Vermont Travel Notes

Draft Horse Days at Billings Farm

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 12:09:47 -0500

Copyright � 2010 Billings Farm & Museum

As mentioned below, if you are visiting the Quechee Balloon Festival today or tomorrow, I recommend a trip over to nearby Woodstock. It's one of my favorite towns in Vermont. And one of my favorite places in Woodstock is the Billings Farm and Museum, a beautiful facility.

This weekend, Billings Farm is holding Draft Horse Days from 10:00 to 5:00 both days. There will be demonstrations and activities showcasing Billings Farm's draft horses, including traditional fieldwork, horse shoeing, horse-drawn wagon rides. Draft horses teams will demonstrate plowing, planting, cultivating, and mowing in the farm fields during narrated programs at 11:00 a.m., 1:00, and 3:00 p.m. each day.

Each morning will begin with braiding the horse's mane and tails. There will also be shoeing demonstrations on the farm's Percheron, making horseshoes, and rope making. Children can learn how to make clothespin horses, take part in hobby horse races, and play Pin-the-Tail-on-the-Horse.

Billings Farm is well worth the visit not only for the Draft Horse Days but also for their everyday displays plus work that goes on the farm such as cow milking. It's a great place for children and for adults who would like to witness and learn about farm life.

Admission: adults: $12.00; 62 and over: $11.00; children 5-15: $6.00; 3-4: $3.00; under 3: free.

Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus

Quechee Balloon Festival June 18 - 20

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 07:51:23 -0500

One of central Vermont's most popular events is taking place this weekend. The 31st annual Quechee Balloon Festival features about 20 hot air balloons which launch twice a day at 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. In some cases, they can accommodate passengers and there will also be tethered balloon flights. About 60 craft vendors are there and there is music, food, and children's activities.

The deepest gorge in Vermont is located in Quechee and the town is known for its antique stores and shopping opportunities.

While you are in the area, I recommend a visit to Woodstock VT, one of the most picturesque villages in New England. Woodstock is located a short drive west on Route 4 from Quechee.

Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus

Burlington VT Jazz Festival Social Media

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 21:53:25 -0500

As a follow-up to last week's posting about the Burlington VT Discover Jazz Festival, I wanted to add that the festival has a Facebook page and a Twitter account. They are a great way to keep up to date and discuss what's happening with the festival as it moves to its June debut.

Jeff Connor, Grunberg Haus

Magic Hat Presents World's First Twitter Pub Crawl?

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 22:15:27 -0500

If it's not the world's first Twitter Pub Crawl, it definitely is Burlington VT's first. And who else but Magic Hat would put on such an event.

It's scheduled for April 22, 2010 at 7:00 pm and it is structured as a team event. Throughout the night each four person team will receive clues from Magic Hat via Twitter on which pub to go to. At the end of the night, Magic Hat will check each team to see if they made it to each pub. The names of all the successful teams will be put in a drawing to determine the overall winner. Each person on the winning team gets the top prize of a round trip ticket from JetBlue to wherever the airline flies.

All proceeds will go to The Committee on Temporary Shelter (COTS). The cost to each team is just $5 per person. Also,the entry price includes one of the coolest looking T-shirts I have seen in a long time. That alone has to be worth a lot more than $5.

Round up three other drinkers, er, friends, and help Magic Hat, JetBlue, and COTS with this first of its kind event. Who knows, maybe years from now it will the equivalent of saying you were at Woodstock.

Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus

Burlington Summer Jazz Festival Announced

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 20:06:08 -0500

The line up for this year's annual Burlington Discover Jazz Festival has been announced and ticket sales are available at the Flynn Center ticket website. This year's jazz performances start June 4 and go through June 13.

Now in its 27th year, the Discover Jazz Festival has been called "One of the top ten festivals in the world!" by the The Music Festival Guide (Chicago Review Press, Inc.), named an "Editor�s Pick � Local Secret, Big Find" by Travelocity and IgoUgo, and described as �laid back and hospitable: with its brewpubs, boating, biking and big Green Mountains adding a nice edge to the scene,�
according to DownBeat Magazine. New England Jazz News simply summed it up as �This is the way a Festival should be run��

It's a good idea to order tickets well in advance because this is a very popular event.

Jeff Connor, Grunberg Haus

Franklin County Quilt Show April 10 and 11

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 21:54:21 -0500

Approximately 100 quilts will be on display at the 12th annual Franklin County Quilt Show this weekend. You can find the show at the St. Albans City Hall, 100 North Main. St Albans is about 30 miles north of Burlington and close to Interstate 89 (exit 19).

There will be special exhibit quilts including Purple Hearts Quilts, Breast Cancer Quilts, and local charity quilts.

In addition to the quilt displays, there will be vendors, a silent auction, door prizes, demonstrations and a raffle. Admission is FREE. The quilt show's web page has contact information.

The show will run from 9:00 to 4:00 Saturday, April 10 and 10:00 to 3:00 Sunday, Arpil 11.

Jeff Connor
Grunberg Haus Inn

Two Beer Festivals in VT This Weekend

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 11:04:27 -0500

There are two beer festivals in northern Vermont this weekend and it would be easy for you to attend them both if you would like.

On Saturday, September 26, Siptemberfest is taking place at Mad River Glen on Route 17 near Waitsfield VT.

Some of Vermont's best known brewers will be there: Magic Hat, Long Trail, Rock Art, Trout River, Otter Creek, Wolavers. In addition to the "big guys," the festival will present an unusual opportunity to sample local beer from Lawson's Finest Liquids plus beers that are only available on the premises at The Alchemist Pub and Brewery, Bobcat Cafe, and American Flatbread.

The Skinny Pancake will be making their crepes on site and the Mad River Glen Pub will be serving food as well.

Mad River Glen will be running their single chair lift for fall foliage viewing. It's a great way to get close to the magnificent fall colors compared to looking at them through a windshield.

Just up the road in Stowe, Oktoberfest will have will have a parade, live music and dancing, vendor and craft booths This is a family friendly event put on by the Stowe Rotary club. For children there will be games, pumpkin and face painting, and a Jumping Fun Haus.

Oktoberfest runs both Saturday and Sunday at Jackson Arena on Park Street in Stowe.

(c) 2009 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus Inn

Harvest Festival at Shelburne Farm

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 06:15:57 -0500

Shelburne Farms is hosting its 31st Annual Harvest Festival and Energy Fair Saturday, September 19 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. This is a very large event and a great place to take the kids.

There will be about 15 bands performing throughout the day, Spanish Horse demonstration, antique tractors, hands-on cow milking, llamas, wagon rides, wood furniture building demonstrations, puppet making, "bubble magic," cider pressing, face painting, grape vine wreath making, wheat braiding (where else can you learn that?), post and beam demonstration, giant pumpkins, wood bowl making, decoy carving, cheese making and sampling, rug hooking, pellet stove demonstration, solar and wind energy displays, and much, much more. You will have more things to choose than you have time.

Whenever our guests ask us for the best places to visit in Vermont, we always mention Shelburne Farms. It is an amazing facility that Vermont is fortunate to have.

Shelburne Farms is located a few miles south of Burlington VT on Harbor Road.

I highly recommend a visit there anytime.

(c) 2009 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus Inn

British Sports Cars and American Hot Rods Travel to VT This Weekend

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 10:08:27 -0500

I just posted a few photos from the 2007 British Invasion on Flickr to give you a small sampling of what this car show is about.

As mentioned in my September 6 blog entry below, there will be hundreds of beautiful British cars from old to new. The British Invasion web site has more details. My friends from the Classic Bike Experience will be there as well to display some British Motorcycles.

The Boston Sunday Globe named this event as their number one choice for "Best 10 things to do within a day's drive of Boston." And the Vermont Chamber of Commerce has named it several years in a row as a Top Ten Event in Vermont.

The event will be held at the Stowe Events Field on Weeks Hill Road, just off Route 108.

It runs this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

On the same weekend, there's a very large street rod show at the Champlain Expo Center put on by the National Street Rod Association.

(c) 2009 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus Inn

Shelburne Museum Goes to the Dogs Sept 13

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 13:13:22 -0500

TiconderRover, winner of the costume contest in2007, wearing a model of the Ticonderoga steamship which is on display at the museum

Dogs, dogs,dogs. Flying disc dogs, retrieving dogs, pointing dogs, sled dogs, obedience dogs, agility dogs, police dogs, working dogs, dancing dogs, and even fashion show dogs in costume - they'll all be at the Shelburne Museum in Shelburne VT Sunday, September 13 starting at 10:00 am and continuing to 4:30.

Shelburne Museum Goes to the Dogs is a fund raiser for area animal welfare groups and an admission of $10 for adults and $5 for children is charged.

The PAWsitively Vogue Fashion Show and Canine Costume Competition is at 1:30.

(c) 2009 (except the photo) Jeff Connor

Killington Hay Bale Festival

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 22:24:14 -0500

If you are traveling around the Killington VT area in the next few weeks, you will see some unusual hay bale sculptures alongside the roadway.

They're part of the Killington Hay Festival, an annual exhibit of clever sculptures made of both round and square hay bales.

Get your camera ready and head out to see giant 30 foot hay bale structures fashioned into whimsical characters. There are 35 of them around the Killington area. The festival's website has a map of them so you can plan your tour. The exhibits are left in place through October. They are made by artists and enthusiastic amateurs.

Cabot Creamery is sponsoring the exhibit and providing free sample of their cheese at the Killington Chamber of Commerce Welcome Center on Rte 4.

You can stop at the Killington Chamber of Commerce Welcome Center on Route 4 to pick up a Hay Festival Scavenger Hunt guide and complete the quiz on Vermont agriculture. Answers are provided at each sculpture. There will be prizes and complimentary Vermont Cabot Cheese at the Welcome Center.

Some more photos are available on the festival's Facebook page.

(c) 2009 Jeff Connor (except the photographs) Grunberg Haus Inn

Burlington VT Art Hop Sept 11 and 12

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 14:29:15 -0500

17th annual Burlington South End Art Hop , Friday and Saturday, September 11 and 12, has works on display from 500 artists in 100 studios and business facilities around town.

There is a juried art show, an artist designed mini-golf course made of recycled materials, fashion extravaganza, and artwork for sale.

It starts Friday from 5:00 to 9:00 pm and continues Saturday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. If you can't attend these two days, you will have other opportunities because most of the art will be on display for another month or so.

The web site has a Artists and Sites page which lists all the display locations and which artists' works are there.

There is an enormous number of intriquing events such as tortilla baking demonstrations, hat making workshop, mini golf putt-putt on the artist-created recycled materials course built on-site, family drop-in and create center, yarn spinning and glass bead making demonstration, classic car and motorcycle show, fabric art demonstration, quilting demonstrations (make and take yo-yos!), build or rebuild chairs workshop, and much more.

The web site mentions a map but I couldn't find it in a few minutes of looking. However, if you just go to Pine Street in Burlington VT, you will find many of the event locations and you can probably get more information on locations there.

This is a very popular event in Burlington and highly recommended.

(c) 2009 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus Inn

09-09-09

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 21:10:46 -0500

I just found out that Magic Hat Brewing is having a "#9tacular" event tomorrow to celebrate 09-09-09, September 9, 2009. There's no mention of the next one a thousand years from now so it's best to attend this event which will be held on Church Street in Magic Hat's hometown of Burlington VT.

Magic Hat has a special affinity to nines because of one of the brewery's most popular beers is named #9. And if there's anything this company likes almost as much as beer, it's having a good time.

#9tacular starts at 6:00 pm and goes 'till 10:00. That's pm, not the next morning. There will be live karaoke, a performance by The Rubblebucket Orchestra band, a laser light show, a scavanger hunt to benefit the non-profit Burlington City Arts, and a chance to win a very cool #9 cruiser bike (contest ends Sept 18).

If you can't travel to Vermont for this, there will be many other #9tacular events around the country that may be nearer for you.

(c) 2009 Jeff Connor (except the Magic Hat artwork) Grunberg Haus Inn

British Invasion Car Show, Stowe, September 18 - 20

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 14:11:02 -0500

A boy and his car.

My first car was a 1959 MGA. I bought it for $350 and sold it a few months later, a deal I had to make with my parents to get them to acquiesce to what I thought was one of the greatest ideas of all time: me in a sleek, fast, and nimble car to try out my inestimable driving skill

I sold it for the same amount I had bought it for and I broke even except for gas plus all the polish, wax, and other chemicals I put on or in it.

I enjoyed - no, make that - LOVED, driving the MG that summer. I spent hours each day driving or working on that car. It has rusted out rocker panels which I carefully scrapped out and painted rust-proof silver. With a meticulousness worthy of a new category of dementia, I sanded each wheel and sprayed them in short stages with the leftover paint from the rocker panel project. There was not one run in the paint. Of course, it took me more than a week of light spraying to achieve that. And I had to mask the tires each time to keep overspray off them

The tires were so old they had dried out and developed hundreds of fine cracks. New tires would have been the only sane solution but to a teenage boy with more hormones than money, I found a better answer in a product called tire paint while I was wandering the aisles in an auto parts store. The first thing I thought of was that if I had found it earlier, I could have just painted over any silver overspray. Oh well. You learn to say that a lot when you own an old car but especially old British sports cars.

I had tried tire dressing first but the tires simply soaked it up and kept asking for more by displaying the same faded gray color they had before I spent an hour applying multiple coats of dressing.

This was back in the days before Armor-All so you never saw cars with shiny tires. But my MG's tires were beyond shiny - they looked absolutely glossy with their new coat of tire black. I didn't like the look but most of my friends and family did not mind too much. That may have been due to their bewilderment that someone would actually take the time and money to do such a time wasting thing. I had a car with super black tires but all they could see was a black hole.

A year or two later, I scored the ultimate achievement, an MG TD. It had been restored and didn't need much of anything until a few months later in upstate NY when a plug on the engine rusted out, draining all the water, and turning the engine into a stationary metal grinder.

I sold it and began my VW beetle period. But I never fell out of love for those old MG's and I hope they are still on the road. That's one reason why I look forward each year to the British Invasion car show in Stowe VT.

I'm sure it is one of the few places in the country where you can go to see a large gathering of old British motorcars as the British call them (to distinguish them from non-motor cars I guess - pedal cars and so on?).

Last year, 610 cars and motorcycles were entered in the British Invasion. Perhaps with the economy the way it is, there may be a drop in attendance but certainly there will still be more than enough cars to see. And they will all be magnificent examples - they don't allow junk or near-junk like my old MGA.

If you enjoy cars, especially old cars, you will certainly want to be there. I have to work that weekend but I'll try to find a little time to hop on my old British motorcycle and blast up there.

(c) 2009 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus

Architecture & Design Film Festival Sept 24 - 27

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 19:47:49 -0500

As if architects, designers, builders and anyone interested in their work needed a reason to travel to Vermont during fall foliage, the Big Picture Theater in Waitsfield VT, will be showing more than 30 feature-length films, documentaries and shorts about how architects and designers create.

"The films profile visionary architects, the creative design process, environmental issues and the brilliant designs that we see and use every day." Filmmakers, architects and designers will also be leading discussion sessions.

The Architecture and Design Film Festival will benefit the Yestermorrow Design/Build School, Warren VT, which has over 150 hands-on courses per year in design, construction, woodworking, and architectural craft and offers a variety of courses concentrating in sustainable design.

The festival runs four days from September 24th through the 27th. Information about advance ticket sales is available on the website.

(c) 2009 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus

Mad River Valley Craft Festival

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 11:38:14 -0500

The 39th annual Mad River Valley Craft Fair takes place on September 5 and 6, 2009, at Kenyon's Field in Waitsfield VT.

About 100 exhibitors displaying accessories, clothing, dolls and clothing, drawings, etchings, fabric/fiber, furniture, glass, jewelry, leather, mixed media, painting, photography, pottery, porcelain, sculpture, wood. There will also be music, food, children's activities, door prizes, and live demonstrations.

This is a very high quality show with top exhibitors from Vermont and a few surrounding states.

(c) 2009 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus

Vermont Balloon Rally at Shelburne Museum Sept 4 - 7

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 19:36:54 -0500

Here's another reason to visit the Shelburne Museum, a magnificent facility that I consider a must-see in Vermont.

This Labor Day weekend, the Vermont Balloon Rally will be held on the grounds of the museum from September 4 through 7. About 30 balloons are expected to attend.

Spectators will be allowed to walk among the balloons and watch the flights each day early mornings and late afternoons. Children are no only allowed, they're encouraged to come see this colorful event. There will also be face painting, bounce house, free rides on the museum's antique carousel, nighttime balloon glow and a balloon walkabout where kids and adults can actually walk through a partially inflated balloon lying on the ground.

Rides will be offered including tethered rides and full flight rides. If you would like to do a full flight, it's best to make reservations in advance which you can do on the website.

Thanks to some generous corporate sponsorship, prices for the event are very low: children 12 and younger are free; children 13 and older (yes, that includes adults) are $7 for a four day pass. Or, just pay $20 for a carload up to a maximum of 6 people. The value of the museum and this event far exceeds those prices.

The Shelburne Museum is located Route 7 a few miles south of Burlington on the shore of Lake Champlain. This Google map has it on the wrong (east) side of the road but it will get you close enough.

Balloon walkabout

(c) 2009 Jeff Connor (except the photos) Grunberg Haus

Fiestavus Vermont Comedy Tour

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 17:07:05 -0500

The Fiestiavus Vermont Comedy Tour begins tonight at the Big Picture Theater in Waitsfield VT.

The tour features eight standup comedians traveling around Vermont giving five performances from August 26 through September 2. Some of them are traveling in a prototype Ford Fiesta as part of that company's Fiesta Movement program. One of the tour organizers, Seth Beck, was a winner of the Fiesta Movement contest which awarded 100 "agents" like him the use of a new Fiesta for six months.

Here is the tour schedule: Wednesday, August 26, 7:30 p.m., Big Picture Theater & Cafe, Waitsfield. $5 cover charge.

Thursday, August 27, 9:00 p.m., Positive Pie restaurant, Montpelier, VT. $5 cover charge.

Friday, August 28, 8:00 p.m., The Hartswick Studio, Sheffield, VT. Purchase $10 tickets here.

Saturday, August 29, 8:30 p.m., On the Rise Bakery, Richmond, VT. $5 cover charge.

Wednesday, September 2, 7:30 p.m., One Half Lounge, Burlington, VT. $5 cover

At all these events except the September 2 performance, the Ford Fiesta will be on display.

The Fiestavus Vermont Comedy Tour was created by native Vermonters Nathan Hartswick and Ford Fiesta "agent" Seth Beck.

For a preview of what to expect from the comedians (some R rated material by the way), you can take a look at the Vimeo or YouTube videos.

