VERMONT GREEN FC

A VERMONT EXPRESSION OF THE BEAUTIFUL GAME
by Jeremy Greeff

Perhaps I’m going out on a limb here, but I’ll say it anyway. The most exciting thing happening in Vermont this summer is the inaugural season of our brand new semi-professional mens soccer team, the Vermont Green. Founded in 2021 by soccer-obsessed college teammates Keil Corey and Matthew Wolff along with four close friends, Vermont Green Football Club recently joined the ranks of USL League 2. They’re preparing to take the pitch for the first time May 15th against Boston City FC as part of the Northeast Division. Two weeks later they’ll play their first home match at UVM’s Virtue Field, which promises to be a day of excitement, fun, education and a unique opportunity for Vermonters of all stripes to see their new team kick off.

“In addition to building a competitive and winning soccer club, we have five big goals that shape our thinking, and inform every decision we take ” says Corey. “The first is that we are applying to become a net zero club after the first season, which commits us to the net zero target at a future date and to be held accountable to that target.”

For this, Corey and his team need to figure out the club’s entire carbon footprint, then work on innovative ways to try and reduce it. “We plan to challenge our fans to choose more planet-friendly ways of getting to games.”

Other goals include fighting systemic racism in soccer and beyond, supporting 1% For The Planet as a member, providing education and awareness of environmental justice, and developing a superb range of recognisably “green”, affordable and high quality merchandise. On the merch front they’ve already scored.  “We have partnered with an incredible company from North Carolina called Recover Brands,” Keil shares. “Every garment they produce is made from recycled plastic, up-cycled cotton, or organically grown cotton from the US south. Their supply chain is kept super local with a large percent of what they produce, happening right here in the US.” he says.

The vision is so big it takes a while to get back to talking soccer, but clearly everyone is working hard to field a competitive and well-oiled side this summer. The owners have appointed Adam Pfeifer, a highly respected New Englander as Head Coach and Sports Director who has actively recruited a host of disparate players from far and wide.

Head Coach Adam Pfeifer

“One of the things we take very seriously is player welfare, and providing the appropriate resources and assistance when they arrive in Vermont,” Corey says. “Different players have different needs, and we want the guys to fit in, engage with the community and ultimately help us figure out and drive our culture.” he tells me.

Winter Tryouts at Virtue Field

About 70% of players that end up playing in the first and second division clubs in the country come up through the ranks of USL League 2. You can expect that the level of play and competition will be very high. USL League 2 is a gateway to bigger things and an opportunity for fans to see younger versions of players who could soon be on a bigger stage.

Looking forward to the inaugural home match, Corey assures me that it will be a day to remember. “We are going to have food trucks, selling locally produced faire, and supporters can expect a farmers market type feel, and hopefully even a bit of a tail-gating atmosphere inside the venue.” He adds, “We want this to be a day where we all get to know the players and they get to know us, like a date, and hopefully we can move forward together.” he says.

Things do get done a little differently in Vermont, and Vermont Green Football Club is no exception. Clearly, this club has ambitious goals on and off the pitch. Corey says, “We want to learn, educate, support and give back in a more nuanced way that reflects these disparities, and try make a difference at a grass-roots level, where it is needed most.”

BIKING BURLINGTON

By Ralph Kucharek

We live in a bounty of biking options.  The Burlington area boasts bike path and trail networks that can bring you quite literally across Lake Champlain and on top of mountain ridges, all within thirty minutes of each other.  Luckily, bikes have never gone out of style as a tried and true way to experience our local surroundings and our community is playing to its strengths. It has never been easier to navigate the City of Burlington thanks to planBTV and navigation applications like Strava and Trail Finder are making it much easier to find your next favorite route in Chittenden County.  Whether you’re a complete beginner or part of the million miles pedaled club, we’ve got some options below to help with your next ride. 

BIKE RENTALS

NORTH STAR SPORTS – A longtime Burlington resident and store located on Main Street, North Star Sports is your one-stop shop for rental packages, which include: a helmet, repair kit for flat tires, lock, headlights and taillights for night rides, and even a bottle of water to stay hydrated.

LOCAL MOTION – Located in the heart of Burlington’s waterfront park, Local Motion offers bike rentals for adults and kids and E-Bike options as well.  Start at their trailside center and cruise north on the Island Line Trail, which eventually crosses over the Colchester Causeway between Malletts Bay and the broad lake. Make sure to bring a backpack with some water and snacks if you decide to go the full distance.

SKI RACK - Since 1969 Skirack's bike shop has been the place to go for all things cycling. We’ll listen to all your needs, wants and wishes, and help find you the perfect ride, fit professionally, at the perfect price.

OUTDOOR GEAR EXCHANGE - A local favorite, OGE can be found on the Church Street Marketplace and offers an array of products and services. Start from Burlington’s pedestrian walkway and explore the North or South End.

HOTELS WITH BIKE RENTALS

HOTEL VERMONT - For hotel guests only, Hotel Vermont offers complimentary bike rentals on a first-come, first-serve basis for up to two hours of ride time.  Thanks to their fleet of Budnitz Bicycles, you can experience Burlington in comfort and style. 

HILTON BURLINGTON LAKE CHAMPLAIN - Situated along the Burlington Waterfront, the Hilton Burlington also offers bike rentals for their guests on a first-come, first-serve basis. Fortunately, the Burlington Bike Path is a short roll out of the hotels front door and whether you are on a long ride or a leisurely sunset cruise, they will set you up with all the gear you will need.

HILTON GARDEN INN - Parked between the Church Street Marketplace and the waterfront, and directly across from City Hall Park, the Hilton Garden Inn offers bike rentals to guests for just $10 per hour.

THE ESSEX - Vermont’s culinary resort and spa rents bikes to guests. It is also adjacent to the Essex bike path and nearby to the Saxon Hill trails for a detour through the woods!

BIKE ROUTES, TRAILS, & RESOURCES

Local Motion Maps & Routes - Check out their comprehensive list of maps and routes here.  

Trail Finder – One of our favorite resources to find local trail networks throughout Burlington and beyond.  Check out this map for more.

Burlington Bike Path – Starting at Oakledge Park and ending at the mouth of the Winooski River, the Burlington Bike path is a 7.6-mile route that will not disappoint.  We recommend early mornings for reduced crowds

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS

Mountain Biking at Bolton Valley — For those looking to experience biking at a different pace, check out Bolton Valley Resorts options for mountain bike rentals.  Bolton offer’s lift-service, top-to-bottom trails along with uphill travel routes geared towards beginners to experts. If you’re looking for world-class terrain, look no further than the thirty-minute drive to Bolton.

OLD SPOKES HOME

Old Spokes Home: A local non-profit that makes, fixes, and refurbishes old bicycles with the goal of making bikes affordable so people can get to their jobs efficiently and conveniently. Old Spokes home is a staple in the Burlington community and here to help with all of your biking issues.

“At Old Spokes Home, you can always expect friendly and inclusive service regardless of age, race, identity, ability, or level of bike experience. We believe that anyone interested should have access to a bicycle and bicycle knowledge.”

Read More

               We hope this short guide makes your next biking adventure easier and you find fresh, perspective on recreating in Vermont.  Make sure to wear a helmet, ride within your abilities, and watch out for traffic. 

