Vermont Travel Notes

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Southern VT Travel Blog
2008-11-10 01:52:00
About nine years ago, we traveled to Vermont and New Hampshire to look at inns for sale. One of our favorites was an inn in Brattleboro VT called 40 Putney Road, named after the address there. It had beautiful French architecture and a nice location. We ended up passing on it because we found our current VT bed and breakfast inn that was a better fit for us and made our numbers work better. Since that time, 40 Putney Road has changed hands a couple of times I think. The new owners, Tim and Amy, look like they are doing a great job with it - see especially the room photos on their website.They also write a blog I found a couple of months ago just as we started heading into the big fall foliage rush. Now that the extra busy period is over, I am getting around to writing about the blog. It's called "InnBrattleboro" and I have found it to be an interesting source of information about the area of southern Vermont. They also write some about southern New Hampshire which is a very short d...
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Killington: Nevermind
2008-11-07 17:49:00
They skied and snow boarded at Killington for five days but now it has come to a halt due to the unseasonably warm weather we've been having. Even with a 30 inch base in some spots, you just can't keep going when daytime temperatures are nearly reaching the 60's and nighttime temps are in the 40's. There was some unofficial skiing at other areas, even Mad River Glen which does not make snow. But, it turns out it was all just an amusing early season appetizer of what is to come. Right now, Killington is aiming for a reopening on November 14. Next week's night time temps will be the key. To get current information, check Killington's conditions page on their website. The resort has spent $8.4 million in improvements this year and they are anxious to show them off. (c) 2008 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus Inn
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VT Author Archer Mayor
2008-11-07 04:14:00
One of the most surprising things about moving to Vermont was discovering the number of artists, writers, actors, musicians, and other artistic people who live here. They are literally everywhere. Vermont is smaller than tiny (teeny?) but it's brimming with talented folks. One of the best known is author Archer Mayor , a resident of Townsend, a beautiful village in southern VT. His crime stories have been best sellers for about two decades. Mayor's 19th novel, The Catch, has just been published by St. Martin's Press. Like all his Detective Joe Gunther (the main character) stories, this one also takes place in Vermont but it soon moves to Maine where Joe is in pursuit of two "evil doers" as George Bush would say. Mayor himself probably would not make a very good character for a novel because he would not be believable - too much of an over achiever! He has been a "scholarly editor, a researcher for TIME-LIFE Books, a political advance-man, a theater photographer, a newspaper writ...
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New York Times Article on Burlington VT
2008-11-06 02:14:00
The New York Times Travel section has a feature called "36 hours in ___." A few days ago the Time published such an article about Burlington VT. It's pretty well done and covers the upper downtown area around Church Street for the most part. This street is closed off from car traffic and paved with bricks to make it an inviting pedestrian plaza. We often recommend it to guests who want to visit Burlington. There are a good number of specialty shops, restaurants, and bars which makes it a lively daytime and night gathering place. One area the Time's article does not feature is the great waterfront including the Burlington Boat House. The article does mention Burlington's "Stonehendge" park and the accompanying slide show also mentions the ECHO Museum at the waterfront so readers can find the rest of the waterfront on their own. Of course, it is not as inviting this time of year as it is during months of milder temperatures. This article is a reprise of similar "36 hours" ar...
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We're Skiing in VT!
2008-11-03 04:00:00
This photo is copied from the Killington website so the "watch video" link does not work here . . . go to the Killington website to watch the videos and see how much snow they have. Believe it or not, today marked the first day of ski season in Vermont, as the East's perennial first-starter (and longest season record holder) Killington opened for skiing today with nine trails and two lifts swinging into action. Hard to believe I know but we have had snow at the upper elevations for a few weeks now. Killington's snow is a mixture of natural and artificial snow of course but they have about an 18 inch base going which is impressive. If all goes according to schedule, nearby Okemo will be the next Vermont ski area open. They plan to do so on November 15. Other planned openings: Sugarbush and Stowe, Nov 22; Stratton, Nov 26; Jay Peak, Smuggler's Notch, and Bromley, Nov 28. The other ski areas in the state plan December openings. It all depends upon mom nature of course. The best sin...
