Tag Archives: Vermont

Warren 4th of July Parade, Warren, VT

I think when someone generally thinks of the type of people who live in Vermont, they think, environmentally aware, liberal, hippies, farmers and independent.

I wouldn’t disagree with you.

And I’m called a tree-hugger all the time (and damn proud).

Let me introduce you to the most independent, Independence Day Parade, possibly in the entire country.

BY FAR the best parade that I’ve EVER been to goes on in Warren, Vermont. This tiny town, tucked away in the Green Mountain hosts a parade that is not your typical 4th of July parade. Yes, they are still celebrating the birth of this nation but it comes with a more liberal, independent spin.

I first checked this out with a friend from college whose aunt invited us to go. I had the opportunity to attend the following two years and I wish I could attend every year. This is an event that you must attend at least once and you will definitely go back.

The first thing that you need to do when you arrive is grab a “Buddy Badge”. This helps to raise money to keep the parade alive. You will get a sticker with a number like this one…

Buy your randomly numbered badge at the entrance for $1.00. There are two sets of numbered badges made. Once you have your badge, look for the your match in the crowd and if you find them you win a pair of prizes!

The floats are filled with political activism. Some floats serious and proud of our country, others bringing humor to the politicians.

If you look closer on this “Ship of Fools” you will see….

…George being eaten by a shark!

Obviously, this parade was during his reign as President.

Here he is again with the crucifix.

We don’t like Flatlanders!

This is how you campaign for Governor.

I told ya, I love those tractors!

If you haven’t already noticed, these floats are not your “typical” floats.

They are HUGE, move and really grab your attention.

Environmental Awareness

Miss Global Warming

You even get some “interesting” groups…

Sometimes you will find things that catch your eye – these were all over town.

Look closely, this isn’t your typical Wizard of Oz!

After the parade, you can grab a bite to eat. American Flatbread was there every year that I attended and imagine that they still are. Brick oven, organic pizza, it doesn’t get much better!

Take a walk up the street or take a shortcut thru the woods and you will find yourself at the Warren school grounds. Here, you will find more grub, games for the kiddo’s and live music. The Mad Mountain Scramblers played a few times (another reason why I kept coming back). I’m pretty sure they perform here yearly. There’s nothing like listening to bluegrass in the Green Mountains. Just about perfect.

Mad Mountain Scramblers

If all that isn’t enough for you there is a street dance in the evening.

If you do plan on checking this out, be sure to allow yourself sufficient time to get there. I think this event grows annually. Parking, you will need to find one on the side of the road (you will be surrounded by Subaru’s and pick-ups). Bring a chair, bring a blanket, bring a big ole happy face and bring your friends – it’s a great time for everyone!

It brings a spot of mystery, something to be desired and you truly feel like you found a secret tucked away in the mountains. The drive is scenic, the atmosphere, well it can’t get much better. I wish I could attend every year.

Something Sweet

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Considering this past weekend was Maple Weekend in Vermont, I find it appropriate that I touch upon my roots.

Some of my earliest memories take place on my grandparents old farm, just down the street from where I grew up. To give you a sense of how young I was, they sold the farm when I was three. The fact that I have memories of this beautiful time amazes me. (Especially considering I have a hard time remembering things from last week.) Each spring they would tap the trees, hang the buckets and boil that sweet sap.

One of my earliest memories was in the middle of the woods. My Pepere had a wagon with a huge sap tank hooked up to the tractor. We were going thru the woods, collecting the sap from the buckets to bring back to the sugarhouse. I happened to fall off the wagon and just saw them driving away. I started screaming, I mean – I thought they were going to leave me out there! Who in their right mind would leave such a cute little girl?! Then my Uncle Mario came and swept me up and brought me back to the wagon. Aww memories.

Then there are the memories of hanging out in the sugarhouse. Sitting on my great memere’s lap, surrounded by great aunts, great uncles and cousins. The heat from the wood stove, keeping the sap boiling and the chill in the air from the cold Vermont winter outside. Having that first taste of hot maple syrup, piping fresh! Close family and friends gathered together, passing the time, telling stories and catching up on life. Sugaring season is a season of its own. It’s special in so many ways. It brings people together and bring everyone the sweet treat of maple syrup.

Maple Syrup is made throughout the Northeast, Canada, as far west as Minnesota and as far south as West Virginia. When the snow starts to melt, the sap starts running and you better believe that the sugarmakers are getting excited.

If you are around the maple syrup region, be sure to keep an eye out for open houses, festivals and if you are really interested just stop by a sugar house. Sugarmakers are proud of what they do and I’m sure that they wouldn’t mind showing you around and teaching you about how they make the stuff that we all love! And if you are lucky, they will pour you a cup of hot, fresh maple syrup!

Beer, More Importantly – Switchback Brewing Company

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I love beer. I love breweries. I love touring breweries. I love the smell, I love the science, I love the trying out the samples! If you are living or even planning on visiting Vermont a brewery stop must be put into the schedule. Vermont is so blessed to have so many breweries, it’s somewhat crazy. I’ve had the luxury to visit most of them, however we must start off with my favorite – Switchback Brewing Company.

Keep an eye out for this when you are out and about:

A few years ago my friends and I were out in downtown Burlington and we came across “Switchback” which was only on tap at the bars. We couldn’t find it in the stores, we knew it was being brewed in Burlington so I decided to do a little research. I dug around, turned out you could get a tour but you had to schedule one in advance. I got a group of about 6-7 of us together off we went.

When we arrived, we found the brewery to be in an old warehouse / packing house (I believe for McKenzie hot dogs). We were greeted by the mastermind of Switchback who gave us a tour of his facility and we learned a little more about him and the company. Most interestingly, he received his masters from UCLA in beer brewing. The man is a genius.

Switchback was founded in 2002. Their main goal was to create the highest quality beer in as few resources as possible. We visited Switchback around 2006-2007, we’ve got to think back to what Switchback was around then. Switchback was kicking off, becoming more and more popular. They couldn’t keep up with the demand and were making beer around the clock and were running out of space in the building. He told us that they did distribute bottles at one point however they were putting on the labels by hand and the job was just too much. They decided to stick to selling kegs only and promote their brand strictly thru word of mouth.

Since our tour, Switchback has grown quite a bit. They now offer tours ever Saturday and carrying multiple brews. The first brew was the Switchback Pale Ale (my favorite). This is an unfiltered ale that is so smooth and refreshing (I’m kind of hating that I decided to write about this because I’m starting to crave) with a hoppy flavor and a slightly fruity taste. Yum – delicious.

Switchback has also created a few other brews, Switchback Porter (December 2002), Roasted Red Ale (November 2007) and Brown Ale (August 2010). I’m going to be honest and say that I’ve only had the Pale Ale (when I find something I like, I stick to it!) but I would definitely love to try some of their other brews.

When you are in a college town and there is good beer, word spreads really fast. That’s the case with Switchback and now the good word has spread throughout the country. Everytime I go home, its on my list of must have’s and there is nothing like being in Burlington with a good group of friends and an ice cold Switchback. (And if the people from Switchback ever read this, can you please send me some Pale Ale?!)