Nominated Best Bar in Vermont 24 Beers on Tap / Upscale Pub Food
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT
NOMINATED FOR:
BEST BAR IN VT Best place to play pool Best Bartender Best place to drink alone
Sun.-Wed. 11:30-12am | 11:30-2am Thurs.-Sat. SERVING FOOD FROM 11:30am-10pm OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK!
THE OLD POST
733 Queen City Park Road, South Burlington, VT 802-497-0202
FLYNN
Season Sponsor
19 20 SEPTEMBER 20 Friday
Sesame Street Live C is for Celebration
20-21 Friday-Saturday FlynnSpace
Middlebury Actors Workshop Every Brilliant Thing
22 Sunday FlynnSpace
TURNmusic 23 Monday
Philip Glass Ensemble Koyaanisqatsi
25 Wednesday
Tinariwen
29 Saturday
Rhiannon Giddens
15 Tuesday
Chick Corea Trilogy 18 Friday
LCCMF: Merz Trio w/ Caroline Copeland
Kimberly Bartosik
16 Saturday
19 Saturday
Cashore Marionettes
Humans
20 Wednesday
Circa
20 Sunday
Little Feat 22 Tuesday FlynnSpace
Nella 23 Wednesday
Pink Martini 25 Friday
Isango
The Magic Flute
25 Friday
2-3 Wednesday-Thursday
Mark Redmond
The Carole King Musical
FlynnSpace
FlynnSpace
OCTOBER Beautiful:
10 Sunday
FlynnSpace
The Mustache Diaries
FlynnSpace
Dance Theatre of Harlem
DECEMBER 3 Tuesday
Natalie MacMaster & Donnell Leahy
A Celtic Family Christmas
6 Friday
A Christmas Carol 7 Saturday
Béla Fleck and the Flecktones 13 Friday FlynnSpace
DBR
30 Wednesday
17 Tuesday
4 Friday
Kinetic Light
FlynnSpace
DESCENT
Bryan Blanchette
7 Monday
NOVEMBER
23 Monday
Arlo Guthrie March
Fiddler on the Roof
with Congressman John Lewis
1-2 Friday-Saturday
10 Thursday
Middlebury Actors Workshop
Burlington Does Broadway
3 Sunday
JANUARY
FlynnSpace
Garifuna Collective 12 Saturday
FlynnSpace
Much Ado About Nothing (at Dinner)
Chase Studio
Paula Poundstone
Red Kite Green Mountain
12-13 Saturday-Sunday
7-8 Thursday-Friday
FlynnSpace
Llamadoll
FlynnSpace
Brian McCarthy Nonet
31 Tuesday
8-9 Wednesday-Thursday
Waitress
16 Thursday
William Shatner The Wrath of Khan
WWW.FLYNNCENTER.ORG
22 Wednesday
20-21 Friday-Saturday
Damien Sneed
FlynnSpace
We Shall Overcome
Broadway’s Next Hit Musical
23 Thursday
23 Monday
Gabriela Montero
The Snowy Day & Other Stories
FEBRUARY
APRIL
8 Saturday
3 Friday
FlynnSpace
FlynnSpace
DBR & TURNmusic
SFJAZZ Collective
9 Sunday
15-16 Wednesday-Thursday
MOMIX
Wild Kratts Live 2.0
14 Friday
17 Friday
Alicia Olatuja
Charles Lloyd and the Marvels w/ Lucinda Williams
20-22 Thursday-Saturday
17-18 Friday-Saturday
FlynnSpace
FlynnSpace
FlynnSpace
The Tempest
Burnt-Out Wife
Actors From the London Stage
Sara Juli
29 Saturday
29 Wednesday
MARCH
30 Thursday
Malpaso Dance Company
1 Sunday FlynnSpace
LCCMF: The Westerlies w/ Lucy Shelton 3 Tuesday
Renée Fleming FlynnSpace
Improvised Shakespeare Co.
MAY 1 Friday FlynnSpace
Finding Neverland
Improvised Shakespeare Co.
15 Sunday
2 Saturday
Flip Fabrique
VSO w/ DBR
Blizzard
DACA Symphony
17 Tuesday
9 Saturday
Peking Acrobats 19 Thursday
Russian National Ballet Sleeping Beauty
FlynnSpace
TURNmusic 12-13 Tuesday-Wednesday
Chicago
Proud Sponsor of the Daysies
®WhistlePig Rye Whiskey, Shoreham, Vermont 2019
W
elcome to Daysieland! For the 2019 Seven Daysies, we’ve tumbled down the rabbit hole — à la Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland — to discover the wonders of Vermont. These awards, selected by Seven Days readers, provide a guide to much of what’s great about this state. As the Cheshire Cat said, “We’re all mad here” — about food, drink, arts and entertainment, shopping, services, and outdoors and recreation, that is. So, which locals and landmarks are the queens of your hearts? This year, 24,937 discerning Vermonters cast 530,031 total votes to determine the Daysies winners within these pages. First, they submitted nominations during a write-in voting round. Then we narrowed it down to the top finalists in each category — when possible, dividing them into “inside Chittenden County” and “outside Chittenden
County” — and invited readers to vote again. Here we present their top picks, from murals, museums and mountaintops to barbershops, blues singers and beyond. The people and places represented here make Vermont feel like home. The Daysies are our way of saying thanks. Best part? After reading this, you can embark on your own adventures in Daysieland. Stop and smell the red-painted roses, and enjoy these experiences for yourself. Follow the King of Hearts’ advice: “Begin at the beginning and go on ’til you come to the end; then stop.” Be prepared for things to get curiouser and curiouser — Vermonters are a quirky bunch, and some of the hidden gems in this guide are no exception. Vermont sure is some kind of wonderful.
CAROLYN FOX
DRINK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT . . . . 28 SHOPPING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 SERVICES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 OUTDOORS & RECREATION . . . . . . 58 The Seven Daysies Awards are produced by: P.O. Box 1164, Burlington, VT 05402 802-864-5684 @sevendaysvt © 2019 Da Capo Publishing, Inc. COVER ILLUSTRATION BY JEFF DREW
LOCALS PICK THE BEST OF VERMONT SEVENDAYSVT.COM/DAYSIES
FOOD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
5
FOOD
JEFF DREW
Vermonters know great food when they taste it. Honey Road, a hot-spot Middle Eastern eatery on Burlington’s Church Street, is this year’s new Daysies winner for best restaurant inside Chittenden County — and we’re not the only ones who can’t get enough of its housemade pita and harissa wings. In 2019, the 2-year-old bistro earned its third prestigious James Beard Award nomination. “Chefs have a lot of ego,” Honey Road chef-owner Cara Chigazola Tobin admitted to Seven Days earlier this year — so no doubt all the recognition feels good. “But at the end of the day, we’re in the entertainment business,” * = New category in 2019
she continued. “I’m here to provide you with an experience that makes you forget about the troubles in your life.” Her words underline what dining out in Vermont is really all about: community. “Everyone’s a friend when they walk through,” Wayside Restaurant, Bakery & Creamery co-owner Karen Zecchinelli told Seven Days when the Montpelier biz — which tied Blue Paddle Bistro for best breakfast/brunch outside Chittenden County — turned 100 last year. At the birthday celebration, Gov. Phil Scott called the Wayside “an institution,” noting that “it’s part of the social fabric of central Vermont.”
We can’t overlook another important ingredient in the state’s restaurant scene: farmers! As a popular bumper sticker points out: “No farms, no food.” This year, Daysies voters recognized the Intervale Community Farm and all the vendors of the Burlington Farmers Market, which has been thriving in its new Pine Street summer location. New food truck winner Farmers & Foragers went so far as to name itself after the people who provide its locally sourced fare. Our hardworking local food systems bring so much to the table. Give thanks, and dig in!
BEST NEW RESTAURANT
Hen of the Wood
The Friendly Toast
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. (Burlington, Waterbury • henofthewood.com)
Other finalists: • Blue Paddle Bistro: South Hero • bluepaddlebistro.com • Honey Road: Burlington • honeyroadrestaurant.com • Waterworks Food + Drink: Winooski • waterworksvt.com • The Windjammer: South Burlington • windjammerrestaurant.com
FOOD
BEST RESTAURANT SERVICE
Part of a New England chain that launched nearly 20 years ago, the new Burlington location of the Friendly Toast features retro furnishings and a fun menu of all-day breakfast, lunch and dinner. There are six types of eggs Benedict. Don’t miss the cocktail flights. (Burlington • thefriendlytoast.com)
Other finalists: • • • •
Pizza 44: Burlington • pizza44vt.com Poco: Burlington • restaurantpoco.com Taco Gordo: Burlington • tacogordovt.com Willow’s Bagels: Burlington • willowsbagels.com
❤Y OU
PHOTOS: OLIVER PARINI
WE
BEST FOOD TRUCK LOCALS PICK THE BEST OF VERMONT SEVENDAYSVT.COM/DAYSIES
Farmers & Foragers
THANK YOU FOR 1 9 Y EA RS O F SUP P O R T , VERMONT!
Philadelphia created the cheesesteak; New Orleans, the po’boy; Saigon, the banh mi. Farmers & Foragers brings all three into the Vermont canon with a locavore spin, using ingredients both farmed and — you guessed it — foraged near its Burlington base. The Vermont Cheesesteak, which uses beef from Boyden Farm, is a crowd favorite. Stop by Foam Brewers on Wednesday or ArtsRiot on Friday, and you’ll see co-chef/owners Lauren Johnson and Solomon Bayer-Pacht hand off loads of those bad boys through the vehicle’s windows. When not parked at truck stops and festivals, Farmers & Foragers caters events, offering a bar replete with Vermont brews and ferments. Just don’t get too attached to any one menu item: Dishes rotate according to their seasonality and local availability, guaranteeing yummy, fresh goodness whatever the weather.
1899 MOUNTAIN ROAD
STOWE VT 05672 • 802.253.4411
PIECASSO.COM
vtfarmersandforagers.com
7 Untitled-34 1
7/8/19 11:34 AM
FOOD BEST RESTAURANT
Honey Road
Three James Beard Award nominations distinguish Church Street’s busy Middle Eastern bistro. The masterful mezze include baba ghanoush and braised lamb. (Burlington • honeyroadrestaurant.com)
Other finalists:
JEB WALLACE-BRODEUR
• Hen of the Wood: Burlington, Waterbury • henofthewood.com • Jericho Café & Tavern: Jericho • jerichocafeandtavern.com • Leunig’s Bistro & Café: Burlington • leunigsbistro.com • The Windjammer: South Burlington • windjammerrestaurant.com
OUTSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY
Blue Paddle Bistro
Near the shores of Keeler Bay, chef Phoebe Bright serves crowd-pleasing plates amid artsy décor — there’s a wooden canoe suspended over the bar. (South Hero • bluepaddlebistro.com)
Other finalists: • Mill River Brewing BBQ & Smokehouse: St. Albans • millriverbrewing.com • Piecasso Pizzeria & Lounge: Stowe • piecasso.com • TRAIL BREAK taps + tacos: White River Junction • trailbreakwrj.com
BEST FAMILY RESTAURANT
American Flatbread
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. (Burlington, Middlebury, Waitsfield • americanflatbread.com)
Other finalists: • Jericho Café & Tavern: Jericho • jerichocafeandtavern.com • Papa Nick’s Restaurant & Pizza: Hinesburg • papanicksvt.com • Vermont Tap House: Williston • vermonttaphouse.com • The Windjammer: South Burlington • windjammerrestaurant.com
OUTSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY
SEVEN DAYSIES 2019-20
Piecasso Pizzeria & Lounge
8
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 ensure there’s never a dull moment. (Stowe • piecasso.com)
Other finalists: • Blue Paddle Bistro: South Hero • bluepaddlebistro.com • Mill River Brewing BBQ & Smokehouse: St. Albans • millriverbrewing.com • TRAIL BREAK taps + tacos: White River Junction • trailbreakwrj.com • Wayside Restaurant, Bakery & Creamery: Montpelier • waysiderestaurant.com
BEST COOKING CLASS*
Baking School at King Arthur Flour Home bakers inspired by “The Great British Baking Show” and professionals alike make pilgrimages to King Arthur Flour. Why? America’s oldest flour company offers a robust roster of highly regarded, hands-on baking courses. Patient and expert instructors guide students through the secrets of a perfect Victoria Sponge and other British classics, the challenges of yeasted gluten-free breads, and the rewards of wood-fired baking. There are classes just for kids on monkey bread and homemade pop tarts, as well as multiday workshops taught by master bakers on the intricacies of sourdough cultures and finicky laminated pastries. The Baking School has been so successful that the company opened a second location in Washington State in 2016. Norwich • kingarthurflour.com
BEST CHEF
BEST BREAKFAST/BRUNCH
Cara Chigazola Tobin (Honey Road)
Penny Cluse Café
In 2019, the chef and co-owner earned her second James Beard Award nomination for best chef. The recognition feels good, she told Seven Days, but “when I walk through the restaurant and I see happy people, that’s the most important thing.” (Burlington • honeyroadrestaurant.com)
Other finalists: • Chelsea Morgan (Sorriso Bistro): South Burlington • sorrisovt.com • Jonathan Nelson (Piecasso Pizzeria & Lounge): Stowe • piecasso.com • Phoebe Bright (Blue Paddle Bistro): South Hero • bluepaddlebistro.com • Shawn Careau (Bella Luna): Shelburne • bellalunavt.com
Vice president Joe Biden ate blueberry pancakes at Penny Cluse in 2016 — joining the ranks of countless Burlingtonians who have been happily eating at this café for 21 years. (Burlington • pennycluse.com)
Other finalists: • The Friendly Toast: Burlington • thefriendlytoast.com • Jericho Café & Tavern: Jericho • jerichocafeandtavern.com • Sneakers Bistro: Winooski • sneakersbistro.com • The Swingin’ Pinwheel Café and Bakery: Burlington • theswinginpinwheel.com
OUTSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY
Blue Paddle Bistro Monthly Sunday brunches at this Champlain Islands bistro are a big hit. Make reservations early to score a seat. (South Hero • bluepaddlebistro.com)
It’s a tie!
Wayside Restaurant, Bakery & Creamery
Breakfast is served all day, until 9:30 p.m. — just one of the reasons the Wayside has been in business for 101 years. Go for a Benedict or a buttermilk doughnut. (Montpelier • waysiderestaurant.com)
Other finalists: • Blue Bike Café: Montgomery Center • thebluebikecafe.com • Green Goddess Café: Stowe • greengoddessvt.com • Soulfully Good Café: Woodstock • soulfullygood.com
BEST OUTDOOR DINING
Leunig’s Bistro & Café
The Spot on the Dock
Other finalists:
Other finalists:
• Jericho Café & Tavern: Jericho • jerichocafeandtavern.com • Knead Bakery: Burlington • kneadvt.com • The Scale: Williston • thescalevt.com • The Windjammer: South Burlington • windjammerrestaurant.com
• Leunig’s Bistro & Café: Burlington • leunigsbistro.com • Sweetwaters: Burlington • sweetwatersvt.com • The Skinny Pancake: Burlington; Hanover, N.H.; Montpelier; Stowe; Quechee; Warren • skinnypancake.com • Waterworks Food + Drink: Winooski • waterworksvt.com
At the classy Church Street bistro and its nearby Leunig’s Petit Bijou kiosk, take a midday seat for memorable, French-inflected fare — think croque monsieur, white truffle frites and beignets. (Burlington • leunigsbistro.com)
OUTSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY
Piecasso Pizzeria & Lounge
Conveniently located on Stowe’s Mountain Road, Piecasso serves tasty thin-crust pizzas, pastas and sandwiches — the perfect fuel for a day of outdoor adventures. (Stowe • piecasso.com)
Other finalists: • Blue Paddle Bistro: South Hero • bluepaddlebistro.com • Green Goddess Café: Stowe • greengoddessvt.com • Morse Block Deli & Taps: Barre • morseblockdeli.com • Soulfully Good Café: Woodstock • soulfullygood.com
BEST PLACE TO GET LATE-NIGHT FOOD
Kountry Kart Deli
In the mood for a midnight Shiner — hash browns, egg and American cheese on a bulkie roll? This Queen City institution serves sandwiches, wraps and munchies until 3 a.m. (Burlington • kountrykartdeli.com)
Other finalists:
BEST RESTAURANT FOR DESSERT
Mirabelles Café
Since 1990, confection-loving crowds have come to Mirabelles on Main Street for decadent sweets such as crème brûlée cake and cream puffs. (Burlington • mirabellescafe.com)
Other finalists: • Blue Paddle Bistro: South Hero • bluepaddlebistro.com • Jericho Café & Tavern: Jericho • jerichocafeandtavern.com • Monarch & the Milkweed: Burlington • monarchandthemilkweed.com • Sweet Babu: Winooski • sweetbabuvt.com
When the weather’s warm, patrons chill out in the windswept waterfront bar with salmon poke, Cobb salads and veggie burgers. Mango margaritas and blue Hawaiians mirror the colors of the sunset. (Burlington • spotonthedock.com)
OUTSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY
Idletyme Brewing Co.
Specializing in seasonal comfort food and small-batch craft beer, this dog- and familyfriendly brewpub comes with perks: an outdoor biergarten, Treehouse Bar and lawn games just steps from the Stowe Recreation Path. (Stowe • idletymebrewing.com)
Other finalists: • 242 Texas BBQ Company: Montgomery Center • 242texasbbq.com • Mill River Brewing BBQ & Smokehouse: St. Albans • millriverbrewing.com • Piecasso Pizzeria & Lounge: Stowe • piecasso.com • TRAIL BREAK taps + tacos: White River Junction • trailbreakwrj.com
BEST PLACE TO GRAB A QUICK MEAL
Al’s French Frys
The retro décor and fast burgers are a throwback to the 1950s. This spot has been named one of “America’s Classics” by the James Beard Foundation. (South Burlington • alsfrenchfrys.com)
Other finalists: • Bliss Bee: Williston • getblissbee.com • City Market, Onion River Co-op: Burlington • citymarket.coop • The Guilty Plate Diner: Colchester • Facebook • Zabby & Elf’s Stone Soup: Burlington • stonesoupvt.com
LOCALS PICK THE BEST OF VERMONT SEVENDAYSVT.COM/DAYSIES
• Al’s French Frys: South Burlington • alsfrenchfrys.com • El Cortijo Taqueria: Burlington, Winooski • cortijovt.com • Mr. Mikes Pizza: Burlington • Facebook • Nectar’s: Burlington • liveatnectars.com
FOOD
BEST LUNCH
BEST PLACE TO EAT ALONE
City Market, Onion River Co-op
Feast on your sandwich, salad or sushi while enjoying some of the best people-watching around. Chances are, you’ll run into someone you know. (Burlington • citymarket.coop)
Other finalists: • Leunig’s Bistro & Café: Burlington • leunigsbistro.com • New Moon Café: Burlington • newmoonvt.com • Upper Deck Pub: South Burlington • windjammerrestaurant.com • Vermont Comedy Club: Burlington • vermontcomedyclub.com • Zabby & Elf’s Stone Soup: Burlington • stonesoupvt.com
9 Untitled-4 1
7/10/19 3:36 PM
FOOD BEST GLOBAL-FOODS MARKET*
Thai Phat
Thai Phat opened in the 1990s as Burlington’s first Asian grocery. Today it supplies local restaurants, home cooks and the city’s immigrant population with fresh fish, meats, fruits and vegetables, as well as nonperishable spices, sauces and snacks. (Burlington • Facebook)
Other finalists: • Central Market: Taste of Asia: Burlington • Facebook • Everest Asian Market: Essex Junction • everestasianmarket.com • Mawuhi African Market: Burlington • Facebook • Sagarmatha Grocery Store:: Winooski • sagarmatha grocerystore. business.site
BEST LOCALLY OWNED GROCERY STORE
City Market, Onion River Co-op
BEST CSA*
Intervale Community Farm
With two locations, Burlington’s grocery cooperative has it all: fresh produce, local meats, a robust bulk section and tasty café cuisine. Sign up for a cooking class, herb walk or Pennywise Pantry Tour. (Burlington • citymarket.coop)
With summer and winter shares, the Intervale Community Farm keeps customers in local veggies all year round. It also partners with producers to provide supplemental foods such as eggs, bread and goat cheese. (Burlington • intervalecommunityfarm.com)
Other finalists:
Other finalists:
• Everest Asian Market: Essex Junction • everestasianmarket.com • Healthy Living Market & Café: South Burlington • healthylivingmarket.com • Lantman’s Market: Hinesburg • lantmans.com • Sweet Clover Market: Essex • sweetclovermarket.com
• Full Moon Farm: Hinesburg • fullmoonfarminc.com • Jericho Settlers Farm: Jericho • jerichosettlersfarm.com • Paul Mazza Fresh Fruit & Vegetables: Colchester, Essex • paulmazzas.com • Pete’s Greens: Craftsbury • petesgreens.com
OUTSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY
BEST FARMERS MARKET
Hunger Mountain Co-op Co-op shoppers fuel up with natural, healthy dishes fresh from the deli, hot bar or salad bar. Take your ginger-garlic tofu outside, or enjoy river views from the café. (Montpelier • hungermountain.coop)
Other finalists: • Georgia Market Market: Georgia • Facebook • Keeler’s Bay Variety Variety: South Hero • kbvstore.com • Rail City Market Market: St. Albans • Facebook
Burlington Farmers Market
Farmers market Saturdays have been a Burlington tradition since 1980. The summer market, now held on Pine Street, feels like a festival. The winter market at UVM’s Davis Center is a much-needed cold-weather gathering spot. (Burlington • burlingtonfarmersmarket.org)
Other finalists: • Capital City Farmers Market: Montpelier • capitalcityfarmersmarket.com • Northwest Farmers Market: St. Albans • Facebook
• Shelburne Farmers Market: Shelburne • Facebook • Stowe Farmers Market: Stowe • stowefarmersmarket.com • Winooski Farmers Market: Winooski • Facebook
BEST FARMERS MARKET VENDOR
Rookie’s Root Beer
A regular at the Burlington and Shelburne markets, Rookie’s draws crowds with its carbonated concoctions — from ginger beer to orange cream. Or get a classic root-beer float! (Burlington • Facebook)
Other finalists: • • • •
Ardelia Farm & Co.: Irasburg • ardeliafarm.com Does’ Leap: East Fairfield • doesleap.com Half Pint Farm: Burlington • Facebook Sherpa Foods: South Burlington • sherpafoodsusa.com
BEST FOOD TRUCK
Farmers & Foragers
Chef-owners Solomon Bayer-Pacht and Lauren Johnson spin organic local meats and produce into fanciful fare such as pork belly banh mi, perch po’boy, and honey-pepper chicken and biscuits. (vtfarmersandforagers.com)
Other finalists: • 242 Texas BBQ Company: 242texasbbq.com • Baba’s Tacos: Facebook • Pioneer Food Truck & Catering Co.: pioneerfoodvt.com • TRAIL BREAK taps + tacos: trailbreakwrj.com
We are honored to be finalists for: Best Restaurant OCC
Best Eggs Benedict
Best Chef
Best Lunch OCC
Phoebe R. Bright
Best Burger OCC
Best Restaurant Service
Best Steak
Best Breakfast/Brunch OCC
Best Restaurant for Dessert
SEVEN DAYSIES 2019-20
Best Family Restaurant OCC
10 Untitled-12 1
7/10/19 3:54 PM
FOOD
FIND US ON
FACEBOOK FOLLOW US AT
LEONARDOS__PIZZA FOLLOW US AT
@LEONARDOSPIZZA
Thanks for your votes! Best Bar | Best Cocktails | Best Trivia
1160 Williston Road 802 951 9000 83 Pearl Street 802 862 7700 LUNCH | DINNER | SUNDAY BRUNCH | EVENTS & WEDDINGS
www.leonardosonline.com ORDER ONLINE / USE OUR APP delivery / carry out Untitled-13 1
waterworksvt.com | 802.497.3525 Located in the Champlain Mill, Winooski — 1 mile from Downtown Burlington! 7/5/18 4:53 PM
D4t-waterworks19.indd 1
7/9/19 3:33 PM
LOCALS PICK THE BEST OF VERMONT SEVENDAYSVT.COM/DAYSIES
11 Untitled-3 1
7/24/19 3:06 PM
FOOD BEST BREAD BAKERY
August First Bakery
COURTESY OF INTERVALE COMMUNITY FARM
Phil Merrick and Jodi Whalen opened shop on August 1, 2009, with the goal of nourishing their community. From seven grain to seeded baguette to country French sourdough, these European-style loaves are baked with love. (Burlington • augustfirstvt.com)
Other finalists: • Great Harvest Bread Co.: Burlington • greatharvestburlington.com • Klinger’s Bread Company: South Burlington • klingersbread.com • Knead Bakery: Burlington • kneadvt.com • O Bread Bakery: Shelburne • obread.com
OUTSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY
Red Hen Baking Co.
