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Howdy Winter!

It's time for makin' snowmen, swooshing down slopes, rolling on fat tires and snowmobile journeys.  Burke Mountain opens December 6th and soon, the Kingdom Trails Nordic Center will be ready for those fat bikes.  Weather permitting, VAST trails open mid-month.   Book your guided snowmobile tour now at NEK Adventures.  And, of course, there's lots of holiday fun happening this month including a full day of fun in Burke on December 15th.  In the morning, Santa will be at Mike's Gas in West Burke with presents for all the kids.   Two beautiful Belgian horses will be on site to take folks on wagon rides through the village.   Later on, stop by the East Burke Library for a holiday party and our annual Tree Lighting Celebration.
 
Other events happening this month include....

December 2nd - 8th -  Wilderness First Responder Course


December 7th - Santa Paws!


December 7th & 8th - Burklyn Arts Holiday Market

December 7th & 8th - Polar Express Train Rides




December 15th & 23rd - The Nutcracker  

December 18th -  Burlington Taiko

December 22nd - Santa at Burke Mountain!

December 31st - First Night North in St J

 
Ongoing Events...
In This Issue

 


     

Burke in the News

SAVE THE DATE!  The Enduro World Series (EWS) is coming to Burke Mountain August 1 & 2, 2020!!!    READ MORE...

  

  

Unpack & Unwind

Whether you're visiting to get a jump start on winter fun or celebrate the holidays, lodging choices abound in and around Burke.

There's a new vacation rental to check out in the area called Caledonia Cottage.  Tucked away on a quiet road, the three bedroom farmhouse is close to fat bike, snowmobile and ski trails.  It sleeps up to ten people and features a newly remodeled kitchen plus a barn for bike and gear storage.

Located right next to the Kingdom Trails Nordic Center and with direct VAST trail access, The Wildflower Inn is the perfect spot to call home while you explore the winter wonderland.  Located on 300 acres with those amazing Darling Hill views, the Inn offers a range of room choices including 2 and 3 bedroom suites and pet friendly rooms.  

Just across from the Burke Mountain Base Lodge, Burke Property Rentals is ideal for a group skiing trip with newly remodeled rentals that sleep from 7-14 people.  These beautifully decorated homes offer loads of amenities including secure storage, high end kitchens, spacious living rooms and more. 

Located along Lake Willoughby, the Willoughvale Inn offers ten rooms and suites plus lakefront or lakeview cottages that sleep from 2-4 people.   Cottages feature gas fireplaces, full kitchens and some have jacuzzi tubs and washer/dryers.  The Inn also offers direct access to a VAST trail along with plenty of parking for sleds and trailers.

Deal of the Month

It is the season of giving and what better way to embrace the spirit than by supporting groups that give back to the community.  Make sure to include a visit to HOPE (Helping Other People Everyday) while you're out and about this holiday season.  There are always great deals to be found on clothing, accessories, home decor and more.  Whether you shop or make a donation, proceeds go to help folks in need in the community.
 
Gift Ideas from Burke

Holiday shopping doesn't have to mean waking up at 4am to save a few bucks, wait in a long line and search the aisles for the latest toys as seen on tv.   Around here, holiday shopping means hearing a little bell ring when you open the door to a cozy shop warmed by a wood stove and being greeted by a friendly face who's there to let you peruse at your own pace.  Upstairs at the NEK Country Store, you'll find hand-crafted items made by local folks (some of whom live around the corner) including wood carvings, photography, knits and more.    Across the road at East Burke Sports , you'll meet staff who are just as enthusiastic about biking and skiing as the folks on your shopping list.  They know their stuff and can help you find just the right gear or clothing whether you're shopping for a seasoned athlete or someone trying out a new sport.  

Head on down the road a bit to meet Sam and Weeza at Sanderson's Wooden Bowls.  They are happy to invite you into their studio (in the house where Sam was born) and show you the beautiful bowls they hand turn from local hardwoods.  You can even purchase pens or bowls made from wood salvaged from the old East Burke Dam.  Of course, allow some extra time to say hey to the donkeys and goats!

Not far away is a gift that never fails to please...CHOCOLATE!   Look for a little yellow shop with a moose sculpture out front and head on in to Burke Mountain Confectionery.  This family run business makes the best truffles and peppermint bark around.  Truffle flavors include dark chocolate maple bacon, spiced eggnog and pumpkin spice among others.  If you can't make it there in person, no worries, you can purchase delectables from the website, too.

This little corner of Vermont is home to many creative folks producing unique products and taking chances to be their own boss.  Take the colorful hats and bandanas from Skida.  Founder Corinne Prevot started creating hats while a student at Burke Mountain Academy.  Fast forward just ten years later to her selling almost 80,000 products a year and being featured in Forbes Magazine as one of the 'Top 30 Under 30' entrepreneurs.  Look for Skida products at local sports shops or purchase direct from the website.

It's lights on and online at High Beams.  Trenny and Rob create gorgeous, nature inspired lamps, shades, sconces and more featuring copper, brass, mica and botanicals.  Check them out online, at local craft shows or contact them directly for a custom made gift that you can bet will never be re-gifted.

Of course, it's biking season again so don't forget to get something for your fat biking buddies.   Head online to Fat Bike T-Shirts for men's and women's t's including the classic design, baseball 3/4 sleeve and even mugs and tote bags.  And, let's not forget a Fat & Happy Baby Onesie for the little rollers.  You'll be the coolest Aunt/Uncle around with a gift like that under the tree!

Odds are your list has at least one skier, biker, hunter, angler or paddler on it which means you need some one stop shopping to cross a few of them off.  Village Sport Shop has something for everyone whether they adventure on land or water.  The staff are all avid outdoor folks so they know firsthand how to help you find just the right gift.

Of course, this time of year everyone could use the gift of relaxation.  A gift certificate for a massage, facial, or reiki is the perfect way to show someone you get it and you care.  Check out Trail2Wellness for gift certificates and a range of services for chilling out and feeling great.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
 
    Burke Area Chamber of Commerce
PO Box 347
East Burke, VT  05832
802-626-4124