Vermont: The Sixth Borough?
by aubreeWYATTsmith - April 19, 2008
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Bet you didn't know (unless you did) that a flight from New York City to Burlington, Vermont takes about 45 mins. Well, it does, and let's face it; some parts of Brooklyn, Queens, El Bronx and most certainly Staten Island take just as long to get to from the isle of Manhattan. So for a somewhat more scenic day trip, why not hop a cheap JetBlue flight to the Green Mountain State? I would. In fact, you might see me there. Bon voyage.
At SmokeJacks it’s all about the cheese platter. Cheese from the Burlington area, California, Upstate New York and even Holland. This is a restaurant that takes its cheese seriously and the clog-wearing servers who work there will take the time to explain and make recommendations should you require some guidance. The restaurant also features the work of local artists, which once included a child painter by the name of Boone.
I didn’t really know what to with Old Gold when I was younger. It was the type of vintage clothing store I knew I could waste at least a half hour in trying things on that made me look absolutely ridiculous. Now I can appreciate everything it has to offer from platform boots to bathing suits. At Old Gold you can usually find a pretty fantastic Halloween costume, but be forewarned that these prices reflect the “gold” more than the “old”.
The Flynn theater on Main Street is where big bands come to play, shows from National Tours stop, and cool unknowns get discovered by you. I’ve seen everything from Mikhail Baryshnikov doing modern dance to a crazy light show performed by French Canadians. I also performed at this 75 year old theater (originally a Vaudeville house) once as a teenager as Kim MacAfee in Bye Bye Birdie. I tried to sound as convincing as possible singing “How Lovely to Be a Woman” while my hormones silently suggested otherwise.
If you’re searching for the perfect brunch or lunch in Burlington, you won’t be disappointed with a trip to Mirabelle’s on Main Street. Their salads and pastries are the best in town. I will not leave Mirabelle’s without having an eclair or fresh fruit tartlet. I would advise you to get there not long after opening because space is limited and the locals love their Mirabelle’s.
With a better selection of Free People than Bloomingdale’s and other great offbeat designers such as Mon Petit Oisea and Harajuku
Lovers, Sweet Lady Jane is always my first destination on Church Street.
You won’t find a better sandwich anywhere on Earth. It’s just not possible. With fresh ingredients and homemade breads, I defy you to name a more delicious meal betwixt two slices than The Red Onion’s self-titled sandwich.
Tourists Who Clearly Loved Vermont
…and specifically, Stowe, at the Trapp Family Lodge. You sing it, Julie!
Vermont - Just Some of the Wonders
Yes, Vermont is a state just one state north and east of New York. Yes, it’s the home of Phish, Cabot, Ben and Jerry’s and ski bunnies. But Vermont has her other charms.(You just haven’t bothered to ask her yet.) From outdoor museums to the alpine delights, Vermont has some very special things to see and to consume. (None of which are low fat; all of which are worth it.)
An Open Apology to Jerry Greenfield:
Dear Jerry, (co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream)
I was a visitor at your house in Williston while you and Elizabeth were in Florida. I only met you briefly, but you seemed like such nice, humble people. I must clear my conscience after all these years: my friend Caitlin and I took your wife’s Saab 900 for a joy ride after you left. I had never driven standard (I was only 14 at the time), and neglected to release the emergency break. We only got the car about a 1/4 of a mile before it stalled and we rolled into a ditch. We checked the car and it seemed to have no external damage. I’m so sorry for this youthful indiscretion. Your basement is amazing – like a mad scientist’s lab for flavor invention! And thank you to the off-duty police officer who drove us home and never once asked to see my non-existent license.
Regretfully,
@ws
Everything here is good. I mean, everything. I feel strongly that no first time customer should be allowed to skip the Waldorf salad, a bitterer take on the classic with a slaw, sharp cheddar made just up the road, walnuts, creamy bacon vinaigrette and thinly sliced apple. I’ve tried to recreate this salad on my own and I can never get it to taste as good as The Frog’s. Also, although they have a full bar, I’d recommend a bottle or glass of wine. Since committing to a bottle can be dicey if you’re not familiar with the label, I would go with a glass of the house Cabernet.
Ever been to an outdoor museum? Well this one features a covered bridge, a house from the 1950’s, a nineteenth century jail, a steamboat from the turn of the century, and original Mary Cassat paintings, just to name a few. There is an old circus building (my favorite) and carousel from the 1920s, as well as a somewhat creepy cabin with big game hunting trophies and Native American artifacts. I think there’s a horror flick in there somewhere. I’ve always imagined what it would be like to get stuck on the grounds overnight.
Village Wine and Coffee
This place is too cute. With a couple of great antique stores, boutiques, and housing goods stores right in the heart of Shelburne Village, (and not far at all from Shelburne Museum and Shelburne Farm) Village Wine and Coffee is a great place to go for a cup of French Roast and to pick up a bottle of wine for an afternoon picnic. And if the owner, Kevin, is around, he’ll help you find the right bottle. Folks ride in here all the time with biking helmets on. Does everyone in Vermont ride a bike? I’m convinced they do.
“Edelweiss, edelweiss…”The Trapp Family Lodge is a slice of Austria located in Stowe, Vermont, about 20-30 mins outside Burlington. This is where you want to stay if you’re a huge fan of The Sound of Music (the lodge is owned by the Trapp family, the inspiration for the movie), or you just want to rough it outdoors and return to the lap of luxury by nightfall. Back in my nordic skiing days, I took advantage of the trails around the lodge and got a pretty decent, albeit spandex-y workout.
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Hello, Aubree- I’m from Philadelphia, and I was fortunate enough to visit Burlington, Vermont, Lake Champlain & its environs, one summer. It’s a great place to visit. As it turned out, I only visited one of the places in your guide – Stowe – but I agree wholeheartedly that there’s a lot to see and do in the region. I hope to make it back someday in the autumn to see the brilliant foliage.
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i wish the A train would go to Vermont
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I never thought I’d say this, but Vermont actually sounds kinda cool.
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