Best of Central Vermont - Summer 2019 by Best of Central Vermont

Central Vermont best of

SUMMER 2019 VOLUME 7, NO. 3

COMMUNITIES AND LIFESTYLE IN THE HEART OF THE GREEN MOUNTAINS

WAITSFIELD FARMERS MARKET IS A SOCIAL EVENT FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

CALEDONIA SPIRITS FROM BEES TO BOTTLES A DECADE AT THE

RESERVOIR RESTAURANT AND TAP ROOM

School of the

NEW AMERICAN FARMSTEAD Leading-edge short courses for:

ARTISANS. LIFELONG LEARNERS. AGRARIANS. CULINARIANS.

WWW.STERLINCCOLLECE.EDU/SNAF

Contents FEATURES

SPIRITS 32 CALEDONIA FROM BEES TO BOTTLES BY LORI LUSTBERG

COVER PHOTO BY CHARLOTTE ROOZEKRANS COURTESY OF WAITSFIELD FARMERS MARKET

LORI, ALIXANDRA, AND DEVIN KLEIN LIVING INSPIRED LIVES BY LORI LUSTBERG

NORTH BRANCH NATURE CENTER

PUTTING PEOPLE OF ALL AGES IN TOUCH WITH NATURE BY PHYL NEWBECK

DEPARTMENTS

Contents

13 PUBLISHERS’ NOTE 14 ONLINE HUB 16 CONTRIBUTORS 18 OCCASIONS OUT & ABOUT 20 BY CASSIE HORNER

SEASON’S BEST

26 THREE FRESH AND

FLAVORFUL SUMMER RECIPES GOOD TIMES

30 THE 2019 CIRCUS SMIRKUS BIG TOP

36 A DECADE AT THE RESERVOIR RESTAURANT

TOUR CARNIVAL H OTSPOT

AND TAPROOM

WHAT’S IN STORE

40 BUNYABUNYA

BY RACHEL CLOUTIER

V ERMONT’S OWN TREAT

46 FIVE PLACES TO FIND THE DREAMIEST CREEMEES C HEERS

56 DEBBIE LEWIS HOLDS COURT

AS EVENING BARTENDER AT SARDUCCI’S BY SUZANNE PODHAIZER

OUTDOORS

68 HAPPY TRAILS LAMOILLE VALLEY BIKE TOURS

BY TOM BRANDES

HOME DECOR

72 VERMONT HANDCRAFTED FURNITURE C ALENDAR

74 ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT 78 AD INDEX 80 LAST GLANCE

best of

Central Vermont SUMMER 2019 | VOLUME 7 NO.3

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

Robin Gales John Gales Bob Frisch COPY EDITOR

Jennifer Goss Duby ART DIRECTOR

Robbie Alterio ADVERTISING DESIGN

Hutchens Media, LLC WEB DESIGN

Locable ADVERTISING

Robin Gales (802) 299-9086 John Gales (802) 558-2719 coffeetablepublishing@comcast.net Keep us posted. Best of Central Vermont wants to hear from our readers. Correspondence may be addressed to letters to the editor, Best of Central Vermont, 32 Hermit Thrush Lane, South Burlington, VT 05403. Advertising inquiries may be made by emailing ctpublishing@comcast.net or coffeetablepublishing@ comcast.net. Best of Central Vermont is published quarterly by Coffee Table Publishing, LLC, Â©2019. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is strictly prohibited. Best of Central Vermont accepts no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, artwork, or photographs.

BEST OF CENTRAL VERMONT | SUMMER 2019

PUBLISHERS’ NOTE

Happy Summer!

ere’s to another terrific summer in Central Vermont! There are few places better in the world than Vermont in the summertime, with its hearty mix of outdoor hikes, music festivals, county fairs, and dips at your favorite swimming hole. If you’re looking for fun in Central Vermont during the summer, we can help you with that. Our summer issue is full of people and treasures we’ve found in the area. North Branch Nature Center in Montpelier shows us that whether you’re a kid or a kid at heart, there are many interesting and fun things to do when learning about our local wildlife. We introduce you to Debbie Lewis, bartender extraordinaire at one of our favorite places in Central Vermont, Sarducci’s! Doesn’t matter if you’re a regular or it’s your first time at the bar, Debbie will make you laugh, relax, and enjoy an incredible dining experience. Looking for something fun to do on a beautiful day? Check out e-bike tours for all ages with Lamoille Valley Bike Tours. There’s Woodchuck Golf in the Mad River Valley, and we give you the lowdown on the incredible new Caledonia Spirits Distillery in Montpelier. And if we haven’t given you enough ideas to enjoy your summer, there’s our event calendar and online extras on our webpage. Consider your summer booked. Cheers,

Publishers

www.facebook.com /BestOfCentralVermont

VISIT US ONLINE

| W W W. B E S TO F C E N T R A LV T.CO M

BEST OF CENT RAL VERM ONT

NT OF CE

CO M

MUN

20 18

VO LU

NO .4 ME 6,

S TA IN OUN EN M S AND LIFE E G RE STY THIN THE HEA RT O F LE OF THE GRE H EA RT EN MO UNT E TH AIN S Y LE IN LI FE ST COM MUN ITIE

IT IE S

AND

RM ON RA L VE

ILL FAR

EAST H

FA LL

SUMM ER 2019 VOLU ME 7, NO. 3

f best o

BE ST

online exclusives

CenVtrearlmVoernmt ont l Centra best of

USIC

T TO M

SE SSAGE

OF DRE

RS RKET ST MA PRODUCE HARRIVNEG TO LOCAL IDS PROOM CATE LIQUNEW TA T S E N’S FIN F THE ART LAWSOITS STATE O T ART

NCIEN

THE A

ING

OPEN

WAITSFIELD FARMERS MARK ET

SUM MER 2019

CALEDONIA SPIRI

FROM BEES TO BOTTLES A DECADE AT THE

FA LL

RESERVOIR REST AURANT AND TAP ROOM

20 18

LIVEN UP YOUR SUMMER ENTERTAINING MENU WITH A SWEET SUMMER REFRESH!

IS A SOCIAL EVE NT FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

Try a delicious touch of reducedcalorie sweetness from Truvia in recipes like this sizzling Java London Broil. Celebrity chef Devin Alexander, featured on “The Biggest Loser,” shares some fun recipes. Go to www.bestofcentralvt.com for more.

eNEWSLETTER What does our newsletter include? • A summary of our most popular articles and comments from our readers • Local event listings from our calendar • Special offers from Best of Central Vermont and local businesses • Exclusive insights into upcoming features and articles, and much more . . .

Join the conversation online at

SPLASH INTO SUMMER AT THESE CENTRAL VERMONT SWIMMING SPOTS!

Is there anything more quintessentially Vermont on a warm summer day than feeling the exhilarating rush of icy, mountain-fed water before stretching out on a sunbaked rock? We think not. So, for a few of Central Vermont’s hottest spots for cooling off, visit www.bestofcentralvt.com

www.facebook.com/ BestOfCentralVermont 14

BEST OF CENTRAL VERMONT | SUMMER 2019

www.bestofcentralvt.com Feel free to drop us a line at Coffeetablepublishing@comcast.net or share your comments on our site or on social media. You might even see your name in our next issue.

AUGU

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

contributors

CASSIE HORNER is a writer, editor, and publisher, and the author of Lucy E.—Road to Victory, a historical novel. Her roots in Vermont go way back almost 200 years and inspire her love of the natural world and history. She lives in Plymouth, Vermont, with her husband and three dogs—an English Shepherd and two Dachshunds.

LORI LUSTBERG is a fee-only financial planner in South Burlington by day. At night, she dons her freelance writing cape and writes articles and essays for various local and national publications. Enjoying the beauty and splendor of Vermont in her spare time, Lori can be found chasing waterfalls, romping with her dog, staring off into space, and waiting for her college-age son to answer her texts.

SUZANNE PODHAIZER is a cooking educator, writer, and chef living in Winooski, Vermont. She used to be a goose farmer and owned a farm to table restaurant in Montpelier called Salt. She also studies kizomba, bachata, and salsa as a member of the DsantosVT dance team.