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Ben & Jerry's Online Halloween Games
2008-10-22 01:45:00
One of the games on the Ben & Jerry's Halloween website pages is this "Undead Smackdown" (or ""Whack-A-Ghoul") game that I wasted about ten minutes playing. Use your mouse button to move the shovel and left click to bring the shovel down. Have fun!I know from experience in talking with our inn's guests that many of them check the Ben & Jerry's website before they travel to Vermont (the company's Waterbury VT factory is about ten minutes from our facility). It is a very entertaining website with a mix of some seriousness thrown in once in a while. If you go to the website, you can check the Ben & Jerry's Halloween page to find a lot of information including the history of Halloween, seasonal recipes, crafts, coloring book pages, safety tips, and some games. Note: when you go to the page and click on the Jack O Lantern, your pop-up blocker may prevent it from working. On Firefox browsers, click the bar above the web page and then click "Allow Pop-ups from benjerry...
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University of Vermont Fleming Museum Exhibits
2008-10-17 06:12:00
There are two unusual exhibits at the University of Vermont 's Fleming Museum you may find interesting. Buddha in Paradise at the Wolcott Gallery runs through December 19. It is about finding "Pure Lands" or paradise in western terms and is a collection of ancient paintings dating back to the 13th century. Also, during this week, October 15 - 22, Buddhist monks are constructing a circular painting called a mandala made from colored grains of sand to represent the universe. You are welcome to watch the construction and also the eventual destruction when it is cast into a pool of water, a part of the process that "symbolizes the impermanence of existence and the ideal of non-attachment to the material world."---------------------------------- ----------- Architectural Improvisation: A History of Vermont's Design/Build Movement 1964-1977 runs through December 19 in the East Gallery. This unique exhibit looks at a group of architects who formed the Vermont Design/Build movement base...
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Ski Free - - - Get a Job at a Ski Resort
2008-10-12 23:24:00
This could be your new place of employment. Sugarbush Ski Resort Sugarbush in Warren VT is holding a job fair for the coming winter ski season. There are full time, part time, and seasonal jobs available. It's a great way to get a fun job and enjoy perks like free skiing and boarding. Other Sugarbush job fairs will be held October 25 and November 15. If you can't make it to the fairs, try contacting Sugarbush Human Resources at hr@sugarbush.comMany ski areas will be hiring for this winter and possibly even beyond. If you are interested but don't know which ski areas to approach, try the Vermont Ski Areas Association Ski Vermont Job Center. Right now there are not many listings but that will change soon. Of course, you don't have to wait for job postings. You can contact the ski areas' human resources department now and get the jump on things. There is page of listings for alpine resorts and another one for cross country ski areas. (c) 2008 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus Inn
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VT Teddy Bear Presidential Poll Shows Surprising Results
2008-10-12 05:00:00
The next leaders of the free world. God help us.In my September 21 entry, I mentioned that the Vermont Teddy Bear Company was selling Obama and McCain teddy bears. Now that the Vice Presidential candidates have been announced, Vermont Teddy Bear has rounded out the ticket with their four bears. I had mentioned that it would be interesting to know which bear ticket was selling the most. In fact, if you look at the company's website, you will see that several thousand people have cast their "votes." You can do the same. I was surprised to see that the McCain/Palin ticket was winning handily by about 2:1 over the Obama/Biden team - that certainly goes counter to all the polls I have seen lately. Visit the company's Vermont stores In Shelburne VT and Waterbury Center VT, or order online the bears of your favorite candidates and don't forget to vote on November 4. (c) 2008 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus Inn
