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- Tuesday, April 15th
Tuesday, April 15th
Tuesday Brief (Plus New Sections): Thunder in the Forecast, Protests Downtown & Spring Skiing’s Last Stand – Scattered showers and scattered crowds define this week’s start. As Burlington cools off, the Tufts student deportation case heats up in federal court. Plus: ski lifts keep turning, salmon fill the lake, and UVM staff land a raise. Check out our new 101+ Summer Things-to-do in Burlington, this week's comic, and a new restaurant review: Pho Hong!
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Table of Contents
Weather & Tuesday Rundown:
After a bright, 60° Monday, Burlington is easing back to classic spring unpredictability. Expect scattered showers and the odd rumble of thunder to drift across the lake this evening while temperatures hover in the mid‑40s. Overnight, the mercury slips to the 30s and the higher peaks pick up a fresh coat of snow. Wednesday stays gray and brisk (low 40s), but clearer skies return Thursday with sun‑splashed 50s. By Friday we’re back to low‑60s sweatshirt weather before another round of rain kicks off a soggy Saturday; Easter Sunday looks cooler yet sunnier, perfect for post‑brunch strolls along the waterfront.
So what does that mean for the week ahead? If you’re heading to Grateful Tuesdays at Nectar’s tonight, grab the rain shell. Tomorrow’s Free Crepe Day at Main Street Landing pairs nicely with a warm drink as clouds linger. Thursday’s Vermont Tech Happy Hour at Foam Brewers should catch the first real sun break of the week, and Friday’s Bike Bash in City Hall Park might squeak in before evening showers. Keep an umbrella by the door, but don’t cancel plans—the weather is merely a backdrop for Burlington’s busy calendar.
On April 15, the average high is 55°F, the average low is 36°F, with a record high of 85°F set in 2023 and a record low of 18°F from 1926. Today the forecasted high is 65°F and the low is 38°F. This means today's high is 10°F warmer than average, while the low is close to normal.
Guess where the photo of this Burlington gem was taken. We’ll reveal the location at the bottom of the newsletter:
Hint: Steps from creaky planks and sailboat masts—sunset magic lives here.
Local News (All Links Clickable)
“No cameras are allowed in federal court, but that didn’t stop hundreds of people from protesting outside the building.” Per WCAX
Burlington’s federal courthouse overflowed with supporters of Rümeysa Öztürk, the detained doctoral student whose visa revocation has become a flash‑point for free‑speech advocates. The crowd—and the judge—now wait to see whether the case stays in Vermont or heads back south.
“After a winter with record‑breaking snow totals, there are still turns to be had.” Per WCAX
Bolton, Smuggs, and friends have called it a season, but Stowe, Jay, Sugarbush, and Killington are still spinning lifts. If your mud‑season plans involve both shorts and ski boots, you’ve got options—just remember your pass, sunscreen, and at least a T-shirt!
“The agreement… covers the next three years and includes pay increases for staff, as well as enhanced employee benefits.” Per NBC5
Base salaries jump 4 percent retroactive to last July with more raises queued up through 2026. Minimum wage on campus rises above $20 an hour, proving that even in higher ed, inflation never graduates.
“A statewide history project has been partially saved thanks to multiple donors.” Per WCAX
Emergency gifts keep the Activating 21st Century Local History initiative alive through October, sparing one layoff. If you like your archives dust‑free and your historians employed, consider tossing a few coins in the collection jar.
“Some 26,000 new salmon are now swimming in Lake Champlain.” Per WCAX
Biologists hope the fingerlings will imprint on local waters and return to spawn in three years. In the meantime, anglers are asked to mail in fin clips for science.
