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Switchback Bike for the Lake

Date: June 15th, 2019

Time: 7 am

Location: Start at Knight’s Point State Park

Website:https://www.friendsofnorthernlakechamplain.org/product/switchback-bike-for-the-lake-2019/

Event Description:

Start/Finish at Knight’s Point State Park. Rolling start for all riders and all distances between 7 and 10 am. Post ride BBQ and Switchback beer starts at 11:30 am and ends at 4:30 pm. Proceeds benefit the Friends of Northern Lake Champlain’s efforts toward clean water.

Fees/Admissions:

Individual registration: $65; Day-of registration: $75.

Community Partners Golf Classic

Date: June 21, 2019

Time: 7 am – 5 pm

Location: Champlain Country Club, St. Albans

Website: https://www.northwesternmedicalcenter.org/event/community-partners-classic-2019/

Event Descriptions:

Presented by the United Way of NW Vermont, Northwestern Counseling & Support Services and NMC. Registration begins at 7:00 am, lunch for both flights at 11:30 am, contest, games and silent auction run all day. (Soft spikes only please)

Fees/Admissions:

To register, email golf@fgiunitedway.org, call 527-7418, or go to the link above.

Downtown St. Albans Sidewalk Sale

Date: Friday, July 12th – Sunday, July 14th

Location: Downtown St. Albans, VT

Event Description:

Shop downtown St. Albans for savings and specials!

Fees/Admission:

Open to the public.

David Burns

Sales & Leasing Consultant

May’s employee spotlight focuses on sales & leasing consultant David Burns! David has worked in the sales department since 2014. He was born and raised in Vermont, and not looking leave anytime soon. He says his dream vehicles are the Ferrari F-50 and a Nissan Versa. During his free time, you can find him spending time with friends and family or working on projects. His favorite TV show is “American Pickers”, and his favorite movie is “Ace Venture: Pet Detective.” David says his hobbies are going on road trips and collecting antiques. When asked what his goals are, he says, “to be happy, live long, and be self-sufficient along the way.” A summary of David Burns would be “[He likes] being outside and managing [his] maple sugaring business, while having the opportunity here to be around and help people buy cars [he] enjoys.”

For any inquiries contact David Burns at dburns@handycars.com or (802) 528-2247

Buyers have more choices than ever for a three-row family crossover SUV. But don’t forget about one of the models that started it all. The redesigned 2020 Toyota Highlander steps back into the mix with key changes that should continue to make it a top pick in the class.

The fourth-generation Highlander rides atop a new platform that Toyota says provides improved agility and ride quality. It’s 2.4 inches longer than before, and Toyota says that additional length goes toward expanding the cargo area and providing more third-row legroom. The 2020 Highlander also has more sculpted body panels and sleeker exterior styling.
 

Finally Time to (Car)Play

Toyota, one of the few Apple CarPlay holdouts, finally gives buyers an alternative to its Entune software with the new Highlander. The 2020 model will offer both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (along with optional wireless phone charging) in addition to Waze and Amazon Alexa functionality. Most trim levels get an 8-inch touchscreen interface, while the top Platinum trim gets a 12-inch screen.

The Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 bundle of driver aids comes standard on all levels and includes automatic emergency braking and lane keeping and centering assist. Automatic high beams and road sign detection are other added features. Navigation systems for hybrid models even have a predictive driving function that can learn a driver’s regular habits and routes. They can also optimize battery charging while decelerating, driving in traffic, or when climbing or descending grades, for example.

Now With a Stronger Base

Buyers of the Highlander base trim are no longer stuck with a four-cylinder engine — the standard engine across the 2020 Highlander range is the same 295-horsepower V6 available in prior years. It’s paired with an eight-speed transmission and should be good for 22 mpg in combined city/highway driving.

The Highlander’s optional all-wheel drive also gets an update, with the base system capable of splitting engine torque to the front and rear wheels equally. A more advanced system, available on upper trims, can further fine-tune the amount of power reaching each wheel and also comes with driver-selectable traction modes optimized for mud, sand, and dirt. Like its predecessor, the new Highlander can tow up to 5,000 pounds.

While one four-cylinder disappears, another appears. For 2020, the Highlander Hybrid gets a new 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. While the hybrid’s new four-cylinder powertrain generates less power than the former hybrid’s V6 configuration — 240 hp compared to 306 hp — Toyota says the new hybrid can return 34 mpg combined, compared to the last-gen hybrid’s 28 mpg.