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More on Dogs
2008-10-12 03:11:00
Shortly after I wrote the entry below about the Dog Party at Dog Mountain, I ran across this quote which I've seen before but had not remembered for a long time. As a dog owner, it's one of my favorites: "We are alone, absolutely alone on this chance planet: and, amid all the forms of life that surround us, not one, excepting the dog, has made an alliance with us." - Maurice MaeterlinckMaeterlinck was a Belgian poet, playright, and Nobel Prize winner who lived 1862 to 1949. (c) 2008 Jeff Connor
More About: Nature , Dogs , General

Spectacular Foliage Today
2008-10-11 20:01:00
I took a quick snapshot this afternoon of the hillside across the street. The foliage colors this year are magnificent. If you ever wanted to travel to Vermont to see the fall colors, you couldn't do any better than this year. Some of the upper elevations are a little past peak but still look very good and some areas have yet to peak. You still have time. (c) 2008 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus Inn
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Dog Party At Stephen Huneck's Dog Mountain
2008-10-11 00:24:00
(c) Stephen HuneckPlay like a dog at Stephen Huneck's Dog Mountain on Sunday October 12. There are fields, ponds, beautiful views, and lots of happy people and pets at this annual event. There will be food (hot dogs of course), book signings by Stephen, and an "applause-o-meter" contest for largest, smallest, youngest, oldest, best kisser, best singer, farthest traveler, best swimmer, etc. Visit the dog chapel and leave a note or photo of a departed pet or just enjoy reading moving tributes that other people have left there. Located a little ways outside St. Johnsbury VT in the northeast part of the state but easy to get to from I-91. I wish we could take our pup but we, and by default he too, will be tending to inn keeping activities. Our Cody - a lover of people and other animals(c) 2008 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus
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More Events October 11 and 12
2008-10-10 23:29:00
Felted landscape by Weston Craft Show exhibitor Dorothy Riley, Flower Mountain Studio, 367 Graham Road, Chester, VT 05143, p. 802-886-1337, e. paintbox@vermontel.net The Weston VT Craft Show has been selected as one of the prestigious Top Ten Vermont Fall Events by the Vermont Chamber of Commerce. It is being held this weekend in quaint village of Weston VT. Fifty craft makers are invited each year to this juried show and that means top quality items will be on display and available for purchase. Weston is home of the Vermont Country Store, a large facility with room after room of interesting items. Another nearby show is being held at the Chaffee Art Center in Rutland VT. This is their 47th annual fine art and craft show, and it too has been named a Top Ten Vermont Event. While you are in the south central Vermont area, make your way over to the totally restored village of Grafton VT for the Fall Festival at the Firehouse on Route 121 a little east of the village. This i...
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Mt Snow Oktoberfest, Crafts Show; Newfane Festival
2008-10-10 22:34:00
Mount Snow It's an Oktoberfest time of the year and this weekend it is Mount Snow's turn. Located near West Dover VT in the southern part of the state, this ski area is hosting its 11th annual Oktoberfest. It is being held in conjunction with 35th Annual Harvest Arts and Crafts Show . The surrounding area will be bursting with foliage color this weekend and the weather forecast is for mild temperatures. Get in that car and get going!Newfane Festival The Newfane Festival is celebrating its 38th anniversary. This is a classic Vermont village and features several buildings in a Currier & Ives setting. I highly recommend you stop in the village whenever you are in southern Vermont whether you can make it to this festival or not. The festival this weekend has 80 vendors selling crafts and artwork including quilts, paintings, furniture, clothing, pottery, and more. Also, you will find a food court, deli, fresh apple pies and cider, live entertainment, and children's activities area...
