Destination Vermont Aug/Sept 2012

VERMONT

Destination

August / September 2012

are we taking the airplane off the logo?

Eat, Sleep, Play, the Vermont Way

destinationvt.com

College St.

Burlington, VT You have taken the eat local challenge...

Next step?

–eat off local dishes –drink from local mugs –bake with local pans

NORTH

127 college street, burlington, vermont (802) 863-2221 2

www.destinationvt.com

Destination

VERMONT

contents features

16 Celebrating 20 Years South End Art Hop

26 Hops and Hopes A Peek at Vermont’s Beer Culture

30

18

Going for the Green Vermont Golf Courses

departments

6-12 Calendar of Events August / September

13 Vermont B & Bs

14-15 Around the Region The Champlain Islands Shelburne

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18-21 Restaurant Review The Spot Barkeaters

22 People of Vermont Allison Hooper

23 Vermont’s Socially Responsible Businesses Vermont Artisan Cheesemakers

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August / September 2012 Destination Vermont

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Recent Releases from Wind Ridge Publishing Destination

VERMONT August / September 2012

Exotic Tails A Veterinarian’s Journey

The Squirrel Diaries Tales from a Wildlife Rehabilitator

Steven B. Metz, D.V.M. $16.95

Astrid Helena Nicolay $16.95

Dr. Metz shares humorous and heartwarming stories from his fourdecade career as a veterinarian for exotic, wild, and domestic animals.

Vermont resident and wildlife rehabilitator Astrid Helena Nicolay parlays a dozen years of wit and wisdom into a collection of heartwarming, humorous, and educational tales about tending the cadre of rescued squirrels.

Brewing Change Behind the Bean at Green Mountain Coffee Roasters

Rick Peyser and Bill Mares $16.95 Foreword by Bob Stiller Brewing Change shares the true and inspiring story of one man’s quiet, successful crusade to change the world of coffee and improve the lives of coffee farming families around the globe.

Destination Vermont is published six times per year. It is produced and published by Wind Ridge Publishing, Inc. of Shelburne, Vermont.

Destination Vermont is dedicated to informing and entertaining the thousands of people who travel through Vermont year.

Please direct all inquiries to: PO Box 752, Shelburne, VT 05482 (802) 985-3091 holly@windridgepublishing.com

Publisher Holly Johnson

Editor Holly Johnson

There and Back Commentary by a Former Foreign Correspondent Barrie Dunsmore $26.95 Foreword by Ted Koppel

This is an insightful collection of thoughtful, informed commentaries on today’s world events as seen through the eyes of a renowned former ABC News foreign correspondent and veteran reporter.

Advertising Sales

3:14 and Out A Collection of Vermont Public Radio Commentaries Bill Mares $14.95

Mares is often called a Renaissance man. It will show in the breadth of these wise, witty, and warm Vermont Public Radio commentaries reminding us the world is interesting and thinking can be fun.

Adam Russitano

I Was Thinking…

Travels in the World of Ideas Peter A. Gilbert Foreword by Jay Parini $15.95

Vermont Public Radio commentator and Executive Director of the Vermont Humanities Council Peter Gilbert has adapted his monthly VPR three-minute commentaries into this collection for readers.

Design Laurie Thomas Greg Forber

Contributing Writers Lettie Stratton Margo Callaghan Louis Roe Lin Stone Stephen Mills Lindsey Campbell

Cover Photo Cheryl Bodette

82 Remsen Street Coming of Age in Brooklyn Heights Burlington A Sense of Place

Paul O. Boisvert $34.95

A four season visual tour of the Queen City as seen through the eyes of Vermont’s awardwinning photographer, Paul O. Boisvert.

Alice D. Outwater $18.95

Outwater’s 1930s and ‘40’s Brooklyn Heights coming-of-age memoir is America’s version of Downton Abbey and Upstairs / Downstairs.

Available at your local bookstore or online at www.WindRidgePublishing.com 4

www.destinationvt.com

Printed by Dartmouth Printing Co.

SFI-00665

while you wait... crossword

sudoku

THEME: fads

word search

48. Don’t forget to draw one of these!

1. Shasta and Tab, e.g.

50. Lincoln coin 6. ___ Wednesday 52. Public promotions 9. Fictional company in old 53. ____ and kin cartoons 55. They said their “I ___” 13. Spew 57. Old Glory motif 14. “Cafe ___?” Greenwich 60. *Toy with an avatar Village club where Hendrix 64. Philosopher _____ Kierkegand Dylan played aard 15. Turkish leader title, pl.

65. Storm center 16. *Some fads do this from 67. Eagle’s nest time to time 68. End to a prayer, pl.

17. Hula dancer’s ornament 18. One’s manner of walking, 69. *Spinning ___ 70. The G in CGT pl.

71. *Wax inside a lamp, a.k.a.

19. *Bell locations ____ 21. *Angel pin-up 72. Shack 23. Increase 24. Never eat chicken this way 73. Earliest stage of sickness 25. T-cell killer Down 28. Competitive advantage 1. Slobodan Milosevic, e.g.

30. Non-stick material 2. Dunking cookie 35. Eastern ____ 37. 9th letter of Greek alphabet 3. Tube for flowing air 4. Less than 90 degrees 39. “Lay _____” to a castle 5. Golf shot 40. Medley 6. Hole punchers 41. *Rubber wear 7. Female 43. Longest river 8. Israeli port 44. Muhammad’s birthplace 9. Petri dish gel 46. A current focal point of 10. *Inanimate pet debate in Europe 11. Calculating subject 47. a.k.a. Snowmobile

ACROSS

12. Female suffix 15. Concurs 20. Army doctor 22. MoMA contents 24. Enhance a photograph 25. Nuclear weapon 26. More ill 27. NBC’s “The _____” 29. Oscar-winning politician 31. *Found on many cars in 1950s 32. Layla or _____ 33. Amorously looked upon 34. We all have these 36. Cocaine source 38. 43,560 square feet 42. Type of probe 45. *Low-carb diet 49. Where couples are joined?

51. Trinidad’s neighbor 54. Wisdom _____ 56. Short dagger 57. South of Market Area in San Francisco 58. Trevor to friends?

59. Actress ____ Sofer 60. What a willow did?

61. Part of eye 62. 1982 Tony Award winner 63. Enthusiastic enjoyment 64. Salt in Mexico 66. Second person pronoun

destination ridge green artisan

change vermont publishing craft cheeses

Destination Relax

champlain magazine golf breweries

lake wind courses mountains brewing

Puzzle solutions on page 35 August / September 2012 Destination Vermont

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Festival of Fools, Burlington, Enjoy street theater in celebration of circus arts, music, and comedy for family audiences, featuring the best international street performers from around the globe. Four main stage locations surrounding the Church Street and City Hall Park www.burlingtoncityarts.org

August 7 - 11

Addison County Field Days, New Haven Country fair with amusement rides, food, games and contests, and exhibits. www.addisoncountyfielddays.com

August 9-12

Shelburne Museum Goes to the Dogs

Ongoing Events

ECHO LAKE AQUARIUM AND SCIENCE CENTER, Burlington ECHO is Vermont’s worldclass attraction on the Burlington waterfront.

Discover the Ecology, Culture, History, and Opportunity for stewardship of the Lake Champlain basin at the ECHO center. Every day is an adventure with daily animal feedings and demonstrations, 70 species of fish amphibians, invertebrates, and reptiles; more than 100 interactive experiences; changing and permanent exhibits; seasonal events; the multimedia Awesome Forces Theatre.

Hungry? Relax on the upper deck and grab a bite to eat in the ecology themed Think! Café for local fare and lake and mountain views.

(802) 864-1848 www.echovermont.org SHELBURNE FARMS, Shelburne Farms is a 1400-acre working farm and National Historic Landmark and nonprofit environmental education center. Shelburne Farms welcomes visitors to enjoy its spectacular landscape, historic buildings, children’s farm barn, inn, and restaurant on the shores of Lake Champlain. Walking trails are open year round, weather permitting, from 10-4. Please check in at the Welcome Center.

(802) 985-8686 www.shelburnefarms.org BILLINGS FARM & MUSEUM, Woodstock Visit this National Historical Park, working dairy farm, and a museum of Vermont’s rural past offering a great variety of year-round programs and activities indoors and out. First hand sampling of actual farm work and animals: Jersey cows, sheep, horses, oxen, and chickens.

A gateway to Vermont’s rural heritage.

