Burlington's getting a solid dose of fall this week, with tonight bringing the season's first frost advisory to parts of the region. Clear skies and calm winds will drop temperatures into the mid to upper 30s and 40s overnight, with the Adirondacks, Northeast Kingdom, and northern New Hampshire potentially seeing low to mid 30s by Tuesday morning. If you've got tender plants you're fond of, now's the time to bring them in or cover them up. The frost advisory runs through 8 AM Tuesday for Essex County and surrounding areas. Looking ahead, we're in for a gorgeously dry stretch with abundant sunshine through the week. Tuesday and Wednesday will see temperatures climbing into the 70s, with Wednesday possibly touching 80 degrees in some spots. A dry cold front Thursday will bring slightly cooler air for Friday, but we're still talking upper 60s to low 70s. The weekend looks stellar too, with Saturday bringing more sunshine and mid 70s, though Sunday might see a few scattered showers that won't amount to much.

Tonight's City Council meeting at 6 PM promises some meaty discussions, including the overdose prevention center grant acceptance that's been generating buzz around town. The council will vote on accepting $2.2 million from the state to develop Burlington's OPC, though the site location remains undetermined with plenty of public engagement still to come. They're also honoring Vermont Green FC for their USL League Two Championship win while tackling some practical consumer protection measures around gas station debit card holds and private parking lot signage. I’ll be sure to give the full recap in Friday’s edition. Also tonight, the September Vermont Real Estate Meetup kicks off at Burlington Beer Company at 6 PM with their first Community Brainstorm Night, where investors and small business owners will break into roundtables to workshop their biggest challenges together.

Tomorrow brings an absolutely packed Tuesday. Spanish speakers and learners are gathering at Taco Gordo from 7 to 8 PM for their regular meetup, while naturalist Teage gives a free lecture on fall foliage science at Kieslich Park at 7 PM. American Flatbread's weekly benefit bake runs from 4 to 9 PM supporting Sail Beyond Cancer. For those needing a quieter evening, The Venetian Soda Lounge hosts Read, Write, Speak from 6 to 10 PM with a quiet writing hour, open mic session, and movie soundtrack listening featuring Jerry Goldsmith's works. TATO performs at the Monkey House at 7 PM for a free 21+ show. Yarn enthusiasts can join September Knot Knite at Queen City Brewery from 6 to 8 PM, and Essex High School hosts a Community Dinner and Forum on Opioid Use Prevention from 5 to 8 PM with free dinner, panel discussions, and Naloxone training. The Physical Media Swap runs from 6:30 to 8 PM at 1416 North Ave for anyone looking to trade books, DVDs, vinyl, CDs, and comics with fellow collectors.

Wednesday's lineup spans morning to night, starting with Emily Mott's Music Together class at 10 AM at Murmurations Aerial studio for families with kids under 5. The afternoon brings the wildly popular Dinosaurs and Heart Cookies truck to Lowe's in South Burlington from 2 to 7 PM with massive animatronic dinosaurs and their famous deep dish cookies. The Fleming Museum's Fall Open House runs from 5 to 7 PM with free admission and UVM President Dr. Marlene Tromp speaking. The "Emotional Chapters" grief workshop for Swifties begins its three week run from 5:30 to 7:30 PM downtown, using Taylor Swift's music to explore the stages of grief. SHINE: Party With a Purpose happens at Burlington Beer Company from 6 to 9 PM supporting the Vermont Network Against Domestic and Sexual Violence. Film lovers should catch Color the Valley's screening at Main Street Landing Film House from 6:30 to 10 PM, featuring three Black cyclists exploring Juneteenth's origins with one filmmaker flying in from Texas for the Q&A.

Thursday rounds it out beautifully. The Humane Society's final Bark & Brew of the season runs Thursday from 5:30 to 7:30 PM featuring Weird Window Brewing, Black Flannel Brewing, VT Cider Lab, and The Caracas food truck. South Burlington's Park Hop Brews at Bay Crest Park happens simultaneously with VT Cello Duet, Dino BBQ, and free trivia. Looking ahead, the South End Get Down crew has decided to host one last Friday Get Down this upcoming Friday featuring your favorite vendors, food trucks and music. Make sure to turn out for this last one of the season!!

Side note, check out my new redesigned website; I think I cooked! Btown Brief Website

An official Meetup.com group for Burlington! Also started planning some “Lectures on Tap”-style events in the near future, such as phone photography from an expert.

I sent everyone that joined the group a message on Meetup.com. Let’s get this thing cracking! I had decided to shift from Discord to a Telegram chat so be sure to join that! It’ll be split two main group chats, 20-early 30s in one, and 30-40+ in another, and then a general one for everyone.

Burlington has tons going on. The Btown Brief highlights it; Btown Brief IRL gets you out experiencing it. The ideas is we meet for trivia takeovers, food crawls, walks, live music, board games, bowling, volunteer days, and more. Why limit ourselves to one activity like every other group?

