This year marks a milestone for Geri Reilly Real Estate: it’s our 15th anniversary! What began as a vision to provide clients with honest guidance, personalized service, and unmatched local expertise has grown into a trusted name in Vermont real estate. Over the past decade and a half, we’ve had the privilege of helping thousands of clients find their first home, upsize for a growing family, downsize for a new chapter, or invest in their future.

We are deeply grateful to the Vermont community for allowing us to be a part of these meaningful moments. Our clients are more than transactions, they’re neighbors, friends, and part of the fabric of this beautiful state we all call home. Every handshake, every key passed across the table, and every “welcome home” has reminded us why we love what we do. It’s been an honor to guide clients through the excitement (and sometimes stress) of the buying and selling process, and we are proud to have built a reputation based on trust, integrity, and results.

As we look ahead, our commitment remains the same: to provide exceptional service, to continue learning and growing as a team, and to give back to the community that has given us so much. From sponsoring local events to supporting charities and connecting people with the perfect place to call home, we’re excited for what the future holds. Thank you for being part of our journey, here’s to the next 15 years of making Vermont home for even more families.

August in Vermont brings more than warm weather and lake days, it also means the start of a new school year is right around the corner. Whether you’re a longtime resident or a family new to the area, preparing for back-to-school season is an exciting time. At Geri Reilly Real Estate, we know that home and school go hand in hand, so we’ve pulled together a few insights to help families make the most of this transition.

Finding the Right Neighborhood for School Access

Location is everything when it comes to real estate, especially for families with school-age children. Proximity to schools can make a big difference in your daily routine, from shorter commutes to more time at home in the evenings. Popular school districts in Chittenden County, including South Burlington, Essex, and Burlington, are highly sought after. For buyers, it’s important to keep these areas in mind as you start your home search. For sellers, highlighting your home’s access to schools can be a big selling point this time of year.

Preparing Your Home for the School Year

Back-to-school season is also a great time to get your home organized and ready for a busy autumn schedule. Families can set up homework-friendly spaces with good lighting and storage, create a mudroom or entryway system for backpacks and shoes, and refresh bedrooms or study areas. Even small updates like hooks, bins, or a designated workspace can help kids start the year off strong.

Family-Friendly Activities Before Classes Begin

August is the perfect time to squeeze in a few more family outings before the first bell rings. Visit a local farm stand for fresh produce, explore one of Vermont’s many hiking trails, or plan a picnic at a nearby park. Activities like the South Hero Thursday evening gatherings or music nights at local town parks are great ways to make memories and connect with the community before schedules fill up again.

Real Estate and the School Calendar

The school year can influence real estate trends in Vermont. Many families aim to buy and sell homes in the late spring or summer so they’re settled before classes begin, which means by August, inventory and competition can look different than earlier in the year. For buyers, this can be an opportunity to take advantage of homes still on the market. For sellers, it’s a chance to market your property to families who may still be looking to move before the holidays.

Balancing Home and School Life

Finally, back-to-school season is a reminder of the importance of home as a foundation for family life. Whether it’s gathering around the table after a long day of school or having a quiet place for study and play, the right home can make all the difference in creating balance during the busy months ahead.

There’s something about summer in Vermont that makes live music feel even better. Maybe it’s the long daylight hours, fresh air, or cold local beer in hand. Whatever the reason, the Burlington area is full of places that combine the best of local entertainment with good food, drinks, and welcoming vibes. From cozy vineyard patios to bustling brewery lawns and restaurant courtyards, there’s no shortage of spots to enjoy a show this summer.

If you love wine and live acoustic sets, check out Snow Farm Vineyard in South Hero, where Thursday Night Concerts run weekly through August. Bring a blanket or lawn chair, enjoy a glass of wine, and listen to local bands surrounded by vineyard views and Lake Champlain breezes. Shelburne Vineyard is another great option, often hosting music events and food trucks on the lawn next to their tasting room.

For a livelier scene, head to breweries like Zero Gravity Beer Hall on Pine Street or Burlington Beer Company in Williston. Both venues frequently host outdoor music events, featuring everything from indie rock to funk. Foam Brewers, located right on the waterfront, is another local favorite. With rotating live music, small-batch brews, and scenic sunset views, it's a must-visit spot on warm summer nights.

Restaurants are also joining in the fun. The Old Post in South Burlington has live music nights on their patio, and Leunig’s Bistro on Church Street often features jazz duos during dinner hours. If you’re up for a weekend brunch with a side of banjo or guitar, keep an eye on Honey Road and The Farmhouse Tap & Grill, which occasionally host local musicians in the heart of downtown.

You’ll also find great music in public spaces. Battery Park in Burlington hosts the Battery Park Concert Series every Thursday evening, featuring well-known Vermont acts and regional talent. Memorial Park in Winooski and local town greens in places like Essex and Hinesburg often schedule live music throughout the summer as part of family-friendly community events.

Whether you're looking for a laid-back evening in a vineyard, a high-energy night with a band at a brewery, or dinner with a soundtrack, Burlington has it all. Keep an eye on social media and local calendars so you don’t miss a show. Summer in Vermont moves quickly, but the memories you make listening to live music under the stars will stick around long after the season ends.