Fiestavus Vermont Comedy Tour's Ford Fiesta

(c) 2009 (except the photos) Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus Inn

Fly Fishing Festival in Manchester VT

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 22:49:53 -0500

American Museum of Fly fishing, Manchester VT

I enjoy fly fishing even though I'm not good at it. And I'll probably never get good because I go so infrequently. Over the years though, it has been the motivation to put me in some beautiful places and that's what I enjoy most about fishing for trout. The fly rod is just so I don't look like some idiot standing alone in a river. Now I look like a harmless old fool flogging the water with a stick. That's much better don't you think?

Early last fall, instead of going fishing as I should have, I visited the American Museum of Fly Fishing. It is a very impressive facility located next to the Orvis headquarters in Manchester VT. The building itself is a beautifully restored home on Route 7A a few minutes south of the town. If you enjoy fly fishing and all its traditions, you'll enjoy spending some time there. When I visited, admission was free to the main part of the museum but the art gallery had a small charge.

I was able to visit the library, reading room, museum store, and other rooms - there is enough there to hold your interest for an hour or more. And if you bring your fishing gear, you can fish the nearby Battenkill, one of the most famous trout streams in the world.

This Saturday, August 15, the museum is holding a fly fishing festival with displays and vendors of antique tackle, rod builders, artwork, fly tyers, fish carvers, and more. New to the festival this year is a great opportunity to "Cast with the Legends" where you can test famous antique rods to see how they feel. It's a rare opportunity to not only hold but also cast rods that would cost a lot of money to buy.

While you are in the area, I also suggest a visit to Hildene , the estate of Robert Todd Lincoln, some of President Abraham. It's a beautiful home with impressive gardens and grounds.

Manchester is known for its outlet stores, many of them very upscale brands. If you are a shopper, brace yourself to see many compelling bargains. Also, as mentioned above, the Orvis flagship store is located next to the museum and is a must stop too. Be sure to see the huge trout swimming in the pond that is half outdoors and half in the store. Just up Route 7A going north toward town, the Orvis outlet store has some incredibly low prices.

Orvis Flagship Store

(c) 2009 Jeff Connor (except the American Fly Fishing Museum and Orvis photos which are owned by those respective organizations )

Billings Farm and Museum Starts Its Summer Season

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Fri, 01 May 2009 16:16:49 -0500

Billings Farm and Museum is now open

Two of my favorite places in Vermont are the village of Woodstock VT and the Billings Farm and Museum located there.

Billings summer season of events gets underway this Sunday, May 3, with the 23rd annual Plowing Match. This contest pits teams of oxen and draft horses against each other. Each team and its handler is judged on how well they perform together.

The doors open at 9:00 a.m. and competition begins at 10:30 a.m. starting with the walking plow contest and continues into the afternoon with the team sulky competition. Special activities will include horse-drawn wagon rides, visitor plowing with the Billings team, ox programs, and rope making demonstrations.

Woodstock is located about 15 minutes west of White River Junction. Take Exit 1 from Interstate 89 and drive west on Route 4. Zoom in on the Google map from the link here and you will see Billings Farm clearly marked.

There is much to see and do in Woodstock including great inns, restaurants, shops, Simon Pearce glass works, and great country drives in the area. Charge those camera batteries.

(c) 2009 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus Inn

Fiddlehead Festival May 2 in Randolph Center

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Fri, 01 May 2009 14:00:26 -0500

Fiddlehead ferns are a delicacy in Vermont. Go to the festival and ask for recipies!

The third annual Fiddlehead Festival will be held tomorrow at the Vermont Technical College in Randolph Center VT about 30 mins north of White River Junction and 30 mins south of Montpelier.

Free admission to all events unless you want to buy a ticket to the farmer's lunch: $9 for adults and $4 for children under 12.

See the tractorcade, animal power parade, children's activities, wild edibles workshop, gardening with Henry Homeyer, sustainable living workshop, Gary Howe's Glimpse of the past restored Delco light plant, sheep dog demonstration, tractor obstacle course, Renewing Local Communities workshop, oxen power demonstration.

It does not get any more "Vermonty" than this.

See some impressive pulling power at the Fiddlehead Festival

Photos courtesy Roger Ennis & Robert Eddy, Randolph, VT

(c) 2009 (except the photos) Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus Inn

Learn How To Make Chocolates Workshops in Stowe VT

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 10:45:34 -0500

Photo courtesy of Laughing Moon Chocolates

Laughing Moon Chocolates is a wonderful little store in Stowe VT which makes and sells an extensive line of chocolates using mostly locally produced ingredients.

Laughing Moon is offering workshops this spring and summer on how to make chocolates. These Chocolate Experience Workshops are intended for recreational users who would like to learn how to make their own candy at home. The cost is $150 per person. For more information and to register, contact owner Leigh Williams at (802) 253-9591.

Friday May 1
Chocolate Dipping Experience Workshop
6:00-8:00pm
A two-hour hand-on workshop on how to cook truffles, melt and temper chocolate, and hand-dipping.

Friday, June 26
Marshmallow Making Workshop
6:00-8:00pm
A two-hour workshop on how to make homemade marshmallow, prepare them for dipping, and hand-dip them in milk, dark and white chocolate. How to prepare S�mores or mix it with caramel or truffle centers.

Friday, July 10
Chocolate Dipping Experience Workshop
6:00-8:00pm
Same as the May 1 workshop above.

Friday, August 14
Local Bounty Workshop
6:00-8:00pm
Two-hour workshop highlighting Vermont made specialty foods including Mitzi�s Fresh Mountain Breakfast, Boyden Valley Winery, Rock Art Brewery, Green Mountain Distillers, The Nutty Vermonter & The Sweet Crunch Bake Shop. Thee will be instruction on how to make peanut butter using fresh Virginia-grown peanuts and work with other locally made foods to create chocolate specialties. Prepare homemade centers and hand-dip them in chocolate. Also, how to use fresh local blueberries and raspberries, and how to make make chocolate at home.

Laughing Moon Chocolates has created a niche by incorporating locally produced foods into their chocolates. They make truffles with Boyden Valley Winery Big Barn Red Wine, Green Mountain Distillers Sunshine Vodka and Maple Liquor, Flag Hill Farm Pear and Apple Brandys, and Rock Art Vermonster Beer. The store offers chocolate covered homemade cookies baked by the Sweet Crunch Bake Shop in Hyde Park, and using Mitzi�s Fresh Mountain Breakfast and The Nutty Vermonter�s Triple Nut Butters.

Even if you don't want to attend the workshops, you should visit the store just to see how good it smells! There is a great selection of chocolates to meet every taste. Online ordering is available on the website too if you can't wait to get here and try them.

(c) 2009 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus Inn

Vermont Bird Tours

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 18:39:05 -0500

Photo (c) copyright Bryan Pfeiffer

Bryan Pfeiffer is probably the best known name in birding around this part of Vermont. He is also a naturalist and lepidopterologist of some note.

Most of all for birders, he's an enthusiastic, engaging speaker and teacher. There may not be anything he loves more than birding but if there is, it would be talking about birding. He's a treasure trove of fascinating information and he loves to share it.

A few years ago, he was often on WDEV, the local radio station, speaking about birds in the area and taking calls from listeners. Often those callers wanted to know what kind of unusual bird they were hearing. They would give the most awful imitation of what they were hearing and quick as lightning, Bryan would be playing a recording of the actual bird and telling the radio audience some interesting facts about it. How he could interpret what these callers were trying to sound like is beyond me but it must have come from years of hearing people try to describe (terribly and inaccurately) what they had heard.

Bryan is exactly the kind of person you would want to go birding with. You will have several opportunities to do so coming up soon.

If you are a beginner, Bryan's Spring Birdwatching for Beginners will be held May 1 and 2. He will be discussing all the basics from boots and binoculars to bird songs.

On May 16, he will be hosting the Bird Bonanza at Berlin Pond, a bird sanctuary near Montpelier VT. May is the peak of spring bird migration and Brian has seen more than 150 species of birds there over the last 25 years. You might even see a Bald Eagle or Moose on this outing.

Later in May, Bryan will be leading the Warbler Weekends at Highland Lodge overlooking beautiful Caspian Lake. These outings will be held May 22-24, and May 29-31.

July 5 is the date for a different type of watching. Bryan's Butterflies for Beginners has introduced hundreds of people to the wonders of the butterfly world through this course. You will be on the hunt for the Great Spangled Fritillary, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, and many more.

For more information on the tours, see Vermont Bird Tours website.

You can learn more about Bryan at his Wings Environmental website and see some beautiful photography at his Wings Photography website.

(c) 2009 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus Inn

Cheese Making Classes in VT April 3 and 4

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 22:43:20 -0500

Photo courtesy of River Arts

If you're a cheese lover, perhaps you should look into making it yourself. You may have wondered if it's easy to do. Here's your opportunity to find out.

River Arts in Morrisville VT is holding two days of cheese making classes this coming Friday and Saturday.

You will have the rate opportunity to learn how to make Mozzarella, Cheddar and Ricotta. The cost is just $35 for one day or $55 for two days. You can sign up on the River Arts website or call them at (802) 888-1261.

"River Arts is a nonprofit organization that brings the energy, creativity and experience of the arts to all ages. We serve the Lamoille Valley of Vermont from Hardwick to Cambridge, from Eden to Stowe."

(c) 2009 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus

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Mount Snow Brewers Festival April 4

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 19:58:28 -0500

This Saturday, April 4, Mount Snow in southern Vermont will be hosting its Winter Brewer's Festival.

The event starts around 2:00 pm and continues into the evening. Some of the brewers on hand will be Magic Hat, Allagash, Long Trail, Harpoon, Rock Art, and Red Hook, Stone, North Coast and Budweiser.

Admission is $12 for adults age 21 and older and it includes a free first drink and free Mount Snow pint glass.

There will also be live music and a BBQ.

(c) 2009 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus

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Vermont Junior Iron Chef Competition March 28

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 21:29:40 -0500

Can kids really cook? You bet they can! And very well too.

You can watch and sample the results at the 2nd Annual Junior Iron Chef VT this Saturday, March 28, at the Champlain Valley Expo in Essex Junction, Vermont.

This is a state-wide competition by members of the Burlington Food Council. It is also a fundraiser for the Burlington School Food Project and VT FEED farm to school education program.

Celebrity judges will score the meals prepared by teams of students from middle school and high school.

For spectators, the event offers activities for the people of all ages including cooking demos, food vendors, a farmers' market, and prize raffle. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. Admission is $3 for adults or $5 per family.

(c) 2009 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus Inn

12th Annual Green Mountain Film Festival

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 21:55:45 -0500

Green Mountain Film Festival web page all rights reserved

The 12th annual Green Mountain Film Festival runs this year in Montpelier VT from March 20 through the 29th.

Several dozen films including two world premiers will be shown in 110 screenings. In addition, there will be several special events including conversations with some of the films' directors.

The event's web site has a page with descriptions of each film.

The films will be shown at the Savoy Theater and the City Hall Arts Center.

There are more than 16,000 tickets available but each year a number of the films sell out so advanced tickets are recommended. The Film Festival's web site ticket page has information about ordering by phone or mail.

You can also get tickets at the Montpelier ticket office. Hours and location are on the web ticket page page above.

(c) 2009 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus Inn

Ben & Jerry's Winter Festival March 7

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 16:51:18 -0500

Ben & Jerry's Homemade ice cream 7th annual Winter Festival is tomorrow, March 7.

Their factory tours will be free of charge and they will have games, ice cream (!), snow sculptures, food, sugar on snow (melted maple syrup poured over snow), and a gift sale.

Umiak Outfitters will be there offering snowshoe tours, along with food samplings from Cabot Cheese, Red Hen Bakery, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, and Cider House BBQ Restaurant.

The event is at the Waterbury VT factory on Route 100 about 3/4 of a mile north (toward Stowe) from exit 10 on Interstate highway 89.

(c) 2009 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus Inn

Burton Super Demo at Stowe

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 19:34:46 -0500

Photo courtesy of Stowe Resort

This Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Burton Snowboard Super Demo Tour arrives at Stowe.

They will be presenting next season's boards, along with Anon, RED, and V-Rocker products. Snowboarder Magazine will be there along Nature Valley in sampling tents and domes.

There will be demos, amateur series contests, and product give-aways all three days, plus a party at Spruce Camp from 3:00 to 6:00 Saturday, highlighted by the �Chuck Norris Roundhouse Kick� contest.

(c) 2009 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus Inn

Writers Workshop in Middlebury VT

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 15:13:28 -0500

Writers and would-be writers: would you like a good excuse for a trip to Vermont? Sign up for the League of Vermont Writers Workshopcoming March 14 in Middlebury VT.

The workshop is entitled "Promoting Your Talent" and it will cover how to sell your story ideas to book and magazine publishers, and how to promote a published book.

See the website for biographies of the speakers, more information about the workshop, and information about registering.

Also note on that website page, there will a March 19 - 22 Writers' Retreat in Craftsbury, and a May 30 Memoir writing workshop in Middlebury.

If you are a professional writer, part time or full time, check with your accountant to see if you can deduct the expense!

(c) 2009 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus Inn

Historic Vermont Ski Jump Reopens

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 19:30:48 -0500

Photo from Harris Hill Ski Jump

Almost every year for the past 85 years, ski jumpers from around the world have converged on the village of Brattleboro Vermont to take part in the "original extreme sport."

They will do so again this year on February 14 and 15 but the difference will be that the Harris Hill jump has been completely rebuilt. It's literally brand new and with luck it will last another 85 years.

After the town got together and raised about half a million dollars, demolition and rebuilding continued through the last year. It was either that or lose what those in the ski jumping world consider an iconic structure in the sport. There are no others in New England and only six others in the USA of its size.

Harris Hill was built by a visionary named Fred Harris who devoted a large portion of his life to building and maintaining the jump.

The jump is just one mile from Exit 2 on I-91. Driving directions are on the website.

(c) 2009 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus Inn

Winter Carnival Season in Vermont

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 22:14:34 -0500

Barre Blizzard snow sculpture

We're in the midst of winter carnival season here in Vermont. Here are four more coming soon from far northern VT to southern VT and in between:

Winter Carnival, Island Pond VT, February 6-8, 2009
Snow sculpture competition, ice skating, bonfire, children�s fishing derby, snowshoeing, horse-drawn rides, torchlight parade, sled racing and more. See the Island Pond Chamber of Commerce website for details.

Blizzard Blast (my choice for best carnival name) Barre VT, February 6-8, 2009
Tobogganing/sledding, snowshoe and extreme sled demos, ice skating in the old quarry, a sugar-on-snow party, snow sculpture competition, neighborhood snowman competition, Saturday night bonfire, and more. Most events originate from The Lodge at Millstone Hill, 59 Little John Road, Websterville (map and directions on web site).

Winter Carnival Shebang (second best name), Manchester VT February 7-14, 2009
Fireworks, family fun slalom at Magic Mountain, full moon snowshoe hike, dog sledding, a chili contest, and more.

Snowmobile Torchlight Parade and Winter Carnival,
Poultney VT, February 13-14, 2009
Friday evening snowmobile parade at the East Poultney Green followed by a spaghetti supper at the Poultney United Methodist Church. Saturday Snowmobile Carnival with snowmobile rides, sledding, snowmobile poker run, games, and more. Free. Information available on the town website - click the events calendar dates in the right hand column for details or call (802) 287-9755.

(c) 2009 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus Inn

Three Types of Festivals This Weekend

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 07:28:13 -0500

Three types of festivals here in Vermont this weekend: two winter festivals, a music festival, and a distinctive, old time ice harvesting festival. Imagine all that in this one tiny state!

Not just a winter festival, but a Viking Winter Festival! Saturday and Sunday, January 31 and February 1 in Ludlow VT.

Make a snow sculpture and enter in the sculpture contest, watch the parade on Main Street, play in the kids' obstacle course, view fireworks in the town park and enjoy the bonfire and hot chocolate.

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The Bennington Winterfest is Saturday, January 31.

There will be an ice sculpture contest, Penguin Plunge, house tours, dog sled rides, indoor food featuring a chili tasting, and for the kids, face painting, bouncy house, games, prizes, band and some other nonsense. Be sure you see the pet winter fashion contest and bring your own well dressed dog or cat to enter.

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In nearby Brattleboro, the Northern Roots Festival is celebrating its second annual gathering this Saturday.

The festival brings together about two dozen local and regional musicians who specialize in old musical traditions including Irish, Scottish, English and French Canadian.

It will be held at New England Youth Theater, 100 Flat Street, in downtown Brattleboro.

Performances start at 1:30 and go to about 5:00. There is also a 7:30 evening performance.

Northern Roots has a MySpace page you can visit here and listen to some of the music.

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The 30th Annual Brookfield Ice Harvest on Saturday, January 31, recreates ice harvesting as it was done in the days before refrigeration. Back in the old days, large chunks of ice were carved form lakes and ponds to be stored in buildings with thick walls sometimes insulated with hay, wool, newspaper or whatever else was lying around. It provided an efficient way to store food to keep it from spoiling.

There will be a talk, a demonstration, cutting competition, and hauling competition that adults and kids can try (prizes will be awarded). Also, there will be snowshoeing and ice sculpting. Brookfield is famous for its floating bridge.

Thee will also be food, ice skating, and dog sledding. Brookfield is a wonderful little town full of Vermont charm.

(c) 2009 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus Inn

Win the Ultimate Ski Vacation

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 19:01:32 -0500

The Mad River Valley Chamber of Commerce (Waitsfield and Warren VT) is sponsoring a drawing for an incredible grand prize.

Some very lucky winner of the Ultimate Ski Vacation will get:

- Cat skiing at Sugarbush- a ride in a luxury cabin Snow Cat to have first tracks in the best terrain before the lifts start running.
- Seven nights lodging in a slope side luxury condo with two outdoor hot tubs, heated outdoor pool, fitness center, game room
- Six day "Ski the Valley" pass good at Mad River Glen and Sugarbush ski areas, plus Ole's Cross Country Ski Center
- Free use of high-end demo equipment
- Four dinners for two people at four of the area's best restaurants
- A lunch for two at the very popular Warren Store Deli
- Fresh flower bouquet from Blue Toad Florist
- 60 minute couples therapeutic massage at Mad River Massage
- Guided naturalist program with your very own experienced environmental educator, taking you on a personalized, guided outing in a unique alpine setting.

I have no idea what a "gold class" vacation like this would cost but I'm sure it's thousands of dollars.

And that is just the Grand Prize Winner. There will also be a First Prize Winner and five Second Prize winners.