RACHEL CLOUTIER is a recovering retail shop owner and avid runner. She was the proud owner of three Church Street Marketplace shops: Sweet Lady Jane, Trinket, and Tribeca. She has “retired” from retail and is pursuing a career in marketing. Check out her Instagram feeds: @ireallyamworking, @peregrinedesignbuild and @sweetladyjane. 16

BEST OF CENTRAL VERMONT | SUMMER 2019

Stowe, Vermont

Discover, Dine, Stay & Shop

The Body Lounge

Tres Amigos

BunyaBunya Boutique

1799 Mountain Road Red Barn Shops Stowe, VT

1190 Mountain Road Stowe, VT

1799 Mountain Road In the Red Barn Shops Stowe, VT

www.tresamigosvt.com

(802) 253-7333 www.bodyloungevt.com

Idletyme Brewing Company

Stowe Village Massage

1859 Mountain Road Stowe, VT

49 Depot Street Stowe , VT

(802) 253-4765 idletymebrewing.com

(802) 253-6555

(802) 585-3699

Whip Bar & Grill at The Green Mountain Inn 18 Main Street Stowe, VT

info@stowevillagemassage.com www.stowevillagemassage.com

(800) 253-7302 info@thewhip.com www.greenmountaininn.com

The Bench

Ferro Estate & Custom Jewelers

Commodities Natural Market

492 Mountain Road Stowe, VT

91 Main Street Stowe, VT

512 Mountain Road Stowe, VT

(802) 253-5100 www.benchvt.com www.facebook.com/benchvt/

(802) 253-3033 stowe@ferrojewelers.com www.ferrojewelers.com/stowe

(802) 253-4464 www.commoditiesnaturalmarket.com Open 7 Days

OCCASIONS

Woodchuck Golf Backyard Golfing in Waitsfield

ou’ve got acquaintances, you’ve got friends, and then you’ve got good friends. And when a good friend comes up with a brilliant, and maybe a little harebrained, idea, what can you do but go all in? Spencer Potter was relaxing on his patio with a good friend in 2004 when his friend looked out over the backyard pond and said, “That would be fun to pitch a golf ball over the pond to the knoll beyond.” It was a beautiful evening, so they walked out to the knoll and Spencer said, “OK, where would you hit to next?” That was the start of Woodchuck Golf, a six hole course in Waitsfield, Vermont. “You need a sense of humor to make it all the way around,” says Spencer. The course is not easy, with four par 3 holes and two par 4, the longest of which is 290 yards. Course record stands at two over par 22. 18

BEST OF CENTRAL VERMONT | SUMMER 2019

HEADING DOWN THE SLIPPERY SLOPE The first year, the holes were nothing more than cedar posts stuck in the ground with greens created by a mower put to its lowest setting. This proved to be fun, but the consensus was that it wasn’t real golf. What could a guy do but rent a rototiller and go to town on the project? Lots of grass seed, a work crew of friends, favorable weather, and a reel mower brought the greens closer to what Spencer and his cohort had in mind. From there, the slippery slope led to more fairway reconstruction, installation of irrigation, and a new reel mower. After years of hard work, the result is impressive. “You can actually putt on these,” one golfer said of the greens.

The greens fee at Woodchuck Golf is just a smile. For those who are inclined, Spencer accepts donations of canned goods for Valley Food Shelf or money for Valley Community fund.

WOODCHUCK GOLF 265 Palmer Lane Waitsfield, VT www.bestofcentralvt.com 19

OUT & ABOUT | BY CASSIE HORNER

Stowe Performing Arts Music in the Meadow

he beautiful venue at Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe is set to host the 2019 Stowe Performing Arts’ Music in the Meadow. This eagerly awaited concert series brings amazing music to the region. The 2019 lineup features the Vermont Symphony Orchestra on July 7, the group Bumper Jacksons on July 21, and singer-songwriter Ruthie Foster on August 4. “Stowe Performing Arts was formed in 1976—43 years ago!” says Lynn Paparella,

BEST OF CENTRAL VERMONT | SUMMER 2019

executive director and CEO. “We proudly present our very own Vermont Symphony Orchestra every year. Over the years we have presented classical, jazz, blues, Texas swing, and bluegrass music.” The concert meadow, with its gently sloping lawns, opens at 5:30, allowing ample time for picnicking and socializing before the start of each concert. People are encouraged to enjoy the setting with friends, family, and a picnic. Seating is picnic-style, with areas reserved for

blankets, low-back chairs, and high-back chairs so everyone can see the stage. In case of bad weather, Music in the Meadow will be held at Stowe High School on Barrows Road (regrettably, this site does not allow picnicking). The Vermont Symphony Orchestra appears on July 7 from 7:30 to 10pm and will play music from a program crafted by guest conductor Sharon Lavery called “Strike Up the Orchestra!” The music highlights American

composers such as Gershwin and Bernstein. A fireworks show caps off the evening, accompanied by Tchaikovskyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 1812 Overture and a selection of marches by John Philip Sousa. Bumper Jacksons, performing July 21 from 7 to 9pm, brings the American story to Vermont, from the streets of New Orleans to Appalachian hollers. The group brings a party atmosphere with roots jazz, country swing, and street blues that brings people to their feet. Ruthie Foster, performing August 4 from 7 to 9pm, comes from the musical community of

Opposite: Music in the Meadow. Top: Award-winning singer songwriter Ruthie Foster. Bottom: Bumper Jacksons pay homage to traditions while fashioning their own unique style.

Austin, Texas. She has duetted with Bonnie Raitt and been on the stage with the Allman Brothers. Her latest album has roots in folk, blues, soul, rock, and gospel. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit stoweperformingarts.com www.bestofcentralvt.com 21

OUT & ABOUT

Waitsfield Farmers Market

othing spells summer quite like a farmers market. Join the festivities and support local agriculture by attending the weekly Waitsfield Farmers Market that started in May and runs through October 12 on Saturdays from 9am to 1pm. The Mad River Green in Waitsfield village is the site for folks selling produce, cut flowers, seedlings, honey, wool, eggs, meat, cheese, and other farm products. Other choices include Vermontmade crafts from pottery to wood-carved items 22

BEST OF CENTRAL VERMONT | SUMMER 2019

and T-shirts. A mouth-watering selection of baked goods and prepared food are perfect for an on-the-spot snack or a meal at home. The market is a social event for the whole family. Live music brightens the scene. A wide variety of musicians come to play. There are also activities for kids. Well-behaved pets are welcome on a leash. “The Waitsfield Farmers Market is a delight,” reports one attendee. “The setting is beautiful and the green is tidy, clean, and very

accommodating. On my first visit, I made two new friends. It’s a very friendly spot!” For more information, visit waitsfield farmersmarket.com.

ONLINE EXTRA For a list of all the happenings at the Farmers Markets in Central Vermont, go to www.bestofcentralvt.com.

www.bestofcentralvt.com 23

OUT & ABOUT

Behind the Scenes at

BEN & JERRY’S

oving ice cream is as easy as saying ABC. Savoring the flavors at Ben & Jerry’s in Waterbury brings joy to the multitudes. The one thing that might make the ice cream taste even yummier is the Flavor Fanatic Experience, which lets visitors take a behind-thescenes trip to discover what goes into making the flavors they savor. “The Flavor Fanatic Experience offers the chance to make ice cream in our Flavor Lab from start to finish while mixing, measuring, and tasting all along the way,” explains Amy Weller. “It has morphed into a perfect scenario for B&J superfans, milestone birthday celebrations, anniversaries, and even babymooners to participate in a memorable, educational, and fun opportunity. Included in this package, guests receive a regular factory tour ticket, a tie-dye lab coat, a flash drive

BEST OF CENTRAL VERMONT | SUMMER 2019

Opposite: A visit to Ben & Jerry’s in Waterbury is fun for the whole family. Above: Flavor Fanatic Experience guests receive a tie-dye lab coat, photos of their time in the Flavor Lab, and more.

of photos capturing their time in the Flavor Lab making ice cream, a cone of choice, a certificate of completion, a pint coupon, 25 percent off gift shop purchases, and best of all, bragging rights.” Visit the factory in Waterbury for an extra scoop of immersion into what makes Ben & Jerry’s ice cream so delicious. For more information and to book a Flavor Fanatic Experience, call (802) 882-2040 or visit benjerry.com/ffe. Flavor Fanatic Experiences are held on Saturdays at 9:45am, 11:45am, and 2:15pm. Cost is $175 per person. www.bestofcentralvt.com 25

SEASON’S BEST

3 FRESH & FLAVORFUL

Summer Recipes

BEST OF CENTRAL VERMONT | SUMMER 2019

The heat of summer blazes and burns away before we know it. The hot months (okay, it’s Vermont, so probably not that hot, but still) are when we want to reduce time spent in front of a hot stove. These three recipes, created by Chef Arianna Goarin of The Kitchen at The Store in Waitsfield, feature fresh flavors and will make your summer suppers delightful.

Thai Cucumber & Carrot Salad with Peanut Dressing SERVES 8

DRESSING:

½ cup creamy peanut butter 1 Tbsp fresh ginger, minced 1 clove fresh garlic, minced 1 each lime, juiced 1 Tbsp rice vinegar 1 Tbsp fish sauce 2 ½ Tbsp soy sauce 1 Tbsp maple syrup 2 tsp sesame oil 1 tsp sriracha sauce Water, as needed SALAD:

2 each English cucumber, spiralized into wide ribbons 1 each carrot, julienned 1 each red bell pepper, diced small 1 bunch scallions, thinly sliced ½ cup cilantro leaves, chopped ½ cup peanuts, chopped 1. Whisk together all dressing ingredients in a medium bowl until smooth. If needed, use water to thin down dressing to desired consistency. Keep chilled. 2. In a large bowl, combine cucumbers, carrots, red bell peppers, scallions, and half the cilantro and peanuts. Add enough dressing to barely coat the salad. Garnish with remaining peanuts and cilantro and serve remaining dressing on the side.