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Stowe Foliage Arts Festival This Weekend Oct 10, 11, and 12
2008-10-09 01:37:00
Two hundred artists will be displaying their creations at northern Vermont's premier arts and crafts festival this weekend in the beautiful village of Stowe VT. This event is produced by the same organization that put on the festival in Manchester VT last week (see below). Like that festival, the one in Stowe has a live entertainment, and a wine and food court featuring including the Vermont cheese, beer, and sausage tent made with locally produced foods. If you like fine quality crafts, don't miss this event - it is one of the best. And while you are in Stowe, check the local art galleries - there are several which have works from top New England artists. You can see a list here. The event will be held at the Topnotch Events Field, about four miles from the village of Stowe on Route 108 (Mountain Road). It's a photogenic setting with the Green Mountain range nearby in the background. (c) 2008 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus Inn
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Foliage Drive Suggestions
2008-10-05 14:47:00
Recommended Vermont drives to see fall foliage"Where should we go to see foliage?" That's a question we get several times a day this time of year. It's usually an easy question to answer because you can drive anywhere and see good color on the trees. Later this month, the number of good drives begins to dwindle of course and the task takes more research. Much of the answer depends on whether or not the person has a particular type of drive in mind or is open to any suggestion. For instance, some folks want a drive on remote country roads while others would prefer to go to the mountaintops. Some of our favorite drives are on the highways which often surprises people. But the highways here in Vermont are free of billboards and often offer sweeping vistas. It's better for the passengers who have time to look but drivers don't get as good view because they are busy driving and there are few opportunities to pull over and look around. In our area, Interstate 89 around Montpelier has ...
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The Best Place to Find VT Foliage Information
2008-10-04 18:06:00
The Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing does an excellent job of providing information about the state's popular fall foliage season. Click here to go to the state's Foliage Forecaster page. You will see the map shown above which you can automate or stop by clicking the dates alongside the map. It shows the foliage progression starting from the northern part of the state and the upper elevations, and then moving south and into lower elevations. Not every year has the same timing and some seasons last longer than others. The trees are very healthy this year from the rainy summer we had so everyone is expecting the colors to last a long time. The VT Foliage Report report, compiled by reports from state is a great source of information about foliage all over the state and it provides recommendations for roads to drive. It is updated twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays. One thing the Foliage Forecaster does not do is tell you the names of the counties on the map. nor a...
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VT Foliage, Antiques, Antiques, and Antiques . . .
2008-10-02 17:05:00
Two fall traditions in Vermont are foliage "leaf peeping" and antique shows. There are other activities as well this busy weekend so let's get started: (Quick aside: the weather this weekend will be very nice: mostly sunny and day time temperatures in the upper 50's F. The evenings will be cool with temperatures in the high 30's F. Bring some warm clothes especially if you plan to spend time at upper elevations.)FALL FOLIAGEThe next two to three weeks you can see some incredible color on the mountainsides and valleys. I have talked with a large number of people here and read in several VT blogs that this year's foliage display may be one of the best ever. I am very surprised at the large amount of red leaves I'm seeing. All the colors are bright. I'm sure we'll be talking about this year's Vermont foliage for years to come.A fun way to to see the foliage is to get out of the car and into the fresh air on a ski area chair lift. It's an exhilarating experience that you will r...
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RIP Paul Newman
2008-09-28 03:49:00
I was saddened to hear today that Paul Newman has died. I never met him but our paths crossed, or nearly crossed, a few times. The first time was when my wife and I took the kids on a driving vacation around New England about 20 years ago. We were on our way north to Quebec and stayed for a night at the North Hero House Inn. The owners had a photo album on display at the front desk. One of the photos showed Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward in an old VW beetle convertible at the inn. They had stayed there sometime before we were there but I don't remember how long before. I know the North Hero House has different owners now but if you ever get to travel there (very nice place by the way), you can ask if they still have that photo album. I doubt they do - I'll bet the previous owners took it with them. But at least you can say you stayed the same place Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward stayed. The drive up Route 2 through the islands is OK enough. Most people think more of it than I do...
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Foliage Will Be Great This Year
2008-09-27 20:10:00
Most all the Vermont locals I have talked to agree that the fall leaf colors this year are much better than average. I am seeing more red than any year in recent memory. We had a very good foliage season last year and I think this will be better. On Thursday, my wife and I drove down to Manchester VT in the southwestern part of the state. We saw a lot of good color already and those areas are just getting started. It seems like the eastern side of the state is a little ahead of the western side. We saw more color on Route 100 than we did on Route 7. Wherever you are, you will only need to drive around to find good color. Check with your innkeeper for their favorite drives and local reports on foliage color progress. I took a picture of the hillside across the street from us because it looked so good in person but it did not show up as well in the camera. The sky is overcast today which makes the colors pop even more. However, there is a bit of moisture in the air from the rain we go...