Toyota will offer the 2020 Highlander in five trim levels: L, LE, XLE, Limited and Platinum. Base L and LE trims feature cloth upholstery and a second-row bench seat for eight-passenger seating.

XLE trims get simulated leather and standard second-row captain’s chairs, reducing capacity to seven passengers; the bench seat is optional. The same goes for the Limited trim, although it comes standard with 20-inch wheels, perforated leather upholstery, and a 1,200-watt JBL sound system. The Platinum is the Highlander at its most luxurious, offering embossed leather seats, heated second-row seats, a 12.3-inch touchscreen and a panoramic sunroof.
 

2020 Highlander Price and Release Date

The 2020 Highlander goes on sale in December, with the Highlander Hybrid to follow in February. Toyota hadn’t announced pricing as of publication time, but we expect it to be similar to that of the outgoing Highlander. That means it might start at about $34,000 and range up to about $46,000 for the Platinum. The hybrid will likely cost a few grand more, but the fuel savings will offset the cost after a few years of ownership.

It’s wonderful to unplug from this technology age and reconnect with nature, and in Vermont, we have many places where we can do just that. Spend your days on the water or hiking through the woods, and wind down while cooking over a campfire with friends and family. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly camping spots, places perfect for groups, great views, epic hikes or boating spots, there is always a place in Vermont that will be perfect for you. Here are 8 of our favorite camping spots in the state.

1. Waterbury Center State Park, Waterbury Center

You’ll love to be surrounded by mountains at the Waterbury Center State Park, located on the Waterbury Reservoir. This is more commonly a day park, but there are a few primitive campsites accessible only by boat. The sand beach and grassy picnic areas are scenic and fun, and it’s a blast to rent a paddle board right at the beach. An added bonus to this location is that it’s located just down the road from the Ben & Jerry’s Factory.

2. Mt. Philo State Park, Charlotte

If its views you want, look no further than Vermont’s very first state park, Mt. Philo. Overlooking the Lake Champlain Valley and the Adirondack Mountains, you’ll love the vistas from the top via a steep auto toll road or hiking up the mountain trail. The top of the mountain has an open grassy area for picnics as well as an enclosed log shelter. The Mt. Philo State Park has only ten campsites so call ahead for some peaceful mountain top camping.

3. Elmore State Park, Elmore

Just check out the views from the fire tower facing north on one of the many trails in this awesome state park! Families will love the easy hikes, along with a large beach, grassy area for picnics and volleyball, boat rentals and a snack bar.

4. Osmore Pond, Groton

For peace and quiet, head to Osmore Pond, accessible through the New Discovery State Park. Located in a quiet corner, the secluded picnic areas all have their own stone fireplaces built around the 1930s. No motors are allowed here and you can rent a boat or canoe by the hour or as part of a “boat to remote” package. While this is a remote camping experience, the whole family will love the excellent hiking trails.

5. Smugglers’ Notch State Park, Stowe

Smugglers Notch is a narrow pass through Mount Mansfield with 1,000 foot cliffs on either side. Here you’ll find some of the best hikes in Vermont, the most popular being the Long Trail, which can be accessed from the Notch. Smuggler’s Notch State Park has tent, RV and lean-to camping with showers, perfect for a day hike or a camping trip just minutes from the charming village of Stowe.

6. Green River Reservoir State Park, Hyde Park

Looking to get away from it all? Check out the Green River Reservoir State Park, Vermont’s most secluded park. The 653-acre reservoir has 19 miles of shoreline, one of the longest stretches of undeveloped shorelines in the state. There are 28 campsites throughout the banks which are remote and primitive and can only be reached by paddling. All campsites have a fire ring and cooking grate and a nearby outhouse. Be sure to carry-in/carry out here – it’s a rule that everyone follows.

7. Kill Kare State Park, St. Albans

Kill Kare State Park in St. Albans is surrounded by sparkling water with views of the islands, hills and Adirondack Mountains. This former summer camp has a ferry that goes to another picturesque state park, Burton Island. Kill Kare has a large picnic shelter with grills and is a great launch site for paddlers. You’ll love strolling through the park’s many flower gardens!

8. New Discovery State Park, Groton

Set up camp here and then enjoy some of the best views in Vermont in the Groton State Forest area, which includes New Discovery State Park, Stillwater, Big Deer, Ricker Pond, Kettle Pond and Boulder Beach. Whether you drive or hike, be sure to check out Owl’s Head while you’re there as it’s easily accessible with stellar views at the top. This is one place you won’t want to forget your camera when camping in a tent, RV or a remote lean-to. There is even a horse camping area!