READ MORE

LIVING LIFE ON LAKE CHAMPLAIN

By Ralph Kucharek

Truth be told, many move here for the mountains, but they end up staying for the lake. Carved between Vermont, New York, and Canada lies Lake Champlain, the western coast of New England and one of the largest bodies of fresh water in the world. Just like the water, Lake Champlain’s history runs deep. It played a significant geographic role in the Revolutionary War with naval skirmishes like the Battle of Valcour Island fought between the English and the Colonists (back when Benedict Arnold was still one of ours). Before the arrival of Europeans the lake served as a distinct natural barrier between Native American peoples. The Abenaki word for Lake Champlain is Pitawbagw, meaning “The waters between". In far earlier times, the Champlain Sea was an inlet of the Atlantic Ocean, connected by what is now known as the St. Lawrence river, and inhabited by whales, walruses, and Atlantic salmon. As glacial melt slowly eroded the region, nature left the geological masterpiece of Lake Champlain, nestled perfectly between the Green Mountains and the Adirondacks. As we ease into spring and embrace summer, there are a plenty of ways to access the lake and experience its beauty, breath-taking views and, hell yes, the sunsets.

LOCAL FAVORITES

SPIRIT OF ETHAN ALLEN III

Burlington’s longest operating cruise ship, the Spirit offers daily cruise options for people of all ages and abilities.  We recommend their scenic narrated, lunch, or sunset cruises. You can learn more about their days, times, and rates here. 

LAKE CHAMPLAIN COMMUNITY SAILING CENTER

Located right on the shore of Burlington Bay, the Community Sailing Center aims to provide access to the lake for all ages, people, and income levels.  They offer kids camps, adult programs, private instruction, and kayak, SUP, and boat rentals.  You can find more information here about their hours, availability, and how to book your next rental.

BURLINGTON SURF CLUB

Located on the beach south of Burlington’s waterfront park is the Burlington Surf Club offering lessons, camps, pavilion classes, rentals, and tours on Lake Champlain. With $20/day club passes and individual memberships starting at $150 for youth (12-18) and $200 for individual adults, this is a resource that will keep your life aquatic all summer long.  You can learn more about how to become a member and their services here.

WATERFRONT PARK

A great alternative for those who want to take a walk or find a seat by the lake and watch some of the most beautiful sunsets on the planet. Seriously, Burlington has some of the best sunsets ever.

KAYAK, CANOE, & PADDLEBOARD RENTALS

NORTH BEACH and OAKLEDGE PARK – Paddlesurf Champlain offers both short and long-term SUP rentals along with lessons and guided tours to get you out on the lake easily and affordably.  You can find their beachfront locations close to the Burlington Bike Path.  Check out their website for more information about their hours and locations.   

MALLETS BAY – Bayside Paddle Sports operates between June 20th – August 14th, 2022 Monday – Sunday from 10:00 am – 6:00 pm.  Rent a SUP or Kayak starting at $15/hour, which includes a PFD and free parking is located across the street at Bayside Park. 

SOUTH HERO - The Apple Island Marina located 20 minutes north of Burlington offers boat rentals and gives you access to one of the most beautiful parts of the lake, the Inland Sea.  Option’s include: motorized boat, kayak, canoe, and rowboat rentals at half and whole day rates. Don’t forget to bring your boater’s license if you decide to rent a motorboat. 

WATERBURY RESERVOIR – Nestled within the mountains is the breathtakingly beautiful Waterbury reservoir.  While it’s not Lake Champlain, its waters are part of the greater basin and it’s a great alternative for those looking to venture out past Burlington into the heart of Vermont.  Umiak Outdoor Outfitters offers two-hour SUP, kayak, and canoe rentals along with all the necessary essentials to get you on the water. 

100 YEARS OF WINOOSKI

by Carolinne Griffin

Photo Courtesy of City of Winooski

The City of Winooski is turning 100 years old in March. Burlington’s small yet mighty neighbor to the north might cover a mere 1.4 square miles, but it packs a punch, ranking number one in population density for northern New England and holding the distinction as the most diverse area in Vermont. For over a century, this stand-out city has attracted people from across the globe who come in search of opportunity and a better life, shaping the community’s rich, multicultural character. Winooski, which means onion, or leek, in Abenaki, is situated on the falls of the Winooski River that once powered the textile mills and the industry that defined the city for generations. While it has seen ebbs and flows of prosperity, several decades of revitalization have prompted economic growth and a renewed interest in the Onion City.

Today, Winooski’s lively downtown, burgeoning restaurant and bar scene, and creative, international buzz have dubbed it the Brooklyn of Burlington. But the comparison irks some locals, along with the myth that the vitality and diversity of the city are somehow new. With the centennial around the corner, this is the perfect occasion to set the record straight and highlight how Winooski’s vibrant present reflects its dynamic past, making the city so unique.

TODAY & YESTERDAY

Photo Courtesy of City of Winooski

The Winooski Bridge is the perfect vantage point for viewing downtown. One can watch the steel river roll west towards Lake Champlain, and take in the prominent brick facades of the historic Champlain and Woolen Mills flanking the bridge. This critical connector between Burlington and Winooski feeds into the rotary, the main thoroughfare humming with the constant flow of traffic. Eclectic shops, cafés, restaurants, and bars edge the rotary capped by the iconic Winooski Block on the north. At the heart of it all sits Rotary Park, a public green space where several events are held each year. The annual Waking Windows music festival builds its main stage in the rotary every May, injecting Winooski with an extra dose of energy. Since it started in 2011, Waking Windows has grown along with the city from a small, underground event to a multi-venue happening vaunted for its edgy lineup of music and art.

Winooski Falls in 1907. Photo courtesy of Library of Congress

Winooski’s youthful reputation is fitting for a city 100 years young—most New England towns are much older. But the whole truth is that Winooski Falls, as the city was known, was originally part of Colchester and existed as a municipality long before 1922. “Colchester was very much a classic Yankee town,” says Joe Perron of the Winooski Historical Society, “whereas Winooski at the turn of the century had a huge influx of immigrants who were coming to take employment in the mills and other industries that were here.” This contrast in demographic caused a fracture between the two and led Winooski to break off from its rural counterpart in March 1922. With that in mind, the 100th anniversary is essentially a celebration of Winooski’s urban identity.

THE HERITAGE MILL MUSEUM & NEW AMERICANS

Photo courtesy of the Heritage Winooski Mill Museum

Anyone interested in learning more about the history of Winooski can take a two-minute walk from the bridge to the Champlain Mill. There visitors can explore the Heritage Winooski Mill Museum to learn about the early textile industry and view artifacts from the bygone era. Some of the most compelling relics are the black-and-white photographs capturing the faces of the men, women, and children who spent their days and whole lives working inside the walls of the mill.

Winooski, aptly called Vermont’s City of Opportunity, has long been a draw for immigrants looking to build a new life. In the early 19th century, it was nicknamed “Little Canada” because scores of French Canadians came to work in the mills. “There were so many people speaking French in the city,” says Perron, “that stores in downtown Winooski would advertise [for] bilingual help.” Workers from abroad continued to flock to the city; the Irish came in the 1840s with the building of the railroad, and from the Civil War into the early 1900s, a wave of immigration brought a “panorama of immigrants,” says Perron. Syrians, Lebanese, Armenian, Polish, and Italians made Winooski their home. In the last forty years, the city’s proximity to Burlington has made it a critical location for refugee resettlement. Cambodians, Vietnamese, Bhutanese, Iraqis, Sudanese, and many more have found a place where their families can settle, assimilate, and be welcomed.

Workers at the American Mill in Winooski, 1900. Some were as young as 13 years old.

Photo by Lewis Hine, courtesy of Library of Congress.

LOCAL FLAVORS & THE BEVIE

That influx of immigration has infused the local dining scene with a diverse range of international flavors. Some newcomers just beyond the rotary include Morning Light Bakery on East Allen Street, which opened in 2019, specializing in Hong Kong–style buns. Their menu of boba teas make a tasty accompaniment to the from-scratch pastries. If you’re looking for a proper lunch or dinner, the Fusion Café has a variety of authentic dishes from Nepal, Vietnam, India and more. Bhola Dhaurali opened the establishment in October of 2021. Born in Bhutan, raised in Nepal, Dhaurali moved to the U.S. in 2009 and brings his love for different cuisines to the table. He believes that a fusion concept fits the community well. “Winooski is growing bigger,” says Dhaurali. “It’s a small city with a lot of opportunities to grow the business.”