Nibble a flaky croissant while watching bakers work, or sit down with soup and a sandwich. Breads and pastries are made with grains sourced from within 150 miles of the bakery. (Middlesex • redhenbaking.com)
Other finalists: • Elmore Mountain Bread: Elmore • elmoremountainbread.com • Red House Sweets: St. Albans • redhousesweetsvt.com • Rupert Rising Breads: West Rupert • Facebook • Slowfire Bakery: Cambridge • Facebook
BEST SWEETS BAKERY
Mirabelles Café
Homemade pastries, pies, cookies and cakes distinguish this bakery and café, also serving breakfast and lunch. The croissants are truly French style; the flourless chocolate cakes, to die for. (Burlington • mirabellescafe.com)
Other finalists: • Matryoshka’s Bakery: Williston • matryoshkasbakery.com • Monarch & the Milkweed: Burlington • monarchandthemilkweed.com • Sweet Babu: Winooski • sweetbabuvt.com • Sweet Simone’s: Richmond • sweetsimones.com
OUTSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY
SEVEN DAYSIES 2019-20
Eastman’s Bakery
12
BEST MEXICAN RESTAURANT
El Cortijo Taqueria
Now with locations in Burlington and Winooski, the Farmhouse Group taqueria keeps things fresh and fun with tacos, burritos and killer margaritas. (Burlington, Winooski • cortijovt.com)
Other finalists: • Agave Taco and Tequila Casa: Williston • agavevt.com • El Gato Cantina: Burlington, Essex Junction • elgatocantina.com • The Mad Taco: Essex, Montpelier, Waitsfield • themadtaco.com • Taco Gordo: Burlington • tacogordovt.com
OUTSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY
Tres Amigos
The Mexican fare includes hibiscus-glazed chicken and ancho-rubbed steak, along with enchiladas and tacos. Find dozens of tequilas at the bar — and bands on the Rusty Nail Stage several nights a week. (Stowe • tresamigosvt.com)
Other finalists: • • • •
El Toro: Morrisville • Facebook Julio’s Cantina: Montpelier • julioscantina.com La Casa Bar & Grill: St. Albans • lacasavt.com TRAIL BREAK taps + tacos: White River Junction • trailbreakwrj.com
BEST FOOD CART
Customers follow the bakery on social media for news of its cupcake flavor of the week — will it be vanilla chai or strawberry tiramisu?! Other sweet treats here include cinnamon rolls, cake pops and candy-colored macarons. (Fairfax • Facebook)
Shy Guy Gelato
Other finalists:
Other finalists:
• Birchgrove Baking: Montpelier • birchgrovebaking.com • Bohemian Bakery: Montpelier • bohemianbakeryvt.com • Evelyne’s on Center: St. Albans • Facebook • Red House Sweets: St. Albans • redhousesweetsvt.com
• • • •
At a popular South End storefront and Church Street cart, gelato makers dish out delicious flavors, from maple bacon to matcha mint. (shyguygelato.com) The Broccoli Bar: pingalacafe.com Maudite Poutine: vermontpoutine.com The Skinny Pancake: skinnypancake.com South End Sliders: southendsliders.com
BEST CSA*
Intervale Community Farm CSA stands for “Community Supported Awesome,” right? If you’re talking about the Intervale Community Farm’s CSA, it sure does. The oldest and largest farm in Burlington’s Intervale has been filling the produce drawers of its member-owners for 30 years. With shares available in both winter and summer — and three summer share sizes to fit a variety of households, diets and budgets — this CSA supplies fresh, local, certified-organic produce 12 months of the year. Pickup nights on the farm provide a great excuse to hang out in one of Burlington’s most beautiful locales and lean into the “community” part of CSA. You’ll even have a chance to get your hands dirty: Crops such as berries, cherry tomatoes, herbs and cut flowers are pick-your-own during the high summer months. Hot tip: Sign up early, because shares usually sell out. Burlington • intervalecommunityfarm.com
BEST CHINESE RESTAURANT
BEST THAI RESTAURANT
A Single Pebble
Tiny Thai Restaurant
Other finalists:
Other finalists:
• Eastern Dragon: St. Albans • easterndragonvt.com • Joyce’s Noodle House: Essex Junction • Facebook • Mandarin: Winooski • mandarinvt.com • Silver Palace: South Burlington • silverpalaceofvt.com
• East West Café: Burlington • eastwestcafeburlington.com • Royal Orchid Thai Restaurant: Montpelier • royalorchidthaivt.com • Thai House Restaurant: St. Albans • Facebook • Wilaiwan’s Kitchen: Montpelier • Facebook
There’s no sign of General Tso in this authentic Asian eatery. Chef-owner Chiuho Duval’s tasting menu is the best deal in town. (Burlington • asinglepebble.com)
Tom kha, satay, stir-fries and curries take their cues from food carts and family tables across Thailand. Ask for the authentic Thai menu. (Winooski • tinythairestaurant.net)
FOOD
THANKS FOR THE VOTES!
Fresh, Affordable, Authentic Thai Food!
Take Out • BYOB • For a full menu visit: tinythairestaurant.net 24 Main Street, Downtown Winooski, 655-4888 M-F 11:30am-2:30pm / 4:30-9:30pm / Sa-Su 11:30am-9:30pm Untitled-8 1
6/20/19 12:38 PM
DQ13-tinythai.indd 1
7/29/13 4:02 PM
LOCALS PICK THE BEST OF VERMONT SEVENDAYSVT.COM/DAYSIES
13 Untitled-59 1
7/10/19 10:14 AM
FOOD BEST VIETNAMESE RESTAURANT
Pho Hong
Lan Hong opened Pho Hong in a former bus station in the Old North End more than a decade ago. Sit by floor-to-ceiling windows and dig into a menu of curries, noodle soups and Thai offerings. (Burlington • Facebook)
Other finalists: • Pho Dang Vietnamese Café: Winooski • Facebook • Pho Dang Vietnamese Restaurant: Essex Junction • Facebook • Pho K&K: Williston • Facebook • Viet Thai: Essex • vietthaiessex.com
BEST NEPALI RESTAURANT*
Sherpa Kitchen Restaurant
Visitors slide into booths for classic Himalayan momos, curries, thali platters and stews, best enjoyed with a mango lassi. (Burlington • sherpakitchenrestaurant.com)
Other finalists:
Untitled-27 1
7/19/17 10:45 AM
A BURLINGTON LANDMARK
since 1980, serving you with the panache of Paris and the value of Vermont, right in the center of town.
Local food prepared and served with style Gluten-free and vegetarian options Burlington’s best wine list & creative cocktails Patio seating in the Church Street Marketplace The most congenial and professional staff in Vermont Live jazz with dinner Sunday brunch; lunch and dinner served daily
•
SEVEN DAYSIES 2019-20
• •
•
•
•
• Everest Indian-Nepali Restaurant: South Burlington • Facebook • Friend’s Nepali Restaurant: Winooski • Facebook • Nepali Kitchen: Essex Junction • nepalikitchenvt.com • Riverbend Market: Morrisville • Facebook
BEST ITALIAN RESTAURANT
Trattoria Delia
A romantic, firelit grotto setting and awardwinning wine list are hallmarks of “the Tratt.” Try the housemade pasta or wood-grilled Vermont rabbit. (Burlington • trattoriadelia.com)
Other finalists: • Mimmo’s Pizzeria & Restaurant: Essex, St. Albans • mimmositalian.com • Papa Frank’s Italian Restaurant: Winooski • papa-franks.com • Pascolo Ristorante: Burlington • pascolovt.com • Sarducci’s Restaurant & Bar: Montpelier • sarduccis.com
BEST VEGETARIAN FARE
Honey Road
Many of the tastiest options at this Middle Eastern restaurant are vegetarian, including new takes on kale and king oyster mushrooms. When Vermont’s harvest is in full force, chef Cara Chigazola Tobin expands the meat-free options to highlight local produce. (Burlington • honeyroadrestaurant.com)
Other finalists:
CHURCH & COLLEGE • BURLINGTON 863-3759 • www.leunigsbistro.com
14 Untitled-60 1
6/5/19 1:15 PM
• Knead Bakery: Burlington • kneadvt.com • Pingala Café: Burlington • pingalacafe.com • Revolution Kitchen: Burlington • revolutionkitchen.com • Zabby & Elf’s Stone Soup: Burlington • stonesoupvt.com
BEST GLUTEN-FREE MENU OPTIONS*
Revolution Kitchen
Burlington’s first all-vegetarian restaurant prepares international cuisine with fresh, local and organic ingredients. Dishes such as warm chickpea salad and mushroom risotto are diligently marked “GF” on the menu. (Burlington • revolutionkitchen.com)
Other finalists: • • • •
Drifter’s: Burlington • driftersvt.com Jules on the Green: Essex • julesvt.com The Scale: Williston • thescalevt.com Sweet Alchemy Bakery and Café: Essex Junction • Facebook
BEST PLACE TO GET A CBD EDIBLE
Monarch & the Milkweed
The restaurant and pastry stop crafts Milkweed-branded CBD sweets and treats. Truffles come in flavors such as Whistling Piglet (butterscotch and WhistlePig Farmstock Rye) and the s’mores-inspired Tonka Puff. (Burlington • monarchandthemilkweed.com)
Other finalists: • BTVLocal420: South Burlington • btvlocal420.com • Ceres Natural Remedies: Brattleboro, Burlington, Middlebury • ceresremedies.com • City Market, Onion River Co-op: Burlington • citymarket.coop
BEST BARBECUE
Bluebird Barbecue
Diners “meat here” for smoked brisket, pulled pork, ribs and 24 beers on tap. The Food Network has named Bluebird one of the 45 top barbecue spots in the country. (Burlington • bluebirdbbq.com)
Other finalists: • 242 Texas BBQ Company: Montgomery Center • 242texasbbq.com • Mark BBQ: Essex Junction • Facebook • Mill River Brewing BBQ & Smokehouse: St. Albans • millriverbrewing.com • Still Smok’n VT BBQ: Essex Junction • Facebook
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.” (Winooski • ourhousebistro.com)
Other finalists: • Bluebird Barbecue: Burlington • bluebirdbbq.com • Drifter’s: Burlington • driftersvt.com • The Farmhouse Tap & Grill: Burlington • farmhousetg.com • Mill River Brewing BBQ & Smokehouse: St. Albans • millriverbrewing.com
FOOD
local, fresh, original
JEB WALLACE-BRODEUR
since 1978
BEST OUTDOOR DINING
862.6585 | 1076 Williston Road, South Burlington www.windjammerrestaurant.com
OUTSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY
Idletyme Brewing Co.
Untitled-12 1
7/5/18 4:51 PM
BEST AUTHENTIC
A good beer is a good beer, no matter where you drink it. But sometimes, special surroundings elevate a brew to greatness. Will Gilson, brewmaster at Stowe’s Idletyme Brewing Co., concocts some damn good beer. But his ace in the hole is the brewpub’s remarkable backyard. Something magical happens when you grab a crisp Helles Brook Lager or juicy Idletyme double IPA from the outdoor Treehouse Bar and then camp out in the biergarten, lounge on the patio with some upscale pub grub, or get in a few rounds of cornhole on the spacious lawn. Bonus: It’s just steps from the Stowe Recreation Path. So, the next time you’re out for a jog or bike ride and need a quick break — or a long one — just look for the arrow that reads: “You know you want a beer.”
MEXICAN FOOD IN VT STREET TACOS • POZOLE TAMALES • CHILE RELLENOS
BEST EGGS BENEDICT
BEST BREAKFAST SANDWICH
Sneakers Bistro
Kountry Kart Deli
Folks have frequented the Onion City’s retro café for more than 35 years. The weekend brunch, with its three styles of Benedict, is legendary. (Winooski • sneakersbistro.com)
Whether you choose a Shiner, a Morning Riser or one of the 21 variations thereof, chowing down on these greasy treats is a Burlington rite of passage. (Burlington • kountrykartdeli.com)
Other finalists:
Other finalists:
• Blue Paddle Bistro: South Hero • bluepaddlebistro.com • Chef’s Corner Café & Bakery: Williston • chefscornervermont.com • The Guilty Plate Diner: Colchester • Facebook • Leunig’s Bistro & Café: Burlington • leunigsbistro.com • Rustic Roots: Shelburne • rusticrootsvt.com
• City Market, Onion River Co-op: Burlington • citymarket.coop • Henry Street Deli: Burlington • Facebook • Knead Bakery: Burlington • kneadvt.com • Willow’s Bagels: Burlington • willowsbagels.com
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 ElGatoCantina.com | info@elgatocantina.com D4t-elgato16.indd 1
LOCALS PICK THE BEST OF VERMONT SEVENDAYSVT.COM/DAYSIES
Stowe • idletymebrewing.com
15 7/26/17 10:24 AM
FOOD BEST BAGEL
Myer’s Bagels
The Scale
373 Blair Park Rd #101 Williston Online Ordering @ TheScaleVT.com
Poke Bowls Untitled-1 1
Açaí Bowls
Finalists for Best Lunch & Best GlutenFree Menu
Local Beer, Cider & Wine
Catering 7/3/19 9:42 AM
Romance on the Rails of Vermont
Enjoy a one-of-a-kind dining experience on the Champlain Valley Dinner Train! Savor a
three course meal and signature drinks as you take a relaxing round-trip train ride through the Champlain Valley. For a special date night try Lounge 91, a journey in a vintage lounge car with live music and craft cocktails, or one of our Murder Mystery dinner trains where you’ll enjoy interactive comedy as you figure out “whodunnit”. Departs Burlington Union Station Friday and Saturday evenings through October. For information and reservations visit:
trainridesvt.com Untitled-22 1
Founder Lloyd Squires learned his craft at Montréal’s famed St-Viateur Bagel. The wood-fired oven has been turning out hundreds of hand-rolled bagels daily since 1996. (Burlington • myersbagels.com)
Other finalists: • The Bagel Place: South Burlington • thebagelplacevt.com • Burlington Bagel Bakery: Burlington, South Burlington • burlingtonbagelbakery.com • Feldman’s Bagels: Burlington, Shelburne, St. Albans • feldmans-bagels.com • Willow’s Bagels: Burlington • willowsbagels.com
OUTSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY
Wally’s Place
Named for longtime South Hero citizen Walter “Wally” Niebling, this café brings the community together over bagels. Fifteen signature flavors range from rosemary olive oil to cranberry sunflower. (South Hero • wallysplacevt.com)
Other finalists: • K.C.’s Bagel Café: Waterbury • kcsbagelcafe.com • Maria’s Bagels: Barre • mariasbagels.com • Middlebury Bagel & Deli: Middlebury • Facebook • Red House Sweets: St. Albans • redhousesweetsvt.com
BEST PIZZA (RESTAURANT)
Pizzeria Verità
Co-owner John Rao spent years perfecting the Neapolitan-style preparation of his paper-thin pies, which come topped with San Marzano tomatoes and housemade fior di latte. (Burlington • pizzeriaverita.com)
Other finalists: 7/11/19 1:08 PM
We think you’re the best, too! Thanks VT for your Best Comfort Food votes. You are the reason we do what we do!
• American Flatbread: Burlington, Middlebury, Waitsfield • americanflatbread.com • Folino’s: Burlington, Shelburne • folinopizza.com • Ramunto’s Brick Oven Pizza: Bennington, Brandon, Brattleboro, Chester, Quechee, Rutland, Williston • ramuntos.com • Vermont Tap House: Williston • vermonttaphouse.com
OUTSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY
SEVEN DAYSIES 2019-20
Piecasso Pizzeria & Lounge
16
Owner Eduardo Rovetto’s parents came from Sicily and taught him well. Choose from handtossed, thin-crust pizzas with traditional and creative toppings. (Stowe • piecasso.com)
36 Main Street, Winooski • 802-497-1884 • www.ourhousebistro.com 15 Bridge Street, Plattsburgh, NY • 518-324-0077 D6h-ourhouse18.indd 1
7/13/18 10:49 AM
BEST PIZZA (DELIVERY)
Leonardo’s
Think beyond basic cheese and pepperoni. Pies such as the LA Meets Brussels and Goat Cheese Honey are available on white, whole-wheat or gluten-free crusts. (Burlington, South Burlington • leonardosonline.com)
Other finalists: • Ramunto’s Brick Oven Pizza: Bennington, Brandon, Brattleboro, Chester, Quechee, Rutland, Williston • ramuntos.com • Three Brothers Pizza & Grill: Colchester • threebrotherspizzavt.com • Vespa’s Pizza, Pasta & Deli: Essex Junction • vespaspizza.com • Zachary’s Pizza: Colchester, Milton, South Burlington, Waterbury • zacharyspizzavt.com, zacharyspizzavermont.com
OUTSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY
Positive Pie
The Montpelier and Barre branches of this pizzeria deliver hand-tossed pies to clearly appreciative central Vermonters. Go ahead, order the Old School Supreme. (Barre, Montpelier • positivepie.com)
Other finalists: • Jimmz Pizza: Waterbury Center • jimmzpizza.com • Piecasso Pizzeria & Lounge: Stowe • piecasso.com
BEST BURGER
The Farmhouse Tap & Grill
The Farmhouse Group’s award-winning gastropub offers six local burgers, from the American Flexitarian (a 100 percent plant-based patty) to the Baller Burger, with local beef, foie gras and black truffle aioli. (Burlington • farmhousetg.com)
Other finalists: • • • •
Archie’s Grill: Shelburne • archiesgrill.com ArtsRiot: Burlington • artsriot.com Grazers: St. Albans, Williston • grazersvt.com The Shopping Bag: Burlington • shoppingbagvt.com
OUTSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY
Worthy Burger
Burgers of all kinds are flame-kissed on a wood-fired grill — top ’em with bacon, cheese or kimchi. Hopheads trek from afar for the craft beers on draft. (South Royalton, Waitsfield • worthyvermont.com)
Other finalists: • Blue Paddle Bistro: South Hero • bluepaddlebistro.com • Burger Barn: Jeffersonville • Facebook • Doc Ponds: Stowe • docponds.com
Other finalists:
BEST STEAK
• Pie in the Sky: St. Albans • pieintheskystalbans.com • Positive Pie: Hardwick, Montpelier, Plainfield • positivepie.com • Stone’s Throw Pizza: Fairfax • stonesthrowpizzavt.com • Tim’s Place: St. Albans • timsplacevt.com
Guild Tavern
Guild’s wood-fired grill cooks Vermont-raised dry-aged steaks and other local meats. Don’t miss housemade sauces such as blue cheese butter and horseradish crème fraîche. (South Burlington • guildtavern.com)
• Blue Paddle Bistro: South Hero • bluepaddlebistro.com • EB Strong’s Prime Steakhouse: Burlington • ebstrongs.com • Hen of the Wood: Burlington, Waterbury • henofthewood.com • The Windjammer: South Burlington • 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 so they’re hot, fresh and flavorful. (South Burlington • alsfrenchfrys.com)
Other finalists: • Beansie’s Bus: Burlington • beansies.com • The Farmhouse Tap & Grill: Burlington • farmhousetg.com • Leunig’s Bistro & Café: Burlington • leunigsbistro.com • Mule Bar: Winooski • mulebarvt.com
BEST WINGS
Wings Over Burlington Late-night hours and delivery options make this wings place soar. The chicken comes in 25 flavors, from Wimpy to Red Alert. (Burlington • wingsover.com)
Other finalists: • Honey Road: Burlington • honeyroadrestaurant.com • Jericho Café & Tavern: Jericho • jerichocafeandtavern.com • Mill River Brewing BBQ & Smokehouse: St. Albans • millriverbrewing.com • The Tavern at the Essex Culinary Resort & Spa: Essex • essexresort.com
BEST SANDWICHES
Martone’s Market & Café
Other finalists: • Big Apple Deli: Colchester • bigappledelivt.com • City Market, Onion River Co-op: Burlington • citymarket.coop • Four Corners of the Earth: Burlington • fourcornersdeli.com • The Red Onion: Burlington • redonioncafe.org
OUTSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY
Noonie’s Deli
In Middlebury’s historic Marble Works district, Noonie’s serves some of the best and biggest sandwiches around. All of the stackers are made with house-baked bread. (Middlebury • nooniesdeli.com)
Other finalists: • Morse Block Deli & Taps: Barre • morseblockdeli.com • Soulfully Good Café: Woodstock • soulfullygood.com • Tatro’s Gourmet Soup & Sandwich: St. Albans • Facebook
Asiana House
From Rainbow Maki to Red Sox Maki, this fusion-style Japanese restaurant is known for its creative, expertly rolled combinations. (Burlington, Montpelier • asianahouse.com)
Other finalists: • Asiana Noodle Shop: Burlington • asiananoodle.com • Hana Japanese Restaurant: South Burlington • hanavermont.com • Koto Japanese Steak House: South Burlington • kotovt.com • Shinjuku Station: Burlington • shinjukustationvt.com
BEST DUMPLINGS
Hong’s Chinese Dumplings
After 17 years of running a Daysies-winning food cart on the Church Street Marketplace, Hong Yu opened a restaurant in 2017. Her signature dumplings are still a hit. (Burlington • hongsdumplings.com)
VODKA GIN RUM BOURBON RYE
THANKS FOR THE LOVE!
JEFFERSONVILLE BURLINGTON | WATERBURY
smugglersnotchdistillery.com
Please enjoy responsibly.
D6h-smugglersnotchdistillery19.indd 1
7/16/19 2:05 PM
THANKS TO EVERYONE FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
Other finalists: • A Single Pebble: Burlington • asinglepebble.com • Mandarin: Winooski • mandarinvt.com • Sherpa Foods: South Burlington • sherpafoodsusa.com • Sherpa Kitchen Restaurant: Burlington • sherpakitchenrestaurant.com
BEST NACHOS
El Cortijo Taqueria
The Farmhouse Group’s hip taqueria tops its signature nachos with queso fundido, black beans, salsa taquera, olives, scallions, jalapeños, sour cream and cilantro. (Burlington, Winooski • cortijovt.com)
Locally owned & operated for over 27 years! www.KissTheCook.net 72 Church Street • Burlington, VT • 863-4226 16 Merchants Row • Middlebury, VT • 349-8803
Other finalists: • El Gato Cantina: Burlington, Essex Junction • elgatocantina.com • TRAIL BREAK taps + tacos: White River Junction • trailbreakwrj.com • Upper Deck Pub: South Burlington • windjammerrestaurant.com • Waterworks Food + Drink: Winooski • waterworksvt.com
D6H-kissthecook19.indd 1
7/3/19 10:45 AM
BEST DOUGHNUTS
Cold Hollow Cider Mill
With prime placement on Route 100, Cold Hollow 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 best. (Waterbury Center • coldhollow.com)
Other finalists: • Madeleine’s Bakery: Milton • madeleinesbakery.com • Miss Weinerz: Burlington • missweinerz.com • North Country Cakes: Morrisville • northcountrycakes.com • Quality Bake Shop: Essex Junction • Facebook
LOCALS PICK THE BEST OF VERMONT SEVENDAYSVT.COM/DAYSIES
The Essex Junction deli and market is popular for its high-piled sandwiches. The Vermonter — maple turkey, ham, cheddar and honey mustard on homemade bread — is a local favorite. (Essex Junction • martonesmarket.com)
BEST SUSHI
FOOD
Other finalists:
A TOP TEN US CRAFT VODKA DISTILLERY
17 Untitled-15 1
7/11/19 11:12 AM
FOOD BEST TACO
The Mad Taco
Customers go mad for these tacos filled with local, farm-fresh ingredients — now available at three locations. Don’t miss the legendary homemade hot sauces. (Essex, Montpelier, Waitsfield • themadtaco.com)
Other finalists:
M
ak in
r g mo e t t rnings be for 29 years
198 Main, Burlington | mirabellescafe.com Untitled-20 1
7/11/19 1:05 PM
No ramen,just bbq.
