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Higher Ground -- South Burlington, Vermont
My concert going days (and my "clubbing" days, for that matter) hit their zenith in the mid-90's, but I do get out from time-to-time and catch a show...
Higher Ground -- South Burlington, Vermont
My concert going days (and my "clubbing" days, for that matter) hit their zenith in the mid-90's, but I do get out from time-to-time and catch a show locally and the new Higher Ground in South Burlington is a great place to see live music. If you didn't know it was a converted four-screen movie theater you wouldn't know it. I've seen two shows there (Sleater-Kinney and Clap Your Hands Say Yeah) and although the girls bested the boys in performance it was a great small venue to see national acts. I was told when I bought my CYHSY tickets at the box office that it holds 1500. The CYHSY show sold out, but even so, I didn't feel like I was packed in tight like a sardine and I was about ten feet from the stage. Given Vermont's laid-back attitude and the coziness of Higher Ground, don't be surprised if you see the band members milling around on the floor before the show (Corin Tucker brushed past me -- I'll never wash my eyes again!) which is pretty cool. There certainly are national acts that play Higher Ground on their way to bigger audiences in Boston or Montreal, but it also offers smaller local or regional acts a chance to play in front of a big crowd of devoted and enthusiastic music heads.
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G T Bagel Factory -- South Burlington, Vermont
Until I moved to Essex Junction and started frequenting Bagel Market on Susie Wilson Road (see my review), the G T Bagel Factory was my go-to bagel...
G T Bagel Factory -- South Burlington, Vermont
Until I moved to Essex Junction and started frequenting Bagel Market on Susie Wilson Road (see my review), the G T Bagel Factory was my go-to bagel shop in town. A great selection of bagels from plain to chocolate chip to asiago to mexican. G T isn't the easiest place to find tucked between two gas stations off Williston Road, but if you can get through the maze around White Street in South Burlington you'll be glad you did. G T offers eat-in or take-away, I won't say that the shop itself offers much in the way of ambiance. It's nothing like what you would find at a coffee house, it's more utilitarian -- comfortable, not accommodating for a business meeting, but fine to meet a friend for a bagel and coffee. Two bagels with plain cream cheese will cost you less than $5. They also make bagel sandwiches of all kinds and offer several varieties of flavored cream cheese and other spreads like honey or peanut butter. Coffee and juices are available as well. If you're staying in one of the hotels/motels off Williston Road and you want a change of pace check out G T Bagel Market.
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Red Onion -- Church Street, Burlington
I know that you can get the full range of deli sandwiches at the Red Onion Bakery, but I've only ever gotten one because frankly there is no reason to order...
Red Onion -- Church Street, Burlington
I know that you can get the full range of deli sandwiches at the Red Onion Bakery, but I've only ever gotten one because frankly there is no reason to order anything else other than, the Red Onion sandwich. Real turkey, red onions, a soft cheese (could be a gruyere, but I'm not positive ) and thousand Island dressing on toasted marble rye and served warm. Oh my! It is perfection, food of the gods no doubt. Something this good costs, however, and the last time I indulged in a Red Onion (plus a drink), I don't remember getting a lot of change back from $10. There are get sandwiches and great places to get a sandwich on Church Street, but the Red Onion is in a league of its own. There is an on-site bakery as well, but take a ride over to "Great Harvest" if you want the best bakery in town (see my review). Red Onion also serves desserts, I'm partial to their outstretched-palm-sized "snikerdoodle" cookies, but the brownies are a safe bet too. You can take your Red Onion away and eat it in the comfort of your own home/desk/whatever or you can eat-in. The decor is best described as funky(funkier if school is in session) and eclectic with art from local artists covering the walls.
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Grand Union -- South Burlington, VT
Chittenden county legend has it that the Grand Union on Hinesburg Road was the "cro-magnon" predecessor of the behemoth supermarkets of today that you'll find...
Grand Union -- South Burlington, VT
Chittenden county legend has it that the Grand Union on Hinesburg Road was the "cro-magnon" predecessor of the behemoth supermarkets of today that you'll find on Shelburne Road. I've shopped for groceries in this store (the last Grand Union in the Champlain Valley), but what I really go for is the deli department. For less than $5 you can have a made-to-order deli sandwich on a round roll with veggies (tomatoes, pickles, onions, nothing out-of-the-ordinary mind) and still have money left over for chips or a drink. Prices do vary depending on what kind of meat you choose, but it is easily the most affordable deal in town. The staff is always very helpful and will make any subtractions or additions to your order. When I've got a couple of extra bucks kicking around I splurge on the buffalo or honey chicken nuggets. These aren't the average "nuggets" you would get at a fast-food restaurant. These are big chunks of chicken that will satisfy even the most hearty of appetites. There is plenty of parking and getting in and out of the GU makes picking up your lunch there convenient and affordable.
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The Vermont Sandwich Company -- Burlington, Vermont
I've eaten at the Vermont Sandwich company several times and every time I think, this much . . . for a sandwich? Don't get me wrong, the food...
The Vermont Sandwich Company -- Burlington, Vermont
I've eaten at the Vermont Sandwich company several times and every time I think, this much . . . for a sandwich? Don't get me wrong, the food is great and the sandwich company uses the finest ingredients and all whole grain breads and wraps, but you are not getting out of there with chips and a drink for less than $15 if you get a large sandwich. They do run daily specials and offer other choices besides sandwiches. Here's the other rub about the Vermont Sandwich Company, the food is so darn good that you will willingly hand over the cash. These are big sandwiches, especially if you pile on the veggies. I can't recite the menu from memory because all the sandwiches have funny names like "The Patriot," and well that's all I can really remember. The store in Burlington is for take-out only, they may have a bistro table and a couple of chairs, but it's not a dine-in location. Their stores in Winooski and South Burlington are better set up to accommodate eating in. Either way, make sure you stop by the ATM before you lunch with the company.
