy.com • Lenny’s Shoe & Apparel: 2121 Essex Rd., Williston, 879-6640 • 359 N. Main St., Barre, 476-7446 • 295 Swanton Rd., St. Albans, 527-0532 • 285 Tom Miller Rd., Plattsburgh, N.Y., 518-324-7400 • 54 N. Main St., Barre, 476-9107 • lennyshoe.com • The Shoe Horn Boutique: 8 Langdon St., Montpelier, 223-5454 • theshoehorn.net • Stella Mae: 96 Church St., Burlington, 864-2800 • stella-mae.com
36
LEE KROHN
Outdoor Gear Exchange
BEST PLACE TO BUY A UNIQUE GIFT
Frog Hollow Vermont Craft Gallery
In the 1970s, Vermont experienced an influx of idealistic makers who valued the personal, the handmade and the human-scaled. Decades later, Frog Hollow carries on this legacy by making some of the best in Vermont artisans’ work available at its Church Street gallery and storefront. Here you’ll find everything from natural skin care and shining glass suncatchers to graphic, nature-inspired prints by Sabra Field and Carol MacDonald to sleek, heirloom-quality wooden furniture. Jewelry and ceramics abound and, no matter what you pick, it will have the trace of a human hand. Preach. 85 Church St., Burlington, 863-6458 • froghollow.org
BEST MEN’S SHOE STORE
BEST SECONDHAND CLOTHING
Lenny’s Shoe & Apparel
Plato’s Closet
“We fit you right,” promises this outdoor apparel store selling quality work boots, sandals, sneakers and slippers from brands like Timberland and Merrell. (2121 Essex Rd., Williston, 879-6640 • 359 N. Main St., Barre, 476-7446 • 295 Swanton Rd., St. Albans, 5270532 • 285 Tom Miller Rd., Plattsburgh, N.Y., 518-324-7400 • 54 N. Main St., Barre, 476-9107 • lennyshoe.com)
Other finalists: • Danform Shoes: 2 Church St., Burlington, 864-7899 • 104 Heineberg Dr., Colchester, 863-2653 • 3310 Shelburne Rd., Shelburne, 985-3483 • 150 Swanton Rd., St. Albans, 527-0916 • danformshoesvt.com • Outdoor Gear Exchange: 37 Church St., Burlington, 860-0190 • gearx.com • Warner Supply: 96 Church St., Burlington, 495-0771 • Facebook
Gently used, brand-name clothes, shoes and accessories are a steal at this resale store catering to the younger crowd. Sell your old clothes back for cash, too! (34 Taft Corners Shopping Ctr., Williston, 878-0001 • platosclosetwilliston.com)
BEST CHILDREN’S TOY STORE
Once Upon a Time Toys
Fun and fanciful toys from around the world and right here in Vermont have been bringing big smiles to little ones for 39 years. (1799 Mountain Rd., Suite 6, Stowe, 253-8319 • stowetoys.com)
Other finalists: • Jamie Two Coats’ Toy Shop: 54 Falls Rd., Shelburne, 985-3221 • Facebook • Woodbury Mountain Toys: 24 State St., Montpelier, 223-4272 • woodburymountaintoys.com
BEST BRIDAL SHOP
Fiori Bridal Boutique
Ready to say “yes” to the dress? This bridal shop has attentive consultants and an elegant collection of designer gowns. (18 Main St., Essex Junction, 872-9663 • fioribridal.com)
Other finalists: • Needleman’s Bridal & Formal: 10 Dorset St., South Burlington, 660-7212 • 46 N. Main St., St. Albans, 527-1922 • 100 Main St., Newport, 334-8000 • needlemansbridal.com • Sewly Yours Bridal: P.O. Box 816, Milton, 660-9003 • sewlyyours.com
BEST EYEGLASSES STORE
Eyes of the World
Folks with “four eyes” can get a new look at this perennial Daysies winner, thanks to the unique selection of fashion eyewear and vintage frames. (168 Battery St., Burlington, 651-0880 • eyesoftheworldvt.com)
Other finalists:
Other finalists:
• 2nd Time Around: 89 Church St., Burlington, 660-8100 • 2ndtimearound.net • Battery Street Jeans: 7 Marble Ave., Burlington, 865-6223 • Facebook • Dirt Chic: 67 Main St., Burlington, 863-1461 • dirtchicvt.com • Goodwill: 1080 Shelburne Rd., South Burlington, 658-5359 • 329 Harvest Lane, Williston, 879-0088 • goodwillnne.org
• Advanced Vision Care: 30 Main St., Suite 120, Burlington, 658-7610 • visionsource-burlingtonvt.com • Costco Optical: 218 Lower Mountain View Dr., Colchester, 318-2000 • costco.com • EyeCare of Vermont: 230 College St., Burlington, 658-3330 • 77 Pearl St., Suite B, Essex Junction, 878-5509 • eyecareofvermont.com • LensCrafters: 155 Dorset St., South Burlington, 658-7436 • 46 Diamond Run Mall Place, Rutland, 775-7251 • lenscrafters.com
SHOPPING SEVEN DAYSIES 2016-17
P
BEST PLACE TO BUY JEWELRY
BEST MUSICAL INSTRUMENT STORE
Perrywinkle’s Fine Jewelry
Advance Music Center
Perrywinkle’s hand-selects diamonds and gems from around the world for its original jewelry. It also carries many national brands of jewelry and watches. (277 Main St., Burlington, 865-2624 • 75 Smithfield Blvd., Plattsburgh, N.Y., 518-562-2328 • perrywinkles.com)
Other finalists: • Tick Tock Jewelers: 185 Bank St., Burlington, 862-3042 • ticktockjewelers.com • Tradewinds Imports: 110 Church St., Burlington, 860-2829 • tradewindsvt.com • Von Bargen’s Jewelry: 131 Church St., Burlington, 864-0012 • 2 Chester Rd., Springfield, 885-2827 • 10 Arbor Rd., Stratton, 297-1975 • 35 S. Main St., Stowe, 253-2942 • 35 S. Main St., Hanover, N.H., 603-653-0006 • vonbargensjewelry.com • Zinnia Jewelry: 57 Church St., Burlington, 864-1700 • zinniastores.com
BEST BEAUTY-PRODUCT PURVEYOR
Mirror Mirror
Extensive lines of high-quality makeup and skincare products help customers feel like “the fairest of them all.” Day-spa services include facials, massage, spray tans, waxing and nails. (3 Main St., Burlington, 861-7500 • mirrormirrorvt.com)
Other finalists: • The Body Shop: 84 Church St., Burlington, 860-3664 • thebodyshop-usa.com • MAC Cosmetics: 66 Church St., Burlington, 651-1090 • maccosmetics.com • Sephora: 155 Dorset St., South Burlington, 860-6388 • sephora.com • Splash Naturals: 68 Main St., Montpelier, 223-7752 • splashnaturals.com
BEST PET SUPPLY STORE
Pet Food Warehouse
Other finalists: • Guy’s Farm & Yard: 21 Zephyr Rd., Williston, 878-5112 • 19 Barre St., Montpelier, 229-0567 • 155 Portland St., Morrisville, 888-2025 • 555 Fairfax Rd., St. Albans City, 524-9255 • guysfarmandyard.com • The Pet Advantage: 350 Dorset St., Suite 1, South Burlington, 860-1714 • thepetadvantage.com • Petco: 861 Williston Rd., Burlington, 651-5228 • 168 Ames Dr., Barre, 476-1992 • 312 Route 7, Rutland, 773-4070 • petco.com • PetSmart: 21 Trader Lane, Williston, 872-1819 • 67 Consumer Sq., Plattsburgh, N.Y., 518-562-8600 • petsmart.com
Other finalists: • Contois: 217 Pearl St., Essex Junction, 878-8333 • contoismusic.com • Guitar Center: 21A Hawthorne St., Williston, 872-7627 • guitarcenter.com • GuitarSam: 71 Main St., Montpelier, 229-0295 • guitarsam.com • Randolin Music Store and Guitar Repair: 215 College St., Second Floor, Burlington, 865-3890 • randolin.com
BEST LOCAL ART SUPPLY STORE*
Vermont Art Supply
Artistic endeavors get off the ground at this South End arts shop (formerly called Black Horse), which carries professional-grade paints, pastels, paper and everything in between. (277 Pine St., Burlington, 860-4972 • vermontartsupply.com)
Untitled-25 1
7/14/16 2:04 PM
MADE IN CALIFORNIA MADE IN COLORADO
Other finalists:
MADE IN MAINE
• Artists’ Mediums Inc.: 300 Cornerstone Dr., Williston, 879-1236 • vtmakeart.com • Boutiliers (now closed): 22 Church St., Second Floor, Burlington, 864-5475 • boutiliersart.com • The Drawing Board: 22 Main St., Montpelier, 223-2902 • drawingboardvt.com • Michael’s: 861 Williston Rd., Suite 1, South Burlington, 864-5500 • michaels.com
MADE IN VERMONT
BEST BOOKSTORE
Phoenix Books
With shops in Essex, Burlington and Rutland, owners Mike DeSanto and Renee Reiner defy the rumor that bookstores are passé. Of course, hardcovers and paperbacks are just part of the biz; they offer thousands of titles for your e-reader, too. (191 Bank St., Burlington, 448-3350 • 21 Essex Way, Essex, 872-7111 • 2 Center St., Rutland, 855-8078 • phoenixbooks.biz)
Other finalists: • Barnes & Noble: 102 Dorset St., South Burlington, 864-8001 • barnesandnoble.com • Bear Pond Books: 77 Main St., Montpelier, 229-0774 • bearpondbooks.com • Crow Bookshop: 14 Church St., Burlington, 862-0848 • crowbooks.com • The Flying Pig Bookstore: 5247 Shelburne Rd., Shelburne, 985-3999 • flyingpigbooks.com
american made goods with character 210 college st, downtown burlington @commondeer commondeer.com 7daysies magazine.indd 1
VISIT US THIS SUMMER! VERMONT & SPECIALTY FOODS HOME GROWN FRUITS & VEGGIES PICNIC PAVILION & PETTING ZOO
BEST HOUSEWARES STORE
Kiss the Cook
Locally owned and operated for more than 20 years, this Marketplace mainstay does business in quality kitchen items and household giftware. (72 Church St., Burlington, 863-4226 • kissthecook.net)
7/18/16 12:04 PM
THANKS FOR THE VOTES!
m souvenir e a VT our gift from shop
Corn Maze Opens Daily beginning Sept. 3rd Harvest Festival Oct. 1st & 2nd
IN STORE BAKERY
Other finalists: • Capital Kitchen: 18 State St., Montpelier, 229-2305 • capitalkitchenvt.com • HomeGoods: 555 Shelburne St., Burlington, 658-7891 • 53 Consumer Sq., Plattsburgh, N.Y., 518-563-3019 • homegoods.com • Homeport: 52 Church St., Burlington, 863-4644 • homeportonline.com • Stowe Kitchen Bath & Linens: 1813 Mountain Rd., Stowe, 253-8050 • stowekitchen.net
JUST VISITIN G? Take ho
Farm Market • Bakery • Greenhouses
Come taste our Housemade Cider Donuts & More!