The Archives, Photo by Bear Cieri

We would be remiss to explore Winooski without suggesting a drink. For a small city, there is no shortage of good bars to choose from. Pop into one of the old standbys like Mule Bar, Monkey House, Archives, and McKees Pub along the rotary. Four Quarters Brewery is the new kid on the block, that opened during the pandemic. It boasts a beer garden that offers lots of space to sip and stay socially distant. At 1 East Street is the Beverage Warehouse, a local institution where people have come for four decades to buy wine and beer (more on that below). But another look to Winooski of yesteryear shows just how significant a role alcohol has played in its history and culture.

Before Prohibition was enacted on a national level, Vermont had its own prohibition. Towns had the option to vote on whether or not to serve alcohol. Can you guess where Winooski stood on the matter? Aye. Downtown bars became a magnet for the thirsty, feisty, and down-and-out. Enlisted soldiers camped at Fort Ethan Allen would descend on nearby Winooski looking to blow off steam with a couple of drinks. “That added a lot of color to the community,” says Perron, “There is this dichotomy in the 20th century of Winooski history—of the very highest immigrant story with these families who are God-fearing and trying to do their best for their families . . . And then there are these soldiers who are coming into downtown Winooski trying to find the red-light district.”

Jen Swiatek and the Bevie team with Vermont Spirits. Photo by Jason Dennis

Lucky for all of us, alcohol’s reputation has redeemed itself and now producers of Vermont beer, cider, wine and spirits are praised the world over. Legends like Heady Topper and Lawson’s Sip of Sunshine can be tough beers to come by, even if you live in-state, but Winooski’s own Beverage Warehouse—better known as the Bevie—is the depot to find whatever bottle or keg you fancy.

Owner Jen Swiatek took over the business from her parents in 2003, having worked there since she was 15. “Every week, I will see customers who have been coming in for decades who say, ‘Say hi to your mom and dad for me,’ even though my folks have been retired for close to twenty years.” When asked about the community she grew up in, Swiatek reflects, “Winooski itself is a treasure chest of gems, and its gems are people. We are small enough to recognize and appreciate each other. It feels like an extended home on every block.”

EXPLORE & CELEBRATE

Daniel Schechner’s “100+ Faces of Winooski” project. Photo courtesy of the City of Winooski.

The people of Winooski are the centerpiece of the city’s Legacy Campaign and the big fete in March. Photographer Daniel Schechner has partnered with the Celebration Committee to produce 100+ Faces of Winooski, a portrait exhibition of residents to be displayed in downtown storefronts. Other events to kick off the centennial include a new exhibit at the museum called Mill to Mall: Historic Space Reimagined about the Champlain Mill shopping center that occupied the building from 1981 through the early 2000s. Self-guided walking tours of the city’s landmarks will be available through the Winooski Historical Society. Block by block there will be something new and old to discover, and all are welcome. After all, welcoming is what Winooski does best.

WWX

WAKING WINDOWS (FINALLY) TURNS 10

by John Flanagan

Photo by Britt Shorter

Brian Nagle is counting his steps.

“I took 35,287 on Saturday and 36,509 on Sunday, with a weekend total of 48.06 miles,” says Nagle, better known locally as DJ Disco Phantom. His activity is from a weekend in May of 2019, the last time he and four partners hosted their annual music festival, Waking Windows, welcoming the jubilant return of t-shirt weather.

The group called off what would have been the festival’s tenth spin around the downtown rotary in 2020 and again in 2021. But with Covid cases on a precipitous decline and precautions in place, the festival is ready to finally mark its full decade of enticing thousands of music lovers out of hibernation and into the land of the wild onion.

“It feels really good just to bring our community back together again,” Nagle says. “The arts have been impacted so heavily during the pandemic, so it’s just really incredible to get the momentum going again.”

Photo by Luke Awtry

The 2022 Waking Windows lineup reflects two years of pent-up programming. Though condensed to around 100 artists, as opposed to the more typical bevy of twice that size, the roster this year is extraordinary. From the ear-exploding architects of New England bummer rock—Dinosaur Jr.—and the Grammy-nominated sovereigns of synth—Japanese Breakfast—to neo-post-punk South Londoners—Dry Cleaning—and a ubiquitously acclaimed Nonesuch Records pop polymath—Vagabon, the range of offerings culminates the scattershot eclecticism that Waking Windows has refined into its signature style. 

Underpinning the high pedigree of out-of-town talent, local musicians have been the festival’s bedrock since its inaugural happening, in 2011. That first event included a locals-only lineup (with leniency given to honorary Winooskians Future Islands) and stretched across 10 nights at the festival’s unofficial headquarters, The Monkey House, on Main Street. This year’s domestic blend includes longstanding scene stalwarts and newcomers alike, such as Rough Francis, Lily Seabird, Omega Jade, Ivamae, Father Figuer, and many others.

Photo by Luke Awtry

“Waking Windows is always the mile-marker for the start of our summer activity,” says Rough Francis frontman Bobby Hackney. “It’s warm, it’s sunny, and it’s like life is back in the city and everybody is out again. It’s just awesome, happy hangs.”

Though additional announcements are on the way, this year’s roomier schedule may be a welcome reprieve for some. In years past, seeing even half of everything has been impossible despite the most exacting of itineraries. In addition to the music, the three-day marathon also includes food, artist markets, comedy, literary happenings, kids’ events, art exhibitions, and panels on topics ranging from women in the music industry to food systems and film scoring.

No small part of Winooski’s decades-long revitalization comes from Waking Windows directly, with some of the vacancies that the festival occupied in its early years not-so-slowly blossoming into lively businesses inspired to set up shop in this culturally rich pocket of Vermont.

Photo by Luke Awtry

“We grew together,” says Nagle. “When Waking Windows first started, it was more scrappy and DIY, and we could use those empty spaces for box offices and venues. But over the years, when folks in Burlington might have left Nectar’s or the ½ Lounge and headed somewhere else downtown, they started going to places in Winooski instead, places that they became aware of at Waking Windows, like the Archives or the Monkey.”

Nagle cites the city itself as a major contributor to the festival’s growth and success. “They have been so good to us,” he says. “They went to bat for us and wanted to see us grow.”

Photo by Daniel Schechner

He adds that Winooski’s unmistakable character provides the unique buzz that Waking Windows weekends are known to cultivate.“We basically just try and highlight what’s already going on in Winooski,” he says.

Asked whether Waking Windows will launch a new decade in 2023, Nagle says the group is just trying to get their tenth festival across the twice-extended finish line. “I won’t believe it until I’m actually standing at a show and a band is playing on stage,” Nagle says.

And on May 13-15, barring any immediate catastrophes, that’s where he will be, counting his steps among the revelers who, like the leaves, have returned with the season.

FOLLOW @HELLOBURLINGTON ON INSTAGRAM FOR A CHANCE TO WIN FREE TICKETS TO WAKING WINDOWS X WITH A COMPLEMENTARY HOTEL STAY. GIVEAWAY STARTS MARCH 10th.

LAND OF WILD ONIONS

By Fred Wiseman

The Winooski River winding through the Intervale. Photo by Caleb Kenna

The Winooski river is one of the state’s most significant. Starting in the town of Cabot and winding 90 miles west to Lake Champlain, the river runs through the capitol in Montpelier, carves a swath through the Green Mountains wide enough for I89 to run through, and reaches the Lake at it’s mouth between Burlington and Colchester. The river is named for its stretch through what is now the city of Winooski, home to early Native American settlement(s) whose inhabitants found the falls, floodplains, and forests particularly hospitable. Vermont has lost most of its Abenaki place names over the last few centuries, but this is one of the few that remain. The word means, “Land of onions” or “Place of the wild onions”, an important spring and summer food of the local Indigenous community.