Real bbq.
• Baba’s Tacos: Hinesburg • Facebook • El Cortijo Taqueria: Burlington, Winooski • cortijovt.com • El Gato Cantina: Burlington, Essex Junction • elgatocantina.com • Taco Gordo: Burlington • tacogordovt.com
OUTSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY
La Casa Bar & Grill
For fresh south-of-the-border fare, Vermonters can head north — to St. Albans. Get soft or hard tacos filled with veggies, chicken, beef, steak or pork. They’re $2 on Tuesdays. (St. Albans • lacasavt.com)
Other finalists: • Caja Madera: Hardwick • Facebook • Green Mtn Grill Billies: Jeffersonville • Facebook • Mill River Brewing BBQ & Smokehouse: St. Albans • millriverbrewing.com • TRAIL BREAK taps + tacos: White River Junction • trailbreakwrj.com
BEST CREEMEE
Burlington Bay Market & Café
The 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 patio can’t be beat. (Burlington • burlingtonbaycafe.com)
Other finalists: • Al’s French Frys: South Burlington • alsfrenchfrys.com • Palmer Lane Maple: Jericho • palmerlanemaple.mybigcommerce.com • Papa Nick’s Restaurant & Pizza: Hinesburg • papanicksvt.com • The Village Scoop: Colchester • Facebook
OUTSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY
Vermont Cookie Love
SEVEN DAYSIES 2019-20
The sweet-toothed swing by the “Love Shack” year-round for freshly baked cookies, but in summer the greater attraction is smooth, thick creemees made from Vermont dairy. (North Ferrisburgh • vermontcookielove.com)
Other finalists:
Smokin' for lunch and dinner, 7 days a week. 7 Fayette Drive, South Burlington, Vermont (off of Rt. 7/Shelburne rd, behind McDonald’s)
Smokeysvt.com • 802-497-3819
18 4T-smokeys070319.indd 1
6/27/19 3:57 PM
• Bragg Farm Sugarhouse & Gift Shop: East Montpelier • braggfarm.com • Canteen Creemee Company: Waitsfield • canteencreemee.com • Dairy Creme: Montpelier • dairycreme.com • Goodies Snack Bar: Vergennes
BEST HOUSEMADE ICE CREAM
Island Homemade Ice Cream
Based in Grand Isle, this small-batch biz creates classic flavors such as French vanilla as well as quirkier ones like maple bacon and mojito sorbet. (Grand Isle • islandhomemadeicecream.com)
Other finalists: • Lake Champlain Chocolates: Burlington, Waterbury Center • lakechamplainchocolates.com • Lu•lu: Vergennes • luluvt.com • The Scoop: Shelburne • thescoopvt.com • Scout & Co.: Burlington, Winooski • scoutandcompanyvt.com
BEST GELATO
Shy Guy Gelato
Crafted by a gelato maker who perfected his technique in Italy, these Sicilian-style scoops come in flavors such as fior di latte, honey-sea-salt-Toblerone and lemon-thyme. (Burlington • shyguygelato.com)
Other finalists: • Chill Vermont Gelato: Montpelier • chillvermontgelato.comcastbiz.net • Gusto Gelato: Shelburne • gustogelatovt.com • Leonardo’s Italian Gelato & Sorbet: Barre • Facebook • Quarry Hill Farm: Jeffersonville • quarryhillfarmmaple.com
BEST VERMONT CHEESE BRAND
Cabot Creamery
The prolific cheesemaker took home 12 awards from the U.S. Championship Cheese Contest in 2019 alone. Try the clothbound cheddar or one flavored with Buffalo wing sauce. (Cabot, Quechee, Waterbury Center • cabotcheese.coop)
Other finalists: • Grafton Village Cheese: Brattleboro, Grafton • graftonvillagecheese.com • Jasper Hill Farm: Greensboro • jasperhillfarm.com • Shelburne Farms: Shelburne • shelburnefarms.org • Vermont Creamery: Websterville • vermontcreamery.com
BEST COOKING CLASS*
Baking School at King Arthur Flour
Head to the flour company’s flagship campus for delicious lessons in baking. World-class instructors will school you on everything from mastering French pastries to discovering the magic of wild yeast. (Norwich • kingarthurflour.com)
Other finalists: • City Market, Onion River Co-op: Burlington • citymarket.coop • Cook Academy at the Essex Culinary Resort & Spa: Essex • essexresort.com • Inn at Baldwin Creek: Bristol • baldwincreek.net • Mark BBQ: Essex Junction • Facebook • Richmond Community Kitchen: Richmond • richmondcommunitykitchen.com
FOOD
The Taps are here! Celebrating local farmers and brewers, with 36 brews on tap, craft cocktails, and a menu featuring wood-fired pizzas, small plates, salads and sandwiches – made with the freshest ingredients available. Come in today!
Trivia
OLIVER PARINI
Every Monday 7-9pm!
BEST GLOBAL-FOODS MARKET*
Thai Phat A slightly sweet, exotic scent greets customers of Thai Phat — Burlington’s “oriental food market,” as the sign over the door proclaims. The source? Tiny mangoes, spices such as star anise and cardamom pods, huge sacks of rice. When it opened in the mid-1990s, Thai Phat was the first Asian food market in the area, catering largely to the Vietnamese community. Gradually, America’s expanded global palate has brought locals of all backgrounds to the warren of aisles overflowing with a continent’s worth of ingredients — from long beans to banana blossoms and frozen dumplings to whole fresh fish.
22 Merchant Row • Williston 802-879-7060 • VermontTapHouse.com 4T-VTTapHouse022719.indd 1
2/25/19 1:06 PM
Burlington • Facebook
ArtsRiot Truck Stop
Get Malaysian street food, southern barbecue, wood-fired pizza or a frosty local beer — all in one parking lot. The lively block parties also feature free music on the ArtsRiot stage. (Burlington • artsriot.com)
Celebrating our 30th year in business!
Other finalists: • Burlington Farmers Market: Burlington • burlingtonfarmersmarket.org • Burlington Wine & Food: Burlington • burlingtonwineandfood.com • Vermont Cheesemakers Festival: Shelburne • vtcheesefest.com • Vermont Fresh Network Annual Forum: Shelburne • vermontfresh.net • Vermont Restaurant Week: statewide • vermontrestaurantweek.com
Thanks for your support and Daysies votes! Finalist-Best place to get late night food Best breakfast sandwich Best place to get late-night food 2010-2018 Best breakfast sandwich 2014-2018
155 Main St., Burlington | kountrykartdeli.com 802-864-4408 | Fax Orders 802-864-4488 | Catering 802-863-0204
LOCALS PICK THE BEST OF VERMONT SEVENDAYSVT.COM/DAYSIES
Serving Burlington one sandwich at a time since 1989.
BEST FOOD/DRINK EVENT
19 D4T-KKD19.indd 1
7/24/19 10:36 AM
SEVEN DAYSIES 2019-20
DRINK
JEFF DREW
Something exciting has been bubbling up on Burlington’s Pine Street: The early 20th-century bottling plant for Venetian Ginger Ale, dubbed the Soda Plant, was reinvented this year as the home of more than 25 small businesses, a fraction of them fittingly beverage-related. “I feel very strongly that those buildings should be supporting innovation and entrepreneurship,” owner Steve Conant told Seven Days before the March grand opening. And now they are. Many of the Soda Plant’s new tenants earned * = New category in 2019
20
Daysies nods, including winner Tomgirl Juice Co. and finalists Brio Coffeeworks and Shacksbury Cider. Cheers to new beginnings! Speaking of, in late June, Montpelier toasted Caledonia Spirits. The four-time Daysies winner expanded from Hardwick into a nearly 30,000-square-foot, $10 million distillery and bar, bringing 50 well-paying jobs to the city, according to the Barre-Montpelier Times Argus. It’s an appropriately sweet move by the distillery best known for its use of raw honey. And let’s not forget another
innovation in Vermont’s drinking scene this year: sheep. More specifically, sheep grazing at Shelburne Vineyard. Inspired by New Zealand wine-growing practices, the partnership with Charlotte’s Greylaine Farm and University of Vermont researchers aims to improve soil health. Said winemaker Ethan Joseph: “This is a good example of how two different agricultural businesses can come together.” We’ll raise a glass to that.
BEST CRAFT BREWERY Since RateBeer first voted Shaun Hill’s 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. (Greensboro Bend • hillfarmstead.com)
Other finalists:
Edward (Hill Farmstead Brewery) The widest available release in Hill Farmstead’s Ancestral Series, Edward is an award-winning American pale ale crafted with water from the namesake’s own well. (Greensboro Bend • hillfarmstead.com)
Other finalists: • Fiddlehead IPA (Fiddlehead Brewing Company): Shelburne • fiddleheadbrewing.com • Heady Topper (the Alchemist): Stowe • alchemistbeer.com • Sip of Sunshine IPA (Lawson’s Finest Liquids): Waitsfield • lawsonsfinest.com • Switchback Ale (Switchback Brewing Company): Burlington • switchbackvt.com
Untitled-16 1
7/11/19 11:29 AM
Untitled-17 1
7/15/19 10:38 AM
JEB WALLACE-BRODEUR
• 14th Star Brewing Co.: St. Albans • 14thstarbrewing.com • Burlington Beer Company: Williston • burlingtonbeercompany.com • Foam Brewers: Burlington • foambrewers.com • Zero Gravity Craft Brewery: Burlington • zerogravitybeer.com
DRINK
Hill Farmstead Brewery
BEST BEER FROM A LOCAL BREWERY
BEST COFFEE ROASTER BEST COFFEE SHOP LOCALS PICK THE BEST OF VERMONT SEVENDAYSVT.COM/DAYSIES
OUTSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY
Vermont Artisan Coffee & Tea Co. Order an espresso or a drip coffee to go at the roaster’s Waterbury Center coffee bar, and you’ll start your day satisfied and energized, no question. But to have your caffeine-lovin’ mind blown, and to buy more time to chat with the café’s affable baristas, opt for one of the artisanal specials. The Iced Maple Mazza, for example, is made from espresso, maple syrup, lemon and mint, shaken with ice and poured over sparkling water in a Belgian beer glass. Thirsty for more? Peek through the windows into the roastery, tour the facilities or enroll in a course at the School of Coffee. Alternatively, should you prefer DIY coffee, grab a bag of beans in store or online. Blends range from Artisan Dark to Mayan Decaf to a Colombian variety aged in WhistlePig whiskey barrels, for the daring. Waterbury Center • vtartisan.com
21
DRINK BEST BREWPUB
Prohibition Pig
Barbecue and comfort food meet one of New England’s largest craft beer selections at the restaurant and adjacent brewery tasting room. Drafts include Sugarshack Brown and Toasted Coconut Porter. (Waterbury • prohibitionpig.com)
Other finalists: • 14th Star Brewing Co./Grazers: St. Albans • 14thstarbrewing.com • Mill River Brewing BBQ & Smokehouse: St. Albans • millriverbrewing.com • Vermont Pub & Brewery: Burlington • vermontbrewery.com • Zero Gravity Craft Brewery/American Flatbread Burlington Hearth: Burlington • zerogravitybeer.com
BEST DRAFT BEER LIST
JAMES BUCK
The Farmhouse Tap & Grill
You’d never guess this hot-spot gastropub used to be a McDonald’s. Farm-to-table comforts and rare brews from Vermont and beyond draw daily crowds. (Burlington • farmhousetg.com)
Other finalists: • The Archives: Burlington • thearchivesbar.com • Manhattan Pizza & Pub: Burlington • manhattanpizzaandpubvt.com • McGillicuddy’s: Colchester, Essex Junction, Williston • mcgillicuddysonthegreen.com, mcgillicuddysirishalehouse.com, mcgillicuddysfivecorners.com, • Mule Bar: Winooski • mulebarvt.com • Vermont Tap House: Williston • vermonttaphouse.com
OUTSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY
Three Penny Taproom
Twenty-three taps ensure there’s a craft brew for every palate. Sip one between bites of imaginative pub fare — think soba noodle salads and falafel wraps. (Montpelier • threepennytaproom.com)
Other finalists: • The Blackback Pub: Waterbury • theblackbackpub.com • TRAIL BREAK taps + tacos: White River Junction • trailbreakwrj.com
BEST CRAFT BREW SELECTION
SEVEN DAYSIES 2019-20
Beverage Warehouse
22
Vermont’s largest craft beer, wine and liquor store goes above and beyond to keep its 13,000plus Facebook fans in the loop on beer deliveries and free tastings. There’s a growler bar, too! (Winooski • beveragewarehousevt.com)
Other finalists: • 802 bws: Burlington • 802bws.com • City Market, Onion River Co-op: Burlington • citymarket.coop • Craft Beer Cellar: Waterbury • waterbury. craftbeercellar.com • Pearl Street Beverage: Burlington • pearlstreetbeverage.com • Route 7 Liquor & Deli: Shelburne • rt7liquoranddeli.com
BEST BEER FESTIVAL
BEST WINE LIST
Vermont Brewers Festival
Dedalus Wine Shop, Market & Wine Bar
At a long-standing July festival in Burlington and a newer March one at Killington Resort, beer lovers from near and far raise a tasting glass to the state’s robust brewing scene. (Burlington • vermontbrewers.com)
Other finalists:
Next to its carefully curated wine market, Dedalus’ European-inspired bar and bistro pours more than a dozen wines by the glass. Design your own flight, or let the wine director pour you what she’s loving lately. (Burlington • dedaluswine.com)
Other finalists:
• Brew-Grass Festival: Warren • sugarbush.com • Oktoberfest Vermont: Burlington • oktoberfestvermont.com • SIPtemberfest: Waitsfield • siptemberfest.com • Stowe Brewers Festival: Stowe • stowebrewersfestival.com
• Hen of the Wood: Burlington, Waterbury • henofthewood.com • Honey Road: Burlington • honeyroadrestaurant.com • Trattoria Delia: Burlington • trattoriadelia.com • Windjammer Restaurant: South Burlington • windjammerrestaurant.com
BEST WINERY
BEST WINE SHOP
Shelburne Vineyard
Dedalus Wine Shop, Market & Wine Bar
Winemaker Ethan Joseph constantly pioneers new techniques in the vineyard and the cellar. Sample the fruits of his labor in the airy tasting room, out on the patio or in the loft. (Shelburne • shelburnevineyard.com)
Other finalists: • Boyden Valley Winery & Spirits: Cambridge • boydenvalley.com • La Garagista Farm + Winery: Barnard • lagaragista.com • Lincoln Peak Vineyard: New Haven • lincolnpeakvineyard.com • Snow Farm Vineyard: South Hero • snowfarm.com
For many Burlington oenophiles, Dedalus is the place to buy wine; the purchasing team only stocks bottles it stands behind 100 percent. Select a perfect pairing at the cheese counter. (Burlington • dedaluswine.com)
Other finalists: • Beverage Warehouse: Winooski • beveragewarehousevt.com • Cheese & Wine Traders: South Burlington • cheeseandwinetraders.com • Cork Wine Bar & Market: Stowe • corkvt.com • Village Wine and Coffee: Shelburne • Facebook
BEST TEAHOUSE
Dobrá Tea
At Dobrá Tea in Burlington, tea isn’t just “that hot drink that offers a mellower buzz than coffee.” It’s a way of life, with its own relics and rituals and new worlds to explore. Part of a group of tearooms that was founded in Prague just after the fall of communism, Dobrá combines old-world ambience with green consciousness: The tea vessels are handmade ceramics; the seats are cushions and rattan chairs; the lighting is atmospheric. And the tea varieties are mind-bending, ranging from smoky Zheng Shan Xiao Zhong (lapsang souchong) to a silvery-coated green tea from China’s Anhui Province to herbal tisanes such as spicy rooibos masala. Whether you’re relaxing over a cold matcha shake and a mezze plate or picking up a pound to brew at home, this is the place to nurture your tea obsession. Burlington • dobrateavt.com
BEST BARTENDER
Citizen Cider
Emily Morton (Deli 126)
A lively tasting room brings cider to the citizens — straight from the tap or mixed into original cocktails. Stay for the tasty bar snacks, or go home with a growler. (Burlington • citizencider.com)
Other finalists: • Eden Specialty Ciders: Newport • edenciders.com • Shacksbury: Burlington, Vergennes • shacksbury.com • Stowe Cider: Stowe • stowecider.com • Woodchuck Hard Cider: Middlebury • woodchuck.com
BEST CIDERY (NONALCOHOLIC)
Cold Hollow Cider Mill
This Waterbury mill is a must-visit on Route 100. It earned the Daysie for best doughnuts, too! Head here to watch the 1920s-era press in action. (Waterbury Center • coldhollow.com)
Other finalists: • All Times Sparkling Cider: Burlington • alltimescider.com • Champlain Orchards: Shoreham • champlainorchards.com
The general manager and bartender of this sleek speakeasy has crafted an enviable cocktail program, highlighting local spirits and those popular during Prohibition. (Burlington • deli126vt.com)
Other finalists: • Maddy McKenna (Drifter’s): Burlington • driftersvt.com • Melissa Jayne (T. Rugg’s Tavern): Burlington • Facebook • Michael Malinowski (Upper Deck Pub): South Burlington • windjammerrestaurant.com • Sevie Cartularo (the Old Post): South Burlington • oldpostvt.com
BEST PICKUP BAR
Three Needs Brewery & Taproom
Caledonia Spirits
BEST DIVE BAR
• Mad River Distillers: Burlington, Waitsfield • madriverdistillers.com • SILO Distillery: Windsor • silodistillery.com • Smugglers’ Notch Distillery: Jeffersonville • smugglersnotchdistillery.com • Stonecutter Spirits: Burlington, Middlebury • stonecutterspirits.com
Waterworks Food + Drink
Sip a Winooski Falls Sangria while enjoying a stellar view of the river. The spacious bar seating accommodates the crowds that pile in for Monday cocktail specials and Tuesday trivia. (Winooski • waterworksvt.com)
Other finalists: • Deli 126: Burlington • deli126vt.com • Last Stop Sports Bar: Winooski • Facebook • Mule Bar: Winooski • mulebarvt.com • The Old Post: South Burlington • oldpostvt.com
The Other Place
The front wall of this friendly neighborhood institution is a garage door that opens up in the summer, blurring the line between saloon and sidewalk and encouraging merrymaking on both sides. (Burlington • Facebook)
Other finalists: • • • • •
Esox: Burlington • Facebook JP’s Pub: Burlington • Facebook Last Stop Sports Bar: Winooski • Facebook Olde Northender Pub: Burlington • Facebook T. Rugg’s Tavern: Burlington • Facebook
BEST SPORTS BAR
McGillicuddy’s
TV sports entertain diners as they nosh on burgers or corned beef and cabbage. Draft beers and top-shelf whiskeys keep ’em happy no matter who’s winning the game. (Colchester, Essex Junction, Williston • mcgillicuddysonthegreen.com, mcgillicuddysirishalehouse.com, mcgillicuddysfivecorners.com,)
SILODISTILLERY.COM AVAILABLE IN ALL STATE LIQUOR STORES. OR, STOP BY OUR DISTILLERY AND TASTING ROOM LOCATED AT:
Other finalists: • • • •
Last Stop Sports Bar: Winooski • Facebook Ruben James: Burlington • rjsburlington.com T. Rugg’s Tavern: Burlington • Facebook Upper Deck Pub: South Burlington • windjammerrestaurant.com
3 ARTISANS WAY WINDSOR, VT 05089 BEST OF YEAR 2016
@SILO_DISTILLERY 94 POINTS
FACEBOOK.COM/SILODISTILLERY
LOCALS PICK THE BEST OF VERMONT SEVENDAYSVT.COM/DAYSIES
BEST BAR
FARM TO BARN TO BOTTLE
Other finalists:
BEST SPIRITS DISTILLER
Other finalists:
LOCALLY SOURCED SPIRITS DISTILLED IN VERMONT
Three Needs is an excellent place for meeting and mingling: Bargoers bond over craft beers, pizza, pool and arcade games. Night owls can stay ’til 2 a.m. (Burlington • Facebook) • Drink: Burlington • Facebook • Last Stop Sports Bar: Winooski • Facebook • Red Square: Burlington • Facebook
In Caledonia Spirits’ brand-new, $10 million distillery and bar, sippers can sample award-winning Barr Hill vodkas and gins, unique for their use of raw honey. (Montpelier • caledoniaspirits.com)
YOU FOR YOUR VOTE K N S! THA
DRINK
BEST HARD CIDERY
23 Untitled-15 1
7/18/19 4:58 PM
DRINK BEST GAY-FRIENDLY BAR
Light Club Lamp Shop
FILE: DARIA BISHOP
An exceptionally decorated vintage lamp lounge pours craft cocktails and fosters both quiet conversations and disco dance parties. Check in throughout the year for LGBTQ events such as the Proud AF Pride Ball. (Burlington • radiobean.com)
Other finalists: • • • •
Drink: Burlington • Facebook Half Lounge: Burlington • halflounge.com Red Square: Burlington • Facebook Vermont Comedy Club: Burlington • vermontcomedyclub.com
BEST PLACE TO DRINK ALONE
The Archives
Drinking solo? You’ll find ample entertainment at Burlington’s downtown arcade, which serves up everything from sour beers to sake to Street Fighter II. (Burlington • thearchivesbar.com)
Other finalists: • • • •
Deli 126: Burlington • deli126vt.com The Old Post: South Burlington • oldpostvt.com T. Rugg’s Tavern: Burlington • Facebook Vermont Comedy Club: Burlington • vermontcomedyclub.com
BEST COCKTAILS
BEST SPIRITS DISTILLER
Caledonia Spirits Caledonia Spirits was founded to highlight the critical and threatened role of bees as agricultural pollinators by popularizing honey-based beverages. A decade and tons of regional honey later, the company’s muchlauded, honeyed Barr Hill gin, barrel-aged Tom Cat gin and vodka have powered the distillery’s recent expansion from its original Hardwick location to Montpelier. The industrial-chic building hosts a roomful of glowing copper and stainless distilling equipment, a retail store, and a large bar with a riverside patio. The menu of classic and innovative cocktails might include a frothy-topped Ramos Gin Fizz or a rosy-hued, bittersweet creation garnished with local strawberries called the Hiking Club. Guided tours explain the company’s mission and history and offer behind-the-scenes peeks through large windows. It’s the Ben & Jerry’s tour of adult beverages. Montpelier • caledoniaspirits.com
Waterworks Food + Drink
It’s only logical that the Daysies winner for best bar also serves up the state’s best cocktails. Let a bartender mix you up an original such as the River Zombie. (Winooski • waterworksvt.com)
BEST SMOOTHIES/JUICES
BEST PLACE TO GET A CBD DRINK
Other finalists:
Tomgirl Juice Co.