Somebody has to win - it might as well be you. It's easy to enter and no purchase is required. Entries must be received by March 8.

(c) 2009 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus Inn

Nordic Relay Cancer Fundraiser

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 21:30:48 -0500

Limited edition note cards and posters with this special Nordic relay artwork are available on the American Cancer Society website

While we are on the topic of fundraiser to help battle cancer (see Tubbs Romp to Stomp article below), there is an all night relay on March 7 at Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe.

The only event of its type in the country, the 2009 Nordic Style Relay For Life starts at 6:00 pm on March 7 and runs until 8:00 am the next morning. Participants can use cross country skis, snowshoes, or walk.

More details are on the website, including an informative six steps to prepare for the event.

If you are going to be a fund raising participant or volunteer at this event, let us know and we will be happy to give you a ten percent discount that weekend as our way of saying thanks.

(c) 2009 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus Inn

Tubbs Snowshoes Event to Benefit Breast Cancer Fight

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 21:16:06 -0500

For the past six years, the Tubbs Snowshoe Company has been holding a series of snowshoe walks and races to raise funds for the Susan G Komen for the Cure organization.

Last year, Tubb's Romp to Stomp was held in five US cities, had 3,800 participants and raised about $250,000 for the Komen foundation.

Vermont's 2009 Romp to Stomp will be held January 31 at the Stratton Nordic Center.

There will be three events: a 3K fun run, a 3K walk, and a 5K walk. Representatives from Tubbs will be on hand for free snowshoe demos. Even if you have never used snowshoes, you can participate. Snowshoeing is easy to learn and a lot of fun. It's a great way to get some exercise and enjoy the outdoors.

You can pre-register online ($30) or at the event ($35 - arrive early to do so). Checks or cash only are accepted.

Stratton is located in southern Vermont.

(c) 2009 Jeff Connor (except the Tubbs photo above)

Free Snowmobiling for Military Personnel

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 18:38:02 -0500

VAST Snowmobile Photo

The Vermont Association of Snow Travelers is a huge association made up of snowmobile clubs around the state. Next Saturday, January 31, they are offering a free snowmobile ride event for military personnel (past and present) and their families.

The event will be at the field behind Kenyon's Variety Store on Route 100 between Moretown and Waitsfield Vermont.

The event starts at 10:00 am and goes to 2:00 pm. "This is a great chance to try out snowmobiling
at no cost in a safe environment."

Our inn is located about ten minutes away. We normally offer a five percent military discount but for this event we will double that to ten percent that weekend.

(c) 2009 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus Inn

Backcountry Skiing Festival at Bolton

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 17:31:17 -0500

(c) Bolton Valley Resort

Bolton Valley Resort and the Catamount Trail Association are presenting a Backcountry Ski Festival tomorrow, January 25 starting at 10:00 am.

There will be equipment reps available to answer questions. Instructors will be on hand to help new and intermediate skiers and there will be a guided tour of Bolton's well know back country terrain which is a great way to learn the territory without the worry of getting lost - it's a very large and remote area.

If you don't have backcountry ski equipment, you can rent it at the Bolton Nordic Center. It is best to call ahead and reserve it: 802-434-6876.

There is a $25 charge for festival participants which includes a Nordic trail pass, access to the clinics, tours and the vendor area.

The Catamount Trail Association maintains Vermont's Catamount cross country ski trail which runs some 300 miles the length of the state north and south.

Bolton Valley is located off Route 2 between Waterbury and Burlington.

(c) 2009 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus Inn

Ice Climbing Lessons

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 22:38:31 -0500

There are all manner of things to do in the winter and if you are looking for something different to try, consider ice climbing. It's basically mountain climbing on large, frozen waterfalls.

Sunrise Adventures Climbing School here in Vermont is offering an ice climbing school at the end of this month at Smuggler's Notch near Jeffersonville.

Sunrise is based at Triple Diamond Ski and Sports on Route 108 a couple of hundred yards from the Smugglers Notch Ski Resort.

There will be equipment demonstrations, classes, slide show, and some apres' climbing socializing. The classes are on Saturday January 31 and Sunday February 1. See the schedule on the Ice Bash 2009 web page (scroll down to see the class listings and prices). You can register online or use their email or phone number to get in touch with them.

(c) 2009 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus Inn

Learn Outdoor Nordic Skating in Vermont

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 20:56:33 -0500

Nordic skating at Lake Morey VT

Nordic skating is a very old style of Scandinavian outdoor ice skating that many people find is an easy way to learn.

In fact, classes are taught here in Vermont at Lake Morey in the east central part of the state near the border with New Hampshire.

The classes go over selecting the right equipment for each individual, safety, types of ice surfaces, how to use a Nordic skating pole to test the strength of the ice, efficient skating technique, etc. Registration can be done online or by calling (802) 649-3939.

There is a fee of $25 for three hours of instruction, plus equipment rentals.

The website says that Nordic skates are "remarkably simple to learn on" and that Nordic skating poles make the skating easier for people without good balance.

The workshops will be taught January 17 and 18; January 24 and 25; and January 31 and February 1 at Lake Morey. On February 7 there will be an afternoon workshop on City Bay, Lake Champlain.

The longer blade on nordic skates is one of the reasons they help make it easier to learn ice skating

(c) 2009 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus Inn

Sportsman's Classic This Weekend

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 20:10:18 -0500

The Benoits, a family of famous Vermont deer hunters who lead guided hunts and have published books and video on how to hunt deer, will be at the Sportsman's Classic. The father, Larry, (pictured above holding the rifle) lives about a half mile down the road from our inn.

One of Vermont's largest events, the Sportsman's Classic, takes place this coming weekend at the Champlain Expo facility in Essex Junction near Burlington.

About 15,000 people will fill the halls to view displays about hunting, fishing and other outdoor pursuits. The event starts at noon on Friday and ends Sunday afternoon.

For the children, there will be a reptile show, trout pond, casting competition, archery shoot, pellet gun shoot, and shooting simulator .

For adults, there is a fly casting pond, 45 free seminars, free ATV demo rides on a one mile course, prizes, raffles, and giveaways.

A portion of the proceeds benefits Camp Ta-Kum-Ta, a special Vermont camp for children with cancer. Last year the show raised an amazing $10,000 for the camp.

(c) 2009 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus Inn

Stowe Winter Carnival Jan 19 - 25

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 19:06:24 -0500

Stowe Winter Carnival Snowshoe Trek

Stowe VT celebrates its 35th Winter Carnival with the theme this year of "Stowe Away Your Blues."

Visitors and locals can spend a few days setting aside the economic travails of these times and enjoy some inexpensive fun.

There are ten major activities planned for both adults and kids including an ice carving competition, snow volleyball tournament, snow golf tournament at the local country club, youth hockey tournament, super G race, movies, kids carnival, the popular main street block party, theater, dance, fireworks.

(c) 2009 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus Inn

Winter Dew Tour on NBC Sports and USA Network. I think.

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 20:25:19 -0500

If you can't make it to Vermont this weekend to see the amazing Winter Dew Tour (see my blog entry from yesterday) at Mount Snow, you can watch it on television Saturday afternoon, January 10.

Here comes the confusing part. I thought it was on USA Network Saturday afternoon. (That's the network with Monk and House marathon weekends if you can't remember which one it is).

The Burlington VT Free Press newspaper television section lists it on USA at 4:30 pm. However, when I searched around online, the schedules say it is on NBC Sports. Both networks are owned by NBC so you can check your local listings to see where it actually is. Look for it at 4:30 tomorrow afternoon.

Also, there are some great videos of today's winning runs online at the Alliance of Action Sports website. Amazing displays of skill.

The event runs tomorrow and Sunday so you still have plenty of time to get there. See my blog entry from yesterday for more information.

(c) 2009 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus

Two Days of Continuous Snow Adds Up

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 21:00:36 -0500

Photo from the Mount Snow Dew Tour

Man, that was a LOT of snow. It has snowed (with a little sleet mixed in at the middle) for two days almost non stop. Weather forecasters call for a little more this weekend, mostly in the form of flurries so the white stuff is going to stay fresh for a while.

If you have been thinking of heading to Vermont for any kind of snow activity, I can say with complete confidence that now is the time.

Mount Snow Resort in southern VT got 10 inches of snow and Jay Peak in far northern VT got 20 inches.

Speaking of Mount Snow, the Winter Dew Tour, sponsored by Mountain Dew soft drink, is there this weekend. The resort is near West Dover VT, about mid-way between Brattleboro and Bennington.

There are some great freeski slopestyle videos here (in the right hand column) so you can get an idea of what you will see this weekend plus snowboards on the pipe. Spectator admission is free all weekend.

Olympic gold medalist and Vermont native Hannah Teter will be there along with other stars.

It will be cold this weekend - bring your warmest stuff.

(c) 2009 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus Inn

Free Snowshoe/XC Skiing in VT Jan 10

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 19:22:02 -0500

See the Winter Trails website for information about this rare opportunity to test cross country and snowshoes free.

There are ten ski areas around the state participating in Winter Trails 2009. Most of the Vermont ski areas are holding the event this coming Saturday, January 10 except Bolton Valley which is holding the event January 11. It would be a good idea to contact your selected ski area to confirm the event is still planned. Links to each area are on the Winter Trails website.

Also, note that you have to fill out a Registration & Release Form - there is a link to it on the website.

This is a great way to see some of Vermont's prettiest woods and countryside. It's easy to do and you generally stay warm from exercising. If you have not tried it, now is the time!

(c) 2009 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus Inn

VT Ski Areas Offer Learn to Ski/Ride For Free Events

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 20:55:40 -0500

Sample VT Ski Areas Association web page with listings of free ski lesson availabilities.

You can't beat the price: Learn to ski or ride free at
some resorts that are offering a day of free equipment and lessons this week.

You should act right away because openings are limited. The Vermont Ski Areas Association has a special free lessons page on their website that lists. Use the drop down menu to choose a day of the week and the website will return a table of resorts and number of openings at each. I don't know how well they are keeping this information current (it's up to the resorts no doubt) so get in touch soon with the ones that look most likely.

As I was searching through the dates and resorts list yesterday, it looked like Wednesday and beyond are the best bets.

If you sign up for one of these lessons and need a place to stay, give us a call and we will give you a 15% discount when you mention this blog post.

(c) 2009 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus Inn

Ski/Snowboard Lessons Just for Women

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 19:10:07 -0500

Photo (c) Sugarbush Resort

Sometimes you just need to get away for a little while. Men need to get away from women, women need to get away from men, and both need a break from the kids.

For women who would like to learn or improve ski or snow board skills, there are several places in Vermont ready to help without the distraction of children and away from male competitiveness (or whatever else they do that gets on your nerves).

Yes, I know you love them. You will love them even more when you come back refreshed from some time away.

Here are some places you can do that (note: reservations are often required):

Sugarbush Women Ski and Ride Discovery Camp is a three day program that includes daily lessons both outdoor and indoor, practice time, video analysis, breakfast and lunch each day, wine and cheese social the first night, snowshoe hike, plenty of time for relaxing at the end of each day. Offered January 14-16, 2009 and March 9-11, 2009. The price is $389 but lift tickets are extra.

Umiak Outfitters in Stowe is holding a Women's Telemark Clinic taught by certified North American Telemark Organization Instructor Wendy Bridgewater. The beginners clinic runs from 10:00 to noon, and intermediates from 1:00 to 3:00 pm. Prices start at $49.

Stratton Resort has two and three day women's camps feature five hours a day on snow, specialized instruction and video sessions for beginners or experts. In addition to the lessons, there are breakfasts, body awakening stretching sessions, lunches, class room talks, and motivational instruction round out the day.

Stratton's two day workshops are $298 and are scheduled for January 29-30, 2009 and March 9-10, 2009. Three day workshops are $399 and will be held February 9-11, 2009 and March 9-11, 2009.

Okemo not only offers women's lessons but also they have Ladies' Day on select Tuesday's for just $39 plus group lessons for only $25. The dates are January 13, 20, 27; March 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31.

Okemo's Women's Lessons are scheduled January 22-23, Jan 26-30, January 9-11, February 6-8, and February 25-27, 2009.

Okemo also offers participants discount lodging at their Jackson Gore Inn with free access a new fitness center with swimming pool, sauna and spa facilities, ice skating at their new rink, and chef prepared meals.

Mad River Glen offers Women's Telemark Ski Clinics coached by women. It includes lunch, coaching, video and group discussions, and will be held January 9.

Mad River Glen Women's Alpine Ski Clinics will be held February 6 and March 6. $110 per person or $145 with a lift ticket.

Stowe Resort's Women In Motion programs will be held January 9-11, February 9-11, and March 2-4. The three-day programs are for intermediate and advanced alpine skiers.

Killington Women's Weekends are for intermediate or higher level women and feature four hours of daily on mountain clinics (10 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.), with personal feedback.

Killington also offers two day women's clinic that are $299 including lift ticket or $199 without lift ticket. The dates are January 17-18, February 21-22, and March 21-22.

Jay Peak's Jay Peak's Women's Clinics for intermediate or better skiers or riders start February 14th. The cost is $229 and includes the clinic, lift ticket, video analysis, lunch, & apr�s ski cocktails & snacks.

(c) 2009 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus Inn

First Night Celebrations in Three VT Towns

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 09:10:41 -0500

Back from a couple of weeks of vacation followed by busy days of cleaning up after the insulation company blew new "dense-pack" into the attic, reorganizing the items we took out of the attic, moving them around from room to room to make way for guests, putting them back into the attic, followed by some quick wall painting and a few small repairs, and somewhere in there I got over a cold, put up the Christmas tree, mailed holiday cards, and wrapped a couple of presents, plus the day-to-day details of running an inn such as answering inquiries, taking reservations and emailing confirmations.

One way I got all that done was by slacking on this blog. Now I have a one inch stack of topics ready to be written about. Number one on the list is New Year's celebrations. Three cities in VT have First Night celebrations.

Originated in Boston in 1976, First Night celebrations have spread to many other cities in the US plus Canada and New Zealand.

First Nights are family friendly events that are alcohol and substance free.

Burlington's First Night has a New Year's eve parade, music performances, plays, circus acts, dancing, eating, and fireworks at venues throughout the downtown, all within walking distance of each other

This is a large event put on by a non-profit organization with 3 full time directors, a board of 14 members, many corporate sponsors, and 500 volunteers.

Other First Nights nearby are Montpelier, and a little farther away in St. Johnsbury, where they are proud to raise a lighted ball at midnight instead of lowering it as they do in some other cities.

Admission ranges from $10 in St. Johnsbury to $15 at Burlington for adults.

(c) 2008 Jeff Connor

Killington and Sugarbush Celebrate 50th Anniversaries

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 15:42:03 -0500

This old but undated photo shows one of Sugarbush's gondolas that was painted from, believe it or not, a winning entry in a design contest

Killington Ski Resort is celebrating its 50th anniversary December 12 through the 14th. On the web page you will see that Killington sold all their commemorative medallions but the events are open to other people who have not purchased one.

On Friday night, there is a "Ski Sweater Soir�e" at the Killington Grand Resort Hotel and Spa. Tickets are $75 and include dinner and entertainment. On Saturday, there is a 50th Birthday Poker Run throughout the resort. On Saturday night , there will be a torchlight parade, snowcat parade, kid�s activities and entertainment, live entertainment and dancing, and a giant birthday cake.

It is surprising that at the same time 50 years ago, Sugarbush was also getting started. Its 50th birthday celebration is the same weekend as Killington's. The two ski areas are about an hour's drive from each other so it's possible to attend both events.

Both ski resorts have new owners as of a few years ago and both are undergoing upgrades, especially Sugarbush which has seen major improvements over the last several years. Once known as "Mascara Mountain" for its tony clientele a few decades ago, Sugarbush will be hosting special events, meals, lodging, and skiing the weekend after next. Click the website link in the paragraph above to get details.

(c) 2008 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus Inn

Thanksgiving Weekend

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 10:22:21 -0500

Photo courtesy Billings Farm and Museum

The Billings Farm and Museum is a beautiful working farm in Woodstock VT.. Its annual Thanksgiving Weekend starts tomorrow and continues through Sunday from 10:00 to 4:00 each day. There will be traditional cooking demonstrations, history of Thanksgiving and how it was celebrated long ago, draft horse wagon rides, tours, and other activities for the whole family.

Thanksgiving At Hildene, located near Manchester VT, will be this Friday through Sunday. There will be self-guided tours through the mansion decorated for the season. Hildene was originally the home of Robert Todd Lincoln, son of President Abraham,$12.50/Adult,
$5/Children, Members and children under 6/Free.

In nearby Manchester VT, there will be a Christmas tree lighting at 5:00 on Friday November 28 at the Town Green. It will be followed by a reception with Santa at Hand Motors. With all the upscale outlet stores in town, including the Orvis headquarters store, there will be opportunities to get some holiday shopping done.

(c) 2008 Jeff Connor

Annual VT Christmas Bird Count

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 20:15:45 -0500

The Christmas Bird Count is a 109 year old event held each year all around the country. It is sometimes held on Christmas day but often takes place on other days in December and early January depending upon each local group's preferred timing. In Vermont, there are about 20 bird counting groups with the earliest counts starting December 14 and going through January 5.

This is a great way to get out and see some Vermont scenery and enjoy a day with local and out-of-state birders. You don't have to be an expert. There will be at least one experienced birder leading each group.

Detailed information about this year's count is available on the Vermont eBird.org website page. This website is a good source of information not only about the Christmas bird count but also year around information about birding in Vermont.

Two other birding websites I like are Virtual Birder (it has weekly reports of rare bird sightings around the state) and the Vermont Audubon (including links to the group's state office and local chapters).

(c) 2008 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus Inn

Used and New Ski and Snowboard Equipment Sale at Okemo

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 21:16:05 -0500

Just came across a news item that Okemo, Ludlow VT, is also having a new and used ski and snowboard equipment sale November 21, 22, and 23 at the resort's base lodge. Friday's times are 4:00 to 7:00; Saturday is from9:00 to 5:00; and Sunday is 9:00 to 1:00.

If you have equipment you would like to sell, you can drop it off this Saturday, the 15th, Sunday the 16th, or next Wednesday the 19th - each day is from 10:00 to 3:00. Equipment should be in good condition and not more than seven years old. Items are sold on 25% consignment with proceeds going to Okemo Mountain School. For further information, contact Mariel Meringolo at mariel dot meringol at okemomountainschool.org or 802-228-1512.

I mentioned in yesterday's blog about the Waitsfield sale that I would like to see a fishing gear sale and, wouldn't you know it, the Okemo swap also welcomes fly fishing equipment! I'm tempted . . .