The lower Winooski Valley has been occupied since the late PaleoIndian Period, over 8,000 winters ago which we know due to the discovery of hunting tools that were used on large game animals. For Native peoples, the series of falls and cascades beginning at the Salmon Hole above the Burlington Intervale -- and stretching several miles upriver -- were the reason for settlement in the region. 

Local settlements such as the Winooski Site could exploit the amazing ecological diversity in the area.  Archaeological discoveries hint that transient individual families first camped in the area following the natural cycles of fish, game, and plant resources; but slowly became sedentary and formed larger, longer-lasting communities as they learned how to properly harvest, process, store and consume the natural bounty of the area. 

The Intervale continues to be a fertile agricultural land to this day, with several farms operating within Burlington City limits. Photo by Bear Cieri.

Below the Falls was what we now call the Intervale, a wide, lush area of fertile floodplains suitable for corn, beans and squash agriculture.  These plains were bordered by marshes and sloughs with abundant waterfowl, muskrat, beaver to hunt, wild rice grain to harvest and the starchy tubers of and tuckahoe (Peltrandra virginica) and arrowhead (Sagittaria spp.) to collect.  The floodplain above the falls to the east stretched through the wide floodplain of the Richmond area, a gateway to the Green Mountains providing excellent hunting grounds. 

Winooski Gorge, 1902. Photo courtesy of the Library of Congress and Detroit Publishing Co.

Fishing the Salmon Hole in 2020, Photo by Bear Cieri

Winooski falls, just west of the bridge to Burlington, formed a natural spawning area for many species of fish that swam up the river in the spring.  The Salmon Hole is named for the salmon that congregated below the falls, but walleye, sturgeon and white suckers were also important.  The suckers, known as the “garden fish,” were traditionally collected during their spring runs for fertilizing the floodplain fields. 

Based on archaeological evidence found at the Winooski site, the ancestral Abenaki people collected large amounts of berries, fruits, nuts, and seeds form the nearby forest as well.  They also practiced long distance trade; some stones for Winooski-area projectile points would have come from as far afield as New York, Pennsylvania, Quebec, and Maine. 

The Winooski Falls had direct access to Lake Champlain, but was far enough upstream so that it was hidden from war parties that began infesting the region about 600 winters ago.  From Lake Champlain, it was an easy canoe portage to the Hudson and St. Lawrence Rivers, and the Winooski trail went through the gap in the Green Mountains to the White and Connecticut Rivers and the East.

Unfortunately, the early European contact period was complex and disastrous for the Ancestral Abenakis of Winooski.  First, European diseases swept down from the St. Lawrence Basin in the 1500’s decimating the population, then refugees fleeing genocide in New England flooded the region in an attempt to find safety -- just at the time that the political turmoil encouraged warfare with the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) to the southwest.  A rapid population decline followed, and by the 1800’s the remaining Abenaki people had to blend with the settler population or adopt new, non-Indian identities such as “Gypsies” or “River Rats.”  There was a small 19th and early 20th century Winooski Valley community called Moccasin Village, that has been studied by Abenaki scholar Judy Dow. Today, there are several beautiful ash splint baskets, and other artifacts from Winooski area testifying to this continuing presence around the turn of the 20th century. 

Winooski Falls in the early 1900s. Photo courtesy of the Library of Congress.

Interestingly, the 19th century mills at Winooski Falls attracted Abenakis (and Mohawks), as well as large numbers of Quebecois from Canada looking for well-paying jobs, thereby enriching the Indigenous diversity of the area.  Today, the nearby Vermont Indigenous Heritage Center in the Intervale, a mile from Winooski as the Eagle flies, is a magnet for Native culture in the region, sponsoring classes, workshops, ceremonies and living history events.  According to the 2010 Vermont Census there are about 30 people in Winooski who identify as Native American, and several are quite active in Abenaki cultural revival and politics.  And so, Winooski has not only one of the few Vermont Abenaki place-names, but had and continues to have a deep and wide Native Legacy which needs to be acknowledged, and celebrated.

5 WINTER HIKES NEAR BURLINGTON

Text & Images by Kelsey Matheson

ROCK POINT

Town: Burlington
Distance from Downtown Burlington: 6 minutes

At the far end of North Beach, you’ll find the 1.2-mile trail head for Rock Point. The tip of this trail boasts stunning views of a (mostly) frozen Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks on the New York side of the lake.

CENTENNIAL WOODS

Town: Burlington

Distance from Downtown Burlington: 3 minutes

Tucked behind UVM’s campus is the Centennial Woods natural area. This 3.8-mile trail has nice, gentle slopes beneath the trees, as well as a beaver dam to hike to. While it’s a beautiful walk in the summer months, there’s something magical about the Centennial Woods’ trees coated in a fresh blanket of snow.

COLCHESTER POND

Town: Colchester
Distance from Downtown Burlington: 23 minutes

The Colchester Pond Loop is just a short drive from Burlington. This popular 3-mile trail offers a mix of terrain, with the majority being very accommodating to new hikers.

NIQUETTE BAY STATE PARK

Town: Colchester

Distance from Downtown Burlington: 20 minutes

Just 20 minutes North of Burlington, you’ll find Niquette Bay State Park. Choose your own adventure with one of three trails. The Ledges Trail provides slightly rougher terrain with some views of the lake at the top.

SUCKER BROOK HOLLOW

Town: Williston
Distance from Downtown Burlington: 15 minutes

If you’re a view seeker but don’t want to venture too far from Burlington, the Sucker Brook Hollow trail is for you. After crossing over a beautiful foot bridge, the 2.4-mile out and back trail has a steady climb to a viewpoint that overlooks the Adirondacks.

GETAWAYS FOR VALENTINE’S DAY

By Julia Helal

Looking for a romantic Valentine’s Day getaway? Visitors and locals alike can find paradise in cozy, snow-covered Burlington this February. Take a stroll along Church Street to admire the twinkling lights, catch spectacular sunsets along the waterfront, indulge in the acclaimed culinary and brewery scene, soak in local performances, and spend quality time with someone special. Explore these special packages to experience the best Valentine’s Day yet!

THE ESSEX

Indulge in romance and relax with a glass of bubbly with the Romantic Getaway package from The Essex, Vermont’s culinary resort and spa. Fall in love all over again at the Essex Resort & Spa with a package including sparkling wine, chocolate, couples’ massages, spa access, a dinner for two at Junction, and romantic brunches.

Looking to learn a rewarding and delicious new skill with your partner? With the Essex’s Inner Chef package, get cooking as a team under the guidance of a professional chef and prepare a delectable three-course meal to be enjoyed by you both. Delicious food doesn’t stop there! Sit back and relax from cooking for an intimate and interactive dinner experience at Junction made with the finest local ingredients.

HOTEL VERMONT

With the Hotel VT Romance Package , stay on the hotel’s top floor with house-made chocolate truffles and sparkling wine waiting in your room upon your arrival. Order special Valentine’s Day surprises including a bouquet of flowers, a bundle of rose petals, and other festive sips and snacks for any stay from February 11-14. Experience culinary romance with Juniper’s featured Valentine’s Day Dinner

ADVENTURE DINNER

Join Adventure Dinner on February 12 for a four-course Italian Valentine’s Dinner filled with fine food, delicious cocktails, and vibrant wines—all there to enhance your amore. Looking for an active romantic adventure? Strap on your cross-country skis or snowshoes for Love Trek with your partner and set off on a 2-mile adventure into the snow-laden woods. Along the trek, celebrate with four staggered fire-cooked courses each paired with a thematic drink. Feeling more spontaneous? Drop into the pop-up Love Bar on February 17 or 24 for sommelier-selected wine pours, flirty cocktails, fondue, and snacks.