In the Soda Plant, Tomgirl’s juice makers cold-press local produce into raw, organic, seasonal sips — options include beet-apple-lime with cayenne. Get yours in a mason jar to go. (Burlington • tomgirl.co)
Healthy Living Market & Café
• Deli 126: Burlington • deli126vt.com • Juniper: Burlington • hotelvt.com • Monarch & the Milkweed: Burlington • monarchandthemilkweed.com • Pizzeria Verità: Burlington • pizzeriaverita.com • Stonecutter Spirits: Burlington, Middlebury • stonecutterspirits.com
SEVEN DAYSIES 2019-20
BEST BLOODY MARY
24
Misery Loves Co.
The chef-owners dish out imaginative farm-totable food that has nabbed them multiple James Beard Award nominations. Try it with a welldressed Bloody Mary at Sunday’s Disco Brunch with DJ Craig Mitchell. (Winooski • mlcvt.com)
Other finalists: • American Flatbread:: Burlington, Middlebury, Waitsfield • americanflatbread.com • The Farmhouse Tap & Grill: Burlington • farmhousetg.com • Waterworks Food + Drink: Winooski • waterworksvt.com
Other finalists: • Eco Bean + Greens/Eco Bean Café Express:: Burlington, South Burlington • ecobeanandgreens.com, ecobeancafe.com • Healthy Living Market & Café Café: South Burlington • healthylivingmarket.com • Muddy Waters: Burlington • Facebook • The Vermont Juice Company: Burlington • vtjuiceco.com
Market goers can visit the café to get a shot of CBD in their drink of choice, then stroll on over to the Wellness Department to peruse the CBD retail selection. (South Burlington • healthylivingmarket.com)
Other finalists: • The Archives: Burlington • thearchivesbar.com • Ceres Natural Remedies: Burlington • ceresremedies.com • Cosmic Grind Coffee Shop: Burlington • Facebook • Zenbarn: Waterbury • zenbarnvt.com
BEST COFFEE SHOP
Uncommon Grounds Coffee and Tea
The in-house roasting, speedy service and seasonal outdoor seating make Uncommon Grounds an uncommonly popular stop on the Church Street Marketplace. (Burlington • ugvermont.com)
Other finalists: • Kestrel Coffee Roasters: South Burlington • kestrelcoffees.com • Muddy Waters: Burlington • Facebook • Scout & Co.: Burlington, Winooski • scoutandcompanyvt.com • Speeder & Earl’s Coffee: Burlington • speederandearls.com
OUTSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY
Vermont Artisan Coffee & Tea Co.
Visit the roaster’s European-style coffee bar for its specialty drinks: cortados, espressos, maple lattes and pour-overs. Go on a Saturday for a tour and a $5 tasting. (Waterbury Center • vtartisan.com)
Other finalists: • Catalyst Coffee Bar: St. Albans • catalystcoffeebar.com • Royal Oak Coffee: Middlebury • royaloakcoffee.com • Soulfully Good Café: Woodstock • soulfullygood.com • The Traveled Cup: St. Albans • traveledcup.com
Thanks for the nominations. DRINK
(We really like you, too!) Best Place to Dance Best Pickup Bar Best Gay-Friendly Bar Best Bouncers
D4T-redsquare19.indd 1
7/10/19 2:23 PM
D4t-Mulebar19.indd 1
7/9/19 2:39 PM
YOUR REAL WINE ADVENTURE STARTS HERE! Untitled-51 1
DEDALUSWINE.COM
388 PINE STREET, BURLINGTON, VT
LOCALS PICK THE BEST OF VERMONT SEVENDAYSVT.COM/DAYSIES
BOOK A TABLE: (802) 865-2368
3/14/19 10:32 AM
25 Untitled-19 1
7/15/19 10:40 AM
DRINK
drink good tea HEAL YOUR SOUL
HEAL THE PLANET
BEST COFFEE ROASTER
Vermont Artisan Coffee & Tea Co.
The company’s state-of-the-art roastery “receives green coffee beans from around the world,” then roasts and packs them. Try the Catamount Blend, a lively, bold tribute to the Green Mountain State. (Waterbury Center • vtartisan.com)
Other finalists: • Big Gear Coffee Roasters: Montpelier • biggearcoffee.com • Brio Coffeeworks: Burlington • briocoffeeworks.com • Kestrel Coffee Roasters: South Burlington • kestrelcoffees.com • Vivid Coffee Roasters: Winooski • vividcoffee.com
Dobra Tea '
80 Church Street Burlington, Vermont
Shawn Corey (Uncommon Grounds Coffee and Tea)
Chittenden County’s favorite coffee shop calls barista Shawn Corey its “shining light.” Stop by for an expertly brewed, ethical cup of coffee, made from high-quality, responsibly grown beans. (Burlington • ugvermont.com)
Other finalists: • Alice Johnson (Catalyst Coffee Bar): St. Albans • catalystcoffeebar.com • Ethan Craighead (Kestrel Coffee Roasters): South Burlington • kestrelcoffees.com • Jason Gonzalez (Onyx Tonics Specialty Coffee): Burlington • onyxtonics.com • Tom Green (Scout & Co.): Burlington, Winooski • scoutandcompanyvt.com
BEST TEAHOUSE
Dobrá Tea
Guests sit on bohemian floor pillows and ring a bell to order from a menu of more than 100 varieties of direct-sourced loose-leaf tea from around the globe. (Burlington • dobrateavt.com)
for nominating us as
Thank you! "Best Tearoom"
from all of us at Dobra Tea
BEST BARISTA
Other finalists: • The North Branch Café: Montpelier • thenorth-branch.com • Stone Leaf Teahouse: Middlebury • stoneleaftea.com
a finalist for the Seven Daysies
thanks FOR ALL THE LOVE!
FROM ALL OF US AT FILE: LUKE AWTRY
BEST BARTENDER
Emily Morton SEVEN DAYSIES 2019-20
(Deli 126)
COME TRY IT FOR YOURSELF!
VISIT US AT 316 PINE STREET IN BURLINGTON, OR ONLINE AT CITIZENCIDER.COM
26 Untitled-9 1
7/5/17 1:18 PM
Somebody’s going to need a bigger trophy shelf. Emily Morton, general manager and bartender at Deli 126, is on a winning streak: She took home top honors in the U.S. Bartenders’ Guild Vermont Bartender of the Year Competition earlier this year. The bar at Deli 126 may be a speakeasy, but Morton’s love for historic spirits, and for educating her customers and staff, is hardly a secret. When she’s not developing new drinks for the bar’s extensive and creative cocktail list — featuring plenty of Vermont products, of course — Morton spearheads a program for USBG members focused on physical and mental health in the service industry. Cheers to that! Burlington • deli126vt.com
DRINK
CRAZY FOR THE DAYSIES? Come to the...
WITHOUT YOU THIS WOULDN’T BE POSSIBLE!
2019 SEVEN DAYSIES AWARDS
FRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 7-10 P.M.
THANKS FOR YOUR VOTE.
ECHO LEAHY CENTER FOR LAKE CHAMPLAIN, BURLINGTON 7/1/19 6:22 PM 802-253-4765 |1 idletymebrewing.com
Seven Daysies Winners.pdf
Join us for a merry night of revelry and wonderment as we celebrate this year’s Daysies winners and finalists. Sip on cocktails, dance to live music and enjoy some tasty bites from: • • • •
Sugarsnap The Friendly Toast McKenzie Artisan Natural Deli City Market, Onion River Co-op
• • • •
D4t-Idletymebrewing19.indd 1
The Essex Resort & Spa Maudite Poutine The Scale Leonardo’s Pizza
HATS OFF TO YOU!
PX 7/11/19 2:02 PM
Ta ste • To u r • En j oy
SORRY, THIS EVENT IS INVITE ONLY. 2019 Daysies finalists, winners, Seven Days advertisers and their guests are invited to attend. All attendees must buy tickets in advance. Please request a link to buy tickets at:
7dvt.co/hatter.
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
BROUGHT TO YOU BY:
K
PA R TY P
R OC
EED OFI T O R G A N I Z S BE NPR AT NEFIT THE BEST NO I
ON
O p e n 7 Days a we e k , Yea r Ro u n d Ch e c k o u r we bs i te fo r eve nt s! w w w.s h e l b u r n ev i n eya rd .co m
E S W IN N ER
D2V-DaysiesParty2019.indd 1
Y SI DA
Thank you, party sponsors!
7/24/19 2:16 PM
Untitled-8 1
7/10/19 3:49 PM
LOCALS PICK THE BEST OF VERMONT SEVENDAYSVT.COM/DAYSIES
Please dress to impress in your most fascinating fascinator. Prizes will be awarded to the top hat.
27
SEVEN DAYSIES 2019-20
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
JEFF DREW
28
The A&E section of the Daysies never fails to entertain us. We had a fun time deciphering your write-in nominations for the new category of best mural/public art. Did you know both Mary Lacy and the Milton Artists’ Guild have featured hummingbirds in their largescale murals? The former’s iconic avian soared to the top this time, meaning it’s about to get even more Instagrammable. Another takeaway from this category? Not everyone loves a * = New category in 2019
parade. The controversial Church Street Marketplace mural portraying 400 years of predominantly Caucasian Vermont history failed to even make it into the finals. Some might consider that a win! Higher Ground, winner of best large live music venue, has also been a hot topic of late. A change in Burlington zoning regulations will allow Burton Snowboards to move forward with a conceptual plan to build out its Industrial Parkway facility with Higher Ground as an
anchor tenant, Seven Days reported in June. Stay tuned as that situation plays out. In the meantime, let’s hear it for the storied local nightclub, which turned 21 this year and continues to showcase the talent in our own backyard. A warm round of applause to all the local artists and entertainers recognized here, from sculptor Clay Mohrman to standup comedian Tina Friml and printmaker Sabra Field to pop singer Isaac French. Welcome to the winners’ club.
BEST LARGE LIVE MUSIC VENUE
BEST MUSIC FESTIVAL
Higher Ground
Burlington Discover Jazz Festival
Other finalists: • Champlain Valley Exposition: Essex Junction • cvexpo.org • Flynn Center for the Performing Arts: Burlington • flynncenter.org • Paramount Theatre: Rutland • paramountvt.org • Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center: Stowe • sprucepeakarts.org
In Burlington, June is synonymous with jazz, thanks to this annual 10-day festival. It fills venues from the Flynn Center to Waterfront Park with music from world-class headliners and locals alike. (Burlington • discoverjazz.com)
Other finalists: • Grand Point North: Burlington • grandpointnorth.com • Roots on the River: Bellows Falls • vermontfestivalsllc.com • Tumble Down: Burlington • twiddlemusic.com • Waking Windows: Winooski • wakingwindows.com
Thanks the vot for es!
VT born & nationally recognized! We are looking to hire competent and proactive individuals.
A&E
The region’s marquee rock club hosts a constant stream of big-name musical touring acts on its palatial Ballroom stage. The adjacent Showcase Lounge features rising stars. (South Burlington • highergroundmusic.com)
SPECIALIZING IN SAFETY! Join our team. Contact us today and book us for your next event! Ask about our nonprofit discounts.
FUNDRAISERS • FESTIVALS • OVERNIGHT SECURITY PUBLIC • PRIVATE • CORPORATE • EVENTS 802-777-8448 • CHOCOLATE.THUNDER.LLC@GMAIL.COM Introducing THUNDER BUCK$ ATM RENTALS! thunderbucks18@gmail.com D4T-chocthunder19.indd 1
7/3/19 11:11 AM
COURTESY OF KARSEN WOODS
PROUD NOMINEE FOR
BEST LOCAL THEATRE LOCALS PICK THE BEST OF VERMONT SEVENDAYSVT.COM/DAYSIES
BEST HIP-HOP GROUP
99 Neighbors “I can’t believe 99 Neighbors won best hip-hop group,” said no one. That’s because, in the last two years, the massive collective has gone from quietly dropping mixtapes on SoundCloud to headlining the 750-capacity Higher Ground Ballroom. Anchored by MCs Sam Paulino and HANKNATIVE, the Burlington group consists of rappers, instrumentalists, videographers, fashion designers and producers, all functioning like a living, breathing organism. They’ve dropped three of the past year’s best albums by Vermont-based artists. And the group recently acquired representation from the Paradigm Talent Agency, a sure sign that its members may not be our neighbors for too much longer. 99nbrs.com
29 Untitled-2 1
6/28/19 1:34 PM
ARTS
BEST BLUEGRASS ARTIST OR GROUP
The Tenderbellies
& ENTERTAINMENT
The Burlington-based string band formed at an impromptu show in 2013 and has been serving up fingerpickin’-good bluegrass ever since. Look for the group at hometown venues and on the East Coast festival circuit. (tenderbellies.com)
BEST OUTDOOR MUSIC VENUE
Other finalists:
Waterfront Park
• Beg, Steal or Borrow: begstealorborrowvt.com • Hard Scrabble: Facebook • Papa’s Porch: Facebook MATTHEW THORSEN
The crown jewel of Burlington’s shoreline, Waterfront Park is a sprawling, grassy destination for major bands, which headline tented concerts from spring to fall. (Burlington • enjoyburlington.com)
Other finalists: • Battery Park: Burlington • enjoyburlington.com • Champlain Valley Exposition: Essex Junction • cvexpo.org • Shelburne Farms: Shelburne • shelburnefarms.org • Shelburne Museum: Shelburne • shelburnemuseum.org
BEST STANDUP COMIC
Tina Friml
OUTSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY
Snow Farm Vineyard
Tina Friml is hilarious, and Seven Days readers aren’t the only ones who think so. The 25-year-old Burlington standup, who has cerebral palsy, won the 2018 Vermont’s Funniest Comedian competition. She followed that up this year by appearing in the New Faces showcase at the acclaimed Montréal comedy festival Just for Laughs. She also recently caught the attention of one of her idols, comedian Maria Bamford, who subsequently sang — er, tweeted — Friml’s praises. “A clever and charming comic,” wrote Bamford, “very well constructed jokes & can’t wait to see what she does next — YouTube her!” Fortunately, Vermonters don’t have to. We can see Friml live, where she challenges audiences’ preconceptions about living, and laughing, with disabilities. “I’m doing comedy about disability,” she told Seven Days in 2017, “just in a way that is not demeaning to me or to other disabled people.”
Tunes, vines and wines — what’s not to love? Snow Farm’s Thursday night summer concert series draws crowds for a diverse lineup of local jazz, swing, bluegrass and rock. (South Hero • snowfarm.com)
Other finalists: • Dog Mountain: St. Johnsbury • dogmt.com • Jay Peak Resort: Jay • jaypeakresort.com • Trapp Family Lodge: Stowe • trappfamily.com
BEST SMALL LIVE MUSIC HOT SPOT
ArtsRiot
On a mission to “destroy apathy,” this South End restaurant and event space lines up eclectic local, national and international musicians multiple nights a week. (Burlington • artsriot.com)
tinafriml.com
OUTSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY
Rusty Nail Stage
SEVEN DAYSIES 2019-20
This rock-and-roll club has hosted music legends from Lynyrd Skynyrd to Muddy Waters since its 1969 inception. The stage still lights up several times a week — and now it shares space with Tres Amigos restaurant. (Stowe • tresamigosvt.com/ rustynailstage)
30
Other finalists: • Rick & Kat’s Howlin’ Mouse: Rutland • Facebook • Stage 33 Live: Bellows Falls • stage33live.com • Sweet Melissa’s: Montpelier • Facebook • Zenbarn: Waterbury • zenbarnvt.com
BEST VOCALIST
BEST FOLK ARTIST OR GROUP
Kat Wright
Cricket Blue
With a sound that’s been described as “a young Bonnie Raitt meets Amy Winehouse,” Wright is a major player in the local scene — and beyond. (katwright.com)
Other finalists: • • • •
AliT (Alison Turner): sheisalit.com Mariko Raymond: raizedonradio.com Reid Parsons: reidreidreid.com Sabrina Comellas: sabrinacomellas.com
BEST INSTRUMENTALIST
Paul Asbell
The Burlington guitarist’s recent jazz LP, Burmese Panther, showcased the bandleader’s creative arrangements and fierce licks, inspiring one Seven Days critic to dub him “a state treasure.” (paulasbell.com)
Other finalists: • Bob Wagner: Facebook • Cole Davidson: coledavidsonmusic.com • David Warren: Facebook
The Starline Rhythm Boys
Audience members have been kicking up their heels to Danny Coane, “Big” Al Lemery and Billy Bratcher’s vintage country, honkytonk and rockabilly music since 1988. (starlinerhythmboys.com)
Other finalists: • • • •
Brett Hughes: Facebook Chris & Erica: Facebook Ponyhustle: radiobean.com Wild Leek River: wildleekriver.com
BEST JAZZ ARTIST OR GROUP
Ray Vega
Onstage and on air — as the host of Vermont Public Radio’s “Friday Night Jazz” — trumpeter Ray Vega gets everyone grooving. He’s performed with some of the most famous Latin-jazz musicians of all time, from Mongo Santamaría to Tito Puente. (rayvegamusic.com)
Other finalists: • Maple Jam: maplejam.com • Paul Asbell: paulasbell.com
BEST BLUES ARTIST OR GROUP
Other finalists: • Light Club Lamp Shop: Burlington • radiobean.com • Monkey House: Winooski • monkeyhousevt.com • Nectar’s: Burlington • liveatnectars.com • Radio Bean: Burlington • radiobean.com
BEST COUNTRY ARTIST OR GROUP
Sophisticated musicianship is the hallmark of Laura Heaberlin and Taylor Smith’s indie-folk duo. In May 2019, the pair released a debut LP, Serotinalia. (cricketbluemusic.com)
Other finalists: • • • •
Bishop LaVey: Bandcamp Cole Davidson: coledavidsonmusic.com Eric George: eric-george.com Troy Millette: troymillettemusic.com
Seth Yacovone
Howling vocals and bluesy guitar licks define Yacovone’s sound, which can be heard at Nectar’s Friday-night happy hour — a slot he’s held for more than a decade — as well as on his most recent album, Welcome. (Facebook)
Other finalists: • • • • •
Blues for Breakfast: bluesforbreakfast.com Dave Keller: davekeller.com Left Eye Jump: lefteyejump.com Nina’s Brew: ninasbrew.com Nobby Reed Project: nobbyreed.com
BEST SOUL/FUNK/R&B ARTIST OR GROUP
Kat Wright
What started as the house band for a weekly soul night at Radio Bean has grown into one of the region’s most dynamic bands. Touring wide and far continues to gain the group new and adoring fans. (katwright.com)
Other finalists: • • • •
DIGGS: getwiththecrew.com Grippo Funk Band: grippofunkband.com JUPTR: Bandcamp The Renegade Groove: therenegadegroove.com
2 Carmichael Street Essex | 872.7111
191 Bank Street Burlington | 448.3350
A&E
Dear Seven Days readers, Thank you for thinking the “best” of Phoenix Books. We intend to get even better!
2 Center Street Rutland | 855.8078
Think local first. Buy local first. Keep local first. www.phoenixbooks.biz
D4t-phoenixbooks19.indd 1
Visit us at The SODA Plant!
6/25/19 12:03 PM
FINE METAL JEWELRY P: RENEÉ GREENLEE
BRIO Coffeeworks CO Cellars (Shacksbury x ZAFA) Conant Metal & Light SPACE Gallery Thirty-odd TOMGIRL also Beenanza, Katherine Montstream, Rachel Lindsay and more!
LOCALS PICK THE BEST OF VERMONT SEVENDAYSVT.COM/DAYSIES
Proud home to exciting Burlington makers, creators + innovators like this year's Daysie finalists...
Thank you for nominating us
266 + 270 Pine Street
Best place to take an art class: BCA Studios Best art gallery: The BCA Center Best art event: Festival of Fools
31 D4T-sodaplant19.indd 1
7/11/19 4:00 PM
Untitled-8 1
7/10/19 3:48 PM
ARTS
& ENTERTAINMENT BEST ROCK ARTIST OR GROUP
8084
This charismatic rock band was born in the 1980s and played its final Vermont show in May 2019. Its legacy includes five albums, more than 4,000 live shows, and stages shared with the likes of Toto and Blue Öyster Cult. (8084rocks.com)
Other finalists: • • • •
The Devon McGarry Band: devonmcgarry.com The Dirty Looks Band: dirtylooksband.com The Lemon Flyers: Bandcamp Raized on Radio: raizedonradio.com
BEST POP ARTIST OR GROUP
Isaac French
Hip-hop and R&B flavor the infectious pop songs on this singer-songwriter’s recent debut solo album, Human Being. It’s the kind of music you can sing along to. (Facebook)
Other finalists: • • • •
AliT (Alison Turner): sheisalit.com Shake: shaketheband.com The Smittens: smittens.com Yestrogen: yestrogenband.com
BEST HIP-HOP ARTIST OR GROUP
99 Neighbors
Other finalists: • • • • •
A2VT: a2vt.com D.French: Facebook DIGGS: getwiththecrew.com Jarv: Bandcamp Learic: Facebook
BEST CLUB DJ
Craig Mitchell
SEVEN DAYSIES 2019-20
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’. Wherever he goes, he brings the party. (Facebook)
32
Other finalists: • • • •
Andy Kershaw: Facebook DJ Loud: Soundcloud DJ Svpply: Facebook DJ Taka: Facebook
BEST BOUNCERS
BEST KARAOKE
Sticks and Stones
Chocolate Thunder Security
JP’s Pub
At clubs, private parties and lively events around the state, this high-energy band covers all the hits — from rock to pop to country — prompting audiences to hit the dance floor. (sticksandstonesbandvt.com)
Other finalists: • • • •
Duroc: Facebook Lazer Dad: lazerdad.com Raized on Radio: raizedonradio.com University of Vermont Pep Band: Facebook
BEST TRIBUTE BAND
Purple: A Tribute to Prince featuring Craig Mitchell
If you’ve ever set foot in a Burlington bar or club, you’ve likely encountered Mikey van Gulden. He spent two decades working crowds and spotting fake IDs at Queen City hot spots before founding Chocolate Thunder Security. (chocolatethundersecurity.com)
Other finalists: • Higher Ground: South Burlington • highergroundmusic.com • Red Square: Burlington • Facebook • Three Needs Brewery & Taproom: Burlington • Facebook
This classic dive serves up wannabe rock stardom every Wednesday through Saturday. Writes one Yelp reviewer: “Omg it was good, it was bad, it was ugly. It was the best combination of songs I’ve ever heard.” (Burlington • Facebook)
Other finalists: • Manhattan Pizza & Pub: Burlington • manhattanpizzaandpubvt.com • Park Place Tavern: Essex Junction • Facebook • Ruben James: Burlington • rjsburlington.com • St. John’s Club: Burlington • stjohnsclub.com • Sweet Melissa’s: Montpelier • Facebook
Renowned house DJ Craig Mitchell is also a singer and arguably the biggest Prince fan in Vermont — or maybe anywhere. For proof, seek out his killer tribute act. (Facebook)
Other finalists: • • • •
BON/FIRE: Facebook Burning Monk: burningmonkband.com Dead Sessions: deadsessions.com Heartless: heartlessvt.com
BEST CLASSICAL MUSIC GROUP OR ENSEMBLE*
Vermont Symphony Orchestra
Bringing music to Vermont’s biggest concert halls as well as its school gymnasiums and scenic hillsides, the VSO is the country’s oldest state-assisted orchestra, with a history dating back more than 80 years. (vso.org)
Other finalists: • • • •
Scrag Mountain Music: scragmountainmusic.org Solaris Vocal Ensemble: solarisensemble.org TURNmusic: turnmusic.org University of Vermont Symphony Orchestra: uvm.edu
BEST CHORAL ENSEMBLE
Bella Voce Women’s Chorus of Vermont
The state’s premier women’s chorus is composed of auditioned members who sing at concerts across Vermont and have toured around the Northeast and in Europe. Bella Voce’s smaller ensemble, Cantiamo, brings a cappella choral selections to smaller venues. (bellavocevt.org)
Other finalists: • • • •
Counterpoint: counterpointchorus.org Solaris Vocal Ensemble: solarisensemble.org The Vermont Choral Union: vtchoralunion.org Vermont Symphony Orchestra Chorus: vso.org
JOHN JAMES
Hip-hop collective 99 Neighbors formed in 2017 and has grown to nearly a dozen members. The group is known for its triumphant debut release, Television — and for delivering some of the most outrageously energetic performances in the area. (99nbrs.com)
BEST COVER BAND*
BEST MURAL/PUBLIC ART
Mary Lacy’s Hummingbird In a photo on Mary Lacy’s website, the artist is dwarfed by her giant hummingbird mural on the corner of College and St. Paul streets in Burlington. One eye of the ruby-throated avian wonder is bigger than Lacy’s head, and if its blue-green iridescent wings were in motion, they’d generate a minor windstorm. Commissioned in 2015 by American Flatbread, the mural reminds viewers of the beauty, power and fragility of nature. “I’m really passionate about environmental messaging,” said the artist in a 2016 interview with Seven Days. From elephants and crocodiles to fish and butterflies, Lacy’s signature fractured-style murals capture the eye and the imagination. In real life, the diminutive hummingbird can migrate across the Gulf of Mexico in a single flight. Lacy’s mural makes one ponder, What amazing feats might humans accomplish to protect that journey? Burlington • marylacyart.com
Shelburne Museum Shelburne Museum isisopen all year. open all year. Get Gethere! here! FREE First Friday Eve Series FREE First Friday Evefamilies Series who own Cabot Celebrating the farm Celebrating farm families who own Live music, lawn the games, tours, picnicking, and FREECabot admission lawn games, picnicking, FREE admission toLive the music, entire Museum on tours, glorious summerand evenings! to the entire Museum on glorious summer evenings! AUGUST 2 2 AAUGUST special reading of artist Harold Weston’s writings A special reading of and artistvocally Haroldversatile Weston’s writings Energetic, powerful, tunes from Copilot Energetic, powerful, and vocally versatile tunes from Copilot SEPTEMBER 6 SEPTEMBER 6 Sculptors Dan Snow and Jonathan D. Ebinger Sculptors Dan Snow and Jonathan D. Ebinger Bluegrass, jazz, and rock n’ roll from The Tenderbellies Bluegrass, jazz, and rock n’ roll from The Tenderbellies
October October27 27Haunted Haunted Happenings Happenings
Trick the Museum MuseumGrounds! Grounds! Trickorortreat treatand andplay playgames games all all over over the
2019 2019Exhibition Exhibition Schedule Schedule Harold HaroldWeston: Weston:Freedom Freedom in in the the Wilds Wilds March March23–August 23–August25 25 InInTheir Rodrigo Nava, Nava, TheirElement: Element:Jonathan Jonathan D. D. Ebinger, Ebinger, Rodrigo Dan DanSnow Snow(outdoor (outdoorsculpture) sculpture) May May1–October 1–October3131 Ink&&Icons: Icons:Album AlbumQuilts Quilts from from the Permanent Permanent Collection Ink Collection May1–October 1–October3131 May WilliamWegman: Wegman:Outside Outside In In William June22–October 22–October20 20 June JoelBarber Barber&&the theModern Modern Decoy Decoy Joel September 14–January 12, 2020 September 14–January 12, 2020 TimeLapse: Lapse:Contemporary Contemporary Analog Analog Photography Photography Time November 9, 2019–March 8, 2020 November 9, 2019–March 8, 2020
BecomeaaMember Member and and get get FREE FREE Become admissionfor foraa year, year, discounts, discounts, special admission special programs, and more. programs, and more.
