I will be near Burlington, Vermont mid-February for 4 days. Other than skiing, any suggestions of things to do, areas to shop and places to eat? THANKS!

I can't tell you where to eat but I can strongly suggest you avoid the Culinary Institue in Burlington. I was so looking forward to this restaurant as I had heard such great things about all the "chefs in training" and I was sorely disappointed. The food was mediocre at best and terribly overpriced. Sorry I can't be more helpful with suggestions as we were only in the area for dinner.

Hmmm..that's the first time I've ever heard anyone NOT rave about NECI--but I wholeheartedly agree!! It's not bad, just kind of "there".

We love The Daily Planet (great food, great atmosphere), Smokejacks (this one is expensive-ish and eclectic!), Mona's by the waterfront, Parima for thai food (YUM!),Five Spice Cafe is amazing--especially for sunday dim sum brunch...if you walk up and down Church St, you'll see a lot of places.

Church St is also the shopping area--the mall is finally a mall with actual chain stores (Gap, Limited, etc)..so I avoid it like the plague (it is quite a pretty mall though)..but the rest of Church has some pretty cool little boutiques and stores. The waterfront is beautiful, though there isn't a thing to do down there in the winter (except eat).

There's a great art gallery on UVM's campus. Check out what is at the Flynn Theatre that weekend--it's a great theatre with plays, live music, dance etc...Nanci Griffith will be there Pres weekend (I'm just assuming that's when you're coming). www.flynncenter.org

There's a bunch of bars, most geared toward the eight zillion college kids in town There are a couple more "grown-up" ones if that's what you like--The Waiting Room is super hip but RIDICULOUSLY expensive by Burlington standards. Wine Works is very cool and less expensive. Vermont Pub and Brewery has good beer and live bands. Club Metronome is great, but they are not serving booze for a month or so (they had a little legal trouble). JP's is always good for a laugh--drunken karaoke on Saturday. Higher Ground in Winooski has national bands in a small venue...but the price of tickets doesn't reflect its size. I think they are at www.higherground.com

Since you didn't say where you'd be outside of B-town, I can't help much more...but if you have any other questions..hit me and I'll try to answer

Lia

Have a few pints at Re-Ra's and walk around Chuch Street.

If you have a car, drive to Shelburne and visit the Shelburne Museum. It's fantastic - and a short drive outside of Burlington. They probably have a website.