VERMONTOURING

A LOCAL’S GUIDE TO GET YOU STARTED

By Ralph Kucharek

Photo by Zach Walbridge courtesy of SkiRack

Vermont lives, breathes, and eats winter and Burlington is no exception. One local favorite way to spend time outdoors in the winter is touring, also known as “skinning.”  It has never been easier to ski uphill thanks to recent technological developments and pandemic-peaked interest in our beloved winter sports.  The slow approach of skinning brings an extra bit of soul and gratification to adventuring outdoors.  And luckily, Burlington is remarkably close to easily accessible, world-class ski resorts and thousands of acres of powder stacked woods. Whether you’re a complete beginner or seasoned enthusiast we hope to help guide you through touring in the greater Burlington area.

THE ESSENTIALS

Your tour doesn’t start until you have reliable gear.  Depending on your preference you will need the appropriate skis, splitboard, or snowshoe set up to get you moving efficiently uphill.  Luckily, some of the countries most knowledgeable ski and snowboard shops and located in and around Burlington. Whether you’re ready to pick up a new setup or just need to start wrapping your head around the whole idea, the staff at Outdoor Gear Exchange or Ski Rack downtown, or the Alpine Shop in So. Burlington can help you out.

Photo by Zach Walbridge courtesy of SkiRack

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

• Skis, Snowshoes, or Splitboard – If you choose to snowshoe you’ll need a backpack and poles are optional.

• Touring Specific Bindings – If using a splitboard you will need pucks for your bindings to stay on your board.

• Skins – Arguably the most essential part of your set up. If you’re taking multiple runs, consider storing them inside your jacket so the glue stays warm from body heat.

• Collapsible Poles – There are a lot of options for low profile and easily collapsible poles. Make sure to get a pair you can operate easily with gloves on.

• Ski or Snowboard Boots - There’s nothing worse than cold toes or hurting feet while touring. Make sure your boots fit properly and ski boots with uphill mode will make your experience much more enjoyable.

• Backpack – They make touring specific packs that will fit your skins, poles, shovels, probes, survival/first aid kits, water, and extra gear.

• Photo by Zach Walbridge courtesy of SkiRack

• Voile Straps – Worth their weight in gold, these can help repair broken gear and hold things together.

• A Ski or Snowboard Tool – Keep your screws tight and your bindings together.

• Extra Binding Parts – There’s nothing worse than a broken binding. Most companies are now offering spare parts that you can easily store in your pack. Extra ladders, ratchets, and bolts can save your day.

• Insulated Water Bottle – If you store upside down, the cap will not freeze in cold temperatures.

• Headlamp – Whether you’re approaching your run in the early morning hours, taking a night lap, or you’re stuck in the woods; headlamps are essential.

Photo by Zach Walbridge courtesy of SkiRack

SOME SMART EXTRAS

• Survival/First Aid Kit – In case of emergency these kits can save your day or a life. 

• Two-Way Radio(s) - Stay in contact with your group and they can call for help.  Just make sure to check which channel ski patrol uses. 

•   Space Blanket  - Easily packable in your jacket, space blankets can help keep you insulated in case of an emergency. 

•   Puffy Jacket – Always a warm and easily packable item to add to your touring pack. 

Photo by Zach Walbridge courtesy of SkiRack

TOURING AROUND BURLINGTON

Some of the best touring terrain in the east is located within an hours drive of BTV airport.  From uphill skin tracks meandering through the woods to established routes at ski resorts, here are a few close options to keep you busy all winter long. For anyone new to touring, we recommend starting with the uphill trails at a nearby resort.

Bolton Valley – You can see Bolton easily from parts of Burlington. Just a thirty-minute drive from downtown brings you access to the mountain’s high-elevation, snow globe that generates over 300 inches of annual snowfall.  With 12,000 acres of terrain to explore there are plenty of untouched powder stashes in their designated backcountry area. Owned and operated by a family that whole-heartedly loves backcountry, touring at Bolton is a must to say the least. Make sure to visit the Nordic center to grab an uphill pass. You can also sign up for lessons or private guided tours. Learn more about their up-to-date uphill policies and backcountry access here .  

Photo courtesy of Bolton Valley

Smuggler’s Notch – A family-oriented resort full of soul and good runs. Smuggs hosts some of the longest runs in Vermont and is surrounded by breathtaking views. From the legendary Madonna lift to touring in the Notch, there are plenty of options to challenge all levels of touring enthusiasts. Between their terrain and family first approach, there is a reason why it’s local’s favorite resort. Notably, they offer free uphill access. You can learn more about their most up-to-date uphill policies here. 

No matter where you go, please remember to treat our touring trail networks with respect and if you’re at a resort stick to their designated uphill and downhill routes and stick to their rules. They are there for a reason. Speaking of which…

Photo Courtesy of Smuggler’s Notch

Jay Peak – Known for the “Jay Cloud”, this resort receives the most snowfall out of any resort in the northeast.  With over 100 acres of gladed terrain, an annual snowfall of 359 inches, and a waterpark to enjoy after your tour we highly recommend taking a trip to Jay. You can learn more about purchasing an uphill pass, their policy, and routes here.  

STAYING SAFE

No matter how experienced you are, accidents happen. And once you get into the woods the consequences of accidents increases. While we don’t want to be a downer, it is important to recognize the risks associated with resort and backcountry exploration and to take the proper steps toward being prepared for worst-case scenarios.  If you’re outside the boundaries of a ski resort it is more than likely that ski patrol will not be able to assist you in case of an emergency due to skinning hours and/or terrain. With that in mind, here are few things you can do to reduce your risk while touring:

• The 40” Rule – Most terrain in Vermont is made up of rocks, stumps, grass, and debris that get buried under the snow.  Make sure to wait for at least 40” of base before exploring beyond the resort. Snow snakes are real and they bite hard.

• Tour Together – Always ride with a partner(s), especially in the woods or backcountry.  Make sure to check in throughout your run and make sure everyone is accounted for.  Your crew is your lifeline and you are theirs.

• Start Early – In case things go bad, make sure to build enough daylight into your tour to keep you and your group visible, safe, and warm even if the unexpected happens.

• Take A Course – There are First Aid/CPR, Survival, and AIARE 1 Avalanche courses offered in the Burlington area. Check out Petra Cliffs for more information about avalanche courses.

Photo by Ralph Kucharek

WESTERN SLOPES

By Berne Broudy

The western slopes of the Green Mountains are home to three of Vermont’s iconic independent ski areas. They’re privately owned, offer great skiing and riding, and their commitment to community and family is unrivaled. Privately owned ski areas are an endangered species in many places, but Vermont values independence, community, and enjoying winter. On the western slopes of the Green Mountains, a stone’s throw from Burlington, three independently owned and operated ski areas provide superb access, fun activities, and the best winter has to offer to locals and visitors alike. With the mountains this close, you can hit the slopes all day and the city all night.

SMUGGLER’S NOTCH

Routinely ranked #1 in Ski Magazine’s Reader’s Poll for everything from service to family friendliness, Smuggler’s Notch earned the tagline “America’s Family Resort” with a passion for providing a snowy canvas where families can make memories.

BOLTON VALLEY

“For me, it’s like giving people a tour of my home, but that home is a couple of thousand acres that connects with 10,000 more acres of Mt. Mansfield State Forest. You can access all of it without crossing a road. You can ski from Bolton to Nebraska Valley in Stowe in untouched wilderness.”

COCHRAN’S SKI AREA

In 1960, Mickey Cochran, a passionate skier and mechanical engineer from Burlington had his heart set on building his own backyard ski hill. When he and his wife Ginny—they met skiing--spotted a ramshackle farmhouse with a steep hill behind it en route to carving early season turns at Stowe, they bought it.