shelburnemuseum.org shelburnemuseum.org
William Wegman, Handstanding (detail), 2011. Pigment print, 22 x 17 in. Courtesy of the artist and Sperone Westwater, New York.
William Wegman, Handstanding (detail), 2011. Pigment print, 22 x 17 in. Courtesy of the artist and Sperone Westwater, New York.
ARTS
BEST FILM FESTIVAL
Vermont International Film Festival
& ENTERTAINMENT
The Vermont International Film Festival has used the cinematic arts to spark community conversation for more than three decades. Its annual lineup showcases films from all over the world that address hard-hitting, timely subjects. (Burlington • vtiff.org) COURTESY OF NICK LANE
BEST PLACE TO PLAY POOL
Three Needs Brewery & Taproom
When it comes to nightspots for pool, Three Needs Brewery & Taproom is running the table. The competition here is always fierce; the craft brews and atmosphere, always chill. (Burlington • Facebook)
BEST OUTDOOR MUSIC VENUE OUTSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY
• Monkey House: Winooski • monkeyhousevt.com • The Old Post: South Burlington • oldpostvt.com • T. Rugg’s Tavern: Burlington • Facebook
Snow Farm Vineyard
BEST TRIVIA NIGHT
Waterworks Food + Drink
Pop-culture know-it-alls geek out over fun facts at the riverside restaurant’s Trivia Tuesday. There’s something for everyone; past themes include “Seinfeld,” “Gilmore Girls” and the 1980s. (Winooski • waterworksvt.com)
Snow Farm Vineyard’s name references the challenges of growing wine grapes in Vermont’s cold climate. But all that hard work pays off in the summertime, when the vines grow heavy with more than 30 varieties of the fruit — and visitors stream in for sips and idyllic sights of nearby Lake Champlain. The Lane family’s Thursday night summer concerts are an island tradition, dating back nearly as far as the vineyard’s 1996 founding. Picnickers tune in for freshly fired flatbreads from Pizza Papillo and a diverse lineup of local talent — from Josh Panda to Carol Ann Jones to the Starline Rhythm Boys. Between the wines, the vines and the stellar sonic vibes, we’re honestly surprised this is Snow Farm’s first Daysie.
Other finalists: • ArtsRiot: Burlington • artsriot.com • Marquis Theatre & Southwest Café: Middlebury • middleburymarquis.com • Nectar’s: Burlington • liveatnectars.com • On Tap Bar & Grill: Essex Junction • ontapvt.com
BEST PLACE TO DANCE
South Hero • snowfarm.com
Club Metronome
Other finalists: • Half Lounge Speakeasy: Burlington • halflounge.com • Light Club Lamp Shop: Burlington • radiobean.com • On Tap Bar & Grill: Essex Junction • ontapvt.com • Red Square: Burlington • Facebook
BEST STANDUP COMIC
SEVEN DAYSIES 2019-20
Tina Friml
34
Voted Vermont’s Funniest Comedian of 2018 by the Vermont Comedy Club, Friml is on a winning streak. The Vermont native uses her stage time to bring “comedy and disability together, with the belief that both would greatly benefit with representation from the other.” (tinafriml.com)
Other finalists: • • • •
Caleb Teske: Facebook Jared Hall: Facebook Lindsey Jane Haddad: Facebook Tim Bridge: Facebook
• Green Mountain Film Festival: Essex Junction, Montpelier • gmffestival.org • Middlebury New Filmmakers Festival: Middlebury • middfilmfest.org
BEST LOCAL THEATER COMPANY
Other finalists:
Since the 1990s, Metronome has been the place to shake your thang, especially at the enduring Saturday night Retronome. Touring and local live acts perform during the week. (Burlington • clubmetronome.com)
Other finalists:
Lyric Theatre Company Formed in 1973, Lyric is one of the largest community theater groups in the region. With local casts and hundreds of volunteers, the nonprofit stages musicals such as The Addams Family and Matilda: The Musical. (Burlington • lyrictheatrevt.org)
Other finalists: • Green Mountain Cabaret: greenmountaincabaret.com • Lost Nation Theater: Montpelier • lostnationtheater.org • Neat, With a Twist: neatwithatwist.com • Vermont Stage: Burlington • vermontstage.org
BEST ACTOR
Serena Magnan O’Connell
Talk about stage presence: The longtime actress has graced the Flynn MainStage more than a dozen times with Lyric Theatre — this year, she played the “mamma” in Mamma Mia! Her past shows include Les Misérables, Annie: The Musical and 9 to 5. (Facebook)
Other finalists:
BEST COMEDY TROUPE
Stealing From Work
The Burlington sketch-comedy troupe, founded in 2001, earns major LOLs for its Vermont-centric topics and pitch-perfect blend of satire and silliness. Catch it at the Vermont Comedy Club, the FlynnSpace and Middlebury’s Town Hall Theater, among other venues. (Facebook)
Other finalists: • • • •
Anxiety Pals Boom City: boomcityimprov.com The Unmentionables: Facebook Vermont Comedy Outlaws: Facebook
BEST MOVIE THEATER
Majestic 10
A massive sound system and stadium seating have established Williston’s mainstream movie house as a fun place to view your favorite blockbusters. It’s open for biz 365 days a year. (Williston • majestic10.com)
Other finalists: • Essex Cinemas & T-Rex Theater: Essex Junction • essexcinemas.com • Merrill’s Roxy Cinemas: Burlington • merrilltheatres.net • Palace 9 Cinemas: South Burlington • palace9.com • Sunset Drive-In: Colchester • sunsetdrivein.com
OUTSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY
The Savoy Theater
Montpelier’s beloved theater is no Cineplex — it has just two small screening rooms, and the films skew toward art-house, indie and subtitled fare. It’s also got great local popcorn and craft beer. (Montpelier • savoytheater.com)
Other finalists: • Bellows Falls Opera House: Bellows Falls • Facebook • The Big Picture Theater & Café: Waitsfield • bigpicturetheater.info • Marquis Theatre & Southwest Café: Middlebury • middleburymarquis.com
• • • •
Bob Bolyard: Facebook Jayden Choquette: Facebook Kaitie Bessette: Facebook Kim Anderson: Facebook
BEST DRAG PERFORMER OR GROUP*
The House of LeMay
Hailing from “the Hot Dam Trailer Park in Beaver Pond, Vt.,” the House of LeMay is among New England’s most established and long-standing drag entertainment troupes. Find them at the annual Winter Is a Drag Ball and many other charitable parties throughout the year. (Facebook)
Other finalists: • Giardia B • NIGHTPAGNE (Emoji Nightmare and Nikki Champagne): nightpagne.com • Persephone Pétrin (Pickle): Facebook • Shani: Facebook
Your Home is Your Happy Place.
LIGHT IT WELL Lighting • Fans • Decor Outdoor Furniture
A&E
YOU “to THANK all of our loyal
customers and friends for voting for us for the SEVEN DAYSIES AWARD.
”
THE LIGHTING HOUSE THE LIGHTING HOUSE RT 7 Shelburne Rd 985-2204 TheLightingHouse.net Vermont’s Premier Lighting and Outdoor Furniture Store
• • Vermont’s Premier Lighting and Outdoor Furniture Store
Open 7 Days a Week: Mon. – Fri. 9 - 5:30, Sat. 9 - 5, Sun. 10 - 4
Untitled-7 1
7/3/19 10:24 AM
Untitled-46 1
7/9/19 11:00 AM
LOCALS PICK THE BEST OF VERMONT SEVENDAYSVT.COM/DAYSIES
n o t g n i l ur B ! f t o n o T r S f r E e B t a e h W t e e th Se g n o l a all
enjoyburlington.com | (802) 864-0123 | @btvparks
35 Untitled-10 1
7/10/19 3:51 PM
ARTS
& ENTERTAINMENT BEST ART GALLERY
Frog Hollow Vermont Craft Gallery
Vermont’s strong craft traditions are on full display at Frog Hollow, where 200-plus artisans show hand-dyed silks, molded-glass ornaments and more, all in one room. The nonprofit organization has been providing education and opportunities to artists for 40 years. (Burlington • froghollow.org)
Other finalists: • Artist in Residence Gallery: St. Albans • artistinresidencecoop.com • BCA Center: Burlington • burlingtoncityarts.org • Milton Artists’ Guild Art Center & Gallery: Milton • miltonartistsguild.org • The S.P.A.C.E. Gallery: Burlington • spacegalleryvt.com
BEST MUSEUM
Shelburne Museum
Founded in 1947 by prolific collector Electra Havemeyer Webb, Shelburne Museum has more than 150,000 items in its permanent collection and connects past to present in compelling special exhibitions. View the art in 39 different structures, from the Ticonderoga steamboat to the contemporary Pizzagalli Center for Art and Education. (Shelburne • shelburnemuseum.org)
Other finalists: • ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain: Burlington • echovermont.org • Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium: St. Johnsbury • fairbanksmuseum.org • Fleming Museum of Art: Burlington • uvm.edu/fleming • Montshire Museum of Science: Norwich • montshire.org
APRIL 24-MAY 3, 2020
BEST SCULPTOR
Thanks for nom nom nominating us! SEVEN DAYSIES 2019-20
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
Based in Burlington, the designer behind Clay Mohr Lighting crafts striking sculptural driftwood lamps using found wood sourced from the forests and shores surrounding Lake Champlain. (claymohrlighting.com)
Other finalists: • Ross Sheehan: rosssheehanart.com • Sean Hunter Williams: seanhunterwilliams.com
BEST PAINTER*
Katharine Montstream
36 7/24/19 11:39 AM
South End Art Hop
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 • seaba.com)
Other finalists: • Big Pond Improv Festival: Burlington • bigpondimprov.com • Festival of Fools: Burlington • vermontfestivaloffools.com • Vermont Burlesque Festival: Barre, Burlington • vermontburlesque festival.com
BEST PERFORMING ARTS VENUE
Flynn Center for the Performing Arts
The Flynn’s Main Street marquee is a beacon for fans of music, theater and dance. The lovingly restored 1930s art-deco movie house draws nearly 200,000 individuals each year to experience world-class showmanship. (Burlington • flynncenter.org)
Other finalists: • ArtsRiot: Burlington • artsriot.com • Main Street Landing Performing Arts Center: Burlington • mainstreetlanding.com • Off Center for the Dramatic Arts: Burlington • offcentervt.com • Vermont Comedy Club: Burlington • vermontcomedyclub.com
BEST MURAL/PUBLIC ART*
Hummingbird mural by Mary Lacy
This 28-foot-tall ruby-throated hummingbird in Lacy’s signature geometric style spreads its wings just across the street from City Hall Park. After painting it for American Flatbread in 2015, Lacy embarked on a cross-country mural tour, bringing a bit of the natural world to other urban environs. (Burlington • marylacyart.com)
Other finalists: • City Market South End murals by Tara Goreau: Burlington • walltonic.com • Gardener’s Supply warehouse mural by Milton Artists’ Guild: Milton • miltonartistsguild.org • “Our Mountains, Our Home” mural by Jess Graham: Burlington • jessgrahamstudio.com • “The Silo Project” murals by Sarah C. Rutherford: Jeffersonville • Facebook
BEST ILLUSTRATOR*
Jess Polanshek
Since Montstream’s first solo show at the Daily Planet in 1988, her landscape paintings in oils and watercolors have captured iconic Burlington scenery as well as the hearts of local art enthusiasts. (kmmstudio.com)
Polanshek’s whimsical illustrations of the natural world and the creatures that inhabit it adorn prints, greeting cards and even beer cans — the artist won Magic Hat Brewing Company’s 2017 Labels for Libations competition. (ofthehills.com)
Other finalists:
Other finalists:
• • • •
SAVE THE DATE! D2V-VTRW2019.indd 1
Clay Mohrman
BEST ARTS EVENT
Jon Young: Facebook Mary Lacy: marylacyart.com Robert Waldo Brunelle Jr.: mrbrunelle.com Ross Sheehan: rosssheehanart.com
• • • •
Amanda Brunell: kitchentableartstudios.com David Zacharis: zacharis.com Emily Rhain Andrews: eraillustration.com Sarah Letteney: sarahletteney.com
thanks for the votes! A&E
JEB WALLACE-BRODEUR
finalist - best garden center
BEST MOVIE THEATER OUTSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY
The Savoy Theater Movie lovers who grew up in central Vermont are almost certain to remember the Savoy Theater as the place where they discovered Spike Lee or Jim Jarmusch or Jane Campion. Established as an art-house cinema in 1981 (the theater itself dates back more than a century), Montpelier’s Savoy underwent major renovations in the past decade and acquired digital projection and a second screening room styled as a cozy lounge. Today, the companion video store is gone. But the Savoy is still the place in the area to catch the latest Jarmusch flick, up-and-coming indie, or homegrown Vermont film — accompanied by a craft beer (if you’re in the lounge) and organic popcorn with brewer’s yeast, of course.
Growers of premium plants for the vegetable, herb and ornamental gardens in your life. 2408 SHELBURNE FALLS ROAD, HINESBURG • 482-4060 REDWAGONPLANTS.COM • M-F 8AM-6PM, SA & SU 9AM-5PM D6H-redwagonplants19.indd 1
7/10/19 11:51 AM
Milton Artists’ Guild Art Center & Gallery Our Gallery is a 6,270 sq. ft. space with over 100 unique, beautiful handmade arts/crafts Workshops, events and more | Come and experience the MAGic! 20 minutes from Burlington, the Champlain Islands and St-Albans
Montpelier • savoytheater.com
BEST PRINTMAKER*
BEST CARTOONIST
Sabra Field
Alison Bechdel
From her long-running comic strip “Dykes to Watch Out For” to her graphic memoir Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic — adapted into a Tony Award-winning Broadway musical — the current cartoonist laureate of Vermont has an impressive oeuvre. (dykestowatchoutfor.com)
Other finalists:
Other finalists:
• Bethany Andrews-Nichols (Beenanza): beenanzadesign.com • Jackson Tupper: jacksontupper.com • New Duds: newduds.net • Ross Sheehan: rosssheehanart.com
• • • •
BEST PHOTOGRAPHER
Hillary Dubie
Burlington-based photographer Hillary Dubie captures life’s most momentous occasions with an artful eye and perfect focus. She does everything from weddings to boudoir shoots to babies’ first birthdays. (hdubiephoto.com)
Other finalists: • Anne Mientka: annemientkaphotography.com • Heather Glenn: heatherglennphotography. squarespace.com • Jake and Julie Ann Held (Held in the Moment Photography): heldinthemoment. photography • Julia Luckett: julialuckett.com
OPEN Wed-Sat 10AM-6PM , SUN 11AM-3PM 199 Route 7 South, Milton 05468 (next to Aubuchon) 802-891-2014 www.miltonartistsguild.org D6h-miltonartistsguild19.indd 1
7/9/19 4:02 PM
Harry Bliss: harrybliss.com James Kochalka: kochalka.tumblr.com Rachel Lindsay: rachellivesherenow.com Robert Waldo Brunelle Jr.: mrbrunelle.com
BEST PUBLISHED AUTHOR
Chris Bohjalian
A New York Times best-selling author, Bohjalian has written 20 novels — three of which have been adapted into movies. USA Today dubbed his latest book, 2018’s The Flight Attendant, “an expertly turned thriller.” (chrisbohjalian.com)
Other finalists: • • • •
Jeremy Holt: jeremyholtbooks.com Jess and Keith Flaherty: demonsrunlit.com Lauren Courcelle: Facebook Thea Lewis: thealewis.com
Annually Warming Up Vermont’s Coldest Month Since 2014
Early-Bird Tix, Videos & Info:
www.VermontBurlesqueFest.com Parcial Proceeds Benefit Breast Cancer Research & Other Local Charities. D6H-BurlesqueFest19.indd 1
7/23/19 11:07 AM
LOCALS PICK THE BEST OF VERMONT SEVENDAYSVT.COM/DAYSIES
Widely viewed as one of the country’s most accomplished printmakers, Field distills her love for Vermont’s human and natural landscapes into woodblock and giclée prints that speak to concepts of harmony and home, wherever that may be. (sabrafield.com)
THANK YOU for the votes!
37
SHOPPING
SEVEN DAYSIES 2018-19
JEFF DREW
38
Vermonters tend to be careful consumers. For many, “shop local” is more than a mantra; it’s a way of life. Investing dollars in Vermont’s downtowns — rather than, say, giving in to the convenience of one-click ordering on Amazon — helps keep our communities vibrant. This year, the state legislature also turned its attention to consumer culture, passing what National Geographic called “the most comprehensive plastics ban in the U.S.” But why wait ’til the law goes into effect in July 2020 to BYOB — bring your own bag, that is? You * = New category in 2019
can start choosing the planet over plastics now. A number of Daysies-winning retailers are also focused on sustainability. Old Gold, Battery Street Jeans and Once Upon a Child all buck fast fashion and instead embrace recycled wearables. Pure Pop Records keeps old-school cassettes and vinyl alive and rockin’. ReSOURCE and Barge Canal Market take drastically different approaches to upcycled furniture, each preventing hidden gems from landing in the landfill. And Outdoor Gear Exchange’s
consignment program channels money into its Charitable Grant Fund. Since 2013, the outdoor outfitter has awarded more than $48,000 to local nonprofits aligned with its belief that “access to and conservation of our natural landscapes is critical to the health of Vermont’s communities.” Spring 2019 recipients included Cochran’s Ski Area, the Green Mountain Club and Mad River Riders. Kudos to all.