802-655-3440
277 Lavigne Rd., Colchester • M-Sa 7am-8pm • Su 7am-6pm sammazzafarms.com • See our monthly sale coupon! • MC/Visa/Disc D6h-sammazza16.indd 1
7/20/16 11:05 AM
LOCALS PICK THE BEST OF VERMONT SEVENDAYSVT.COM/DAYSIES
Since 1983, Vermonters have flocked to this animal-loving emporium for healthy dog foods, kitty toys, leashes and more. The store’s motto: “We care about your pets.” (2500 Williston Rd., South Burlington, 862-5514 • 2455 Shelburne Rd., Shelburne, 985-3302 • pfwvt.com)
This locally owned instrument shop sells quality guitars, amps, drums and keyboards, as well as sheet music and method books. It also offers lessons for all levels and rents instruments and sound equipment. (75 Maple St., Burlington, 863-8652 • advancemusicvt.com)
37
FIRST-RATE FASHION GURU
BEST KITCHEN STORE
Kiss the Cook
Foodies flock to this gourmet kitchen shop for superlative cookware — including a rainbow of Le Creuset items — and on-site knife sharpening. (72 Church St., Burlington, 863-4226 • kissthecook.net)
Other finalists: • As the Crow Flies: 58 N Main St., Saint Albans, 524-2800 • atcfvt.com • Capital Kitchen: 18 State St., Montpelier, 229-2305 • capitalkitchenvt.com • Homeport: 52 Church St., Burlington, 863-4644 • homeportonline.com • Stowe Kitchen Bath & Linens: 1813 Mountain Rd., Stowe, 253-8050 • stowekitchen.net
BEST SECONDHAND HOUSEWARES STORE
ReSOURCE
“Essential goods on a mission, not in a landfill” is the battle cry of this secondhand center for gently used or refurbished donations. There’s a huge selection of building materials, too. (266 Pine St., Burlington, 658-4143 • 339 Pine St., Burlington, 846-4015 • 30 Granite St., Barre, 477-7800 • resourcevt.org)
BEST LIGHTING STORE
Conant Metal & Light
• Anjou & the Little Pear: 53 Main St., Burlington, 540-0008 • anjouvt.com • Barge Canal Market: 377 Pine St., Burlington, 309-9151 • Facebook • Goodwill: 1080 Shelburne Rd., South Burlington, 658-5359 • 329 Harvest Lane, Williston, 879-0088 • goodwillnne.org • Green Mountain Habitat for Humanity Restore: 528 Essex Rd., Williston, 857-5296 • vermonthabitat.org
BEST ANTIQUE STORE
Anjou & the Little Pear
Let the promise of “Burlington’s greatest treasure hunt” guide you through the consignment store’s showroom, featuring an ever-changing selection of retro Danish and American home furnishings, local art, and upcycled gems. (53 Main St., Burlington, 540-0008 • anjouvt.com)
Other finalists: • Barge Canal Market: 377 Pine St., Burlington, 309-9151 • Facebook • Five Corners Antiques: 11 Maple St., Essex Junction, 878-6167 • 5cornersantiques.com • Junktiques Collective: 324 N. Winooski Ave., Burlington, 865-9983 • junktiques.net • Vintage Inspired Lifestyle Marketplace: 180 Flynn Ave., Suite 2, Burlington, 488-5766 • vintageinspired.net
BEST FURNITURE STORE
SEVEN DAYSIES 2016-17
Burlington Furniture Company
38
Value, comfort and contemporary design are the hallmarks of this locally owned store. Showrooms house sleek dining- and living-room furniture, wood-framed futons, and decorative items. (747 Pine St., Burlington, 862-5056 • burlingtonfurniturecompany.com)
Other finalists: • Ashley Furniture HomeStore: 581 Blair Park Rd., Williston, 878-0710 • 301 Route 4, Rutland, 775-3000 • ashleyfurniturehomestore.com • Homeport: 52 Church St., Burlington, 863-4644 • homeportonline.com • Modern Design: 2915 Shelburne Rd., Shelburne, 985-8487 • moderndesignvt.com • Wendell’s Furniture: 697 Hercules Dr., Colchester, 861-7700 • 4050 Williston Rd., South Burlington, 861-7777 • wendellsfurniture.com
MATTHEW THORSEN
Other finalists:
Hiroka Nakahira Age: 39
Occupation: sales associate, Old Gold Town: Burlington Vintage dresses, cowboy boots and gorilla suits — you’ll find all that and more at Old Gold on Burlington’s Main Street. And the sales associates are as colorful as the inventory. Born and raised in Tokyo, Japan, Hiroka Nakahira joined their ranks a couple of years after graduating from Plainfield’s Goddard College. (“The biggest thing I learned is surviving in a very small town in America,” she admits.) At Old Gold, she says, “We dress everybody in town. People come in with all kinds of needs, from overalls to prom, from Burning Man to the cabaret … It’s a funny feeling when you go to some theme party and see a room full of people whom you dressed five hours before.” Nakahira, who makes wearable art and skates with the Green Mountain Roller Derby as “Vagichael Jackson” in her free time, acts as part fashion counselor, part spiritual guide. “Most of the time, [customers] don’t even know what they are looking for,” she says. “Sometimes I feel like a detective.”
Nakahira can create an outfit from any era, though she has to study up on fashion history “constantly,” she says. In the bigger scheme of things, “I think Old Gold exists so people — I mean all kinds of people — can have a judgment-free zone to express themselves with however they want to dress,” Nakahira says. “People say local bookstores are a part of culture, something that every town should have. I feel like every town should have an Old Gold.” Local oddity she loves: The House of Lemay [drag performance troupe]. I see them at almost every big event in town: parades, marathons, fundraisers. They are old school. They’ve got their own style. They don’t give a shit. They are so punk!
Owner Steve Conant and his creative crew run one of the coolest stores in town. It’s got plenty of contemporary lighting options, but the shop specializes in turning vintage objects into functional lighting and furniture. (266 Pine St., Burlington, 832-4482 • conantmetalandlight.com)
Other finalists: • Barre Electric & Lighting Supply, Inc.: 900 Route 302, Barre, 476-0280 • barreelectric.com • The Lamp Shop: 424 Pine St., Burlington, 864-6782 • thelampshopvt.com • Light Club Lamp Shop: 12 N. Winooski Ave., Burlington, 660-9346 • Facebook • The Lighting House: 3002 Shelburne Rd., Shelburne, 985-2204 • vermontlightinghouse.com
BEST PLACE TO BUY A COMPUTER
Small Dog Electronics
Find everything Mac-related here, from the latest in laptops to software, cables and cases. Computer crashed? Apple-certified technicians will service and repair your Mac on-site. (100 Dorset St., South Burlington, 862-1316 • 1673 Main St., Waitsfield, 583-9699 • 116 West St., Rutland, 281-4490 • smalldog.com)
Other finalists: • Best Buy: 26 Cypress St., Williston, 872-0992 • 60 Smithfield Blvd., Plattsburgh, N.Y., 518-561-2359 • bestbuy.com • Computers for Change: 196 College St., Burlington, 578-9687 • computersforchange.com • Costco: 218 Lower Mountain View Dr., Colchester, 318-2000 • costco.com • Staples: 861 Williston Rd., South Burlington, 862-2199 • 1375 Maple Tree Place, Williston, 872-0260 • staples.com
BEST CAMERA STORE
Where you can find her on a Friday night: Pho Hong in Burlington. I eat the No. 32 hot-and-sour soup with pork, or the No. 18 with shrimp and pork. I recommend almost anything they have.
LeZot Camera
Vermont destinations worth driving for: The Berlin Mall. Or Main Street Museum in White River Junction.
Other finalists:
CATHY RESMER
Burlington’s oldest camera shop continues its 30-plus-year tradition of selling and repairing photography equipment. (49 Church St., Burlington Town Center, Burlington, 652-2400 • lezotcameras.com) • Bob’s Camera & Video: 86 N. Main St., Suite 1, Barre, 476-4342 • bobscamerashop.com • Green Mountain Camera: 861 Williston Rd., South Burlington, 651-4100 • gmcamera.com • PhotoGarden: 10 Dorset St., South Burlington, 863-1256 • thephotogarden.com
Voted Best Shoe Store! 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 Experience the
SHOPPING
We
Exceptional SERVICE, the BRANDS you love, at the right PRICE.
