

Cover Story
Find Fun in the Sun in Our Summer Preview
From outdoor concerts to getting out on the lake and the disc golf links, here’s what’s in store for Vermont’s sweetest season. (But watch out for ticks.)
Summer Preview
Vermonters Are Being More Careful Outdoors to Avoid Tick Illnesses
Rising tick populations and cases of the diseases they cause are posing a dilemma for residents and tourists drawn to the outdoor beauty of the Green Mountains.
Go Jump in the Lake? It’s Harder Than You Think
Unless you have a boat, money or lakefront property, Lake Champlain’s hundreds of miles of shoreline are tough to access. Efforts are under way to improve that.
New Up North: Fresh Things to Do in Québec, Summer 2026
From convivial spas to cultural hubs, Vermonters heading north of the border have plenty to explore. Here’s how to make the most of the season.
Vermont Has Taken Off as a Disc Golf Mecca
With new world-class courses and more pro-level, amateur and youth tournaments, the Green Mountain State is delivering disc golf par excellence
Knoll Farm Offers Sheep, Blueberries, Concerts and Refuge
Peter Forbes and Helen Whybrow foster healthy soil, pastures and animals on their Fayston farm. Justice activists — along with the locals — reap the benefits.
Vermont Summer 2026 Events Not to Miss, From Sports to Theater
From the soccer pitch to the stage and from fair midways to festivals to food trucks, summer in Vermont has something for everyone.
Cold Hollow Unveils New Sculptures – and a New Executive Director
The Enosburg Falls sculpture park has a lot going on this summer, from birding to artists-in-residence, with Robin Schatell newly taking the lead.
Picnic Time: Four New Spots Around Vermont for Sandwiches and Provisions
Eating outside this summer? From roast chicken to really good cookies, Bondville Bodega, the Elmore Store, the Green Cat and the Main Stop can fill your basket.
News
Vermonters Are Being More Careful Outdoors to Avoid Tick Illnesses
Rising tick populations and cases of the diseases they cause are posing a dilemma for residents and tourists drawn to the outdoor beauty of the Green Mountains.
Burlington Is Aggressively Pursuing Overdue Taxes and Fees
Desperate for revenue, the city is now calling in IOUs on nearly 40 properties. In each case, the owner has failed to pay at least $1,500 in taxes for more than a year.
From the Publisher: Critical Condition
At a time when book reviews have largely vanished from publications around the country, Seven Days continues to publish them.
Warren Residents Dig Up a 50-Year-Old Time Capsule
Locals recalled the items they’d put inside a buried Sugarbush gondola, including birth control pills, a $1 million check, a joint, beer bottle caps and a rotary phone.
Arts+Culture
Vermont Summer 2026 Events Not to Miss, From Sports to Theater
From the soccer pitch to the stage and from fair midways to festivals to food trucks, summer in Vermont has something for everyone.
Book Review: ‘The Gatepost,’ Tim Weed
An archaeologist’s experiments with psychedelics have strange consequences in the new novel from the Vermont author of ‘The Afterlife Project.’
Q&A: With ‘Cardtopia,’ Students Build a Cardboard World in Greensboro
The quirky immersive art installation is at Highland Center for the Arts through the end of July. Go behind the scenes of this “Stuck in Vermont” video.
Cold Hollow Unveils New Sculptures – and a New Executive Director
The Enosburg Falls sculpture park has a lot going on this summer, from birding to artists-in-residence, with Robin Schatell newly taking the lead.
A Bright Spot: Statehouse Unveils Portrait of Louvenia Bright
Now hanging in the Vermont Statehouse, the portrait celebrates Bright, the first Black woman and woman of color to serve in the legislature.
Must-See, Must-Do Events in and Around Vermont, May 20-27
Explore our editor’s picks for must-do events in Vermont this week, including the eagerly awaited M&T Bank Vermont City Marathon & Relay in Burlington.
Food+Drink
Picnic Time: Four New Spots Around Vermont for Sandwiches and Provisions
Eating outside this summer? From roast chicken to really good cookies, Bondville Bodega, the Elmore Store, the Green Cat and the Main Stop can fill your basket.
Barbarian to Serve American Classics With a Twist in Stowe
Michelle and Matthew Merrifield will bring dual chef degrees and fun to the former Skinny Pancake location when they open their breakfast and dinner restaurant.
Big Heart Social to Open Café, Bar and Coworking Space in Vergennes
The “community hangout spot” will serve coffee, drinks and breakfast sandwiches on housemade biscuits, Shiloh Lawrence said, with coworking space coming soon.
North Country Donuts to Add Waterbury Shop with Drive-Through
Jessica Palmer-Gwaltney and Dan Gwaltney will expand from Morrisville to add a second spot in a former Dunkin’ Donuts, with a drive-through and creemees.