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Randy's Automotive -- Colchester, Vermont
I know very little about cars except where the gas tank is, where to put the windshield washer fluid, and I'm pretty sure I know I could figure out where...
Randy's Automotive -- Colchester, Vermont
I know very little about cars except where the gas tank is, where to put the windshield washer fluid, and I'm pretty sure I know I could figure out where the oil goes, oh, and I can change a tire with the best of them. I did once hear somebody say in a movie that all you really need in life is a good mechanic, a good accountant, and a great barber. That sums it well fairly well I would say. Randy is the mechanic in that equation and we've been going to him for almost ten years now. He's a one man operation and he has never steered us wrong. His gotten our cars back on the road and kept them on the road with a professional and friendly attitude and a willingness to stay late and make sure the job gets done right. Randy charges more than a national chain to change the oil, change and/or replace your tires, but he does more and he doesn't try to sell you on something you don't need or replace something that doesn't need replacing. Randy works by appointment only and he carries a loyal and devoted clientèle so make sure you schedule your oil change, winter tires, etc. ahead of time. Randy's my mechanic and he will be for a long time to come.
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Blimpie -- South Burlington, Vermont
I know what you are thinking . . . with all the great delis and places to get a sandwich in the Champlain Valley, why choose . . . Blimpie? Simple, they're...
Blimpie -- South Burlington, Vermont
I know what you are thinking . . . with all the great delis and places to get a sandwich in the Champlain Valley, why choose . . . Blimpie? Simple, they're the best. Yeah, Yeah, Yeah it's a chain, but the local ownership makes this Blimpie way more than the average sub shop or for that matter sub, way more, if you get my meaning. Ron and Shelley are fabulous! Show me a place to get a sandwich where even if you haven't been in for weeks or months, the moment you step to the counter the person waiting on you says, "veggie sub on wheat, no tomatoes, extra hots" and I'll show you Blimpie in South Burlington, I'm amazed every time. The place is kept clean and the staff is always friendly, helpful, and will make sure you have everything you want or need, "and would you like a cookie with that?, got to love the upsell. If you go with the meal deal and the aforementioned large veggie you can get out of Blimpie for less than $10 and still have a couple of bucks left over for a cookie.
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Irish Eyes -- Essex Junction, Vermont
About the only time you need an eye exam is when you really need an eye exam. I've had three eye exams in the last ten years and used a different...
Irish Eyes -- Essex Junction, Vermont
About the only time you need an eye exam is when you really need an eye exam. I've had three eye exams in the last ten years and used a different opthamologist each time. For my latest visit (and trust me I really needed to have my eyes checked) I went to Irish Eyes in Essex Junction. Doctor Irish was great. He was thorough, friendly, and took the time to make sure I took all the proper tests (he even took the time to test me and confirm that yes! I am colorblind, or color deficient as the case may be -- color challenged?) to figure out what prescription I needed. His staff was friendly and attentive and even stayed open late to fit me for my new glasses. There was no high pressure sales pitch like I've gotten before in chain stores just fast courteous service and a willingness to help the customer. If you choose to get your frames through Dr. Irish's office it will take them seven to ten days to have the lenses ground and put into the frames you select, which is the case with most opthamologists who don't have corporate backing to build a lab in their store next to the food court across from the information kiosk. Irish Eyes . . . Smile! ;-)
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New World Tortilla -- Burlington, Vermont
This is one of those word-of-mouth places that can only exist in a college town like Burlington. Sandwiched in between a nail salon and coffee house...
New World Tortilla -- Burlington, Vermont
This is one of those word-of-mouth places that can only exist in a college town like Burlington. Sandwiched in between a nail salon and coffee house (how academic!) in a very inauspicious block just off Church Street is New World Tortilla. Now, although I've been there several times I always order the Chicken Club. Why would I get anything else? Its name says it all (both the sandwich née tortilla and the place): a huge tortilla in various and tantalizing flavors wrapped around chicken, slabs of bacon, lettuce, veggies, and a creamy sauce that if you drowned in it would (probably) not be a horrible experience. I have (once) gotten the shredded beef burrito, it was equally delicious, but it's no Chicken Club. The place is small, but there are tables and chairs and great window seating to look out on the edges of downtown. If I get something for take-out I can usually get out of New World for less than $6 or $7 without getting something to drink as well.
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Shaw's -- South Burlington, Vermont
Have you ever read "The Mist" by Stephen King? Yes? No? No matter. The Shaw's Supermarket on Shelburne Road in South Burlington reminds me of the grocery...
Shaw's -- South Burlington, Vermont
Have you ever read "The Mist" by Stephen King? Yes? No? No matter. The Shaw's Supermarket on Shelburne Road in South Burlington reminds me of the grocery store that the band of (un)lucky survivors hole up in to wait out the titular weather of King's story. Don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong, creepy, or scary at all about this store -- it's a showplace, the Cadillac of grocery stores. When it opened a few years ago it was hailed as the largest supermarket in the entire Shaw's chain. You can buy anything from bedspreads to bedding plants (in season), and skinless, boneless chicken that you could marinate and serve on a bed of saffron rice. Their deli, produce, and meat counters are well stocked and carry affordable choices and high-end choices. There is an in-store Dunkin Donuts if you need a little pick-me-up in the sugar and/or caffeine department. How can you argue with a store that has everything? There are no shortage of grocery stores in Chittenden County, but Shaw's is without a doubt, one-stop shopping. And if you find yourself needing to wait out the apocalypse or buy a day's, week's, month's, or year's worth of grocery, medicine, and anything and everything for your home and family, welcome to giant grocery store nirvana.
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