You
for loving local. Barre, VT Williston, VT St. Albans, VT Plattsburgh, NY
THANKS FOR THE VOTES!
802-476-7446 802-879-6640 802-527-0532 518-324-7400
Family owned & operated since 1990 www.lennyshoe.com
Proud Supporters of the Vermont Foodbank with over $73,000 donated. SHOPPING SEVEN DAYSIES 2016-17
BURLINGTON • SHELBURNE • COLCHESTER • ST ALBANS
DanformShoesVT.com
*selection varies by store.
PB
Untitled-2 1
7/14/16 11:10 AM
Untitled-3 1
7/14/16 11:11 AM
Myer’s Bagels LOCALS PICK THE BEST OF VERMONT SEVENDAYSVT.COM/DAYSIES
Bringing Montreal-Style Bagels to Vermont
Offering breakfast & lunch all-day... with house-roasted meats, soups, salads, and homemade baked goods. Ask us how to ship bagels for that unique gift! OPEN 4AM TO 4PM 7 DAYS A WEEK! like us on facebook! www.myersbagels.com D4t-MyersBagels16.indd 1
2500 Williston Road • So. Burlington 2455 Shelburne Rd • Shelburne www.pfwvt.com
377 PINE STREET BURLINGTON 7/20/16 11:22 AM
39 Untitled-3 1
7/18/16 10:35 AM
LEE KROHN
BEST AUTO DEALER
The Automaster
It started as Jack DuBrul’s little Rambler dealership in 1968. Today the Automaster’s 120 employees enjoy capacious quarters in Shelburne filled with new and pre-owned Mercedes Benz, BMW, Honda and MINI vehicles. Check out the on-site museum. (3328 Shelburne Rd., Shelburne, 985-8411 • theautomaster.com)
Other finalists: • Burlington Subaru: 351 Shelburne Rd., Burlington, 877-544-2985 • subaruvt.com • Freedom Nissan: 1095 Shelburne Rd., South Burlington, 866-798-2420 • freedomnissan.com • Handy Toyota: 701 Highgate Rd., St. Albans, 800-266-0683 • handytoyota.com • Heritage Toyota: 1620 Shelburne Rd., South Burlington, 865-8200 • heritagetoyotacars.com
BEST GARDEN CENTER
Gardener’s Supply Company
Founded in 1983 by Vermont gardeners, this employee-owned business provides everything from fertilizer to outdoor furniture and seeds to perennials in Burlington and Williston locations. (128 Intervale Rd., Burlington, 660-3505 • 472 Marshall Ave., Williston, 658-2433 • gardeners.com)
Other finalists: • Claussen’s Florist & Greenhouse: 187 Main St., Colchester, 878-2361 • claussens.com • Horsford Gardens & Nursery: 2111 Greenbush Rd., Charlotte, 425-2811 • horsfordnursery.com • Red Wagon Plants: 2408 Shelburne Falls Rd., Hinesburg, 482-4060 • redwagonplants.com
BEST PLACE TO BUY A PIPE
SEVEN DAYSIES 2016-17
Northern Lights
40
Unique pipes and hookahs are the name of the game at the largest supplier of tobacco products in Burlington. Indulge your inner hippie by checking out the tapestries, incense and tie-dye, too. (75 Main St., Burlington, 864-6555 • northernlightsbtv.com)
Other finalists: • Bern Gallery: 135 Main St., Burlington, 865-0994 • berngallery.com • Full Tank: 150A Church St., Burlington, 863-8265 • fulltankvt.com • Garcia’s Tobacco Shop: 97 Church St., Burlington, 658-5737 • garciastobaccoshop.com • Good Stuff: 21 Church St., Burlington, 658-6520 • 192 Federal St., St. Albans, 524-6607 • 14 Sunset Dr., Waterbury, 244-0800 • 162 N. Main St., Rutland, 855-8035 • 197 Pearl St., Essex Junction, 658-6520 • goodstuffstores.com
BEST BOOKSTORE BEST ADULT TOY STORE
Good Stuff
In stores all over the state, Good Stuff stocks hundreds of adult items, from lubricants to sexy DVDs to tobacco pipes. (21 Church St., Burlington, 658-6520 • 192 Federal St., St. Albans, 524-6607 • 14 Sunset Dr., Waterbury, 244-0800 • 162 N. Main St., Rutland, 855-8035 • 197 Pearl St., Essex Junction, 658-6520 • goodstuffstores.com)
Other finalists: • Curve Appeal: 32 Merchants Row, Middlebury, 989-0254 • squareup.com/store/curveappeal • Imago: 257 Jasper Mine Rd., Suite 100, Colchester, 893-2977 • imagoxxx.com
BEST PLACE TO BUY LINGERIE
Aristelle
The locally owned boutique specializes in bra fitting for every woman’s body, offering pretty underthings in dozens of styles and sizes, as well as maternity wear and swimwear. It’s an intimate spot for bridal and girlfriend parties, too. (61 Church St., Burlington, 497-3913 • aristelle.com)
Other finalists: • Athena’s Intimates: 47 Maple St., Suite 322, Burlington, 825-5668 • athenasintimates.com • Bertha Church: 32 Church St., Burlington, 658-2991 • berthachurch.com • Good Stuff: 21 Church St., Burlington, 658-6520 • 192 Federal St., St. Albans, 524-6607 • 14 Sunset Dr., Waterbury, 244-0800 • 162 N. Main St., Rutland, 855-8035 • 197 Pearl St., Essex Junction, 658-6520 • goodstuffstores.com • Victoria’s Secret: 49 Church St., Burlington, 863-1124 • 155 Dorset St., South Burlington, 660-9977 • 60 Smithfield Blvd., Plattsburgh, N.Y., 518-561-7394 • victoriassecret.com
Phoenix Books
Like a certain bird rising from the ashes of a decimated print media landscape (thnx, internet), Phoenix Books has been plying Vermonters with sweet, sweet paper pages since opening its Essex location in 2007. Since then, married owners Mike DeSanto and Renee Reiner have expanded to Burlington (in 2012) and Rutland (in 2015) — and purchased Misty Valley Books in Chester this year. Judging by the growth of their mini empire — and your votes — it seems like Vermonters have had their say: Books are here to stay. (And if you’re in the market for cards and quirky gifts, Phoenix has those, too!) SHOPPING SEVEN DAYSIES 2016-17
191 Bank St., Burlington, 448-3350 • 21 Essex Way, Essex, 872-7111 • 2 Center St., Rutland, 855-8078 • phoenixbooks.biz
BEST PLACE TO BUY A UNIQUE GIFT*
Frog Hollow Vermont Craft Gallery
A gallery, gift store and art events hub all in one, Frog Hollow has been the prime place to load up on one-of-a-kind artsy goodies made by Vermont crafters since 1971. (85 Church St., Burlington, 863-6458 • froghollow.org)
Other finalists: • The Birdfolk Collective: 17 E. Allen St., Winooski, 497-0582 • birdfolkcollective.com • Common Deer: 210 College St., Suite 101, Burlington, 497-0100 • commondeervt.com • Homeport: 52 Church St., Burlington, 863-4644 • homeportonline.com • Trinket: 32 1/2 Church St., Burlington, 861-3035 • trinket-vermont.com
BEST SKI/SNOWBOARD SHOP
Burton
HQ for the snowboarding pioneer, this hip outlet is your first stop for clothing and gear before hitting the slopes. (80 Industrial Pkwy., Burlington, 660-3200 • 162 College St., Burlington, 333-0400 • burton.com)
Other finalists: • Alpine Shop: 1184 Williston Rd., South Burlington, 862-2714 • alpineshopvt.com • Outdoor Gear Exchange: 37 Church St., Burlington, 860-0190 • gearx.com • Skirack: 85 Main St., Burlington, 658-3313 • skirack.com
BEST BIKE SHOP
Skirack
Since 1969, this sporting store has specialized in self-propelled transportation. In addition to bikes (for sale and for rent), it carries cross-country skis, snowshoes, in-line skates, running shoes, kayaks and more. (85 Main St., Burlington, 658-3313 • skirack.com)
Other finalists: • Earl’s Cyclery & Fitness: 2500 Williston Rd., South Burlington, 864-9197 • earlsbikes.com • North Star Sports: 100 Main St., Burlington, 863-3832 • northstarsportsvt.com • Old Spokes Home: 322 N. Winooski Ave., Burlington, 863-4475 • oldspokeshome.com • Onion River Sports: 20 Langdon St., Montpelier, 229-9409 • onionriver.com
BEST OUTDOOR OUTFITTER
Outdoor Gear Exchange
Locally owned Outdoor Gear Exchange has been selling outdoor apparel and equipment, and promoting environmental awareness, since 1995. (37 Church St., Burlington , 860-0190 • gearx.com)
Other finalists: • Eastern Mountain Sports: 100 Dorset St., South Burlington, 864-0473 • ems.com • L.L.Bean: 101 Cherry St., Burlington , 888-615-9973 • llbean.com • Onion River Sports: 20 Langdon St., Montpelier, 229-9409 • onionriver.com • Skirack: 85 Main St., Burlington, 658-3313 • skirack.com
P
Church treet’s Petite Urban Spa S
You never know WHO you’ll see at Woodbury Mountain Toys.
BRAZILIANS • WAXING FACIALS • MASSAGE
Finalist Best Day Spa
2014 Winner Best Massage
SHOPPING
2015 & 2016
Come in ! and play
Woodbury Mountain Toys
104 Church Street Suite 12 • Burlington
Central Vermont’s Largest Locally-Owned Toy Store Open Seven Days a Week • 24 State Street Montpelier
802.238.7524 BOOK ONLINE
802-223-4272
CY NT HE A SPA .CO M D4t-CyntheaSpa16.indd 1
7/14/16 12:40 PM
woodburymountaintoys.com
D4t-WoodburyMtnToys16.indd 1
7/20/16 12:00 PM
the unique children’s boutique
*
styling citizens from infant to age 12
Jewelry & Accessories
Thank you for your votes!
