2025: New Beginnings, New Chapters | |
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Greetings! I am Christine Garrow, the Vergennes Partnership's new Executive Director. With new beginnings at the Partnership in 2025, I look forward to continuing the kind of excellent work that was the signature of my predecessor, Julie Basol.
The Little City stole my heart about 5 years ago when I moved here to begin a 'new chapter' of my life. Drawn by the beautifully historic and admirably bustling downtown, I first joined the Partnership as a volunteer, lending a hand in the final launch of the Vergennes Historic Sites Walking Tour. I couldn't be more honored to now lead the charge of promoting our incredible city, helping guide it into its own new chapter of even greater health and prosperity.
Please look for me in the office (just inside City Hall), on the streets of downtown and at the multitude of events, initiatives and meetings sponsored by or involving the Partnership. I hope to have the pleasure of connecting with you soon!
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While the Partnership turned 25 in '24, six new and two expanded businesses popped up, down and all around Main Street. It was also an incredible year of achievements in the beautification and infrastructure of the Little City. Vergennes is punching far above its weight compared to other communities of our size – and 2025 is on track to be no different! | |
Gather Vermont – 135 Main – This cozy shop, created by owner/artist Lisa Godfrey, is the most recent addition to the new downtown line-up. Lisa features a curated collection for home, garden, and self that spotlights a variety of skillful Vermont artisans and vintage finds from across the country. Being sustainable while supporting local should always look this good! The space is also available to rent for intimate gatherings. Follow @gathervermontgram on Instagram to see her latest products and activities!
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10 Green Street – Husband/wife duo Nate D'Aversa and Camila Carrillo held their soft launch in late November. Now it's the Little City's newest place to gather for casual drinks and small bites, while also serving as a showroom for Nate's custom-made furniture, Dj'Aversa. Serving up La Montañuela (and other natural) wines, craft cider, craft beer and non-alcoholic beverages, come meet Cami and Nate and see their beautiful transformation of 10 Green Street! (Open Thurs & Fri: 4-9pm, Sat: 2-9pm, Sun: 2-6pm)
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Melody Moon – On the corner of Main and Green, the 'down under' shop, envisioned by owner Char Goodell, features unique, fantastical, magical, back-to-Mother Nature, whimsical cottage-core gifts for all ages. From greeting cards to colorful crystals, you're sure to find something at Melody Moon to make you smile. Explore much of her mystical inventory on Instagram: @melodymoon802. (Open Wed-Fri:11-4, Sat:10-5)
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Handiwork Studio – 306 Main Street – Late last year, former VUES art teacher Julie Cousino realized her dream by opening her own art studio. Located next to the Otter Creek bridge, Julie offers adult art workshops, engaging kids' classes and camps, and creates memorable events for all ages. Follow the link to her social media @handiworkstudiovt and get inspired today!
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K. Grant Fine Art – 37 Green Street – Kristen Grant, owner and director of K. Grant Fine Art, is a 7th-generation Vermonter. Her contemporary art gallery opened in July, adding even more spark to downtown's Green Street corridor. With an emphasis on highlighting Vermont-based artists, KGFA exhibits a variety of original work including painting, drawing, photography and sculpture by both emerging and established artists. Follow @kgrantfineart on Instagram for more updates and programming!
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One Day in July – 206 Main Street – Next to the Stevens House, Frank Koster provides personalized investment management and fiduciary financial advice for individuals, families and institutions. Get in touch with Frank to begin to clarify your financial goals and build your investments. 802.777.9768
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Moving On Up, Down & All Around!
In 2024, two successful downtown businesses moved to larger, more visible spaces right on Main Street – Diddle & Zen and Artists & Revolutionaries.
In addition, Three Squares Cafe began the year with new owners,
Scott Collins and Jody Hayes!
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!
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New Public Art!
Spearheaded by the Partnership, 'Vergennes Falls' is a creative collaboration between the Vergennes Public Art Committee and local students at Handiwork Studio. Currently on display at the Bixby Memorial Library, its eventual home will soon be on display at City Hall. [read on]
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More Natural Beauty!
From the Otter Creek bridge to the City Park and throughout downtown, the number of flowers and plantings has greatly expanded this past year. Behind it all is a dedicated team of gardening volunteers - affectionately nicknamed,
the Bump-Out Babes!
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We have even more ambitious plans for this year and beyond!
Please consider donating a few dollars to our Flower Campaign to help our new vision come to life. Interested in lending a hand to create and/or maintain the gardens with us? We greatly welcome your help!
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Our 2025 Membership Drive Continues! | |
Sending a heartfelt THANK YOU to those who support the Vergennes Partnership, patronize the businesses within the Little City and contribute to the community through VP membership, volunteerism, mentoring and more. The Partnership's 2025 Membership Drive continues in full motion and we need YOU! Please support the organization that fully supports the City of Vergennes as a great place to live, work, shop and play. Become a member or renew today! | |
Membership in the Little City's Designated Downtown organization matters! | |
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Starting to get cabin fever? Get out of the house and on to the 12.5 miles of sidewalk in the Little City! Stroll up, down and all around Main Street and get to know the interesting history behind many of the homes, buildings and monuments within Vergennes. Grab a hardcopy at City Hall, Bixby Library, lu.lu Ice Cream and M&T Bank, or use the online version.
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No. 25 Issue 01 - Feb 4, 2025 | | | | |