BOLTON VALLEY

By Berne Broudy

“The biggest advantages of a privately owned ski area is that the owners, managers and employees there are personally invested; we’re part of the community, and we’re making decisions with a locally-oriented perspective,” said Adam Deslauriers, Bolton’s Director of Backcountry Nordic and Special Projects, whose family built and owns Bolton Valley Resort. “We’re in touch with our customers. There are as many friends and family at the resort as guests coming from out of the area. The vibe of the place reflects that.”

At Bolton Valley, the core values are family, fun, community, and stewardship of the land that Adam’s dad, Ralph, bought in 1966 with the vision of making skiing accessible to everybody. Ralph declared that Bolton Valley would teach every local kid to ski for free if the school would bus them to the resort. Fifty years later, Bolton has taught more than 45,000 kids to ski.

The discotech that was in Bolton’s lower base lodge in the 60s is now gone, but there’s still plenty of night life at Bolton, mostly on the slopes. Night skiing is one of Bolton’s signature offerings five nights a week. It’s included in a season’s pass, and they also sell a night skiing-only pass. It’s hugely popular with teens, families, and there’s a corporate race league on Thursday nights too. Catamount Trail Association runs a weekly skimo uphill race series. And if ski lifts aren’t your thing, a separate Nordic, Backcountry, Uphill pass lets you explore all of Bolton’s extensive terrain.

Deslauriers says the Bolton Backcountry is one of the resort’s best assets. Sign up for a guided tour, there’s a 50/50 chance that Adam Deslauriers will be your guide. “I grew up here and love to show people around,” said Deslauriers. “For me, it’s like giving people a tour of my home, but that home is a couple of thousand acres that connects with 10,000 more acres of Mt. Mansfield State Forest. You can access all of it without crossing a road. You can ski from Bolton to Nebraska Valley in Stowe in untouched wilderness.”

Whether you come during the day or at night, make it an outing. Bolton’s James Moore Tavern is one of the coolest après bars anywhere, according to Deslauriers. Sunset over the Champlain Valley and Lake Champlain is stunning. And if you’re done skiing but your kids aren’t you can eat or chill by the base lodge’s flagstone fireplace drying your boots and gloves, dipping into the tavern’s Poutine made with locally sourced beef, and still keep an eye on them.

Whether you come during the day or at night, make it an outing. Bolton’s James Moore Tavern is one of the coolest après bars anywhere, according to Deslauriers. Sunset over the Champlain Valley and Lake Champlain is stunning. And if you’re done skiing but your kids aren’t you can eat or chill by the base lodge’s flagstone fireplace drying your boots and gloves, dipping into the tavern’s Poutine made with locally sourced beef, and still keep an eye on them.  

Bolton Valley has its own Mad Taco satellite restaurant. It caters to those who appreciate smoked meats and spicy salsas. The Tavern has plenty of kid friendly options, like flatbread pizza baked in a massive clay oven, and the cafeteria has grab and go burgers, fries, chili and more. The food is good, and you won’t get gouged at the register.

New for winter 2022, Bolton is expanding its second base area, Timberline Lodge, with more seating and conference space, and a bar and cafeteria with more gourmet options. Ralph Deslauriers, who is now 86, is overseeing Timberline’s development, while Adam and his sister Lindsay run the resort. Their brother Evan is also involved.

“Lindsay and I grew up here and we’re now raising our kids at the mountain,” said Deslauriers. “Plenty of people are looking for a different, funky experience that has the inherent quirks, that’s not so polished and homogenous as a resort modeled after 16 other resorts out west. Bolton is organic, it’s family owned, and we’re our own special experience. We hope you’ll come check it out.”

COCHRAN’S SKI AREA

By Berne Broudy

Mickey Cochran. Photo courtesy of Marilyn Cochran

In 1960, Mickey Cochran, a passionate skier and mechanical engineer from Burlington, Vermont had his heart set on building his own backyard ski hill. When he and his wife Ginny—they met skiing--spotted a ramshackle farmhouse with a steep hill behind it en route to carving early season turns at Stowe, they bought it.

Photo courtesy of Vermont Ski & Snowboard Museum

Mickey started cutting trees. With the hillside cleared, he rigged up a 400-foot rope tow behind the house using an old tractor engine, and strung lights to illuminate the slopes so he and Ginny and their four kids could ski after school and work. The Cochran’s opened their home and their backyard to the townspeople. Their kitchen became the ski area’s unofficial warming hut, and one of America’s most legendary community-based ski areas was born.

Winter after winter, all winter long, Mickey and his kids ran gates and trained obsessively. It paid off. Since then, over generations, ten Cochrans have represented the United States in the World Cup and six have been Olympians. “It’s like the book stone soup,” says Jim Cochran, a former US Ski Team member, former Olympian, Mickey’s grandson and now the ski area manager. “You start with nothing, and people come together and create something amazing.”

Photo courtesy of Vermont Ski & Snowboard Museum

That’s Cochran’s legacy. Or maybe that’s Cochran’s magic. And 50 years later, the magic continues… Cochran’s is the only ski hill where you can book a lesson with an Olympic gold medalist for you and your toddler. Geared towards young families, a season’s pass is closer to a day ticket price at other resorts, and skiing for the afternoon is cheaper than childcare. Cochran says that the resort is a great place for kids gaining independence. “You can go up the T-bar with your little buddy, and ski with and without mom and dad,” said Cochran. “It’s safe and small.”

Ginny, Barbara Ann, and Mickey Cochran. Back home after Barbara Ann’s Gold Medal performance in slalom at 1972 winter olympics in Sapporo, Japan. Photo courtesy of Marilyn Cochran.

It’s also a family affair. Aunt Barbara, Slalom gold medalist in the 1972 Olympic Games teaches parents and tots joint lessons. The ski area is governed by a board made up of family and community members, and it’s still on family-owned land.

Cochran’s welcomes skiers of all ages. “Parents come with kids barely walking and they’ll try it,” said Cochran. “If they ask me if they should buy a ticket when it’s just a parent and their three-year-old, I tell them to give it a try and it they think they got your money’s worth, buy a ticket.”

And Cochran’s ticket prices can’t be beat. A weekend adult ticket is $19, five and unders ski free. It’s $295 for a family season’s pass, and $5 for night skiing on Fridays. Since the 1980s, kids have been coming to Cochran’s for after school skiing, and where many aspiring racers run their first gates.

Every weekend the parking lot is packed. But the first weekend in April is one not to be missed. Cochran’s hosts a downhill Nordic ski festival, that includes a Nordic Cross. “Anyone can come,” said Cochran. “Participate or spectate. It’s amazing to watch people throwing 360s off jumps on Nordic skis.”

Photo by Pennie Rand

The last Friday of the season is also the annual Ropeathon. Two hundred skiers race to log a million vertical feet in an evening—400 feet up and 400 feet down--to raise money for Cochran’s programs. The rope tow clangs at full tilt—it’s 30 seconds of glove-shredding, arm burning focus to get to the top. At the base, wise guy high schoolers hockey stop, spraying their friends, then take another lap.

It’s Cochran’s mission to stay affordable, and to give the community an outdoors venue to congregate in winter. They vow that “no child will be denied the opportunity to ski or ride." College teams, secondary schools, the Boys and Girl’s Club—Vermont kids come in droves. “There is no way those kids would have exposure to skiing without the lessons and equipment that Cochran’s provides,” says David Healy, a volunteer coach, and former Cochran’s Executive Director.

And if you need financial assistance, just ask. Contact Cochran’s through their webpage, and they’ll comp a ticket and provide gear when available. And if you can afford it, be generous. Cochran says that as a non-profit, Cochran’s depends on fundraising to stay open.