Mint Sofrito Snap Peas SERVES 8

¼ cup olive oil 2 each carrots, finely chopped 2 each celery stalks, finely diced 1 each onion, finely chopped 1 each red bell pepper, finely chopped 2 lbs snap peas, trimmed, cut into ½-inch pieces 1 ½ tsp crushed red pepper 2 Tbsp lemon juice 1 tsp lemon zest ½ cup mint leaves, torn Salt, to taste 1. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add carrots, celery, onion, and bell pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 8 minutes, or until mixture is tender and lightly browned. 2. In a separate pan, heat oil over high heat. Add the snap peas and cook until vibrant, about 2 minutes. Add the sofrito and cook until peas start to brown, an additional 2 minutes. Add crushed red pepper flakes, lemon juice, lemon zest, and ¼ cup of water and cook until tender. Add torn mint and season to taste.

www.bestofcentralvt.com 27

Greek Chickpea & Quinoa Salad with Tahini Vinaigrette SERVES 6

DRESSING:

½ cup extra virgin olive oil 1 each lemon, juiced 2 Tbsp tahini (sesame seed paste) 2 cloves garlic, minced Black pepper, to taste Salt, to taste SALAD:

½ cup quinoa 1 cup water 1 small red onion, peeled, halved, and thinly sliced 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed 1 English cucumber, diced 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved 1 cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved 6 oz feta cheese, crumbled 2 sprigs fresh oregano leaves, chopped Olive oil, for drizzling

1. For the dressing: Combine all ingredients in a small bowl. Using an immersion blender, blend until homogenous. Keep chilled. 2. Bring water and quinoa up to a boil over medium heat. Reduce to a simmer and continue cooking for 10–15 or until quinoa he holidays are minutes, a wonderful excuse for is fully cooked. Drain excess water and allow quinoa toacool to room temperature. party. After all, there are lots of differ3. Soak red slicesTake in salted water, for 10 minutes. Drain and pat dry with paper ent the ways toonion be festive. yourcold pick— towels. Add to a bowl with the chickpeas, cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, crumbled feta, and cookie swap, an intimate dinner with your Toss inbrunch the dressing completely coated. nearestoregano. and dearest, for theuntil neighbors, 4. Divide the salad among serving plates. Drizzle with some additional olive oil. Season with salt or an open house for any and everyone you’ve and pepper, over the top. 28

BEST OF CENTRAL VERMONT | SUMMER 2019

www.bestofcentralvt.com 29

GO OD TIME S

2019

Circus Smirkus Big Top Tour

Carnival! Ladies and gentlemen, girls and boys! Step right up because Circus Smirkus is coming to a town near you!

This page: Aerial view of Circus Smirkus in Greensboro, Vermont. Photo by Robert Sanson. Opposite top: Contortionists (Saffi Watson, Lola Picayo, Ilse Bryan, Eva Lou Rhinelander). Photo by Justin Miel. Center: Trapeze artists (Ilse Bryan, Ruby Frank, Lola Picayo, Saffi Watson). Photo by Marvin Wang. Bottom: The Circus Smirkus troupers dancing in the Charivari opening number. Photo by Marvin Wang. Far right: Eva Lou Rhinelander and her hula hoop. Photo by Marvin Wang.

BEST OF CENTRAL VERMONT | SUMMER 2019

ne of the most beloved arts events of the New England summer, the 2019 Circus Smirkus Big Top Tour, opens June 29 in Greensboro, Vermont, and takes to the road on a 69-show tour that will visit 5 states and 16 towns over 51 days this summer. Now in its 32nd year, Circus Smirkus is the only traveling “tented” youth circus in the country, where the show’s stars are ages 11 to 18 and hail from regions across the United States and Canada. Performing in traditional European-style circus tents, performers display the historic flair of the iconic circus, youthful exuberance, and polished circus skills under a big top where there’s not a bad seat in the house. The 2019 show theme is based on the great American carnival. Inspired by the elegance of the carousel ride, the thrill of the roller coaster, and games of chance and skill, the young artists will perform a vast array of circus skills including aerials, acrobatics, wire-walking, juggling, and clowning in a show that features live music, brilliant costumes, and many other surprises. Vermont’s award-winning youth circus tours New England from June through August with a caravan that requires 23 support vehicles and 80 people including artists, coaches, tent crew, and a live circus band playing an original score written for this show. Join Circus Smirkus for a spectacular lineup of unforgettable acts and dazzling circus skills on full display under the big top! Tour schedule and tickets available at www.smirkus.org or 1-877-SMIRKUS. ❀

ONLINE EXTRA Thinking of going to Circus Smirkus? Check out the video at www.bestofcentralvt.com. www.bestofcentralvt.com 31

CHEERS! | BY LORI LUS TBERG

From Bees to Bottles

CALEDONIA SPIRITS Crafts Award-Winning, Raw Honey-Based, Landcrafted-in-Vermont Spirits

The internationally lauded company is set to launch its 27,000-square-foot distillery, tasting room, and visitor center in Montpelier 32

BEST OF CENTRAL VERMONT | SUMMER 2019

n 1986, after years as a hobbyist beekeeper, Todd Hardie opened Honey Gardens Apiaries, which specialized in making and selling raw, unfiltered honey and health products made from the elixir. Over two decades later, Hardie began distilling spirits using raw honey. Soon after, Caledonia Spirits was born. Its mission: to make craft spirits from raw local and regional ingredients and materials while supporting local agriculture and working landscapes. Fast forward to 2019: mission accomplished, and having exceeded expectations, the company is on the verge of exponential growth.

PAYING HOMAGE TO THE LAND In 2011, Hardie hired Ryan Christiansen who, at the time, owned a home brewing store. The pair developed and marketed Barr Hill Gin and Barr Hill Vodka, whose names are inspired by nearby Barr Hill Preserve in Greensboro. The spirits were a big hit, selling 235 cases in the first year. Barr Hill Gin is distilled in custom-built botanical extraction stills. Barr Hill Vodka is made entirely from raw honey that, unlike most vodka, is only minimally distilled and filtered. Barr Hill Reserve Tom Cat Gin is made by barrel aging Barr Hill Gin for six www.bestofcentralvt.com 33

“The land spurs our creativity and serves as a guide on our quest to produce flawless landcrafted spirits.” —RYAN CHRISTIANSEN

months in new American white oak barrels. The name pays tribute to an important time in gin’s history. As a result of eight Gin Acts passed by the British Parliament during the 1730s and 1740s, London distilleries were forced into the black market. Wherever a wooden black cat, or Old Tom, plaque hung, imbibers would know gin was available. Caledonia Spirits’ Tom Cat debuted in 2014, selling much faster than Hardie and Christiansen had expected. Because there weren’t enough barrels to keep up with demand, Hardie and Christiansen, true to their vision, worked with local foresters to sustainably harvest the Vermont white oak from which new barrels were built. In 2015, Hardie sold the business to Christiansen, who is now president and head distiller. In turn, Hardie established Thornhill Farm where he planted and now harvests the barley, rye, and elderberry that Caledonia Spirits uses to craft its magic elixirs. As Christiansen has stated, “The land spurs our creativity and serves as a guide on our quest to produce flawless landcrafted spirits.”

VERMONT LANDCRAFTED SPIRITS MAKE AN INTERNATIONAL SPLASH Barr Hill Gin, Vodka, and Tom Cat have been entered into at least a dozen national and international competitions and garnered 30 awards, over half of which are gold medals or 34

BEST OF CENTRAL VERMONT | SUMMER 2019

better. Today, the spirits are sold in 29 states as well as Canada, Japan, China, Denmark, and the UK.

FROM THE KINGDOM TO THE CAPITAL Having outgrown its 6,500 square foot Hardwick location, Caledonia Spirits is, as of this writing, about to move into a

custom-designed and -built 27,000-square-foot distillery, tasting room, and visitor center on 4.3 acres along the banks of the Winooski River in Montpelier. At its new home, the entire process will take place, from delivery of the raw materials through creation of the spirits to bottling them, sealing the bottles with beeswax, and finally, pouring the end result into a delighted customer’s glass at the cocktail bar.