(c) 2008 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus Inn

Great Deals at the Waitsfield VT Ski & Skate Sale

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 20:44:26 -0500

A few years ago I visited the Waitsfield VT Ski and Skate Sale because I had driven by it the previous couple of years and noticed a great number of cars parked there. Inside, I found an impressive amount of gear at tempting prices. And it was not only skis and skates despite the name. There were also many boots, snowboards, snowshoes, jackets, helmets, and pants. Much of the gear was adult size but there was also a lot of children's equipment. If you have a family to outfit, this event could be a big help to your budget.

The newest gear tends to go fast on Saturday, depending upon size and price. Sunday is the day for the best deals. Usually around 11:00 on Sunday, they start slashing prices to help move the gear out faster.

Waitsfield is in the Mad River Valley, home to Sugarbush and Mad River Glen ski areas. To say that the area is full of skiers is an apt description. Like most skiers anywhere, the people here have a lot of gear and they often buy new stuff to get the latest and best. I've noticed the same trait with golfers and fishermen. I'm one of them. I have enough fishing equipment to outfit about three people. I wish someone would hold a sale like this for fishing gear. On second thought, I would probably buy more stuff than I sold so I'm probably better off without it.

There are many sales like this around New England and this one is one of the oldest, being in existence for the past 29 years. The sale will be held at the Waitsfield Elementary School on Route 100 (scroll down the list on the left to find the Waitsfield school link at the bottom) Saturday and Sunday, November 15 and 16, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. There is no admission charge. Parking however, is a challenge. You will see people parked everywhere along the road and in nearby parking lots. Be prepared for a ten minute walk if you can't park close.

If you have stuff to sell, it should be checked in at the school on Friday from 4:00 to 7:00 pm. There is a 20% consignment fee. I don't know if they take gear on Saturday or Sunday too but you can use the contact information on the web page.

This event is about a ten minute drive from our inn. Since you will be bargain shopping, we'll help you save money by discounting our rooms ten percent. Call us at 800-800-7760 for information.

(c) 2008 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus Inn

University of Vermont Fleming Museum Exhibits

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 23:12:50 -0500

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."

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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 based on their Bauhaus theory education at Yale School of Architecture and the University of Pennsylvania Architecture program in the 1960s. These students, many of whom are still here in Vermont, set out to explore "radical social, technological, and aesthetic experiments."

I've seen several examples of their work around Waitsfield Vermont. Some are lacking in practicality, grace, ingenuity, creativity, advancement, longevity, or relativity but they are a magnetic curiosity and a great symbol of the futile side of the 60's. It's good that this approach did not go far and it's not surprising but sometimes you have to know what does not work in order to know what does work. This is an excellent body of work for the student of the 60's to know about.

The Yestermorrow school in Waitsfield VT is a product of this movement. It has an intriguing line up of classes.

The Fleming Museum's hours are Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Wednesday, 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Saturday & Sunday 1:00 to 5:00 PM. Closed Mondays.

(c) 2008 Jeff Connor

Dog Party At Stephen Huneck's Dog Mountain

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 17:24:16 -0500

(c) Stephen Huneck

Play 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

More Events October 11 and 12

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 16:29:39 -0500

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 is a community gathering with tag sale and BBQ. A great way to mix with the locals.

(c) 2008 Jeff Connor (except the Dorothy Riley artwork above)

Mt Snow Oktoberfest, Crafts Show; Newfane Festival

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 15:34:23 -0500

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. Take a look at their super raffle here.

Newfane is located near Brattleboro VT which also is a great town to explore. Also, the villages of Dover, Bennington, Manchester, and Arlington are just a few minutes away and the drive this time of year is outstanding with fall foliage on the mountainsides.

Newfane VT classic architecture

(c) 2008 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus Inn

Stowe Foliage Arts Festival This Weekend Oct 10, 11, and 12

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 18:37:07 -0500

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

VT Foliage, Antiques, Antiques, and Antiques . . .

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 10:05:05 -0500

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 FOLIAGE

The 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 remember for a long time. Many ski areas offer this service. Just ask your innkeeper where the nearest ski area is that's offering rides - they are located all over the state.

Vermont's largest ski area, Killington is offering foliage chair rides, a Brewfest on Saturday, and hosting ABC's Good Morning America live broadcast on Sunday.

The 13th Annual Killington Brewfest features displays of microbreweries and craft breweries from Vermont and other New England states. It starts at 1:00 pm and goes to 6:00 pm.

Good Morning America LIVE from Killington Peak will start broadcasting Marysol Castro's weather reports and Vermont feature segments from 6 am to 9 am. You can take a free ride on the K-1 Gondola and get a FREE CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST atop Killington Peak. They are encouraging people to attend so they will have an enthusiastic background audience just as they do in New York City. In fact, bring your homemade cardboard signs, jump up and down, and see if you can get on national television. It's a great way to see foliage, get entertained and fed, all for free. The view from Killington Peak includes five states and Canada on a clear day.

ANTIQUE SHOWS

There are two antiques shows in northern VT this weekend and a bunch in southern VT.

The New England Antiques Show formerly presented the antiques show at the Champlain Expo fairgrounds but it has moved this year to Burlington Sheraton Exhibit Center. I don't know the politics behind this move (looks like somebody got mad at someone else) but now there are two major antique shows in Burlington on the same weekend.

The Champlain Valley Exposition and Vermont Public Television are presenting the Vermont Antique Expo and Sale October 4 and 5. The weekend will feature sales, seminars and exhibits on a wide array of antiques and related topics. Located at the Champlain Valley Exposition , 105 Pearl Street in Essex Junction, Vermont. They are expecting about 60 dealers.

The New England Antique Show is being held Saturday and Sunday at the Burlington Sheraton, 870 Williston Road, Burlington, VT. It's easy to find: just take Exit 14W (make sure it is West exit, not the East exit) from I-89. The Sheraton is the large building on your right.

The WESTON ANTIQUES SHOW is being held at the Weston Playhouse in the middle of the village. As they point out, there have 220 dealers and four other antique shows within a 20 minute drive the same weekend. This is their 50th year. I like their slogan too: "Go green...collecting and using antiques is the ultimate recycling." Weston is also home to the Vermont Country Store where you can find modern versions of a lot of antique products - the kind of items you did not think were made any more.

The OKEMO ANTIQUES SHOW is being held at the Okemo Mountain Resort in Ludlow VT . The Preview is Friday from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm and the show is Saturday 10am to 5pm.

A few minutes away, the 44th annual LUDLOW ANTIQUES SHOW is being held at the Black River High School with the from Preview Friday, 7 - 9 pm and the show Sat 10am - 5pm.

The 31st annual BROMLEY MOUNTAIN ANTIQUES SHOW will have 30 country dealers at the Bromley Ski Area Base Lodge on Route 11, Peru VT
Preview Sat 8 - 10am, Show Sat 10am - 4pm, Show Sun 10am - 4pm.

The 24th annual ANTIQUES IN VERMONT show will be at the Riley Rink, Route 7A North, Manchester Center VT Sat Preview 8 - 10am and Sat Show 10am - 4pm.

OTHER VERMONT EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

If you are looking for some non-shopping activity, how about apple picking at Shelburne Orchards . There are 80 acres of apple trees, including 10 acres of organic apple trees. It is located a little south of Burlington VT on Orchard Road off Route 7.

There is a large Craftsproducers Festival at Hildene VT October 3, 4, and 5 that will have 200 artists and artisans displaying and selling their products, all made by the artists - no imports in other words. The show is in heated Camelot tents.

Along with the crafts, the festival has fresh food and live entertainment. The VERMONT CHEESE, BEER, AND SAUSAGE TENT will be the center of ...

Vermont Fine Wood Furniture Festival in Woodstock

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 07:24:57 -0500

The Vermont Fine Furniture and Woodworking 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

Vermont Wine and Harvest Festival Sept 26 - 28

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 20:34:58 -0500

This event is a good way to meet some friendly Vermonters

The 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 website for details).

Sunday starts with an Indigenous Vermonter Breakfast sponsored by Vermont Smoke and Cure and hosted by the Deerfield Valley Sportsman Club in Whitingham from 8:00 to 11:00 am.

The Mount Snow Valley is popular destination for people visiting Vermont and this weekend will be a great time to see an extra dash of fall foliage to make it event better.

While you are in the area, also look for 25 "Vermonster" outdoor sculptures created by Vermont artists using new, found or recycled Vermont materials displayed around the area.

There is also a local scarecrow competition and a home tour of some of the area's finer country homes on Saturday.

(c) 2008 (except the photo from Mount Snow Chamber of Commerce) Jeff Connor

Stowe Oktoberfest Sept 26 - 28

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 21:22:02 -0500

Right now, work is underway to convert Stowe's Jackson Arena municipal skating rink into a Bavarian village for this year's Oktoberfest, September 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

National Hunting and Fishing Day Open House at Beagle Wear

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 19:57:50 -0500

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 VT Fish & Wildlife officials , Kingdom Knives, Outdoors Magazine, Iron Skillet Seasonings, VT Federation of Sportsmen, and the VT Big Game Trophy Club. Beagle Wear will be displaying their jackets and other clothing, some of which will be on sale. Plus, there will be a barbecue and door prizes.

Beagle Wear is traditional VT outdoor clothing manufactured in the USA and guaranteed for life. The company store is open most days but if you can't visit Vermont, you can order from their website.

Beagle Barn, Route 15, a few miles east of Johnson, VT

(c) 2008 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus Inn

STOMP! in Burlington Tues and Wed

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 20:41:26 -0500

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

Puppet Shows in Southern VT

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 08:39:13 -0500

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 circus

I 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

There Is A Lot Going On This Weekend, Sept 20 and 21

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 12:50:15 -0500

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 Vermont

The Northeast Kingdom Quiltfest 2008 is being held Saturday, September 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 Crafts series of events - check the website for future workshops. The festival continues into the night with a 7:00 performance by The Bob Amos Band and guest Drexel Rayford who blend several types of music to create a "Sounds of the Kingdom." Here is a Google Map for the museum.

Boyden Family Farm Harvest Festival, September 20 and 21 in Cambridge VT. Go ahead and bring the kids to the festival to see grape picking, grape crushing and pressing, stomping contest, music, clowns and face painting, old farming demonstrations, apple pressing and cider tasting, wine tastings, live music, cheese and bread tastings, Green River Canoe tours.

Battle of Meach Cove Civil Ware Reenactment both Saturday and Sunday. Free admission to "two days of Civil War battles, cannon fire, demonstrations by the artillery, cavalry & hospital corps, infantry drill and camp life of a soldier from the North and the South. Learn about Vermont�s role in the Civil War, see Union and Confederate troops squaring off against each other using 1860�s tactics and talk with reenactors about the life of a typical soldier." At Meach Cove, just outside Shelburne and about 15 minutes south of Burlington.

While you are in the area, you can pick apples at the Shelburne Orchards

Central Vermont

September 20 and 21, Ludlow VT
Antique tractors, engines, and machinery show with demonstrations of a shingle mill, saw mill, drag saw, threshing machine, wood splitter, cider press, ice cream maker, evening music and dancing. Tractors and parts for
sale.Tractor pulls on Sunday.

Take Bixby Road off Route 103 and follow the signs.

Mushroom hunting Sept 21, 2008 at the Senator Justin Morrill State Historic Site 214 Justin Morrill Highway from 1:00 to 4:00 PM. Mushroom hunting with mycologist Faith Hunt, who shows which can be eaten and which cannot. After the hunt, taste there will be a tasting of cooked wild mushrooms.

Sculptfest 08
on Marble Street in Rutland VT. This is an annual event held for the last nine years, "presents large-scale, outdoor installations. An invited curator selects up to ten artists to respond to the post-industrial landscape surrounding the Carving Studio and Sculpture Center. The Studio works with Gawet Marble and Granite Company to accommodate individual artistic visions. This year�s opening reception will again feature a Fine Art Raffle of donated works by well-known sculptors."

(c) 2008 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus Inn

Two Large Car Shows This Weekend

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 21:56:37 -0500

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

Amazing Puppet Shows Sept 12 - 21

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 09:30:37 -0500

Image from Les Sages Fous (Qu�bec)

This is the sixth year for the Puppets in the Green Mountains festival, an collection of amazing puppet shows from around the world.

The festival begins with a two day showing by Animals of Brazil, a musical without words. More than 50 puppets are used during the production to represent the animals found the Brazilian jungle. The first presentation on September 12 is outdoors at Living Memorial Park and the second is indoors at the Bellows Falls Opera House on Sept 14.

On September 17 at 7:30 pm, there is an open symposium called "When Images Speak Louder Than Words: The Power of Visual Theater." It will be held at the Brattleboro Museum and Art Center.

The next day, the Carnival of Taiwanese Hand Puppetry (Happy Puppetry Company) will give a noon performance at the Bellows Falls Opera House. At 8:00 pm on the same date, Bulgarian puppeteers will present "Daddy�s Always Right" at the New England Youth Theater in Brattleboro.

The Happy Puppetry Company from Taiwan will perform again at noon on September 19 in the Latchis Theater, Brattleboro. "Family audiences will not want to miss this. Great epics, hilarious clowning, stunning acrobatic and martial arts, are all part of the repertoire of these extraordinary wooden actors."

There are many other performances - too long a list to get into the details here. The best thing to do is to study the online schedule and plan your attendance.

Ticket information is also available on the website.

Image from Grupo Contadores de Estorias(Brazil)

(c) 2008 (except the photos) Jeff Connor

Archaeology Weekend at Lake Champlain Maritime Museum

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 20:25:28 -0500

Hundreds of old shipwrecks lie at the bottom of Lake Champlain, well preserved by its chilly waters.

September is Archaeology Month in Vermont and there are a number of interesting events open to the public. One of the main events is this weekend at the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum located near Vergennes, a few miles south of Burlington.

The museum has long been active in marine archaeology and its staff has helped in the locating and documenting of many shipwrecks lying at the bottom of the lake, some of them dating back to the Revolutionary War.

This weekend the museum will be showing three films: one about a gunboat from Benedict Arnold's fleet still lying at the bottom of the lake; the second about the birch bark canoe as used by native Americans and showing the construction of a replica of a canoe from the 1600's; and a third film presenting the findings of the Middlebury College ten year sonar survey of the lake bottom.

Visitors can work the Shipwreck Simulator to learn the skills of documenting a shipwreck site and take a behind- the-scenes tour of the Conservation Lab to meet the archaeologists working to preserve timbers from 1809 steamboat Vermont.

There will also be on-water boat excursions to the site of a shipwreck where visitors can watch a Remotely Operated Vehicle descend to the wreck and transmit back images to the on-board monitor. Space is limited on this excursion so register in advance by calling (802) 475-2022.

These events take place both Saturday, September 13 and Sunday, September 14 from 1:00pm-3:00pm. There is a discounted price for Archaeology Weekend of $10 per person, less than half the usual cost of $22 per person.

On Sunday, there will also be a canoe paddle to the site of an ancient Native American village near the confluence of Dead Creek and Otter Creek. This is a short canoe trip led by LCMM Staff Archaeologists who will show artifacts, give stone tool-making demonstrations, and lead a fish netting activity to catch the same fish species that Native Americans came here to catch centuries ago. This event is Sunday, September 14 from 9:30am - 3:30pm. $40/adults; $15/age 15 and under

In addition to these events, there are exhibits you can see including a photographs showing the seasons and "moods" of Lake Champlain taken by both professional and amateur photographers.

Another exhibit is called Fish Stories. It tells the stories of a number of Lake Champlain�s eighty-one fish species � through a fish-eye lens. The exhibit includes paintings by local artists, recordings of �fishing stories� by seasoned Lake Champlain anglers, descriptions of Abenaki and Iroquois fishing practices, and examples of fishing equipment used over the centuries.

Maritime Machines is another current exhibit which consists of interactive stations around the museum where visitors can experience first-hand the specialized machines of the maritime trade. This includes a working steam engine of the 1893 steamboat Comet, a Windlass where visitors can actually move a heavy stone block across the ground, a set of working bilge pumps, a scale-model waterwheel powering a miniature sawmill and grist mill, bosun�s chairs where visitors hoist themselves up like sailors do, plus others.

(c) 2008 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus Inn

Glory Days of Railroading This Saturday

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 21:43:14 -0500

Rare REO railbus (REO was a truck manufacturer that eventually added automobile manufacturing using the last name of its founder, Ransom E. Olds: Oldsmobile.

Railroad buffs should head over to White River Junction VT for the 16th Annual Glory Days of Railroad Festival this Saturday, September 6, 2008 from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Rain or Shine)

Adult admission is just $3 but excursion train ride is extra.

The VT Chamber of Commerce has twice (five years ago and last year) named the event a Top 10 Fall Event.

In addition to the railroad equipment displays and excursion train rides, there will be food, music, antique car show, and crafts.

This event is produced by the New England Transportation Museum located in the White River Junction Amtrak station. It has displays available year around if you can't make it to Glory Days.

When you are in the area, I recommend visiting two of my all time favorite towns: Hanover NH, home of Ivy League Dartmouth College, and Woodstock VT. It's my opinion that Woodstock is one of the prettiest villages in New England. There is a lot to see and do there including the Marsh Billings Rockefeller Park and Billings Farm and Museum, a very good place to take the kids too.

(c) 2008 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus Inn

Vermont Fairs

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 08:35:47 -0500

The Vermont State Fair, the state's second largest fair, is getting started this weekend for a week long run while the Champlain County Fair, the state's largest fair, will be finishing Monday.

The state fair, now is its 163rd year, is in Rutland and the Champlain fair is in Essex Junction. Directions for both events are on their web sites.

(c) 2008 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus

Mad River Valley Crafts Fair

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 22:06:24 -0500

One of the exhibitors at the Craft Fair will be Baby's Breath Quilts, a Barre VT quilt maker.

The Mad River Craft Fair is being held this weekend at Kenyon's Field in Waitsfield VT. I've been to the fair several times and always enjoyed seeing the wide variety of great crafts and artwork on display. We've bought a few items over the years, most notably some great Alpaca sweaters for the grand kids. It's a fun event to attend with very good food, a wide variety of crafts and excellent live music (a swing band on Sunday!). I recommend it highly and can almost guarantee you will find something you just have to buy. It's that good.

If you have children in tow, don't hesitate to go. They have plenty of activities geared toward the younger set to keep them entertained. In the meantime, you can stroll and browse pottery, wood crafts, paintings, jewelery (lots of jewelery), unique clothing, baskets, toys, furniture, and much more produced by area artisans.