(802) 457-2355 www.billingsfarm.org

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SHELBURNE MUSEUM, One of the country’s most diverse museums of paintings, folk art, quilts, and textiles. Over 150,000 works are exhibited in 39 buildings, 25 of which are historic and were relocated to the 45acre museum grounds first established by Electra Havemeyer Webb in 1947. Ongoing exhibitions featured from May 15-Oct. 30 (802) 985-3346 www.shelburnemuseum.org

August 1- Sep. 3

Vermont Festival of the Arts, Mad River Valley 125 events including exhibits, performances, workshops & demonstrations. www.vermontartfest.com

August 2-5

Franklin County Field Days, Highgate A country fair with rides, food, games, and agricultural contests and exhibits. www.franklincountyfielddays.org

August 2 – 11

The Dorset Theatre Festival, Dorset The world premiere of The Whore and Mr. Moore starring Judd Hirsch. The play is written

by Michael Cristofer a Pulitzer Prize and the Tony Award winner for The Shadow Box. His film writing credits include the Bonfires of the Vanities and the Witches of Eastwick. www.dorsettheatrefestival.org

August 3-5

Southern Vermont Art & Craft Festival, Manchester 200 juried artisans exhibit and sell a wide range of contemporary and traditional craft work as well as original art, photography, sculpture and specialty foods. www.craftproducers.com

Lake Champlain Maritime Festival, Burlington See classic boats and long boat, canoe, kayak and Dragon boat demonstrations celebrating Lake Champlain’s past, present and future. Boat building, local fare, nationally acclaimed music concerts and children’s hands-on daytime exhibits. www.lcmfestival.com

August 11-12

Annual Art in the Park Festival, Rutland Fine arts and crafts fair held in Main Street Park, with music, food and custom crafts. www.chaffeeartcenter.org Taste of Woodstock Experience artisan cheeses, Vermont wines, and local foods. Children’s activities and a villagewide sidewalk sale. www.woodstockVt.com

August 12

Antique Tractor Day at Billings Farm, Woodstock Tractors from 1930 to the 1960s will be displayed by the folks who restored them. Enjoy a tractor parade, wagon rides and tractor activities for children. www.billingsfarm.org

August 15-19

Vermont Challenge, Stratton Mountain A bicycle challenge that offers short and long rides over four days in the forests and valleys of central and southern Vermont. www.Vt.challenge.com Orleans County Fair, Barton A grand historic county fair nestled in Vermont’s Green Mountains. www.orleanscountyfair.net

August 18

Fletcher Farm School Arts & Crafts Festival, Ludlow Featuring over 90 of New England’s finest artists and craftsmen exhibiting top quality wares such as primitives, paintings, carvings, jewelry, woodenware, food. www.fletcherfarm.org

August / September 2012

August 18-19

Lippitt Country Morgan Horse Show, Tunbridge A Morgan Horse Show at the historic fairgrounds. www.lippittclub.net

August 18-26

Lake Champlain Chamber Music Festival, Colchester Join Artistic Director Soovin Kim, internationally acclaimed pianist Jonathan Biss, composer Joan Tower and a line-up of other stars for a week exploring the works and influence of Johann Sebastian Bach. www.lccmf.org

August 22-26

Caledonia County Fair, Lyndonville An old-time country fair with rides, food, games, contests, and exhibits. www.Vt.fair.com

August 23-26

August 25

Vergennes Day, Vergennes Small town fair with activities, fun, food and crafts - takes place beneath stately shade trees on the town green and is a great way to experience Vermont living. www.addisoncounty.com 40th Annual Quechee Scottish Festival For all things Scottish. Pipe bands will perform and compete. Country dancing, balladeers, fiddling and over 100 dancers from the US and Canada in dance competitions. Vermont Championship Sheepdog Trials, Scottish meat pies, haggis, fish & chips, scones and tea. Heavy-weight Highland games & children’s games.

(802) 295-5351

August 25-Sept 3

Champlain Valley Exposition, Essex Junction Vermont’s biggest fair features amusement rides, contests, and exhibits. www.cvexpo.org

August 30 - Sep.3 Celebrate Vermont Festival, Killington Classic Motorcycle Stowe Celebrating Vermont’s farms, Rally New England motorcycle rally in a foods, forests, and Vermont’s unique sense gorgeous location, offering a Vendor Village of place, and its creative economy. Cooking and many early autumn rides through demos, seminars, marketplace tent, craft Vermont’s famous valleys and covered bridges. demos, music.

Desination Vt May 3:Layout 1 5/3/12 www.killingtonclassic.com 3:02 www.celebratevermontfestival.com

Fly •

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calendar

August 31 - Sep. 9

Vermont State Fair, Rutland An oldtime country fair with rides, food, games, and agricultural contests and exhibits. www.vermontstatefair.net

Sept 7-8

Annual South End Art Hop, Burlington Visitors are attracted to the South End artist’s studios, and local businesses that are refit as art galleries and exhibition sites for the more than 500 participating artists.

(802) 859-9222 www.seaba.com

Sept. 12

Shelburne Museum Goes to the Dogs! Shelburne Vermont’s zaniest and wildest dog party, goes to the circus this year.

Circus is the theme for this year’s 10th anniversary event. The day-long celebration of four-legged friends, takes place on Sunday, Sept.

12 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event benefits dog rescue groups and humane societies.

Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children (5-18). Museum members and dogs are free!

Dogs must be on leashes. Tickets may be purchased in advance at Pet Food Warehouse locations in Shelburne and South Burlington.

(802) 985-3346 www.shelburnemuseum.org

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August / September 2012 Destination Vermont FTI_LIGHTHOUSE_MAG_4.77x4.65_DV_020112.indd 1

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1/9/12 1:07 PM

Champlain Valley Fair Exposition 2012 Lake Monsters

2012 Home Game Schedule

Coming to The Xfinity Stage Sat. Aug 25 Train

Sun, Aug 26

J. Geils Band with special guest The Fixx

Train

Mon. Aug 27

Demi Lovato With special guest Hot Chelle Rae

Wed, Aug 29

August

The Band Perry with special guest Easton Corbin

Sun, Sept. 2

Zac Brown Band

The Band Perry

The Flying Wallendas

1 Wed. MAHONINGVALLEY 7:05 2 Thurs. MAHONINGVALLEY 7:05 3 Fri. MAHONINGVALLEY 7:05 4 Sat. BATAVIA 6:05 5 Sun. BATAVIA 6:05 6 Mon. BATAVIA 7:05 15 Wed. STATENISLAND 7:05 16 Thurs. STATENISLAND 7:05 17 Fri. STATENISLAND 7:05 18 Sat. BROOKLYN 6:05 19 Sun. BROOKLYN 6:05 20 Mon. BROOKLYN 7:05 27 Mon. CONNECTICUT 7:05 28 Tues. CONNECTICUT 7:05 31 Fri. TRI-CITY 7:05

September 1 Sat. TRI-CITY 6:05 2 Sun. TRI-CITY 6:05 3 Mon. ABERDEEN 6:05 4 Tues. ABERDEEN 6:05 5 Wed. ABERDEEN 6:05 Single Game Ticket Prices Reserved seating $8 General admission $7 Seniors (60+) $5 Children (12 and under) $5

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25

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ood Fair F

enzie The McK Racing Pigs

Garden

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Competitions & Displays

Contact information: 802-655-4200 vermontlakemonsters.com

Center

31 Mutts Gone

Nuts

Animals

www.champlainvalleyfair.org

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Follow Destination Vermont on Twitter for calendar updates and prizes!

August / September 2012

calendar

Sept. 13-16

The World’s Fair, Tunbridge Vermont Chamber of Commerce 2012 “Top 10 Fall Event” www.tunbridgeworldsfair.com

Sept 21-23

Burlington Book Festival Enjoy readings, signings, panels, workshops, film screenings, musical performances, demos and special events featuring literary luminaries from around the world—and just around the corner, including Wind Ridge Publishing’s Rick Peyser and Bill Mares, co-authors of Brewing Change, Behind the Bean at Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, and Vermont Humanities Council Executive Director Peter Gilbert, author of I Was Thinking…Travels in the World of Ideas.

(802) 658-3328 burlingtonbookfestival.com

South End Art Hop

Authors Bill Mares and Rick Peyser

Sept 22

Vermont PRIDE Festival, Battery Park, Burlington Enjoy the music and entertainment in the bandshell, along with vendors, family & youth tents, plus many community resources. Includes the Northern Decadence Food Festival. www.pridevt.com

Sept 29-30

Bristol Harvest Festival 75 plus crafters/vendors, bandstand music, children’s venue with pony rides, Taste of Bristol Tent, apple pie contest, Art Show, 5K Race.

(802) 388-7951 x1, www.BristolHarvestFest.com

Pumpkin & Apple Celebration at Billings Farm, Woodstock Apple tasting, cider pressing, pumpkin bowling, apples-on-a-string, making pumpkin & apple ice cream, cooking apple butter in the farmhouse, and wagon rides.

(802) 457-2355

Affordable Award-Winning Recording Services

Rabble in Arms Weekend, Lake Champlain Maritime Museum Archaeology Weekend, 10am-5pm Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, Meet archaeolog ists and share hands-on presentations about shipwrecks, nautical archaeology, and the story of the Vergennes shipyard where the fleet was built that saved America in 1814.