CALEDONIA SPIRITS’ SECRET SAUCE Raw honey is the not-so-secret ingredient from which Caledonia Spirits are crafted. But there is a “secret sauce” that infuses all of the distillery’s offerings, lifting them beyond the extraordinary and into the realm of the super premium. According to Caledonia Spirits’ website: “We strive to take care of our farmers, our flowers, our soil, and our waterways. It’s the acceptance of our responsibilities as distillers that elevates our spirits.” Now that’s a mission worth toasting! ❀

CALEDONIA SPIRITS 116 Gin Lane Montpelier, VT (802) 472-8000 caledoniaspirits.com

ONLINE EXTRA Find summer cocktails and some suggested pairings at www.bestofcentralvt.com.

www.bestofcentralvt.com 35

DINING OU T

A DECADE AT THE

RESERVOIR RESTAURANT AND TAPROOM Looking back at ten years of showcasing local brews and good eats

o look at The Reservoir organization now, with its three restaurants offering different menus plus a music venue, you’d never guess it all started with an engineer and his desire to grow in a different way professionally. Mark Frier initially moved to Vermont to work for Burton Snowboards, but after a time he was looking to develop his career in a new direction. As someone who had always hoped to own his own business, Mark recognized the opportunity when a restaurant in Waterbury came up for sale. But it was 2009 and qualifying for loans was getting mighty hard. Mark put time into researching the restaurant industry and proved to himself the numbers could work. The effort paid off because his resulting business plan convinced the bank to loan him funds that, in addition to his own savings, helped him buy the business. 36

BEST OF CENTRAL VERMONT | SUMMER 2019

This was the era right before the upswell in nano breweries around Vermont. Few restaurants at that time were featuring the best beers locally and abroad. Mark noticed the growth surrounding craft beer as the Alchemist, his favorite pub, was becoming too busy for itself. “As in, two-and-a-half-hour waits on a Tuesday kind of busy.” None of the restaurants in town seemed to be trying to capture all the new brews coming on the market. While at the Brewers Fest at the Waterfront in Burlington, Mark had an epiphany. Why not try to represent all these breweries in one location? It proved to be a successful strategy. Keeping in tune with the craft brewing market enabled Mark to establish relationships with brands as they were just starting out. The Reservoir was one of a handful of locations pouring beer from brands like Hill Farmstead Brewery and

The Reservoir on South Main Street in Waterbury. Opposite: The Reservoirâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Steak Frites, with Hollandaise Compound Butter and Hand Cut Fries.

www.bestofcentralvt.com 37

Above: The private space on the second floor has a bar, private bathroom, and seating for 35. Below: LaPlatte Farm ground beef burger with Grafton Cheddar and bacon. Opposite: The menu features food that is creative, fresh, local when possible, and always delicious.

Lawson’s Finest Liquids. “It helped put us on a map of places that had some of the hard to find beers,” says Mark. The inventiveness doesn’t end with the brew scene at The Reservoir Restaurant and Taproom. Right from the beginning, Mark put effort into creating a menu that not only retained favorites from the original restaurant, Waterbury Wings, but also developed new menu options using fresh and, as much as possible, local ingredients. “I think it is important to give people a proper meal for a decent price,” observes Mark. As the craft brewery trend has grown into a boom over the years, The Reservoir Restaurant and Taproom has expanded their beer offerings. Mark reflects that “we were slow about the expansion and wanted to make sure we only added lines that we felt we could 38

BEST OF CENTRAL VERMONT | SUMMER 2019

keep them flowing and serve fresh beer.” The present beer menu changes regularly but features as many as three dozen IPAs, ciders, lagers, saisons, and more from almost as many different brewers from Vermont and beyond. The addition of a nano brewery on the third floor afforded them the opportunity to turn their hand to brewing. “We just recently contract brewed a recipe that came out of there and are bottling and canning it under the brand Big Tree Brewing,” says Mark. Mark and his partner took their success at The Reservoir and repeated it with three other locations. The Bench opened in Stowe in 2014, and focuses on craft beer, wine, cocktails and comfort food. Tres Amigos, offering Mexican food and a great cocktail and beer menu, came on the scene in Stowe in 2017. And in the same building as Tres Amigos, the Rusty Nail hosts music acts in a slightly smaller venue, “to create a better music experience,” explains Mark. “The Rusty Nail brand is 50 years old this year!” In order to keep the business rolling into the next decade, Mark anticipates that the market needs change and his job is to be ahead of those changes. “I think we may see even more focus on vegetarian foods, craft cocktails, and smaller portions. We hope to be here for many years to come.” ❀

THE RESERVOIR S Main St, Waterbury, VT (802) 244-7827 www.waterburyreservoir.com www.bestofcentralvt.com 39

WHAT ’S IN S TORE | BY R ACHEL CLOU TIER PHOTOS BY BRO OKIE K A S TA S OF TRU CKIELO O PHOTO GR APHY

A Shop to Find Treasures, a Positive Vibe

AND YOURSELF

n need of a little escape or perhaps a quick beach trip? Look no further—book a trip to BunyaBunya on the Mountain Road in Stowe and meet your new best friend, Jenny Lawson. She’s quick to dispense fashion advice, show you what 40

BEST OF CENTRAL VERMONT | SUMMER 2019

you have been missing in your closet, and make you crave that sweet little succulent that she just brought into the shop. I’m Rachel Cloutier, formerly of Burlington’s Sweet Lady Jane, and I am sitting down to talk shop with Jenny of BunyaBunya.

Agnatibus et harcia nus consecto maximus sit, odit lautem volupta tusanda ndunti quam lab ipidebitiam nam, inturia ipsamendem idus et quo tem ium et iur? Quissimi, volesti quamus iuriaepro temodit optate dolores dolupta dolorata dolorrore labor archic tecto

BunyaBunya

Opposite: BunyaBunya owner Jenny Lawson. Left: Bold patterns on fair trade bags and shoes. Right: Cool and comfortable summer sundresses. Below: Comfy wedge-heeled cowboy boots have Utah roots.

RC: Jenny! You are so inspiring! A mom of three girls and an entrepreneur! I am always blown away with what women in our area are accomplishing. JL: First and foremost, I am a mom! I get the kids off to school, and then I take care of myself. I choose to open at 11:00 to get in my self-care whether it be on my mountain bike, skis, at the spin studio, or having coffee with a friend. My work day consists of a lot of chatting with my customers. Possibly too much. I love that I get to meet and know so many women. It fills my cup even if they walk out without a purchase. RC: BunyaBunya—okay, that is a really unusual name. What was your inspiration? JL: A bunya bunya is an Australian pine tree. When I opened my first store in Park City, Utah, in 1999, I wanted it to appeal to a young, hip woman. The name sounded fun to me. I am a California girl and missed my beachy, trendy boutiques. I had so much fun being on the forefront of boutique fashion in Park City—introducing lines like Juicy Couture and Seven jeans to both my locals and tourists. Despite being on the east coast only once before she moved to Stowe, the natural beauty of Vermont plus falling in love with an east coast guy convinced her to move the BunyaBunya shop east. RC: How do you feel about the future of retail? www.bestofcentralvt.com 41

BEST OF CENTRAL VERMONT | SUMMER 2019

Opposite: Feminine, comfortable, flattering dress by Odd Molly from Sweden. Above: Pairing a cinched waist with comfy denim. Below are colorful Moroccan poufs Jenny brought to Vermont.

JL: Personally I need to feel and try on clothing. Brick and mortar stores are the anchor to our towns and it makes me feel good to support other women in business. In order to create a positive lasting impression, you have to have an optimal experience the first time you visit a place. Obviously, Vermont made enough of an impact on Jenny for her to move across the country, and I felt that energy walking into BunyaBunya. Jenny creates a welcoming energyâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;from the hip tunes, the Instagram-worthy displays, a cozy seating area, treasures and jewelry piled on the reclaimed tables, and the racks of sublime pieces. All ages would find something www.bestofcentralvt.com 43

Above: Dangly earrings by local artist Gina Petteys. Below: Sparkly mini druzy earrings. Opposite: Popular favorite Tysa Designs dress from Malibu, California.

appealing. While I was there, moms and daughters shopped and chatted about the cool pieces they were finding. RC: I have to admit I was nervous about coming here. I spied so many beautiful things on your Instagram feed…I was worried I would walk out with your whole shop! JL: I spend a good part of my day working on my social media presence and I also love to shop for new lines and ideas online. My favorite thing to do is merchandise. I love change. My sales floor is like a canvas that I can keep revising with my mood and as the seasonal new items arrive. I think it keeps good energy constantly flowing. Jenny is a self-proclaimed “plain Jane”—I begged to differ. I found her in cowboy boots, jeans, and a gorgeous embroidered top, all layered with jeweled necklaces and an olive jacket from Magnolia Pearl. “I don’t like to spend a lot of time fussing with myself. I have my favorite pieces and mix them up with a fresh scarf. I love a soft comfortable piece,” Jenny exclaims. But in my book, anyone that has a collection of Miss Sixty faux fur jackets is far from a plain Jane. RC: What do you like in fashion and lifestyle at the moment? 44

BEST OF CENTRAL VERMONT | SUMMER 2019

JL: I like that shirts are getting shorter. So many women are afraid but it’s actually more slimming on a lot of figures to not cover your hips and behind. I try to teach women to wear what is flattering on their own bodies and not follow trends. But I do love that boho is so in at the moment. RC: What do you hope that people discover in your shop? JL: I want them to find themselves. I want women to be more comfortable in their own skin. The most beautiful women I meet and know shine deeply from the inside. Size doesn’t matter. It’s how you wear your smile. Can’t you just feel the positive vibes and love emanating from this beach paradise tucked into the Green Mountains? If you are in need of a wardrobe boost, looking for that special piece to give as a gift, or just want to escape for a few hours—get on down to BunyaBunya and introduce yourself to Jenny. ❀

BunyaBunya At the Red Barn Shops 1799 Mountain Rd Stowe, VT (435) 640-1259 www.bunyabunya.com @bunyabunyavt www.bestofcentralvt.com 45

VERMONT’S OWN TREAT

5 PLACES You’ll Find Central Vermont’s

Dreamiest Creemees You say soft-serve, and I say kreemee—at least in Central Vermont. Go elsewhere in the Green Mountain State, and it might be spelled creemee, creamie, creemie or creamee. Let’s call the whole thing off (for a minute, anyway), and look at some of the best licks in Central Vermont. From maple creemees to traditional ice cream to full-on burgers, fries, and more, there’s something to scream about in Vermont.