Events
Tuesday, April 15, 2025
General Events
All Day: Rube Goldberg Week at ECHO, Leahy Center (Ongoing)
4:00 PM: Oyster Happy Hour! at Windjammer Restaurant & Upper Deck Pub
5:00 PM – 9:00 PM: Game Night at Switchback Brewing Co. (Free)
5:00 PM: Saving Grace Street Outreach at Saving Grace Family Ministries (Ongoing)
5:30 PM: 27th Birthday Bash at Higher Ground
6:00 PM: Queen City Brewery & Pizza44 Trivia Night at Queen City Brewery
6:30 PM: Open Studio – Tues Eves at 208 Flynn Ave Studio
7:00 PM: Open Mic Comedy at The 126 (Free)
7:00 PM: Venetian Soda Open Mic at Venetian Soda Lounge (Free)
7:00 PM: Beginner Salsa (No Partner Needed) at South End Studio
7:05 PM: April Lindy 1 at Vermont Swings
7:05 PM: Beginning Swing at Vermont Swings
8:00 PM: Spring Into Wealth (virtual) on Zoom
Performances
7:00 PM: Complexions Ballet “Star Dust” at The Flynn ($31.75 – $63.25)
7:00 PM: Film “On the Waterfront” at Film House, Main Street Landing (Free)
Live Music/DJ
8:00 PM: Grateful Tuesdays at Nectar’s ($10)
9:00 PM: Honky Tonk Tuesday w/ Pony Hustle at Radio Bean ($10)
7:30 PM: 27th Birthday Bash — live sets at Higher Ground
Wednesday, April 16, 2025
General Events
8:00 AM: FREE Crepe Day! at Main Street Landing Performing Arts Ctr.
11:15 AM: Your Friendly Neighborhood Law Firm at The Flynn Center
4:00 PM: Garden Workshop: Seed‑Starting at Fletcher Free Library
6:00 PM: Intro to Tools (April) at New Frameworks Design/Build
6:30 PM: Trivia Night at Citizen Cider
6:30 PM: Deaf‑Accessible Trivia at Citizen Cider
7:00 PM: Venetian Trivia Night at Venetian Soda Lounge
7:00 PM: April Westie Wednesday at Vermont Swings
6:00 PM: Mindfulness on the Mat at 35 King St Yoga Studio (Series)
Live Music/DJ
8:30 PM: Brother Ali at Higher Ground
Thursday, April 17, 2025
General Events
3:00 PM: Friends & Family Birthday Sale at April Cornell
5:30 PM: Vermont Tech Happy Hour at Foam Brewers
5:30 PM: Lake Champlain Microplastics Talk at Community Sailing Center
5:45 PM: Marathon Pace‑Team Group Run from Skirack
6:00 PM: Color Photography History Talk at Burlington Beer Co.
6:00 PM: Mah Jongg at The Boardroom – Board Game Café
6:45 PM: Kizomba & Semba at South End Studio
Performances
7:00 PM: Bailey Seybolt: Coram House at Venetian Soda Lounge
Live Music/DJ
5:00 PM: Tower of Power at Hotel Champlain
8:30 PM: Thanya Iyer & Acqua Mossa at Radio Bean
9:00 PM: REPRISE: Iconic Phish Shows at Nectar’s
7:30 PM: Badfish – Tribute to Sublime at Higher Ground
Friday, April 18, 2025
General Events
9:00 AM: M&T Bank Mortgage Day at M&T Bank, Two Burlington Sq.