(802) 475-2022 www.lcmm.org

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August / September 2012 Destination Vermont

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Farmers Markets Addison County Bristol Farmers Market, Bristol Sat 11-2, 802-343-5396 www.bristolfarmersmarket.org Middlebury Farmers Market, Middlebury Wed 9-12:30 & Sat 9-12:30 802-388-0178 www.middleburyfarmersmarket.org Chittenden County

Hinesburg Farmers Market, Hinesburg Thu 3:30-6:30, 802-482-2651 www.hinesburglionsfarmersmarket.org

Winooski Farmers Market, Winooski Sun 10-2 413-446-4684, charlotte.rooz@gmail.com

Jericho Mills Riverside, Jericho Thu 3-6:30 802-434-7464, notchfarm@gmail.com

Franklin County

Milton Grange, Milton Sat 9:30-1:30, 802-893-7934 jamesbmilton@comcast.net

Fletcher Allen Hospital, Burlington Thu 2:30-5:30, 802-847-0797 Tanya.mcdonald@vtmednet.org

Richmond Farmers Market, Richmond Fri 3-6:30 802-434-5273, cmader@surfglobal.net

Burlington Farmers Market, Burlington Sat 8:30-2, 802-310-5172 www.burlingtonfarmersmarket.org

Shelburne Farmers Market, Shelburne Sat 9-1 802-985-2472, www.sbpavt.org

New North End Farmers Market, Burlington Thu 3-6:30, 802-658-8072 newnorthendfarmersmarket.wordpress.com

Healthy Living Market, So. Burlington Sun 10-2, 802-863-2569 www.healthylivingmarket.com

Old North End Farmers Market, Burlington Tue 3-6:30, 802-324-3073, sra@riseup.net

Westford Farmers Market, Westford Fri 3:30-6:30, 802-370-4077 www.westfordfarmersmarketvt.org

Five Corners Farmers Market, Essex Jct. Fri 3:30-7:30, 802-879-6701 www.5cornersfarmersmarket@gmail.com

Williston Farmers Market, Williston Sat 10-2, 802-735-3860 www.willistonfarmersmarket.com

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Enosburg Farmers Market, Enosburg Wed 3-6, Sat 9-1 802-933-6623, shullparent@yahoo.com Richford Farmers Market, Richford Sat 9-1, 802-848-3076 cliff.holmes@myfairpoint.net Northwest Farmers Market, St Albans Sat 9-2, 802-373-5821 www.nwvtfarmersmarket.org Grand Isle County Champlain Islands Farmers Market, Grand Isle Sat 10-2, 802-372-3291 www.champlainislandsfarmersmarket.com Isle La Motte Farmers Market, Isle La Motte Sat 9-1 www.islelamotte.org/farmersmarket Champlain Islands Farmers Market, South Hero Wed 4-7,802-372-3291 www.champlainislandsfarmersmarket.com

August / September 2012

Lamoille County Johnson Farmers Market, Johnson Tue 3-6 icecutting@gmail.com Lamoille Valley Farmers Market, Morrisville Wed 3-6 www.farmersartisanmarket.com Morrisville Farmers Market, Morrisville Sat 9-1 802-888-7053, hbirdfarm@yahoo.com Stowe Farmers Market, Stowe Sun 10:30-3, 802-472-8027 www.stowefarmersmarket.com Stowe Mountain Resort, Stowe Fri 11-3 802-760-4661, www.stowe.com Rutland County Brandon Farmers Market, Brandon Fri 9-2 802-273-2655, cijak4@localnet.com Castleton Farmers Market, Castleton Thu 3:30-6:30, 802-273-2241

calendar

Fair Haven Farmers Market, Fair Haven Fri 3-7 518-282-9781, sherry12887@yahoo.com

Northfield Farmers Market, Northfield Tue 3:30-6:30 802-728-3602, verne@innevi.com

Mt. Holly Farmers Market, Mt. Holly Sat 10-1, 802-259-2322 ssmith@vermontel.net

Waitsfield Farmers Market, Waitsfield Sat 9-1, 802-472-8027 www.waitsfieldfarmersmarket.com

Poultney Farmers Market, Poultney Thu 9-2 802-683-5791, www.farmersmarket.org

Waterbury Farmers Market, Waterbury Thu 3-7 802-279-4371, info@paintedtulipvt.com

Rutland County Farmers Market, Rutland Tue 3-6, Sat 9-2, 802-773-4813 www.rutlandcountyfarmersmarket.org Vermont Farmers Market, Rutland Sat 9-2, Tue 3-6 802-683-5791 www.vtfarmersmarket.org Washington County Barre Granite Center, Barre Wed 3-6:30, 802-454-1418 barrefarmersmarket@gmail.com Capital City Farmers Market, Montpelier Sat 9-1, 802-223-2958 www.montpelierfarmersmarket.com

More than 90 stands overflow with seasonal produce, flowers, artisan wares, prepared foods, and more.

Downtown Burlington City Hall Park & St. Paul Street (which will be closed off to traffic)

August / September 2012 Destination Vermont

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calendar Sept 1

Northfield Savings Bank Flying Pig Footrace, Northfield Race proceeds will benefit Vermont adaptive ski and sports www.nsbvt.com/learn/events/34thannual-northfield-savings-bank-flying-pigfootrace-2/

Sept 9

Twilight In The Meadow, Brandon Delicious meal highlighting the region’s local food, live and silent auction to benefit RAFFL local food.

(802) 417-1528 www.rutlandfarmandfood.org/twilight/

Sept 16

Causes for Hope and Fun August 4

The Vermont Midd Summer Beer,Wine & Cheese Festival, Middlebury Enjoy great Vermont beers and wines in downtown Middlebury — all to raise funds for three charitable organizations. Sample Vermont made products, listen to music, socialize, and have a great time! Held from 3-7pm.

(802) 377-3557 www.bettermiddleburypartnership.org

August 5

Lake Champlain Dragon Boat Festival, Burlington At this unique festival, over 80 teams compete in dragon boat racing (a sport that originated in China over 200 years ago) to raise money for individuals battling cancer and to send out an inspirational message encouraging all cancer survivors to live life to the fullest.

(802) 999-5478 www.ridethedragon.org

August 11

Harpoon Point to Point, Williston, Bethel, Windsor Ride to Benefit the Vermont Foodbank.

Whether choosing to tackle 115 miles from Williston, 50 miles from Bethel or 25 miles in Windsor, all riders will find a beautiful course and great support along the way. Everyone finishes and celebrates together at the Harpoon Brewery in Windsor with hot showers, fresh beer, live music and a BBQ. www.harpoonpointtopoint.com

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August 11-12

MS Green Mountain Getaway 2012, Burlington Experience all that the lakefront city has to offer, and tour the beautiful routes that provide stunning views as well as spectacular scenes of Lake Champlain. Riding on rural roads throughout Chittenden County beginning and ending each day at the University of Vermont while raising money for MS. (800) 344-4867 www.bikemsgne.org

August 26

The North Face Race To The Top Of VT, Mt Mansfield The event has been described as the hardest race anyone can do.

After the race a delicious chicken BBQ dinner, live music, and “The best awards and raffle prizes in the VT.”, as voted by Vermont Sports Magazine. A fundraiser for the Catamount Trail Association, which manages, maintains, and protects Vermonts backcountry ski trails and the Vermont Land Trust.

(802) 864-5794 www.catamounttrail.org

Hospitality Lodging Fine Dining Casual Pub Catering Meetings Rt. 125 East Middlebury wayburyinn.com

802-388-4015 800-348-1810

Walk For Wishes, South Burlington The celebration will feature a picnic lunch, kids activities & performances until 2:30 pm raising money for Make-a-Wish Foundation of Vermont (802) 864-9393 vermont.wish.org

Sept 22

NAMIWalk Vermont, Burlington waterfront NAMI is the largest grassroots mental health organization and is a lifesaver to many, offering help, hope, and resources to the millions of people affected by mental illness.

(802) 244-1396 x 103 www.nami.org

Sept 30

Vermont 50, Ascutney Ride or run 50 miles of beautiful, but challenging, Vermont back roads and trails. And everybody loves the great fall foliage, camaraderie among runners and mt. bikers, abundant aid stations, and the great party at the finish line. A benefit for Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports (603) 381-9993 www.vermont50.com

vermont B & B’s The Woods at Wihakowi

Stone Hill Inn

The Hidden Garden

Weathertop Mountain Inn

Northfield (877) 966-3588, (802) 778-0205 www.thewoodsvt.com

The Heart of the Village Inn 5347 Shelburne Rd Shelburne, VT 05482 866-985-9060 www.heartofthevillage.com innkeepers Shona and Zoe

Hinesburg 802-482-2118 info@thehiddengardens.com

Dreamhouse Country Inn

Bristol 802-453-2805 innkeeper@dreamhousecountryinn.com

Old Stagecoach Inn

Waterbury 802-244-5056 lodging@oldstagecoach.com

The Gables Inn

Stowe 802-253-7730 info@gablesinn.com Built in 1886, this quaint Victorian is a centerpiece of the Village. Close to Shelburne Museum, Shelburne Farms, Vermont Teddy Bear, and exceptional restaurants. We are just 10 minutes from Burlington! The perfect location for both leisure and business travel.

