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A hangout spot run by and for young people is set to open later this summer at 4 Langdon Street, the former Bent Nails Bistro space. The idea grew out of a familiar problem, teens getting shuffled from coffee shop to coffee shop downtown with nowhere to simply exist. Montpelier's answer is worth …
Quarterstaff Games' new weekly Pokémon Club has trainers of all ages trading cards and fist-bumping over play mats downtown, part of a bigger story about Vermont game shops becoming genuine third places. In an era when everyone frets about screens and loneliness, the humble card table is quietly …
The retro toy shop closed Sunday after just seven months in the compact corner storefront where the couple previously ran Weenies Hot Dogs. It's a tough data point for Church Street, where the mix of rents and retail theft keeps grinding down small independents even as the Marketplace draws summe…
The Main Street institution is bringing back late night hours on Fridays and Saturdays, reopening from 10 PM after its daytime shift, welcome news for anyone whose midnight Shiner cravings survived the pandemic era. Meanwhile Judi's Ice Cream is expanding to South Burlington's City Center, which …
The Church Street mainstay plans a second, 5,300 square foot location this winter at Catamount Run, the UVM-linked housing development on Market Street, and the Burlington original is staying put. With Judi's Ice Cream announced the same week, City Center's food roster is starting to look like a …
CNN gave Burlington a glowing writeup as America's "smallest biggest city," casting it as a rare urban escape where you can wander Church Street and paddle Lake Champlain in the same afternoon, with an extraordinary 50 percent open space woven through town. The piece traces the city's character f…
After six decades of proposals, lawsuits, and downsizing, the final stretch linking Interstate 189 to Lakeside Avenue is finally open to cars and bikes. The roughly $85 million project, mostly federally funded, aims to pull traffic off Pine Street and ease congestion around the South End while su…
A lighter read from the Nest issue, this home tour follows architect Thelemarck and retired art teacher Judy Klima as they finally stopped designing their house around resale value. Once they accepted they were staying put, the layout opened up in ways that actually fit the family. Worth a look i…
Seven Days parked a team of reporters on the marketplace for a full day ahead of its 45th birthday, and the result is a portrait of a place holding a lot of contradictions on the same block. Tourists, buskers, dispensary regulars, panhandlers, World Cup fans, and last-call partiers all share the …
With the city short on both money and staff, residents are quietly taking over upkeep that the parks department can't fully cover. The DIY Park Clean-Up crew works the Urban Reserve near the waterfront while the Peace & Justice Center's BTV Clean Up Crew handles trash and needles around Church St…
The Howard Center's Safe Recovery program is shutting down after years of neighbor complaints near its Clarke Street office, and Vermont CARES is picking up the work a few blocks away at 139 Bank Street starting July 1. The handoff comes with $512,500 in state Health Department funding and a stat…
Fresh off council approval of her third budget, the Progressive mayor was pushing back on Democratic councilors who argue her administration has not done enough for downtown business, a fight that flared over the gross receipts tax on meals, hotel rooms and short term rentals. She pointed to cons…
Billed as the state's first soccer focused bar, the Shelburne spot has become a clubhouse for England supporters this tournament, with ten televisions and a slider menu built for between match grazing. If you would rather watch closer to home, Citizen Cider is screening Saturday's group stage mat…
The latest Stuck in Vermont strolls the Marketplace with Blanchard ahead of its 45th birthday this fall, tracing the route from dusty lane and horse railroad to the brick pedestrian mall we know now. It is an easy watch and a timely one, given how much of this summer's news keeps circling back to…
More than 400 runners, walkers and hand cyclists got to travel the Champlain Parkway before a single car could, a fitting way to mark a project roughly six decades in the making. Proceeds went to the Committee on Temporary Shelter, which works on the very homelessness issue that has dominated dow…
A family business that opened in 1933 is decamping for an appointment only showroom in Colchester, and while Berger cites hiring troubles and a pivot toward wholesale, he also says clients tell him they are afraid to shop downtown. It’s tough to say how much of that is based on real experience ve…
Montpelier lost its Langdon Street Tavern after nine years, reportedly over a rent dispute, the second nightlife spot to leave that block since last fall. Closer to home, Sweetwaters has revived a pandemic era collaboration so patrons at the Archives, Red Square, and Akes' Place can scan a QR cod…
The city's celebration runs Saturday from 1 to 9 p.m. across City Hall Park and Church Street Marketplace, with food vendors, live performances, and family activities under this year's theme of freedom as both legacy and ongoing work. Organizers told [NBC5](https://www.mynbc5.com/article/vermont-…
The 10 to 1 vote, with Councilor Evan Litwin the lone no, locks in a 6 percent municipal property tax bump, so the owner of a median $365,000 home will pay roughly $191 more next year. New spending includes $150,000 for added police and private security downtown and in the Old North End, plus $1 …
After roughly six decades of planning, the outbound lanes toward I-189 open the morning of Monday, June 29, with inbound lanes following Tuesday, June 30. The timing dovetails with this Sunday's mile race on the new stretch, the one chance anyone gets to travel it on foot. Anyone routing through …
With the tournament rolling, the piece maps where fans can gather, from City Hall Park's outdoor screen to bars and breweries like RiRa, Switchback, and Zero Gravity. Organizers tie the enthusiasm to a genuine local surge built around UVM, Vermont Green FC, and youth programs. Several of those wa…
Developer Don Sinex, majority owner of the long vacant downtown building, says he has approached Amazon about turning it into a warehouse now that Burlington High School has graduated its final class from the space. Current zoning would allow it, though the city flags traffic as a concern, and Es…
After five years inside the former downtown Macy's, BHS holds its final classes there Monday, June 15, with graduation Tuesday in the new $204 million building back on its original New North End campus. The temporary school began when toxic PCBs shuttered the original buildings in 2020, and the m…
Gondolas, the smash burger and stacked creemee operation that took over the old Mountain View spot, is now running two locations five miles apart heading into its third summer. The downtown Morrisville shop opened in December for year round takeout, while the Route 15 snack bar handles the creeme…
The five-year experiment of housing Burlington High School inside the former Macy's ends this week, capping a saga that began with toxic pollutants found at the old campus in 2020. Routly threads that resilience into a wider argument about downtown finding its footing, citing the AC Hotel, the ne…
Now in its 15th year, the festival lands at Hula Lakeside with more than 75 exhibitors across two tasting sessions, plus seminars and live jazz. All-inclusive tickets run $80, and organizers are nudging people to buy ahead. Downtown has leaned heavily on events to draw crowds this season, and add…
Fletcher Free Library, the COTS Daystation, and the City Hall Park fountain are all open as cooling spots, and translated safety materials are available in well over a dozen languages. The detail worth absorbing is who is most at risk, namely older adults, outdoor workers, people without air cond…
Public Service VT, from the team behind Charlotte's beloved Old Brick Store, will take over the Maple Street café space this fall, while Kestrel Coffee Roasters closes that downtown location after seven years. It continues a season of churn for Kestrel, whose Pine Street spot already closed in Ap…
The piece is a handy map of the summer's free and cheap live music, from SB Nite Out on Thursdays at Veterans Memorial Park to Burlington City Arts' lunchtime concerts in City Hall Park to the lineup at Shelburne Museum's Concerts on the Green. If you have ever realized in July that you missed a …
The South End Coordinated Redevelopment Project cleared its first City Council hurdle last month, greenlighting 204 apartments on Lakeside Avenue at a cost near $100 million, with backers hoping the full buildout eventually tops a thousand homes. That scale matters in a city regional planners say…