This show has been going on for 30 years and features more than 100 of the region's top crafts people and artists. The show is put on by the Valley Players, a long time Waitsfield theater group. It is open Saturday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm and Sunday 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Three demonstrations are given each day. I think I will try to get to the 1:00 Saturday demonstration by Michelle Wildflower (great name!) who is listed as an "alchemist." I don't know what that is but I want to find out.

The event is a fund raiser for a local theater group called The Valley Players.

By the way, that group is presenting some unique ten minute plays with the Vermont Playwrights this same weekend.

$3 admission, under 12 free. See you there!

(c) 2008 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus

Feast of Fools in Burlington Aug 8 - 10

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 12:20:19 -0500

Burlington City Arts is presenting the Festival of Fools this weekend. It is described as a "curated festival of street theater" but it looks to me like a mix of goofy fun, slapstick, circus stunts, and silly music - some very funny entertainment in other words.

There is a Feast of Fools web page that describes the performers in detail and has links to each one's web site.

Looks like a lot of fun and worth checking out if you are in the area. And there is all the usual great things to see and do in Burlington such as Church Street Market Place, ECHO Aquarium and Museum, Waterfront Park (great place to watch the sunsets over the Adirondack mountains on the other side of Lake Champlain), Maritime Museum, cruise boats, ferry to NY, etc. Lots of good restaurants and pubs too. Plus people watching.

(c) 2008 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus Inn

Stowe Antique and Classic Car Show Weekend

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 21:34:34 -0500

Stowe's annual antique and classic car show draws about 800 automobiles for display and a goodly number of other interesting vehicles driven by "spectators" who drive their own unique car just to see the show but not as participants. Just look around the parking lot when you arrive and you're bound to find some interesting cars that are "drivers," not official show cars.

One of the most well attended parts of the show is the Car Corral where cars are not part of the official judging but are there just to be sold. The Corral is at the back corner of the display field.

Also, this is a good parts collector show where you will find a fairly good number of professional and amateur parts sellers.

You can find the show on Route 100 a mile or so south of Stowe village. Take Exit 10 from Vermont Interstate 89 and go north. It's about a 10 or 15 minute drive from the highway.

The car show runs Friday through Sunday, August 8 - 10. It has been rainy here, so bring your umbrella and best mud shoes or boots. If your car is dirty, just wash the upper part because the lower part will get muddy.

(c) 2008 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus Inn

National Dowsing Convention at Killington VT

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 19:46:13 -0500

The American Society of Dowsers is holding its annual convention at the Killington Grand Hotel from August 6 through the 14.

If you have ever been curious about dowsing, this is a good place to look into it. There are speakers, workshops, vendors, books and lots of folks to talk to about this ancient practice.

(c) 2008 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus Inn

Vermont's Big Summer Kick-off Weekend

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 20:25:07 -0500

Vermont Free Family Days at State Parks and Historical Sites

Admission to all state owned parks and historical facilities is free. Here is the best source of information on this event and others throughout the summer.

Echo Aquarium and Science Center
Burlington, VT
Echo's Body Language exhibit is geared toward children but interesting for adults too. It covers the topic of how our bodies move and the complex but fascinating physics behind it. There are 17 interactive displays including dancing with your shadow and emailing the image to your family or friends. Continues through September 1.

Manchester Antique and Classic Car Show
Manchester, VT Friday - Sunday, June 13 - 15, 2008
Address: Dorr Farm, Route 30, Manchester, VT
A large show with some 800 old vehicles on display in one of Vermont's prettiest towns.

Ethan Allen Days
Friday - Sunday, June 13 - 15, 2008
Hildene Mansion 1005 Hildene Road Manchester, VT
A weekend of Revolutionary war displays, camps, battle re-enactments, displays, kid's tent, fife and drum corps - located in the area where Ethan Allen lived in during a very important time in Vermont's history.

Antique Gas & Steam Engine Show
Saturday and Sunday, June 14 and 15
Old Stone House Museum , 109 Old Stone House Road, Brownington, VT

Hot Air Balloon Festival
Quechee, VT
Friday - Sunday, June 13 - 15
One of Vermont's top events. Also includes craft fair and food tents. Bring the camera to get some great shots.

Vermont Culinary Classic
Stowe, VT
June 13 - 22, 2008
A ten day celebration of culinary arts that includes cooking demonstrations and tastings.

Green Mountain Corvette Classic
Saturday and Sunday, June 14 and 15
The fifth year of this well attended car show which gets a large number of old and new Corvettes.

Kids' Pirate Festival
Saturday and Sunday, June 14 and 15
Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, 472 Basin Harbor Road, Vergennes, VT
A popular event for families that encourages kids to participate in pirate-themed activities.

Green Mountain Brass Band Concert
Sunday, June 15, 2:00 pm
Waterbury Center State Park 177 Reservoir RD Waterbury Center, VT 05677 +1 802-244-1226

Carving Studio & Sculpture Center Gallery
Annual Members' Show
West Rutland, VT
Saturday and Sunday, June 14 and 15

Indoor Livestock Barn Days
Adams Farm, 15 Higley Hill Road, Wilmington, VT
Saturday and Sunday, June 14 and 15
A good event for families with young children. Hands-on activities such as goat milking, demonstrations, learning how farms work.

(c) 2008 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus Inn

Vermont Chocolate Show This Weekend

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Thu, 15 May 2008 21:28:48 -0500

Vermont is chock full of food producers. Cold Hollow Cider Mill, Ben and Jerry's ice cream, King Arthur Flour, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Cabot Cheese are the best known but the list goes on and on with what seems like hundreds of small and medium size companies making items as diverse as cookies, pizza, beer, and tea. If you like good quality food, you will love Vermont.

This weekend is a good opportunity to sample chocolate from Vermont and other places in New England. The Vermont Chocolate Show was formerly held in Stowe but it has moved to The Inn at Essex, a larger venue near Burlington.

The exhibitors are mostly made up of chocolate manufacturers but also some surprises such as an art exhibit and a Vermont vodka company that makes chocolate flavored spirits!

The event is scheduled to run Saturday and Sunday, May 17 and 18th.

(c) Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus Inn

VT Open Craft Studio Weekend May 24 and 25

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Mon, 12 May 2008 21:02:21 -0500

The Vermont Craft Council, an association of several hundreds craftspeople throughout the state, started the Open Studio Weekend 16 years ago as a way to increase awareness of the craft-making community.

It's easy now to not only see the scale of the craft industry here, but also the deep wealth of skill right here in our little 'ol state. The trees, farms, and mountains are beautiful but they can overshadow a great supply of talented people here sometimes.

This year's Open Studio Weekend is taking place Saturday and Sunday, May 24 and 25. It's a great time to see both studios that are open frequently to the public and also the "off the beaten path" studios that are rarely open to visitors.

There is an incredibly detailed Open Studio guide and map guide on the Vermont Craft Council website. Some 250 studios will be open on the weekend. Let me emphasize that this is not people making flea market junk. These are first rate craftspeople. For example, take a look at the Studio and Gallery page on the Craft Council's website.

If you don't want to print a lot pages from the website, you have enough time to order the complete tour guide free by US Postal mail. Just click here. It will also be available at most of the studios and also the state's official welcome centers on the highways and main roads leading into the state.

It's a great time to visit. Everything here will be fresh and green, the daytime temperatures will be warm and the night time cool.

(c) 2008 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus Inn

Budweiser Clydesdales at Mount Snow March 21 and 22

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 13:21:03 -0500

Budweiser Clydesdale horse photo from Mount Snow

Mount Snow is the only northeast ski area that will be hosting the Budweiser Clydesdale horses this year.

They will be available for viewing at a Friday night pizza party, a Saturday afternoon parade, and in one of the parking lots after the parade.

Mount Snow Ski Resort is located in southern Vermont near Wilmington VT, between Brattleboro and Bennington.

More information is available at the Mount Snow Events Calendar.

(c) 2008 [except the photograph] Jeff Connor

Telemark Ski Festival at Mad River Glen This Weekend

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 23:23:20 -0500

One of the largest telemark ski events in the country takes place every year at Mad River Glen ski area in Fayston Vermont.

The North American Telemark Organization TeleFest takes place this coming weekend, March 8 and 9. About 1,000 telemark skiers will be taking part in races, clinics, equipment demonstrations, fun runs, and parties.

The cost is $54 per day or $104 for two day. and includes lift ticket, clinics, use of demo gear, contests, and Magic Hat dance party.

About a week later, March 17 - 21, the next door ski resort at Sugarbush will host the FIS Telemark World Cup Finals with the best telemark skiers in the world competing.

If you are not familiar with telemark skiing, you can read a good article about it on Wikipedia.

(c) 2008 Jeff Connor (except the photo from NATO) Grunberg Haus Inn

�A Celebration of American Artisan Cheese� presentation Friday March 14

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 21:59:25 -0500

The Inn at Baldwin Creek in Bristol Vermont has a restaurant called "Mary's" that is well known and highly regarded around here. It has won many awards and reviews including Yankee Magazine 2005 Editor's Choice Award and 2005 Restaurateurs of the Year award from the VT Lodging and Restaurant Assn.

Each month, the Inn holds a dinner presentation and the selection this month is artisan cheese. The featured speaker is Jeff Roberts of Montpelier, VT, author of the Atlas of American Artisan Cheese , co-founder of the Vermont Institute for Artisan Cheese at the University of Vermont, and a Slow Food USA director.

Jeff Robert's Friday March 14 presentation includes dinner at 6:30 pm with tastings of regionally-produced artisan cheeses and a talk based on his research, stories about artisan cheese makers, and links to broader changes in American agriculture.

You can make a reservation by calling toll free 888-424-2432 or emailing info@innatbaldwincreek.com. The dinner and talk is $25 per person.

This presentation is part of The Inn at Baldwin Creek Annual Table Talk Dinner Series which are held the second Friday of every month. The inn's website has a list of the monthly presentation dinners as well as cooking classes.

Mary's Restaurant Chef/Owner Doug Mack has been there about 24 years. You can see him making fried zucchini flowers (!) on Vermont Public Television's Feast in the Making cooking program.

(c) 2008 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus Inn

Snowshoe Marathon Race March 8 in Pittsfield VT

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 16:55:15 -0500

Peak Adventures is a Vermont company that puts on extreme races several times a year. Their snowshoe marathon is coming up next weekend on Saturday March 8 starting at 8:00 am in Pittsfield VT.

The course is a 6.5 mile loop with 7,200 feet of elevation change along ungroomed and snowmobile trails. See the topo map on the website for more detail. The marathon runs four loops, the half marathon runs two loops, and there is a one loop fun run for those who just want to give snowshoeing a try. There is a ten hour time limit for all racers.

For beginners: I can tell you from personal experience that running in snowshoes takes twice the exertion of road running so plan accordingly! It's not enough to be in good shape. You have to be in great shape.

You can register online at peakraces.com and click the link to runrace.net or register that morning at the General Store in Pittsfield from 5:30 to 7:30 am. Registration costs $75 and includes a beanie hat and the post race meal.

The post race celebration begins at 6:30 pm and includes lobster and shrimp dinner, "plenty" of Long Trail beer, the awards ceremony ($1200 for the marathon only to the top three men and women - $300 for 1st place, $200 for 2nd place, and $100 for third place; plus unique finishers awards for everyone and a special award for top three male and top three female in the marathon and half marathon).

(c) 2008 [except the photo from Peak Adventures] Jeff Connor

Ben and Jerry's Winter Festival This Saturday

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 21:21:47 -0500

Ben & Jerry's Homemade has a winter festival every year but this year is a little special because the company is celebrating its 30th birthday.

On Saturday, March 1, from 11:00 to 4:00, there will be free tours at the Waterbury VT manufacturing plant, plus games, snow sculpting, cake, music, food, snowshoeing, and other fun stuff - there may be a small fee for some of those.

When you are there, they will give you a small pin to put on your shirt or jacket. Show that pin to some of the many businesses in Waterbury to get a discount. Some restaurants, gift stores, an antique store, and even the local pharmacy are participating.

Who knows, maybe Ben and/or Jerry will show up. They both still live in the area and stop by from time to time even though they are retired from full time work now.

(c) 2008 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus

Mardis Gras at Jay Peak This Week

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 14:23:33 -0500

Jay Peak's Mardis Gras is taking place this week with ski races, Louisiana style dinners, and music performances. I guess this is as far north from New Orleans as you can get in the USA to celebrate Maris Gras.

(c) 2008 Jeff Connor

Green Mountain Hooked Rugs School

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 20:49:47 -0500

Photo by Robert Eddy FirstLightStudios.net

Green Mountain Hooked Rugs in Montpelier offers classes several times a year but they have one big school event that takes place every summer. The school was founded in 1981 by the mother of the current owner and classes have been offered every year since then.

This year's 27th Annual Hooked Rug School will be held June 6�15, 2008. There will be one five-day and two weekend sessions with a total of 23 classes. Class size is limited to about a dozen students so now is the time to look over the course outline and decide whether to attend.

From the Green Mountain Hooked Rugs web site: "Classes range from beginning hooking, dyeing, fine hooking tapestry to primitives and wide-cuts, pictorials, folk art, punch needle, penny rugs, braiding and more. Students select one class per session.

"Teachers hail from all over the United States and Canada. Rug exhibits and a well-stocked rug shop are open daily. "

Green Mountain Hooked Rugs has a shop that is open year around at 2838 County Road, Montpelier VT.

(c) 2008 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus Inn

Mardis Gras in Burlington This Weekend

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 17:24:14 -0500

The highlight of the Burlington VT Mardis Gras weekend is the big parade with dozens of floats tossing over thousands of beads, Louisiana Moon Pies, and Lake Champlain Chocolates. The parade attracts a large but fun and easy going crowd.

Get into place about 2:00 to 2:45 in the afternoon. The parade runs on Burlington's Main Street and Church Street.

Magic Hat Brewery is the sponsor of the event. On their website, they offer this advice for where to watch the parade:

"2:45 pm- Line up on Main Street between South Winooski and Church Street and Church Street between Main and Cherry and spread out!!!

"3:00 pm- Catch beads, Moon Pies, Lake Champlain Chocolates, and more as the event parades down Church Street

"Families with children 7 and under can watch from the Little Jambalaya Zone on the courthouse side of Main Street"

The Magic Hat Block Party takes place after the parade featuring bands and a comedy show performing at several venues around town.

(c) 2008 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus Inn

Today Show and The Learning Channel in VT Feb 21

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 21:55:11 -0500

The Today Show will be broadcasting from the Timbers restaurant at Sugarbush Ski Resort on Thursday, February 21. This is the first time that all the on-air team from the Today Show has traveled to a location for a live broadcast. The very next day, the same team will broadcast live from Miami FL.

Coincidentally, on the same day The Learning Channel will be in Waitsfield and other Mad River Valley locations to film a thirty minute segment of their Destination Weddings & Honeymoons program. This special is scheduled to be broadcast nationally in April on both The Learning Channel and Women's Entertainment network. After the initial April airing, cable affiliates can broadcast it in their markets.

(c) 2008 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus Inn

Stowe Winter Carnival

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 21:49:33 -0500

The 2008 edition of the Stowe Winter Carnival will be held Jan 18 - 26. This is one of the biggest winter events in Vermont and New England with ten major activities including ice carving, movies, children's carnival, and a large village block party.

Tourists are invited to join the locals in fun events like the snow volleyball tournament, Super G ski race, snow golf tournament, costume contest, music and dancing, church supper, and general merriment at the local bars, nightclubs, and restaurants. Click here for the events calendar. Better descriptions are available on the Stowe Area Association calendar.

(c) 2008 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus Inn

First Night New Years Celebrations in Vermont

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 21:38:50 -0500

There are more than 100 cities across the world that welcome the new year with a "First Night" celebration. The concept was developed to offer an alcohol-free and substance-free way to start the new year. Boston was the first city to start this tradition and Burlington Vermont was the fourth to adopt the concept.

This year is the 25th anniversary of Burlington's First Night. It is the city's largest one day arts festival and will attract thousands of visitors. There is a wide range of performances which you can read about in the festival's 48 page guide.

In addition to Burlington, First Night celebrations are held in Montpelier and St. Johnsbury.

All the first night celebrations are family friendly but the one in St. Johnsbury puts special emphasis on children's entertainment.

(c) 2007 Jeff Connor (except the St. Johnsbury festival logo above)

VT Ski Areas at the Boston Snow Expo This Weekend

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 07:34:58 -0500

Representatives from many of the Vermont ski areas will be at the Boston Snow Expo this Thurs - Sun. The Expo is being held at the Bayside Expo Center on Mount Vernon Street. There will be many special offers, drawings, free gifts, contests and special promotions. The Expo draws a lot of people because it has an equipment sale at pre-season discounts. The link above will take you to a PDF page that lists all the resorts and vendors who will be at the Expo.

Adult admission is $10 but there are $3 discount coupons available if you submit your email address at the Onthesnow.com website.

If you have young children, you can introduce them to skiing at a gentle practice ramp that will be set up specifically for that purpose. And there will an artificial ice rink too.

(c) 2007 Jeff Connor

Vermont Hand Crafters Show Nov 15 - 18

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 22:24:23 -0500

Vermont Hand Crafters was formed in 1955 and now has 200 members, most of whom will be at the group's annual show Thursday through Sunday, November 15 - 18.

Some 150 crafters will be on hand with samples of their work for sale. They include items such as paintings, fiber art, fine art, glass, jewelry, leather, metal, photography, pottery, stone, toys and figurines, and wood.

The event will be at the Sheraton Conference Center, located at exit 14 W from Interstate 89 in South Burlington.

This show was named by the Vermont Chamber of Commerce as one of the Top Ten Events held each year.

Admission is $7.00 for all four days ($4 for Sunday only admission) but there is an online discount coupon available on the Vermont Hand Crafters website.

(c) 2007 (except the show logo above which is copyright by Vermont Hand Crafters, Inc.) Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus Inn

Here is Something Different To Do: Green Mountain Alpaca Show

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 19:44:40 -0500

Travel to Vermont and you will see the dairy farms that are a large part of the state's image. But from time to time you'll see other animals too, some of them exotic breeds you would not expect.

There are a goodly number of sheep and goat farms now (mainly to support all the small cheese producers here), exotic bovines such as Scottish Highlander Cows that look like Musk-Ox cousins (there are usually some out at Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe), buffalo and elk (they're being raised for restaurant consumption), miniature horses and donkeys, and I even know of a camel (it's on Route 2 a little south of Richmond VT, on the west side of the road).

I know of several places with Llamas and Alpacas but I did not know there were so many of them until I read the list of Alpaca farms in VT on the Sponsors page on the Northeast Alpaca Association's Fall Spectacular website.

The public is invited to the show being held at the Champlain Valley Expo this weekend, November 2, 3 and 4, 2007. About 100 Alpaca farms from all over the northeast will be displaying some 500 alpacas.