These are easy, low-pressure activities where conversation flows and faces become familiar. Friendships happen through casual time together, consistently. Show up a few times and proximity does the heavy lifting.

Think of membership as showing love for the newsletter while unlocking Burlington's social layer. Your $3.50/month (after a free trial) keeps the Brief alive and gets you into a community that actually shows up; with Telegram access, event RSVPs, and input on what we do next.

Join free for the first month, RSVP to what sounds fun, then just show up. As we grow, we'll add more age-focused events alongside open meetups. Your attendance shapes what sticks.
[Join the Meetup group] • [Learn more] [Telegram group shared on signup]

Want a beautiful photo you took of Burlington, with your name, in front of 1,500+ subscribers & 740+ Instagram followers? Reply to this email with that info and I’ll post them, with credit to you! I’ve slowly running low on my relevant, spectacular pictures of this city.

In the Shadow of a Notorious Orphanage, a Memorial Is Unveiled

Friday's ceremony in Kieslich Park marked a profound moment of acknowledgment for St. Joseph's Orphanage survivors, whose stories of abuse were ignored for decades until a 2018 BuzzFeed investigation reignited public attention. The memorial, featuring an archway of black locust branches framing a path to Lake Champlain, stands just steps from the former orphanage site now occupied by apartments. This project represents years of organizing by survivors who successfully pushed Vermont to eliminate the statute of limitations for civil actions involving childhood abuse, fundamentally changing how the state protects future generations. Big props to all those that donated to make it happen!

Vt. Air National Guard plans night training flights

Burlington residents should expect increased evening noise over the next two weeks as F-35 training flights will run through 9:30 PM on weekdays, September 9-12 and September 16-19. The 158th Fighter Wing's night training represents essential preparation for real-world operations, though it continues to highlight tensions between military readiness needs and quality of life concerns for neighborhoods under the flight path. Each training day includes one afternoon and one evening flight, maintaining the Guard's operational readiness while attempting to minimize community disruption.

Nomad Coffee in Burlington's South End Has a New Owner

Eric Kelley of Williston Coffee Shop has purchased Nomad Coffee on Flynn Avenue, bringing stability to a beloved South End spot that faced uncertainty after baker-owner Chris Johnson's unexpected death in March. Kelley's team has already been supplying pastries to keep Nomad running, and he plans to honor Johnson's legacy while expanding offerings this winter with soups and other items. The transition preserves an important gathering space in Burlington's evolving South End, where Johnson had brought his Food Network credentials and Dominique Ansel training to create exceptional pastries, particularly his renowned kouign amanns.

New ordinance could ban public nudity in Burlington

Burlington's famously permissive stance on public nudity appears headed for extinction after a committee unanimously approved a ban Friday, with fines ranging from $100 for first offenses to $500 for third violations. The ordinance, which still needs full council approval, responds to mounting complaints from downtown businesses who argue nude pedestrians harm tourism and commerce during peak summer months. While the old law technically allowed nudity if you left home that way but prohibited public disrobing, the new rules would end this quirky Burlington distinction entirely, though exceptions remain for permitted events and performances.

New 3-year contract aims to better attract and retain Burlington police officers

Burlington's new police contract significantly boosts compensation and benefits in an aggressive bid to rebuild a department where 75% of officers rated morale as "poor" or "terrible" in a recent survey. The agreement increases base salaries to a range of $88,400 to $114,979, adds retention bonuses at five-year intervals, and crucially allows lateral hires to buy back up to eight years of pension credit rather than starting from scratch. With 61 officers and eight vacancies currently, this contract positions Burlington among Vermont's most competitive departments for recruitment, addressing years of staffing struggles that have dominated public safety debates downtown.

Vermont communities push for wake sports ban on more lakes, ponds

The Agency of Natural Resources is considering rules that would slash wake sport-eligible lakes from 30 to 18, responding to mounting concerns about erosion, safety, and conflicts between different water users. Joe's Pond resident Richard Gagne describes watching his retaining wall gradually destroyed by boat wakes while paddleboarders struggle to stay upright in the churning water. The proposed changes would increase wake sport zone requirements and eliminate oddly shaped zones that create congestion, though larger lakes like Willoughby that also petitioned for bans would remain eligible, highlighting the complex balance between recreation access and environmental protection.

Gryphon restaurant closes amid Burlington business struggles

The Gryphon's weekend closure announcement adds another name to Burlington's growing list of shuttered businesses, following Nectar's recent bombshell closure after nearly 50 years just up the street. Both establishments cited similar struggles with public safety concerns and construction-related foot traffic declines that have plagued Church Street and surrounding areas. The loss of these longtime establishments underscores the acute challenges facing Burlington's downtown core, where business owners continue pressing for more aggressive action on crime and disorder even as city leaders acknowledge there's no quick fix to reverse the trend. On the flip side, we do still see other new businesses pop up too. (I’m looking at you Whizbang Candy Shop!)