Breakfast and pastries created with fresh, local ingredients. All rooms have private baths, AC, wireless internet and cable TV.

The Black Bear Inn

Bolton Valley 800-395-6335 innkeeper@blackbearinn.travel

Grunsberg Haus Waterbury 800-800-7760

Wilder Farm Inn

Waitsfield 802-496-9935 info@wilderfarminn.com

Moose Meadow Lodge

Waterbury 802-244-5378 relax@moosemeadowlodge.com

Sleepy Hollow Inn

Waitsfield 802-496-4263

Three Bears at the Fountain Stowe 802-253-1882 info@threebearsbandb.com

Green Mountain Inn Stowe 802-253-7301

Ten Acres Lodge

Stowe 800-327-7357 stay@tenacreslodge.com

Beaver Pond Farm

Warren 800-685-8285 innkeeper@BeaverPondFarmInn.com

The Old Hotel*

Huntington 802-434-2283 info@skisleepyhollow.com

Bristol 802-453-2567 theoldhotel@gmavt.net

Kirriemuir Heights

Inn at Buck Hollow Farm

North Ferrisburg 802-425-3100 kirrie@gmavt.net

Fairfax 800-849-7985 inn@buckhollow.com

Bristol 802-453-7026 relax@russellyoungfarm.com Williston 802-879-6001

Yellow Farmhouse Inn

Shelburne 802-985-8505

Fairfax 802-242-4043 theinnatgracefarm@comcast.com

Catamount

Waitsfield 802-496-4909

Willow Pond Farm

The Inn at Grace Farm

Russell Young

Stowe 802-253-6282 stay@stonehillinn.com

The Willard Street Inn

Burlington 802-651-8710 info@willardstreetinn.com Pet Friendly

August / September 2012 Destination Vermont

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Around the region

Shakespeare in the Park THE TEMPEST For more information call (877) 874‐1911 or visit www.vermontshakespeare

The Champlain Islands

Aug. 10, 11, 12 at 6 p.m. and Aug. 11 at 2 p.m.

The Islands Center at Knight Point State Park in North Hero (Bleacher seating) Tickets: jena@vermontshakespeare.org (917) 539‐4913 Tickets also available at Champlain Islands Chamber Office (802) 372‐8400

Vermont Shakespeare Company presents Shakespeare in the Park The Tempest

The Tempest, Shakespeare’s final play, is often considered to be his personal farewell to the theatre. It is a tale of redemption and forgiveness. Marooned on a desert island by his brother’s treachery, Prospero has spent the last twelve years perfecting his magic and plotting his revenge. A ship with his old enemies sails close, and Prospero conjures a storm to bring them to his island.

With retribution on his mind, he sets his ethereal servant Ariel to torment them and bring the visitors within his grasp. This play has it all: magic, romance, treachery, adventure, merriment, and mayhem. With Vermont Shakespeare Company’s talented and imaginative company of actors, The Tempest is sure to be an unforgettable evening in the park.

A Vermont Artisan Gallery and Cafe

More Island events: Aug. 2 / Thurs – 4 / Sat Craft Show

Shore Acres, North Hero. Island Arts presents its annual Craft Show from 10 to 4 pm. Free. (802) 372-8889

Aug. 11 / Sat Duct Tape Derby

9am – 11am City Bay, Route 2, North Hero Village. The Annual Duct Tape Derby welcomes vessels made of cardboard and duct tape for a race from North Hero House dock to the Hero’s Welcome. www.heroswelcom​e.com.

Aug. 18 / Sat Native Ways

Shore Acres, North Hero. A celebration of native history, art and culture. Storytelling, ceremonies, exhibits, dancing, drumming, food and singing. Adults $3, children under 12 free. (802) 372-8889, www.islandarts.​org.

Your island destination for high quality, handcrafted art work from 65+ Vermont artists Featuring the Cafe at the Gallery for primarily lunch and afternoon tapas bar 259 US Rt 2 ~ Grand Isle, VT ~ 802.378.4591 Closed Mon & Tues

The Champlain Islands are filled with natural beauty and artisans abound inspired by what they see.

Photo above courtesy of Grand Isle Art Works

Sept. 9 / Sun Run for the Lake

Run for the Lake is the fall fundraiser for Friends of Northern Lake Champlain. Join the Run and help support lake cleanup! www.northernlak​echamplain.com.

FREE Concerts every Thursday night in August!

“Snow Farm Vineyard, Vermont’s oldest commercial vineyard and grape winery, producing international award-winning wines in the Champlain Islands.”

802-372-9463 (WINE) • Open Daily 10-5 190 West Shore Road, South Hero, VT 05486

www.snowfarm.com

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www.destinationvt.com SFV-2sq-ad.indd 1

7/5/12 2:54 PM

Shelburne Shelburne Orchards

throughout Sept.

In partnership with the Agency of Agriculture, the Vermont Foodbank is coordinating a “Pick for Your Neighbor” program. Pick Your Own customers can donate apples to the program and the Foodbank picks up weekly.

Sept. 9 / Sunday Small Farms Food Fest

11 – 5 pm Highlights include foods prepared and sold by Vermont small farms and food producers, music, hayrides, pick your own apples, ropemaking demonstrations, a tractor petting zoo, a hay bale maze, face painting, Phinneus Sonin with circus arts and other familyfriendly activities. $5 p/p, under 12 and over 65 free. Donations of nonperishable foods will be collected at the entrance gates for local food shelves.

Hosted by Shelburne Health & Fitness, the Cider House Run is a family-friendly 2- or 4-mile run, or 2-mile walk through the orchard beginning at 11 am. The $20 registration fee includes a bag for Pick Your Own apples, kids are asked to pay $5. Pre-registration by September 19 is suggested. Contact Shelburne Health & Fitness at 9853141 or Rayne at 316-7142, rayne@ racevermont.com. Race day check-in is from 9:45-10:45 am at Shelburne Orchards.

Shelburne Vineyards through August 31 Summer Art Exhibition: Works by Anne Cady “Into the Hills, Flying High”, www.annecady.com

Thurs. August 2 First Thursdays Summer Music Series with Jen Crowell

6:00 - 8:30 pm. Spread out a blanket, enjoy handcrafted burgers and hotdogs from the Noble Pig, bring a picnic and sip a glass of wine while listening to the sounds of local artists and watching the sun set over the vines. 10% of proceeds will be donated to a local charity. Free.

Sept. 23 / Sunday Cider House Run & Pie Fest

11 – 4 pm Pre-registered participants in the Pie Fest are asked to drop off a two-crusted apple pie by 11:30 am.

Judging takes place then and prizes will be awarded. There will be a performance by the Hokum Bros (comedy and music) and other family activities and foods will be available . Call Megan at 864-7528 or e-mail meganjhumphrey@gmail.com to register as an entrant (limited to 30 entries).

TASTE • TOUR • ENJOY!

Shelburne Farmer’s Market Over 40 vendors

woodcut by Mary Azarian

Saturdays through Oct. 13 9:00 - 1:00 on the Parade at Church St. & Rt. 7

Open 7 Days A Week 11am - 5pm www.shelburnevineyard.com 802-985-8222 6308 Shelburne Rd. (Rt. 7) Shelburne, VT 05482

Award-winning independent bookstore —

offering more than 40,000 books, gifts, cards, doodads, and fun for kids and adults.

THE FLYING PIG BOOKSTORE 5247 Shelburne Road • Shelburne Village, VT www.flyingpigbooks.com • 802-985-3999

August / September 2012 Destination Vermont

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Celebrating 20 years story / lettie stratton

South End Art Hop

F

eaturing its largest exhibit of visual arts to date, Burlington’s South End Arts & Business Association (SEABA) will celebrate 20 years of the South End Art Hop with a three-day festival on September 7-9, displaying a wide array of not only visual art, but also performance art, music, and film.

SEABA is an organization that seeks to blend art, commerce, industry, and entrepreneurship.

Twenty years ago, their weekend event that now attracts a crowd of over 30,000 visitors, including many out-of-staters, was in its infancy. The first South End Art Hop in 1992 was inspired by Melanie Putz Brotz’s recognition that at the time, Burlington lacked creative outlets for local artists who wished to exhibit their work. As one of the three original founders of

SEABA logo on Pine Street

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the Art Hop, Brotz saw Burlington’s South End as the perfect place in which to foster a collaborative spirit, connecting local businesses and artists in a celebration of creativity. She approached Ellen Lake, another founder, with her vision for the event and plans began to form. The third founder (and native Vermonter), Jon Roberts, rallied Pine Street artists to contribute their work and embrace the creation of the event.

The first Art Hop included over 40 artists exhibiting their works at 30 venues. Now, 20 years later, the 2012 South End Art Hop will feature 500 artists coming together at 150 different locations in a celebration of art and a growing community.

One thing unique to the Art Hop seems to be the opportunity it provides for visitors and attendees to see art in a concentrated hub of nontraditional environments such as storefronts, offices, and restaurants. These locations provide new avenues of exposure to local artists trying to establish a consumer base.