MORSE FARM Morse Farm is famous for its maple-sugaring operation, which makes its maple creemees all the sweeter. Once you’re appropriately sugar-buzzed, browse through the gift shop and historic sugarhouse. 1168 County Road Montpelier morsefarm.com

I.C. SCOOPS Before you order that creemee, you may be tempted to try a scoop or two of traditional ice cream. I.C. Scoops not only offers traditional ice cream along with creemees but also makes its own. Stowe Ice Cream is homemade, with more than 20 flavors to choose from. 112 Main Street Stowe stoweicecream.com 46

BEST OF CENTRAL VERMONT | SUMMER 2019

MOUNTAIN VIEW SNACK BAR Sometimes a creemee isn’t enough. You have to have the burger—or fries, a shake, or a foot-long hot dog. You get the idea. Mountain View Snack Bars has three locations and should sometimes be approached as an event in itself. Sure, there’s the quick after-practice or evening treat, but there are so many other menu items to explore, it’s worth multiple visits. Route 14, just south of Hardwick Route 15, between Wolcott and Morrisville Route 100, just north of Stowe facebook.com/Mountain-View-Snack-Bar

DAIRY CREME (OH MY! ANOTHER SPELLING) Three generations of creemee history is what you’ll find at Dairy Creme in Montpelier. (On a side note, Dairy Creme participates in the all-in-one recycle program, recycling more than four tons during the

season.) It was once an A&W of years gone by, and you’ll love the ease of ordering, picking up, and catching a spot right next to the Winooski River. 320 State Street Route 2 heading west out of Montpelier dairycreme.com

CANTEEN CREEMEE COMPANY Canteen’s newest creemee location opened this summer. From the executive chef and other team members from The Inn at the Round Barn, this spot takes the creemee to a whole new level with homemade chocolate chunks and dips. Consider also the kimchi burger and the fried (yes, fried) chicken that has become a local legend. All the while, they’ll put on the vinyl (yes, vinyl) albums. Village Shopping Plaza Route 100 Waitsfield canteencreemee.com

The who for

2 W

www.bestofcentralvt.com 47

LIVING INSPIRED LIVES IN CENTRAL VERMONT

Lori, Alixandra, and Devin Klein Creativity, environmentalism, and a “can-do” attitude run deep in this central Vermont family A LOT OF NATURE AND A LOT OF NURTURE Rick and Lori Klein moved to Warren, Vermont, in 1980. Alix was born in 1983 and Devin in 1985. Rick suffered a fatal heart attack in 2014, yet his spirit is very much alive and present with his wife and two daughters. Rick, they told me, treated the planet with a profound respect bordering on reverence. In 48

BEST OF CENTRAL VERMONT | SUMMER 2019

the Klein household, prayers were frequently offered to Mother Nature. An avid outdoorsman, he would often take Alix and Devin hiking and never failed to pick up trash along the way. Rick was in the construction business and, with help from Lori, Alix, and Devin, built the family home and adorned it with salvaged antiques from other projects. Alix and Devin spent their childhood playing in the wilderness,

Artisans’ Gallery in Waitsfield is a mecca featuring the work of some 140 local artists and craftspeople, including one of the Gallery’s founders and partners, Lori Klein, a jewelry designer, and her older daughter Alixandra (Alix), also a jewelry designer. On a recent spring morning, I met with Lori, her younger daughter Devin, and Alix, who joined us at the gallery via FaceTime from Virginia, where she was on a jewelryselling trip.

BY LORI LUSTBERG PHOTOS BY STEPHANIE DIX LINCOLN GAP PHOTOGRAPHY EXCEPT WHERE NOTED

Opposite: Alix, Devin, and Lori in front of Artisans’ Gallery. Above, left: Alix outside Artisans’ Gallery. Above, right: Devin on the steps of her home/workshop in Warren. Below: Alix, Lori, and Devin inside Artisans’ Gallery with Alix’s jewelry on the left and Lori’s jewelry on the right.

www.bestofcentralvt.com 49

Above, left: Chalcedony briolettes on sterling silver findings. Above, right: Carnelian faceted rondelles with sterling silver clasp. Below: Agate druzies with baroque pearl and sterling silver clasp. Opposite: Apatite with crystals on silk with sterling silver clasp.

helping their father with projects around the house, and assisting their mother in making and selling jewelry.

LORI KLEIN: COMMUNITY, CREATIVITY, AND A CAN-DO ATTITUDE When Alix and Devin were young, Lori, while on a trip to Colorado, saw some handmade Native American jewelry and thought, “I want to do that.” When she returned home, she began making beaded jewelry. It wasn’t long before she started selling her wares at the Waitsfield Farmers Market on Saturdays in the summer. In 1995, she and five other local female artist friends created a yearround cooperative to display and sell their creations. On Thanksgiving weekend, Artisans’ Gallery was born in an Irasville storefront. The Gallery quickly outgrew the space and moved to its current location, an 1830s general store on Bridge Street in Waitsfield. Today, the Gallery is brimming with fine art and craft works made from clay, fiber, glass, and jewelry, as well as paintings, prints, woodwork, pottery, and photography.

ALIXANDRA BARRON KLEIN: WORK HARD, PLAY HARD Alix’s story reads like a modern-day twist on Lori’s journey. Years ago, while visiting friends in Arizona, Alix was inspired by a friend’s feather-shaped earrings made of hand-cut rubber. When she and her husband Hans were given tickets to Burning Man, Alix decided to try her hand at rubber jewelry, 50

BEST OF CENTRAL VERMONT | SUMMER 2019

as they needed to bring something to trade. She and Hans are avid outdoor adventurers, and, as she put it, Hans is “always popping tubes” mountain biking. Alix created her first batch of earrings and necklaces from recycled bicycle inner tubes, meticulously hand cut with scissors. Her creations were a big success. Flipping through the paper one day, Hans saw that Generator in Burlington was hosting a laser-cut jewelry class and encouraged Alix to take it. Today, Alix designs and sells impossibly elegant, lacy, affordable jewelry that she creates from upcycled bicycle inner tubes using a laser cutter. The bracelet clasps are Hans’s brainchild, which he has made from melted LEGOs using a 3-D printer. As the www.bestofcentralvt.com 51

Alix at sunrise in Virginia Beach, wearing ascending tropical leaf earrings. Below: Alix in Big Sky, Montana, wearing simple paisley inside teardrop earring and flower cluster rubber bracelet. Opposite: Bracelet designs, from top: Danica, vine & leaf, snowflake, tropical leaf, cluster flower, and bike tread. All photos this page and next page by Avant Hans Media.

videographer and photographer for Waterbury-based Alixandra Barron Designs, Hans provides invaluable behind-the-scenes support. The couple savvily leverages the power of the internet and social media using the hashtag #ABDCulture. Alixâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s jewelry is sold online at ABDculture.com and, as of today, is carried at bike stores, outdoor gear stores, galleries (including Artisansâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Gallery), spas, and 52

BEST OF CENTRAL VERMONT | SUMMER 2019

boutiques in nearly a dozen states—a number that is constantly growing.

DEVIN KLEIN CORRIGAN: CREATING HOMES IN HARMONY WITH THE EARTH Just as Alix’s business is akin to a modern-day version of Lori’s, Devin’s is akin to a modernday version of Rick’s. Devin and her husband Taylor own and operate Corrigan & Klein Artisan Builders, building high-end timber frame homes and structures. Devin speaks with a rare passion about and mastery of what is clearly one of her favorite subjects: designing and creating beautiful, sustainable, healthy, energy-efficient homes using locally sourced materials, such as high quality www.bestofcentralvt.com 53

Top: Devin in front of the gable end of her home/workshop. Building, framework, stonework, and railings by Corrigan & Klein. Bottom, left: Underside of stair system and floating deck. White oak timber frame details, stainless fasteners and railing, cedar decking. Bottom, right: Devin and Taylor with their 1973 Allis Chalmers forklift in front of their home/workshop. Custom carriage doors trimmed in copper, antique light fixtures with custom glass by Mad River Glass Gallery. Opposite: Devin in maple and red oak dormer of their upstairs living space. Interiors designed by Devin.

BEST OF CENTRAL VERMONT | SUMMER 2019

Vermont hardwoods and softwoods, local slate for roofing, and natural forms of insulation. In keeping with their mission to derive their materials from Vermont businesses and support the local economy while building legacy homes, Corrigan & Klein use native Vermont hardwood species which are non-toxic and rot resistant, rather than use imported pressure-treated wood. As one reviewer on the prominent home design website Houzz stated, the couple “conveys an attitude of reverence for their projects as well as the abundant natural materials used to complete the job.” Another reviewer noted that they work “with a style and integrity that seems to be from a bygone era.” For more information on Corrigan & Klein Artisan Builders, visit www.corrigankleinartisanbuilders.com.