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Vermont Fine Wood Furniture Festival in Woodstock
2008-09-27 14:24:00
The Vermont Fine Furniture and Wood working Festival is being held this weekend, Sept 27 and 28, in the central Vermont village of Woodstock . Look for the high school on Route 4 west of the village. Very good directions are on the website too. The website also lists about 45 Vermont furniture and wood craftsmen including links to their websites. There are some great looking furniture being made here in Vermont so stop by the show if you can or shop from home if you cannot travel to Vermont this weekend. If addition to the furniture festival, you'll get to visit Woodstock VT which is not only one of the prettiest villages in New England, I think it is one of the best looking in the country. It is located a few minutes east of Exit 1, Interstate 89 near White River Junction VT. Bed by Walt Stanley, Brookside Woodworking. He writes an interesting blog too. (c) 2008 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus Inn
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Vermont Wine and Harvest Festival Sept 26 - 28
2008-09-25 03:34:00
This event is a good way to meet some friendly Vermont ersThe Mount Snow Valley Chamber of Commerce and Vermont Life Magazine are hosting the Vermont Life Wine and Harvest Festival this weekend, September 26 - 28 in the southern Vermont towns of Dover, Wilmington, and Whitingham. The event is aimed at being a showcase for the best of Vermont wines, specialty foods, and artists. Activities kick off with a Welcome to Vermont Bluegrass Party and BBQ on Friday evening at the Matterhorn Inn in West Dover. On Saturday the main festival runs from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm at juncture of Routes 9 E and 100 S next to the White House Inn in Wilmington, VT. There will also be live music including the Vermont Symphony Orchestra Brass Trio Fanfare and other bands, plus a Vermont Life food writers discussion panel with book signing opportunities. That evening there will be wine pairing dinners at some of the local restaurants (reservation required - most of them are already booked - see the we...
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Stowe Oktoberfest Sept 26 - 28
2008-09-23 04:22:00
Right now, work is underway to convert Stowe's Jackson Arena municipal skating rink into a Bavarian village for this year's Oktoberfest , Sept ember 26, 27 and 28. It's one of the village's most popular events for both tourists and locals. The entire family is invited. There will be lots of Otter Creek craft brewed beer, German foods including bratwurst and knockwurst, American foods such as hotdogs and chicken, live music and dancing, pumpkin and face painting, Saturday morning parade, raffles, games, craft booths, and general merriment. (c) 2008 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus
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National Hunting and Fishing Day Open House at Beagle Wear
2008-09-23 02:57:00
Fishing and hunting are a big part of Vermont's heritage. For most native Vermonters, hunting is a tradition going back generations. There are many people here who take a week or two of vacation each year to go deer hunting. The regional radio station, WDEV, even broadcasts a few minutes each morning from a deer camp nearby once deer season opens. VT deer hunting season is coming in the near future and the timing of the National Hunting and Fishing Day is well placed. To celebrate, Beagle Outdoor Wear is holding its annual open house at its store in Johnson VT , about 45 minutes north of us. The event goes from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm and features some of the northeast's best hunters such as the Benoit Brothers and Bob Howe from Maine's Pine Grove Lodge. Everyone is invited to this family event especially young people and adult newcomers who are interested in learning more about outdoor sports and how hunting and fishing affect Vermont’s wildlife.Also attending the event will be ...
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Vote for the Best Bear for the Job
2008-09-22 03:37:00
Did they have to make the ears stick out so much for the bear on the left? At least the bear on the right does not have age spots.Who is the best bear to take on a bear of a job? You decide '08 . . . vote by purchasing the Obama Bear or the McCain Bear at Vermont Teddy Bear. I imagine the company is keeping track of which one sells the most but they don't say anything on their website about releasing the results. It would be an interesting poll. You can stop in their headquarters store in Shelburne VT, a few miles south of Burlington. You can also tour the factory there. The website link has information about tour and store hours. VT Teddy Bear also has a store in Waterbury Center VT which has a full selection of bears and costumes plus a Pajama Gram outlet store where you can often find some very good bargains.If you aren't traveling to Vermont before the election, you can order online of course and put your candidate on display for all to see - much more attention-getting t...
