|
Merill's Roxy Cinema -- Burlington, Vermont
The Roxy is either your favorite theater in Burlington or "that place where they show all those weird foreign movies." I am in the former camp. ...
Merill's Roxy Cinema -- Burlington, Vermont
The Roxy is either your favorite theater in Burlington or "that place where they show all those weird foreign movies." I am in the former camp. Little old Burlington, Vermont isn't Manhattan or even Boston, so getting a chance to see that little "must-see indie" or the latest in Bulgarian cinema is not always possible, but the Roxy does well to bring in the more popular arthouse fare. Not every movie showing at the Roxy requires you to read, occasionally (and more and more lately it seems) blockbusters and mainstream movies make their way onto the marquee. The Roxy's most charming elements are the decor -- art deco done well without pretension or any sense of the prefab -- it's not supposed to look like "an old 50's-style movie-house," it is a 50's style movie-house. Matinée tickets cost $6 for adults and $5 for students. Full-cost fare runs $7.50 and $6 respectively. This is a small theater, no stadium seating here and no state-of-the-art sound system that makes it feel like your stand beside a howitzer.
Hide
|
|
Essex Cinemas --Essex Junction, Vermont
For those of us out in the hinterlands of Chittenden County, this is the best place to see a movie. No need to head to Burlington or battle the traffic in...
Essex Cinemas --Essex Junction, Vermont
For those of us out in the hinterlands of Chittenden County, this is the best place to see a movie. No need to head to Burlington or battle the traffic in Williston or South Burlington for that matter -- as long as all you want to see is the latest dregs Hollywood has to offer. It is not the theaters fault if the movies they're asked to show stink, but why sacrifice something that challenges or stimulates conversation for some remake that was over-done long ago? The marquee at the Essex Cinema is more symptomatic of the businessman's need to put butts in the seats rather than appeal to the quirky or challenging that run the art-house circuit. I'm ranting, sorry. The screens in Essex are great, the sound is more than acceptable and the stadium-seating is expected and appreciated by modern movie-goers who demand as much. Tickets are reasonably priced at $7.25 for adults (after 5:30 PM) $5.75 for matinées and children under 11 for $4.74 at all times. Their are discounts for seniors and the military as well. The lobby is open and inviting except, of course, when it's crowded. Essex Cinemas is a great place to see a movie, too bad too few great (or even good) movies play at the Essex Cinemas.
Hide
|
|
Speeder & Earl's -- Essex Junction, Vermont
Speeder & Earl's is kind of an institution in Burlington and environs, but with the over-saturation of coffee shops in the area what possessed S&E to...
Speeder & Earl's -- Essex Junction, Vermont
Speeder & Earl's is kind of an institution in Burlington and environs, but with the over-saturation of coffee shops in the area what possessed S&E to open their Essex Junction shop? I've been in their three or four times and the place is D-E-A-D, dead. Six shots of espresso couldn't wake this place up -- which is a shame because the coffee is good, heck it's great! You'll pay about $1.75 for a medium and in the neighborhood of $2.50 for a large. All the usual "caffeine" suspects are present and accounted for as well as some sweets, brownies, coconut concoctions, and cookies, big cookies the size of pie plates. Again, I can't argue with the fare you could do a lot worse for coffee, a lot. I guess I just don't understand how a business can support a space (square foot-wise) and (social-wise) that would be a good place to cool off after a big score.
Hide
|
|
Garry's Babershop -- Essex Junction, Vermont
I got my haircut here three times, so I feel confident and justified in saying this: unless your desperate, look somewhere else. The first time I got...
Garry's Babershop -- Essex Junction, Vermont
I got my haircut here three times, so I feel confident and justified in saying this: unless your desperate, look somewhere else. The first time I got my hair cut at Garry's I was in a rush and not going to be picky about how the cut turned out. It was cheap, quick, and "close enough for government work" as the saying goes. There are four hair cutters (I wouldn't call them barbers or stylists, not by a long shot) on duty and I would not recommend any of them. I don't call a haircut using hair clippers and a vacuum to suck up the hair unless you're on your way to basic training. Garry (yes, boys and girls there is a Garry) does do a brisk business in shampoos, conditioners, and any other hair care goo you can dump on your head. A parade of women looking for low-cost, high-end hair care products are constantly in and out to buy their supplies. On that end, I've got to hand it to Garry, he does a hell of a business. The last haircut I got there (or will ever get there ever again) we affectionately refer to as the Moe, and it was uneven at that to add insult to injury.
Hide
|
|
Bagel Market -- Essex, Vermont
Bagel are the new what . . . English muffins? . . . donuts? . . . who cares! They're delicious and most Americans can't get enough of them. Boutique Bagel shops...
Bagel Market -- Essex, Vermont
Bagel are the new what . . . English muffins? . . . donuts? . . . who cares! They're delicious and most Americans can't get enough of them. Boutique Bagel shops like Bagel Market in Essex sells the "fine wine" of bagels. Baked on the premises, if you get there at the right time in the morning you can get them hot out of the oven -- warm bagels are one of life's simple pleasures. Bagel Market offers on average 18 to 20 different varieties of bagels and sells them as sandwiches, by the dozen, or as its just on their own. Coffee and other breakfast pastries are available, but I'm partial to the bagels. They have just about as many variates of cream cheese for all their bagels as well -- you could eat there every day for a month and not have the same combination twice. The staff is friendly and courteous --I always ask for a lot less cream cheese than the half gallon they willingly smear on. I've always gotten my order to go, but there are tables and chairs available to sit and enjoy your meal. Bagels, is there anything they can't do?
Hide
|
|
Kids Town -- South Burlington, Vermont
This is one stop shopping for all things kids from birth until, well, until they have kids of their own. Cribs, car seats, crayons, you name it, Kids Town...