Toyota is one of the world’s foremost manufacturers of quality SUV models. From city-friendly crossovers to brawny full-size family haulers, Toyota has a utility vehicle for all kinds of drivers near South Burlington and Colchester.

One of the stalwarts of the Toyota SUV lineup is the Toyota 4Runner. Tracing its lineage to the 1980s, the 4Runner has remained one of the most trusted SUV nameplates on the market for decades. It occupies a distinct space among new Toyota SUVs as a midsize model that’s built for more rugged capability.

Construction: Most of the current Toyota SUV models are built on car-based or “unibody” platforms. While unibody designs improve ride comfort and reduce weight, they typically lack the durability that more adventurous drivers are looking for. The 4Runner, on the other hand, is built on a body-on-frame platform. This is the same construction technique used for trucks, used primarily for its superior strength and durability in towing and off-road situations. The only other body-on-frame SUVs in the Toyota lineup are the Sequoia and Land Cruiser.

Engine: The 4Runner gets a unique engine option. While some Toyota SUVs come with a standard four-cylinder engine, the 4Runner goes right for a 4.0-liter V6. This sturdy powertrain offers 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. The 4Runner is currently the only Toyota available with the 4.0-liter V6.

Design and Technology: The 4Runner is a great SUV for drivers who want a more analog, old-school driving experience. It sticks to analog gauges and tactile button controls in the center stack. Other Toyota SUVs are moving toward more touchscreen and digital functions.

Drivetrain: The 2019 4Runner is one of the few Toyota SUVs that comes with standard rear-wheel drive. Popular models like the RAV4, Highlander, and C-HR come with standard front-wheel drive and available all-wheel drive. The 4runner has standard rear-wheel drive architecture with a legitimate four-wheel drive system and locking rear differential available. The Land Cruiser and Sequoia also come with standard rear-wheel drive.

You can test drive the new 2019 4Runner here at Handy Toyota near St. Albans and Burlington. It could be the perfect SUV for your New England adventures.

Here are 9 places to enjoy some of the best Vermont biking:

Kingdom Trails in East Burke

Established in 1994, Kingdom Trails offers an extensive network of mountain biking trails around Darling Hill, East Burke village, and Burke Mountain. Interconnected trails wind through wide open fields and thick woods for all abilities. (478 Route 114, East Burke; KingdomTrails.org; 802-626-0737)

Stowe Bike Path

The scenic Stowe Bike Path meanders along the West Branch River and features bridges, swimming holes, park benches, picnic tables and scenic views of Mount Mansfield. The award-winning, 5.5-mile, paved path can be accessed off Main Street/Route 100 behind the Stowe Community Church. (Route 100, Stowe, gostowe.com/thingstodo/sports/recreation-path; 800-GO-STOWE)

Millstone Hill Touring & Recreation Area in East Barre

What was once home to many working granite quarries is now a scenic biking destination featuring about 70 miles of trails along 1,500 acres. The water-filled quarries and scenic vistas make Millstone a perfect place for mountain biking in Vermont. (Admission fee required. 422 Websterville Road, East Barre, www.millstonetrails.com; 802-479-1000)

Pine Hill Park in Rutland

Enjoy 16-miles of a single track trail system for mountain biking in a 300-acre forest located within the city of Rutland. The park is stewarded by the Pine Hill Partnership, a non-profit organization run by volunteers. (Trailhead located at Giorgetti Athletic Complex, 2 Oak Street Extention, Rutland; www.rutlandrec.com/pine-hill-park; 802-775-7976)

Ascutney Trails in Brownsville

At the former Ascutney ski resort in Brownsville and nearby West Windsor Town Forest is a 30-mile network of mountain bike trails. The mountain biking trailhead is located on Ski Tow Road in Brownsville (follow the signs to Ascutney Mountain Resort), or at the West Windsor Town Forest Trailhead at the end of Coaching Lane, just west of the Village of Brownsville. (Take Exit 8 or 9 off Interstate 91 to Brownsville; http://ascutneytrails.com)

Burlington Bike Path

This 12-mile trail along Lake Champlain starts at Oakledge Park and extends up through Burlington’s New North End and across the magnificent Colchester Causeway.  Near the end of the Causeway is a bike ferry that will take you across a 200-foot gap to the gorgeous Champlain Islands. (802-864-0123; localmotion.org)