The $28 million in credits will fund 241 income restricted homes across seven communities, from elderly housing in Highgate to larger family units in Winooski. One award folds directly into the South End story above, with 67 apartments in the Ride Your Bike Building forming the first phase of tha…
The Sustainability Academy's annual trout parade caps a months long fourth grade study that begins when hatchery eggs arrive in January and ends with students releasing the fish into the Huntington River. This year's procession drew the mayor, towering papier mâché river goddesses, and stilt walk…
Seven Days put together a roadmap for the 43rd Discover Jazz Festival, which runs June 3 through 7 across the Flynn, Waterfront Park, downtown clubs, and Church Street. Most of it is free, from soul legend Mavis Staples and an all star Eddie Palmieri tribute to local fusion trio Breathwork and th…
Milliken's 48 foot black locust sculpture now hangs above Main Street near North Star Sports, the showpiece of the nearly finished Great Streets makeover that has disrupted downtown for months. The tree came from the historic Clemmons Family Farm in Charlotte and arrived by rail, a deliberate nod…
The co-op board's letter to 12,000 members is a notable shift in tone for a store long treated as a downtown fixture. The struggles echo what other Burlington merchants have flagged, with police tracking rising theft and trespassing calls around the store much as they do at City Hall Park, plus p…
The plan calls for 112 units across two four story buildings at 453 Pine Street, with about a fifth set aside as affordable, on a brownfield that sits beside one of Vermont's most toxic Superfund sites. A long line of proposals has died here before, including herbal entrepreneur Jovial King's Nor…
In under a decade a dirt road area has become a downtown with 946 new homes and more than 87,000 square feet of commercial space, and the pace is not letting up. A bike and pedestrian bridge over I-89 breaks ground this summer, Garden Street pushes through to Williston Road, and zoning changes no…
The department is leaning on a mix of officers, detectives, community service officers, and its returning beach and park patrol of college students to cover the busiest blocks as the season ramps up. Burke framed much of the work around the unhoused population and people drifting away from behavi…
The surprise here is Krowinski, the Burlington Democrat who has represented the Old North End since 2012 and led the House since 2021, stepping away after fourteen years in the building. Scott, meanwhile, filed for a sixth term that would make him the longest serving governor in state history if …
The two shops, longtime Church Street fixtures founded by the late Christine Farrell in the 1980s, have merged and reopened at 130 Bank Street in the new Burlington Square development. The move solves real problems, since the old upstairs gaming space was not accessible and had no room to host Ma…
This has been brewing since at least December, with residents across multiple South Burlington neighborhoods reporting gaps in service ranging from a week to upwards of two weeks with no delivery at all. USPS told the paper back in January that it was hiring additional staff, but four months late…
After 15 years of tacos and margaritas in that iconic Bank Street diner car, the Farmhouse Group is pivoting to an all day concept with serious Southern flair. The shift reflects a downtown nightlife that has simply changed, with Davis noting that El Cortijo was always as much a bar as a restaura…
Seven Days' summer preview is a useful planning document for anyone trying to map out the months ahead. Highlights include the inaugural season of Vermont Green FC Women at UVM's Virtue Field, The Sound of Music performed by Lyric Theatre at the von Trapp Family Lodge with the Vermont Symphony Or…
The City Council approved the development agreement for the first phase of the South End Coordinated Redevelopment plan, a $100 million public-private partnership between Champlain College and Ride Your Bike. Two six-story buildings with 205 apartments will go up on a Lakeside Avenue parking lot,…
Avery Buck, the 2025 James Beard Award finalist (Best Chef, Northeast) who put May Day on the national map, is moving to Farmers & Foragers as executive chef. His last day at May Day was Sunday, and sous chef Sloan Miller (formerly of Hen of the Wood and Paradiso Hi-Fi) will step up to run that k…
The state has released 10 preapproved home designs through a pilot program called 802 Homes, and a public survey is now open for feedback. The idea is straightforward. State-commissioned architects drew up plans for modest homes ranging from accessory dwelling units to fourplexes, and builders ca…
The Humane Society of Chittenden County, which started in 1901 when 20 people gathered in a Burlington garage after a horse cruelty case in St. Albans, facilitated 965 adoptions and rescued 210 animals from cruelty or neglect in 2025 alone. Beyond adoptions, the organization runs a free food pant…
[Local Builders and Designers Nab Construction Awards](https://www.vtcng.com/otherpapersbvt/community/noteworthy/local-builders-designers-nab-construction-awards/article_9aef4921-8399-45c6-9279-24ad2f20fe42.html)
The Connecticut-founded chain will open its first Vermont outpost at 42 Church Street, though no date has been announced yet. PopUp focuses on bagels with creative cream cheese and butter spreads rather than traditional breakfast sandwiches, and they already have locations in 13 states. Church St…
Khudaier's family moved to Vermont in 2014 as refugees from the Iraq War, and his mother Sabah Abbas started a small catering business in 2019 with pop-ups at the Old North End Farmers Market. The Church Street Marketplace awarded the family a three-year lease on the 135-square-foot kiosk at the …
The city's 126-page service assessment, delivered two months ahead of schedule, identifies downtown, the Old North End, and the Riverside-Intervale Avenue corridor as the three potential locations for the center. The report draws on interviews with 50 drug users and feedback from 1,500 community …
After five years of students learning in the repurposed downtown Macy's building following the PCB discovery, the new BHS is 95% finished and preparing to host graduation in June before welcoming students this fall. The facility features a gym that holds over 3,000, an auditorium seating 700, geo…
Pizzeria Corinna opened in February at Essex Towne Marketplace with a compact menu of seven pizzas, salads, and Italian subs named after Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles characters. Owner Shane Corbett modeled the shop on the neighborhood pizzerias of the late '80s and early '90s, and baker Olivia Cl…
[DoubleTree by Hilton Burlington Wins Global Award of Excellence](https://www.vtcng.com/otherpapersbvt/community/noteworthy/doubletree-awarded-for-quality-stay-experiences/article_99796bbf-a3c3-4e62-aa63-f206da2d3c0a.html)
The Flynn has unveiled the free Around Town lineup for this year's Burlington Discover Jazz Festival, running June 3 through 7. The programming spreads across Church Street's Top Block Stage, City Hall Park, College Street, and independent venues including Venetian Soda Lounge, Zero Gravity, Luck…
After last summer's budget woes forced BCA to scale back to a single block party, the festival is officially back for 2026 with a two day run on Church Street and City Hall Park. The funding picture has shifted: there's still no presenting sponsor, but BCA reworked its model with community backer…
During the council's annual reorganization, Democrats replaced Progressive Councilor Melo Grant as chair of the Public Safety Committee with Ranjit "Buddy" Singh, whose approach is shaped by 18 years on the Church Street Marketplace Commission. Singh's priorities include accelerating the search f…
The Made Here Film Festival is in full swing at Burlington Beer on Flynn Ave and runs through Sunday. There's a fun bit of history behind the venue: the Lumiere Brothers, pioneers of early cinema who hosted one of the first film screenings in Paris in 1895, had a film production factory in that v…
Vermont is very much a buyer's market for cannabis right now. Burlington alone has 11 dispensaries, and Morrisville (population 2,000) somehow has five. Seven Days takes a look at how retailers are differentiating themselves amid tight competition and strict Cannabis Control Board rules that ban …
After four years away, the Church Street staple reopened Thursday at its original location. If you lost track of the shuffle: when Sweetwaters closed, Pascolo Ristorante moved into its space from a block up the street. Now both restaurants have returned to their original spots. Head chef Jessee L…
Raj Bhakta, the WhistlePig Whiskey founder and former "Apprentice" contestant, bought the shuttered Green Mountain College campus in Poultney for $4.5 million in 2020 with grand promises of luxury hotels, restaurants, condos, and a world class distillery school. Six years and a claimed $15 millio…
