CREW CUTS

GREEN MOUNTAIN GEMS

Matt Mueller has found a lot to love about Burlington, VT.

Vermont may be known for its maple syrup, skiing and lakeside resorts. But major league sports teams? Not so much: The closest in the US is in Boston.

But that’s just fine by AirTran Airways Crew Member Matt Mueller. Since moving to the area last spring, the station manager has discovered the minor league Vermont Lake Monsters (www.vermontlakemonsters.com) at Centennial Field. “It’s pure baseball,” says Mueller, a dad and season-ticket holder. “There’s a family atmosphere, it’s affordable, and it’s the game I remember playing growing up.”

For the seventh inning stretch, or to stretch his legs anytime, Mueller heads to the waterfront, where a necklace of parks, eateries and marinas drape the shoreline of Lake Champlain. His restaurant pick is Breakwater Café (www.ferries.com; 802-658-6276), which offers an amazing sunset view.

Mueller also likes to mill around Church Street Marketplace (www.churchstmarketplace.com), a pedestrian mall that hosts street fairs and festivals. “It’s cool to see the wide variety of people from all over enjoying the music,” he says. He has yet to try the gravy fries at Nectar’s (www.liveatnectars.com; 802-658-4771), but vows to visit the landmark— along with the eclectic Shelburne Museum (www.shelburnemuseum.org) and Ben & Jerry’s Factory (www.benjerry.com), in nearby Waterbury.

While Mueller loves creamy, cold ice cream, he’s not so sure about the snowy weather. “I’ve heard that the winters are extremely cold,” he says. “But I’m waiting to find out for myself. I’m looking forward to trying some of the local ski resorts like Bolton Valley (www.boltonvalley.com).” Another trip Mueller has planned is nearby Lake Placid, NY, site of the 1980 Olympic “Miracle on Ice” game between the US and then-Soviet Union that he watched as a kid. The hockey fan is excited to see the University of Vermont’s Catamounts (www.uvm.edu), too. “I can’t wait to go to a UVM hockey game,” he says. “After baseball, that’s my second love.” —Sarah Tuff

PERSONNEL PICKS

Name: Matt Mueller
Position with AirTran Airways: Station Manager
Home base: Williston, VT (16 miles east of Burlington)

What he loves about Burlington: “The scenery. My first day, I went out to the ramp and took a picture of one of our planes coming in with Mt. Mansfield and Camel’s Hump [in the background], and emailed it to my coworkers in St. Louis. They were all pretty jealous!”

Favorite restaurant:“You’ve got to go to the Lincoln Inn (www.lincolninn.net; 802-878-3309). It was a house back in the 1800s that has been converted into a fantastic restaurant and bar and reception area, with live music seven nights a week. The Mediterranean pasta is my favorite: chicken, pasta and mushrooms, sautéed in olive oil with garlic.”

Favorite place for something topped with maple syrup: “The Parkway Diner (802-651-6881), about a half-mile from the airport. It’s got old-time décor, friendly service and great food. Very simple and straightforward, my kind of place.”