Thanks for the LOVE! 57 Church Street, Burlington, VT • www.ilovezinnia.com D4T-Zinnia16.indd 1
7/21/16 12:46 PM
20 Church Street * Burlington * 802 . 489 . 599 3 Untitled-29 1
little
citizen
LOCALS PICK THE BEST OF VERMONT SEVENDAYSVT.COM/DAYSIES
From bright, fun and affordable, to balanced and sophisticated, jewelry and accessories for every occasion.
41 7/14/16 2:17 PM
BEST LODGING OUTSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY
COURTESY OF TRAPP FAMILY LODGE
Trapp Family Lodge
When it comes to counting your Daysies votes, we breathe a sigh of relief in the services section, which covers everything from best bank to best barber. In food and drink, we scratch our heads over which barista you mean when you nominate “the guy who makes the lattes at Vergennes Laundry.” In arts and entertainment, we know your vote for “the bar upstairs from Nectar’s” is really for Club Metronome. Here, your finalists are crystal clear. For one thing, some of these businesses are such institutions that everyone knows their names. And since you nominate them for Daysies year after year, we know they’re still bringing the goods. So, to the Humane Society of Chittenden County, Shelburne Farms, New England Federal Credit Union, Yankee Tattoo and other businesses that continue to come out on top — congrats! You’ve done it again. And, to keep things interesting, we added some new categories this year, including best CrossFit studio, best place to get a massage and best lodging. You’d be smart to learn the winners’ names — and not just to make it a little easier on those of us who count the votes.
Beer, braids and fresh mountain air are just part of the story at the 2,500-acre property where the family of The Sound of Music fame settled in 1942, after fleeing Nazi-occupied Austria. Today the luxurious lodge draws mountain bikers and cross-country skiers who appreciate the extensive trail network as much as the old black-and-whites of the 10 von Trapp children in dirndls and waistcoats. The 96-room, Austrian-style main lodge is a place where youngsters can tromp in with bluebells and buttercups collected on a guided wildflower walk and where adults can sink into a soft couch to plot their next hike. Guests can opt for disc golf on the grounds or pancetta-wrapped chicken in the dining room — and perhaps a lager from the on-site brewery. It all comes with spectacular views of the Green Mountains. Captain Georg, Maria and many of the von Trapp children have passed on, but the hills are still alive at Trapp Family Lodge. 700 Trapp Hill Rd., Stowe, 253-8511 • trappfamily.com
BEST NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION
SEVEN DAYSIES 2016-17
Humane Society of Chittenden County
42
The HSCC takes in upwards of 1,000 animals a year. On any given day, 100 homeless pets are being cared for — and prepared for adoption. Consider it the best place to meet your new best friend. (142 Kindness Ct., South Burlington, 8620135 • chittendenhumane.org)
Other finalists: • Committee on Temporary Shelter (COTS): 179 S. Winooski Ave., Burlington, 864-7402 • cotsonline.org • Lund: 50 Joy Dr., South Burlington, 864-7467 • lundvt.org • Spectrum Youth & Family Services: 31 Elmwood Ave., Burlington, 864-7423 • spectrumvt.org • Vermont Foodbank: 33 Parker Rd., Barre, 800-585-2265 • vtfoodbank.org * = New category in 2016
YOUR WINNER FOR THE YEARS LAST
8
SERVICES
BEST PLACE TO BUY A COMPUTER. VISIT US AT OUR RETAIL LOCATIONS 1673 Main St. WAITSFIELD, VT 116 West St. RUTLAND, VT 100 Dorest St. S. BURLINGTON, VT or at SMALLDOG.COM
Untitled-9 1
7/18/16 11:41 AM
Untitled-17 1
6/15/16 11:35 AM
All the lines you love…
— Over 75 National Lines —
Corner of Main & Battery, Burlington 802.861.7500 • www.mirrormirrorvt.com Mon-Wed 10-6pm, Thu-Sat 10-7pm, Sun 12-5pm
LOCALS PICK THE BEST OF VERMONT SEVENDAYSVT.COM/DAYSIES
La Mer Natura Bissé Bobbi Brown Trish McEvoy Laura Mercier Tata Harper Kiehl’s Since 1851
43 D2h-mirrormirror16-2.indd 1
7/8/16 11:31 AM
MATTHEW THORSEN
BEST VETERINARIAN/ ANIMAL HOSPITAL
Green Mountain Animal Hospital
Founded in 1969 by Dr. Jon Stokes, the hospital has two locations, five doctors and a team of skilled technicians. From puppy and kitten consults to geriatric meds, there’s a full menu of critter care. (1693 Williston Rd., South Burlington, 862-7021 • 1372 North Ave., Burlington, 658-3739 • greenmountainah.com)
Other finalists: • Milton Veterinary Clinic: 2 Chrisemily Lane, Milton, 893-4000 • miltonvethospital.com • Orchard Animal Hospital: 1333 Shelburne Rd., South Burlington, 658-2273 • orchardvetvt.com • River Cove Animal Hospital: 7 River Cove Rd., Williston, 879-7984 • rivercove.net
BEST PET DAYCARE
Oh my DOG
Trained staff make sure your four-legged friend has a doggone good time at this daycare, boarding and training facility. They’ll even post photos of the fun on Facebook so you don’t experience separation anxiety. (18 Lime Rock Rd., South Burlington, 489-5273 • ohmydogvt.com)
Other finalists: • The Crate Escape: 5 Green Mountain Dr., South Burlington, 865-3647 • 1108 W. Main St., Richmond, 434-6411 • crateescapevt.com • Gulliver’s Doggie Daycare: 59 Industrial Ave., Williston, 860-1144 • doggiedaycare.com • Play Dog Play: 668 Pine St., Burlington, 540-0545 • playdogvt.com
BEST PET GROOMER
SEVEN DAYSIES 2016-17
Oh my DOG
44
BEST YOGA STUDIO
Laughing River Yoga
Om, my. Forget flannel — in Burlington, yoga pants are the go-to clothing choice. People roam the city in stretchy leggings, ready to enter one of the many local studios promising to free the mind and tighten the backside. With so much competition, only the good studios stay in business. Laughing River Yoga is one of them. The bright, airy space in the Chace Mill is known for its skilled instructors and welcoming vibe. Beginners to advanced practitioners hit the mats for rigorous vinyasa classes, AcroYoga and even, weather permitting, outdoor sessions overlooking the neighboring Winooski River. As instructors guide students into the deep hamstring stretch of a downward dog asana, they emphasize the studio’s underlying philosophy that yoga is as much about mental well-being as physical. 1 Mill St., Suite 126, Burlington, 343-8119 • laughingriveryoga.com
BEST FLORIST
Stray Cat Flower Farm
Fresh-picked blooms from a farm at the Intervale dominate this florist’s attractive arrangements during the growing season. Available for weddings and at the Burlington Farmers Market, these sweet-smelling bouquets are accessible to all. (60 Intervale Rd., Burlington, 865-0068 • straycatflowers.com)
Other finalists: • Chappell’s Florist: 1437 Williston Rd., South Burlington, 658-4733 • chappellsflorist.com • In Full Bloom: 5657 Shelburne Rd., Shelburne, 985-1410 • infullbloomvt.com • Kathy and Company Florist: 221 Colchester Ave., Burlington, 863-7053 • kathycoflowers.com • Maplehurst Florist: 10 Lincoln St., Essex Junction, 878-8113 • maplehurstflorist.com
BEST REAL ESTATE AGENCY BEST WEDDING VENUE
BEST CATERER
Shelburne Farms
Sugarsnap
“S’Paw” services here include “a good rub-adub-dub in the doggy bathtub,” nail trims, ear cleans, blowouts and, yep, skunk baths. (18 Lime Rock Rd., South Burlington, 489-5273 • ohmydogvt.com)
Whether it’s an intimate affair at the Inn or a larger party at the Coach Barn, the formal gardens, award-winning locavore cuisine and Lake Champlain view make Shelburne Farms a spectacular place to get hitched. (1611 Harbor Rd., Shelburne, 985-8686 • shelburnefarms.org)
Other finalists:
Other finalists:
• Bow Meow Pet Grooming: 26 Susie Wilson Rd., Suite 3, Essex Junction, 878-3647 • bowmeowpetgrooming.com • Doggie Styles Grooming & Boutique: 925 Roosevelt Hwy., Colchester, 654-7387 • doggiestylesvt.com • Pampered Pet Grooming & Supply: 1127 North Ave., Suite 14, Burlington, 862-5334 • pamperedpetvt.com • Shed Happens: 555 Fairfax Rd., St. Albans, 503-7951 • Facebook
• The Barn at Boyden Farm: 44 Route 104, Cambridge, 598-5509 • boydenfarm.com • The Barns at Lang Farm: 51 Upper Main St., Essex Junction, 316-1210 • langbarn.com • The Essex Resort & Spa: 70 Essex Way, Essex, 878-1100 • essexresortspa.com • The Old Lantern Inn & Barn: 3260 Greenbush Rd., Charlotte, 425-2120 • oldlantern.com
Like zucchini in summertime, this farm-totable caterer has grown wildly since 2003. With a farm in the Intervale, Sugarsnap operates out of a kitchen at Technology Park and ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, where it’s the exclusive caterer. The team also caters weddings and other events. (30 Community Dr., South Burlington, 861-2951 • thesnapvt.com)
Other finalists: • Bevo: 70 Roosevelt Hwy., Colchester, 448-3230 • bevovt.com • Catering by Dale: 336 Martindale Rd., Shelburne, 985-3871 • cateringbydale.com • Cloud 9 Catering: 142 Hegeman Ave., Colchester, 655-7370 • cloud9caterers.com • Have Your Cake Catering: 88 Oak St., Burlington, 540-0131 • haveyourcakecatering.com
Coldwell Banker Hickok & Boardman Realty At this Burlington-based agency with a local history dating back to the 19th century, more than 65 Realtors and staff work with home buyers, market luxury homes, facilitate relocations, and provide rental assistance to both tenants and landlords. (863-1500 • hickokandboardman.com)
Other finalists: • Element Real Estate: 598-6219 • realestatevt.com • Keller Williams: 654-8500 • vermontkw.com • Nancy Jenkins Real Estate: 846-4888 • nancyjenkins.com • RE/MAX North Professionals: 655-3333 • homesvermont.com
198 Pearl Street Burlington. Mon-Sat 12-8 Sun 12-6
PIERCINGS
WALK INS.