The Hernandez-Martinez family is launching a weekday takeout operation out of the Doma Bar kitchen at 388 Pine Street, serving regional Mexican dishes like Michoacán carnitas, enchiladas verdes, and housemade sopes. The menu changes daily, Monday through Friday from 10 to 2:30, with orders availa…
After Burlington's voter approved charter change banning guns in bars stalled in a House committee that didn't have the votes to advance it, Baruth is trying a new angle: a statewide ban. His new bill, S.329, would make it illegal to carry firearms into any establishment serving alcohol. Governor…
Three years into what was proposed as a temporary pilot, the Elmwood Community Shelter's 30 insulated sheds in the Old North End are at a crossroads. The stats are modest: of 150 people who have lived there, 20 moved to long term housing, and four of those are facing eviction. But managers argue …
The Burlington School District is seeking $135 million in compensatory damages from Monsanto over PCB contamination that forced the closure of Burlington High School and Burlington Technical Center on Institute Road in 2020. Monsanto had tried to get the case dismissed through a summary judgment,…
The post resurfaced during the heated Ward 8 city council race between Jeff Nick's son Ryan and incumbent Marek Broderick. Food Not Cops had served daily lunches at the Marketplace Garage for five years before community pressure, including an open letter from over 180 business owners, led to a re…
[Scott Doubles Down on Veto Threat Over Education Reforms](https://www.wcax.com/2026/04/08/scott-doubles-down-veto-threat-over-education-reforms/)
The city has identified 32 "problem properties," vacant or deteriorating buildings that are dragging down neighborhoods and sitting empty during a housing crisis. The mayor's office has directed the permitting department to ramp up enforcement of the vacant building ordinance, which gives owners …
Trombly, chef and owner at Fancy's in the Old North End, is now a finalist for Best Chef: Northeast, heading to the ceremony in Chicago on June 15. He'll compete against chefs from Connecticut, New Hampshire, Maine and Rhode Island. Tunbridge native Ivy Mix, co-owner of Brooklyn bar Whoopsie Dais…
The popular Jamaican restaurant is leaving its South Burlington location and heading to 152 Cherry Street, taking over the former Sushi Maeda space with a target opening in May. The new spot is three times larger and will feature a 20 plus seat bar area, a café style workspace, and a full service…
Spater's renovation of a 19th century synagogue in the Old North End, which wrapped up last November, turned the long vacant building into a mixed use property with a vintage clothing market upstairs and apartments below. But the project also sparked something unexpected: a whole new business. Fl…
[New food coming to Church Street Marketplace, along with craft shops](https://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/story/marketplace/real-estate/burlington/2026/04/02/church-street-marketplace-vendors-peruvian-food-african-crafts-burlington-vermont/89417726007/)
[Eye on the Scene: Experimental Music at Burlington's RIVEN](https://www.sevendaysvt.com/music/eye-on-the-scene/eye-on-the-scene-experimental-music-at-burlingtons/)
Two Vermont-connected names are heading to the James Beard Awards ceremony in Chicago on June 15. Paul Trombly of Fancy's in Burlington's Old North End is a finalist for Best Chef: Northeast, and Tunbridge native Ivy Mix, co-owner of Brooklyn bar Whoopsie Daisy, is up for Outstanding Professional…
"Human Impact: Contemporary Art and Our Environment" opened March 20 and features work from eight artists responding to climate change, land use, and ecological disruption. The show runs through June 20 and is worth a visit if you're already wandering the Pine Street arts corridor this First Frid…
The Rough Francis guitarist and Young at Heart ginger beer founder is buying the Marble Avenue record shop from longtime owner Norbert Ender, who cited burnout, staffing challenges, and years of Pine Street construction as his reasons for stepping back. Hackney's plans to turn the store into more…
More than 50 No Kings Day events are planned across Vermont for Saturday, part of a national day of action that organizers say could be the largest single-day protest in U.S. history. In Burlington, marches will depart from three locations and converge at City Hall Park for a rally. Many of the s…
Homeport signed a five year lease for a 6,000 square foot space at the Essex Experience, the former outlet mall that's been reinventing itself as a hub of locally owned shops and eateries. The new store will focus on kitchen goods and housewares, with a soft opening planned for July and a grand o…
The co-op has now been in the red for eight consecutive years, losing $1.2 million in fiscal year 2025 alone, more than double the previous year's losses. The two stores are heading in opposite directions: the South End location saw a 9 percent sales increase while downtown dropped 7 percent, pla…
The Bridges Recovery Shelter, now open in downtown Burlington, is the first of its kind in Chittenden County. Operated by CVOEO in a building owned by the Howard Center, it offers 10 to 12 beds for unhoused individuals in recovery, with on site clinicians, recovery group meetings, and peer suppor…
This ward by ward snapshot from UVM's Community News Service captures the texture of Town Meeting Day across the city. In Ward 4, voters largely backed the proposed $140.8 million school budget, which would bring per student spending to about $15,775. Ward 5 saw split opinions on permanently esta…
The Elmwood Community Shelter, better known as the Burlington pods, has served 149 guests since opening, but 99 of those left without finding permanent housing. Managers announced Wednesday that shelter in some form will likely remain a permanent fixture in the Old North End, noting the pods have…
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Vermont reported operating gains of more than $50 million in 2025 after a four year streak of losses that nearly sank the nonprofit insurer. The company had to take a $30 million loan from its Michigan affiliate in 2024 just to stay afloat, which it has since repaid. The…
Shane Corbett has opened a nostalgia driven pizza shop at 1 Market Place in Essex, modeled on the pizza joints of the late '80s and early '90s. The menu features six pies, including a hot honey with arugula, and Italian subs named after Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles characters, all served on seede…
The 135 square foot city-owned kiosk at the corner of Church and College streets needs a new tenant after Leunig's Petit Bijou decided not to renew its lease. Applications are due today (Friday, Feb. 27) at 4 PM. The new lease requires at least six hours a day, six days a week, year round, a nota…
Seven Days put together a thorough guide to Burlington's electronic music landscape, and the through line is a scene that's evolving rather than fading. Sunday Night Mass, the legendary house and techno series running since 1998, survived the closure of Club Metronome and Nectar's by moving to Hi…
The biggest local headline here is the $8 million earmarked for Hula's Ride Your Bike project, a 200 unit development that would convert an industrial parking area in Burlington's South End into mixed income housing with a focus on walkability, sustainability, and local arts. It's the first phase…
Seven Days profiled Abbey Berger-Knorr (Abbey B.K.), the 23 year old host behind the Abstract VT podcast, which features in depth conversations with Vermont creatives using chosen songs as a jumping off point. Abbey got her start at Big Heavy World, hosting the local music program Rocket Shop bef…
The popular outdoor sauna company is building an 8,000 square foot bathhouse at 208 Flynn Avenue, with construction expected to begin next month and a fall opening planned. Floor plans show multiple saunas, a steam room, warm pools, cold plunge, and lounge areas, with both day passes and membersh…
This op ed from Greater Burlington Industrial Corporation president Frank Cioffi offers a progress report on Governor Scott's downtown Burlington action plan, now past the 100 day mark. Cioffi points to a restored sense of confidence among business owners, noting that state trooper presence on Ch…
The new all day café and bar occupies the ground floor corner of Burlington Square, the building that rose from what everyone called "the Pit." With 75 plus seats, a full bar, a panini and breakfast menu, and a just launched espresso martini program, Jitters is positioning itself as downtown's ne…
[Downtown City Market Closed After Shoplifting Incident](https://www.sevendaysvt.com/food-drink/foodnews/downtown-city-market-closed-for-the-day-after-shoplifting-incident/)
[Wintervale Brings Outdoor Recreation to the Intervale](https://www.vtcng.com/stowetoday/family_fun/wintervale-brings-outdoor-recreation-to-intervale/article_2a7f77a8-2599-4c77-9864-433041f02748.html)