BEST BRIDAL SHOP
Fiori Bridal Boutique
Ready to say “yes” to the dress? Attentive consultants and an elegant collection of designer gowns set this bridal boutique apart from the pack. (Essex Junction • fioribridal.com)
Other finalists:
ECCO
Designer-chic in a Church Street boutique — that’s ECCO in a nutshell. Since 1992, Lara Heath Allen’s shop has set the trend for everyday-luxury and special-occasion looks. (Burlington • eccoclothesboutique.com)
SHOPPING
Other finalists: • Everywear for Everybody: Vergennes • everywearforeverybody.com • Jess Boutique: Burlington • jessboutique.com • Monelle Vermont: Burlington • monellevermont.com • Northern Elegance: St. Albans • northerneleganceformalwear.com
LUKE AWTRY
• Everthine Bridal Boutique: Burlington • shopeverthine.com • Needleman’s Bridal & Formal: South Burlington • needlemansbridal.com • Northern Elegance: St. Albans • northerneleganceformalwear.com
BEST WOMEN’S EVENING-WEAR STORE
LOCALS PICK THE BEST OF VERMONT SEVENDAYSVT.COM/DAYSIES
BEST CBD RETAIL SHOP
Ceres Natural Remedies Cannabidiol, aka CBD, has come a long way since its discovery in 1940 — and so, too, have the means of delivering this healing compound. At Ceres Natural Remedies, consumers will find a wide array of CBDinfused products to boost their wellness. Born from the Champlain Valley Dispensary, Ceres offers a professional environment and knowledgeable staff, while also cleaving to the cannabis plant’s rich alternative past. Here, framed testimonials from CBD patients share wall and shelf space with oils, tinctures, and wake-and-bake coffee mugs. Kudos to the staffer who routinely advises Canadians about the risks of crossing the international border with cannabis products. A willingness to sacrifice a sale in order to protect the consumer is the sign of a retailer who truly cares. Brattleboro, Burlington, Middlebury • ceresremedies.com
39 Untitled-16 1
7/15/19 10:37 AM
SHOPPING BEST WOMEN’S CASUAL CLOTHING STORE
Outdoor Gear Exchange
In Vermont, “casual” is clearly synonymous with “active.” Find durable, everyday apparel at OGE — from pants and pullovers to dresses and skirts — and get on with your outdoor adventures already. (Burlington • gearx.com)
Other finalists: • ECCO: Burlington • eccoclothesboutique.com • Green Envy: Burlington, Stowe • vermontenvy.com • SidePony Boutique: Hinesburg • sideponyboutique.com • Stella Mae: Burlington • stella-mae.com
BEST WOMEN’S SHOE STORE
Danform Shoes
Comfort and style aren’t mutually exclusive. Danform’s fitting experts help customers of all ages attire their unique feet, specializing in high-quality brands from Frye to Dansko. (Burlington, Colchester, Shelburne, St. Albans • danformshoesvt.com)
Other finalists:
BEST MENSWEAR STORE
Outdoor Gear Exchange
Vermont men tend to be practical dressers — more Black Diamond than Brooks Brothers — and OGE keeps them covered in plaid buttondowns, cargo shorts and quilted vests. Don’t forget to stock up on Vermont’s own Darn Tough socks. (Burlington • gearx.com)
Other finalists: • Michael Kehoe: Burlington • mkltd.com • Patagonia Burlington: Burlington • patagoniaburlington.com • Skirack: Burlington • skirack.com • Warner Supply: Burlington • Facebook
BEST MEN’S SHOE STORE
SEVEN DAYSIES 2019-20
Danform Shoes
40
What’s the “Danform difference”? A better fit for your feet. Browse the high-quality brands sold here, then get an Aetrex Foot Analysis before you buy. (Burlington, Colchester, Shelburne, St. Albans • danformshoesvt.com)
Other finalists: • Lenny’s Shoe & Apparel: Barre, St. Albans, Williston • lennyshoe.com • Outdoor Gear Exchange: Burlington • gearx.com • Vermont Gear/Farm-Way: Bradford • vermontgear.com • Warner Supply: Burlington • Facebook
LUKE AWTRY
• Dear Lucy: Burlington • dearlucy.com • Lenny’s Shoe & Apparel: Barre, St. Albans, Williston • lennyshoe.com • Outdoor Gear Exchange: Burlington • gearx.com • Stella Mae: Burlington • stella-mae.com
BEST VINTAGE CLOTHING STORE
Old Gold
A staple of Burlington fashionistas since 1973, Old Gold specializes in old sartorial treasures. The vintage clothing store and costume shop relocated to Cherry Street this year. (Burlington • Facebook)
Other finalists: • Billie Jean Vintage: Burlington • billiejeanvintage.com • Downtown Threads: Burlington • Facebook • The Getup Vintage: Montpelier • Facebook • The Vault Collective: Burlington • thevaultcollective.com
BEST SECONDHAND CLOTHING STORE
Battery Street Jeans
Shoppers are sure to find a hidden gem or two on Battery Street Jeans’ jam-packed racks. Enjoy local art and a quirky atmosphere while browsing the recycled clothes here. (Burlington • Facebook)
BEST RECORD STORE*
Pure Pop Records Since 1980, Burlington’s Pure Pop Records has reigned supreme as the city’s foremost place to acquire new music. Tucked away in a funky, subterranean spot, the shop feels almost trapped in time, like it was lifted out of a cult ’80s comedy. Customers love digging through its bountiful selection of the latest vinyl. If it’s a new release, Pure Pop is bound to have it in stock. Ditto for CDs and cassettes. Beyond fresh titles, you’ll find plenty of classic, used records, plus DVDs, Blu-rays, posters, pins, magazines and other music-related merch. Occasionally, the shop hosts listening parties for new releases and even DIY concerts. Don’t miss ’em. Burlington • purepoprecords.com
Other finalists: • Dirt Chic: Burlington • dirtchicvt.com • Outdoor Gear Exchange: Burlington • gearx.com • Plato’s Closet: Williston • platosclosetwilliston.com • Style Encore: Williston • style-encorewilliston.com
BEST CHILDREN’S CLOTHING STORE
Once Upon a Child
Kids grow up so quickly! Once Upon a Child’s gently used clothes, toys, furniture and baby gear are friendly on your wallet — and the planet. (Williston • onceuponachildwilliston.com)
Other finalists: • • • •
Boho Baby: Essex Junction • bohobabyvt.com Little Citizen: Burlington • Facebook Outdoor Gear Exchange: Burlington • gearx.com Yellow Turtle: Stowe • yellow-turtle.com
Over 10 Years Experience Performing Aesthetic Services CoolSculpting, Injectables & Fillers Acne Scarring and Stretchmarks Skin Rejuvenation • Hair & Vein Removal Vaginal Rejuvenation • Skincare Products
A Nonprofit Community Enterprise
Your store purchases and donations support
Thanks for Voting in 2019
SHOPPING
2018 Winner Best Medical Spa
SHOP
Over 25 Years Experience in Women’s Healthcare for All Ages • Annual
Exams Counseling • Hormone Replacement Therapy • Birth Control • Menopause
Check out the new new household goods department at 339 Pine Street, Burlington, above
GREAT PRICES EVERYDAY! 329 Harvest Lane at Taft Corners (Now open Sundays!)
1775 Williston Road • Suite 220 • South Burlington 645 South Main Street • Stowe
30 Granite Street
Barre
802.861.0200 • LuminaMedSpa.com Untitled-14 1
7/10/19 3:59 PM
(Now open Sundays!) 590 E Main Street
Hyde Park
Untitled-2 1
7/15/19 10:14 AM
(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 commitment to auto excellence. 3328 Shelburne Road 985-8411 theautomaster.com
LOCALS PICK THE BEST OF VERMONT SEVENDAYSVT.COM/DAYSIES
we’re winning
41 D2H-automaster19.indd 1
6/26/19 3:53 PM
SHOPPING BEST CHILDREN’S TOY STORE
Jamie Two Coats’ Toy Shop
For more than 20 years, Jamie Two Coats has been rescuing parents from the hassles of big-box shopping by stocking an impressive array of timeless children’s gift items. (Shelburne • Facebook)
Other finalists: • ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain: Burlington • echovermont.org • Homeport: Burlington • homeportonline.com • Turner Toys & Hobbies: Essex Junction • turnertoys.com • Woodbury Mountain Toys: Montpelier • woodburymountaintoys.com
BEST EYEGLASSES STORE
EyeCare of Vermont
LUKE AWTRY
When it comes to seasoned optometry, EyeCare of Vermont is lookin’ sharp: The practice has been serving Chittenden County for more than 40 years and offers designer brands of eyeglasses and sunglasses. (Burlington, Essex • eyecareofvermont.com)
Other finalists: • 802 Eye Care: South Burlington • 802eyecare.com • Chroma Optics: Burlington • chromaoptics.com • Eyes of the World: Burlington • eyesoftheworldvt.com • The Optical Center: Burlington • opticalcentervt.com
BEST PLACE TO BUY JEWELRY
Perrywinkle’s
Jewelers, diamond setters, designers, handengravers and gemologists source stones from around the world for Perrywinkle’s original jewelry. The Burlington boutique also carries many national brands. (Burlington • perrywinkles.com)
Other finalists: • After Midnight Jewelers: South Burlington • aftermidnightjewelers.com • Tick Tock Jewelers: Burlington • ticktockjewelers.com • Von Bargen’s: Burlington, Springfield, Stowe, Stratton • vonbargensjewelry.com • Zinnia: Burlington • zinniastores.com
SEVEN DAYSIES 2019-20
BEST BEAUTY-PRODUCT PURVEYOR
42
Mirror Mirror
The Burlington beauty-supply store’s highquality makeup and skin-care products help customers feel like the fairest of them all. Dayspa services include facials, massage, spray tans and waxing. (Burlington • mirrormirrorvt.com)
Other finalists: • be. Skin Clinic: Shelburne • vtskinclinic.com • BelleRose Organic Body Nourishments: Georgia • belleroseorganicbodynourishments.com • La Bella Derma: Winooski • labelladermavt.com • Lunaroma: Burlington • lunaroma.com • Pure Energy Apothecary: Williston • pureenergybody.com
BEST SECONDHAND CLOTHING STORE
Battery Street Jeans In an age of curated vintage shops and apps for secondhand selling, it’s easy to forget the purest joy of thrift shopping: sifting through piles of junk, searching for treasure. At Battery Street Jeans — a Burlington staple since 1991, though no longer on Battery Street — the treasure outnumbers the junk, but the spirit of the hunt lives on. Among the traditional stock of mom jeans, worn-in flannels and denim jackets, Battery Street Jeans has one-of-a-kind wearables from local artists, as well as crystals, art prints, records and a huge stockpile of used movies. Drop off your used duds for store credit, check out the art gallery in the basement, and attend one of the shop’s art openings or DJ nights. Our reporter walked in for research and walked out the new owner of a bolo tie adorned with a miniature Etch A Sketch. It’s just that kind of place. Burlington • Facebook
BEST PET SUPPLY STORE
Pet Food Warehouse
Find some of the friendliest customer service around at Vermont’s long-standing animal emporium. Since 1983, the warehouse has pleased pets and their owners with healthy dog foods, kitty toys, leashes and more. (Shelburne, South Burlington • pfwvt.com)
Other finalists: • The Dog and Cat: Essex, Stowe • thedogandcatatstowe.com • Guy’s Farm & Yard: Morrisville, Montpelier, St. Albans, Williston • guysfarmandyard.com • One Stop Country Pet Supply: Barre, Brattleboro • onestopcountrypet.com • The Pet Advantage: South Burlington • thepetadvantage.com
BEST MUSICAL INSTRUMENT STORE
Advance Music Center
Ask any musician in the Burlington area where to get the best gear, and they’ll likely direct you to Advance Music Center. The onestop shop for musical accoutrements has been rockin’ out for more than 30 years. (Burlington • advancemusicvt.com)
Other finalists: • Ellis Music: Royalton • ellismusic.com • GuitarSam: Montpelier • guitarsam.com • Randolin Music Instruments: Burlington • randolin.com • Vermont Violins: Burlington, Montpelier • vermontviolins.com
BEST RECORD STORE*
Pure Pop Records
Just walking down the record store’s posterlined staircase below street level feels a little punk, and the selection of vinyl, CDs, cassettes, DVDs and candy cigarettes doesn’t disappoint. (Burlington • purepoprecords.com)
Other finalists: • Autumn Records: Winooski • autumnrecordsvt.com • Buch Spieler Records: Montpelier • buchspielerrecords.com • Burlington Records: Burlington • burlingtonrecords.com • Rick & Kat’s Howlin’ Mouse: Rutland • Facebook
Thanks for the love! SHOPPING
BURLINGTON
•
COLCHESTER
•
SHELBURNE
•
DanformShoesVT.com Untitled-8 1
7/13/18 4:50 PM
ST. ALBANS *Selection varies by store.
Untitled-9 1
7/10/19 3:50 PM
A very special
THANK YOU to our voters! Your favourite jeweler. LOCALS PICK THE BEST OF VERMONT SEVENDAYSVT.COM/DAYSIES
227 MAIN STREET, BURLINGTON VT
43 Untitled-7 1
7/10/19 3:47 PM
Untitled-23 1
7/11/19 1:09 PM
SHOPPING BEST BOOKSTORE
Phoenix Books
Who says bookstores are passé? Owners Mike DeSanto and Renee Reiner have been successfully plying Vermonters with sweet, sweet paper pages for years. Of course, they offer thousands of titles for your e-reader, too. (Burlington, Essex, Rutland • phoenixbooks.biz)
Other finalists: • Bear Pond Books: Montpelier • bearpondbooks.com • Crow Bookshop: Burlington • crowbooks.com • The Eloquent Page: St. Albans • theeloquentpage.com • The Flying Pig Bookstore: Shelburne • flyingpigbooks.com
BEST PLACE TO BUY A UNIQUE GIFT
Common Deer
LUKE AWTRY
Shop owner Sharon Beal combs the country for the best small-batch, American-made goods. The ceramics, candles, blankets and jewelry artfully displayed here make very good gifts — or you can commandeer something special for yourself. (Burlington • commondeer.com)
Other finalists: • Birdfolk Collective: Winooski, Waterbury Center • birdfolkcollective.com • Milton Artists’ Guild Art Center & Gallery: Milton • miltonartistsguild.org • Thirty-odd: Burlington • thirtyodd.com • Vermont Gift Barn: South Burlington • vermontgiftbarn.com
BEST CBD RETAIL SHOP Helping customers on their journey toward health and wellness, Ceres stocks New England’s largest selection of CBD products for people and pets. Hemp-infused honey, anyone? (Brattleboro, Burlington, Middlebury • ceresremedies.com)
Other finalists:
Shelburne • vermontlightinghouse.com
• CBD Vermont: Waterbury Center • cbdvermont.com • Elevated State VT: Stowe • elevatedstatevt.com • Green Mountain Hemp Company: St. Albans • greenmountainhempcompany.com • Green State Gardener: Burlington • greenstategardener.com
BEST HOUSEWARES STORE
SEVEN DAYSIES 2019-20
The Lighting House There’s something refreshing and, well, illuminating about walking into the Lighting House. This is no big-box store of snooze-worthy light fixtures and run-of-the-mill porch and patio furniture. At the Lighting House, you can poke around two floors of nooks and crannies and gasp, “Holy crap! That’s a super-cool lamp!” Whether you’re on a lean budget or looking to splurge on a special artsy fixture that pulls the entire room together, the knowledgeable staff here have plenty of ideas to offer. Must be all those light bulbs going on above their heads.
Ceres Natural Remedies
44
BEST LIGHTING STORE
Homeport
Church Street’s four-level home-goods empire has a wide range of lifestyle and household products — think dishware, furniture, decorative items, and “any kitchen utensil or doodad ever conceived.” (Burlington • homeportonline.com)
Other finalists: • As the Crow Flies: St. Albans • Facebook • Kiss the Cook: Burlington, Middlebury • kissthecook.net • Slate: Burlington • slatehome.co • Stowe Kitchen Bath & Linens: Stowe • stowekitchen.net
BEST PLACE TO BUY A PIPE
Bern Gallery
Every autumn, the Bern Gallery hosts artists from around the world for the Pipe Classic competition. The shop’s on-site glassblowing workstations demonstrate its dedication to the pipe-making craft, and the retail selection is appropriately smokin’. (Burlington • berngallery.com)
Other finalists: • Garcia’s Tobacco Shop: Burlington • garciastobaccoshop.com • Good Stuff: Burlington, Derby, Essex Junction, Rutland, St. Albans • goodstuff.xxx • Full Tank: Burlington • Facebook • Northern Lights: Burlington • northernlightspipes.com • Stash N’ Stowe: Waterbury • stashnstowe.com
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. (Burlington, Barre, Hyde Park, Williston • resourcevt.org)
Other finalists: • Anjou & the Little Pear: Burlington • anjouvt.com • Barge Canal Market: Burlington • Facebook • Green Mountain Habitat for Humanity ReStore: Milton, Williston • vermonthabitat.org • The Green Closet: Waitsfield • thegreenclosetvt.com
BEST ANTIQUE STORE
Barge Canal Market
This Pine Street outpost is perfect for folks who’d prefer to live in a Wes Anderson film. The shop focuses on mid-20th-century design as well as American industrial and vintage barn furnishings. (Burlington • Facebook)
Other finalists: • Anjou & the Little Pear: Burlington • anjouvt.com • Five Corners Antiques: Essex Junction • 5cornersantiques.com • Vintage Inspired Lifestyle Marketplace: Burlington • vintageinspired.net • Willow House: Shelburne • willowhousevt.com
E
YE
SHOPPING
SOF THEW
OR LDB URLINGTON #LoveGardeners 472 Marshall Ave., Williston 128 Intervale Rd., Burlington 220 Mechanic St., Lebanon, NH (802) 660-3505 • GardenersSupplyStore.com
168 battery street • burlington • 651.0880 a clear vision since 1995
D4T-eyesworld17.indd 1
7/12/17 10:46 AM
Untitled-24 1 1 Daysies19.indd
7/11/19 12:30 1:10 PM 7/11/19
Over 120 national lines including: Kevyn Aucoin
Laura Mercier
By Terry
Trish McEvoy
May Lindstrom
Kiehl’s Since 1851
Caudalîe
Natura Bissé
Vintner's Daughter
Bobbi Brown
Susanne Kaufmann
SkinCeuticals
ReVive
BareMinerals
Kjaer Weis
Oribe
Rahua
Living Proof
Becca
Tata Harper
Juice Beauty
Mirror Mirror is Vermont’s premier destination for all things beauty. Offering a full selection of national luxury and organic makeup, skincare and hair care brands.
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK SKINCARE | MAKEUP | DAY SPA | BLOW DRY BAR
www.mirrormirrorvt.com 802.861.7500
3 MAIN STREET, BURLINGTON D2h-mirrormirror19.indd 1
LOCALS PICK THE BEST OF VERMONT SEVENDAYSVT.COM/DAYSIES
La Mer
45 7/9/19 1:52 PM
SHOPPING BEST FURNITURE STORE
Burlington Furniture
Value, comfort and design are the hallmarks of this locally owned company. Two adjoining stores, Burlington Furniture and Burlington Mattress, feature casual contemporary furniture, mattresses, lighting and interior design services. (Burlington • burlingtonfurniture.us)
Other finalists: • Homeport: Burlington • homeportonline.com • Modern Design: Shelburne • moderndesignvt.com • The SuperStore: Williston • superstorevt.com • Wendell’s Furniture: Colchester, South Burlington • wendellsfurniture.com
BEST KITCHEN STORE
Kiss the Cook
Since the 1990s, Kiss the Cook has been a destination for quality kitchenware. Foodies dig the colorful selection of Le Creuset items and the on-site knife sharpening. (Burlington, Middlebury • kissthecook.net)
Other finalists: • As the Crow Flies: St. Albans • Facebook • Capital Kitchen: Montpelier • capitalkitchenvt.com • Homeport: Burlington • homeportonline.com • Stowe Kitchen Bath & Linens: Stowe • stowekitchen.net
BEST LIGHTING STORE
BEST BIKE SHOP
The Lighting House
Earl’s Cyclery & Fitness
The lights have been on in Vermont’s premier lighting showroom since 1977. Find chandeliers, shades, sconces and more — plus a selection of quality outdoor furniture. (Shelburne • vermontlightinghouse.com)
Named one of the top 100 bike dealers in America, Earl’s has been keeping locals in shape for 65 years. Improve your cycling skills and make friends on regular Tuesday night group rides, departing at 6 p.m. sharp. (South Burlington • earlsbikes.com)
Other finalists: • Barre Electric & Lighting Supply: Barre • barreelectric.com • Burlington Furniture: Burlington • burlingtonfurniture.us • Conant Metal & Light: Burlington • conantmetalandlight.com • The Lamp Shop: Burlington • shopthelamp.com • Light Club Lamp Shop: Burlington • radiobean.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 two locations. (Burlington, Williston • gardeners.com)
Other finalists: • Claussen’s Florist, Greenhouse & Perennial Farm: Colchester • claussens.com • H & B Greenhouse & Nursery: Highgate Center • hbgreenhouse.com • Paquette Full of Posies: Williston • vermontnursery.com • Red Wagon Plants: Hinesburg • redwagonplants.com
Other finalists:
BEST AUTO DEALER
The Automaster
It started as Jack DuBrul’s little Rambler dealership in 1968. Today the Automaster’s 120plus employees enjoy capacious quarters filled with new and pre-owned Mercedes Benz, BMW, Honda and MINI vehicles. Check out the on-site museum. (Shelburne • theautomaster.com)
• North Star Sports: Burlington • northstarsportsvt.com • Old Spokes Home: Burlington • oldspokeshome.com • Outdoor Gear Exchange: Burlington • gearx.com • Skirack: Burlington • skirack.com
BEST OUTDOOR OUTFITTER
Other finalists:
Outdoor Gear Exchange
• Burlington Subaru: Burlington • subaruvt.com • Handy Toyota: St. Albans • handytoyota.com • Heritage Toyota: South Burlington • heritagetoyotacars.com • Shearer VW of South Burlington: South Burlington • shearervw.com
Other finalists:
BEST SKI/SNOWBOARD SHOP
Burton Snowboards
Founded in a Vermont barn in 1977, Burton has become one of the world’s most influential snowboard manufacturers over the years. The flagship store in Burlington’s South End is the first stop on any savvy boarder’s quest for pow. (Burlington • burton.com)
“Great gear at great prices” is the mission here — because everyone should be able to enjoy the great outdoors. Since 1995, OGE has been selling apparel and equipment, and helping to preserve our planet. (Burlington • gearx.com) • Alpine Shop: South Burlington • alpineshopvt.com • Lenny’s Shoe & Apparel: Barre, St. Albans, Williston • lennyshoe.com • Patagonia Burlington: Burlington • patagoniaburlington.com • Skirack: Burlington • skirack.com
Other finalists: • Alpine Shop: South Burlington • alpineshopvt.com • Outdoor Gear Exchange: Burlington • gearx.com • Pinnacle Ski & Sports: Stowe • pinnacleskisports.com • Skirack: Burlington • skirack.com
Thank you for your votes!
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
SEVEN DAYSIES 2019-20
AN OASIS FOR YOUR MIND, BODY & SOUL
46
THANK YOU
to everyone who nominated us for Best Day Spa!! We certainly couldn’t have done it without our amazing staff and clients. Thank you again!!
revindoor.com 802.497.2737 @) revindoorcycling Untitled-13 1
7/10/19 3:58 PM
300 Conerstone Drive, #220 • Williston • VT 802.879.9499 • OasisDaySpaVT.com • Monday 9-4, Tuesday - Saturday 8:30-7 D6h-Oasisdayspa19.indd 1
7/5/19 1:37 PM
“Style is a way to say who you are without having to speak.” - RACHEL ZOE
SHOPPING
THANK YOU
FOR YOUR VOTES AND LETTING US DRESS YOU SINCE 1992!
TWO LOCATIONS OPEN DAILY
17 E Allen Street WINOOSKI
2657 Waterbury-Stowe Road WATERBURY CENTER
birdfolkcollective.com 81 Church St.• Burlington • 860.2220 • eccoclothesboutique.com D4T-ecco19.indd 1
7/9/19 12:01 PM
D4t-birdfolk19.indd 1
7/16/19 1:05 PM
Thank you for nominating us for both BEST GARDEN CENTER & BEST FLORIST
Beautiful
20% OFF
SHOP LO CAL
Purchase a plant & pot together and we will repot it for free
All houseplants with this coupon *must present coupon. Offer not valid with any other offers EXPIRES 9-2-19
We offer the largest selection of top quality indoor house plants OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK • (802) 878-2361 • 187 MAIN STREET, COLCHESTER • WWW.CLAUSSENS.COM D2h-Claussens19.indd 1
7/9/19 1:54 PM
LOCALS PICK THE BEST OF VERMONT SEVENDAYSVT.COM/DAYSIES
HOUSEPLANTS
47
SERVICES
SEVEN DAYSIES 2019-20
JEFF DREW
48
At a time when few Vermonters keep a phone book in the house, consider this Services section of the Daysies your curated yellow pages. Who you gonna call … when your dog eats cannabis-laced poop on Mount Philo? Perhaps Green Mountain Animal Hospital. What about when all that winter shoveling gives you a literal pain in the neck? Try Drs. Marko Family Chiropractors. And when you pop a tire on one of our many pothole-riddled * = New category in 2019
thoroughfares? Ring up Girlington Garage or Vermont Tire & Service. Living in Vermont ain’t always easy, but the service providers included here can help. Most of them have been successfully defending their Daysies for years — a sure sign of a satisfied customer base. But there are some newcomers on the scene, including Onyx Ink, In Full Bloom and the Inn at Shelburne Farms. The most notable may be Camp Ta-Kum-Ta, which earned
the title of best nonprofit. This year, Ta-Kum-Ta took steps to make its South Hero summer camp for kids with cancer even more accessible: In January, it began offering virtualreality headsets loaded with joyous scenes of swimming and zip-lining to young oncology patients at the University of Vermont Children’s Hospital. On the scale of five-star service, we’d call that a six.