Adam Brooks, executive director of SEABA, approximated that 95-97 percent of the pieces displayed at the Art Hop come from Vermont artists. Brooks said artists John Brickells, Steve Conant, Clark Derbes, Bruce MacDonald, Timothy Grannis, Jackie Mangione, Sage Tucker-Ketcham, and Katharine Montstream are among the stalwart participants who have been displaying their work at the Art Hop for many years, and their exhibits have been highlights

of previous Hops. According to Brooks, the most popular venues of past years have been RL Photo, Select Design, Soda Plan, and the Juried Show at SEABA Gallery, located at 404 Pine Street.

“SEABA will celebrate its 20th year with an exhibit of works from the past 19 Juried Show winners at RL Photo,” he added.

Brooks said that in 2011, the South End was officially designated an Arts District—the only one in the state of Vermont.

“We are the creative economy of Chittenden County based on the

Photo courtesy of SEABA

large number of artists, studios, galleries, and very creative businesses in the area,” he said.

“SEABA helps to fuse culture and commerce by providing marketing and opportunities for area artists to exhibit and sell their works.” The area’s well positioned and convenient location between downtown Burlington and the waterfront make it a perfect hub for the small, funky businesses that offer room for experimentation and collaboration with local artists.

“The Art Hop draws a very diverse

crowd,” Brooke said, “families come for the Kids Hop, the 20’s-30’s crowd enjoys the Strut Fashion Show and funky, eclectic exhibits around the South End of Burlington, and the over-40 diehard art appreciators come for the fantastic quality of artwork on display,” Brooks said.

“We’re celebrating our 20th year of providing a fun, creative festival for all ages,” Brooks said.

“There will be many creative events such as Kids Hop, Comedy Club, Strut Fashion Show, live demonstrations and workshops,

and much more.” Kids hop, hosted by Davis Studio, includes nine holes of artist-designed putt putt mini golf and the Strut Fashion Show features a runway display of the work of many local fashion designers.

Profiles of the three South End Art Hop founders, Melanie Brotz, Ellen Lake, and Jon Roberts, will be featured in the 2012 Art Hop program guide. To learn more, visit www.seaba. com, and to see it for yourself, head down to Burlington’s South End on September 7-9.

August / September 2012 Destination Vermont

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Fabulous Fare

S

The Spot

urfboards, palm trees, and tropical fish aren’t usually the first things that come to mind when you picture landlocked Vermont, but upon entering The Spot restaurant, I found myself transported into what could easily be a postsurf, beachside food stop. It’s the kind of place you could walk into with your shoes leaving a trail of sand behind you and no one would say a thing. Hell, you might not even be wearing shoes in the first place.

In the 1950s, 210 Shelburne Road served as a Phillips 66 gas station. In 2008, Russ Scully was given the opportunity to bring his passions for surfing and food to the site and reinvented the building as The Spot. Evidence of Scully’s Jersey shore surfing days hang all around the restaurant, as our waitress, Laura, would later tell us “Many of the photos on the walls are of Russ and his friends surfing…

They’re pretty extreme!”

Last year The Spot received its share of local press surrounding the addition of a wind turbine on its blue and white striped batwing roof, a move that city planners felt took away from the structure’s status as one of Burlington’s historic mid-century

Plans for dinner tonight?

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landmarks. The objections were really about the “fins” attached to the turbine, which are there to help the turbine reach its maximum potential for energyproduction…and make it look a bit like a space-exploring droid.

Turbine drama aside, The Spot presents a carefree, laid back atmosphere conducive to family dining or a casual night out.

Thread Editor, Ben Sarle and I were seated inside at a table next to a garage-style door that let in just the right amount of evening light. The ample outdoor patio seating is a draw for those that can imagine a shoreline across Route 7.

There’s a lot to see at The Spot.

As I sat down, several California license plates, a painting of two red parrots, and various tribal masks hanging on the wall caught my eye. Near the bamboopaneled checkout counter, a large surfboard draped with Hawaiian

leis displays a chalk listing of the day’s specials. Blue waves painted along the lower portion of the walls snake their way around the entire restaurant.

I looked past the Encyclopedia of Surfing on a table in front of me and saw a small boy peering through the glass of The Spot’s 150-gallon saltwater fish tank, gazing keenly at its finned blue and yellow residents. I wondered briefly if those same fish were on the menu, and then thought better of it.

Restaurant Manager Jacob Smith emerged from the kitchen to tell us that the chef would like to bring us three dishes as long as we liked seafood (we did) and we didn’t mind being full (we didn’t).

While waiting for the food, I sat back and took in more of The Spot’s island-style décor. The interior is plastered floor to ceiling with surfing photos. Most of the once-bare surfaces are

Barkeaters

The Spot

Crop Bistro & Brewery

97 Falls Road

210 Shelburne Road

1859 Mountain Road

Shelburne, VT, 05672

Burlington, VT, 05672

Stowe, VT, 05672

(802) 985-2830

(802) 540-1778

(802) 253-4765

www.barkeatersrestaurant.com

www.thespotvt.com

www.cropvt.com

www.destinationvt.com

now covered with Dakine, Roxy, Gravis, and Quiksilver stickers, conjuring images of seaside gear shacks, wetsuit rentals, and sunstreaked hair. These furnishings, coupled with the ease and breeze of a no-stress environment, made me feel as though I were on a mini-tropical vacation.

Laura, put the Front Loop dish down in front of Ben. The crab enchiladas were served with rice, refried beans, salsa, guacamole, and sour cream, and were especially good with a dab of The Spot’s homemade pineapple habanera hot sauce (once I got up the nerve to try it, that is).

Before I could get too lost in the tropics though, the Cloudbreak Salad arrived, served with house balsamic vinaigrette atop a bed of fresh greens.

The combination of grilled chicken, hard-boiled egg, bleu cheese crumbles, diced tomato, bacon, and fanned avocado slices made for the perfect appetizer on a 90+ degree day.

Our final (and my favorite) dish was the Peahi—two fish tacos topped with mango salsa, lettuce, red cabbage and chipotle sauce.

Ben and I agreed that they were the largest tacos in town, and the mango salsa paired nicely with the more muted flavor of the fish.

Had we not been sharing, I would have immediately had plate envy when our server,

The rest of The Spot’s cuisine is what you would expect— plenty more options (shrimp and snapper) for the seafood lover as well as choices for the more vegetable-inclined and

Peahi fish tacos

those who enjoy the taste of a good landlubbing original.

The menu itself is printed over a quintessentially Hawaiian image, complete with bright pink hibiscus flowers and palm trees.

Many of the dishes are named after famous surf spots or tricks—did you know that “Cloudbreak” is the go-to location in Fiji? Or that the waves at “Peahi” can be so big, the location is also known as “Jaws”? You’d be well on your way to becoming a surf spot expert after doing a little research on the menu. There’s even the option to order online and do a drive-through pickup. Get your fish tacos to go, en route to your favorite wave-riding location!

Russ Scully’s interest in and dedication to water sports has successfully transformed this formerly forgettable gasstop to a seriously memorable, true to its name “Spot.” Scully and his staff have created this engaging environment in which to enjoy a low-key, tasty meal.

After eagerly eating enough food to satisfy even the most famished of surfers, Ben and I had no room for dessert. As we left, I felt relaxed and even thought I might like to try surfing at some point in life. For now though, I think I’ll stick to one or two of The Spot’s delicious fish tacos and call it a night. Surf’s up!

The Spot serves breakfast and lunch 7-3 daily, and dinner from 3-9 pm Tuesday-Saturday.

Drive through convenience is available when you order online. story / Lettie Stratton photos / Ben Sarle

Archie’s Grill

Chef Leu’s House

Pistou Restaurant

Shanty on the Shore

4109 Shelburne Road

3761 Shelburne Road

61 Main Street

181 Battery Street

Shelburne, VT 05482

Shelburne, VT 05482

Burlington, VT 05401

Burlington, VT 05401

(802) 985-4912

(802) 985-5258

(802) 540-1783

(802) 864-0238

www.archiesgrill.com

www.chefleu.com

www.pistou-VT.com

www.shantyontheshore.com

August / September 2012 Destination Vermont

19

Fabulous Fare

Barkeaters

F

riday night was just incredible, thanks to the ionic activity in the air just prior to a storm rolling in and the dinner menu at Barkeaters.

My husband Matt and I timed our meal perfectly, in that we could sit outside in the cozy patio area thoroughly enjoying the outdoor ambiance and the new-to-me menu. Confession: I have been to Barkeaters for lunch a number of times and have stopped by on many more than one occasion after work for a cocktail with friends. Friday night was our first dinner there—and proved we really need to get out (read: Barkeaters’ patio) much more often! Here are just a few reasons.

These were our appetizers: mussels and crab. My choice was the Prince Edward Island Mussels, because I can’t get enough of the wonderfully rich citrusy garlic broth in which the mound of mussels are served…with two substantial chunks of perfectly grilled baguettes. You know where I am going with this: long after the mussels are a flavorful memory, I am still dunking bread in the broth to sop up every drop. Matt, on his quest to have crab cakes at every opportunity, added Barkeaters’

Plans for dinner tonight?