These are fascinating animals and you can learn more about them at Benefits of Alpacas page on the Log Cabin Farm website.

Alpacas originated in the Andes mountains of South America so it is a breed of animal very much at home in the mountains of the northeast but they adapt well to other environments as well. They are small, easily handled animals known for being intelligent, calm, and clean. They don't need a lot of land, they are disease resistant, and they produce a fiber as soft as cashmere that's also lighter, stronger and warmer than wool. The hair is just cut off them like shearing sheep wool, so the animals are not butchered.

You can even purchase an Alpaca there. "Coco," pictured above, can be yours for just $20,000 for example. Everybody in your neighborhood has a dog or a cat but you can set a new standard with an alpaca in the backyard! Besides Coco (who is owned by Alpacas of Easton ), there others for sale on Alpacas For Sale page on the Association's show website.

(c) 2007 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus Inn

World's Largest Halloween Jack-o-lantern Pumpkin Carving Display

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 22:12:18 -0500

freefoto.com

This Saturday, October 27, Bennington VT is determined to win the Guinness World Record for the most jack-o-lanterns on display in one place. The current record is held by nearby Keene NH which set the record in 2003 with 28,952 officially counted.

Who says Americans don't have enough leisure time?

There will also be a Main Street parade at 4:00.

Seeing that many jack-o-lanterns will probably be an impressive sight so don't forget your camera.

Bennington is a nice town to visit with many architecturally and historically significant buildings. I recommend you take the walking tour around the Old First Church and cemetery on the west side of town. There is a very good quality Welcome Center in an old brick blacksmith's shop at the Corner of Route 7 and Elm Street where you can pick up literature on things to see. For some reason, it is closed on Sundays - when most visitors would be coming into town.

The Bennington website has a listing of local attractions.

You will also be near Arlington and Manchester, both of which are scenic towns. Manchester is known for its outlet stores but even if you won't want to go shopping, you should drive through this very pretty village. Just take Route 7 north from Bennington. It's about 15 minutes to Arlington and another 15 to Manchester where you will see the Reluctant Panther and the Equinox, both world class ($$$$) lodging and dining facilities. Since we are now entering "low season", The Equinox is running some specials, one of which offers three nights of lodging for just $333 - a fraction of what the rooms cost during busy seasons.

There are many other good quality inns and motels in the Manchester area that are not as expensive.

Southwest Vermont is one of my favorite areas to visit but it's been a while since I was there so I think I'll take another look at lodging places down there and get a trip scheduled soon.

(c) 2007 Jeff Connor

Bennington Old First Church,
the oldest church in Vermont

Annual VT Craftworkers Show Oct 26 - 28

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Sat, 20 Oct 2007 22:34:20 -0500

Vermont Craftworkers website

The 27th annual Essex Fall Craft and Fine Art Show will be held three days, Friday through Sunday, October 26 - 28 at the Champlain Valley Expo center in Essex Junction, Vermont.

This event has some 400 exhibitors and is ranked as one of the top shows in the country by Sunshine Artist Magazine. There will be artisans displaying "hand blown and stained glass, fine scents and herbal soaps, forged iron, garden accents, original oils and watercolors, weather vanes, candles, pottery, music, leather and sheepskin, calligraphy, note cards, furniture, jewelry, baskets, florals, and gourmet specialties such as dips, sauces, vinegars, and sweet treats. "

There is a one dollar discount coupon available on the show's website.

(c) 2007 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus Inn

Signature Chefs Event on Monday Oct 22

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Sat, 20 Oct 2007 15:25:53 -0500

This Monday evening, the Green Mountain Signature Chefs Event will be held at Stowe Mountain Resort to benefit the March of Dimes.

Tickets are $75 per person. There will be a benefit auction for items such as restaurant dinners, lodging stays, chef prepared dinner in your home, cooking lessons in your home, shopping spree for wine and cheese, etc.

Details are available on the Vermont March of Dimes website.

(c) 2007 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus Inn

Vermont Sports and Recreation Expo Oct 20 and 21

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 11:24:21 -0500

I am often asked by visitors what there is to do here in Vermont. The first things that comes to mind are outdoor activities such as hiking, bicycling, canoeing/kayaking, fishing, sailing, skating, swimming, skiing, snowshoeing, dog sled rides, and so on. Vermont is blessed with beautiful scenery and clean air that visitors can enjoy outdoors year around.

There is a great showcase for all these activities at the All Sports, Recreation and Fitness Expo this weekend at the Champlain Valley Expo center near Burlington in the northern part of the state.

The Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Division of State Parks, and the Department of Tourism and Marketing have partnered to put on this event and create a �Vermont Village where visitors can sign up for their hunting license, book campsites at state parks and participate in a 3-D laser shoot. The Expo will feature commercial exhibits, interactive activities, demonstrations, clinics, seminars, sports celebrities, product/service sales."

One hundred exhibitors and 60 demonstrations will cover a wide variety of activities for people of all ages including golf, yoga, rock climbing wall, extreme sports, hockey on a plastic ice surface, children's activities team sports, dog agility trials, nutrition, skiing, U.S.A Luge track, etc. There will almost certainly be several things you will be interested in.

Here is a link to a $2 discount coupon you can print and bring with you.

(c) 2007 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus Inn

What Do the Tango and Horace Greeley Have in Common? Vermont of course.

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 21:56:19 -0500

There is always a wide range of things to see and do here in VT . . . but usually not this wide.

I got a chuckle of this and thought you might too. And just to give you an idea of the diversity of things to do in VT, here is a weird coupling: the sensuous and dramatic I Tango show and the Horace Greeley Writers Symposium both of which are this weekend.

The I Tango show is in Burlington and and the Horace Greeley Symposium is in Poultney VT. Greeley has a connection to VT because he was a printer's apprentice in Poultney. He is most often thought of as the man who said "Go west young man" and although he did write that in one of his editorials, he was actually the second newspaper writer to do so. A writer from a Terra Haute IN newspaper actually wrote that line first, about 14 years before Greeley did but it was Greeley with a large New York city readership who popularized the term.

Wikipedia has a brief biography of Greeley.

The Symposium is being held at Green Mountain College in the picturesque village of Poultney VT.

(c) 2007 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus Inn

Stowe Art and Craft Festival plus German Car Meet Oct 6 and 7

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 20:26:48 -0500

There are two events in Stowe this weekend. The Stowe Foliage Art and Craft Festival is a high quality event attended by 185 artists and artisans who were chosen from a very large pool of applicants. These participants are the best in this part of the country and they will be displaying paintings, pottery, blown glass, photography, furniture, clothing, and weavings.

The event is held in giant "Camelot tents" complete with heating, so the event is held rain or shine. It continues this weekend Saturday and Sunday, October 6 and 7 from 10:00 to 5:00. There is a specialty food tent with all fresh food cooked on site. There will be top quality live music and demonstrations of glass blowing, raku pottery, paper embossing, wood turning, wood carving, and intarsia woodwork.

Directions: from Stowe, take Route 108 out of town about four miles to the Topnotch Field on the left.

The Festival is held in conjunction with OctoberFAST, a gathering of German collector cars including Porsche, Mercedes, BMW, VW, and Audi. The car meet is at the same Topnotch field as the Art and Craft Festival.

(c) 2007 [except the photograph] Grunberg Haus

Free Apple iPods in Vermont Apple Orchards

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 20:23:42 -0500

If you go apple picking during your travel to Vermont, keep an eye out for a prize apple like this.

Spending some time outdoors picking apples is rewarding enough but now there is extra incentive with a contest that will reward you with an Apple iPod if you can find one of the winning apples.

Eleven specially marked wooden apples are waiting in participating apple orchards around Vermont. If you find one, just turn it in to the orchard owner, and Small Dog Electronics will send you an iPod. See the VermontVacation.com website for rules.

Small Dog Electronics headquarters and one of their retail stores is a just few miles from our inn. They are Mac specialists who are fairly well known around the country by Mac aficionados.

Participating Orchards:

North
Adams Apple Orchard, Williston
Allenholm Farm, South Hero
Chapin Orchard, Essex Junction
Crow Hill Orchard, Saint Johnsbury
Franklin Orchard, Franklin
Hacketts Orchards South Hero
Halls Orchard, Isle La Motte
Shelburne Orchards, Shelburne
West Swanton, Orchard
Cider Mil, Swanton

Central
Champlain Orchards, Shoreham
Douglas Orchards, Shoreham
Liberty Orchard, Brookfield
Happy Valley Orchard, Middlebury
Mendon Mountain Orchard, Mendon
Stevens Orchard, Orwell

South
Cortland Hill Orchard, Brattleboro
Dwight Miller and Son, E. Dummerston
Green Mountain Orchards, Putney
Harlows Sugar House, Putney
Mad Tom Orchard, East Dorset
Wellwood Orchards Inc, Springfield

A map marked with all the Vermont orchards taking part in the Apple iPod contest. You can see a large version on the VT Dept of Tourism website.

(c) 2007 [except the photograph and map] Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus.

Champlain Valley Antiques Festival Oct 6 and 7

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 14:55:54 -0500

This coming weekend, both Saturday and Sunday, October 6 and 7, "antiquers" and "leaf peepers" will descend on the Champlain Valley Expo Center in Essex Junction near Burlington for the annual Champlain Valley Antiques Festival.

It is the largest antique show in Vermont and one of the largest in New England. There will be about 125 dealers and about 30 room displays.

To get an idea of the scope and quality of this show, you can review many photos from the 2005 show on the New England Antiques Show website.

Admission is $8 but you can get a one dollar discount coupon on the Antiquing Vermont website.

(c) 2007 [except the photograph] Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus

Master Harold and Shakespeare's Henry V Plays

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Sun, 30 Sep 2007 00:37:10 -0500

Since I referenced Shakespeare in an entry a couple of days ago, it's fitting that I mention the Lost Nation Theater's current production of Henry V which runs through October 7 in Montpelier.

A couple of famous quotes come from this play. One is the speech Henry gives before the Battle of Agincourt, when he addresses the troops by begining with the line:

"We few, we happy few, we band of brothers;"

At another battle, Henry says "Once more unto the breach, dear friends..."

You can see more about this play on Wikipedia.

-------------------

Now playing on the road around Vermont, the Weston Playhouse's production of "Master Harold" is inspiring such reviews as this:

"...If you think you can only go to see one play, one production, during this 2007-2008 season, I tell you without any reservation that this is the play and this is the production of the play that you should see�indeed, must see." -Dan Wolfe, Vermont Times-Sentinel

The play takes place during the Apartheid period in South Africa.

The play will be performed at these times and locations:

TUES., OCT. 2 at 7:30pm � Casella Theater Castleton State College, Castleton, VT

WED., OCT. 3 at 7:30pm � Dibden Center for the Arts Johnson State College, Johnson, VT

THURS., OCT. 4 at 7:30pm � Chandler Center for the Arts Randolph, VT

FRI., OCT. 5 at 8pm � Flynn Center for the Performing Arts Burlington, VT

SAT., OCT. 6 at 7:30pm & Sun., Oct. 7 at 1pm � Phillips Exeter Academy Exeter, NH

(c) 2007 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus

Northeast Animal-Power Field Days This Weekend

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 23:54:12 -0500

This Saturday and Sunday, September 28and 29, Animal-Power Field Days is a two day trade fair and conference with panel discussions, vendor exhibits, field demonstrations of animal-powered farming and logging equipment, equipment auction, children's activities, music, food, and farmers market. See the website for a very good .pdf brochure with all the details.

The event is open to anyone, especially farmers, loggers, and landowners who want to learn more and network with others interested in using draft animals to help manage their lands. Discussions of "conservation, stewardship, small farms, healthy forests, and the roles they play in vital rural communities" will be included

Plus you get to see huge draft horses - always the best part for me.

It's being held at the Tunbridge World's Fairgrounds on Route 110 in the east central part of the state.

(c) 2007 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus

Vermont Woodworking Festival and Stowe Octoberfest 2007

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 20:36:35 -0500

Brookside Woodworking

The Vermont Fine Furniture and Woodworking Festival, is being held Saturday and Sunday this weekend at the Woodstock High School arena on Route 4 a few miles west of Woodstock village. About 30 Vermont fine furniture makers and wood artisans will be exhibiting, selling, taking orders, and making demonstrations.

Stowe Octoberfest, in Stowe, Vermont is a family friendly event being held this weekend, both Saturday and Sunday. Stowe's Jackson Ice Arena has been transformed into a Bavarian village for this annual celebration that includes oompah bands, authentic German foods, Vermont beers, pumpkin painting, puppet theatre -- there's something for every "villager".

"The Play's the Thing . . . "

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 17:04:11 -0500

"The play's the thing, wherein I'll catch the conscience of the King" wrote Shakespeare in Hamlet but local plays are capturing the appreciation of audiences. Several theater companies are offering performances for the next week or so.

At the Hyde Park Opera House, the Lamoille County Players are presenting The Spitfire Grill, through October 7. Tickets are $15 and the play is performed Thursday through Saturday at 7:00 pm and Sunday at 2:00 pm. The play is based on the film of the same name which was filmed here in Vermont. It is "an unconventional, upbeat musical with beautiful songs and ballads and a unique story that is tough, touching and light-hearted." �An abundance of warmth, spirit and goodwill!� USA Today

The Stowe Theater Guild presents "Little Shop of Horrors." Tickets are $20 for performances that run Wednesday through Saturday, 8:00 pm at the Town Hall on Main Street. The theater guild presented the same play ten years ago and earned a highly popular reception. It's being brought back by popular demand. The play has some great laughs and compelling 50's and 60's doo-whop music that makes it very popular.

In Waterbury Center, the Waterbury Festival Playhouse is presenting �Murder Mistaken� through October 6. Tickets are $20 and the shows are Saturday, September 29; Wednesday, October 3; Saturday, October 6, all at 7:30 pm, with a matin�e Saturday, September 29 at 2:00.

(c) 2007 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus

Art in the Round Barn, Waitsfield VT

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 00:21:19 -0500

The beautiful Round Barn, Waitsfield VT

The Inn at the Round Barn Farm is one of the top lodging and restaurant facilities in Vermont. It is a place I would put on my itinerary if I were traveling here. You will find it on East Warren Road outside the town of Waitsfield in the north central part of the state.

Another good reason to visit this time of year is to see the annual Art in the Round Barn show which opened today and runs through October 8. This juried show presents the works of some of the best artists in New England.

Seeing the Inn at the Round Barn and its magnificent 240 acre landscaped grounds is something you will be glad you did.

(c) 2007 Jeff Connor

37th Annual Mad River Valley Craft Fair

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 23:51:55 -0500

This coming weekend, Sept 1 and 2, the 37th Mad River Valley Craft Fair will be held. It's one of the best and oldest craft fairs in Vermont. Limited to about 100 craft producers who meet the criteria of a juried craft show, it includes some of the very best crafts produced in the Northeast. There will also be demonstrations by artists doing such things as felting, folk art painting, wood-working, painting on silk, patchwork. You can't hold an event in Vermont without good food and music, and this show is no exception.

Every year I see something clever, interesting, and beautiful. Admission is just $3 for both days (children under 12 are free and there is a very good play area for them). This is a fun way to get your Christmas shopping done early this year and find unique gifts.

Located in Kenyon's field on Route 100 just a few minutes north of Waitsfield VT.

A list of exhibitors and links to their websites is here.

If you are interested in crafts you should also visit Vermont Crafts Council website.

(c) 2007 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus

Champlain Fair and VT State Fair

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Sun, 26 Aug 2007 23:35:51 -0500

Photo courtesy of Champlain Valley Fair and Exposition

The 85th Annual Champlain Valley Fair & Exposition is underway and continues through September 3 in Essex Junction, a suburb of Burlington in northern VT. "This is Vermont's largest fair and biggest annual event, with an outstanding variety of free entertainment, agricultural and educational exhibits and competitions, Vermont's largest fair craft show, a 35-ride midway, 200+ commercial exhibits, major grandstand shows, antique tractor pulls, ox and horse pulling . . ." On site camping available.

The Vermont State Fair will be held in the central VT town of Rutland August 31 through September 9. "Midway rides, food booths, demo derby, farm museum, carnival, ethnic foods, maple sugar house, commercial exhibits, agricultural exhibits, antique tractor pulls, kiddie rides, crafts, live entertainment, ox and horse pulling, and music."

Lake Champlain Maritime Museum to Launch Replica 1776 Gunboat

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 19:58:30 -0500

The Philadelphia II Replica 1776 Gunboat

During the American Revolutionary War, Lake Champlain was the scene of much activity with the British moving soldiers and supplies southward from Canada to the fight in the Colonies. The Colonists thought it would be a good idea to stop them there and, as a result, there were some sea battles on Champlain as well as land battles at the British fort at Ticonderoga near the lake shore.

On the water, the rebels and the British used a variety of watercraft. The colonists employed the gunboat whose sole function was to be a platform for a cannon or two. These gunboats were simple affairs, just a bit more than a large raft and often built on the spot. A large, well armed ship could easily defeat one but when the gunboats were used in numbers and spread out, they could inflict serious damage on a larger and more powerful enemy ship.

Archaeologists and re-enactors from the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum will launch this weekend a full-sized replica 1776 gunboat at the Falls Basin in Vergennes. The ceremony begins at 11:00 Saturday the 25th and the public will be invited aboard until mid afternoon. At that time the gunboat will proceed along Otter Creek to the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum in Burlington. There will be viewing opportunities along Otter Creek.

The gunboat, named the Philadelphia II, will take part in Sunday's Rabble in Arms event, a reenactment of American Revolutionary War times. The museum's gunboat will take part in naval maneuvers and gunnery exercises.

(c) 2007 Jeff Connor except the photo which is courtesy of the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum

Canning and Other Food Preparation and Preservation Classes

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Sat, 18 Aug 2007 22:00:07 -0500

Note for all the classes: class size is limited; advance registration is required. Directions will be provided upon registration. To register, call (802) 496-5690

Salsa Making Social, Thursday, August 23, 2007 1pm to 3pm. Make and preserving by canning salsa using local tomatoes, onions, and peppers. "This salsa is far superior to anything found on the supermarket shelf." There is a $10 material fee (to cover jars and ingredients) payable at the class and each participant will take home 2 jars of salsa.

Elderberry Jelly Social Wednesday, August 29, 2007 5pm to 8pm How to make Elderberry Jelly from picking the berries to cooking to water bath canning. The $5 fee includes a jar of homemade Elderberry Jelly. The social will be held at the Yestermorrow Design/Build school on Route 100 south of Waitsfield and north of Warren.

