Grace Potter understands the value of travel. You may know the GRAMMY-nominated country rock artist from her hit “Something That I Want,” which you can find on the “Tangled” soundtrack. (Yes, parents, that “Tangled.”) Her most recent album, “Mother Road,” is inspired by a series of road trips that, in a radical way, reconnected the artist with herself. If you decide to take a page out of Potter’s book and hit the road this fall, consider pointing your car toward Burlington, Vt. “There are simply too many things to love about Burlington,” Potter, who is from nearby Waitsfield, Vt., says. We asked Potter for her must-see spots in the city. Here’s what she had to say.
#1
Halvorson’s Upstreet Cafe
Halvorson's, Church Street, Burlington, VT, USA
Halvorson’s Upstreet Cafe on Church Street is a Burlington staple. Come for local beers, poutine, burgers and live music — all best enjoyed, weather permitting, in their courtyard. “I’ll always have a soft spot for Halvorson’s,” Potter says. “My uncle used to take me there for french fries and Shirley Temples as a kid. Later in college, Tim Halvorson gave me my first consistent gig playing music on the back patio. By the end of that residency, we were selling the place out! One time, we had multiple record execs fly into Burlington to see me and the band play there. I’ll never forget those formative years, and Halvorson’s played a big role in that.”
#2
A Single Pebble
A Single Pebble, Bank Street, Burlington, VT, USA
Located in downtown Burlington, A Single Pebble is chef-owner Chiuho Sampson’s ode to the classic Chinese dishes she ate while growing up in Taiwan. “My very first tour manager brought me here for the first time in 2002 and I’ve never stopped going back. It’s my number one go-to spot for date nights,” Potter says. “Consistently some of the best Chinese food I’ve ever experienced. I absolutely love their salt and pepper tofu.”
#3
The Lamp Shop
The Lamp Shop, Pine Street, Burlington, VT, USA
Yes, this is a lighting store, and yes, it’s absolutely worth your time. Don’t believe us? Then, take Potter’s word for it: “I love this place for a million reasons that become apparent the moment you walk in the door,” she says. “It’s a wonderland, full of inspired pieces of furniture, home decor, curiosities and, of course, killer light fixtures.”
#4
Old Gold
Old Gold, Cherry Street, Burlington, VT, USA
This vintage and event clothing store is where you shop if you want to look like a rockstar, from the top of your blown-out wig down to the metal tip of your boot. According to Potter, Old Gold is “a tried-and-true staple shopping experience in Burlington. Before it moved locations, it was next door to Nectars (the iconic, once-and-future music and gravy fry destination). I got my outfit for my first prom here as well as countless looks for stage and screen! Through its many iterations, Old Gold remains my first (and often ONLY) stop for all my party and costume essentials.”
#5
Pure Pop Records
Pure Pop Records, South Winooski Avenue, Burlington, VT, USA
This basement indie record store is located in Church Street Marketplace and noted for its new and used vinyl as well as CDs, cassettes, DVDs and merch. “There’s something about going into a basement to root around for some musical gems that ticks all my boxes,” says Potter. “And Pure Pop is one of the first places that ever sold one of my albums.”