TATTOOS
(
u�
7 DAYS A WEEK
�
I�...•w�
EST. 1996
800.LiSl.8686 • Topnotchresort.com Untitled-13 1
7/8/16 11:10 AM
for voting us the best place for tattoos every year for over a decade!
SERVICES
LiOOO Mountain Road • Stowe,Vermont
THANK YOU
YANKEe TATTOO
www.facebook.com/yankeetattoo • 862-3328 D4T-YankeeTat16.indd 1
7/15/16 10:26 AM
LOCALS PICK THE BEST OF VERMONT SEVENDAYSVT.COM/DAYSIES
THANK YOU From the Bottom of Our Paws.
A good dog is a tired dog www.ohmydogvt.com
45 Untitled-42 1
7/20/16 12:10 PM
Thanks so much for your votes!
BEST SALON (UNISEX)
Indigo
This upscale salon and perennial Daysie winner manages the ’dos of many men and women — “whether rocker or business chic” — with haircuts, coloring, conditioning and styling. Services also include hair removal and makeup. (189 Battery St., Burlington, 865-2212 • indigovt.com)
Other finalists:
BEST REAL ESTATE AGENT
Brian Boardman, Coldwell Banker Hickok & Boardman Realty
Satisfied customers have called this Realtor “the best in Burlington,” citing his pivotal role in low-stress sales and happy purchases. From starter houses in the $150,000 range to luxury properties, he’s at home navigating every kind of Chittenden County real estate. (346 Shelburne Rd., Burlington, 846-9510 • brianboardmanvt.com)
106 MAIN STREET BURLINGTON MENSROOMVT.COM 864.2088
Other finalists:
D6h-mensroom16-2.indd 1
7/15/16 10:25 AM
Thanks To everyone for your supporT! Locally owned & operated for over 23 years! www.kissTheCook.net 72 Church Street • Burlington, VT • 863-4226 or 888-658-KISS Wedding RegistRy • UPs shiPPing • FRee giFt WRaPPing
D6H-kissthecook15.indd 1
7/21/15 11:11 AM
A COZY URBAN OASIS
SEVEN DAYSIES 2016-17
New England Federal Credit Union
Buying a home? Refinancing one? The largest credit union in Vermont is also one of the most personable, from its convenient Sunday drivethru hours to the annual Shred Fest and Hard Drive Destruction. Oh, and it’s got some of the lowest interest rates around. (800-400-8790 • nefcu.com)
Other finalists: • Merchants Bank: 800-322-5222 • mbvt.com • North Country Federal Credit Union: 800-660-3258 • northcountry.org • Vermont Federal Credit Union: 658-0225 • vermontfederal.org • Vermont State Employees Credit Union: 800-371-5162 • vsecu.com
Bugatti Barbers
Quality is the hallmark of this old-fashioned barber shop on the waterfront. Get a hot lather, a straight razor shave or a contemporary cut with impeccable service. (209 Battery St., Burlington, 652-9093 • bugattibarbers.com)
Other finalists: • Gentlemen’s Top Option: 86 Lake St., Burlington, 863-3969 • gtovt.com • The Men’s Room: 106 Main St., Burlington, 864-2088 • mensroomvt.com • Myles Court Barbershop: 25 E. State St., Montpelier, 225-6671 • mylescourt.com
BEST MANICURE/PEDICURE
Bella Vie Nail Spa
This nail salon lives up to its name — which translates to “beautiful life” — by offering a full range of nail services, from green-tea pedicures to nail art. The footbaths are scented and the towels are hot. (5649 Williston Rd., Williston, 857-5889 • bellavienailspa.com)
Other finalists: • Jennie Nail & Spa: 49 Church St., Suite 1072, Burlington, 859-9990 • Facebook • The Mini Spa VT: 166 Battery St., Burlington, 658-6006 • minispavt.com • Perfect Nails by Thu: 1 Market Place, Suite 21, Essex Junction, 288-8164 • Facebook • Tropical Nails and Tan: 150 Dorset St., Suite 210, South Burlington, 652-9776 • Facebook
New England Federal Credit Union
BEST PLACE TO GET A MASSAGE*
With nearly 90,000 members and $1 billion in assets, NEFCU is the state’s largest credit union. Besides offering loans, mortgages and credit cards, NEFCU is a community partner and benefactor of local charities. (800-400-8790 • nefcu.com)
From the Lomi Lomi massage with coconut oil to the bamboo massage to work out knots and relieve stress, the massage treatments at this stunning Stowe resort truly are a treat. (4000 Mountain Rd., Stowe, 800-451-8686 • topnotchresort.com)
Other finalists:
Other finalists:
• Barb McHenry, Fairway Independent Mortgage Company: 110 Kimball Ave., Suite 120, South Burlington, 489-7170 • barbmchenryvt.com • Kelly Deforge, Union Bank: 30 Kimball Ave., South Burlington, 652-2985 • unionbankvt.com • Kim Negron, HomeBridge Financial Services: 302 Mountain View Dr., Suite 301, Colchester, 846-4646 • homebridge.com • Spruce Mortgage: 430 Shelburne Rd., Burlington, 863-8816 • sprucemortgage.com
The
166 Battery Street, Burlington 658.6006 • minispavt.com
46 D6h-tootsies16.indd 1
BEST BANK/CREDIT UNION
BEST BARBER/MEN’S CUT
BEST MORTGAGE BROKER
Specializing in Manicures, Pedicures, Massage, Facials and Lash Extensions located in beautiful Downtown Burlington
*Open Sundays*
• Jessica Bridge, Element Real Estate: 139 Bank St., Burlington, 233-9819 • realestatevt.com • Monique Bedard, Coldwell Banker Hickok & Boardman Realty: 846-9590 • hickokandboardman.com • Nancy Jenkins, Nancy Jenkins Real Estate: 140 Kennedy Dr., Suite 102, South Burlington, 846-4888 • nancyjenkins.com • Robbi Handy Holmes, Century 21 Jack Associates: 658-5555, ext. 2128 • c21jack.com
• Chop Shop Hair Design: 86 Main St., Burlington, 660-4343 • chopshophairdesign.com • O’Briens Salon: 247 Main St., Burlington, 658-6565 • 155 Dorset St., South Burlington, 863-2273 • 93 Pearl St., Essex Junction, 878-4554 • 35 Rutland Shopping Plaza, Rutland, 773-7750 • obrienssalons.com • Stephen & Burns Salon, Spa and Boutique: 116 Church St., Burlington, 865-4766 • stephenandburns.com • Urban Salon Team: 120 Main St., Burlington, 862-1670 • urbansalonteam.com
6/14/16 3:47 PM
Topnotch Resort & Spa
• Oasis Day Spa: 300 Cornerstone Dr., Suite 220, Williston, 879-9499 • vtoasisdayspa.com • Shanti Mama Wellness: 1 Mill St., Chace Mill Suite 244, Burlington, 978-808-9297 • shantimamawellness.com • Stephen & Burns Salon, Spa and Boutique: 116 Church St., Burlington, 865-4766 • stephenandburns.com • The Wellness Collective: 431 Pine St., Suite 312, Burlington, 540-0186 • wellnesscollectivevt.com
BEST DAY SPA
BEST PLACE TO GET BODY ART
Oasis Day Spa
Yankee Tattoo
Other finalists:
Other finalists:
• Cynthea’s Spa: 102 Church St., Burlington, 238-7524 • cyntheaspa.com • Jivana Holistic Spa: 113 Church St., Burlington, 660-4772 • jivanaspa.com • Mystic Waters Day Spa: 276 N. Main St., St. Albans, 524-5300 • mysticwatersdayspa.com • Stephen & Burns Salon, Spa and Boutique: 116 Church St., Burlington, 865-4766 • stephenandburns.com
• Aartistic Inc.: 7 E. Allen St., Winooski, 338-9009 • 11 Main St., Montpelier, 229-6663 • Facebook • Body Art Tattoo & Piercing: 178 Main St., Burlington, 863-7870 • bodyartvt.com/temp • Jade Lotus Tattoo & Piercing: 64 North St., Burlington, 881-0305 • Magnetic North Tattoo: 47 Maple St., Suite 211, Burlington, 652-0842 • magneticnorthtattoo.com
Care for a Champagne body exfoliation? How about a pumpkin float? Oasis offers a long list of delicious-sounding body treatments — plus hair styling, nail art and massage — and promises to be a relaxing refuge from everyday life. (300 Cornerstone Dr., Suite 220, Williston, 879-9499 • vtoasisdayspa.com)
BEST RESORT SPA
Topnotch Resort & Spa
Other finalists: • The Essex Resort & Spa: 70 Essex Way, Essex, 764-1452 • essexresortspa.com • Jay Peak Resort: 830 Jay Peak Rd., Jay, 327-2550 • jaypeakresort.com • The Spa at Stowe Mountain Lodge: 7412 Mountain Rd., Stowe, 253-3560 • stowemountainlodge.com • Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa: 1746 Mountain Rd., Stowe, 760-1083 • stoweflake.com
BEST LODGING*
Hotel Vermont
Whether you’re far from home or sneaking a staycation, you’ll sleep easy at Burlington’s independent downtown hotel. With sophisticated rooms, farm-to-table restaurants and a stunning outdoor terrace, it’s been named one of the top 25 hotels in the United States by Condé Nast Traveler. (41 Cherry St., Burlington, 651-0080 • hotelvt.com) • Burlington Hilton: 60 Battery St., Burlington, 658-6500 • hilton.com • The Essex Resort & Spa: 70 Essex Way, Essex, 878-1100 • essexresortspa.com • Hampton Inn by Hilton: 42 Lower Mountain View Dr., Colchester, 655-6177 • hamptoninn3. hilton.com • The Inn at Shelburne Farms: 1611 Harbor Rd., Shelburne, 985-8498 • shelburnefarms.org
OUTSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY
Trapp Family Lodge
After touring the U.S. as the Trapp Family Singers, the storied von Trapp clan settled in Stowe and later welcomed visitors to stay at their picturesque Alpine lodge. There, they offer guests more than just a few of their favorite things, from upscale amenities to mountain vistas. (700 Trapp Hill Rd., Stowe, 253-8511 • trappfamily.com)
Other finalists: • Jay Peak Resort: 830 Jay Peak Rd., Jay, 988-2611 • jaypeakresort.com • Stowe Mountain Resort: 7412 Mountain Rd., Stowe, 253-3560 • stowemountainlodge.com
We Love You Too! #LoveGardeners 128 Intervale Rd, Burlington 472 Marshall Ave, Williston GardenersSupplyStore.com
BEST HEALTH CLUB/GYM
The Edge Sports & Fitness
With five locations, the Edge makes swimming, spinning, tennis and physical therapy convenient for just about everyone in Chittenden County. Each location has its own programs, camps and activities to make working out work well. (75 Eastwood Dr., South Burlington, 658-0002 • 142 W. Twin Oaks Terrace, South Burlington, 658-0001 • 115 Wellness Dr., Williston, 860-3343 • 4 Morse Dr., Essex, 8797734, ext. 1 • 4 Gauthier Dr., Essex, 879-7734, ext. 2 • edgevt.com)
Other finalists: • Greater Burlington YMCA: 266 College St., Burlington, 862-9622 • gbymca.org • Marketplace Fitness: 29 Church St., Burlington, 651-8773 • marketplacefitness.com • Planet Fitness: 30 Community Dr., South Burlington, 863-8910 • 57 River Rd., Essex Junction, 879-5100 • 133 N. Main St., St. Albans, 582-4149 • planetfitness.com • Synergy Fitness: 426 Industrial Ave., Williston, 881-0553 • synergyfitnessvt.com
Daysies_ad.indd 3 Untitled-35 1
10:42 AM 7/15/16 11:38
LOCALLY, FAMILY-OWNED & OPERATED Experience a true day spa. Body Treatments Facials Full Service Salon Hydrotherapy
Soft Pack Float Make Up Manicures Pedicures
Massage Reflexology Spa Packages
AN OASIS FOR YOUR MIND, BODY & SOUL
THANK YOU
to everyone who voted for us Best Massage and Best Day Spa!! We certainly couldn’t have done it without our amazing staff and clients. Thank you again!!
BEST YOGA STUDIO
Laughing River Yoga
The end goal of all those sun salutations and downward dogs? Healthy bodies and tranquil minds. In addition to classes, workshops and retreats, Laughing River’s expanded studio now offers massage. (1 Mill St., Suite 126, Burlington, 343-8119 • laughingriveryoga.com)
300 Conerstone Drive, #220 • Williston • VT 802.879.9499 • OasisDaySpaVT.com • Monday 9-4, Tuesday - Saturday 8:30-7 D6h-OasisDaySpa16.indd 1
7/13/16 2:53 PM
Other finalists: • Burlington Yoga: 215 College St., Burlington, 658-9642 • burlingtonyoga.com • Evolution Physical Therapy + Yoga: 20 Kilburn St., Suite 120, Burlington, 864-9642 • evolutionvt.com • Sangha Studio: 120 Pine St., Burlington, 448-4262 • sanghastudio.org • Yoga Roots: 120 Graham Way, Suite 140, Shelburne, 985-0090 • yogarootsvt.com
HEY BEAUTIFUL...
your vote was awesome Best Unisex Salon
120 main st, burlington • 862.1670 • urbansalonteam.com D6h-UrbanSalonTeam16.indd 1
7/22/16 3:59 PM
LOCALS PICK THE BEST OF VERMONT SEVENDAYSVT.COM/DAYSIES
Other finalists:
You Love Us?
SERVICES
Stowe’s Topnotch is a perfect place to be pampered. Don a fluffy robe and sign up for a Maple Sugar Body Scrub or a science-y sounding Body Composition Analysis. Afterward, laze around the pool, meditate on the mountains or, hey, get another massage. (4000 Mountain Rd., Stowe, 800-451-8686 • topnotchresort.com)
Got ink? You could get some — or more — at this self-described “old-school street shop.” Ink artist “Bald Bill” Henshaw established the Pearl Street storefront in 1996 and, with his son Eric and other tattoists, has been decorating local body parts ever since. (198 Pearl St., Burlington, 8623328 • yankeetattoo.net)
47
BEST CYCLING STUDIO*
REV Indoor Cycling
STYLIST WITH SECRET
With a nonjudgmental atmosphere, motivating instructors and killer beats, Sarah DeGray’s premier indoor cycling studio puts a new spin on spin class. (208 Flynn Ave., Burlington, 598-9746 • revindoor.com)
TALENTS
Other finalists: • Cyclepath Indoor Cycling: 126 College St., Burlington, 363-0564 • cyclepathvt.com • Marketplace Fitness: 29 Church St., Burlington, 651-8773 • marketplacefitness.com • Pulse Cycling Studio: 600 Blair Park, Suite 120, Williston, 879-4000 • pulsecyclingstudio.com
BEST MARKETING/ ADVERTISING AGENCY
BEST CROSSFIT STUDIO*
Fuse has a 20-plus-year history of helping highprofile clients such as Burton and Mountain Dew target the most sought-after demographic of all: youth. (110 W. Canal St., Winooski, 864-7123 • fusemarketing.com)
Fuse
802 Crossfit
Other finalists:
Strengthening minds and bodies, instructors think inside the “box” and make it fun at this studio serving athletes, kids, the elderly and everyone in between. (16B Morse Dr., Essex Junction, 233-4414 • 802crossfitvt.com)
Other finalists:
Nathan Jarvis
BEST AUTO REPAIR
Occupation: stylist at Indigo
Girlington Garage
Town: Burlington
Founded in 2009 by female mechanic Demeny Pollitt, Girlington Garage is for anyone who’s ever felt like they got screwed over at an auto shop. It promises high-quality car care with a side of clear communication and honest biz practices. (2 Harbor View Rd., South Burlington, 660-0055 • girlingtongarage.com)
Other finalists: • The Automaster: 3328 Shelburne Rd., Shelburne, 985-8411 • theautomaster.com • Brian’s North End Automotive : 98 North Ave., Burlington, 862-9072 • briansnorthendautomotive.com • Dolan’s Auto: 250 N. Winooski Ave., Burlington, 658-3170 • dolansauto.com • New England Automotive: 2071 Williston Rd., South Burlington, 660-9700 • newenglandautomotive.com
SEVEN DAYSIES 2016-17
BEST CAB COMPANY
48
Uber
In Vermont and 479 other cities worldwide, catching a ride couldn’t be easier. A taxi company for the tech era, this mobile app lets you set your location, track your car, pay electronically and rate your driver at the tap of a smartphone button. (uber.com)
Other finalists: • Dunwright Taxi Company: 557-2461 • dunwrighttaxi.com • Green Cab VT: 12 Gregory Dr., Suite 7, South Burlington, 864-2424 • greencabvt.com • K&A Cab/Jernigan Pontiac: 343-6422 • Quick Cab: 658-2299
Age: 37
If you know theater or music in Burlington, you know Nathan Jarvis. For years, he’s been bringing a touch of phantasmagoria to the club scene by staging “pop-eras” with his synth-pop band, Rue M. A veteran of local theater productions, he memorably held the stage solo as Montgomery Clift in his brother Seth’s play Icon. This year, when Jarvis was too busy to appear at the annual Winter Is a Drag Ball, it was “the first time since ’02 or ’03,” he says. For 16 years, almost as long as he’s been playing with some iteration of Rue M., Jarvis has been styling hair at Indigo on Burlington’s Battery Street. “It’s perfect,” he says of his day job. “I get to be creative all day; I get to talk to people; I get to be inspired by my coworkers and my clients.” Besides keeping up with the ever-changing technology of processes like hair coloring, Jarvis likes the social aspects of the job. “I really love to talk to people about what’s going on in their world and their life, and then I get to create a style and look for them that suits where they are,” he says.
Right now, Jarvis is working on a full-length musical about a drag queen who goes on a Wizard of Oz-esque journey. Does he ever encourage clients to try out bold looks like the ones he sports onstage? While he will suggest something “fresh and new,” Jarvis says, “I like to do subtle shifts for people to enhance their own inner, natural beauty. I tend not to go for a lot of the crazy trendy stuff. That’s not really my forte.” Favorite place to fuel up: My recent favorite place to go and get food and hang out with friends is the Gryphon. Favorite local band that’s not his: I really like the Toes [and] Wave of the Future. I like Dwight & Nicole. Heloise and the Savoir Faire are always a blast. I’m really excited about Miriam Bernardo. Favorite place to buy costumes and show apparel: Old Gold. You go in and hang out, and you come out looking fabulous. Favorite place to explore outside Burlington: I went to the Renaissance Faire [recently] in Stowe. That was fun.