Photo by Pennie Rand

SMUGGLER’S NOTCH

By Berne Broudy

Routinely ranked #1 in Ski Magazine’s Reader’s Poll for everything from service to family friendliness, Smuggler’s Notch earned the tagline “America’s Family Resort” with the passion they put into providing a snowy canvas where families can make memories that keep them coming back to the resort for generations.

Bill Stritzler has owned Smuggler’s Notch, “Smuggs,” since the 1990s. He’s on campus every day, and he sets the tone for all that happens there. He makes guests and employees feel valued, and he spreads good cheer. Not only do his employees call him brilliant, encouraging, and the smartest guy in every room he walks into, they say, “he makes sure everyone knows their job matters. He cares about the resort’s success and about his employees as much as every guest and their experience.”

With 1000 acres of skiing, and more than 300 inches of snow fall annually, Smuggs has a superb location with a self-contained village where guests can ski, sleep, dine, and stay entertained all day long, whether you’re a skier or not. Smuggs goal is full fun everyone from sunup to bedtime.

The list of activities is impressive. By day, Snowsports University teaches skiing and riding to anyone 2.5 years or older, whether you’re a first timer or looking to fine tune your technique. In Riglet Park, toddlers hit tiny moguls while the experienced skiers carve down Vermont’s only triple diamond run.

Walking tours, cross-country skiing, and snowshoe tours depart Smuggs Village seven days a week, including naturalist guided tours and a survival skills snowshoe trek. Smuggs Top of the Notch Dinner is open to all ages. Diners take Sterling lift to the summit, enjoy a three-course meal, then snowshoe home by the light of the moon with a guide. Glow tubing on Smuggs lit slopes is a favorite evening activity for kids and adults, and the “I did a Sled” race--each team gets a pile of materials to build a carboard sled they race down Sir Henry’s Learning Hill—is a bonding experience that typically ends in a semi-disintegrated sled and raucous laughter.

“An important part of creating memories is doing things together,” said Stephanie Gorin, Smuggs Communications Director. “The mountain is the draw, but the shared experiences on and off the slopes are what people take home with them and have forever.”

All of Smuggs lodging is ski in ski out. And the village condos are dialed for snuggling in for a an evening, a long weekend, or a weeklong stay, with fireplaces, hot tubs, and full kitchens. Dining and a general store on site keep guests fed and happy. So does the on-site Ben and Jerry’s scoop shop.

With so much going on, it’s sometimes hard to decide what to do. Bonfires blaze every night. Thursday is always winter carnival, complete with ice sculptors, hot cocoa, and fireworks. Swimming, ice skating, games, and nightly bingo complement the always available activities at Smuggs Funzone 2.0—an enormous family fun center with laser tag, an arcade, huge inflatable slides, rock climbing walls, and a ninja warrior course. Once a week, Smuggs puts on a science show for kids. And a miniature village provides a separate safe space for the littlest Smuggs visitors to play.

Smuggs caters to locals as much as overnight guests. Their Bash Badge makes riding Smuggs lifts one of Vermont’s best ski deals. You won’t find high speed quads at Smuggs. The resort is proud of its two-person lifts that keep skier density low, the snow fresh, and days on the hill an experience you can’t get enough of.

HOW TO GET OUTSIDE WHEN YOU DON’T SKI OR RIDE

Story and Images by Chadwick Estey

Even though I was born and raised in Vermont, as a kid I spent very little time in the mountains skiing or snowboarding. I know what you're thinking, "a Vermonter who doesn't ski or snowboard? Is that allowed?" Well it's rare but it does happen!

Here are just a few of my favorite winter activities that are alternatives to skiing or snowboarding. I hope you can find joy and excitement through trying something new!

Walk the 10 miles of trails at Shelburne Farms and catch the colors of sunset melt into Camels Hump.

Winter sunsets have a special feel to them. Hike up your favorite vista and watch the sunset fade to darkness. Just don't forget your headlamp!

One of my simple pleasures during the winter months is exploring familiar (or new) back roads after a snowstorm. Just don't forget the essentials: snow tires, fully charged cell phone, and snacks.

Search for private or local snowshoeing trails in your area. With there are many amazing public recreation centers and trails throughout the state, some personal favorites are the Bolton Valley, Sleepy Hollow, Blueberry Hill Outdoor Center.

Watching sunset along Lake Champlain over the Adirondack Mountains is something you will never regret. Just be sure to bundle up as the wind coming off from the lake can be a bit chilling.

LOCAL RETAILERS FOR HOLIDAY SHOPPING

Photo: CALEB KENNA

Leave holiday shopping for the last minute? Don’t worry! You can still shop local in person if it’s too late to ship your online purchases. Here’s a few local spots that can help out the procrastinators. And please check and respect local retailers COVID safety protocols before shopping!

Common Deer seeks to make American Made more accessible. Working with makers, artists, and manufacturers from across North America, Common Deer stocks its shelves with goods that are full of story.

Outdoor Gear Exchange features the best deals on clearance outdoor clothing, climbing gear & shoes, camping gear, ski gear & everything you'll need for any adventure.

Frog Hollow exhibits a unique collection of fine traditional and contemporary Vermont craft with a goal to promote original works of lasting beauty and impeccable quality by providing a place for artists who reside in Vermont's rural communities to exhibit and sell their work.

Golden Hour Gift Co.: Searching for something cute, colorful, and clever? Look no farther than Golden Hour in Winooski, one of Vermont's best stops for unique gifts. Drawing from local indie designers and makers, this eclectic shop of handmade clothing, jewelry, art and accessories is sure to brighten your day. .

https://birdfolkcollective.com/collections/all

Committed to local production and limited-edition lifestyle and winter wear,, Skida is a staple local business adored by outdoor enthusiasts.

Shelburne’s Furchgott Sourdiffe Gallery not only showcases fine art, handmade crafts, and jewelry, but also offers first-rate framing and restoration services.

Thirty-Odd is a storefront made up of about 30 artists (get it?!) that rent space from Moe O’Hara (owner), stock the space and make 100% on their sales. Thirty-Odd is a well-stocked, handmade gift-givers dream.

In what was originally a soda bottling plant for Venetian Ginger Ale, The Soda Plant on Pine Street is now home to small businesses and makers that range from brewers and coffee roasters to designers and artists.

ArtHound Gallery in Essex has over 13,000 square feet of Vermont's finest artists and local products. Whether you love pottery, jewelry, fine art originals, glass, cards, candles, wine or chocolate, you'll enjoy a trip to discover emerging artists and Vermont products.

Shop local and small with 16 Vermont makers in one spot at the Procrastinator’s Paradise, Sunday, Dec 19 in Vergennes!

We’re throwing open our Adventure Lodge doors for an afternoon of last-minute shopping and festive tunes! Plus, our friends at Elmore Mountain Therapeutics CBD have a special gift for guests…perfect salve for this time of year, if you ask us!

MAKER SERIES: RACKK & RUIN

Photo: Two Thirds Honey

Written by Carolinne Griffin

Kelly Dudash

Vintage chains, zippers, some feathers—objects like these made their way into the early designs of Molly Conant. In the late 2000s, Conant would piece together found treasures into one-of-a-kind jewelry that she sold in her Etsy shop. As demand for her work grew, so did her skills as a jeweler; she taught herself how to solder, to repeat styles, and to source better materials. “I was completely in love with this new world that I had discovered making jewelry,” she says.

Today, Rackk and Ruin, Conant’s Burlington business is small yet thriving with an active e-commerce site, ten wholesale accounts, and a brick-and-mortar retail space. At her 270 Pine Street studio, customers can peruse handmade necklaces, rings, bracelets and earrings (starting at $75) alongside curated racks of vintage clothing.

