ah my hometown and i get to be the first to answer?? Wow—I’m blushing. But I must admit it has been many years since I have lived there, but I did visit a few weeks ago. So…Church St. has a whole array of delicious eats. What do you like? Vermont Pub and Brewery has good atmosphere if you want to sit outside, as does the boathouse which has recently revamped it’s menu I believe. There you can sit on the deck and enjoy the sunset over the sailboats. It’s pretty darn amazing. For thrift shops check out battery st jeans. The cool coffee shop is Muddy Waters, good sandwiches at the Red Onion across from the main entrance to city hall on church, or Kountry Kart (yeah it really is spelled that way) for sandwiches and late night drunk food if you are of that persuasion. I still haven’t checked out flatbread, think that’s on pine, but I heard they have amazing pizza. For breakfast Penny Cluse on Cherry st is very well liked. I never got over the fact that it used to be one of the original Ben and Jerry’s locations so I don’t go there, but everyone loves it.
If you are of age, for bars check out Three Needs (total hippie bar), Red Square—they have live music or a dj most nights…
Also if you like to be active, rent a bike (you can rent one right at the bike path at the bottom of college st) and ride along the bike path. its gorgeous. go north and stop at charlies. it is an amazing place off that path that is a snack bar/boat rental. the people who own it are amazing and really old and speak in old school vermont accents, its very authentic.
More food: three tomatoes, sweetwaters, Stone Soup is amazing for healthy food. They have an amazing salad bar and fabulous baked goods. Best for brunch or lunch.
HAVE FUN!