Kids Town -- South Burlington, Vermont
This is one stop shopping for all things kids from birth until, well, until they have kids of their own. Cribs, car seats, crayons, you name it, Kids Town carries it all. This is one of trendy kid's stores that trucks in toys and games that stress learning and imagination over pure plastic fantasy. You won't find G.I. Joe establishing a beachhead on the shelves, but you will find army men and costumes that let children pretend to be a firefighter or a knight. Don't look for Barbie or Bratz here either, the dolls at Kids Town try to do more for young girl's than exhibit the latest trends in belly shirts and go-go boats. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable when it comes to buying furniture or other big ticket items like car seats and jogger-strollers. Kid's Town carries the top-of-the-line toys, games, clothes for kids, so don't expect to get out of their for what you could pay at a chain or discount retailer. Kid's Town also operates an annex in Williston, Vermont that sells remaindered, overstocked, and gently used items in Williston, Vermont. If you are looking for deals (and they are to do had just not in the main store) check out the annex. Kid's Town -- great for the kid and the kid in all of us -- just make sure somebody brings the cash.
Hide
|
|
Ray's Barbershop -- Essex Junction
I can't say for certain that I remember my first haircut, but I can tell you that I went to that same barber every couple of months for 21 years. It had the...
Ray's Barbershop -- Essex Junction
I can't say for certain that I remember my first haircut, but I can tell you that I went to that same barber every couple of months for 21 years. It had the spinning poll outside striped in red, white, and blue and Anthony, the barber, gave out a blow-pop when he finished cutting your hair, bliss. I have been looking for a good barber ever since I moved to Vermont over 10 years ago -- a barber like I had back in those halcyon days of my youth -- and I haven't found him/her yet (and here it comes) . . . until now. Ray's is your typical family barber (for something more chic and sophisticated read my review of the Men's Room) with one twist -- Ray recently sold off the business to three women who now cut hair at Ray's. The look and feel inside is very much like I remember from that "barbershop of my youth," call it hunting lodge chic. Service is quick and easy with great care taken to make sure you get the cut you want and that you look good on your way out the door. With a tip your cut should cost you no more than between $15 and $18. Get your hair cut and bring the kids, I'm too old for a lollipop, but it wouldn't surprise me if ladies running Ray's kept that tradition alive as well.
Hide
|
|
The Men's Room -- Burlington, Vermont
Getting your haircut is usually viewed as a necessary evil for guys. Something you've got to do not because you necessarily want to, but because you need to...
The Men's Room -- Burlington, Vermont
Getting your haircut is usually viewed as a necessary evil for guys. Something you've got to do not because you necessarily want to, but because you need to sort of like running errands or paying bills. What if when you ran those errands or paid those bills you got a head and neck massage and when you got done (with said errands/bills) you looked and felt like a rock star? That's the feeling you get when you leave the Men's Room, not to mention how you look. Yes, ladies, guys can be vain too. The last thing the men's room is is a barbershop, nor is it a salon either. It leans more to sophisticated rather than too hip for it's own good. The stylists (whoops there's that word, but I wouldn't call them barbers either) are great to work with they work with you to get the cut you want. Bring a picture -- visual aids are always helpful when you want to look like movie star "X" or lead singer "Y." If you don't have the hair for a certain style than the stylist will work with you to help you get the cut and look you want. Be forewarned, with tip you aren't getting out of the Men's Room for less than $30, but it is worth it -- a small price to pay to look and feel like a million bucks. Feel great, look good, and release your inner rock star.
Hide
|
|
Uncommon Grounds -- Burlington, Vermont
At Uncommon Grounds on Church Street coffee is the star. Buck those trendy corporate coffee shops and cross over to where the locals get their first,...
Uncommon Grounds -- Burlington, Vermont
At Uncommon Grounds on Church Street coffee is the star. Buck those trendy corporate coffee shops and cross over to where the locals get their first, second, and third cup, Uncommon Grounds. This is coffee nirvana, no tricks or gimmicks here just great tasting gourmet coffee. Not a coffee junkie, but still needing that pick-me-up in the afternoon? No problem. Order the house. If you're in the know, go with the pea berry or any of the other exotic coffees listed on the daily specials. If coffee's not your thing, Uncommon Grounds also serves tea, Italian sodas, and lemonade and iced coffee (in season) -- the ice coffee is just that ice and coffee no need to add half of gallon of cream and a pound of sugar to make it taste good, it already taste good. The staff is friendly, helpful, and well-caffinated, even the longest lines move through quickly. Desserts and pastries are also for sale. Sit down (if you can find a seat -- it's always busy) inside or people watch at the bistro tables outside (weather permitting). When you're in Burlington, get Uncommon!
Hide
|
|
The Crow Bookshop -- Burlington, Vermont
I love the Crow. It's not Church Street's premier used bookstore (see my "North Country Books" review), but it's got a great selection of hard-cover and...
The Crow Bookshop -- Burlington, Vermont
I love the Crow. It's not Church Street's premier used bookstore (see my "North Country Books" review), but it's got a great selection of hard-cover and paperback books. It's a smaller space than "North Country," but its coziness and creaky floorboards make up for its lack of volume and lend a "funkiness" that should be called used bookstore chic. I'm always impressed with their table of new arrivals -- usually recent bestsellers in fiction and non-fiction that everyone was reading a few months back. They also carry a good selection of kid's books, not the classics per se, but great books for kids that won't set you back while you're trying to save for their college fund. The Crow is just books, no cd's, dvd's, smoothie's, or coffee drinks -- when browsing or buying "The Crow" bookshop is a delight.
Hide
|