THREE WOMEN, THREE DREAMS, NO LIMITS Spending time with these three remarkable women, it’s easy to see the role Lori played as a supportive model and the inspiration for her daughters’ entrepreneurial spirit. The accomplishments of Devin and Alix are the legacy of never being told, “girls can’t….” ❀

ARTISANS’ GALLERY 20 Bridge Street, Waitsfield, VT (802) 496-6256 www.vtartisansgallery.com

All this summer and into fall play BREWVIEW BINGO when you’re out sampling Vermont’s best. Complete 5 in a row win a $20 Gift Certificate, restaurant of your choice. Complete the whole card win a $100 Gift Certificate from the restaurant of your choice and be eligible to win a Grand prize of $500 in gift cards to stock your home. Check out our Instagram, FB and online for more details!

www.bestofcentralvt.com 55

CHEERS! | BY SUZ ANNE P ODHAIZER

Debbie Lewis Holds Court AS EVENING BARTENDER

AT SARDUCCI’S

t 10:30am on a Friday, Debra Lewis of Barre— known as Debbie—receives an urgent work text on her personal cell phone. She’s not a bit surprised. “Half of Montpelier’s got my phone number,” she explains with a grin. Is Debbie a public official who’s always on call? After a fashion. She’s an evening bartender at Sarducci’s—an immensely popular Italian restaurant perched on the side of the Winooski River in Montpelier. There, families gather for celebrations, young couples woo each other while dipping bread in garlic-infused oil, and politicians make deals over fried calamari, chicken piccata, and bottles of Montepulciano. For 24 years, Debbie has been serving, teasing—and sometimes tormenting—the restaurant’s clientele, with an endearing blend of sweetness, bossiness, and bawdiness. Her mid-morning correspondent? 56

BEST OF CENTRAL VERMONT | SUMMER 2019

A regular desperate for a seat at the bar that evening. He wants to be part of what folks fondly refer to as “The Debbie Show.” With silver bangles on her wrists and platinum blond hair shining under the lights, Debbie holds court on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings, joking, sassing, and whipping out drinks with quick, precise movements. Because of the way the space is constructed, there’s no good way to have more than one body behind the Sarducci’s bar. That means a single person ends up opening, pouring, and shaking drinks for every single customer in the 132-seat restaurant. “We do the wine, beer, juice, milk, chocolate milk. When we work on Friday nights, we can serve 300 [people]. I’m 58. I’m old. That’s why I get extra credit!” Debbie says. “Customers will say, ‘You should have somebody

Opposite: Debbie Lewis, bartender extraordinaire. Above: Clean glasses sparkle, ready for Debbie to serve just the right beverage to her patrons. Left: Locally crafted, raw honey-based Barr Hill gins go well neat or in a cocktail. Below: Ice cold and straight up, with an olive.

else back there,’ and I say, ‘Do you want to be back here with me?’ They always say no.” That might be because it’s a taxing job, requiring intense focus. Or, it might be because they’re just a tiny bit scared they won’t live up to Debbie’s standards. After all, she’s the one who gleefully stuck duct tape on a customer’s mouth because he was “talking too much,” and secretly sent a blow-up doll to a wedding as a date for a friend who was showing up solo. “She legit has her customers. She runs them,” says chef and co-owner Jeff Butterfield. “She tells them where they’re going to sit, what they’re going to eat.” She also, by her own admission— which was offered with a wink—tells them how much to tip, and when they ought to leave. What does she tell them to drink? She’s jazzed that the restaurant has Prosecco and Pinot available, but she also touts the all-local draft list. If a guy or gal’s in the mood for a cocktail, they might order the Debbie Margarita—a classic variation made with Grand Marnier and Cuervo Gold. No matter what they’re drinking, chances are they’re there for the bartender as much as for the vino and the beer. In 1995, Sarducci’s co-owner Carol Paquette hired Debbie and gave her work as a busser, clearing the used glasses, plates, and silverware off of tables, and bringing them to the kitchen to be washed. Debbie’s tenure in that role was brief, Carol recalls. “She went to my co-owner, www.bestofcentralvt.com 57

Right: A drink that refreshes, with fresh orange slice. Opposite: Green Mountain Organic Vodka, made with 100 percent organic grains and distilled six times.

Dorothy, and said: “Please make Carol stop making me bus.” From then on, Debbie was a server, until one evening when a bartender “freaked out,” Carol says, and had to be sent home. “I said, ‘Get behind the bar, Debbie. You can do it.” She’s been doing it ever since. “The bartending job has to be one of the hardest jobs at the restaurant,” Jeff muses, “And Debbie just does it.” Carol agrees: “Debbie is a machine. I’ve never seen anybody be able to do what she does on a busy night. I don’t know how she remembers everybody’s names.” Plus, Carol jokes, “She’s mean to the customers, and they like it!” Everybody knows that Debbie’s “meanness” is an act. “She’s a great, attentive bartender,” says a regular customer as she tucks into her pasta. “I come here almost every day.” Debbie’s brio is a way of drawing people out of their shells, or getting them to talk to one another, of encouraging them to act silly in a world that can sometimes feel overwhelming. A few years ago, faced with a personal tragedy, Debbie dealt with it by coming to work behind the bar. Her loyal customers and her Sarducci’s

BEST OF CENTRAL VERMONT | SUMMER 2019

coworkers, she explained, helped her make it through. “I don’t know what I would have done in my life without Sarducci’s,” she said somberly. “Without this place, I don’t think I would have been able to recover.” Sarducci’s employs 65 people, and as far as Debbie is concerned, those servers, bussers, cooks, and dishwashers are famiglia. “I love my job. It’s been a wonderful job because of the people I work for,” she says. “Sarducci’s is a big happy family with a whole bunch of personalities. Customers that come in here can feel that, they can feel the vibes. Everybody knows everybody else’s business, we’re all like brothers and sisters. When there’s a problem, people go into [the office], and the doors are closed, and it’s fixed in a couple of minutes.” And, Debbie simply loves what she does. “[The owners] let me have fun. They let me do whatever I want. My biggest fear, at 58 years old, is that I’ll have to retire. I don’t know how many people enjoy their jobs this much.” Ask pretty much any Sarducci’s regular, and they’d probably tell you that the reverse is true, as well: Not many customers out in the world are lucky enough to enjoy their bartenders this much—duct tape, sass, and all. ❀

SARDUCCI’S 3 Main Street Montpelier, VT (802) 223-0229 Sarduccis.com www.bestofcentralvt.com 59

BY PHYL NEWBECK PHOTOS COURTESY OF NORTH BRANCH NATURE CENTER

he North Branch Nature Center (NBNC) in Montpelier is rich in wildlife habitat. The 28-acre facility opened in 1996 but a lot has changed since the early days. One thing that hasn’t changed is the nonprofit’s emphasis on educating people and connecting them with nature. “Most of our land is a big field with a lot going on ecologically, including milkweed for monarch butterflies and nesting bluebirds and swallows,” says Staff Naturalist Sean Becker. “This is one of the places in central Vermont with the greatest bird diversity since there are a lot of different types of habitat.” In addition to the field, there is a floodplain riparian forest with alders, willows, and silver maples, which brings wildlife including beavers to the edge of the North Branch of the Winooski River. There is connectivity for wildlife since the land is contiguous to North Branch River Park and Hubbard Forest.

BEST OF CENTRAL VERMONT | SUMMER 2019

“It’s a jewel in the green necklace of natural areas,” Sean says. The center’s trails are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The property is visited mostly by those in the central Vermont area, from Waterbury to

Randolph, but the nonprofit’s programming reaches people across the state and beyond to Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Quebec. When the center first opened, they had only two staff members but they have expanded to 12.

Left: North Branch Nature Center connects people of all ages to nature. Above: NBNCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Young Naturalist adventures and summer travel camps bring youth to canoe in the Adirondacks, chase dragonflies in the Northeast Kingdom, and explore the spine of the Green Mountains for rare birds.

North Branch Nature Center

PUTTING PEOPLE OF ALL AGES IN TOUCH WITH NATURE www.bestofcentralvt.com 61

Above: Each autumn, NBNC scientists invite the public to join in Northern Saw-whet Owl migration research. Below, left: Spring Beauty, an early-season wildflower Below, right:As the summer winds down, monarch butterflies migrate from Vermont. NBNC invites the public to attach small tags on the butterflies for identification by biologists on their wintering grounds in Mexico. Opposite: NBNCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s week-long educator institutes give teachers the tools to use nature as a classroom.

BEST OF CENTRAL VERMONT | SUMMER 2019

STARTING YOUNG Sean describes North Branch Nature Center’s programming as reaching “from the cradle to post-retirement.” Programming starts with the Robin’s Nest Playgroup for children up to five years of age. “Families can come together for guided nature-based play time,” Sean says. “It introduces really little kids to the idea of exploring outside and teaches families to use nature as a basis for exploration.” For slightly older children, the center has Vermont’s first state-licensed forest preschool. Instruction takes place in both indoor and outdoor settings. “It’s a really thoughtful model of early childhood education that is rooted in nature-based learning,” Sean says. “Kids work with our two amazing teachers.” There is also a wide assortment of summer camps for pre-school, elementary, and middle school kids. Children from kindergarten to eighth grade can take part in the center’s ECO program, which stands for Educating Children Outdoors. This is an outreach program that takes NBNC staffers into public school classrooms. www.bestofcentralvt.com 63

BEST OF CENTRAL VERMONT | SUMMER 2019

Above: Volunteer scientists collect insects during “BioBlitz” festival. Opposite: Less than two years old, the expanded facilities offer the space for classes, conferences, art exhibits, music, and community gatherings.