The Burlington women's clothing shop that closed last spring when it merged into the now shuttered Dear Lucy is coming back to 62 Church Street this April under new ownership. Stanley, 27, who managed Whim from 2018 to 2021, is closing her children's clothing shop Olive & Ollie to relaunch the br…
The spot at 36 Thorsen Way, tucked behind the Church Street Marketplace, is back in business as Thai in the Alley, replacing BKK in the Alley which closed last fall. Henson, who also owns Stowe Thai Cuisine, teamed up with chef Tokyo Asissara, whose menu spans regions of Thailand and includes cre…
The collaboration between Burlington City Arts and the Church Street Marketplace District Commission has been running since December and continues through February 23. The centerpiece right now is "Dwell Time," a rotating video projection by Burlington design studio Vanish Works on the former Cit…
Chef and owner Celine Eid opened La Di Da at 294 North Winooski Avenue last September in the former Despacito space, and it's quickly become a go to spot in the Old North End. Slices run $3.50 to $5.50 and whole 18 inch pies go for $26 to $36, with standouts like the chimichurri and the spicy Gem…
Longtime downtown barista Cole Thornton is heading back behind the espresso machine. After a decade at the Cosmic Grind on Church Street, Thornton and business partner Dante Seguino are opening Café Napoli at 163 Cherry Street, the cozy space that previously housed cannabis dispensary Lucky You a…
Shawn Burke took over as interim chief a year ago when morale was low, crime was elevated, and the court backlog was deep. His approach has centered on visibility: shifting resources toward higher profile patrols on Church Street and around City Hall Park. But Burke is dealing with a department a…
The big story here is the South End Coordinated Redevelopment project, which just got an $8 million boost from State Treasurer Pieciak's housing investment program. The first phase alone is a $100 million undertaking: two six story buildings with nearly 200 units on what's currently a parking lot…
Seven Days' latest restaurant feature highlights three local spots worth booking for date night, Valentine's or otherwise. Salt & Bubbles in Essex has quietly leveled up under executive chef Jordan Atwood and beverage director Logan Patnaude, turning out dishes like a caramelized cabbage plate wi…
Selectboard member Chunka Mui hosted a two-hour presentation last week to explain what Experience Shelburne, a new nonprofit, actually is. The short answer: a downtown organization that partners with the town on grants, financial analysis, and branding, and also happens to be a requirement for Ve…
Dan Chiasson's nearly 600 page unauthorized biography drops tomorrow and traces Sanders' arc from Brooklyn transplant to Burlington's transformative mayor. Chiasson, a Wellesley College English professor who grew up on Colchester Avenue, draws on hours of interviews with Sanders' longtime associa…
VTDigger's sweeping retrospective tracks the Trump administration's impact across nearly every dimension of Vermont life over the past year. The numbers are sobering: $211 million in projected Medicaid losses by 2032, doubled ACA marketplace premiums, a temporary $26 million education funding fre…
Aaliyah Johnson pleaded guilty to second degree murder Thursday in the August 2024 shooting death of Teville Williams outside Red Square on Church Street. The 13.5 year sentence falls between the defense's request of eight years and the typical 20 to life. The case, which stemmed from a dispute o…
David Melincoff, who owned the downtown fixture for half of its 41 year run, is working with investors and former executive chef Jessee Lawyer to reopen the 120 Church Street restaurant by late April. Sweetwaters closed in 2022 to make way for Pascolo Ristorante, which recently moved back to its …
The three-pronged strategy aims to put Burlington on track to create 7,000 housing units by 2050. It includes modernizing the city's inclusionary zoning ordinance and housing trust fund, helping residents and small developers actually use the Neighborhood Code to build infill housing, and leverag…
Drink, the cocktail bar on Saint Paul Street across from City Hall Park, announced its closure Thursday evening. The spot was known for live music, comedy nights, and trivia. Originally founded in 1999 as Wine Works, it had rebranded several times over the years. Still, quite impressive being the…
[Vigil Calls for Support for Unhoused People Ahead of Frigid Temperatures](https://www.wcax.com/2026/01/22/vigil-calls-support-unhoused-people-ahead-frigid-temperatures/)
The mayor's new housing strategy focuses on modernizing zoning ordinances, strengthening housing trust funds, and pressuring owners of vacant or rundown properties to act. A dedicated city team is now tracking underutilized buildings and pushing for redevelopment plans. The city is also looking a…
Hundreds gathered at Burlington City Hall Thursday evening before marching up Church Street to the federal courthouse, joining nationwide demonstrations over the fatal shooting of 37 year old Renee Good, a U.S. citizen and mother of three, by an ICE agent in Minneapolis. Federal officials called …
Americans awoke Saturday to news that U.S. troops had captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife in an overnight operation dubbed "Absolute Resolve." President Trump announced the U.S. will now "run" Venezuela. Vermont's entire Congressional delegation swiftly condemned the action,…
The Old North End Community Center opened its doors on New Year's Eve for residents to contribute squares to a collaborative quilt inspired by the Robert Frost poem. Attendees shared a meal while crafting their pieces, with plans to display the finished work at Burlington City Hall or the communi…
After months of distributing free food on Church Street following changes to SNAP benefits in November, Howley has partnered with King Street Laundry to expand her community support program. The laundromat already runs a free laundry day from 1 to 3 PM every Wednesday, and now free lunches will b…
The Queen City rang in 2026 with the Red Hot Chilly Dippers taking their annual plunge into 35 degree water, while families gathered at the waterfront and ECHO's Highlight celebration brought circus performers and a candy dance party before fireworks capped the evening. If you missed it, the vide…
That's Paddy Donnelly of Bern Gallery, describing a summer where sidewalk closures and construction barriers made customers think Church Street simply ended. The good news: with construction halted and snow bringing folks downtown, Main Street businesses are feeling the love again. Pearl, North S…
Burlington punched well above its weight in this year's roundup. Wilder Wines on College Street earned a nod for its lambrusco spritz (the lower alcohol summer sipper with Castelvetrano olives over pebble ice), while La Reprise on Pine Street drew praise for its perfectly executed pastas and that…
Burlington's new Partizanfilm theater on Church Street had a merry Christmas indeed, with sold out screenings of Marty Supreme packing its two room venue. The small arthouse cinema, which opened earlier this year, is carving out its niche as the Roxy's spiritual successor for moviegoers who want …
The University Mall in South Burlington and Church Street in Burlington were both packed this weekend as last minute shoppers realized online delivery windows had closed. Local vendors reported one of their busiest weekends of the year, and several shoppers expressed pleasant surprise at seeing t…
The Scale (poke bowls), Bliss Bee (healthy fast food), and soon Folino's pizza and Bijou Blu spa are all setting up shop on Market Street. Nearly 56,000 square feet of commercial space has been added to the densest parts of City Center in the last decade. New zoning amendments extend requirements…
Marlene Tromp arrived in July from Boise State, where she weathered years of political battles over DEI programs with Idaho's Republican legislature. The contrast with predecessor Suresh Garimella, who was seen as distant and inaccessible, has been stark. Tromp has been on a charm offensive, meet…
Nearly 30,000 Vermonters who buy insurance through Vermont Health Connect benefit from federal subsidies that Congress failed to extend Thursday. Without action, premiums could double or triple for some families. State lawmakers may try to fill the gap through Vermont's premium assistance program…
The Cynic's Kennedy Connors sat down with Mayor Mulvaney-Stanak as she approaches the midpoint of her three year term, and she pointed to rebuilding the police department as one of her key achievements. When she took office in 2024, crime was up 23% and the department was operating with 50% fewer…
Owner Laura Vilalta's statement comes after workers at the Church Street location walked out Saturday, protesting what they call unfair labor practices. Workers say the closure, set for the end of December, conveniently comes right before they're due to receive their annual raise and after nine m…
