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Summer in Vermont is the season of outdoor activities and community fun! Spending those beautiful summer days at Veteran's Memorial Park is always a great time. From live music to hiking trails and all kinds of sport fields, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Here’s a guide to making the most of your summer at Veteran's Memorial Park.

One of the highlights of summer at the park is the live music series held every Thursday. Bring a blanket or lawn chair, and enjoy an evening with your favorite local bands and musicians! There’s always plenty to eat as these events are host to some of the best food trucks in the area.

All summer long, South Burlington Recreation & Parks offers a variety of events–most of them free! On International Yoga Day on June 22nd, Rose Bedard instructs a class in the grass (with free ice cream to all attendants!), the July Fitness Series will keep you active with different exercise sessions, Juneteenth is celebrated on 6/19 at 6pm with amazing musicians and food, and join in on the Great American Camp Out also on June 22nd!

Lace up your walking shoes and head for a stroll along the park’s winding trails and pathways. Breathe in the fresh air, soak in the sights and sounds of nature, and enjoy some nurturing exercise. Whether you’re walking solo or with a furry friend, a leisurely stroll through the park is the perfect way to unwind.

Have a picnic! Make your next picnic memorable at Veteran’s Memorial, where you can enjoy fresh air, beautiful scenery, and all the amenities the park offers. 

Speaking of amenities, the 70 acre park provides several! There’s the band shell, pavilion, picnic area, playground, bathrooms and yes, plenty of parking. Regarding sport offerings, there are two regulation sized soccer fields, two multi-use fields, three baseball fields, and two basketball courts.

However you like to enjoy a day at the park, Veteran’s Memorial Park offers something for everyone!
 

Finding the perfect Father’s Day gift doesn’t have to be a challenge. In this guide, we’ll cover several options so you can show your appreciation for the dads, grandfathers, and father figures who have made a positive impact in your life.

We’ll start off with a couple of money saving options that are sure to leave a lasting impression, because sometimes the simplest gestures are the most impactful. 

A handwritten letter that expresses your love and appreciation and shares some of your most cherished memories can be an excellent alternative to a store-bought gift. Likewise, a personalized photo album filled with nostalgic moments is a great gift for those sentimental dads.

If your dad enjoys relaxing at home (who doesn’t), consider gifting a pair of slippers, comfortable loungewear, or a massage gun. A stove-top espresso maker paired with some local coffee will add a special touch to his morning routine.

For the dad who loves cookouts and often finds himself behind the grill, elevate his grill-game with high-quality grill tools or a selection of unique gourmet sauces. Don’t just grab the same-old BBQ sauce, head over to the Vermont Epicurean website and select something locally crafted. And don’t forget, there are plenty of options at your local Farmer’s Markets as well!

Grab Dad a four-pack of some locally brewed craft beer or cider. There are so many amazing breweries in the Greater Burlington area and elsewhere throughout Vermont, that it’s easy to find a selection for every palate.

There are several gifts you can get if you’re looking for someone who enjoys staying fit. Think new athletic wear, running shoes, or a nice gym bag. A new fitness watch could also be just the thing he needs to make his workouts more personalized. Or how about a day of golf at one of the numerous golf courses in our area!

Finally, if you’re looking to add a touch of elegance to your gift, a sleek leather wallet with RFID protection is an excellent option. Or if your father figure has a favorite watch, consider purchasing him a new band. Ensure the sizing is correct, and head online to explore a variety of strap options to customize his watch.

Let’s celebrate our Fathers and show appreciation by grabbing him a personalized, thoughtful gift to show him how much he means to you!
 

As warmer weather approaches, it's the perfect opportunity to fulfill that dream of starting your own vegetable garden! This quick guide is aimed towards beginners searching for a successful first harvest.

The key to a thriving garden follows a phrase that's all to familiar in real estate: location, location, location. Before the first seed is planted, a plan should be laid out as to where your garden will be located. The most vital elements to a lush garden are light, soil quality, drainage, size, and ease-of-access. And don't forget to consider the local wildlife!

Regarding light, the majority of vegetables require 6-8 hours of full sun each day to produce a bountiful crop. You'll want your garden to face west or south for best results. Large or tall plants should be located on the north side to prevent them from blocking sunlight.

Soil quality can make or break any garden. Don't fret if your soil isn't rich and loamy, however. It is possible to improve hard, dry soil with compost, manure, and other organic material to turn the area into a great potential garden spot. A raised bed/box can help too!

Without proper drainage, roots can become waterlogged and diseased, resulting in sparse fruit production. Low-lying areas should be avoided, while flat or slightly sloped spots should be prioritized.

The size of your garden should be determined by the amount of vegetables you wish to grow. Drawing your garden to scale on graph paper can help you ensure there is enough space for all your plants.

You'll want to select a space in your yard that is easy to access for both watering and harvesting. Weeding your garden is nearly as important as watering, and a garden that is out-of-reach could become bothersome to maintain.

Finally, if you live in an area with active wildlife, a proper fence (or chicken wire) can save your garden from all those little uninvited critters.

Once you have your garden's location settled, the next step is selecting its vegetables. Low maintenance vegetables include beets, carrots, lettuce, beans, kale, summer squash, and zucchini. Make sure you choose vegetables that you will enjoy eating! We strongly suggest doing some more research as to which vegetables you select; some plants are picky, others are not!

Cultivating a garden can be a fun and rewarding experience! With careful planning, proper maintenance, and a little patience, you can create a beautiful garden that produces for years to come. Happy Gardening!

Local Garden Supply Stores: 

Guy's Farm and Yard - 21 Zephyr Rd, Williston, VT 05495
Gardener's Supply Company - 472 Marshall Ave, Williston, VT 05495
Claussen's Florist - 187 Main St, Colchester, VT 05446
Full Circle Gardens - 68 Brigham Hill Rd, Essex Junction, VT 05452
Paquette Full of Posies - 10236 Williston Rd, Williston, VT 05495
Creative Gardens and Landscaping - 113 VT-15, Jericho, VT 05465
Evergreen Gardens of Vermont - 15 Cabin Ln, Waterbury Center, VT 05677
Horsford Gardens - 2111 Greenbush Rd, Charlotte, VT 05445