Montgomery Sheridan

Partnering with a local facility specializing in lost-wax casting enables Rackk and Ruin to reproduce some designs in a range of materials at a lower cost. This has helped the business expand into wholesale, an area Conant wants to grow. As of late, she has been designing more classic gold wedding bands for local clientele. “It’s such a special piece of jewelry to create for somebody. I like the intimacy of meeting with the couple.”

Conant continues to make one-of-a-kind pieces for clients, transforming their antique heirlooms into modern jewelry. And utilitarian objects still make their way into limited runs of Rackk and Ruin designs from time to time— take, for instance, the line of thick hoop earrings fashioned from vintage brass curtain rings. “Those were crazy popular and tons of work. I think it’s so fun to be able to incorporate repurposed styles,” says Conant, who has come far in the jewelry business while staying true to her creative roots.

rackkandruin.com

MEET MORE MAKERS

MAKER SERIES: BEENANZA DESIGN

Written by Carolinne Griffin

There’s a recurring theme in Bethany Andrews-Nichols’ life: her love for patterns. She’s always had a thing for them—patterns on paper, on rugs. She even remembers the wallpaper pattern in the entryway of her childhood home. Before starting Beenanza Design in 2017, Andrews-Nichols worked as a designer in the corporate sector, always looking to bring pattern elements into her assignments. Today she’s flipped the script and created a business of making bold, playful motifs that are applied and enjoyed in all kinds of ways.

“Sometimes I call myself an illustrator,” says Andrews-Nichols. “I do an illustration, and then I repeat it, and it’s a pattern.” As an artist-designer, she often applies these patterns onto tangible surfaces like paper, canvas and leather by the traditional method of block printing. She also puts work into the digital sphere with a free monthly calendar download, which, she says “is just to get people to enjoy patterns on a regular basis.” While much of this work happens from her Soda Plant studio, she also spends a lot of time working with an entirely different and much larger canvas: a wall. Beenanza murals are popping up in and around the Queen City, adding bursts of color to local businesses and schools.

Then there is the washi tape, Andrews-Nichols’ latest fascination and an unlikely medium that she’s been working with since the pandemic lockdown. From her dining room table, away from wooden blocks and ink, she began cutting the colorful tape into shapes and sticking them into her sketchbook to make new designs. This unique taping process is how Andrews-Nichols plans on developing a line of wallpaper, the next frontier for Beenanza Design. It would bring this love for patterns full-circle. “My life has been defined by the patterns around me,” she says. “I might as well embrace it and make the patterns around other people.”

beenanzadesign.com

MEET MORE MAKERS

MAKER SERIES: JEREMY AYERS POTTERY

Written by Carolinne Griffin

Photo: Dylan Griffin

From his renovated barn studio in Waterbury, Jeremy Ayers wheel-throws clay into functional pieces for modern living. (Yes, you can put them in the microwave and dishwasher!) “I’m a utilitarian potter,” says Ayers, who’s been working with his craft for many years. “Making pottery used in daily life—that’s always what I’m thinking about.”

There are two sides to Ayers’ work: creating big statement pieces—serving platters, vases, pitchers—pottery with an impact; and making what he calls the universal object, the mug. “Mugs are always my sketches, the way that I process new ideas about form, function and surface design, how they all fit together.” Last year, Ayers kicked off the Mug Club, a three, nine, or twelve-month subscription where customers receive one of these unique sketches per season.

Ayers is well-known throughout the region’s maker community and co-founded Burlington’s Artists Market more than 20 years ago. The market continues to be an incubator for developing artists, and many have emerged with thriving businesses, including Ayers. “It’s been a great way to demonstrate by example how people make their living and help up-and-coming artists organize their vision.” Ayers has always been a champion for artists and this was never more true than last spring when he found himself in a David-and-Goliath stand-off with retail giant Anthropologie after they ripped off one of his benchmark mug designs. By harnessing the power of social media, Ayers and his supporters applied enough pressure to get the company to remove the rip-off design from their 300+ stores and website. On May 12th, Ayers posted a celebratory update on Facebook stating: “We did it! . . . [Anthropologie] took down the copycat mug last night! Amazing! I am so blown away by all of the people who identify with this struggle of the independent artist vs. corporate greed.”

These days, Ayers has taken on a mentor role, offering assistantships for young ceramicists to work and learn the ropes of running a pottery business in exchange for time in his studio. “I love seeing the light on at night when I am busy with my family. I love that people are out here using the space because that’s an opportunity I was looking for in my twenties.” All are welcome to drop into the Waterbury studio Monday through Saturday to shop the stylish stoneware or pay a virtual visit to Jeremy Ayers Pottery. There you can view the gallery, make a purchase or opt for some art with your coffee and join the Mug Club.

jeremyayerspottery.com

MEET MORE MAKERS

MAKER SERIES: AO GLASS

Written by Carolinne Griffin

Tucked behind the buildings and hubbub of Burlington’s Pine Street is AO Glass, an 8,000-square-foot manufacturing facility that keeps its doors wide open to the public. Visitors enter by way of the AO Kiosk, where they can peruse the hand-blown glassware, ornaments and the like arranged on wooden shelves. One can also watch artisans and apprentices at work beyond the retail space, rolling and blowing glass and talking over the rumbling sounds of industry. But, despite the building’s massive size, the warmth of the factory is more striking. Heat not only radiates from the 2100°F crucible of molten glass but there is also an atmosphere of warmth and welcome from people engaged in an art form and with each other.

Since they opened in 2007, owners Rich Arentzen and Tove Ohlander have modeled their business on the glass factories of Sweden where they learned their trade, workplaces that strike a balance between industry and art while serving as cultural centers for small towns. In that spirit, AO fosters a unique work environment that centers on the needs of individuals. One example of this is in the owners’ efforts to employ new Americans. “Tove and I have both been immigrants; it’s really difficult to move to a new country,” says Arenzten, who met Ohlander in her native Sweden. “It’s important and really helpful to us to better support the people that work here.”

While 90% of AO’s business is manufacturing components for lighting companies, their production of corporate gifts is also going strong. In 2020, they made 23,000 glass stoppers for WhistlePig and collaborated on projects with other Vermont brands. Looking ahead, AO will expand its line of products and hopes to bring more visitors into the space. What better way to connect people with what they make than on the factory floor? “Glass is primordial,” says Arentzen, “just raw material and fire. [It] inherently captures the imagination because there’s something about it that reminds people of our shared path.”

aoglass.com

MEET MORE MAKERS

MAKER SERIES: QUEEN CITY DRY GOODS

Written by Carolinne Griffin

Matt Renna’s first love as a craftsman was making shoes. In the mid-1990s he made a pair on the front porch of his house, relying only on books to learn the trade. When he started Queen City Dry Goods (QCDG) in 2011, he focused mainly on selling handmade leather goods like bags and wallets. Renna kept honing his craft making slippers, sneakers and boots on the side, but the challenges of footwear prevented him from manufacturing them on a larger scale. That changed in May 2020, when the Vermont House Shoe was born.

“The year before the pandemic,” says Renna, “I was developing what the House Shoe was going to be, so it was kind of synchronicity that when the pandemic hit, we were all set with this home product.” Made from North American leather, with a merino-wool lining and an option for a rubber sole, the House Shoe was a success from day one. More than 500 pairs have sold since the launch. While the QCDG website offers customers free exchanges and returns, Renna reports there have been virtually none. “I’m really pleased that not only is the product resonating with people, but they’re fitting.”

Renna plans to move the new Queen City Shoe Factory to a larger space next year. “It’s become our main focus. I’m shifting all of our resources to scale up shoe production.” Relocating will allow QCDG to expand its line and stick to a vertically integrated manufacturing model where design and production stay in-house from start to finish. Next up? Renna is prototyping a classic lace-up sneaker, just in time for folks who are ready to venture outside of the house.

queencitydrygoods.com

MEET MORE MAKERS