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Hello Summer!

Toss the skis in the shed, take off the fat-tires, dust off the kayak - Winter has gone to bed and Summer is almost here!  If you're antsy to hit the trails, your wait is over and Kingdom Trails will soon be turning around the open sign for fair weather riding.  For downhill fun, the Burke Bike Park opens on Memorial Day weekend.   Let the good times roll!  Of course, these trails are for more than just wheels.  The ShoeFly Trail Running Series is back in all its glory.  Sign up online to enjoy fun and spirited weekly group trail runs (or walks, no racing here!) that alternate between East Burke and Parker Mountain (NH) trails.  Run, walk, laugh, and make new friends in the Great Outdoors.

Other events this month include....
 
May 4th & 5th -  Caledonia Home and Garden Show



May 11th - Sip n' Create






May 19th -  Burke Bike Swap

May 19th - Dandelion Run



May 29th - May 31st -  Coyote Two Moon Run

Ongoing...
 
 
  


In This Issue

 


     

 






 

 

 Unpack & Unwind

Whether you're visiting to hit the trails or jump in a lake, there are all kinds of lodging choices in the Burke Area.

For an affordable and rustic stay among the camaraderie of fellow mountain bikers, check out the Burke Bike Barn.  The renovated barn offers two rental units that sleep 4-6 people.  Each unit has a kitchen, living area, and private bath.  The Bike Barn is located just outside of East Burke Village and offers direct access to the trails.

Enjoy a stay on picturesque Darling Hill Road amidst rescued donkeys, goats, and other critters at the Inn at Mountain View Farm.  The Inn offers a variety of rooms and luxury suites, all elegantly decorated and some are even pet friendly.  Of course, your stay also includes a country buffet breakfast.

If you prefer days on a sandy beach and lakeside views, May Brook Cottages is the perfect summer getaway.  Located along peaceful Crystal Lake (just a short drive from Burke), May Brook offers one and two bedroom cottages with full kitchens and screened in porches to enjoy the sound of the nearby waterfall.  

If you're planning a group getaway, Burke View House and Villa sleeps 14 to 18 people, offers stunning views from every window, and is located on 10 acres so you can grill outside and enjoy star filled nights around the fire pit.

MORE LODGING OPTIONS...
  Deal of the Month

Put up the Gone Fishin' sign and head to Clyde River Recreation for some great deals including canoe, kayak, and paddle board rentals starting at just $10 per day.    If you're just looking for a few hours of exploration, check out the popular 5.5 mile Paddle Trip option at just $16 - $20 per person, all inclusive with a shuttle upstream, canoe or kayak, life jacket, and paddles.  And bring the camera - you never know what critters you might spot along the shore.
 
What's on tap this Summer in Burke!

It's Summer!  Well, close enough.  There's lots of bike rides, hikes, and paddles to look forward to this season.  For a different way to explore the trails, check out NEK Adventures, offering scenic, guided ATV tours (ATV, helmet and guide included).  Tours are two hours long and can be for up to 4 people.   

Of course, you've heard of Kingdom Trails and the stellar mountain bike trail system in Burke, but maybe you've never been riding before?  No worries, Kingdom Cycling & Experiences is here for you.  Guided introductory tours are available for absolute beginners or if you have a little more experience, instructional tours might be for you.  June 29th - July 1st is a
Conquer the Kingdom weekend skills clinic for all ages/abilities to help you work on your technique.

Of course, next month is also the big NEMBAfest (New England Mountain Bike Association Festival) weekend starting June 22nd.  There's still time to register for the 3 day weekend devoted to mountain biking featuring bike demos, a huge vendor expo, group rides, skills clinics, kids activities, music, food, beer and so much more on beautiful, picturesque Darling Hill Road at the center of Kingdom Trails.  

For challenging and scenic races on land & water, check out Kingdom Games, offering running, biking, and swimming races all season including the Tour de Kingdom in June, NEK Swim Week in August, and Fly to Pie: Kingdom Marathon in September.  

Like triathlons?  Like really tough triathlons?  Check out Vermont's Toughest Triathlon, organized by Iron Cowboy Racing.   Alone or as a relay, you can Swim, Bike, and Run a total of 140 miles from Lake Willoughby to Burke Mountain this July.

Of course, if you're planning to do some racing this summer, you'll want some help getting in shape.  Trail2Wellness offers personal training and there are some new classes on the roster including kickboxing and Trapeze Yoga!   

Naturally, kicking back is just as important as working out.  After a day on the trails, in the lake, or in a trapeze, head over to Next Trick Brewing in West Burke for a beer tasting and word on the street is there will be food trucks over there (including tacos from Caja Madero!)  so you can chill out and enjoy dinner with your brew.  The brewery opens for the summer season on May 19th.

Think waffle cones, sprinkles, smoothies, maple creamies, and cookie sammiches!   Rubylee's ice cream shop opens up for the summer on May 12th! 

Even the kids in the area are ready to entertain you.  Every summer, local kids start learning acting and singing to showcase their talents with the Vermont Children's Theater, located on Darling Hill Road.  Shows are performed late June and July. Shows this year include Seussical!, Xanadu-Junior, and The Heights.

And, of course, it's not Summer in Vermont without a County Fair or two.  Plan to be here August 22nd - 26th for the Caledonia County Fair.  Ferris Wheels and Fried Dough await!
  
Check out our events calendar for these and other fun happenings in Burke this summer.

Summer Fun Awaits!
 
    Burke Area Chamber of Commerce
PO Box 347
East Burke, VT  05832
802-626-4124
     [email protected]