Author, expert in Artificial Intelligence to speak at Saint Michael's College

Princeton professor Arvind Narayanan, co-author of "AI Snake Oil" and recipient of TIME's 100 Most Influential People in AI recognition, will speak at Saint Michael's College on September 11 at 7 PM about distinguishing genuine AI capabilities from industry hype. His book serves as this year's common read for all first-year students, providing critical perspective on AI's actual limitations versus marketing claims at a moment when ChatGPT and similar tools are reshaping education and work. The free public talk at McCarthy Arts Center addresses urgent questions about AI adoption as Vermont institutions grapple with how to prepare students for a technology landscape increasingly dominated by both powerful and overhyped artificial intelligence systems.

Champlain Valley school leaders outline $13 million bond proposal

Champlain Valley School District officials are rushing a $13 million bond proposal for Town Meeting Day, viewing it as potentially their last chance for major infrastructure investments before Act 73's education funding overhaul takes effect. The bond would address critical maintenance across the five-town district, including $1.4 million for Williston Central School's problematic gym floor and outdated control systems, plus millions more for roofing, HVAC, and accessibility upgrades at other schools. District leaders are simultaneously resisting any state-mandated mergers despite being Vermont's largest district already, warning that new funding formulas could fundamentally alter their ability to maintain current educational services and facilities.

This twice-weekly deep dive into Burlington takes serious time and research, from tracking city council meetings to uncovering weekly events and meetups you won't find elsewhere. As a one-person operation, your support directly keeps this project alive. Consider becoming a Core Reader with a small monthly donation below, or send a one-time gift using that link, or straight to Venmo @BtownBrief. Every contribution helps!

Help Maintain the Trails of Shelburne:
Love walking the trails around Shelburne Bay, LaPlatte Nature Park, Ti Haul, or Shelburne Pond? Those peaceful paths don’t maintain themselves, volunteers do! And more help is always welcome.

Whether it’s trimming brush, clearing fallen trees, digging trenches to prevent erosion, or helping with bigger projects like replacing wooden boardwalks, there's plenty to do to keep these beloved trails in good shape. You can join work crews occasionally or become a trail adopter—someone who keeps an eye on a favorite route during regular walks and reports any issues.

No experience necessary, just a love of the outdoors and a willingness to lend a hand. If you'd like to get involved, reach out to [email protected] and they'll let you know about upcoming projects and how to plug in.

A couple of hours on the trail makes a lasting impact—and you just might catch a tune from the legendary troll under the LaPlatte footbridge. Check out the article where I found this: Help Maintain the Trails

Check out this page for links to four great sites with volunteer opportunities all around Burlington.

Today’s picks:

Five more to keep your week full of options. Start with a walk through City Hall Park where you can sit in the shade, watch the spraying water fountain, and maybe catch some live music. Head to the Champlain Islands for a day trip and stop at Snow Farm Vineyard to sample local wine in a quiet setting. Visit Petra Cliffs for an indoor climbing session if the weather turns or if you just want a different kind of workout. Browse antiques at the Barge Canal Market in the South End where every corner has something unexpected. End the evening with a sunset from Lone Rock Point where the cliffs drop straight to the water and the view stretches across the lake.

Full list’s always waiting here when you need a plan: 202+ Things to Do

Soon to be updated with even more Burlington food deals:

View the full list of food & drink deals here.

El Cortijo Taqueria y Cantina offers a unique premise: farm-fresh Mexican street food served inside a restored 1950s diner car on Bank Street. The cozy, stainless-steel interior is often bustling, creating a lively and sometimes cramped cantina vibe fueled by Latin music and colorful art. The Farmhouse Group’s commitment to local sourcing is evident across the menu, which trades classic diner fare for inventive tacos and an extensive list of margaritas, making it a downtown staple for a quick lunch or a vibrant evening out.

The menu spotlights tacos made with local ingredients, from classic carne asada to al pastor with pineapple, alongside solid vegetarian options. Beyond tacos, the delicious nachos, piled high with toppings, and hefty mission-style burritos are consistent standouts. The bar is a major draw, shaking up potent margaritas with fresh-squeezed lime juice that range from the house classic to creative seasonal specials. Service is typically fast and friendly, accustomed to the quick turnover the popular space demands.

The very charm of El Cortijo's intimate setting can also be its primary drawback. The small space fills up quickly. While the quality of ingredients is high, the cost reflects its farm-to-table approach; prices for tacos and craft cocktails are steeper than at a typical taqueria, and a full meal with drinks can add up. Even so, El Cortijo delivers a fun, distinctly Burlington experience, blending a retro American aesthetic with fresh Mexican flavors that keep the diner car packed.

View the full list of restaurant reviews here.

Keep those tender plants safe tonight and enjoy this spectacular stretch of September weather we've got coming. If you've got news tips, event announcements, or just want to share what's happening in your corner of Burlington, drop us a line. Stay warm out there!

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