The hill section properties continue to hold their value!  As of May first there were 12 homes on the market in the Hill section.  10 of those 12 homes were sold as of September 1st! The average sale price was 95% of asking or better!

We have continued interest in the hill with buyers waiting for more properties to come on the market!

Certainly gas prices, as well as simplifying lifestyles, has increased the demand to be closer to downtown– but the overriding feedback is they want the charm and character that you can only find in Burlington’s hill section!

I love living in the hill section and all it offers my family. Downtown shopping and restaurants, the Flynn Performing Arts Center, Movie cinemas and the waterfront are all in your front yard!

The farmers market on Saturday mornings in City Hall Park is the social highlight of many weekends. A great time to catch up with neighbors as you support local farmers, artists and chefs!  Many times we will walk down to our boat and enjoy our croissants, fresh breads and other treats from the farmers market as we watch the sailboats prepare for Saturday afternoon races!

My kids favorite restaurant is the Skinny Pancake, one block from the water on the corner of Lake and College St. - it offers great food at an affordable price with an outdoor patio facing the lake! What child wouldn’t like a breakfast crepe smothered with strawberries, chocolate sauce and whipped cream!

Usually on summer weekends there is an outdoor festival on the waterfront for the kids to enjoy. If the weather is questionable and boating is not an option we enjoy the newest exhibit at the ECHO Center. A waterfront aquarium/science center geared towards children.   www.echovermont.org

This weekend we are going to Stowe for the Fall Foliage Festival and then hiking Camels Hump- a great easy day hike for young children.

So we will be using the car this weekend BUT most weekends the family car can stay in the driveway!!!!

This is my new listing in South Burlington.  Please contact me for more information or if you would like to set up an appointment to view this or any other property.

This is a spacious 4 bedroom Colonial on a quiet cul-de-sac in South Burlington.  It has large bedrooms, a master suite with 2 walk-in closets and a full bath.  The first floor boasts crown moulding, tall windows, hardwood floors and an updated kitchen.  There is an additional family room, bedroom and 3/4 bath on the lower level.  The yard is very large and private and has been nicely landscaped.

The Discover Jazz Festival was here again this week and is getting ready to wrap up this weekend.  I look forward to this time every year.  Downtown Burlington is always a fun place, but I am always amazed at how alive it is during this annual event.  It seems more and more people come out every year, and bigger and better performances make it to the stage.  If you can snag an outdoor table, Leunigs is a great place to sit for a nice lunch or dinner during this festival, while taking in the music being played all around you on Church Street.  But whether you can make it to Church Street, the Flynn Theater, or the waterfront tent, you can always find something you will enjoy.

The Ice Factor is the worlds biggest indoor climbing wall. Located in Scotland, the facility features indoor rock and ice climbing walls, and outdoor courses as well. There are things to do for every skill level, and even a sauna/steam room and a restaurant to relax after your climbing experience.

I have not been to the Ice Factor, but the reason it intriques me so much is that there has been talk about it coming here to Burlington! I was against the idea at first but I have attended some city hearings about the possibility, and while I am still struggling with the economics of it, I think it has the potential for having the same economic boom that it has had in Scotland.

Check out the Ice Factor website for additional information as well as their specific page regarding their Burlington plans.

It’s that time again: Green Up Day is Saturday May 3rd. Since the first Green Up Day in 1970, this state-wide effort has grown into a must-do activity for many Vermonters. This year, more than 12,000 volunteers will remove trash from our roadsides, in an event that brings the community together for a great cause.

The coordinator for Burlington is Beth Truzansky. She can be reached at 865-7178 or btruzansky@ci.burlington.vt.us. If you’re in another community, learn how to participate in Green Up Day in your town.

Inspired by Vermont’s culture of environmental awareness and commitment, Hickok & Boardman has initiated a “go green” initiative across the company. We’ve stepped up our office’s recycling efforts, made changes in products we purchase, and are committed to reducing our electricity usage through a variety of methods.

Hickok & Boardman has put together a team of more than 40 employees and their families who will join the effort on May 3rd. We hope to see you out there!