Music+Nightlife
The Sounds of Summer: A Guide to Outdoor Music in the Green Mountains
From major music festivals to summer-long concert series, here’s a selection of the best local listening happening around Vermont this summer.
On the Beat: Sunday Night Mass Returns to Higher Ground
In this week’s music news: A long-running EDM event returns to South Burlington with sets by DJ Sneak and Kelly Reverb; rocker Kevin Bloom gets political.
On Screen
A Crush Goes Wrong in Curry Barker’s Terrifying Horror Hit ‘Obsession’
Inde Navarrette and Michael Johnston give chilling performances as a couple who are together for very bad reasons.
Now Playing in Theaters, May 20-27
In addition to The Devil Wears Prada 2, here’s what is playing in Northern and Central Vermont movie theaters this week. Listings include new movies, vintage films and a directory of open theaters.
Fun Stuff
Free Will Astrology (5/20/26)
Check out Rob Brezsny’s expanded weekly audio horoscopes & daily text message horoscopes: realastrology.com or 1-877-873-4888.
Ask the Rev: My Friend Always Flakes Out on Me
It’s downright rude when a friend blows you off, and sometimes the solution is changing your own behavior. Here’s advice for avoiding crossed wires and wasted time.
Life Lines
Obituary: Alvin L. Salzman, 1933-2026
Work of artist, builder, poet, musician and actor was wide-ranging and prolific, but he found his professional calling as a teacher
Obituary: Jacqueline Rae Goss, 1947-2026
Emergency medicine pioneer, expert mountaineer and passionate singer made immeasurable contributions to the field of emergency services
In Memoriam: Kristen Laure Charlebois, 1978-1995
IN LOVING MEMORY OF KRISTEN LAURE CHARLEBOIS To our dearest Kristy, You will live forever in our hearts. We love you deeply, miss you beyond words and will always wish that May 29, 1995, had never happened. Forever loved, Mom, Dad, Randy and Kate
Obituary: Polly Bosworth Whitcomb McEwing, 1936-2026
Member of the Vermont Agricultural Hall of Fame ran the Champlain Valley Fair’s Dairy Center for nearly 20 years
Obituary: Regina L. “Gina” Haddock, 1952-2026
Member of first Saint Michael’s College class to include women spent two decades as development director at the Flynn in Burlington
Obituary: Mary Elizabeth Evans Keefe, 1954-2026
Williston woman’s work supporting the health care community was a natural extension of her deepest purpose: helping others
Obituary: Patrick Joel DeMasi, 1961-2026
Lifelong resident of Northfield served his community as a municipal employee for more than 30 years and cherished time on his farm
Obituary: Joan Schaaff Hollister, 1932-2026
Beloved matriarch and positive force lived a life rooted in love, service, music, humor and community
Obituary: Kevin Emmons, 1958-2026
Morrisville man enjoyed traveling, motorcycles, his many German shepherds and, most of all, spending time with his grandchildren
Obituary: Patricia Miller Annable, 1939-2026
Mother, grandmother and great-grandmother worked for many years at Hannaford and was an avid reader
In Memoriam: Cassandra Reyes Richard, 1955-2026
Mother and friend is celebrated in spring, her favorite season.
Obituary: Kenneth J. Atherton, 1946-2026
Small-business owner was an avid deer hunter and loved restoring old cars and trucks
Obituary: Michael J. McGarry, 1942-2026
Self-employed attorney and active Democrat was a firm believer in working hard but playing harder
Obituary: Mary E. Woodruff, 1952-2026
Her students were the center of longtime teacher and principal’s commitment to public education
Obituary: Bill Kelly, 1933-2026
Burlington man with a deep commitment to helping others had a long and distinguished career in higher education and international development
Obituary: Robert L. Lincoln Jr., 1937-2026
Fundraiser, singer and poet lived with enthusiasm, courage, wit and a sense of wonder
Obituary: Joyce Elaine (Guyette) Desautels, 1940-2026
Shelburne woman led with love and laughter and stood up for what and who she believed in
In Memoriam: Dr. John “Jack” Murray, 1937-2026
Family and friends gather to remember pediatrician who devoted his life to medicine and was a tireless advocate for children
In Memoriam: Roderick Boutin, 1936-2025
Proprietor of Doughboy’s Restaurant in Burlington is honored at a love-filled celebration
Obituary: Nancy B. Martin, 1936-2026
Matriarch of family behind Almartin Motors and Point Bay Marina is remembered for her energy and generosity
Obituary: Patricia “Patty” Drage Hallam, 1949-2026
Middlebury woman found purpose in her volunteer roles and spent her whole life helping others
Obituary: Michelle Marie Thomas, 1966-2026
Longtime Burlington resident played trumpet and ukulele with area bands and volunteered for many Pride organizations
Obituary: David Lee Draper, 1951-2026
Avid outdoorsman and passionate professional woodworker spent countless hours on Lake Champlain and riding his custom motorcycles