Starting Wednesday, the café at City Market's South Winooski Avenue location will shutter for the winter, the second year in a row safety concerns have forced the closure. The public restroom will also close, partly for a plumbing upgrade. When the café reopened last winter after a January closur…
Residents of Queen City Park are fuming after the city replaced yield signs with stop signs on both approaches to the one lane bridge over the train tracks on Queen City Park Road. The change came after Champlain Parkway construction closed part of Pine Street and pushed an extra 1,200 vehicles p…
The former Paradiso Hi-Fi space on Pine Street has reopened as Doma Bar, a cocktails and vinyl lounge with a more relaxed vibe than its predecessor. Owner Sadie Williams kept the high fidelity sound system and several hundred albums but added a sparkly disco ball and dialed back the serious liste…
Interim Chief Shawn Burke, now seven months into the job after his surprise return from South Burlington, sat down to discuss the department's progress and ongoing challenges. While increased patrols in City Hall Park have pushed some activity to other areas including Battery Park, Vermont State …
Downtown Burlington's safety metrics are showing meaningful improvement, with violent crime trending downward and gunfire incidents dropping significantly from their 2022 peak, according to interim Police Chief Shawn Burke's October report to the Police Commission. The city's innovative Situation…
Vermont's homelessness rates have increased 200% since 2020, with the state now holding the nation's fourth-highest per capita rate of unhoused individuals. The crisis intensified after Governor Scott vetoed a bill extending the hotel-motel voucher program, leading to hundreds of evictions earlie…
Vermont's winter calendar bursts with activities from Shelburne Museum's Winter Lights installation running through January 4, featuring circus performances every Saturday, to the Grand Kyiv Ballet's Nutcracker at Lyndon Institute December 10-11. Middlebury College hosts the Isaiah J. Thompson Tr…
The City Charter Change Committee paused Monday on Mayor Mulvaney-Stanak's proposal for a $50,000 homestead property value exemption that would shift tax burden to commercial properties and homes valued above $800,000, which would see bills rise 4-6%. Burlington Business Association's Kelly Devin…
Troopers can sign up for voluntary overtime shifts Monday through Sunday from noon to 4 PM or 4 PM to 8 PM, working alongside Burlington police to free up city officers for other calls. This is one of 14 points in Governor Phil Scott's short-term action plan for the city. Local businesses welcome…
The 11-foot-tall archway features dried flowers preserved in sunset-colored resin inspired by Lake Champlain's sky, with community flowers and items collected over a month embedded within. Burlington City Arts selected Kern's vision from 165 submissions for its accessibility and complexity, with …
At Majestic, new chef Micah Tavelli (2024 James Beard semifinalist) has brought more formally plated entrées despite owner Sam Tolstoi's initial "no tweezers" decree, with standouts including lobster spaghetti and brandy-peppercorn pork loin. Mr. Creemee opened its sherbet-colored Pine Street par…
The new "accountability court" targets 110 people with five or more pending cases who Burlington Police say account for 842 downtown incidents among just 20 individuals. Special prosecutor Zach Weight and retired Judge Martin Maley oversee the docket, part of Governor Scott's public safety push t…
George met with Governor Scott about the backlog crisis, ultimately agreeing to add prosecutor Zack Weight who's "immediately started taking folks with 5 or more dockets that are really the folks in the community that people are most upset about." Burlington Police resolved August's Church Street…
COTS will open a 56-bed shelter at 58 Pearl Street in early November, expanding from their current 36-bed Church Street location after raising $2 million mostly from private donations. The transformed former Social Security office features dorm-style bunk rooms, storage lockers, a dine-in kitchen…
The Pride Center's departure from downtown Burlington comes amid a funding shortfall that forced the organization to pause most services earlier this month. The space had seen declining in-person use in recent years while carrying high overhead costs, prompting a planned move that the financial c…
This video created by Eva Sollberger of the Seven Days was awesome to watch because it felt like I was there experiencing it, click the link to check it out! Since May, BTV Clean Up Crew has logged more than 400 hours with nearly 100 volunteers tackling the pervasive trash and syringe problem dow…
After eight months of takeout only service, chef Elliot Sion and co owner Becca Christie opened their 25 seat Middle Eastern restaurant for dine in service. The renovated space at 260 North Street features counter service, a full bar with cocktails and two large TV screens, with the core menu of …
Citizen Cider's Press House Pub finally opened Saturday at 180 Flynn Avenue after permitting delays pushed the reopening back several months from its targeted June date following April's Pine Street closure. The new location consolidates operations under one roof and features an indoor food truck…
WalletHub's analysis ranks South Burlington 10th nationally for Hispanic entrepreneurs, with the city earning second place for Hispanic purchasing power. While neighboring Burlington landed at a dismal 146th, South Burlington's recent infrastructure investments and welcoming business climate attr…
Burlington's first overdose prevention center faces mounting opposition despite securing $2.2 million in state opioid settlement funds, with the Ward 3 Neighborhood Planning Assembly passing a resolution "vigorously opposing" a downtown location while supporting the concept at a medical facility …
Police Chief Shawn Burke's data shows a spike in downtown drug-related incidents, while Mayor Mulvaney-Stanak reported productive meetings with Governor Scott about state partnership opportunities. The mayor announced three key administration departures by mid-October, including the Senior Adviso…
With police recording only 12 graffiti complaints this year compared to 160 in 2020 (though interim Chief Burke calls it "grossly underreported"), Burlington lacks comprehensive graffiti abatement despite campaign promises. Building Burlington's Future plans to launch volunteer cleanup efforts in…
Vermont's homelessness has increased 200% since 2020, making it the nation's fourth highest per capita. City Hall Park residents report increased "no trespassing" signs and police scrutiny following August's council resolution enforcing overnight camping bans and curfews, while advocates stress t…
After his head chef decided to retire and Fong couldn't find a qualified replacement, he made the difficult decision to close the seven-year-old restaurant. The closure marks the end of nearly four decades of Fong family Chinese restaurants in Chittenden County, from the original Mandarin on Chur…
Friday evening's chaos started when Jaffe-Suggs allegedly blocked a fire truck, spat on a firefighter, then led police on a wild chase that included driving down the pedestrian-only Church Street while it was busy with people. Officers deployed tire deflation devices but he continued onto I-89 be…
The vandalized mural was designed by a local artist and commissioned by the building owner and parents from Edmund's School. Surveillance images show what appears to be "SALO 1" tagged on the artwork. Burlington Police are asking anyone with information to call 802-540-2321. The timing is particu…
While Burlington deals with vandalized murals, Brattleboro just hosted a $12,000 "Graffiti Jam" that brought 15 professional aerosol artists from as far as Slovakia to transform downtown buildings. Organizer Will Kasso Condry, winner of multiple Vermont arts awards, distinguishes between unauthor…
The Gryphon's September closure wasn't just about downtown construction woes, though owner Tom Chadwick blamed Burlington's "dystopian cesspool" for killing his business. Court records reveal Chadwick owes nearly $10 million in restitution for mishandling elderly clients' investments, including a…
Former Planned Parenthood organizer Sam Donnelly has launched Building Burlington's Future, a new nonprofit aimed at grassroots advocacy and policy change. The group's already supporting needle cleanup efforts downtown and backing City Council resolutions to improve City Hall Park. With Burlingto…
Eight student artists aged 16 to 22 created an 8-by-20-foot mural outside BCA Studios that tells the centuries-spanning story of Burlington's industrial Barge Canal, from pre-colonial wilderness through timber boom to toxic Superfund site. Working with Juniper Creative Arts muralists, the student…