20

New England style crabcakes with spicy tartar

cakes to his repertoire and was more than happy to do so!

All I could vouch for was the colorful confetti brunoise of yellow and red peppers, since a taste was not offered to me.

In our own ways, we each had a surf and turf evening. Our appetizers fulfilled the role of “surf,” and our main courses satiated the turf domain. My entree was steak frites and it proved to be a beautifully grilled skirt steak atop a generous mound of crispy fries. I could go for weeks without beef, but not this evening. This flavorful cut, prepared to my liking (medium rare) fulfilled my Jones. Matt ordered the espresso pork. As much as I love coffee, a ground coffee crusted tenderloin would not have been a temptation for me to order; however, I’m glad that Matt did so because he

then shared it with me. I love being “wrong” about a food. That moment when the morsel in question first hits your palate, and as the teeth take their inaugural trip to meet in the middle, one’s eyes open a bit wider and the brain says, “… shows what YOU know…” This unexpected combination tasted great and all I can think is that the bitter bean met its wellsuited mate in the richness of the pork drippings. The loin was served on a roasted sweet potato and cauliflower puree, with crisped onion strings on top.

And then there’s what we didn’t order, but were only too pleased to try. Chef Barbara Cote, who has been at Barkeaters since it opened last fall, made her way to our table with not one, but two pastas: thankfully, just for sampling and not full-sized

Barkeaters

The Spot

Crop Bistro & Brewery

97 Falls Road

210 Shelburne Road

1859 Mountain Road

Shelburne, VT, 05672

Burlington, VT, 05672

Stowe, VT, 05672

(802) 985-2830

(802) 540-1778

(802) 253-4765

www.barkeatersrestaurant.com

www.thespotvt.com

www.cropvt.com

www.destinationvt.com

plates. One was Barkeaters’ ravioli du jour. This night’s variety was an inspiration from ravioli’s Slavic cousin, the pierogi, filled with rich cheese and potato. Cote added the sweetness of caramelized onions to the dish along with a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce. It brought out the best of both countries. And in her other hand, she held a small bowl of lobster and fettuccini.

Thank goodness again, this was just a sample: huge chunks of lobster meat in a classic alfredo preparation. To both pastas, I say, “viva la durum!”

And viva la owners Jack and Carolyn Kovac and Jennifer Sinclair for the attention to detail they extend to their

Above, grilled skirt steak with caramelized shallots, red wine jus and crispy pub fries.

Left, Barkeater’s signature end of meal thank you: a miniature birch bark canoe with tablets of chocolate “bark”.

Adirondack décor theme. We were so pleasantly surprised when the meal ended and our server brought a miniature (good thing, yes?) birch bark canoe to the table, which carried pieces of house-made chocolate bark as a lagniappe and a truly perfect sweet ending to the meal in a charming Adirondack-like setting.

If you haven’t already, you’ll find Barkeaters at 97 Falls Road in Shelburne Village, open Tuesday through Saturday, 11:30 am – 9 pm, and ‘til 8 pm on Sunday.

Call 985-2830 for reservations. story & photos / Margo Callaghan Archie’s Grill

Chef Leu’s House

Pistou Restaurant

Shanty on the Shore

4109 Shelburne Road

3761 Shelburne Road

61 Main Street

181 Battery Street

Shelburne, VT 05482

Shelburne, VT 05482

Burlington, VT 05401

Burlington, VT 05401

(802) 985-4912

(802) 985-5258

(802) 540-1783

(802) 864-0238

www.archiesgrill.com

www.chefleu.com

www.pistou-VT.com

www.shantyontheshore.com

August / September 2012 Destination Vermont

21

People of Vermont Interview with Allison Hooper

This past spring, Allison Hooper received the Terry Ehrich Award from Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility on behalf of her work with the Vermont Cheese Council. Criteria for the award cover social responsibility in political, social, and natural environments, marking its recipients as valuable role models in the socially and environmentally sustainable workplace.

How were you introduced to the artisan cheese business?

I grew up in New Jersey and went to France during college for a spring semester abroad.

I wanted to stay during the fall for an additional semester and I needed something to do during the summer, so I worked on a farm in Brittany, France where we converted milk into cheese, crème fraiche, fromage blanc, and so forth.

Did you ever imagine your business venture being as successful as it is?

Absolutely not. Had we done market research when we started, it would’ve shown us that nobody knows what it is.

We were naive enough to just know that if you make a really good product, somebody’s going to eat it. We certainly didn’t have the money to hire people to tell us not to do it, so we forged ahead.

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What’s been the best thing about making a career out of cheesemaking?

We got into it because I love everything about the lifestyle around making great food with my hands and I love the connection to the land. The most gratifying thing is that we’re connected to so many cool people who are passionate about food as a vehicle for social change and how we connect to one another.

How did you feel when you found out you’d be receiving this award?

I was really shocked. I could only think, “Why didn’t these other people receive it?” We may be a little quick to apologize for things we feel we haven’t done yet. It made sense when I was told the reasons why.

The award was really about the Vermont Cheese Council and the work we’ve done to foster the artisan cheese business and the goat industry. It’s evolved a lot over 25 years and it’s nice to have that validation of our accomplishments, but the award was also a message to keep going, keep innovating, keep pushing the envelope.

What’s next for the business?

Our feeling about growth is that ours has never been unmanageable enough to jeopardize the quality of the product; growth has only

Allison Hooper brought us good things to invest in our creamery, our people, and our workplace to plan for better renewable energy. The missing piece for us is that we really want robust and healthy farm supply in Vermont. We bought a dairy farm where we intend to have completely open book accounting so that anyone considering doing this for themselves can see how we mapped out growth, cash flow, and profitability. The other thing that’s really important is thinking about how to finance future agricultural endeavors and attract private investors who are interested in the farm’s social mission: perpetuating agriculture and preserving farmland so that a young couple could lease a farm to own it someday.

How would you advise newcomers to business and farming?

You have to be passionate about what you’re doing, to believe in it and convey that. When you’re starting out, that’s not easy. You have multiple challenges and things to fix. You just have to stay committed to your vision. story / Louis Roe

vermont’s socially responsible businesses

Ayrshire cows at Jasper Hill Farm

Keepers of the Kingdom story / lin stone

O

Vermont Artisan Cheesemakers Reign

ne of this writer’s most memorable meals was one of the simplest: a late afternoon supper of farmhouse cheese, bread drizzled with honey, and a glass of wine. This sumptuous three-item repast was served at a friend’s butter-colored timbered house set mountainside in the Swiss Alps. Like Heidi, Peter, and Grandfather, there were meandering Swiss brown cows with brass bells round their necks and goats standing atop boulders. Now, decades later and an ocean away in the Green

Mountain State I am delighted to say that we can find caveripened European-style cheeses rivaling my Swiss afternoon.

In fact, there are no less than forty artisan cheesemakers in Vermont, more per capita than any other state. Perhaps most notably, Vermont’s cheesemakers have triumphed—winning many gold, silver, and bronze medals in annual World Championship Cheese Contests. Not everyone is surprised by this achievement and level of success. In fact, in the mid-nineties, co-owner

of Vermont Butter and Cheese Creamery Allison Hooper made an audacious prediction: “Vermont will become the Napa Valley of Cheeses.” Lo and behold, she was right.

Goat cheese was new to the American market when Hooper and her partner Bob Reise introduced their first Eurostyle goat cheese in 1984.

Hooper’s vision for branding Vermont’s artisan cheese industry was clear: “The wine industry in northern California was intentional when it began

August / September 2012 Destination Vermont

23

branding its regional products— think Sonoma, Napa Valley, etc.

There was a lot of buzz around Vermont’s cheeses because we were winning many of the top awards at the international trade shows and competitions. We were becoming known as the go-to place for artisan cheese.

California and Wisconsin make the most cheese, but Vermont makes the most diverse and high quality cheeses.” At the time, twelve of Vermont’s specialty cheesemakers organized and became the Vermont Cheese Council, an organization that boasts more than forty active members today.

Another early entry in Vermont’s artisan cheese market was Shelburne Farms. They began exploring the viability of cheesemaking in the early 1980s. According to the organization’s President, Alec Webb, Shelburne Farms was interested in augmenting its dairy milk production with a value-added product and looked at cheese as a viable option.

In addition, the farm wanted to develop a microcosm and model of sustainable economic and environmental practices.

That experiment worked.

Today Shelburne Farms makes 160,000 lbs. of farmhouse cheddar cheese each year with

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its herd of pasture-fed cows.

Webb explained, “We looked to the Swiss—that’s not a bad model for Vermont. Like our state, Switzerland is a beautiful agricultural country with tourism as a vital part of its economic base. And the Swiss are pretty practical— they understand that if you support agriculture as an economic development strategy, you also protect an open working landscape, natural resources, and that supports tourism too. It’s idealism and practicality,” he said, adding with a smile, “We [Shelburne Farms] even have the Swiss cows.”