Gathering and Gardening for Your Immune System, Wednesday, September 5, 2007 1pm to 3pm See how the immune system works and learn how to prepare herbal items such as vinegars, honey, alcohol and drying.

Preserving Tomatoes for the Winter Workshop Wednesday, September 5, 2007 5pm to 7pm Learn about a variety of ways to preserve tomatoes for the winter including canning (water bath), roasting, freezing, and drying. $10 material charge a quart of tomato sauce to take home.

Applesauce and End of the Season Vegetable Pickles Workshop Sunday, September 16, 2007 3pm to 6pm. $10 material charge includes a jar of applesauce and a jar of pickles for each participant to take home.

Sauerkraut and Kimchi Social Wednesday, September 19, 2007 1pm to 3pm. Participation is free and attendees should bring cabbage, carrots, and radishes as well as quart-sized jars. Each participant will receive a quart of Kimchi and a quart of Sauerkraut made from the ingredients brought to the class.

Grass-Fed Lamb: What it is, how to grown your own Monday, September 24 4pm to 6pm Why is grass-fed meat healthier for the land and for you?

These classes are geared toward local residents of the Mad River Valley but they will no doubt welcome a few non-residents if there is room. See the Localvore website for more information.

(c) 2007 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus

Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, and Other Big Country Music Stars in VT Concerts

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 22:41:55 -0500

AP photo

Three major country music concerts are scheduled at the Champlain Expo Center in the Burlington suburb of Essex Junction VT:

Aug. 25, 7 pm, Trace Adkins

Aug. 31, 7:45 pm Brad Paisley

Sept. 2, 7 pm, Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard and Ray Price

Tickets are available online.

(c) 2007 Jeff Connor (except the AP photo) Grunberg Haus

Killington Film Festival Aug 24 - 26

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Tue, 14 Aug 2007 00:29:51 -0500

The Killington Film Festival starts Fri Aug 24 and runs through Sunday the 26, featuring documentaries, short films, discussions. There is a different theme each day: Friday, August 24 "Social Awareness Night;" Saturday, August 25, "Vermont Indie Filmmaker Day;" Sunday, August 26 "New England Indie Filmmaker Day." All films will be screened at the Killington Grand Resort Hotel.

(c) 2007 Jeff Connor

Quechee Scottish Festival August 25

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 22:30:13 -0500

The Catamount Pipe Band at the Quechee Scottish Festival [photo copyright by the St. Andrews Society of Vermont]

The 35th annual Quechee Scottish Festival will be held Saturday, August 25, from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm at the Quechee Polo Field.

There will be Scottish music and dancing, arts and crafts, highland athletic competitions, pipe bands, sheepdog herding trials, and Scottish and American food.

The directions on the website show (poorly) how to find Quechee but not the Polo Field for some inexplicable reason. Just drive west on Route 4 from Exit 1 from Interstate 89 and you will probably see it but if not, just ask around. Or stop in and ask at Scotland By The Yard, an interesting store specializing in Scottish goods. It is located on Route 4 in Quechee.

Part of the proceeds benefits a scholarship program by the St. Andrews Society of Vermont.

(c) 2007 Jeff Connor except the photo above

Stowe Car Show Reminder

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 12:45:06 -0500

The Stowe antique and classic car show is this weekend. I've been seeing some great looking old cars in the area the last couple of days. Many of the entrants come up here a few days early to do some scenic touring. The show usually attracts nearly 1,000 collector automobiles.

Look for it at Nichol's Field a few minutes south of Stowe on Route 100. For more information, see my July 20 entry by going to the bottom of this page and clicking on the gold "2" to the right of where it says Page 1 of 2, and then scroll down.

(c) 2007 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus

Vermont Festival of the Arts Continues This Weekend

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 14:16:56 -0500

Candy Barr Plein Air Class

The month long Festival of the Arts continues this weekend with these events (click dates for links to more information):

Friday, August 10
Accessorizing Seminar
Asia In VT...Art & Antiques
Mad For Massage!
Authentic English Afternoon Tea
Culinary Tour of Italy
Kundalinii Express Concert
Rebecca of Sunnybrook Cigarettes
The Fantasticks

Saturday, August 11
Artists' Open Spaces / Open Studio Visits
Art on the Porch at the Creators Shop
Digital Photograph & Photoshop Workshop
Basic Drawing
Farmers' Market Fun
Chinese Exercise & Meditation
Favorite Dinner Party Desserts
Folk Art Workshop
Innovative Homes of MRV Tour
Poetry Workshop, Picnic & Reading
Wilder Raku Firing Workshop
Authentic English Afternoon Tea
Portuguese Dinner
Rebecca of Sunnybrook Cigarettes
The Fantasticks
Kundalinii Express / Prabhata Samgiita Concert

Sunday, August 12
Artists' Open Spaces / Open Studio Visits
Mad For Massage!
Sean Callahan at Artisans' Gallery
Warren Village Street Fair
Eastman School of Music Alumni Concert
Sunset Drumming by River - Mad River Massage
Vermont Philharmonic POPS Concert

Monday, August 13
A Garden Tea
Candy Barr's Plein Air Class
Mosaic Workshop-You Break It, You Make It
Picasso Kids Art Camp
Labyrinth Building at Camp Bridges
Perseids Meteor Shower
Barn-B-Q

Bluegrass in the Green Mountains

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 22:55:40 -0500

Some of the country's best bluegrass bands will be in Alburgh VT this Fri, Sat and Sun for the Lake Champlain Bluegrass Festival.

In the line-up are Rhonda Vincent (seven time female vocalist of the year) & the Rage, Doyle Lawson & Quick Silver (six time vocal group of the year), The Gibson Brothers (three number one albums), James Reams & the Barnstormers from NY state, Adam Dewey & Crazy Creek (MA), Bob Degree & the Bluegrass Storm (VT), Southern Rail (MA), Yonder Hill (Montreal), The Mad Mountain Scramblers (VT), and The Cabin Fever Band (NY).

There is free weekend camping for tents and RV's.

In addition to the performances, there will also be workshops, jam sessions, fiddle & banjo contest, craft shows, hayrides, bonfires, and BBQ's.

Ticket information is on the website, as are some very good directions with your choice of scenic routes or direct routes. It is a nicely done website by the way.

(c) 2007 Jeff Connor

1000 Cheese Tastings: American Cheese Society Convention in Burlington

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 21:42:06 -0500

The American Cheese Society Convention is being held this week in Burlington. You have to be a member of the society to attend but there is one event open to the public. Everyone is invited to the Sheraton Burlington on Saturday, August 4th, 2007 from 4:30 - 8:00 pm for a cheese tasting.

This is a rare opportunity to try "more than 1,000 handcrafted artisan and farmstead cheeses, from producers throughout North America . . . entered in the American Cheese Society's Annual Competition . . . there will be wines, beers and specialty foods that complement the stars of this event."

In addition to this event, there is the Vermont Cheese Trail, available year around. The "trail" is made up of cheese producers around the state, many of them open to the public. To find them, go to the Vermont Cheese Council's Cheese Trail page on their website. There are 37 facilities listed here with links to the companies' web sites. The ones open to the public are flagged.

(c) 2007 Jeff Connor (except the VT Cheese Council's map above) Grunberg Haus

Huge Festival of the Arts in Mad River Valley VT August 3 - September 3

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Sun, 29 Jul 2007 09:42:20 -0500

The Mad River Valley Festival of the Arts is a very popular, month long series of events in and around the towns of Waitsfield and Warren VT in the north central part of the state.

There will be community dances, ice cream social, musical performances, artist studio tours, gallery events, children's activities, street fairs, fine dining, concerts, readings, plays, dance performances, architectual home tours, workshops, garden tours. A huge event with something for everyone.

(c) 2007 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus

Vermont Plays

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Sat, 28 Jul 2007 19:22:15 -0500

Summer time and the playhouse theatre (they nearly all spell the word in the Middle English version) season is in full swing. From time to time, I come across a new theater or theatrical group I have not heard of before. I am not sure how many there are in Vermont but it is more than
anyone would think for such a small, rural state. We do love our arts here.

Here is a list of the ones with summer productions, followed by a small list of fall performances:

Southern VT

Dorset Theatre Festival
Dorset VT
"Dulcy" July 19 - Aug 5
"Sleuth" Aug 9 - 25

Vermont Theatre Company Brattleboro
No current schedule posted yet for the season

Old Castle Theatre Company
Bennington
"On Golden Pond" July 13 - 29
"The Fantasticks" August 17- September 2

Central VT

Poultney Summer Theatre Poultney
"The Taming of the Shrew" by Shakespeare
July 26 - August 4

Weston Playhouse
Weston
"A Number" July 25 - Aug 19
"Hairspray" Aug 2 - 25

Northern VT

Lost Nation Theater
Montpelier
"Tartuffe" by Moli�re August 2�19
"Henry V" by Shakespeare: September 20�October 7

Adamant Quarryworks Theatre
NOTE: free admission
"Long Day's Journey Into the Night" until Aug 5
"Charlotte's Web" Aug 9 - 19

Skinner Barn Commons Group Waitsfield
"The Fantastiks" Aug 9 - 19

Stowe Theatre Guild
Stowe
"Into the Woods" now through Aug 4

Waterbury Festival Players Waterbury
"Beyond Therapy" Aug 8 - 25

Fall and Winter Productions

Northern Stage
White River Junction
"Doubt" Oct 4 - 23

Lamoille County Players
Hyde Park
"The Spitfire Grill"
September 27-30 and October 4-7
(A couple of our inn guests, who were very experienced play attendees, went to one of this group's performances a while back and could not get over the high quality of the performance - they told me emphatically to recommended it to all our guests.

Lyric Theatre
Burlington
"West Side Story" Nov 8 - 11

(c) 2007 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus

American Society of Dowsers Convention July 29 - Aug 6

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Sun, 22 Jul 2007 21:49:41 -0500

My Uncle Bill was a very likable person whom I recall as having a bemused smile on his face as though life were a mostly silly affair playing out in front of us. He and my aunt owned a women's clothing store in Worcester MA but in the evenings he sat in his favorite chair drinking a few Carling Black Label beers and listening to his police scanner (rare equipment several decades ago and I'm not sure it was technically legal at the time). We would read and talk but when the radio crackled and a voice came over it, he would cock his head and listen while carrying on whatever he was doing. I would ask him what was going on and he would explain.

Bill (I call him Bill now that I'm the age he was when I knew him) introduced me to the American Society of Dowsers . He belonged to it and told me it certainly did work and that our ancestors believed so too. Like anything, it was a skill that some people were born with and other people had to learn. You got better at it by practicing. I joined. I received an occasional newsletter but, like many teenagers, or at least the lot I hung out with, my interests changed from year to year finally focusing most of the time on such modern wonders as internal combustion powered mobile machinery, and girls.

A few years ago, those memories of Bill came back when I discovered (or re-learned) that the American Society of Dowsers is headquartered in Vermont. Danville to be specific. It's near Cabot, Peacham, and St. Johnsbury in the northeast part of the state, and just an hour's drive from where I live.

Dowsing is the ancient (and I mean ancient - thousands of years) art of finding water by walking over a piece of ground holding a dowsing stick which moves when you cross underground water. It's usually water that is sought but it can be other items too if you are really good at it. In rural parts of the world, like VT, it is how people used to find a place to dig a well. Dowsers are still in use today for such purposes.

Like any self respecting group of five or more people living in two or more places, they have an annual convention . This year will be their 47th. It is being held at Sugarbush Resort in Warren, just 20 minutes down the road from us. I should go. It would make Bill smile. In fact, he would get a kick out of it if a bunch of us went so why don't you plan to show up also.

There will be workshops, schools, speakers, vendors, the usual rigmarole you see anywhere but I think this one will be more entertaining and educational than most I can think of.

Have fun, learn some new things, and keep an eye out for people with pleasantly quiet demeanors, slight grins, and a twinkle in their eye - they may be relatives of mine.

(c) 2007 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus

Stowe's Antique and Classic Car Show August 10 - 12, 2007

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 19:51:11 -0500

Stowe's Antique and Classic Car Show is one of the state's largest events, attracting more than a thousand rare and unusual vehicles. This year it will be held Aug 10 - 12 and will be located as usual at Nichols Field on Route 100 a few minutes south of Stowe village.

Tip: the best time to visit the show is mid-morning to early afternoon. Usually by 3:00, the majority of the cars have left the field and the exhibitors are out touring or going to dinner. That is especially true on Sunday when many of them leave late morning to begin the trip home which may be as long as a day's drive for some of them.

This event is always held rain or shine. I can't remember what the admission price is (perhaps $8 ?) but it's reasonable. There is a food tent and, while it's not great food, it's probably what you would expect: hamburgers, hot dogs, and so on that are OK. But there are plenty of alternatives: Stowe has about 55 restaurants and they range from good quality to outstanding.

If you are a car enthusiast, you should also note the British Invasion which takes place also in Stowe, Sept 14 - 16, 2007, and is one of the country's largest all British cars shows with about 600 cars entered each year.

(c) 2007 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus

Sailing Regatta Looking for Crew Members

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 21:40:54 -0500

Here's something different to do on your trip to Vermont: volunteer to be a crew person on a sailboat at the annual Regatta for Lake Champlain. The regatta is a fun event, not a serious race, that raises money to benefit several organizations working to help the lake. Beginners are welcome.

There is a July 20 Friday adult party from 7:00 pm to midnight (tickets at the door or online) at the ECHO Aquarium in Burlington. The party would be a fun way to wrap up a visit to the Vermont Brewers Festival (see my entry below).

The Regatta is the next day, Saturday July 21.

(c) 2007 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus

Messing About With Boats at Lake Champlain Maritime Museum July 14 and 15

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 12:12:19 -0500

"There is nothing- absolutely nothing-
half so much worth doing
as simply messing about in boats." *

This weekend, Saturday July 14 & Sunday July 15, 2007
the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum is having its Small Boat Festival celebrating the pleasures of building and putting a small boat on the water.

You can just watch or be hands-on in learning how to build, row, paddle, or sail. There will be canoes, kayaks, sailboats to try.

The Kids Duct Tape Regatta is always a hoot. Families are invited to design, build, and race a cardboard creation held together with duct tape. It's surprising how well many of them work. Construction is from 11:00- 1:00 with the regatta at 1:30. Tip: see the Museum's "Boat Building in the Champlain Valley" exhibit for some how-to's.

Umiak outfitters will have beginner and advanced kayaking classes.

On Sunday, the Lake Champlain Challenge three mile race takes place at 11:30 and is open to non-motorized boats. Last year, 50 watercraft raced in this event.

There is also a Boats Around the World photography exhibit featuring 125 photographs ranging from fishing boats in Ghana and Malaysia to sailing ships on the Adriatic and the coast of Maine. The exhibit will be on view through July 29.

And there is an exhibit of building a birch bark canoe by Aaron York, an internationally recognized Native American Artist based in Swanton, Vermont, based on academic research to be a replica of the type seen by Samuel de Champlain during his travels here in 1609.

* "There is nothing- absolutely nothing- half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats. In or out of 'em, it doesn't matter. Nothing seems really to matter, that's the charm of it."

Rat to Mole in the classic children's book, The Wind in the Willows, by Kenneth Grahame, published 1908. See the Wikipedia entry for more information. There is no copyright on the book since it is so old and therefore you can read it in its entirety on Wikipedia also.

Ratty and Mole Messing About in Boats

(c) 2007 Jeff Connor except the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum photo, and illustration from Wikipedia

Vermont Brewers Festival July 20 + 21

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 20:40:54 -0500

Vermont is home to more breweries per capita than any state in the USA. To many of us, that's good. Fewer people, more beer.

Once a year, all those brewers put down their hops shovels and get together on a lake front to celebrate and do a little competing. They even invite some of their friendly competitors from Massachusetts, New York, Maine, New Hampshire, and Delaware.

This year, the Vermont Brewers Festival will be held Friday and Saturday, July 20 and 21 at Waterfront Park in Burlington in the northwest part of the state. Take Exit 14 from I-89, go toward downtown Burlington 1.5 miles on Route 2, Main Street, to the dead end in front of the old train station. Turn right on Lake Street and you will see the festival on your left.

Participating brewers are there by invitation only, based on brewery capacity, distinctiveness, and product quality. The festival will have many brands of lagers, ales, and unique products such as fruit beers, barley wines, and Belgian-style white beers. You can read descriptions of the breweries and other information in the 16 page Festival Guide which is available at the festival or by downloading here.

The website has a detailed schedule of the musical entertainment, food, vendors, and educational sessions. These educational opportunities include: Cooking with Beer, Organic Beer Panel Discussion, Chocolate and Beer Pairings, Grilling with Porter, Beer & Cheese Pairings, Hop School.

Waterfront Park in Burlington is a very attractive large grassy area next to Lake Champlain with great views of the NY Adirondack Mountains to the west and the Green Mountains in the other direction. Tip: bring your camera and hang around for some wonderful sunsets.

Two Vermont Brewers signs will be raffled at the Festival to benefit the Cooking for LIfe program, part of the Vermont Campaign to End Childhood Hunger

(c) 2007 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus

VT Mozart Festival July 15 - August 5

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 12:16:04 -0500

"The hills are alive with music," and Vermont is full of music performances especially during the summer. One of the largest events is the Vermont Mozart Festival which starts this weekend and runs through early August. The Inn at Shelburne Farms, Shelburne VT will be hosting the first performance. (Google map.)

In case of rain, the performance will be moved to the Robert E. Miller Expo Center Champlain Valley Fairgrounds Essex Junction, Vermont. (Google map.)

Many performances are scheduled during the summer and you can see a VT Mozart Festival calendar here. These concerts are a nice way to wrap up a day. Most begin at 7:00 to 8:00 pm and last about two hours. You are encouraged to bring a picnic basket. Dress is casual.

(c) 2007 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus

The King and I at the Weston Playhouse

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 23:47:49 -0500

Rodgers and Hammerstein's classic play, The King and I, is playing at the Weston Playhouse for the next three weeks. This is the play that features such immortal musical numbers as �Whistle a Happy Tune,� �Hello Young Lovers,� �Shall We Dance?� and �Getting to Know You.�

The Weston Playhouse has been known for many years as one of the top playhouses in Vermont.

While you are in Weston, you will probably want to spend time at the famous Vermont Country Store and the smaller but more traditional Weston Village Store. I've been to both and enjoyed them. The Vermont Country Store can get crowded when the tour buses pull up but the store is big so people tend to spread out. There is a nice picnic area and woodland trails behind the store's parking lot for anyone in your group who is not a shopper.

The town of Weston is a very nice looking village and worth a visit anytime. Weston is located in the southeastern part of the state (Google map).