MARGOT HARRISON
MATTHEW THORSEN
• Champlain Valley CrossFit: 1191 S. Brownell Rd., Suite 10, Williston, 660-3760 • champlainvalleycrossfit.com • Crossfit Burlington: 39 Birchcliff Pkwy., Burlington, 999-3650 • crossfitburlington.com • Crossfit Threshold Training : 35 San Remo Dr., South Burlington, 448-3768 • crossfittt.com • Mountain Trail CrossFit: 113 Acorn Lane, Suite C, Colchester, 508-320-6280 • mountaintrailcrossfit.com
• Brandthropology : 266 Pine St., Suite 5, Burlington, 862-2400 • brandthropology.com • HMC Advertising: 65 Millet St., Richmond, 434-7141 • wearehmc.com • KSV: 212 Battery St., Burlington, 862-8261 • ksvc.com • Select Design: 208 Flynn Ave., Burlington, 864-9075 • selectdesign.com
BEST RADIO STATION (MUSIC)*
The Point FM 104.7
Since 1977, this station has been a pioneer in the Triple-A (Adult Album Alternative) format. Listeners still tune in today for its eclectic playlist of new and vintage music, from rock and roll to pop to reggae and beyond. (pointfm.com)
Other finalists: • • • •
98.9 WOKO : woko.com 99.9 The Buzz: 999thebuzz.com 104.3 KISS-FM: kissvermont.com Star 92.9: star929.com
BEST RADIO STATION (NEWS)*
Vermont Public Radio
With full-power stations around the state, VPR beams and streams news, talk and music to nearly 200,000 listeners per week around the region. “Vermont Edition,” its award-winning flagship daily newsmagazine, explores regional issues and culture through fascinating interviews and phone-ins. (vpr.net)
Other finalists: • • • •
101.3 ESPN: 1013espn.com Newstalk 620 WVMT: newstalk620wvmt.com The Point FM 104.7: pointfm.com WDEV: wdevradio.com
BEST LOCAL TV STATION*
WCAX
Morning, noon and night, award-winning anchors such as Kristin Kelly, Darren Perron and Gina Bullard are committed to providing stellar local coverage of the Champlain Valley and surrounding area. (wcax.com)
Other finalists: • WPTZ: wptz.com • Local ABC 22/Local Fox 44: mychamplainvalley.com • Vermont PBS: vermontpbs.org
D4t-thefarmstore15.indd 1
7/8/15 11:19 AM
SERVICES
143 Main Street Jeffersonville, Vermont 05464 802.644.9463 Facebook.com/TheFarmStoreVT Instagram.com/TheFarmStoreVermont TheFarmStoreVT.com
WE LOVE YOU TOO! 1160 Williston Road 83 Pearl Street South Burlington Burlington
802 951 9000 802 8622 7700
Dedicated to improving lives since 1966
EDGEVT.COM | (802) 860-EDGE (3343) | INFO@ EDGEVT.COM
LOCALS PICK THE BEST OF VERMONT SEVENDAYSVT.COM/DAYSIES
THANKS FOR THE LOVE…
49 D2v-edge080316.indd 1
6/24/16 1:35 PM
FILE: JEB WALLACE-BRODEUR
BEST IN-STATE WEEKEND GETAWAY
Lake Willoughby
Not to sound like your grandmother hedging on which grandchild is her favorite, but every Vermont lake is special in its own way. Still, there’s no denying that this five-mile-long glacial creation is truly unique. Clear, cold and deeper than a Jack Handey quote, Lake Willoughby is a perennial fave for Vermonters looking to get away from it all — in part because it doesn’t cost you six hours of drive time to the coast of Maine or a cool grand on airfare to the Rockies. Willoughby’s north and south beaches are clean and uncrowded, and the views are amazing — especially from the steep cliffs above. If you’re looking for quaint gift shops and chichi eateries, go elsewhere. Willoughby is a place to chill out and remind yourself why this lake rules the Northeast Kingdom. Westmore • fpr.vermont.gov
SEVEN DAYSIES 2016-17
Playing favorites is tough in this section. Frankly, Vermont has so many great places to hike, bike, canoe and cross-country ski that we’re a little spoiled, and it can be hard to single out something as the best. What’s more, some of those places are so special and secluded — swimming holes, for example — that many voters refuse to reveal them. Hey, people, sharing is caring! Thousands of you did spill your secrets, though, and for that we thank you. Many of the old standbys maintained their winning streaks, the Burlington Bike Path, Mt. Philo State Park and Smugglers’ Notch Resort among them. But a few newbies jumped ahead of the pack in categories such as best place to swim: Sand Bar State Park defeated the ever-popular Bolton Potholes. For that, the Town of Bolton no doubt thanks you. The Potholes ain’t exactly on public land, remember, and beachy Sand Bar is certainly the smarter choice for splashing around. Safety first! Then again, why not head to Lake Willoughby for that dip? The remote swimming spot in the Northeast Kingdom scored its first Daysie for best in-state weekend getaway.
50
* = New category in 2016
7/19/16 5:43 PM
Untitled-6 1
7/14/16 11:41 AM
652-9093 bugattibarbers.com
LOCALS PICK THE BEST OF VERMONT SEVENDAYSVT.COM/DAYSIES
Thanks to all our guests for your votes and support 658-2010 indigovt.com
B AT T E R Y S T R E E T , B U R L I N GT O N D2h-indigo16.indd 1
OUTDOOR+REC.
Untitled-36 1
51 7/13/16 11:59 AM
BEST IN-STATE WEEKEND GETAWAY
BEST PUBLIC GOLF COURSE
Rocky Ridge Golf Club
Lake Willoughby
Play 18 holes along rolling farmland and rocky ridges at this public course just 20 minutes from downtown Burlington. (7470 Route 116, St. George, 482-2191 • rockyridge.com)
“It’s a fair, pretty sheet of water,” wrote poet Robert Frost of Lake Willoughby, nestled in the Northeast Kingdom between Mount Hor and Mount Pisgah. A visit to this serene blue spot — perfect for fishing, swimming and canoeing — is like stepping back in time. (Westmore • fpr.vermont.gov)
Other finalists: • Arrowhead Golf Course: 350 Murray Ave., Milton, 893-0234 • arrowheadvt.com • Kwiniaska Golf Club: 5531 Spear St., Shelburne, 985-3672 • kwiniaska.com • The Links at Lang Farm: 39 Essex Way, Essex Junction, 878-0298 • linksatlangfarm.com • Williston Golf Club: 424 Golf Course Rd., Williston, 878-3747 • willistongolfclub.com
Other finalists: • Jay Peak Resort: 830 Jay Peak Rd., Jay, 988-2611 • jaypeakresort.com • Stowe: Stowe, 253-7321 • gostowe.com • Stowe Mountain Resort: 5781 Mountain Rd., Stowe, 253-3000 • stowe.com • Topnotch Resort: 4000 Mountain Rd., Stowe, 800-451-8686 • topnotchresort.com
BEST SKI/RIDE SLOPE
BEST VERMONT DAY TRIP WITH THE KIDS
Smugglers’ Notch Resort The locals call it Smuggs, and it offers some of the best tree skiing and riding around — not to mention a great terrain park. Bonus: SKI magazine named this the No. 1. kid-friendly ski resort in the East. (4323 Route 108, Jeffersonville, 332-6854 • smuggs.com)
Shelburne Farms COURTESY OF SMUGGLERS’ NOTCH RESORT
Other finalists: • Bolton Valley Resort: 4302 Bolton Valley Access Rd., Bolton Valley, 434-3444 • boltonvalley.com • Jay Peak Resort: 830 Jay Peak Rd., Jay, 988-2611 • jaypeakresort.com • Stowe Mountain Resort: 5781 Mountain Rd., Stowe, 253-3000 • stowe.com • Sugarbush Resort: 102 Forrest Dr., Warren, 583-6300 • sugarbush.com
BEST CROSS-COUNTRY SKI AREA
SEVEN DAYSIES 2016-17
Trapp Family Lodge
52
In winter this 2,400-acre, Austrian-style resort is a cross-country ski center. In summer, it offers hiking, horse-drawn wagon rides, birdwatching tours and Sunday concerts in the meadow. (700 Trapp Hill Rd., Stowe, 253-8511 • trappfamily.com)
Other finalists: • Bolton Valley Resort: 4302 Bolton Valley Access Rd., Bolton Valley, 434-3444 • boltonvalley.com • Catamount Outdoor Family Center: 592 Gov. Chittenden Rd., Williston, 879-6001 • catamountoutdoorfamilycenter.com • Craftsbury Outdoor Center: 535 Lost Nation Rd., Craftsbury Common, 586-7767 • craftsbury.com • Smugglers’ Notch Resort: 4323 Route 108, Jeffersonville, 332-6854 • smuggs.com
BEST SKI/RIDE SLOPE
Smugglers’ Notch Resort
Calling itself “America’s Family Resort™” may sound like a bold boast — not to mention a serious branding coup. But Smuggs has got plenty to be, well, smug about. Local skiers and riders have consistently chosen its three mountains of downhill slopes as their preferred choice for winter carving and sliding. With trails and terrain that can accommodate just about every skill level, from the kid-friendly bunny slopes to the snow-pants-wetting vertical terror of triple black diamonds, Smugglers’ Notch continues to deliver fantastic frosty fun. Let’s just hope for a better snow dump than the winter of 2016-17, aka the brown downer. Bring it, snow gods! 4323 Route 108, Jeffersonville, 332-6854 • smuggs.com
Walk the paths, take in the views, visit the cheesemakers or pet baby animals at this 1,400-acre nonprofit farm and education center. Don’t miss dining, in season, at the gorgeous inn overlooking historic flower gardens and Lake Champlain. (1611 Harbor Rd., Shelburne, 985-8686 • shelburnefarms.org)
Other finalists: • ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain: 1 College St., Burlington, 864-1848 • echovermont.org • Jay Peak Resort: 830 Jay Peak Rd., Jay, 988-2611 • jaypeakresort.com • Montshire Museum of Science: 1 Montshire Rd., Norwich, 649-2200 • montshire.org • Stowe: Stowe, 253-7321 • gostowe.com
BEST FOOT RACE
Vermont City Marathon & Relay
Long-distance runners pound the pavement for this annual 26.2-mile course through the Queen City. Cheering crowds and taiko drummers raise everyone’s spirits. (1 Main St., Suite 304, Burlington, 863-8412 • runvcm.org)
Other finalists: • The Color Run: Burlington • thecolorrun.com • Craft Brew Race Stowe: Stowe • craftbrewraces.com • Rí Rá’s Santa 5K Run: Burlington • takumta.org • Vermont Corporate Cup Challenge and State Agency Race: State St., Montpelier, 846-7926 • vcccsar.org
THE BARB MCHENRY TEAM,
a local favorite. Barb McHenry SENIOR LOAN OFFICER
bmchenry@fairwaymc.com www.barbmchenryvt.com
for 7 great years.