Lamoille Valley Rail Trail

The Lamoille Valley Rail Trail runs along the former St. Johnsbury & Lake Champlain Railroad. About 33 miles of the trail is currently open for recreation between St. Johnsbury and West Danville, and between Morrisville and Jeffersonville. First constructed in 1877 by the St. Johnsbury & Lake Champlain Railroad Company, the track served both passenger trains and freight cars hauling timber, limestone, talc and asbestos from northern Vermont’s forests and quarries, according to Seven Days.  (802-229-0005; www.lvrt.org)

Blueberry Lake in East Warren

A trail network that is enjoyable for all levels, the Blueberry Lake mountain bike trails in the Green Mountain National Forest feature views of Blueberry Lake and the mountains. With trails like Tootsie Roll, Suki’s Alley, Lenord’s Loop, you can’t go wrong. (Trailheads are on the opposite side of Blueberry Lake on Plunkton Road; madriverriders.com)

A Vermont Ski Area

Ski areas aren’t just about winter recreation. In fact, several ski areas offer mountain biking trails in the summer and fall, including Smugglers’ Notch, Killington, Mount Snow, Stowe, Sugarbush, and Okemo. (Fees may apply; skivermont.com)

Lone Rock Point

Just a stone’s throw from Burlington’s beautiful waterfront is Lone Rock Point. A popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, this thrust fault is evidence of the tectonic forces that created Vermont’s Green Mountains hundreds of millions of years ago.

Paddling to Lone Rock Point during sunset in the summer months is a special treat. The spectacularly light-colored dolostone jutting over the gray shale underneath seems to become almost luminescent as the sun sinks below the horizon.
 

The Connecticut River

Carving the border between Vermont and New Hampshire, the Connecticut River offers a myriad of options for both day trips and longer sojourns. The East Ryegate-to-Hanover section of the Connecticut River Paddlers’ Trail is a popular multi-day trip. This 51-mile, portage-free excursion sees the river grows ever wider and more picturesque; it also boasts a number of primitive campsites available along the way that are maintained by the Upper Valley Land Trust.
 

Green River Reservoir State Park

The Green River Reservoir is beautiful, tranquil, and boasts 28 remote campsites along its 19-mile shoreline. These campsites are accessible only by boat—some 1 to 2 miles from the boat launch site–so get ready to portage.

Located in Hyde Park, this wild and undeveloped place is perfect for early morning paddles after a night of camping. Watch the fog rise from the lake with only the sound of your paddles slipping through the water to break the calm.
 

Lake Willoughby

More reminiscent of a Norwegian fjord than a lake, Lake Willoughby sits nestled in between Mounts Pisgah and Hor, and is known for the stunning clarity and depth of its water.

Carved from the surrounding landscape by glacial activity, Willoughby is impressively deep with some spots exceeding 300 feet. And the water temperatures remain cold even into the summer. Peregrine falcons nest along the sheer cliffs surrounding the lake. You might even get lucky enough to see one catch a fish.
 

The Winooski River

As the second-longest river in Vermont, the Winooski winds its way 90 miles through the heart of Vermont’s Green Mountains. A trip down the Winooski will take you through pastoral landscapes, the state’s capital, and Vermont’s largest city, all before reaching an end at Lake Champlain.

A popular section of the Winooski to paddle is the length between Bolton and Richmond. It’s also the site of Friend’s of the Winooski’s annual Onion River Race and Ramble. Paddlers venturing down this portion of the river experience some of the Winooski’s more spectacular scenery, with the Green Mountains prominent to the north and south, and the rolling farmland of Bolton and Richmond consistently in view.
 

The Missisquoi River

High in the northern reaches of Vermont, near the border of Canada, runs the Missisquoi River. A beautiful 12.5-mile loop trip on the Northern Forest Canoe Trail through the Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge will prove to be a treat for paddlers of the ecological persuasion. The Great Blue Heron rookery on Shad Island is home to the largest colony of Heron in Vermont.

You’re interested in buying a car, but you’re also trying to shop on a budget. Having more limited finances doesn’t mean you shouldn’t drive home in something dependable, though. The sales team at Handy Toyota knows that. That’s why we offer our customers a valuable selection of used Toyota cars. When you come to our dealership in St. Albans, VT, you’ll find a wide array of used Toyota models. These include everything from popular sedans and SUVs like the Toyota Camry and RAV4, to powerful vehicles like the Toyota 4Runner and Toyota Tundra pickup truck.
 

