I hope everyone enjoyed their Memorial Day and spent last weekend embracing their travel fantasies.
As I sit in Muddy Waters, a local coffee shop in Burlington, VT, I realize what fantastic activities Burlington has to offer. For the next ten days, Burlington’s 2010 Discover Jazz Festival will ensue, presenting artists such as Sonny Rollins to The Wailing Souls. Artists will bring music composed in various areas of the world such as the Netherlands, Jamaica, Guinea, and New Orleans to Burlington, VT.
One can also find over two-dozen artists and groups spattered around the Burlington area by checking out the Flynn Theatre, the FlynnSpace, the Church Street Marketplace and City Hall Park.
I have found some great hotel deals to consider when planning your trip to Vermont. Stay at the Courtyard by Marriot on the Burlington Harbor for $229/night through Priceline. The views of Lake Champlain are breathtaking. I recommend taking an evening walk on Burlington’s lake-side bike path.
Or if you would prefer to stay in a more scenic area, Stowe Mountain Lodge has rooms for $181/night through Orbitz. Start your vacation by taking a guided hike in the morning or playing a round of golf before heading into Burlington for a relaxing dinner with a hint of jazz. Stowe Mountain Lodge also offers kayaking and canoeing, massages, tennis and brew tours. It’s the perfect place to escape for a week; enjoy the beautiful views of Stowe as it sits right outside your window.
Need some advice on places to eat in Burlington, VT while enjoying the jazz festival? Leunig’s Bistro on Church Street has outdoor seating and jazz all day, everyday throughout the festival. American Flatbread, which boasts a great brick oven pizza and an amazing beer list, also has outdoor seating and live music throughout the week. Bluebird Tavern, a great place for tapas (a wide variety of appetizers from the Spanish cuisine), is also offering an array of jazz artists. Half Lounge, Halverson’s and The Skinny Pancake are a few of my favorite places to eat in Burlington, and they too, will have music playing every night.
Burlington, VT is a beautiful place to visit and reside. I hope these deals help sway your decision to make a spontaneous trip up north to indulge in a bit of jazz. Happy listening.