BEST NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION
BEST DOG TRAINING COMPANY
Camp Ta-Kum-Ta
Vermont Dog Trainer
South Hero’s Camp Ta-Kum-Ta, founded in 1984, works tirelessly so kids with cancer can just be kids experiencing the magic of summer camp. Its offerings have grown from a one-week camp to year-round programming — all tuition-free. (South Hero • takumta.org)
Other finalists: • Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity: Burlington • cvoeo.org • Humane Society of Chittenden County: South Burlington • chittendenhumane.org • Ronald McDonald House Charities of Burlington: Burlington • rmhcvt.org • Spectrum Youth & Family Services: Burlington • spectrumvt.org
BEST VETERINARIAN/ ANIMAL HOSPITAL
This animal hospital celebrated 50 years of comprehensive critter care in February 2019. According to its highly trained doctors and technicians, “Your pet is our passion!” (Burlington, South Burlington • greenmountainah.com)
Other finalists: • The Animal Hospital of Hinesburg: Hinesburg • hinesburgbristolvet.com • Malletts Bay Veterinary Hospital: Colchester • mallettsbayvet.com • Milton Veterinary Hospital: Milton • miltonvethospital.com • River Cove Animal Hospital: Williston • rivercove.net
BEST PET DAYCARE
Oh my DOG
Who let the dogs out? Not Oh my DOG — unless we’re talking about its safe, supervised outdoor play spaces. Trained staff make sure your four-legged friend has a doggone good time at daycare. (South Burlington • ohmydogvt.com)
Other finalists:
BEST PET GROOMER
Doggie Styles Salon
Does your Saint Bernard need a bath and blow-dry? Could your tabby’s nails use a trim? The expert groomers at this Colchester salon, in business since 2003, provide a pawsitive pampering experience. (Colchester • doggiestylesvt.com)
Other finalists: • A Passion for Pets: Colchester • apassionforpetsvt.com • Bow Meow Pet Grooming Boutique: Essex Junction • bowmeowpetgrooming.com • Shed Happens: St. Albans • Facebook • Sit Pretty Grooming Salon: Essex Junction • sitprettysalon.com
• Fetch the Leash Dog Behavior and Training: Burlington • fetchtheleash.biz • Green Mountain Canine Camp: Colchester • Facebook • Show Me the Biscuit: Williston • showmethebiscuit.com • Thin Blue Line K-9: Williston • thinbluelinek9.net
BEST BANK/CREDIT UNION
New England Federal Credit Union
With more than 90,000 members and $1 billion in assets, NEFCU is the state’s largest credit union. It helps members make dollars and sense of their savings through free financial education programs, a full range of products and services, competitive rates, and fewer fees. (multiple locations • nefcu.com)
Use promo code DAYSIES19 and get $30 in driving credits to get you going! Join today at carsharevt.org.
Untitled-8 1
7/15/19 10:25 AM
Other finalists: • NorthCountry Federal Credit Union: multiple locations • northcountry.org • Northfield Savings Bank: multiple locations • nsbvt.com • Vermont Federal Credit Union: multiple locations • vermontfederal.org • Vermont State Employees Credit Union: multiple locations • vsecu.com
BEST LAW FIRM*
Vermont Cannabis Solutions
STRENGTHENING COMMUNITY • A fun, supportive, and welcoming place to be! • Swim, work out, take a class
Attorneys Tim Fair and Andrew Subin helm the state’s only dedicated cannabis law firm. Together, they offer consulting and legal services related to the ever-changing hemp, CBD and legal adult use industry. (Burlington • vermontcannabissolutions.com)
www.gbymca.org
Other finalists:
266 College Street
• Bauer Gravel Farnham, LLP: Colchester, Montpelier, North Hero • vtlawoffices.com • Jarvis, McArthur & Williams: Burlington • jarvismcarthur.com • Kaplan and Kaplan: Burlington • kaplanlawvt.com • Paul Frank + Collins: Burlington • pfclaw.com • Sheehey Furlong & Behm: Burlington, Woodstock • sheeheyvt.com
BEST ACCOUNTANT*
Gallagher, Flynn & Company
Got tax troubles? Need accounting answers? Vermont’s largest independent CPA and business consulting firm employs more than 75 full-time individuals who are up to the task. (South Burlington • gfc.com)
Other finalists: • American Tax: South Burlington • americantax.com • McSoley McCoy & Co.: South Burlington • cpavt.com • Michael Ly (Reconciled): Burlington • reconciledit.com • Stephanie Mack (Account Mobility): Essex Junction • accountmobility.com
• Wonderful staff
Untitled-10 1
7/13/18 4:59 PM
BEST DAY SPA
Daysies Finalist 2017-2019 2018 Luxury Travel Guide
BEST USA CONTEMPORARY WELLNESS CENTER SALT CAVE SESSIONS - $30 HAND & FOOT DETOX - $25 INFRA-RED SAUNA - $30 MAGNETIC THERAPY - $30 MASSAGE FROM - $75 REFLEXOLOGY - $50 ANF THERAPY - $60 + DISCS
Open Thursdays-Mondays 10 - 5 48 Main St., Montgomery Center 802-326-2283 • vtsaltcaves.com D6h-vtsaltcaves19.indd 1
LOCALS PICK THE BEST OF VERMONT SEVENDAYSVT.COM/DAYSIES
• Gulliver’s Doggie Daycare: Williston • doggiedaycare.com • Play Dog Play Canine Care Center: Burlington, South Burlington • playdogvt.com • Sleepydog Kennel: Colchester • sleepydogkennel.com • Vermont Dog Trainer: Hyde Park • vermontdogtrainer.com
Other finalists:
Change the way you get around.
SERVICES
Green Mountain Animal Hospital
Dogs are social creatures, and the boarding and training programs here incorporate a safe, supervised pack to encourage good behaviors, from basic obedience to bark management and beyond. (Hyde Park • vermontdogtrainer.com)
49 7/12/19 1:18 PM
SERVICES BEST MORTGAGE BROKER
New England Federal Credit Union
Northern Vermont’s No. 1 mortgage provider is known for some of the lowest interest rates around — as well as high customer satisfaction. Sign up for a free home-buying seminar. (multiple locations • nefcu.com)
Other finalists: • Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation: South Burlington • fairwayindependentmc.com • Spruce Mortgage: Burlington • sprucemortgage.com • Union Bank: multiple locations • ublocal.com • Vermont Mortgage Company: Burlington, Peru • vermontmortgagecompany.com
BEST REAL ESTATE AGENCY
For more than 60 years, Coldwell Banker has been helping buyers and sellers feel right at home throughout northwestern Vermont. Its savvy fleet of more than 90 Realtors and staff markets properties of all kinds, facilitates relocations and analyzes current trends. (Burlington, St. Albans, Vergennes • hickokandboardman.com)
Other finalists: • Element Real Estate: Burlington • realestatevt.com • Flex Realty: Colchester • flexrealtyvt.com • KW Vermont: South Burlington • vermontkw.com • RE/MAX North Professionals: Colchester • homesvermont.com
BEST REAL ESTATE AGENT
Michaela Quinlan (Coldwell Banker Hickok & Boardman Realty)
In a competitive housing market, a great Realtor can make all the difference. Quinlan’s clients praise her prompt communications, knowledge of the local market and advice about pricing, calling her a “go-getter” and “incredibly helpful.” (Burlington • livelocalbtv.com)
SEVEN DAYSIES 2019-20
Other finalists:
50
• Jessica Bridge (Element Real Estate): Burlington • realestatevt.com • Joe Villemaire (Rockstar Real Estate Collective at KW Vermont): South Burlington • rockstarhomesvt.com • Lipkin Audette Team (Coldwell Banker Hickok & Boardman Realty):: Burlington • lipkinaudette.com • Robbi Handy Holmes (Century 21 Jack Associates):: South Burlington • c21jack.com
LUKE AWTRY
Coldwell Banker Hickok & Boardman Realty BEST MOVING COMPANY
Grunts Move Junk
Whether you’re emptying out Grandpa’s cluttered basement or simply spring cleaning, veteran-owned and -operated Grunts Move Junk gets the job done on the double. (St. Albans • gruntsmovejunk.com)
Other finalists: • Booska Worldwide Movers: Burlington • booskaworldwide.com • Local Muscle: Burlington • localmusclemovers.com • Morway’s Moving & Storage: Williston • morwaysmoving.com • Vermont Moving & Storage: Winooski • vtmoving.com
BEST CHIMNEY SWEEP COMPANY
Brickliners Custom Masonry & Chimney Services
Burlington native Jake Loeffler and his team of Chimney Safety Institute of America-certified technicians provide top-notch troubleshooting to keep chimneys, fireplaces and dryer vents safe and sound. (Williston • brickliners.com)
Other finalists: • Artful Chimney Services Services: Burlington • artfulchimney.com • Chimney Savers Savers:: Randolph • chimneysaversvt.com
BEST HOUSEHOLD PLUMBING COMPANY
Benoure Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning
Pipes don’t burst on a 9-to-5 schedule. That’s why Benoure’s plumbing and HVAC technicians are available for 24-hour emergency services. Bonus: All work comes with a one-year parts and labor warranty. (South Burlington • benoure.com)
Other finalists: • Falcon Plumbing & Heating Service: Williston • falconplumbingvt.com • Niquette Brothers Plumbing & Heating: Winooski • niquetteplumbing.com • Yankee Plumbing & Heating: Winooski • yankeeplumbingvt.com
BEST HOUSEHOLD PAINTING COMPANY
Lafayette Painting
Time for a fresh coat? Working in multi-person crews, Lafayette’s professionals get the job done quickly. Last year they painted more than 600 rooms and 50 decks and exteriors. (Burlington • lafayettepainting.net)
Other finalists: • Classic Shades Painting: Burlington • cspvt.com • Generations Painting VT: generationspaintingvt.com
BEST PLACE TO GET BODY ART
Onyx Ink Now this is an upset. This year Onyx Ink, which opened in September 2018, came in as a surprise dark horse to end Yankee Tattoo’s 16-year lock on this category. The new tattoo studio is owned by Alisha Dykema and staffed entirely by women. In June, they held a special sale of feminist flash tattoos and raised $3,500 for the Pride Center of Vermont’s SafeSpace program to support LGBTQ survivors of sexual violence. Onyx’s Instagram feed is updated daily, featuring inked florals, pet portraits, the occasional three-headed llama and plenty of cool piercings. Stop by the shop or drop its tattoo artist team an email to dream your quirkiest, inkiest dreams. Burlington • onyxinkstudio.com
glowing skin is in. glowing skin is in.
Untitled-9 1
What our clients say: "an incredible experience..."
What our clients say:
"I cannot say enough good things about GLOW!" "an incredible experience..." "accommodating, friendly, and knowledgeable..."
THANK YOU FOR THE VOTES! • • •
"I cannot say enough good things about GLOW!" "I was blown away at how comfortable the staff makes you feel...Dr. DiMeola is amazing!" "accommodating, friendly, and knowledgeable..." "I was blown away at how comfortable the staff makes 41 IDX Drive Suite 230 you feel...Dr. DiMeola is amazing!"
South Burlington, VT 802.338.9599 41 IDX Drive Suite 230 www.glowmedspavt.com South Burlington, VT 802.338.9599 7/15/19 www.glowmedspavt.com
•
Open 7 Days a Week Convenient 24 hr. Online Scheduling Participating Member of Pride Center of Vermont’s Vermont Diversity Health Project (VDHP) Licensed Professional Members of the American Massage Therapy Association
SERVICES
Offerings: Botox + Cosmetic Injectables Laser Hair Removal + Electrology Offerings: Microblading Botox + Cosmetic Injectables Microneeding + PRP Laser Removal + Electrology Facial Hair Treatments Microblading Chemical Peels Microneeding + PRP Airbrush Tanning FacialLifting Treatments Lash + Extensions Chemical Peels Airbrush Tanning Lash Lifting + Extensions
Right off Exit 16 (Next to Maplefield’s) | Colchester 802 655 2500 | planetmassagevermont.com 10:27 AM
D4t-Planetmassage073119.indd 1
7/18/19 2:19 PM
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
51 Untitled-42 1
7/20/16 12:10 PM
SERVICES BEST LANDSCAPING COMPANY
di Stefano Landscaping
This full-service landscape design, construction and maintenance company has created outdoor oases everywhere from Champlain College to Topnotch Resort. The team of designers, stonemasons and horticulturalists does backyard makeovers, too. (Jericho • distefanolandscaping.com)
Other finalists: • Green Stripes Landscaping: Waterbury Center • greenstripeslandscaping.net • Landshapes: Richmond • landshapes.net • Pinnacle Properties: Williston • pinnaclepropertiesvt.com
BEST CATERER
BEST FLORIST
BEST TAILOR
Sugarsnap
In Full Bloom
Linda’s Sew Unique
Other finalists:
Other finalists:
Other finalists:
• Bevo: Colchester • bevovt.com • Cloud 9 Caterers: Colchester • cloud9caterers.com • Green Meadows Catering: Essex Junction • Facebook • Let’s Pretend Catering: South Burlington • letspretendcatering.com
• Chappell’s Florist: South Burlington • chappellsflorist.com • Claussen’s Florist, Greenhouse & Perennial Farm: Colchester • claussens.com • Kathy & Company Florist: Burlington • kathycoflowers.com • Maplehurst Florist: Essex Junction • maplehurstflorist.com
• Katie Zuanich (KZ Couture): Vergennes • Facebook • Northern Elegance: St. Albans • northerneleganceformalwear.com • S & J Creations Tailoring & Dress Shop: Essex Junction • Facebook • Silver Threads Tailoring: Burlington • Facebook
Winter squash crisp with maple whipped cream, anyone? Ingredients from a three-acre Intervale farm bolster Sugarsnap’s full-service catering for weddings and other special functions. (South Burlington • thesnapvt.com)
A mother-daughter team with a background in horticulture and the fine arts arranges contemporary and traditional floral designs for special and everyday occasions. (Shelburne • infullbloomvt.com)
BEST SALON (UNISEX)
Indigo
BEST LODGING (RESORT/HOTEL)*
Get a hairdo — not a hairdon’t — at this upscale Burlington salon. The extraordinary hair care here goes beyond cuts to include coloring, conditioning, styling and more. (Burlington • indigovt.com)
Hotel Vermont
Sophisticated rooms, farm-to-table restaurants and a stunning outdoor terrace make Burlington’s independent downtown hotel one of the top 25 in the United States, according to Condé Nast Traveler. (Burlington • hotelvt.com)
Other finalists: • Persona Salon: Essex Junction • personavt.com • Ringlet Studio Salons: South Burlington • Facebook • Salon Elizabeth: St. Albans • Facebook • Stephen & Burns: Burlington • stephenandburns.com
Other finalists: • The Essex Culinary Resort & Spa: Essex • essexresort.com • The Lodge at Spruce Peak: Stowe • sprucepeak.com • Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa: Stowe • stoweflake.com • Topnotch Resort: Stowe • topnotchresort.com
BEST BARBER/MEN’S CUT
Old Soul Barbershop
In a throwback to the midcentury American barbershop, master of shears Christian DuBrul and his staff specialize in traditional cuts and hot-towel, straight-razor shaves. (Winooski • oldsoulvt.com)
BEST LODGING (INN)*
The Inn at Shelburne Farms
Other finalists:
Live like a Vanderbilt: This beautifully restored inn on the shore of Lake Champlain was once the 19th-century manor home of Dr. William Seward and Lila Vanderbilt Webb. Wander the formal gardens and dine on farm-fresh fare in the restaurant. (Shelburne • shelburnefarms.org)
• The Barbershop: Burlington • thebarbershopvt.com • Essex Barber Shop: Essex Junction • Facebook • LUX Barber Shop: Burlington • barber. luxburlington.com • The Men’s Room: Burlington • mensroomvt.com
Other finalists: • The Green Mountain Inn: Stowe • greenmountaininn.com • Middlebury Inn: Middlebury • middleburyinn.com • The North Hero House: North Hero • northherohouse.com • Willard Street Inn: Burlington • willardstreetinn.com
BEST WEDDING VENUE
SEVEN DAYSIES 2019-20
Shelburne Farms
52
From intimate affairs at the historic inn to large parties at the Coach Barn, Shelburne Farms’ locavore cuisine and Lake Champlain view make it a gorgeous place to get hitched. (Shelburne • shelburnefarms.org)
Other finalists: • ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain: Burlington • echovermont.org • The Essex Culinary Resort & Spa: Essex • essexresort.com • The Old Lantern Inn and Barn: Charlotte • oldlantern.com • Sleepy Hollow Inn Ski & Bike Center: Huntington • skisleepyhollow.com • UVM Alumni House: Burlington • uvmalumnihouse.com
Those with clothes in need of a nip and tuck head to this downtown Burlington studio for praise-worthy and professional tailoring at a reasonable price. Bridal alterations are a specialty here. (Burlington • Facebook)
BEST NONPROFIT
BEST MANICURE/PEDICURE
Camp Ta-Kum-Ta
Bella Vie Nail Spa
If you stumbled upon Camp Ta-Kum-Ta, nestled a mile down a dirt road along the shores of Lake Champlain, you might hear the shrieks of zip-lining kids or the thunderous applause of an audience that’s just been treated to a karaoke rendition of “Don’t Stop Believin’.” The one thing you probably won’t hear: the word “cancer.” Since 1984, the camp has provided — at no cost to families — a weeklong summer refuge from the physical and emotional challenges of illness for children and adolescents at any stage of the treatment process who either reside or receive medical care in Vermont. Kids and teens — as well as parents and siblings — can also attend weekend retreats at the camp, held throughout the year. Anyone who’s ever set foot on Ta-Kum-Ta’s bosky grounds will tell you that it’s a magical place, impervious to both negativity and cell service, where everyone treats each other with exuberant, genuine kindness. South Hero • takumta.org
Living up to its name — which translates to “beautiful life” — this nail salon offers a full range of services, from green-tea pedicures to nail art. The footbaths are scented, and the towels are hot. (Williston • bellavienailspa.com)
Other finalists: • All Star Nail Salon: South Burlington • Facebook • Perfect Nails by Thu: Essex Junction • Facebook • Salon Elizabeth Elizabeth: St. Albans • Facebook • Sofi Nails & Spa: Burlington • Facebook
g n i t a br
e S l e R C YEA
R OU , Y P IN IONS E E D ENSS W P O S ELB D SU IGHT G TIN DS AN INE L NS! T E G G OF AKE PACK EN PECTIO BR CHE D INS YOU US AN NK G
10
SERVICES
THA EEPIN ! K NG FORROLLI
55 0-00 M 6 6 .CO 802 AGE R A ONG NGT I L R GI D4T-girlington19.indd 1
7/10/19 11:57 AM
Untitled-5 1
7/17/19 4:05 PM
LOCALS PICK THE BEST OF VERMONT SEVENDAYSVT.COM/DAYSIES
We are proud to earn your vote for
Best Landscaping Company! (802) 279-5900 distefanolandscaping.com
53 D2h-diStefanolandscape19.indd 1
7/10/19 10:59 AM
SERVICES
BEST HEALTH CLUB/GYM
The EDGE Sports & Fitness
BEST PLACE TO GET BODY ART
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 a little easier. (Essex, South Burlington, Williston • edgevt.com)
Onyx Ink
This female-owned tattoo studio has been inking customers since September 2018. The number of return clients in that time speaks volumes about the quality and creativity of the wearable art. (Burlington • onyxinkstudio.com)
Other finalists: • Duke’s Fitness Center: St. Albans • dukesfitnesscenter.com • Greater Burlington YMCA: Burlington • gbymca.org • Marketplace Fitness: Burlington • marketplacefitness.com
Other finalists: • Fortune Teller Tattoo: Burlington • fortunetellertattoo.com • Kingdom Ink: Craftsbury • kingdom-ink.com • Luminary Ink: St. Albans • luminaryinktattoo.com • Vermont Custom Tattoo and Piercing: Burlington • tattoovt.com • Yankee Tattoo: Burlington • yankeetattoo.net
BEST BOUTIQUE FITNESS STUDIO JAMES BUCK
BEST PLACE TO GET A MASSAGE
The Essex Culinary Resort & Spa
The resort’s recipe for relaxation includes massages of all kinds: custom, deep tissue, Eastern hand, warm stone and more. Complimentary use of the on-site steam and sauna rooms doesn’t hurt. (Essex • essexresort.com)
Other finalists: • Brilliant Massage Therapy: Burlington • jolitabrilliant.com • Planet Massage: Colchester • planetmassagevermont.com • Rod Cain Massage Therapy: Burlington, Essex Junction • rodcainmassage.com • Stephen & Burns: Burlington • stephenandburns.com
BEST DAY SPA
Oasis Day Spa
Care for a pumpkin float? How about a mango body wrap? Oasis offers a long list of delicious-sounding body treatments — plus facials, massages and more. (Williston • oasisdayspavt.com)
SEVEN DAYSIES 2019-20
BEST RESORT SPA
In Full Bloom From traditional bridal boutonnieres to contemporary gallery bouquets, floral arrangements by mother-and-daughter team Kris Engstrom and Britta Johnson reflect years of experience and a flair for design. Engstrom has sold flowers since the early 1980s and plies her horticulture training in prolific organic flower beds on-site. Graphic designer Johnson brings an urban sensibility to compositions to keep them interesting and fresh. Sourced from local organic and socially responsible growers as much as possible, flowers at the shop grace tables and shelves alongside beeswax candles, jewelry and housewares for sale. More than just a flower shop, In Full Bloom is a cornucopia for the senses and, as Engstrom likes to say, “a balm for the soul.” Shelburne • infullbloomvt.com
54
Topnotch Resort
Topnotch’s fluffy robes, maple-sugar body smoothies and CBD massages take R&R to the next level. Afterward, laze around the pool and enjoy the mountain view. (Stowe • topnotchresort.com)
Other finalists: • The Essex Culinary Resort & Spa: Essex • essexresort.com • The Spa at Spruce Peak: Stowe • sprucepeak.com • Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa: Stowe • stoweflake.com
BEST MEDICAL SPA
BEST CHIROPRACTIC PRACTICE
Bare Medical Spa + Laser Center
Drs. Marko Family Chiropractors
Beauty and health are the goals here. Bare’s trained and licensed specialists offer a menu ranging from chemical peels to CoolSculpting and laser hair removal to lash tinting. (Burlington • barevt.com)
With a nonjudgmental atmosphere, motivating instructors and killer beats, Sarah DeGray’s premier indoor cycling studio puts a new spin on spin class. (South Burlington • revindoor.com)
Other finalists:
BEST FLORIST
Other finalists: • be. Skin Clinic: Shelburne • vtskinclinic.com • Mystic Waters Day Spa: St. Albans • mysticwatersdayspa.com • Stephen & Burns: Burlington • stephenandburns.com • Vermont Salt Cave Spa & Halotherapy Center: Montgomery Center • vtsaltcaves.com
REV Indoor Cycling
Drs. Stephanie Kleinfeld Marko and Richard Marko have been practicing in the Green Mountain State since 1988, helping countless clients to “feel better from the inside out!” (South Burlington • drsmarko.com)
Other finalists:
Other finalists:
• GLOWAESTHETICS Medical Spa + Beauty Boutique: South Burlington • glowmedspavt.com • Lumina: South Burlington, Stowe • luminamedspa.com • Radiance Medical Aesthetics and Wellness Spa: Williston • radiancevt.com • Skin Deep Medical Aesthetics: Essex Junction • skindeepvt.com
• The Chiropractic Practice of Laura A. Ramirez: Burlington • Facebook • Epic Wellness: South Burlington • epicwellnessvt.com • Sommers Chiropractic: South Burlington • sommerschiropractic.com • Summit Chiropractic Center: Essex • summitchiropracticvt.com
• Concept Move: South Burlington • concept-move.com • Pure Barre: South Burlington • purebarre.com • Queen City Yoga: South Burlington • queencityogavt.com • Studio SxB: Winooski • suzyshulman.com
BEST YOGA STUDIO
Sangha Studio
In Sanskrit, “sangha” means “community.” This nonprofit lives up to its name by offering 100 percent donation-based yoga classes at its two studios, as well as at local schools, hospitals and other nonprofits. (Burlington • sanghastudio.org)
Other finalists: • Evolution Physical Therapy + Yoga Studio: Burlington • evolutionvt.com • Hot Yoga Burlington VT: Burlington • hotyogaburlingtonvt.com • Queen City Yoga: South Burlington • queencityogavt.com • Yoga Roots: Shelburne, Williston • yogarootsvt.com
BEST CYCLING STUDIO
REV Indoor Cycling
Come for the music, stay for the workout. Folks sweat it out while tuning in to cycling sessions such as Best of the ‘90s and (Club) Bangers & Mash(ups). (South Burlington • revindoor.com)
Other finalists: • The EDGE Sports & Fitness: Essex, South Burlington, Williston • edgevt.com • Granite City Group Fitness: Barre • granitecitygroupfitness.com • Ride: Stowe • rideindoorcycling.com
THANKS FOR THE LOVE… WE LOVE YOU TOO!