“We work with classroom teachers to take their students outside to do standards-based, nature-based lessons,” Sean says, noting that the program works with 14 different central Vermont schools. High school students can take part in a youth naturalist club where they get together to explore natural areas in Vermont and beyond. This winter, a group practiced building fires and survival shelters in the Northeast Kingdom. Over the summer, there will be an overnight trip to the Adirondacks to explore bogs, and youth groups have travelled as far as Costa Rica and Ecuador. The club takes part in the biggest birdwatching competition in the country which is held annually near Cape May, New Jersey.

ENGAGING ADULTS Adult programming includes natural history and citizen science presentations, as well as workshops and classes. “We try to come up with as many interesting and engaging ways as possible to bring people in and build relationships with the natural world around them,” Sean says. That includes botany and birding www.bestofcentralvt.com 65

BEST OF CENTRAL VERMONT | SUMMER 2019

Opposite, top: Summer campers discover and admire a wood turtle during a stream bank exploration. Opposite, bottom: Kids investigating insects they collected around the NBNC fields.

walks, geology field trips, and work with Monarch butterflies. Sean says one important piece of outreach is trying to think outside the box to reach people who don’t believe nature is important to them. Some programs look at stone walls, cellar holes, and barbed wire to connect with Vermont history. The Center is also planning a weekend basket making retreat with Abenaki basket makers.

CITIZEN SCIENTISTS Citizen science programming allows participants to play an active role in important research. One major initiative involves volunteers who go out during amphibian migration season to monitor road crossings. In addition to saving the lives of thousands of salamanders and frogs, the volunteers collect data which is then used by the Vermont Agency of Transportation and local public works departments. Not everything NBNC does is close to home. They offer three or four trips a year to destinations around the world including Yellowstone National Park, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Panama, Alaska, the Pacific Northwest, Mexico, China, and Africa. Sean believes the work of the center is vitally important. “In an increasingly frenetic and polarized era, nature emerges as the unique, neutral space where we can move at our own pace, learn on our own terms, and indulge our hard-wired propensity for curiosity, inquiry, and exploration,” he says. “A healthy relationship with nature offers delight, astonishment, and endless perspective on how to live well. Our goal at North Branch Nature Center is to cultivate these relationships in as many different and creative ways as possible: to connect and reconnect people of all ages and backgrounds to the natural world.” ❀

NORTH BRANCH NATURE CENTER 713 Elm Street Montpelier, VT (802) 229-6206 northbranchnaturecenter.org www.bestofcentralvt.com 67

OU TD O ORS | BY TOM BR ANDE S

Happy Trails Lamoille Valley Bike Tours Offer Fun, Authentic Vermont Experience

What better way to experience the beauty of Vermont than on a car-free bike trail that follows a scenic river and passes through several towns? That’s the idea Jim and Yva Rose had in mind when they started Lamoille Valley Bike Tours. “WE SAW THIS AS AN OPPORTUNITY to start a business on what will be the longest recreational rail trail in New England—the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail,” says Jim. “By renting e-bikes, we can get more people out on the trail and they can bike further, travel faster, and see more in less time. They’ll also arrive less sweaty, as e-bikes provide a pedal assist up to 20 miles per hour.”

BEST OF CENTRAL VERMONT | SUMMER 2019

Located near the trailhead in Johnson, Lamoille Valley Bike Tours offers bike rentals and both self-guided and guided tours. Although the business is mobile and group rentals and tours can be arranged off the trail, the business is focused on the 17-mile trail between Cambridge and Morrisville. When the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail is completed it will span 93 miles from the Connecticut River to Lake Champlain.

Opposite: Riders of differing abilities can ride together easily on e-bikes. Above: The Bike and Brew Tour visits three different breweries, and participants receive a free appetizer and go home with two souvenir pint glasses.

“There’s so much to do when people visit Vermont, and e-bikes provide an adventure with an activity level that fits them,” adds Jim. “People can do all the pedaling or they can use the electric motor for a pedal assist, so people with different biking abilities can enjoy the trail. We also have traditional pedal bikes.” Jim and Yva have formed networks with many local businesses that can be visited and experienced by e-bikes. They provide their customers with a www.bestofcentralvt.com 69

The Rock Art Brewery in Morrisville, one of the Bike and Brew Tour stops, has been 100 percent solar electric since 2017.

ride guide containing information on local places of interest, so that in addition to biking, they can shop, eat, swim, or have a beer at a local craft brewery. “E-bikes provide a unique experience into Vermont and a way to experience outdoor Vermont more intimately than in a car,” adds Jim. “This is a more sustainable form of tourism. I love seeing people return after their ride with an e-bike smile and come back as happy customers.” ❀

LAMOILLE VALLEY BIKE TOURS Morrisville, Johnson, and Jeffersonville, VT (802) 730-0161 lamoillevalleybiketours.com

BEST OF CENTRAL VERMONT | SUMMER 2019

BIKE TOURS Lamoille Valley Bike Tours offers a number of half-day and full day e-bike tours, and they’re always looking to add new experiences. Here are a number of popular options for those looking for fun things to do. SUMMER ADVENTURE TOUR This self-guided option lets bikers explore the four villages on the trail, beautiful scenery, and shopping and dining experiences at their own pace. PEDAL PADDLE TOUR Combines a canoe or kayak excursion on the Lamoille River with local business, VT Canoe and Kayak, and a scenic e-bike trail ride. This is a great way to enjoy two distinct fun experiences in one day. VERMONT BIKE & BREW TOUR The most popular guided e-bike tour includes stops at three local craft breweries so bikers can see and sip the best of Lamoille County. Includes a free appetizer and two souvenir pint glasses. FALL FOLIAGE TOUR Experience Vermont’s spectacular fall foliage in an unforgettable new way—from the seat of an e-bike. This self-guided adventure includes breathtaking fall colors at no extra charge. FAT BIKE SAFARI TOUR This guided overland adventure tour is a great option for those looking for a more active experience. Enjoy beautiful back roads, covered bridges, rivers, and trails. New tour options for 2019 include Wheels, Water, and Wine Tour; Bike and Brunch Tour; and a Bike Fishing Tour. Visit lamoillevalleybiketours.com for more information or to book a tour.

www.bestofcentralvt.com 71

BY LIA VENNER HOME DECOR

Cherry Greenwich bed and Horizon tall storage chest.

vermont

Quality craftsmanship creates furniture that lasts

handcrafted furniture T

he clean lines and timeless elegance of the pieces at Vermont Furniture Designs | Vermont Handcrafted Furniture do not happen by accident. They are a product of the craft, passion, and experience of the skilled artisans who create these heirloom-quality pieces. Time-tested methods of craftsmanship combined with classic styles produce furniture that is known and respected across the country. Mission, Shaker, arts and crafts, and mid-century modern styles are all faithfully represented in Vermont Furniture Designs’ production line. Each item is crafted by a small team of highly skilled artisans working in native walnut, maple, and cherry. The artisans at Vermont Furniture Designs use the traditional joinery techniques such as the mortise and tenon joint that is then glued and clamped overnight to create a strong, rigid joint. After a detailed level of sanding, each piece is finished with an oil and wax that is based on linseed oil. This natural finish does not produce any VOCs and brings out the color, grain, depth—and natural beauty—of the wood. When co-owners Adam Blaisdell and Rob Bachand took over the business in 2017, they launched Vermont Handcrafted Furniture 72

BEST OF CENTRAL VERMONT | SUMMER 2019

under the Vermont Furniture Designs umbrella. While VFD stayed true to traditional forms, Vermont Handcrafted Furniture allowed the business to push the boundaries of style and design. Collaborations with local artisans working in stone, metal, fabric, and other materials result in exciting new offerings but with the same dedication to quality. The craftsmen and -women at Vermont Furniture Designs | Vermont Handcrafted Furniture take pride in being a continuation of the long Vermont tradition of working by hand to create beautiful, premium quality furniture.

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

SUMMER 2019 | ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR

SPRUCE PEAK PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

BARRE PARTNERSHIP JUNE–AUGUST 28 Currier Park Concert Series JULY 3 Tin Penny Band

JUDY COLLINS

JULY 10 Imagine That JULY 17 Ali T JULY 24 Michele Fay Band JULY 31 Cooie Sings AUGUST 7 Dave Keller Band AUGUST 14 Elizabeth Renaud Acoustic AUGUST 21 Moose Jams AUGUST 28 JUNE 23 at 7pm Jefferson Starship JUNE 26 at NOON ArtSmart: Dialogues De Carmélites JUNE 26 at 1pm The Met Opera Live In HD JULY 5 at 3 and 7pm Peking Acrobats

SPRUCE PEAK PERFORMING ARTS CENTER 122 Hourglass Drive Stowe, VT www.sprucepeakarts.org 74

BEST OF CENTRAL VERMONT | SUMMER 2019

JULY 15–19 at 9am to 3:30pm YOUtheatre: Fractured Fairy Tales Camp

Sherri’s Jubilee

JULY 20 at 7pm Judy Collins AUGUST 10 & 11 Spruce Peak Folk Festival AUGUST 1–16 at 9am to 3:30pm Jazz, Scat, Spoken Word Performance Camp AUGUST 17 at 4 and 8pm Stowe Tango Music Festival

www.partnership.com

SUMMER 2019 | ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR

VERMONT SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA 2019 TD SUMMER FESTIVAL TOUR

Pack a picnic basket and celebrate the sound of summer in Vermont with the VSO! This year’s program, “Strike Up the Orchestra!” was crafted by guest conductor Sharon Lavery, making her VSO debut. The orchestra showcases the composers who set America to music: Gershwin, Joplin, Bernstein, Copland, and the foremost film composer of our generation, John Williams. VSO Principal Clarinet Kelli O’Connor is our featured soloist in a jazzy concerto written by Artie Shaw. Each concert closes with a dazzling fireworks display accompanying Tchaikovsky’s famous 1812 Overture and the beloved marches of John Philip Sousa. Please visit website for additional information.