11:00 AM: Bike Bash 2025 at City Hall Park
5:30 PM: GMAPA – Singles Boards at Vermont Pool & Bar
6:00 PM: Discovery After Dark at ECHO, Leahy Center
6:00 PM: SBRP Family Paint Night at South Burlington Rec & Parks
6:30 PM: Friday Night Ballroom at Vermont Swings
6:45 PM: Beginning Lyra (Aerial Hoop) at Lines VT Studio + Store
6:00 PM: Easter 2025 – North Ave Campus at North Avenue Alliance Church
Performances
7:30 PM: Two Wheels Toward Adventure at Champlain College Event Center
7:00 PM: Misericordia at Film House, Main Street Landing
Live Music/DJ
6:00 AM: Craig Mitchell’s PURPLE (Early Set) at Radio Bean
7:00 PM: Max Higgins at Radio Bean
8:00 PM: Dweezil Zappa at The Flynn Center
8:00 PM: The Lil Smokies at Higher Ground
8:00 PM: Sticks & Stones at The Old Post
8:30 PM: Craig Mitchell’s PURPLE Birthday Show at Radio Bean
9:00 PM: The Edd w/ Night Protocol at Nectar’s
101+ Things to Do in Burlington (Summer Activities)
I’ve been absolutely cooking! I created a list of 101+ things to do while in Burlington. No more needing to think about how bored you might be: just open the list, close your eyes and randomly scroll until you land on a good one. I’ve got everything Burlington related you can think of, mostly free activities! Whether you're new to town or just looking to shake up your routine, I picked just 5 of the 101+ activities to highlight today: You could catch sunset views from the porch swings at Waterfront Park, then stroll up to Church Street for people-watching and a creemee from Burlington Bay. Rent a kayak at Oakledge (opening soon) and explore the calm bay waters, or take a spontaneous drive up to Mt. Philo for a quick hike and panoramic views. And if the day's winding down, cap it off with live music and a cold cider at Citizen Cider’s patio. Check out the entire 101+ list of activities here: https://btownbrief.beehiiv.com/c/101-activites
This Week’s Comic
Boom, roasted
Eating Out On A Budget (Food & Drink Deals)
Tuesday
Food:
• Leunig’s Bistro – $24 prix fixe (app + entrée)
• Moe’s – Kids eat free (5–9 PM)
• Gold Restaurant – $12 pasta (from 4:30 PM)
• Texas Roadhouse – $1.99 kids’ meals (4–8 PM)
• Shelburne Tap House – $5 tacos
• Four Quarters Brewing – $10 burger & fries or $3.50 tacos
• Buffalo Wild Wings – BOGO 50% off traditional wings
• Three Needs – $1 pizza after keg kicks (~5:30 PM)
• Black Flannel – All drafts $5
• Bleu Northeast Kitchen – $1 oysters (5–6 PM)
• McGillicuddy’s – All drafts $5
• El Gato Essex – $4 tacos
• Despacito – Half-price cocktails
• Rotisserie – $3.95 taco Tuesday
• Shalimar – $5 tacos, $5 margaritas
• Skinny Pancake – BOGO crepes
• VT Pub and Brewery – 15% off w/ VT ID
Drink:
• Daily Planet – 50% off cocktails (5–10 PM)
• Four Quarters – Margarita specials (Taco Tuesday)
• Zero Gravity Pine St – $3 pints (Green State)
Wednesday
Food:
• Pizzeria Verità – BOGO Margherita pizzas
• Friendly Toast – Kids eat free
• City Market – $5.99 sushi rolls
• Gold Restaurant – 50% off small plates (<5:30 PM, >8:30 PM)
• Daily Planet – $5 off burgers & sandwiches
• Shelburne Tap House – BOGO ½ off salads
• Three Needs – $1 pizza after keg kicks (~5:30 PM)
• Mule Bar – $2 corn dogs, $4 hot dogs
• Black Flannel – All drafts $5
• Bleu Northeast Kitchen – $1 oysters (5–6 PM)
• Four Quarters Brewing – $5 Wizard Beers (NEIPA & DIPA)
• McGillicuddy’s – $12 burger + fries + beer
• Rotisserie – $5 sliders
• Despacito – $5 margaritas
• Shalimar – $5 house wine, BOGO salad
• Standing Stone Wine – 10% off retail, $2 off wine by glass
• VT Pub and Brewery – Reduced snack menu (3–5 PM)
Drink:
• Three Needs – $1 drafts after keg kicks
• Mule Bar – $5 whiskey pours
• Zero Gravity Pine St – $3 pints (Conehead)
Thursday
Food:
• Shelburne Tap House – $0.75 jumbo wings
• Gold Restaurant – 50% off small plates (<5:30 PM, >8:30 PM)
• Three Needs – $1 pizza after keg kicks (~5:30 PM)
• Switchback Brewing – 25% off apps (Mug Club)
• McGillicuddy’s – Half-price snack menu
• Bleu Northeast Kitchen – $1 oysters (5–6 PM)
• Four Quarters Brewing – $10 for 2 slices of pizza + pint
• Buffalo Wild Wings – BOGO boneless wings
• Despacito – $6 margarita night
• Pizza Verità – 2-for-1 Margherita pizzas
• May Day – $10 Patty Melt
• The Kitchen Table – $5 drafts & pub food
• VT Pub and Brewery – Reduced snack menu (3–5 PM)
Drink:
• Three Needs – $1 drafts after keg kicks
• Daily Planet – $5 Zero Gravity pints (5–10 PM)
• Switchback Brewing – $5 Mansfield IPA
• Standing Stone Wine – 10% off retail, $2 off wine by glass
• Zero Gravity Pine St – $3 pints (Conehead)
Friday
Food:
• Shelburne Tap House – $10 fish & chips
• Three Needs – $1 pizza after keg kicks (~5:30 PM)
• Bleu Northeast Kitchen – $1 oysters (5–6 PM)
• McGillicuddy’s – $5 Zero Gravity beer, $2–2.50 pizza slices
• Daily Planet – $5 off burgers & sandwiches
• Gold – $12 pasta, $8 wine by the glass
• Shalimar – $5 fish & chips, $5 Fiddlehead drafts
• Skinny Pancake – ½ price burgers
• Pizza Verità – 2-for-1 Margherita pizzas
• Rotisserie – $3 Switchback Ale
• VT Pub and Brewery – Reduced snack menu (3–5 PM)
• The Kitchen Table – $5 drafts & pub food specials
Drink:
• Three Needs – $1 drafts after keg kicks
• Daily Planet – $5 Fiddlehead IPA (all day)
• Zero Gravity Pine St – $3 pints (Conehead)
Restaurant Review: Pho Hong
Starting restaurant reviews for you! Today is my favorite place to eat in Burlington. Pho Hồng is a beloved fixture in Burlington’s Old North End, consistently praised as one of the city’s best spots for authentic, flavor-packed Vietnamese cuisine. Family-owned and operated by the Le family since opening in 2008 in a converted former bus station, the restaurant has cultivated a loyal following for its exceptional pho, crafted from aromatic broths that simmer for hours using traditional family recipes. Diners choose from beef, chicken, or vegetarian pho, customizing each steaming bowl with fresh herbs, crunchy bean sprouts, and a squeeze of lime. The menu also features crispy and fresh spring rolls served with vibrant dipping sauces, savory noodle stir-fries brimming with fresh veggies, and my personal favorite, the Panang Curry. The relaxed, casual atmosphere and friendly, attentive service enhance the feeling of enjoying a home-cooked meal among friends.
Pho Hồng’s reputation extends well beyond its regular patrons, earning widespread recognition, including frequent nods from Seven Days as Burlington’s "Best Vietnamese Restaurant" and consistently high rankings on TripAdvisor and Yelp. Reviewers rave about the authenticity and quality of the dishes, highlighting not only the food but also the warm hospitality of the Le family. With affordable pricing and a BYOB policy, Pho Hồng remains an accessible, inviting dining destination. In 2022, the family realized a long-held dream by purchasing the restaurant property, securing its future as a cornerstone of Burlington’s culinary scene. Personally, its where I bring people that are visiting Burlington so they leave with a good impression of the town. Hasn’t failed me yet. Check it out if you haven’t already! Also, I’ll be creating an archive of these posts soon.
That’s All, Burlington!
Thanks for reading tonight’s Btown Brief. Got tips, photos of surprise April snow, or a salmon selfie? Hit reply or drop us a line at [email protected]. See you Friday—same inbox, fresher jokes
Mystery Photo Location: Right by the boardwalk at Waterfront Park
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