ESSEX | SOUTH BURLINGTON | WILLISTON
802-860-EDGE
CORPORATE MEMBERSHIP PLANS AVAILABLE
edgevt.com/join
SERVICES BEST CROSSFIT STUDIO
802 CrossFit
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. (Essex Junction • 802crossfitvt.com)
Other finalists: • Champlain Valley CrossFit: Williston • champlainvalleycrossfit.com • CrossFit Burlington: Burlington • crossfitburlington.com • CrossFit TT: South Burlington • crossfittt.com • Green Mountain CrossFit: Berlin, Hyde Park • greenmountaincrossfit.com
BEST MARTIAL ARTS STUDIO*
BEST DANCE STUDIO
BEST RADIO STATION (MUSIC)
Villari’s Self-Defense & Wellness Center
Studio 3 Dance
The Point FM
Other finalists:
Other finalists:
• Dance Works Academy: Milton • dance-works-academy.com • Electric Youth Dance Company: St. Albans • electricyouthdance.com • McFadden Academy of Irish Dance: Colchester • mcfaddenirishdance.com • Up North Dance Studio: Colchester • danceupnorth.com
• • • •
BEST PLACE TO TAKE AN ARTS CLASS
With full-power stations around the state, VPR beams and streams news, talk and music to more than 200,000 listeners per week. “Vermont Edition,” its award-winning flagship daily newsmagazine, explores regional issues and culture. (vpr.org)
Codirectors Michelle Little and Rachel Bilodeau impart their passion for ballet, hip-hop, tap, African and many other movement styles to students at two fitness studios. (Colchester, Swanton • vtstudio3.com)
Wanna be a black belt? Students have been training at Villari’s for more than 40 years, benefiting from the physical workout as well as the valuable life skills it teaches. (South Burlington • villaricenter.com)
Other finalists: • Combat Fitness MMA: Winooski • combatfitnessmma.com • Martial Way Self-Defense Center: Colchester • martialwayvt.com • R Family Dojo: St. Albans • rfamilydojo.blogspot.com • Yordan’s Black Belt Academy: South Burlington, Underhill • ybba.com
Burlington City Arts
BCA serves the creative needs of the community through dynamic arts education. Classes range from painting to printmaking and darkroom photography to documentary storytelling. (Burlington • burlingtoncityarts.org)
Other finalists: • Burlington Paint & Sip Studio: Burlington • burlingtonpaintandsip.com • Davis Studio: South Burlington • davisstudiovt.com • Milton Artists’ Guild: Milton • miltonartistsguild.org • Vermont Comedy Club: Burlington • vermontcomedyclub.com
BEST AUTO REPAIR COURTESY OF DI STEFANO LANDSCAPING
BEST LANDSCAPING COMPANY
SEVEN DAYSIES 2019-20
di Stefano Landscaping
56
Landscaping can be a difficult service to shop for, but when it’s done exceptionally well, it shines. Beginning with the design process of hardscapes — stone walls, garden paths, light fixtures, patios, planters and pergolas — to the selection of living features such as trees, flowers, evergreens and shrubs, the landscape professionals at di Stefano can help you cover a lot of ground around your home or business. To get a taste of their aesthetic and attention to detail, take a stroll around some of the newest buildings at Champlain College in Burlington. Or check out the outdoor terraces, stone walls and fire pits at Topnotch Resort in Stowe. Yeah, they did that, too. Classy, stylish and rock-solid workmanship. Jericho • distefanolandscaping.com
Girlington Garage
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. (South Burlington • girlingtongarage.com)
Other finalists: • Brian’s North End Automotive: Burlington • briansnorthendautomotive.com • Halford Motors:: Georgia • halfordmotors.com • Jenkins Auto Repair:: Milton • jenkinsautorepair.comcastbiz.net • Nate’s Automotive: Essex • natesautomotivevt.com
BEST PLACE TO GET YOUR TIRES CHANGED
Vermont Tire & Service
Forget waiting weeks for your auto shop to fit you in — Vermont Tire’s policy of first come, first served makes the busy tire-changeover season easy for early birds. If your treads go bald, you can buy some new ones here, too. (Montpelier, South Burlington • vttireonline.com)
Other finalists: • Brian’s North End Automotive: Burlington • briansnorthendautomotive.com • Halford Motors: Georgia • halfordmotors.com • Jenkins Auto Repair: Milton • jenkinsautorepair.comcastbiz.net • Noyes Automotive & Tire: Burlington • noyesautoandtire.com
Since 1977, this station has been a pioneer in the triple-A (adult album alternative) format. Listeners tune in for its eclectic playlist of new and vintage music, from rock and roll to reggae. (pointfm.com) 98.9 WOKO: woko.com Star 92.9: star929.com VPR Classical: vpr.org WRUV 90.1 FM: wruv.org
BEST RADIO STATION (NEWS)
Vermont Public Radio
Other finalists: • WDEV: wdevradio.com • WVMT AM 620: wvmtradio.com
BEST LOCAL TV NEWS STATION
WCAX
Award-winning anchors such as Darren Perron, Galen Ettlin and Céline McArthur provide stellar local coverage of the Champlain Valley and surrounding areas. (wcax.com)
Other finalists: • Local ABC 22 & Local Fox 44: mychamplainvalley.com • WPTZ: mynbc5.com
SERVICES LASER HAIR REMOVAL LASER TATTOO REMOVAL BOTOX + DYSPORT™ DERMAL FILLERS KYBELLA™ EMSCULPT VEIN REMOVAL MICRONEEDLING VAGINAL REJUVENATION FACE AND BODY SKIN TIGHTENING
THANK YOU FOR YOUR VOTES!
CELLULITE REDUCTION COOLSCULPTING™ WAXING LASHES
MEDICAL SPA + LASER CENTER 95 ST. PAUL STREET BURLINGTON, VT BAREVT.COM 802.861.2273
FOR THE LOVE OF SKIN
4000 Mountain Rd • Stowe • 800.451.8686 Topnotchresort.com Untitled-3 1
7/15/19 10:15 AM
D4t-bare19.indd 1
7/11/19 1:51 PM
LOCALS PICK THE BEST OF VERMONT SEVENDAYSVT.COM/DAYSIES
for your
...AND ALL YOUR SKIN CARE NEEDS!
SERVICES
STRETCHMARKS + SCARS
We appreciate all of your support and look forward to seeing you soon.
votes!
Federally Insured by NCUA
800.400.8790 · nefcu.com
57 Untitled-1 1
7/24/19 11:04 AM
SEVEN DAYSIES 2019-20
OUTDOORS & RECREATION
JEFF DREW
58
According to the Outdoor Industry Association, 72 percent of Vermonters participate in outdoor recreation every year. That beats Oregon’s 69 percent, Maine’s 70 percent and even Colorado’s 71 percent. But the figure still seems low to us. If you’re not getting outside for fun in Vermont, what exactly are you doing? For anyone who needs it, here’s one helluva bucket list for exploring our peaks, pathways and natural
* = New category in 2019
pools. Start easy with a stroll at Mount Philo State Park, then work your way up to an epic day hike on Camel’s Hump. Biking more your speed? Take in the placid waves along the Colchester Causeway Path, or embrace the mud at Kingdom Trails Association. Looking to get wet? Head to Sand Bar State Park — or visit Burlington’s Community Sailing Center. The nonprofit opened a new, stateof-the-art waterfront facility last
summer that offers an expanded roster of rentals, races and lessons. Of course, you don’t have to break a hard-core sweat to have an adventure. (Really.) Play and learn with the kiddos at Shelburne Farms, take a leisurely getaway to scenic Lake Willoughby, or people-watch on the Church Street Marketplace. As long as you’re getting out there, we won’t judge.
BEST SKI/RIDE SLOPE
BEST CROSS-COUNTRY SKI AREA
Smugglers’ Notch Resort
Trapp Family Lodge
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 it the No. 1 kid-friendly ski resort in the East. (Jeffersonville • smuggs.com)
Other finalists:
Other finalists: • Bolton Valley Backcountry & Nordic Sports Center: Bolton Valley • boltonvalley.com • Craftsbury Outdoor Center: Craftsbury Common • craftsbury.com • Sleepy Hollow Inn Ski & Bike Center: Huntington • skisleepyhollow.com • Stowe Mountain Resort Cross Country Ski Center: Stowe • stowe.com
4t-earlscyclery052919.indd 1
BEST MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAIL NETWORK*
With 95 trails that traverse more than 75 miles of terrain, Kingdom Trails Association has something for just about every mountain biker. Whether you’re looking for a single day of single-track or a weeklong immersion in mud-splattered fun, this cycling network is well maintained, mapped, marked and groomed. Think your littlest ones are too young for it? Family-friendly routes offer beginner riders a chance to build their confidence and advance their skills. Bring your own two-wheelers or rent them on-site. As a volunteer, member-based nonprofit, Kingdom Trails puts all proceeds from the sales of trail permits back into maintaining and expanding the network. Come winter, the trails open up for fat-bike riding, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing — all on the same year-round membership fee. Get down and dirty!
Our Mission is to help as many people as possible feel better through awesome teaching, incredible support and authentic communication. Thanks for nominating us for Best boutique fitness studio AND Best yoga studio!
QUEEN CITY YOGA QUEEN CITY YOGA
East Burke • kingdomtrails.org QUEENCITYOGAVT.COM • 802-489-5649 • 40 SAN REMO DRIVE, SOUTH BURLINGTON D4t-queencityoga19.indd 1
7/12/19 1:33 PM
LOCALS PICK THE BEST OF VERMONT SEVENDAYSVT.COM/DAYSIES
Kingdom Trails Association
ARE YOU READY TO FEEL YOUR BEST?
5/27/19 12:01 PM
OUTDOORS & REC
COURTESY OF KINGDOM TRAILS ASSOCIATION
• Bolton Valley Resort: Bolton Valley • boltonvalley.com • Jay Peak Resort: Jay • jaypeakresort.com • Stowe Mountain Resort: Stowe • stowe.com • Sugarbush Resort: Warren • sugarbush.com
In winter, this 2,400-acre Austrian-style resort is a cross-country ski center — but backcountry skiing and snowshoeing are popular here, too. Trek out to Slayton Pasture Cabin for a warm bowl of soup. (Stowe • trappfamily.com)
59
OUTDOORS
& RECREATION BEST PUBLIC GOLF COURSE
Rocky Ridge Golf Club Play 18 holes along rolling farmland and rocky ridges at this public course just 20 minutes from downtown Burlington. (St. George • rockyridge.com)
Other finalists: • Arrowhead Golf Course: Milton • arrowheadvt.com • Cedar Knoll Country Club: Hinesburg • cedarknollgolf.com • The Links at Lang Farm: Essex • linksatlangfarm.com • Williston Golf Club: Williston • willistongolfclub.com
BEST FOOT RACE
BEST PLACE TO BIKE
Vermont City Marathon & Relay
Colchester Causeway Path
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. (Burlington • vermontcitymarathon.org)
Other finalists: • Covered Bridges Half Marathon: Woodstock • cbhm.com • Island Vines 10K: South Hero • runvermont.org • Leaf Peepers Half Marathon & 5K: Waterbury • leafpeepershalfmarathon.org • Vermont Corporate Cup: Montpelier • vcccsar.org
Part of the Island Line Rail Trail, the Causeway is a beautiful place to bike: The former railway route cuts into Lake Champlain, offering wide-open views of the water on both sides. A seasonal bike ferry bridges the 200-foot gap to the Champlain Islands. (Colchester • colchestervt.gov)
Other finalists: • Burlington Greenway: Burlington • enjoyburlington.com • Island Line Rail Trail: Burlington to Colchester • localmotion.org • Lamoille Valley Rail Trail: St. Johnsbury to Swanton • lvrt.org • Stowe Recreation Path: Stowe • stowerec.org
BEST MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAIL NETWORK*
Kingdom Trails Association
This Northeast Kingdom trail network promises “epic single-track, fast downhills, amazing flow” — not to mention renowned routes with names like Troll Stroll and Coronary Bypass. (East Burke • kingdomtrails.org)
Other finalists: • Catamount Outdoor Family Center: Williston • catamountoutdoorfamilycenter.org • Millstone Trails Association: Websterville • millstonetrails.org • Perry Hill: Waterbury • nemba.org • Saxon Hill: Essex • fotwheel.org
BEST STATE PARK
Mount Philo State Park
The perfect high-altitude locale for picnics with friends, Mount Philo offers big views in exchange for relatively little hiking. The 968-foot peak overlooks the Lake Champlain Valley and New York’s Adirondack Mountains. You can also drive up it. (Charlotte • vtstateparks.com)
Other finalists: • Grand Isle State Park: Grand Isle • vtstateparks.com • Groton State Forest: Groton • vtstateparks.com • Little River State Park: Waterbury • vtstateparks.com • Sand Bar State Park: Milton • vtstateparks.com • Niquette Bay State Park: Colchester • vtstateparks.com COURTESY OF COMMUNITY SAILING CENTER
BEST DAY HIKE
Camel’s Hump
Before it was named Camel’s Hump, this distinctive 4,000-foot peak was known as Saddle Mountain, Resting Lion and Camel’s Rump. Whatever you call it, it’s a fantastic place to stretch your legs and see the sights. (Duxbury/Huntington • vtstateparks.com)
SEVEN DAYSIES 2019-20
Other finalists:
60
• Mount Mansfield: Underhill • vtstateparks.com • Mount Philo State Park: Charlotte • vtstateparks.com • Snake Mountain: Addison • Stowe Pinnacle Trail: Stowe
BEST WATER SPORTS RENTAL*
BEST PUBLIC PLACE TO SWIM
It’s a time-tested local maxim that you’ve gotta have a friend with a boat to get the most out of living in Burlington. For many over the past 20 years, the Community Sailing Center has been that friend — good thing it’s got a lot of boats. From standup paddleboards and kayaks to zippy Laser dinghies and 23-foot Sonar keelboats, the center’s fleet has something to suit sailors of every skill level, and at prices that won’t sink your bank account. Expansive new headquarters, which opened in 2018, will allow the center to keep forging friendships and continue its mission of making the lake accessible to everyone, no matter their age, ability or financial situation.
Sand Bar State Park
Taking a dip is a no-brainer at Sand Bar. Its 15 idyllic island acres contain picnic areas, a bath house, soft and sandy beaches, and shallow water that warms up quickly in the sun. (Milton • vtstateparks.com)
Other finalists: • • • •
Leddy Park: Burlington • enjoyburlington.com Maple Street Pool: Essex Junction • ejrp.org North Beach: Burlington • enjoyburlington.com Oakledge Park: Burlington • enjoyburlington.com
Community Sailing Center Burlington • communitysailingcenter.org
MATTHEW THORSEN
Thank you for another great year
BEST GUIDED OUTDOOR TOUR*
Mad men, wicked women, murderous smugglers and tragic heroes. No, we’re not talking about Washington, D.C., politics, but rather Queen City Ghostwalk, Vermont’s original haunted history tour. Supernatural storyteller and Burlington native Thea Lewis leads this series of spooky strolls through downtown Burlington, the waterfront and Lakeview Cemetery. The author of such books as Wicked Vermont, Haunted Inns and Ghostly Getaways of Vermont, and Ghosts and Legends of Lake Champlain, the perennially blackclad Lewis shares spine-tingling tales of phantom ships, the spirits of dead soldiers and America’s first serial killer. Lewis clearly walks the walk: She named her 90-pound mutt Phantom and says he has “Cleopatra’s eyes and Hitler’s mustache.” Eerie, indeed.
Family owned & operated for over 37 years FREE
ALL WHEEL ALIGNMENT
FREE
FREE
TIRE ROTATION
Flat Repair
FREE
Tire Mounting
OUTDOORS & REC
Queen City Ghostwalk
Burlington • queencityghostwalk.com
Local Motion
From its waterfront location, the bike-advocacy nonprofit rents an array of wheels and is an excellent resource for all things cycling in Vermont. Local Motion also operates the Island Line Bike Ferry. (Burlington • localmotion.org)
Other finalists: • Earl’s Cyclery & Fitness: South Burlington • earlsbikes.com • North Star Sports: Burlington • northstarsportsvt.com • Outdoor Gear Exchange: Burlington • gearx.com • Skirack: Burlington • skirack.com
BEST PUBLIC PLACE TO ICE SKATE*
C. Douglas Cairns Recreation Arena
Two National Hockey League-size rinks invite local hockey teams, curling clubs, figure skaters and fun seekers to hit the ice. Rent gear, take a glass and get your slide on! (South Burlington • cairnsarena.com)
Other finalists: • Calahan Park Community Rink: Burlington • enjoyburlington.com • Collins Perley Sports and Fitness Center: St. Albans • Facebook • Essex Skating Facility: Essex Junction • Facebook • Gordon H. Paquette Ice Arena at Leddy Park: Burlington • enjoyburlington.com • Stowe Mountain Resort: Stowe • stowe.com
VERMONT TIRE & SERVICE
Thelocaltirestorewhereyourdollarbuysmore.
South Burlington 1877 Williston Rd.
658-1333 1800-639-1901 Untitled-2 1
FREE PICKUP & DELIVERY HOURS: Mon-Fri. 7:30-5 Sat. 8-4 Not responsible for typographical errors
Montpelier 90 River St.
229-4941 1800-639-1900 7/17/19 12:48 PM
LOCALS PICK THE BEST OF VERMONT SEVENDAYSVT.COM/DAYSIES
BEST BIKE RENTAL SHOP*
61
OUTDOORS
BEST RESORT ADVENTURE CENTER*
BEST PLACE TO KAYAK/CANOE
Whether you’re into skiing, riding, golfing or free-falling down a water slide at the Pump House Indoor Waterpark, Jay Peak Resort is a fun, easy destination for family adventure. (Jay • jaypeakresort.com)
& RECREATION Waterbury Reservoir
Motor-boat traffic is relatively low, making this 850-acre spread of water perfect for paddling. Rentals are available at Waterbury Center State Park and, for campers, Little River State Park. (Waterbury • vtstateparks.com)
Other finalists: • Green River Reservoir State Park: Hyde Park • vtstateparks.com • Indian Brook Reservoir: Essex • essex.org • Lake Willoughby: Westmore • Lamoille River
BEST WATER SPORTS RENTAL*
Community Sailing Center
BEST VERMONT DAY TRIP WITH THE KIDS
Shelburne Farms
Walk the paths, 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 historic inn overlooking Lake Champlain. (Shelburne • shelburnefarms.org)
Other finalists:
Other finalists: • Bert’s Boats: Jeffersonville • bertsboats.com • Outdoor Gear Exchange: Burlington • gearx.com • Umiak Outdoor Outfitters: Richmond, Stowe • umiak.com
BEST INDOOR CHILDREN’S PLAY SPACE
BEST GUIDED OUTDOOR TOUR*
ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain
From bustling Church Street to the highly trafficked waterfront, Burlington is anything but a ghost town — unless Thea Lewis is leading your way. The actor, author and paranormal historian presides over walking tours rife with local history and mystery. (Burlington • queencityghostwalk.com)
Other finalists: • ActiveVT: activevt.org • Bird Diva: birddiva.com • Nature Connection Guide: natureconnectionguide.com • Whistling Man Schooner Company: Burlington • whistlingman.com
BEST IN-STATE WEEKEND GETAWAY
SEVEN DAYSIES 2019-20
• Killington Resort: Killington • killington.com • Smugglers’ Notch Resort: Jeffersonville • smuggs.com • Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa: Stowe • stoweflake.com • Trapp Family Lodge: Stowe • trappfamily.com
• ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain: Burlington • echovermont.org • Jay Peak Resort: Jay • jaypeakresort.com • Montshire Museum of Science: Norwich • montshire.org • Vermont Renaissance Faire: Stowe • vtgatherings.com
Queen City Ghostwalk
62
Other finalists:
Lake Willoughby
“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)
Other finalists: • Jay Peak Resort: Jay • jaypeakresort.com • Stowe: Stowe • gostowe.com • Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa: Stowe • stoweflake.com • Woodstock: Woodstock • woodstockvt.com
Devoted to the ecology, culture, history and opportunities for stewardship of Lake Champlain, this waterfront museum offers educational exhibits and interactive activities for all ages. (Burlington • echovermont.org)
Other finalists: • Bounce Around VT: Highgate Commons • bouncearoundvt.com • Get Air Trampoline Park: Williston • getairsports.com • Wiggle Room: Williston • wiggleroomvermont.com • Wildflowers Studio: Essex Junction • wildflowerstudiobtv.com
BEST PLACE TO TAKE AN OUT-OF-TOWNER
Church Street Marketplace
Flatlanders visiting? To Burlington’s pedestrian mall you go! The Church Street Marketplace is a charming place to shop, dine, and enjoy street vendors and performers. (Burlington • churchstmarketplace.com)
Other finalists: • Ben & Jerry’s Factory: Waterbury • benjerry.com • Shelburne Farms: Shelburne • shelburnefarms.org • Shelburne Museum: Shelburne • shelburnemuseum.org • Stowe: Stowe • gostowe.com
LUKE AWTRY
The recently expanded and remodeled Community Sailing Center offers a variety of dinghies and keelboats for rental, in addition to canoes and paddleboards. Don’t know the difference between a mainsheet and a mainsail? Sign up for a lesson. (Burlington • communitysailingcenter.org)
Jay Peak Resort
BEST PUBLIC PLACE TO ICE SKATE
C. Douglas Cairns Recreation Arena Cairns Arena is home to both the men’s and women’s Saint Michael’s College hockey teams, the University of Vermont club hockey team, and scads of local high school and junior-league squads. It’s a good bet that many of the players on those teams, not to mention a fair number of local figure and speed skaters, got their first taste of the ice at the two-rink arena. Cairns has been a destination for Burlington-area skaters — and the occasional curling club — since it opened in 1995, thanks to immaculately maintained ice, friendly staff, affordable equipment rentals and, believe it or not, a surprisingly tasty snack bar. South Burlington • cairnsarena.com
BEST PEOPLE-WATCHING PLACE
Church Street Marketplace
Downtown Burlington’s pedestrian promenade is a great place to observe human activity. When the weather’s nice, dine outside and watch the world go by. (Burlington • churchstmarketplace.com)
Other finalists: • Burlington Farmers Market: Burlington • burlingtonfarmersmarket.org • Champlain Valley Exposition: Essex Junction • cvexpo.org • City Market, Onion River Co-op: Burlington • citymarket.coop • Waterfront Park: Burlington • enjoyburlington.com
70 ESSEX WAY • ESSEX • VERMONT • 05452 800.727.4295 • ESSEXRESORT.COM
Thank You for nominating us as your best local Medical Spa!
We look forward to seeing you for any of your aesthetic needs. BOTOX • FILLER • KYBELLA TRUSCULPT • LASER SERVICES CHEMICAL PEELS PERMANENT MAKEUP AND MUCH MORE 5399 Williston Road, Suite 101 Williston, Vermont 802-777-7300 radiancevt.com @radiancevt