The first phase of Burlington Square (formerly "the pit") is finally open with a 161-room AC Hotel, 53 apartments, a restaurant and cafe. Apartment rents range from $1,650 for a studio to $6,800 for a top floor two-bedroom. The developers are seeking an extension on their requirement to include a…
The Richard Kemp Center in Burlington's Old North End is getting a new mural from Juniper Creative Arts to cover years of graffiti. The Building Blocks project is also painting 266 Main Street this weekend (Saturday 10am-4pm) with community participation welcome. City officials see progress in ta…
Main Street businesses have shifted operations dramatically during construction, with Honey Road unable to set up outdoor seating and Burlington Wine Shop pivoting to email marketing as foot traffic plummeted. The irony of newly widened sidewalks appearing just as The Gryphon announced its closur…
Comedy Central's "The Daily Show" featured Burlington this week in a five minute segment examining the city's efforts to woo Canadian tourists back after pandemic disruptions. Correspondent Jordan Klepper visited during the Vermont Brewers Festival, interviewing local business leaders about initi…
Governor Phil Scott announced his administration will present recommendations to Burlington leaders in coming weeks to address what he termed a crisis of homelessness and public drug use. The governor met with Burlington business owners Tuesday and plans additional meetings with residents and aca…
Burlington Square, the long delayed redevelopment of the former downtown mall site, will partially open next month with luxury apartments and hotel rooms commanding top dollar prices. The AC Marriott opens September 18, with apartments following October 1, featuring rents from $1,950 monthly for …
Eric Kelley of Williston Coffee Shop has purchased Nomad Coffee on Flynn Avenue, bringing stability to a beloved South End spot that faced uncertainty after baker-owner Chris Johnson's unexpected death in March. Kelley's team has already been supplying pastries to keep Nomad running, and he plans…
Burlington's famously permissive stance on public nudity appears headed for extinction after a committee unanimously approved a ban Friday, with fines ranging from $100 for first offenses to $500 for third violations. The ordinance, which still needs full council approval, responds to mounting co…
Burlington's new police contract significantly boosts compensation and benefits in an aggressive bid to rebuild a department where 75% of officers rated morale as "poor" or "terrible" in a recent survey. The agreement increases base salaries to a range of $88,400 to $114,979, adds retention bonus…
The Gryphon's weekend closure announcement adds another name to Burlington's growing list of shuttered businesses, following Nectar's recent bombshell closure after nearly 50 years just up the street. Both establishments cited similar struggles with public safety concerns and construction-related…
New York native Celine Eid will bring authentic NYC-style pizza to 294 North Winooski Avenue in mid-September, taking over the former Despacito space with seasonal pies featuring locally sourced toppings. After running a successful weekly pizza pop-up in New York City through 2023 and 2024 where …
A 16-year-old South Burlington youth's case has been temporarily moved to family court after he and co-defendant Isaiah Argro were charged with second-degree murder in the August 11 beating death of Scott Kastner, who suffered at least 21 blows to the head in under two minutes. Video evidence sho…
The Old North End sandwich shop at 88 Oak Street scored $50,000 from American Express and the National Trust for Historic Preservation to renovate its century-old former corner market building. Owner Abby Portman, who opened Poppy in November 2020 as part of the Oak Street Cooperative that purcha…
The father of four was beaten in broad daylight around 1:30pm by three youths believed to be 14 to 16 years old, one of whom displayed a gun during the assault. Officers on Church Street foot patrol intervened and caught the suspects, but Kastner died days later from his injuries. Two more suspec…
In a rare bipartisan move, councilors voted 9-2 to demand greater police presence and overnight clearing of City Hall Park, where drug dealing occurs openly and homeless residents regularly camp despite ordinances prohibiting both. The resolution comes after the recent fatal beating and ongoing c…
Sunday afternoon's discovery of explosive devices at 90 Pearl Street forced an hours-long evacuation and street closure between South Winooski and Battery. Police connected the devices to Justin Perkins, a 40-year-old resident already jailed for allegedly bringing a homemade pipe bomb to his Colc…
Following recent assaults including an August 11 attack that left a man dead and an August 17 shooting incident, Council President Ben Traverse will introduce a resolution tonight calling for police presence during all park hours, enforcement of the 10 PM to 7 AM closure, and aggressive action ag…
Thursday's move-in day brought fresh energy to the UVM campus as first-year students hauled their belongings into dorms. Despite nationwide uncertainty around DEI debates and federal funding challenges, President Marlene Tromp struck an optimistic tone about the university's adaptability. Interes…
Pizzeria Verita owner Leslie Wells reports sales down 30% from last year during Tuesday's virtual town hall with Mayor Mulvaney-Stanak. Business owners attribute the slump to multiple factors: fewer Canadian visitors, downtown construction, and public safety concerns including open drug use. Iron…
Governor Phil Scott responded to Burlington's cry for help, though tensions are evident between state and city leadership. WCAX's data analysis shows Burlington's retail, restaurant and bar tax revenues have been declining when adjusted for inflation, suggesting the Queen City is losing business …
The People's Kitchen has joined Food Not Cops in providing free meals at City Hall Park, now serving hot dinners three nights a week. Organizer FaReid Munarsyah launched the effort after 150 businesses complained about Food Not Cops' impact on downtown. Recent Tuesday dinners have served 120 to 1…
[CVS Manager Wins National Recognition](https://patch.com/vermont/burlington-vt/burlington-store-manager-receives-prestigious-cvs-health-company-recognition) Church Street CVS manager Kevin Richer earned a 2025 National Paragon Award for community impact and business savvy. His pre-eclipse mercha…
The Great Streets BTV project has hammered downtown businesses with months of orange cones and construction noise, prompting hundreds of merchants to plead for relief. The city's compromise opens Main Street to traffic after 5:30pm on weekdays and all weekend through Thanksgiving, though you stil…
Every Thursday morning at 7:30 AM, the BTV Clean Up Crew meets at the top of Church Street to pick up trash and needles around downtown. Started by Kason Hudman of the Peace & Justice Center, the volunteer effort draws anywhere from five to 60 people weekly, armed with trash pickers, gloves, and …
The Connecticut-based tavern-style pizza chain lasted less than eight months at 83 Church Street, closing Sunday after opening with fanfare in late January. The 5,000-square-foot space that once housed Pascolo Ristorante now sits empty again, another casualty in Church Street's ongoing retail shu…
Drivers take note: the Maple and Pine intersection will be completely shut down 24/7 this week for traffic signal installation as part of the Champlain Parkway project. Pine Street access will be limited to local traffic only, with sections accessible from either north or south depending on your …
After 14 years building her Mexican restaurant empire from lower Church Street to Essex Junction, Tree Bertram passed the torch to employee Javier Zirko on July 1. While Bertram heads into semi-retirement and more pickleball, Zirko is spicing things up with a "Gato 2.0" menu featuring more authen…
Burlington's iconic music venue Nectar's has played its final set after nearly 50 years of hosting local bands and touring acts. The Main Street club that helped launch Phish in the mid-1980s couldn't overcome the challenges of downtown construction, changing nightlife patterns, and ultimately, f…
Seven Days celebrates its 30th anniversary with a zodiac-themed readers' choice awards recognizing 241 winners and 946 finalists across Vermont. From favorite folk bands to creemee stands, the Daysies highlight what makes the Green Mountain State special at a time when downtowns are struggling an…
Burlington City Arts' Festival of Fools will happen after all this weekend, though scaled down to a two-day block party after funding cuts initially forced its cancellation. The grassroots rescue effort began when Café HOT. owners Travis and Allan Walker-Hodkin rallied fellow business owners to d…
Comedy Central's Jordan Klepper hit Burlington over the weekend to film a segment about U.S. Canada relations, interviewing locals at the Vermont Brewers Festival and along the newly christened "Rue Canada" (formerly Church Street). The correspondent's visit was sparked by Burlington's efforts to…