Andy and Mateo Kehler of Jasper Hill Farm and the Cellars at Jasper Hill joined the groundswell of Vermont cheesemakers in 2003 and started making farmstead cheese from their herd of 15 Ayrshire cows. “The year that Andy and Mateo bought their farm,” said Sales and Marketing Executive Vince Razionale, “they noted that eleven or twelve dairy farms nearby had called it quits and closed their doors to dairy farming. That prompted Andy and Mateo to do some serious research looking for sustainable

ways to bolster dairy farming and boost it back up in the area. They saw a way to do that through the addition of farmstead cheese. Today Jasper Hill has a herd of 45 cows, and Razionale noted, “Forty-five cows can produce eighty to ninety thousand pounds of cheese!”

Next, the Kehlers excavated 3,000 dump truck loads of rock and soil at Jasper Hill to create 22,000 square feet of underground cellars where a dozen different cheeses now ripen. The Cellars at Jasper Hill purchases young cheese from dairy farmers and cheesemakers, and then ages the cheese and sells it through restaurant and specialty shops around the country. There are many skills to master after farmers are done haying, milking, and working the vat: ripening in the cave, sales, administration, packaging, shipping, logistics, and marketing too. The Kehlers’ goal? They want to build a bridge between small-scale cheese producers and large-scale markets by offering other farmers access to their infrastructure and extensive network of connections.

According to Razionale, “Ultimately, we hope our work helps restore dairy farming to the area and encourages more

Jasper Hill-sized farms locally.

Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom has great farmland with a rich history. We want to preserve this—history, agriculture, farmland, landscape, meaningful work, and the economy.”

This echoes Hooper’s wish and sentiments too: “It’s very romantic to think of moving to the country and farming. But the reality of creating distinct products and selling them successfully is much harder.

It is also difficult financially to hang on to a product, in this case cheese, for six or eight months— or even years— before you can sell it. It’s a fairly sophisticated business transaction to go from the organic creative moment to the sustainable business model.

It took us twenty-seven years; it wasn’t overnight. We’d like to make that easier for young farmers. Our next plan is to have an “open book” dairy farm.

We’d like to ensure a sustainable supply of milking goats with good genetics for ourselves and provide young farmers with opportunities as well as a good farm to model.”

Vermont’s artisan cheese industry has ripened and aged quite nicely; they have stood on dais in the royal courts of cheese and have been given medals, and they are the careful keepers of lands and of livelihoods in Vermont’s Kingdom too.

Above: Allison Hooper and Bob Reise of Vermont Butter and Cheese Creamery.

Below: Shelves of clothbound cheese ageing in the cellars at Jasper Hill.

Page 26: Goat cheese. Photos courtesy of Vermont Butter and Cheese Creamery

August / September 2012 Destination Vermont

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story / lindsey campbell & andrew leichthammer

he general population associates vibrant foliage, a band called Phish and buckets of maple syrup with one special place: Vermont. However, if you look beyond the fields of Holsteins and red barns, you will find there lays a deeply rooted, rich, and fertile landscape where locally grown and produced food and craft beverages have amassed beyond a subculture’s interest and have become a much more common way of life.

A Peek at Vermont’s Beer Culture

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One particularly vibrant example is Vermont’s increasingly popular craft beer movement. According to the Brewers Association, the Green Mountain state now boasts the most breweries per capita, which translates to approximately one brewery per 30,000 Vermont citizens. Kurt Staudter, executive director of Vermont Brewers Association said, “People are very excited about it; they’re going out and buying craft beer. The palate of

the American beer drinker is expanding in a huge way.”

There are roughly twenty-five beer-brewing establishments in Vermont, ranging from small nano-breweries to largescale production breweries.

Additionally, playing a substantial supporting role are a number of restaurants and bars that focus on offering Vermont made and other artfully crafted beers. The love for local foods and brews is a contagious passion, as can be easily evidenced at such favored establishments as The Farmhouse Tap & Grill, which is packed with the movement’s craft beer afficiondos. Located at 160 Bank Street in the heart of Burlington, The Farmhouse is a farm-totable gastro-pub dedicated not only to an exceptional beer selection, but also to local farms and purveyors.

“Our mission at The Farmhouse Tap & Grill is to showcase the best Vermont Breweries in the same place as the ‘best of the best’ in the world. I believe there is something really special in Vermont, in terms of brewing, and I aim to put them in the same context as the best beers from around the world,” said Jeff Baker, bar manager.

The Farmhouse has twentyfour draught beers and more than 100 in bottle, but making a decision need not to be overwhelming. The Farmhouse has a very knowledgeable staff that can guide customers through the leather-bound ledger as well as a bar full of beer enthusiasts more than happy to offer opinions and insight.

If you’re a novice in the realm of beer, Baker suggests making connections with flavors you already like. If you like wine,

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you may find a beer that is aged in wine barrels that will have a similar essence and aroma.

Should you prefer a more tannic wine, you may appreciate a bitter, hoppy beer such as Heady Topper from the Alchemist—currently rated the fourth double IPA in the world (BeerAdvocate.com).

If chocolate pleases your palate, it is a common flavor found in darker beer such as porters and stouts. If you’re still tiptoeing into the amber waters of beer, Baker suggests Hill Farmstead’s Edward, an American pale ale brewed in Greensboro Bend.

“Edward is a great gateway beer.

It’s a little citrusy, a little bitter, and [has] great mouth feel.

It’s so unique and really grabs your attention,” he commented.

Expect nothing less from Shaun Hill, head brewer of Hill Farmstead. This microbrewery was voted Best New Brewery in the World in 2010 by Ratebeer.

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com and its IPA’s have topped the charts on both BeerAdvocate. com and Ratebeer.com.

Just south on the map is Switchback Brewing Company, the wildly popular microbrewery located in South Burlington—not one to be missed! With an everexpanding fan base, attributed solely to word-of-mouth marketing, Switchback has grown exponentially since its debut about a decade ago. Switchback Ale, a particularly well balanced and glorious reddish-amber elixir, cannot be pigeonholed; Switchback uses many of its own special ingredients and processes to create its signature unique flavors. Switchback Ale and a number of its relatives, such as the Roasted Red Ale, are available only in kegs and are thus a rare prize to be sought and treasured.

Just south of Burlington on Route 7 in Shelburne is another

new craft brewery, Fiddlehead Brewing Company. Master Brewer Matt Cohen’s philosophy is to brew well-balanced beers, and he’s been known to use interesting and exotic ingredients to craft the perfect pint. For example, this late spring he created a one-time libation, Frog Run Sap Beer, using sap from Vermont’s maple trees in place of water. It was inspired by an historic reference from an old Vermonter which said, “when sap tastes like leaves or moths in the buckets and is no longer good for maple syrup, it was time to make something else: sap beer.” Stop

by Fiddlehead’s tasting room for growlers or sips—try their Belgian wheat ale highlighted with touches of orange and coriander, or Fiddlehead Red Ale, a hoppy red drink with caramel and toffee tones.

Travel down I-89 south of Burlington about twenty-four

Photo on pages 32- 33 and above from the annual Vermont Brewers Festival held on the Burlington Waterfront.

miles to find Prohibition Pig, another gastro-pub on the cutting edge of food and drink.

Located at 23 South Main Street in Waterbury center, Prohibition Pig boasts the largest selection of craft beer in New England. Chad Rich, formerly of Farmhouse Tap & Grill, ventured out on his own and opened the doors of Prohibition Pig in March of this year. Belly up to the bar to behold a skyline of tap handles, promising to pour only the finest beer in the state, and peruse the menu of Carolina-style barbecue and other Southern snacks.

The culmination of all things beer arrives mid-summer at the Vermont Brewer’s Festival, recently held this past July.

The Vermont Brewer’s Festival, headed by the Vermont Brewers Association and Festival Director Laura Streets, encourages craft brewers from the US and Canada and their fans to join together to share bits of malty wisdom, taste new and different craft beers, support an evergrowing beer community, and of course, enjoy the fruits of the brewer’s labor. This year’s festival celebrated the Vermont Brewers Association’s 20th anniversary.

A deluge of creative collaboration generated beers that met with great success, including Juhlia, a sahti-style beer from Zero Gravity Craft Brewery in Burlington, and Earth, Bread, and Brewery out of Pennsylvania. A sahti-style beer is a Finnish rustic beer brewed with juniper berries and fermented with bread yeast. As second notable collaboration was Summer’s Promise, from Harpoon Brewery and a fresh face in Vermont’s brewing community: Drop-In Brewing Company.

Summer’s Promise is an English summer ale brewed with Thomas Fawcett’s Golden Promise malt, Citra hops, lemongrass and elderflower. Every year the Vermont Brewer’s festival takes the Burlington Waterfront by storm with hundreds of eager attendees sampling old favorites and one-of-a-kind concoctions. To purchase tickets for next year’s festival visit www.

VTBrewfest.com.