110 Kimball Ave., Suite 120 South Burlington, VT 05403 NMLS ID 142991 Office 802-489-7170 Mobile 802-318-8641 Fax 866-818-9253
6h-fairway070616.indd 1
7/1/16 12:39 PM
Anjou
OUTDOOR+REC.
& the Little Pear 53 Main St. Burlington | 802.540.0008 | anjouVT.com
D4t-anjou16.indd 1
7/15/16 10:52 AM
THANKS! for 36 years of
LOVE & SUPPORT
Fundraisers • Festivals • Plays Sports • Concerts
WE CAN HELP!
No cost to you • Local support • Low customer fees Built-in promotion • Custom options
CONTACT US
270 Pine Street, Burlington, VT | www.conantmetalandlight.com
865-1020, ext. 37 or tickets@sevendaysvt.com sevendaystickets.com
LOCALS PICK THE BEST OF VERMONT SEVENDAYSVT.COM/DAYSIES
SELLING TICKETS FOR YOUR NEXT EVENT?
53 D4T-Conant080316.indd 1
7/12/16 6:54 PM
4t-7"-tickets-generic.indd 1
7/25/16 4:14 PM
OLIVER PARINI
MODERN-DAY SAMUEL DE CHAMPLAIN BEST DAY HIKE
Mt. Philo State Park
Even non-hikers seem to love this rewarding walk, just 45 minutes from bottom to top. Picnic tables, a water fountain, bathroom facilities, Adirondack chairs and, of course, stunning panoramic views of glistening Lake Champlain await at the summit. (5425 Mt. Philo Rd., Charlotte, 425-2390 • vtstateparks.com)
BEST PEOPLE-WATCHING PLACE
Church Street Marketplace
Other finalists: • Camel’s Hump State Park: Duxbury, 879-6565 • vtstateparks.com • Mt. Mansfield: 352 Mountain Rd., Underhill, 899-3022 • vtstateparks.com • Snake Mountain: Mountain Rd., Addison • Sterling Pond Trail: Mountain Rd., Jeffersonville
Downtown Burlington’s pedestrian-only promenade is enlivened by shops, restaurants, food vendors and street performers. When the weather’s nice, you can get drinks, lunch or dinner outside and watch the world go by. (Church St., Burlington, 863-1648 • churchstmarketplace.com)
Other finalists: • Burlington Farmers Market: City Hall Park, Burlington • burlingtonfarmersmarket.org • City Market/Onion River Co-op: 82 S. Winooski Ave., Burlington, 861-9700 • citymarket.coop • Leunig’s Bistro & Café: 115 Church St., Burlington, 863-3759 • leunigsbistro.com • Waterfront Park: Lake St., Burlington, 865-7247 • enjoyburlington.com
Chad Abramovich
BEST PLACE TO BIKE
BEST PLACE TO TAKE YOUR PARENTS
Occupation: creator of the blog Obscure Vermont
Other finalists:
Church Street Marketplace
Mom and Dad in town? Take them to Burlington’s version of a piazza — a pedestrian mall with shops, restaurants, street vendors and performers suitable for all ages. Dine outside in summer for excellent peoplewatching. (Church St., Burlington, 863-1648 • churchstmarketplace.com)
Other finalists: • Leunig’s Bistro & Café: 115 Church St., Burlington, 863-3759 • leunigsbistro.com • Shelburne Farms: 1611 Harbor Rd., Shelburne, 985-8686 • shelburnefarms.org • Shelburne Museum: 6000 Shelburne Rd., Shelburne, 985-3346 • shelburnemuseum.org • Waterfront Park: Lake St., Burlington, 865-7247 • enjoyburlington.com
BEST STATE PARK
SEVEN DAYSIES 2016-17
Mt. Philo State Park
54
Mt. Philo is the perfect high-altitude locale for picnics with friends — your less-adventurous buds can drive up the 968-foot peak. Open from Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day weekend. (5425 Mt. Philo Rd., Charlotte, 4252390 • vtstateparks.com)
Other finalists: • Burton Island State Park: 2714 Hathaway Point Rd., St. Albans, 524-6353 • vtstateparks.com • Camel’s Hump State Park: Duxbury, 879-6565 • vtstateparks.com • Groton State Forest: Plainfield • grotonvt.com • Sand Bar State Park: 1215 Route 2, Milton, 893-2825 • vtstateparks.com
Age: 27
Town: Burlington “Forsaken places.” “Weird travels.” “Cemetery safaris.” For the past four years, urban explorer Chad Abramovich has chronicled all of those and more on his blog, Obscure Vermont, pairing evocative descriptions with striking photos. Abramovich’s fascination with less-trodden places goes back much further, to his childhood in Milton, when he first ventured inside the town’s abandoned creamery. Taking that step was like going “literally into the mystic,” he says. “You don’t know what is beyond that strange border between the sterilized world outside and something more ambiguous inside that you can make your own.” Since then, Abramovich has visited many more local and regional sites — “Too many to count!” he says. Struggling with anxiety and depression, he started his blog “in a directionless period of my life,” he says. “I never thought that putting myself out there on the internet — and making myself vulnerable in a way — would get me anywhere.” But Obscure Vermont quickly attracted fans, and new gigs followed. Abramovich has written a column for the Rutland Reader, talked about Vermont folklore on the Destination
America channel, and been profiled in a Seven Days Stuck in Vermont video and a documentary. He takes donations on his site and says the internet has introduced him to “people that help inspire me and keep me going.” If exploring abandoned structures tempts you, too, Abramovich recommends wearing appropriate clothes, traveling light, carrying a cellphone and being prepared to deal with the consequences of any trespassing. And start by consulting your local historical society, he adds: “Vermont is such a uniquely weird and dynamic state. I think the best experience you can have is to dig into it yourself.” Favorite outdoor spot to walk and hike: The White Rocks in Wallingford. It’s an eye-magnetic 2,600-foot peak where the entire front half of it crumbled and slid off its earthy mass and crashed down to its base below. Where to buy gear for exploring: The Outdoor Gear Exchange and Green Mountain Camera have always served me really well! Vermont spots more people should know about: Chazy Reef in Isle La Motte [and] Richford’s “Mystery Spot” (which I have yet to make work for me). [It’s a gravel road where cars have been said to defy gravity and roll uphill.]
MARGOT HARRISON
Burlington Bike Path
This scenic path for bikers, runners and walkers extends 7.5 miles along the city’s shoreline, from the southern end of Oakledge Park north to the Winooski River, where the path connects via bridge with the Colchester Bike Path. (Burlington, 864-0123 • enjoyburlington.com) • Island Line Trail: South Burlington to South Hero, 652-2453 • localmotion.org • Kingdom Trails: 468 Route 114, East Burke, 626-0737 • kingdomtrails.com • Lake Champlain Islands: vermont.org/islands • Stowe Recreation Path: Stowe, 253-6138 • stowerec.org
BEST PLACE TO SWIM
Sand Bar State Park
These 15 idyllic island acres contain picnic areas, a bath house, soft and sandy beaches, and shallow water that warms up quickly in the sun, making going for a dip a no-brainer. (1215 Route 2, Milton, 893-2825 • vtstateparks.com)
Other finalists: • Bolton Potholes: Bolton Valley Access Rd., Bolton • Leddy Park: 216 Leddy Park Rd., Burlington, 864-0123 • enjoyburlington.com • North Beach: Institute Rd., Burlington, 864-0123 • enjoyburlington.com • Oakledge Park: Flynn Ave., Burlington, 864-0123 • enjoyburlington.com
BEST PLACE TO KAYAK/CANOE
Lake Champlain
As the 13th largest lake in the U.S., Lake Champlain’s sparkling blue waters can accommodate anyone who wants to paddle. It’s easy to push off from a Burlington beach, but many head to the Champlain Islands for seclusion and stunning views.
Other finalists: • Green River Reservoir: 1393 Green River Dam Rd., Hyde Park, 888-1349 • vtstateparks.com • Indian Brook Reservoir: 150 Indian Brook Rd., Essex • essex.org • Waterbury Reservoir: 177 Reservoir Rd., Waterbury Center, 244-1226 • vtstateparks.com • Winooski River
SA VE
TH
ED AT E
!
APRIL 21-30, 2017
Thanks for nom nom nominating us! We’re honored to be considered one of the best food events in the state.
During Vermont Restaurant Week, 100+ locations across the state offer inventive prix-fixe dinners for $20, $30 or $40 per person. Try lunch, brunch or breakfast, too.
vermontrestaurantweek.com