Burlington Square's south tower opens in August, finally transforming the former mall site downtown after years as an eyesore nicknamed "the Pit." The $300 million two tower project features Vermont's first AC Hotel by Marriott occupying floors 2-7 with 161 rooms, while floors 8-11 house 53 apart…
Mark your calendars for Saturday, July 26, when OGE throws what's essentially Burlington's biggest block party of the summer. Running from 11 AM to 10 PM, the celebration kicks off with a staff band at 12:30 PM followed by local musicians throughout the day. The real genius here is their raffle s…
This symbolic renaming highlights the very real economic anxieties tied to our relationship with Canada. With data showing a 30 to 40 percent drop in border crossings and spending from our northern neighbors, city and state officials are trying to send a clear message that Vermont remains a welco…
This is a straightforward but important public service update as the heat advisory continues. The availability of places like the Fletcher Free Library, COTS Day Station, and the Old North End Senior Center as cooling centers highlights the city's response to extreme weather. More importantly, it…
If you've tried driving through Winooski lately, you know the Main Street project is a major undertaking. For the small businesses in the Onion City, it's been devastating, with some reporting revenue drops as high as 75%. In response, the city is urging residents to buy gift cards directly from …
If you're looking for a dose of nostalgia, the Vintage Inspired Marketplace on Dorset Street is delivering. After a decade tucked away in Burlington's South End, the multi-vendor market moved to a highly visible South Burlington location and is thriving. With over 50 vendors packing the 4,500 squ…
The situation with the Food Not Cops meal service remains complicated. After pressure from businesses, the group relocated from the downtown garage but their new, self selected spot in City Hall Park was chosen without city input. This unilateral move has frustrated the Burlington Business Associ…
This is welcome news for many in the Old North End and beyond who rely on these crucial services. The temporary move to Winooski, while necessary for renovations, added a layer of difficulty for those with limited transportation. Its return to the North Winooski Avenue space on July 15 marks a re…
This is a pretty big deal for Winooski and for Vermont's reputation as a leader in green initiatives. Combining a hotel, housing, and parking, the Sugar House project is a major development for the Onion City's downtown. Landing Marriott's first ever net zero hotel is a major feather in the cap, …
This is a classic Burlington story of collaboration over competition. With Nectar’s temporarily closed, both The Skinny Pancake (hosting free Friday shows) and Einstein’s (hosting Tuesday shows) independently moved to save the weekly Dead tribute nights. Their decision to coordinate efforts ensur…
The city is spending an extra $600,000 to offer a reprieve to businesses, but it comes at the cost of extending the Great Streets project’s overall timeline. It’s a classic Burlington compromise, attempting to balance immediate economic relief against the long term pain of construction. The move …
In a heartening story of grassroots action, a group of five residents is bringing cinema back to downtown. By choosing a nonprofit, member-operated model, Partizanfilm is not only filling the void left by the Roxy; but also testing a more community-centric approach to keeping cultural venues aliv…
Responding to a letter from over 100 downtown businesses, the council is exploring a public nudity ordinance. The proposal now heads to a committee, which will have to sort out the details, such as potential exceptions for events like UVM’s traditional naked bike ride. This is a delicate balancin…
When institutional funding fell through, local businesses stepped in to save a beloved summer tradition. Spearheaded by the brothers who own Cafe HOT., the effort has resurrected the event as the "Fools Block Party" for August 1 and 2. It’s a testament to the business community's commitment to pr…
With heat index values soaring past 100 degrees, the city and local organizations have established several cooling centers to provide relief. These locations offer a vital service, especially for vulnerable residents without access to air conditioning. It’s a practical reminder of the public heal…
In a unanimous and rather theatrical City Council vote, complete with miniature flag waving, Church Street will be known as "Rue Canada" through Labor Day. This is a pointedly friendly gesture towards our northern neighbors, aiming to counteract the chilling effect of political tensions on touris…
The Grow Prenatal & Family Center and The Pinery are teaming up to make the South End a little more welcoming for new parents. Their "On the Door Radio" series offers a family friendly space every Thursday evening for parents to socialize while local DJs spin daytime sets. It’s a simple but smart…
Eight years after its ambitious $20 million South End expansion, City Market is facing some financial headwinds. The member owned co-op hasn't seen the sales growth it projected and is currently operating at a loss, meaning no profit sharing for its members. This is a sobering reality check for t…
Drivers in the South End are navigating another round of closures this week as work on the Champlain Parkway continues. The intersection of King and Pine is currently temp closed, with more construction affecting Maple, Kilburn, and Howard streets. It's a tangible, if inconvenient, sign of progre…
A resolution before the City Council tonight proposes a symbolic designation of Church Street as "Canada Street." Proponents see it as a simple, welcoming gesture to encourage Canadian tourism, a vital part of the downtown economy. The discussion highlights the ongoing effort to find creative way…
This piece from VTDigger highlights the journey of Burlington Beer Company founder Joe Lemnah. It tells a familiar Vermont story of passion turned into a successful enterprise, but also sheds light on the crucial role of financing organizations like the Vermont Economic Development Authority (VED…
Hundreds of Burlington residents gathered in City Hall Park this week, joining nationwide protests against recent ICE activities. The demonstration highlighted a growing local frustration over the detention of migrant workers in Vermont, connecting the state's issues to a larger national picture.…
The long-running battle over short-term rentals in Burlington is far from over. A recent Supreme Court ruling essentially sent a group of Airbnb hosts back to Environmental Court to continue their challenge against the city's restrictive ordinance. This procedural move underscores the legal compl…
Just when you thought the downtown construction was headache enough, one of Church Street's favorite restaurants, Honey Road, had to shut down because of a burst pipe. They're hoping to reopen by Friday, which is welcome news. The article also touches on the resilience of Nomad Coffee in the Sout…
It’s that time of year again when you can’t walk a block downtown without hearing a saxophone. The festival couldn't come at a better time for downtown businesses feeling the pinch from construction and other concerns. As festival curator Anthony Tidd notes, a majority of the shows are free, maki…
The Mayor is moving forward with her "ModernGov" initiative, merging the city’s economic development office (CEDO) with business and workforce development, including the Church Street Marketplace. This move aims to create a more unified strategy for tackling Burlington's big challenges like the h…
The upstairs bar on Church Street has carved out a new, more intimate space for those craving something beyond a beer. By converting a pool room into a cozy lounge with creative drinks like a Froot Loops cereal milk punch, Fizzicks is adding a new flavor to the downtown scene. It's a nice evoluti…
It's a mixed bag of news for the local food scene. The highly anticipated reopening of Philo Ridge Farm's restaurant and market is set for June and July, a big win for fans of their farm to table dining. However, we've also seen the closure of several spots, including Café St. Paul, Sushi Maeda, …
Tonight’s City Council meeting at 6 PM (as this newsletter releases) will see Mayor Mulvaney-Stanak lay out her proposed 2026 budget. The administration is grappling with a significant $8 million shortfall, leading to some tough decisions including job cuts and the proposed end of adult programmi…
The discussion around downtown vibrancy and safety has taken a contentious turn. Following a letter from business owners expressing concerns and a subsequent City Council resolution to relocate the Food Not Bombs free lunch program, fraudulent letters misrepresenting business owners' views began …
