Tattoo and piercing parlor opens

“We’re a no-judgment tattoo and piercing shop,” said Pierre Vachon, the co-owner of Frog Alley Tattoo and Leatherworks. Christin Eaton, the tattoo artist and second owner, nods in agreement. “It’s kind of our thing,” she said. And, looking around the shop, it’s clear that the two have ...

Moonlit Alpaca Farm is fun for all

When pondering retirement, many couples may think about upcoming travels, spending more time with family and picking up new hobbies. Carol and Cass Tillman, owners of the Moonlit Alpaca Farm, took a different approach. Uprooted by Hurricane Katrina, the two former business consultants moved from Louisiana ...

One in 8700

Every Saturday morning downtown, a community of farmers, townspeople and students draws together.  Bigger than last year, the size and energy of the Middlebury Farmer’s Market keep growing.  With each additional tent that is set up between Marble Works and Otter Creek, more farmers have been encouraged ...

The Pragmatist

Despite the numerous sprawling fields and farms around Middlebury, the amount of developed land in Vermont has been increasing over the past several decades, especially in Chittenden County and in the areas around Burlington. This increase in development is coupled with a lack of farmland and a historical ...

CROP Hunger Walk

On Sunday, Oct. 3, all are invited to participate in the 33rd CROP (Communities Responding to Overcome Poverty) Hunger Walk. Funds from the event help fight hunger and poverty. Sister Isoline Duclos, who has been a volunteer at the walk since 1984, is the chair of the festivities. With help from fellow ...

Local Lowdown

Made in Vermont Music Festival September 23, 7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Head over to the Vergennes Opera House (VOH) on Thursday night for a performance by the Vermont Symphony Orchestra. The concert features Albert Brouwer on flute, Shelagh Abate on French horn and Heidi Soons on harp — all of whom are ...

Local Lowdown

Flea Market September 18, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Looking to decorate your dorm room? Head to the Town Hall Theater for a one-of-a-kind flea market. Browse through jewelry, rugs, antiques and more from over 25 vendors. You will feel great about any purchase, as the flea market is a fundraiser for the Town Hall ...

Chocolate shop excites all palates

“To bring people fresh food and community and just a place to get away from the everyday, [to] be happy for a little bit,” said Stephanie Jackson, co-owner of Middlebury Chocolates. “That’s my overall goal.” And, looking around the high ceilings and openness of the café nestled by the river, ...

One in 8700

In 1990, siblings Andy and Jen Li moved to the United States from China. Jen, who has now lived in Middlebury for six years, believes there is a big difference between the two countries. Nonetheless, she is glad to be raising a family here. “It is a very nice and enjoyable community,” she said. The ...

Local Wanders

Monroe Street Books owners Dick and Flanzy Chodkowski have watched their business change since it first opened in 1991. An ever-expanding repertoire of books and the growing popularity of online book-selling has shaped how the store has conducted business. Yet, one thing has not changed- the charm of ...

51 Main fills docket for upcoming year

51 Main at the Bridge, the popular restaurant and entertainment venue in downtown Middlebury, has a plethora of events planned for the upcoming year. Community discussions, live music and opportunities for students to showcase their talents are part of the varied lineup. Sarah Franco, 51 Main’s cultural ...

Middlebury grad opens bakery

Many Middlebury graduates go on to accomplish feats all over the world, in destinations as far-flung as Cape Town, China and the Arctic Circle. Julianne Jones ’07 plans to make her mark much closer to home. With the opening of her new bakery, Vergennes Laundry, in Vergennes, scheduled for later this ...

One in 8700: Laura Asermily, Middlebury Town Energy Coordinator

The College’s colors may be navy and white, but most know that Middlebury, the town and the College, tries hard to stay green. At the forefront of the town’s efforts to reduce environmental impact is Laura Asermily, the Middlebury Energy Coordinator. Appointed by the Middlebury Select Board, Asermily ...

Restaurants heat up dining scene

It doesn’t matter how much of a quinoa fanatic you are, how many red velvet cupcakes you’ve been hoarding nor how desperately loyal you are to That Special Panini, because there comes a time of year — right about when the ugly sweaters begin to replace shorts and when you’re really questioning ...

Need to find that back-to-school buzz?

Carol’s Hungry Mind Cafe, Sama’s Café, the Stoneleaf Teahouse and 51 Main have menus suited for all taste buds and are ready to caffeinate the student body. 51 Main Tuesday to Saturday, 11 a.m. until late Complete with a lunch, dinner, dessert and snack menu, an assortment of exotic drinks and ...

The Pragmatist

Farmer’s markets and natural foods stores are springing up in towns and cities across the country; in Vermont alone the number of farmer’s markets has shot up from 55 to 84 in the past five years. The increasing availability of organic and conventional produce, whether local or not, has brought ...

Local Lowdown - Summer Edition