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STOMP! in Burlington Tues and Wed
2008-09-21 03:41:00
STOMP Out Loud, the famous performing percussion group has made Burlington VT its temporary home for a few weeks as it prepares to go on the road for a long tour. They're creating and rehearsing new routines that you can be the first to see this Tuesday and Wednesday evenings at the Flynn Center for the Performing Arts.Go to that Flynn website for tickets.Here is a YouTube.com video - there are many more on the site too: STOMP started as street performers in the UK. You can read a little background on them on Wikipedia. (c) 2008 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus Inn
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Puppet Shows in Southern VT
2008-09-20 15:39:00
From Sweden, the Dockteater Verkstan Puppet Theater company delights young audiences with its story about monkeys who have all sorts of zany adventures trying to run a circusI wrote an entry Sept 12 about the amazing puppet shows in the Brattleboro and Bellows Falls area this past week. The festival winds up this weekend with multiple shows Saturday and Sunday. It is about a 2.5 hour drive from us but if I were in southern VT, this is what I would be attending this weekend. See the Puppets in the Green Mountains schedule here. (c) 2008 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus Inn
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Here is Why I Live in Vermont
2008-09-19 23:51:00
Brewster River photograph from my favorite photoblog: Megapickles . . . see the September 16, 2008 entry. The Brewster River runs north down from Spruce Peak to the town of Jeffersonville VT where it empties into the Lamoille River. More Brewster River photos are available here. There is a widely photographed falls you can find in Brewster River Gorge. Locally, it is sometimes called Jefferson Falls. If you want to fish the area, stop by an excellent little fly shop called Green Mountain Troutfitters to arrange for a guide, get the current flies, etc. Be sure to drive Route 108 from Jeffersonville to Stowe or the opposite way from Stowe to Jeffersonville. It goes through an area called Smugglers Notch and it is one of the prettiest drives in Vermont . (c) 2008 Jeff Connor (except the photo from the Megapickles website
More About: Nature , Advice , General , Live

There Is A Lot Going On This Weekend, Sept 20 and 21
2008-09-18 19:50:00
There are a lot of events going on in Vermont this weekend, too much to review here but I've chosen what I think are a good cross section. If you would like a longer list, go to Vermont Vacationwebsite. Northern VermontThe Northeast Kingdom Quiltfest 2008 is being held Saturday, Sept ember 20, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm at the New port VT Municipal Building, 222 Main St. (map on the website home page). Admission is free. Quilt displays, demonstrations, door prizes, raffle quilt, scavenger hunt. Free admission. Nearby in St. Johnsbury is the Festival of Traditional Crafts at the Fairbanks Museum, on Saturday, September 20, 2008. Artisans and history experts demonstrate the skills that New Englanders used a few hundred years ago including soap making, log boring, chair caning, basket weaving, boat building, natural fiber dyeing, rope braiding, blacksmithing, wood carving, weather forecasting techniques, grafting apple trees, etc. This is part of The Fairbanks Institute for Traditional Cr...
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Two Large Car Shows This Weekend
2008-09-18 04:56:00
Car lovers have two great shows to attend this weekend. Whether you prefer '32 Highboys or Drop Head Coupes, or if you love both types, you will have a great time in northern VT this weekend. The 40th annual Northeast Street Rod Nationals are being held at the Champlain Valley Expo near Burlington. This is one of the largest hot rod shows in the country and attracts meticulously made custom cars from the eastern half of the US and Canada. About 45 minutes away in Stowe VT is the annual British Invasion, a British only car show that features a concours competition, driving tours, parade, display contest, costume contest, British music, British beer, and much more. It's actually a British Lifestyle Event celebrating everything British. (c) 2008 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus Inn
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