A familiar face is poised to take the helm of the Church Street Marketplace. Mayor Mulvaney-Stanak has announced Samantha McGinnis as her nominee for the Director role. McGinnis, currently the Assistant Director of Downtown Projects & Programs, brings significant experience in organizing many of …
Last week we reported on how just a few weeks after rebranding from its longtime identity as ArtsRiot, The District VT on Pine Street had abruptly closed. This article provides a bit more background on the venue's recent turbulent history, including multiple ownership changes and operational chal…
A collective sigh of relief might be heard from the Old North End as the beloved Shopping Bag, a cornerstone for 50 years under the Clayton family and home to the legendary Sizzler burger, has new proprietors. Brothers Yogeshkumar and Jigar Patel have taken the reins, and while some cosmetic upgr…
This news will surely hit the South End arts. ArtsRiot, and its successor The District VT, carved out a unique space for live music, events, and food over the years. Its closure marks the end of an era for many local artists and patrons, leaving a palpable void in Burlington's cultural fabric and…
The debate over the Food Not Cops meal service, particularly its presence near the Marketplace Garage, has a new development with the Mayor asking the City Council to reconsider a resolution to move the program. This situation brings familiar Burlington tensions to the forefront: how to support d…
It's always a shame to see a local spot close its doors, especially one like Despacito that brought a unique vegan, Puerto Rican influenced menu to the Old North End. This news highlights the challenging environment for restaurants but also signals an opportunity for a new culinary concept to tak…
While this particular quote harks back to last year's triumph, it perfectly captures the spirit of what makes Plex a recurring gem. The festival, now in its third year and happening tomorrow, continues to champion emerging and experimental artists who might not find a home in traditional gallerie…
The contentious City Council decision mandating the meal program relocate from the downtown parking garage by July 14 vividly exposed the deep divisions within the community. While over 100 businesses cited negative impacts and safety issues, program organizers and supporters emphasized they are …
In response to recent calls for boycotts after the decision to move the downtown meal program, some residents organized a "passeggiata" this past Wednesday. The idea was a gentle show of support for downtown businesses by encouraging people to shop and dine locally. While turnout was reportedly l…
This resolution addresses some pressing concerns, especially with local leaders noting a 10% drop in municipal revenue over the past year. It is not just talk; the proposal sets some firm deadlines for action. For instance, the Department of Public Works has a June 15th target to figure out costs…
This is a significant leadership change for a key city department, especially as it coincides with a planned merger between CEDO and Business & Workforce Development aimed at addressing the city's budget gap. Alnasrawi, currently leading the Church Street Marketplace and Business & Workforce Deve…
A significant coalition of downtown businesses has voiced serious concerns to city leadership, outlining a 10 point call to action. The letter highlights impacts on foot traffic and safety, urging measures from increased police presence to relocating a pop up soup kitchen and even addressing publ…
The city is navigating some challenging financial waters, leading to the difficult decision of workforce reductions intended to address an $8 million budget gap. Mayor Mulvaney Stanak emphasized that these measures followed careful assessment, aiming to maintain core services despite what she des…
The green light for an overdose prevention center is a significant step, but the conversation is now shifting to its location. Advocates stress the need for a downtown presence to be effective, while some neighborhood groups express concerns and suggest placement near medical facilities. This wil…
This news about Nectar's, a true Burlington institution, is definitely a shocker. Citing the Main Street construction and a quieter downtown, the team hopes this is just a summer break. We will all be watching to see if this cornerstone of our music scene makes its return. In the meantime, take t…
It is good to see some proactive measures against the graffiti that has become more noticeable downtown. Arts So Wonderful is stepping up to organize a cleanup, focusing on some of those prominent vacant buildings. Community efforts like these can make a visible difference. Hopefully you can part…
Craft aficionados: bulk up on batting and bobbins now. No word yet on who’ll fill the retail void, though independent shops in downtown Burlington may see a welcome bump.
When a 30-year tradition meets Burlington’s construction maze, it becomes less about convenience and more about commitment. The Bike Swap has always been part garage sale, part block party—this year, showing up says as much about supporting downtown as it does about scoring a used Cannondale.
Burlington’s activism showed up loud and clear, as Pine Street became the latest stage for national policy pushback. While DC debates budgets, locals reminded everyone that Vermont doesn’t stay quiet when safety nets are on the chopping block.
Hula’s Russ Scully is banking on state‑backed infrastructure dollars; without them, that vast Lakeside Avenue parking lot stays exactly that. Lawmakers will have to decide whether the new ‘CHIP’ financing tool is worth the risk or if Burlington’s biggest housing vision stalls in committee.
City Council’s unanimous vote gives Higher Ground room to build the bigger stage it wants closer to downtown. Parking headaches remain unsolved, but music fans may soon swap Williston Road trips for Pine Street strolls.
A quiet effort to bring people back to Main Street. If you’ve been avoiding downtown during the week, this might be the nudge that gets you there. After all, who doesn’t like walking off lunch on a brick-paved street lined with shop windows and the occasional neighbor passing by?
Operation Clean Sweep returns next week. If you park on the street overnight, make sure you know your zone or risk a tow. Downtown residents can use city garages for free on their assigned sweep night.
Church‑Street old‑timers still miss the shop’s downtown charm, but the new South Burlington digs—and its recycled‑paper GaiaTone fingerboards—are apparently impressing buyers around the globe. Not bad for a business that started restringing student rentals.
Your morning coffee run might come with a side of flaggers and frustration as Champlain Parkway construction ramps back up. Work is active weekdays from 7 to 7, and Pine Street is a patchwork of cones, crews, and shifting lanes—especially between Kilburn and Main. The south end is now permanently…
Longtime patrons can still pop into the Pine Street taproom through late April before it goes dark for a couple of months. The new home near Switchback and Burlington Beer Co. should make quite the craft-beverage hotspot when it reopens. Consider this a sign that Burlington’s South End really is …
In typical Burlington fashion, folks are banding together to support science. Organizers say they hope these marches light a fire under local leadership to keep research afloat in Vermont.
Longtime patrons hope that these hurdles can be cleared soon. Until then, the downtown spot that once buzzed with late-night slices is dark while owners work toward compliance.
Although remote work empties some local offices—and hits downtown eateries—leaders say it also helps fill state job openings. If you’re missing that midday café bustle, new housing conversions might be on the horizon for vacant office space.
It’s still a big parking lot today, but maybe not forever. Keep an eye on Lakeside Avenue—2026 might bring fresh housing, jobs, and a new vibe to the South End.
Expect a piping-hot array of Turkish flatbreads, chicken doner wraps, and other street-food favorites. If you need a reason to stroll Church Street when the weather’s brisk, this might be it.
Help shape the updated Open Space Plan. Should we plant more trees in the Old North End? Add new public trails or small parks? Let the city know by filling out their survey.
One of the area’s favorite music venues might set up shop near Burlington City Arts. The move hinges on a zoning tweak, but fans are hoping it all works out.
Hey, if we can transform empty cubicles into cozy apartments, that might just help with Vermont’s perennial housing crunch; and turn ghostly hallways into vibrant new neighborhoods.
If the thought of your W-2 gives you heart palpitations, Vermont Law’s got your back. Expect them to handle the complicated stuff while you daydream about springtime on Church Street.
The scoreboard might have been tighter than downtown parking, but a win’s a win. Now if only we could break our mid-winter losing streak against lingering ice.