These used options run the gamut from recent-year models complete with the latest features to older options with a bit more mileage under their belts. The one thing they all share, however, is the value they deliver to drivers like you. It doesn’t matter what you’re looking for to hit the roads of Plattsburgh. We have dozens of used Toyota models that can help to guarantee you’ll find it.

Would you like to know more about the used Toyota inventory at Handy Toyota? Drop us a line or come and visit us. We’re only a modest drive from Plattsburgh and our sales team is always happy to meet with new customers. We’ll make sure you drive home in a vehicle that makes you smile.

Spring has arrived and the fish are biting in Vermont! It’s time to get out in the fresh air and have some good old fashioned fun with friends, family or a day by yourself to enjoy the peace and quiet surrounded by some of the most gorgeous scenery in Vermont. But do you know where the best places to go to have a successful day fishing? We’ve put together some of the best family friendly fishing spots in the state, and we think you’ll agree that these places will give you some long lasting memories of simple days and good times.

1. Shelburne Bay, Shelburne

For the best chances for some great catches, head to the shoreline at the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department’s access area, but the absolute best fishing is from the bridge on Bay Road to the point. If you enjoy the Shelburne Bay in early spring or late fall, you may even encounter lake trout or rainbow trout. Late spring and early summer brings a number of panfish, bass, and northern pike.

2. Baker Pond, Brookfield

Owned by the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department, Baker Pond has plenty of places to fish from the shore. You can also take out a small boat to try for a brook trout in early spring, or enjoy the abundant amount of largemouth bass and pumpkinseed sunfish.

3. Lake Champlain, Alburg

Alberg is located in the northwest corner in Vermont and has some of the most diverse selection of fish around with over 90 different species. One of the best areas to catch some live ones is is the Korean War Veterans Fishing Access, which provides shore-bound anglers a great opportunity to catch some beauties.

4. Lake Champlain, Burton Island

Burton Island State Park is accessible by boat or ferry and provides some of the best fishing access, especially for the younger fishers who can drop their line in from one of the docs. In addition to some excellent fishing, this park provides camping, hiking and beaches. Talk about options for the best family fishing experience ever!

5. Lower Lamoille River, Milton

This area has two platforms that are accessible to everyone and the fishing is great right off the platforms. Here you’ll find yellow perch, smallmouth and largemouth bass, rock bass, brown bullhead, and northern pike. A short drive north to the Sandbar State Park is a quick option if the fish aren’t biting much here.

6. Winooski River, Colchester

Here you’ll find yellow perch, white perch, smallmouth and largemouth bass, brown bullhead, and northern pike. Mid-May is an excellent time to try your hand, or rather your rod, on the Lower Winooski River.

7. Sunset Lake, Brookfield

The floating bridge isn’t the only thing in the water over Sunset Lake. Go ahead and drop your line right off the bridge and this time of year it’s filled with trout in early spring.

8. Silver Lake, Barnard

Enjoy fishing directly from shore at Silver Lake State Park. There is so much to do here including a swimming beach, playground and camping. Boat and canoe rentals are also available.

Why do folks from Essex Junction buy from Handy Toyota in St. Albans? Well, our dealership is a convenient alternative if you don’t want to venture into Burlington and deal with the craziness that can surround it. Furthermore, we offer a spectacular selection of new and used Toyota models as well as superb customer service, so you can enjoy an all-around pleasant and easygoing experience when you make the short trip to our dealership.

Why Buy at Handy Toyota?

Since our dealership is located away from the hustle and bustle of Burlington, many drivers in the Colchester and South Burlington areas make the trip to St. Albans for a low-stress car-shopping experience. Of course, location isn’t everything. Our stunning selection of top-notch vehicles and our team of friendly, helpful staff members are what draw drivers back to our showroom time and time again.

Shop Incredible New and Used Toyota Models and More

Our inventory is home to hundreds of new and used car options ranging from popular, brand-new Toyota models like the Toyota RAV4 to competitively-priced, high-quality used vehicles from a variety of other brands. Our team will be ready to walk you through our inventory and help you find the perfect fit whether you have your dream car figured out down to the color or you’re just beginning the shopping process.

We also offer a wide variety of Toyota specials to help you save on your purchase or lease!

Tend to Your Car’s Service Needs

When your car needs expert maintenance or repair near Essex Junction, you can count on our team to deliver fast, professional service that leaves your car in tip-top shape and leaves you feeling confident. So, if whether your car needs a quick oil change, a round of scheduled maintenance, or in-depth repairs to get it back up and performing at full capacity, we’re here to help.

Visit our Toyota dealership today to learn more!