JULY 28–29

BARRE FARMERS MARKET AT CURRIER PARK The Barre Heritage Festival & Homecoming Days is a celebration of Barre’s ethnic heritage as the melting pot of Vermont during the boom years of Barre’s granite industry in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It’s a time for the community to come together and celebrate with music, food, and culture. There will be music on two different stages, a parade, food and craft vendors, and fireworks. For more information and a complete listing of all the family friendly events happening in Barre, go to barreheritagefestival.org. Wednesdays from 4–7pm

JULY 1 Chittenden, Mountain Top Inn & Resort JULY 2 Manchester, Hunter Park JULY 3 Grafton, Grafton Ponds JULY 4 Shelburne, Shelburne Museum JULY 5 South Pomfret, Suicide Six Ski Area JULY 6 Randolph, Brunswick School JULY 7 Stowe, Trapp Family Lodge

VERMONT SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA 2 Church Street Burlington, VT (802) 864-5741 www.vso.org www.bestofcentralvt.com 75

SUMMER 2019 | ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR

MONTPELIER ALIVE JUNE–OCTOBER

MONTPELIER ALIVE 39 Main Street Montpelier, VT (802) 223-9604 www.montpelieralive.org

Outdoors Farmers Market, 9am to 1pm

JUNE–AUGUST

Catch a baseball game with the Mountaineers. See website for schedule and details.

JULY 3

Montpelier Alive, Independence Day Celebration

JULY 13–14 Do Good Fest

See website for schedule and details. Hunger Mountain Brown Bag Concerts. All Concerts 12 Noon City Hall Plaza

AUGUST 1 Robin Gottfried

AUGUST 22 Alex Smith

AUGUST 8 East Bay Jazz

AUGUST 29 Lara Herscovitch

AUGUST 15 The Revenants

SEPTEMBER 5 Araba-Lon PHOTO BY RICHARDSON PHOTOGRAPHY

JUNE 24–28 The Art of Fermentation JUNE 30–JULY 7 International Food Study Tour for Dietitians at Brunnenburg Castle JULY 8–12 Nose-to-Tail Butchering and Cookery JULY 22–26 Artisan Bread Making and Heritage Grains JULY 29–AUGUST 2 From The Wildcrafters Basket to the Chef’s Table: The Ethics and Tastes of the Wild AUGUST 5–9 Regenerative Design: Building Community Resilience from the Ground Up

SCHOOL OF THE NEW AMERICAN FARMSTEAD

www.sterlingcollege.edu /school-of-the-new-american-farmstead 76

BEST OF CENTRAL VERMONT | SUMMER 2019

SUMMER COURSES AT STERLING COLLEGE The Secret Sisters

LOST NATION THEATER

SUMMER 2019 | ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR

STOWE ASSOCIATION

JUNE 28 Fractured Fables 5:30pm

JULY 11 Cabaret 7:30pm

JULY 28 Cabaret 7:30pm

JULY 24 The Vermont Suitcase Company AUGUST 3 Bill Staines, One Night Only 7:30pm

AUGUST 16–18 The Wiz See website for additional dates and times.

39 Main Street Montpelier, VT (802) 229-0492 www.lostnationtheater.org

JUNE 28–29 Stowe Brewers Festival

See website for times and events.

JULY 1 at 4:30pm Stowe Yacht Club Sail Boat Racing JULY 4 at 11am Stowe Old-Fashioned Parade and Crafts JULY 5–7 Stoweflake Hot Air Balloon Festival

AUGUST 4 at 7pm Music in the Meadow AUGUST 10–11 Spruce Peak Folk Festival AUGUST 10–15 Stowe Tango Music Festival See website for times.

51 Main Street Stowe, VT www.askus@gostowe.com

FRESH TRACKS FARM AND WINERY JUNE 28 at 6pm Cooie’s Hot Jazz Quartet JULY 10 at 5:30pm Outdoor Yoga with Falls River Yoga JULY 12 at 6pm Friday Night Fire Kris Kilian and Vermont Brigade

FRESH TRACKS FARM AND WINERY 4373 Route 12 JULY VT 26 at 6pm Berlin, Friday Night Fire www.freshtracks.com

AUGUST 9 Friday Night Fire TBA

AUGUST 14 at 5:30pm Yoga with Falls River Yoga AUGUST 23 at 6pm Friday Night Fire Jacob Green SEPTEMBER 4 at 5:30pm Yoga with Falls River Yoga SEPTEMBER 13 at 6pm Friday Night Fire Big Hat No Cattle

Jennings and McComber www.bestofcentralvt.com 77

best of

Central Vermont ADVERTISERS INDEX alla vita...................................................................................................................................................21 Ann Roche Furniture..........................................................................................................................45 Arbortrek................................................................................................................................................ 4 Artisans’ Gallery.................................................................................................................................28 Artisans Hand.....................................................................................................................................23 Bare Medical Spa................................................................................................................................... 1 BunyaBunya.................................................................................................................................... 17, 51 Burlington Furniture.............................................................................................. Inside Back Cover Burlington Marble and Granite.........................................................................................................11 Burlington Mattress............................................................................................................................12 Central Vermont Medical Center...................................................................................................43 Circus Smirkus...................................................................................................................................... 6 Close to Home...................................................................................................................................... 9 Cody Chevrolet...................................................................................................................................70 Coldwell Banker/Classic Homes....................................................................Outside Back Cover Commodities Natural Market..........................................................................................................17 Cornerstone Restaurants................................................................................................................... 5 Country Club of Barre.........................................................................................................................15 CW Print + Design.............................................................................................................................63 Delicate Decadence...........................................................................................................................25 di Stefano Landscaping....................................................................................................................... 3 Evergreen Gardens of Vermont.......................................................................................................12 Ferro Estate and Custom Jewelers..................................................................................................17 Fresh Tracks Farm Vineyard and Winery......................................................................................65 Fringe Salon and Lash Bar.................................................................................................................51 Gillespie Fuels.....................................................................................................................................78 Harvest Market...................................................................................................................................47 Idletyme Brewing Company.............................................................................................................17 J Morgan’s Steakhouse/Capitol Plaza..........................................................................................53 Landshapes..........................................................................................................................................63 Mayo Health Center..........................................................................................................................59 Mid State Dodge................................................................................................................................79

BEST OF CENTRAL VERMONT | SPRING 2019

For more information about print and online advertising opportunities, contact John or Robin Gales at (802) 558-2719 or email coffeetablepublishing@comcast.net. Montpelier Alive................................................................................................................................... 2 Montpelier Orthodontics.................................................................................................................65 Morse Farm..........................................................................................................................................53 Nelson’s Ace Hardware....................................................................................................................67 Onion River Outdoors.......................................................................................................................35 Outdoor Gear Exchange...................................................................................................................25 Pink Colony...........................................................................................................................................21 Red House Builders............................................................................................................................59 Revitalizing Waterbury......................................................................................................................13 Richard Wobby Jewelers..................................................................................................................45 ROAM...................................................................................................................................................47 Sarducci’s Restaurant and Bar.........................................................................................................29 Shelburne Museum............................................................................................................................35 Spruce Peak Performing Arts...........................................................................................................71 Sterling College......................................................................................................Inside Front Cover Stowe Village Massage......................................................................................................................17 The Automaster.................................................................................................................................... 7 The Bench Restaurant........................................................................................................................17 The Body Lounge.................................................................................................................................17 The Carriage Shed..............................................................................................................................39 The Store .............................................................................................................................................43 Tres Amigos Restaurant.....................................................................................................................17 Total Fitness Equipment...................................................................................................................39 Vermont Artisan Coffee & Tea........................................................................................................23 Vermont Handcrafted Furniture.....................................................................................................73 Vermont Kitchen Design by Bouchard Pierce Candlelight.......................................................71 Vermont Kitchen Design by Bouchard Pierce Wolf...................................................................67 Wagner Hodgson Landscape Architecture................................................................................ 64 Wake Robin..........................................................................................................................................58 Whip Restaurant and Bar..................................................................................................................17 Windows and Doors by Brownell...................................................................................................55

L AST GL ANCE

The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.

â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Marcel Proust

BEST OF CENTRAL VERMONT | SUMMER 2019

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