If you do not have the opportunity to attend the Vermont Brewers Festival and want to dive into the craft beer scene, the Vermont Brewers Association offers a Vermont Brewery Challenge Passport

Program. Receive a stamp for every location you visit and trade in a completed passport for a Vermont Beer prize package.

“Folks of all ages are enthusiastic about the craft beer here in Vermont. Even native Vermonters will say, ‘I have never been to the Northeast Kingdom before, but this passport gave me the opportunity to do it,” commented Staudter. A full passport not only represents the completion of the challenge, but is also a badge of honor marking a commitment to Vermont, craft beer, and community.

Passports are available online at www.brewersvt.com or at any Vermont brewery.

Beer—craft beer—is not only made up water, grain, hops and yeast.

It is also made up of the passion, patience, skill, knowledge, and artistry of the brewers that create it. Vermont’s craft brewers stand on fertile ground—their industry is thriving—as seen by its many award-winning, globally recognized beers and craft breweries. So, whether you consider yourself a master of malt or an amateur of ales, it only takes one sip to appreciate the perfection of a centuries-old craft.

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Going Green for the

Vermont Golf Courses

Photo courtesy of Stratton Mountain Country Club

story / stephen mills

V

ermonters are on the fly when it comes to golf, both in and out of the Green Mountain State.

In 2011, Keegan Bradley, aged 25, of Woodstock, won two tournaments in his first year on the PGA (Professional Golf Association) Tour. He is the first native Vermonter to win a PGA tour event and championship.

In addition to a spectacular $3,758,600 in earnings last year, he was also voted 2011 PGA Rookie of the Year. This year, he has already won $1,764,635, and his career total to-date is a whopping $5,523,324. Not bad for a golfer who turned pro straight out of college in 2008.

Keegan’s wins came at the HP Byron Nelson Championship in Irving, Texas and at the PGA Championship in Atlanta, Georgia. He is currently 13th in financial earnings and 23rd in world ranking of golfers.

“It felt like a dream come true, I guess, but it was beyond anything I dreamed about as a rookie,” said Bradley of his PGA Tour wins and Rookie of the Year award. “It was the result of a lot of hard work paying off and was really great the way I did it.”

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Kimberly Wong. Photo courtesy of Kimberly Wong

What’s best about playing golf in Vermont? “Playing golf in the fall,” said Bradley. “The leaves are changing, the weather is perfect.

I think we’re lucky because we have something to look forward to after ski season. Kids who grow up in Florida can play golf year round. We might stay fresher mentally because we’re not threeputting 12 months of the year.”

How did Bradley succeed in such a competitive sport? “I just love the game,” Bradley continued. “I worked very hard when I could in Vermont. I used to take the bus to Woodstock Country Club every day after school. The head pro, Jim Gunnare and club manager Chuck Vanderstreet gave me the opportunity to play, which I couldn’t have done otherwise.

They were great. I’d just stuff my pockets with balls, didn’t matter

if they were really good ones or not. I’d find about seven balls out there and just play them all.”

“Keegan Bradley is one of the

“I know I am getting better at golf because I am hitting fewer spectators.”

—Gerald Ford most skilful golfers Vermont has produced,” noted Vermont Golf Association (VGA) Executive Director Dave Pfannenstein.

Bradley seems to have inherited

the golfing gene from family: his father, Mark Bradley, is a golf pro; and his aunt, Pat Bradley, is a former Ladies PGA championship winner and World Golf Hall of Fame member. In all, she won six major championships, and 31 LPGA Tour events.

Speaking of the ladies, Vermont women golfers also did well last year.

The team representing the Vermont State Women’s Golf Association (VSWGA) won the 2011 Tri-State Championship between Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine for the fifth time in six years; and 22-year-old Kimberly Wong, of East Montpelier, won last year’s VSWGA Championship.

As a senior last year at BethuneCookman University in Daytona Beach, Florida, Wong also won medalist honors in the women’s

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team division of the 2011 PGA Minority Collegiate Golf Championship. She turned pro in February.

“I hope to enter the Ladies PGA Tour,” said Wong. “I go to qualifying school in late August, and I have to make it through three different stages to be on the tour.”

Both Bradley and Wong got their start early as golfers.

Bradley began golfing from the age of three. Wong started at the age of 10.

Today, there are ample opportunities for aspiring young golfers who are serious about success.

“The VGA and allied associations sponsor the First Golfers in Schools program, which targets children in kindergarten through grade 6, covering about 75 percent of the $2,800 cost to provide equipment and training in each of 70 schools throughout

Kwiniaska Golf Club. Photo by Carl Heyerdahl

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the state,” said Pfannenstein.

There are other good opportunities in the Green Mountains for beginners of all ages. The Links at Lang Farm in Essex Junction is noted for its 18-hole championship course and indoor winter training run

by Steve Gonsalves.

Other skilled tutors suggested

by Pfannenstein include: Leo Reynolds at Mount Anthony Country Club in Bennington; Jay Morelli at the Mount Snow ski area and golf resort in West Dover; and Mark Aebli at the Haystack Golf Club, also in the West Dover/Wilmington area.

Fairways and Clubs No matter where you are in Vermont, you are never far from verdant, manicured fairways and greens, often nestled in lush valleys, along waterways, and with

“Have you ever noticed what golf spells backwards?”

—Al Boliska breathtaking mountain scenery. Surprisingly for a small state, 60 Vermont towns have golf courses, both public and private.

There are some gems.

They include outstanding architectural designs by Robert Trent Jones Sr. and his son, in Woodstock and Sugarbush. Another worldfamous course architect is Geoffrey Cornish, who just died in February this year at the age of 97. He was the past president of the American

Photo courtesy of Jay Peak Golf Club

Society of Golf Course Architects and designed over 200 courses, including those in Stowe, Manchester, Quechee, Stratton, Killington, and Mt. Snow. Mt. Anthony Country Club, nestled in the heart of historic old Bennington, has gone through a renovation under the direction of Golf Course Architect, A. John Harvey, of the multiple award-winning RBA Group.

5531 Spear Street, Shelburne, Vermont 802-985-3672 / www.kwiniaska.com A PUBLIC golf course tucked between the Green Mountains of Vermont and the Adirondacks of New York. The course offers fabulous views.

And wIth five sets of tees it’s full of fun for golfers of all abilities.

For the best-priced golf packages, Pfannenstein recommends resort towns such as Stratton, Stowe, Okemo, Sugarbush, and Jay Peak.

In addition to being a ski resort, Jay Peak has a new golf course and a water park,” said Pfannenstein. “They’ve done a lot to make it a four-season resort.”

Pfannenstein also recommends Lake Morey Resort with its 18-hole course that has been home to the Vermont Open for the past 50 years, the

Open from dawn ‘til dusk No tee times required Mon-Fri Tee times one day in advance of play on weekends & holidays.

Check our website for rates and on-line deals.

www.kwiniaska.com

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Golf is the closest game to the game we call life. You get bad breaks from good shots; you get good breaks from bad shots - but you have to play the ball where it lies.

- Bobby Jones

Photo courtesy of Stowe Mountain Golf Club

state’s biggest golf championship. The site is also noted for its sweeping views of both Vermont and New Hampshire.

Among other accolades, Green Mountain National Golf Course in Killington was voted the #1 public course by vermont.com; Basin Harbor Club in Vergennes is part of the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program, dedicated to preserving natural resources and enhancing wildlife habitat; the Highland Course at Quechee Club was voted the #1 private course in Vermont by Golf Digest; Woodstock Country Club’s course was named one of the “Top 100 Golf Resorts” in the country by Golf Magazine; and Mt. Snow Country Club, one of Vermont’s premiere mountain courses, was rated one of the Top 5 in Vermont by Golf Digest, and was also named one of the Top 10 resort courses in the country by SKI magazine.

So if you are inclined to relax amidst rolling hills, but still want a long straight drive, you need look no further than Vermont’s green fairways. You just might find some eagles and birdies.

Keegan Bradley featured in the Fall 2012 Tommy Hilfiger Golf Collection. Photo by Daniel Jackson, courtesy of Tommy Hilfiger

Puzzles on page 5

Directions: Just off I-89 to I-91 in White River Jct., follow signs to the Welcome Center and AMTRAK station.

SUMMER SEASON: July 12 - Sept. 2, Thurs-Sunday FALL SEASON: Sept. 18 - Oct. 28, Tuesday-Sunday

Train departs White River Jct. at 11:30am and 2:30pm.

Enjoy a relaxing two hour round trip to Thetford, or stop at The Montshire Museum—the perfect adventure for the entire family.

Montshire members receive half price train tickets on Fridays.

INFO@ 160 Ban k Street Burlington, VT

802.859.0888

LOCALLY GROWN LOCALLY SERVED Farm-to-table gastropub featuring gourmet local burgers, housemade Charcuterie, local cheeses and farm style comfort food all with a goal of supporting our many talented Vermont farmers and food producers. Rare and prized beers from Vermont’s backyard and beyond offered at the bar, in the outdoor beer garden, and in the downstairs speakeasy.

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