(c) 2007 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus

More Women-only Vermont Outdoor Adventures

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 22:58:59 -0500

Even though there is only a few days notice on these next two items, I thought I would throw in a couple of more outdoor adventure camps devoted to women because of popular response to my post about Doe Camp Abnaki.

July 14, 2007 Ladies ONLY Shotgun Shooting Clinic at the North Country Sportsmen's Club, located on Gun Club Road, Williston, VT (near Burlington in the north west part of the state). There will be classroom safety instruction, trap range instruction, lunch, hunting tips, clothing, and the art of trap shooting.

The cost is an amazingly low $15. You better confirm that when you call to register! That $15 fee buys you two rounds of trap, loaner shotgun, ammunition, eye and ear protection and lunch. Clinic is rain or shine. Contact: Cindy Pease (802) 872-9508 (please, no calls after 8:00 p.m.) or via email at cindy.pease@verizon.net. A registration form is also available at the Club's website.

Photo (c) Extreme Adventures VT

July 15th- 20th - Women's Multi Sport Week, Hike, Kayak, Cave, Climb, & Raft for ages 18 and older, sponsored by Extreme Adventures Vermont. It costs about $960 more than the shotgun clinic above but you get a lot more too. In fact, it looks like a very good value considering everything the women campers get to do during the week.

(c) 2007 Jeff Connor except photo by Extreme Adventures above

Children's Junior Ranger Program in Woodstock This Thurs

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 22:28:02 -0500

If you are planning to go to the July 14 Billings Farm Children's Day I wrote about a few days ago, you may also be interested in the nearby Junior Ranger Program on Thursday July 12.

The Junior Ranger Program starts 2:30 pm at the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historic Park Visitors Center in Woodstock VT. The Park is "next door" to Billings Farm and Museum. Boys and girls age 7 - 10 can take part in several activities guided by a park ranger and see what it is like to be a ranger.

Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller Park Visitors Center

The web site does not say what those activities are or how long the course lasts. In fact, the web site needs a lot of work to be informative and really show off all the assets of this great facility. Government bureaucrats are not marketers however, so the web site, although well designed, lacks enough information, especially photography, to enable viewers make an informed decision about whether it is worth seeing. So you'll have to trust me completely on this one, the park is definitely worth seeing. Click here for an events calendar.

The Junior Ranger Program is free. Reservations are not required but if you would like more information, or you don't know me well enough to trust me, you can call 802-45-3368 ext 22.

(c) 2007 Jeff Connor

Solar Fest Alternative Energy Expo

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Sun, 08 Jul 2007 23:11:07 -0500

SolarFest 2007 will be held Saturday and Sunday, July 14 and 15 at the Forget-Me-Not Farm in Tinmouth Vermont (Google map says it's in nearby Middletown Springs VT). Tinmouth is a few minutes north of Rutland in the south central part of the state.

This is an educational and entertainment event that last year attracted about 3800 people from many states. Now in its 13th year, SolarFest focuses on solar and wind energy. There will be dozens of workshops, about 100 vendors, and musical entertainment.

SolarFest Vendor Area

(c) 2007 Jeff Connor

July 14 Children's Day at Billings Farm, Woodstock VT

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Sun, 08 Jul 2007 18:40:12 -0500

Cow petting at Billings Farm

The 22nd annual Children's Day at Billings Farm and Museum will be held this coming Saturday, July 14. Billings is a great family destination any time of the year but his event makes it even more special for children who will get an insight into what it was like to be a farm kid back in the old days.

Children and adults will get to watch and take part in traditional farm activities, horse-drawn wagon rides, games, farm animal programs, butter and ice cream making, fence building, wood sawing, stenciling muslin, making a quilt pattern, and coloring farm bookmarks to take home.

I think Billings Farm and Museum is one of the top places to visit in Vermont, and the town of Woodstock is one of the most beautiful in all of New England. Billings Farm is a highly well maintained and first class facility, and the Museum has many top quality displays.

(c) 2007 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus

Women Only Camp Teaches Outdoor Skills

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Sat, 07 Jul 2007 22:45:41 -0500

Camp Abnaki in North Hero Island Vermont on the shores of Lake Champlain

Doe Camp is a project of the Vermont Outdoor Guide Association and Vermont Outdoors Woman devoted to teaching women outdoor skills in a friendly, non-competitive, female only environment (some of the instructors are male). The emphasis is on having a fun experience while gaining skills and developing friendships.

It is open to women 18 years and older and is held several times a year. The next camp is Sept 14 - 16, 2007 at Camp Abnaki, a YMCA camp on North Hero Island, Vermont right on the shore of Lake Champlain.

Doe Camp Abnaki has courses in firearms, fishing, archery, kayaking, canoeing, survival, ATV riding, and tree identification.

What is equally impressive as the number of courses is the cost. Thanks to generous sponsorships, Doe Camp is only $245, which includes food, lodging, and instruction. There is an extra fee for some programs and additional discounts for students, tenting, or drive-in. Scholarships are available.

More information is available on the Doe Camp Abnaki web site.

Here is a detailed listing of the Doe Camp Course offerings:

Archery using woman-friendly equipment: learn how to select the proper equipment, technique, safety.

Fishing with live bait and lures on Lake Champlain: learn what to use for bait and lures to bring in the fish. Learn to read the water and where the fish are. Basic casting and retrieval techniques, lure choice, varieties of live bait, handling of fish.

Fly fishing: learn basics of three different casting strokes, knot tying, fly selection and identification.

Fly tying: learn to tie various types of flies and to use them.

Forest and land management: review Vermont forest history to understand what we have and where we might be headed. Take a forest tour to explore wildlife habitat, deer management, water quality, wilderness, and forest health issues, along with woodlot management.

Property boundary identification: learn how to find and follow a property line even in the depths of the woods.

Tree identification: learn to tell the difference between a pine tree and a hemlock, a red maple and a sugar maple. Learn to count the age of a tree, and how a forest evolves from one type to another over time. You will be able to name deciduous trees in the midst of winter even after their leaves have fallen to the ground.

Game cooking: learn quick, inexpensive and easy ways to cook up some venison the right way! Beginning with the basics of removing the meat from the bone and finishing up with some appetizing venison for lunch

Open fire camp cooking: learn how to cook on a campfire from starting a fire to knowing when the coals are ready.

Hunting skills: learn how to find your game after it is hit, and the techniques of getting something as large as a deer back to your vehicle without help.

Training hunting dogs: learn how to train a dog from a pup to a master hunting dog.

Critter calling: making various animal noises including ducks, moose, deer, turkey. Easy to do and always creates a lot of laughter.

Nature

Animal tracking: learn how to track and read the signs of wild animals.

Birding hike: learn waterfowl and songbirds and their habitats in woods and waters.

Nature photography: a slide show covering the fundamentals: light, composition, perspective, depth of field, exposure, basic artistic and technical aspects, image editing tips in Adobe Photoshop, fieldwork with discussion on seeing and setting up photos.

Kayaking nature tour: learn thechniques while paddling beautiful Lake Champlain.

Shooting classes:

Gun Cleaning: learn to clean and care for firearms.

Handgun skills and marksmanship: Equipment will be provided. Beginning with firearm safety, become familiar with pistols, loading, unloading and safe handling in a real setting. Learn shooting techniques, have the opportunity to develop or improve marksmanship, and discuss how to find a range or club in your area and what events are available on both a local and state level for women interested in additional instruction or competition.

IPSC Pistol Shooting: introduction to the International Practical Shooting Confederation (IPSC) pistol shooting competitive discipline. In practical shooting, the competitor must try to blend accuracy, power, and speed, into a winning combination.

Muzzleloader skills and marksmanship: Equipment will be provided. Take a step back in time to learn about the pioneers' most important tool - the muzzleloading rifle. Gain experience; learn safety and proficiency with the modern caplock, traditional flintlock and matchlock muskets.

Rifle skills and marksmanship: Equipment will be provided. Beginning with basic firearm safety, become familiar with rifles, loading, unloading, and safe handling in a real setting. Learn shooting techniques and positions.

Shotgun skills and marksmanship: Equipment will be provided. Beginning with basic firearm safety, become familiar with shotguns, loading, unloading and safe handling in a real setting. Learn about the different shot-gunning clay fields of trap, skeet, and sporting clays.

Sports and recreational skills

ATV Rider four hour course is an introduction to the safe operation of an ATV including starting, stopping , turning, riding on hills, basic safety gear and environmental concerns.

Canoeing: learn paddling strokes for canoeing, and how to right an overturned canoe safely.

Kayaking: learn the basics of kayaking.

Bike tour: learn local island history while ridinge through the scenic back roads of North Hero Island.

Sailing: learn basic sailing including trimming the ...

Burlington Area Garden Tours July 8

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Fri, 06 Jul 2007 10:39:09 -0500

This Sunday there will be a rare opportunity to see some of the best private gardens in the Burlington area. Eight gardens will be open to the public starting at 10:00 am and ending at 3:00 pm.

The 11th annual Flynn Garden Tour is a fund raiser for the Flynn Theater, a Burlington landmark which hosts many types of performances. Ticket and raffle sales enable local schoolchildren to attend and participate in the Flynn's educational matinee theater programs.

Tickets are limited. The price is $35 in advance and $37 on the day of the tour. Contact FlynnTix Regional Box Office at 153 Main Street, Burlington, Vermont, 802-863-5966, on line at www.flynntix.org, and at Gardener's Supply Company, Lang Farm Nursery, Horsford Gardens & Nursery, and the Shelburne Supermarket. For more information, contact Gina Haddock at 802-652-4533 or rhaddock@flynncenter.org, or visit www.flynncenter.org/gardentour.html.

According to the web site, this year's tour includes:
"* The three-family Willey Farm compound
* The chance to see what landscape nursery owners/interior designers do with their own house and gardens
* A sensory therapy garden designed by a couple whose personal story a professional landscape skills combine to make it a sophisticated and poignant place
* An urban neighborhood landscape redefined
* Tea (included in the ticket price and catered by the New England Culinary students and Chef John Barton) served from 3 to 4 pm at Lang Farm Nursery

"In addition, fairy houses, a temple, ponds, waterfall, collector's specimens, a cottage garden, vegetable plots, and many examples of the use of stone in the home landscape make the Flynn Garden Tour an idea-gathering event for new and veteran gardeners."

On the day of the tour (Sunday, July 8th) tickets will be on sale from 10 am to noon at Lang Farm Nursery, 51 Upper Main Street, Essex Junction, 1 1/2 miles east of 5 corners on Rte.15.

(c) 2007 Jeff Connor

Vermont Bluegrass Music Festival July 13 - 15

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Thu, 05 Jul 2007 22:11:59 -0500

The Basin Bluegrass Festival will be held July 13 - 15 in Brandon VT , on Route 7 about 17 miles north of Rutland.

Sixteen bands will each play three times during the festival.

In addition, there will be workshops on playing bass, banjo, rhythm guitar, mandolin, as well as singing harmony and song writing.

The festival is held at the end of Basin Road, off McConnell road.

The organizers emphasize that this is a family festival. Anyone misbehaving, appearing loud, intoxicated, or possessing illegal drugs will be removed. There will be security on site. There will be cover for rain, medical services, water to fill tanks, hot showers, and dump station. Tent campers are welcome. Lawn chairs are welcome but high back chairs are prohibited. Pets are welcome but must be kept on a leash and not allowed in the concert area.

There will be a Martin Guitar Raffle courtesy of Dave Nichols Custom Pearl Inlay and the Martin Guitar Company.

(c) 2007 Jeff Connor

The Amazing, Stupendous, Magnificent Big Top Tent Show, Circus Smirkus

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Wed, 04 Jul 2007 20:15:00 -0500

I went to Circus Smirkus in Waitsfield last night and had a wonderful experience for the third year I have attended one of these great shows.

You will marvel to see these young people (ages 10 - 18) in person and appreciate all the skill, enthusiasm, and athleticism they have. The video below will give you a taste of what it's like:

These folks are not only skilled, they work extra hard. As evidence, they have an ambitious schedule of 70 shows this season which ends in August:

JULY 1
Greensboro, VT
The Circus Barn
1 Circus Road
2 shows:
2 & 7 pm - Sunday

JULY 3 & 4
Waitsfield, VT
Bundy Center for the Arts
4 shows:
2 & 7 pm - Tuesday & Wednesday
Presented by The Bundy Center for the Arts

JULY 6, 7 & 8
Essex, VT
Champlain Valley Expo
6 shows:
12 & 7 pm - Friday
2 & 7 pm - Saturday
1 & 6 pm- Sunday
Presented by Champlain Valley Expo & The Circus Barn, Inc.

JULY 10 & 11
Saratoga Springs, NY
Saratgoa Race Course
4 shows:
2 & 7 pm - Tuesday & Wednesday
Presented by The Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs

JULY 13 & 14
Wilbraham, MA
Fountain Park
Tinkham Road
4 shows:
2 & 7 pm - Friday & Saturday
Presented by Wilbraham Hampden Academic Trust, Inc.

JULY 16 & 17
Brattleboro, VT
VT Agric. Business
Education Center
4 shows:
2 & 7 pm - Monday & Tuesday
Presented by KidsPLAYce

JULY 19, 20, 21 & 22
Wellesley/Dover, MA
Elm Bank Horticultural Center
8 shows:
2 & 7 pm - Thursday & Saturday
12 & 7pm - Friday
11 am & 4 pm - Sunday
Presented by The Circus Barn, Inc.

JULY 23, 24 & 25
Sandwich, MA
Heritage Museums & Gardens
5 shows:
7 pm - Monday
2 & 7 pm - Tuesday & Wednesday
Presented by The Circus Barn, Inc.

JULY 27, 28 & 29
Martha's Vineyard, MA
Waban Park in Oak Bluffs
6 shows:
12 & 5 pm - Friday, Saturday & Sunday
Presented by the Edgartown School

JULY 31 & AUGUST 1
Revere, MA
Beachmont School
15 Everard Road
4 shows:
1 & 7 pm - Tuesday & Wednesday
Presented by the Revere Department of Recreation

AUGUST 3 & 4
Wilton, NH
High Mowing School
4 shows:
2 & 7 pm - Friday & Saturday
Presented by The High Mowing School

AUGUST 6 & 7
Kennebunkport, ME
Rocking Horse Stables
Arundel Road
4 shows:
1& 6 pm - Monday & Tuesday
Presented by Kennebunkport Consolidated School

AUGUST 9 & 10
Freeport, ME
Merriconeag Waldorf School
4 shows:
1 & 6 pm - Thursday & Friday
Presented by Merriconeag Waldorf School

AUGUST 12 & 13
North Conway, NH
Cranmore Resort Ski Area
4 shows:
1 & 6 pm - Sunday & Monday
Presented by Mount Washington Valley Children�s Museum

AUGUST 15, 16 &17
Montpelier, VT
Montpelier High School
5 shows:
2 & 7 pm - Wednesday & Friday
11 am - Thursday
Presented by The Circus Barn, Inc.

AUGUST 18 & 19
Greensboro, VT
The Circus Barn
1 Circus Road
3 shows:
7 pm - Saturday
2 & 7 pm - Sunday

Other Circus Smirkus videos are available here.

And, for something a little different in summer camps, ranging from 2-day to 2-week residential sessions for ages 6 to 18, beginner to advanced, read the Circus Smirkus Camp page on their web site.

(c) 2007 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus

Killington Wine Festival July 12 - 15

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Wed, 04 Jul 2007 19:34:45 -0500

The sixth Annual Killington Wine Festival will be held July 12 to 15, 2007. Enjoy wine tasting on top of one of Vermont's highest peaks, as well as at a few of Vermont's most prestigious inns. There will be four days of tastings, dinners, dancing, seminars. Reservations are required for some events and recommended for others (click the web link above for details). For tickets, call 800-337-1928.

(c) 2007 Jeff Connor

Stoweflake Hot Air Balloon Festival July 6, 7 and 8

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Tue, 03 Jul 2007 09:45:41 -0500

Stoweflake Resort in Stowe Vermont will hold their 21st Annual Balloon Festival this weekend. Some 25 balloons are expected to attend.

Flights are Friday, July 6 at 6:30 p.m., Saturday, July 7 at 6:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. and Sunday, July 8 at 6:30 a.m. There is free admission at 6:30 a.m. for event volunteers. The rest of the day, public admission for non-Stoweflake guests is $8. Stoweflake guests and any children 12 and under are admitted free. Tethered rides on the hot-air balloons are $10 per person.

In addition to the balloon launches and tethers, the festival includes children's activities, mini-facials at the Resort's deluxe spa, chair massages, food, drinks and live evening entertainment.

Spectators are invited to take tethered rides or volunteer to be a ground crew person.

(c) 2007 Jeff Connor

Discover Art and Adventure Along the Rock River July 21 and 22

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 19:51:12 -0500

By Pamela Mandell, Publicity, RRA
pmandell@svcable.net, 802.348.9902

The 15th Rock River Artists' Open Studio Tour will be held on Saturday, July 21 and Sunday, July 22 from 10 AM-6 PM.

The tour begins at the Old Schoolhouse in South Newfane, VT where an exhibit of work by 24 artists gives tourgoers an overview of what�s on offer, including painting, photography, collage, printmaking, pottery, furniture, sculpture, metal work and bookbinding.

Maps are provided and then visitors go on to the studios of their choice throughout the villages of South Newfane, Williamsville and Newfane (easily found a couple miles off VT Route 30, ten miles northwest of Brattleboro).

---------------------------------------- / / / ------------------------------------

A little more information on the Newfane area I wanted to add to Pamela's article above:

Newfane town green, photo copyright Linkvermont.com

[Brattleboro is in the southeastern part of the state. Newfane is widely known as a classic looking New England village that you should put on your must-see list for southern VT touring.

Here is how Link Vermont website describes it:

"Newfane, South Newfane, Williamsville (Pop. 1,555): Newfane is one pretty place! This is not just our opinion, its village green and the inns bordering it are somewhat legendary . . . The columned courthouse, church, town hall and inns are the real-thing-equivalent of the tiny make-believe ones some of us decorate our homes with during the Christmas season."

Vermont Quilt Festival June 29

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 19:14:44 -0500

Shown above is the Vermont Quilt Festival 2007 Raffle Quilt created by Jan S. McTaggart and Mary K. Ryan, and hand quilted by an Amish woman.

The Vermont Quilt Festival begins this Friday, June 29 at the Champlain Exposition Center in Essex Junction, as well as St Michael's College in nearby Colchester.

2006 Festival Best Landscape: Vermont Valley View by Pamela L. Druhen

Click this link to see photographs of all the Festival's 2006 Winners. The Festival not only includes displays of hundreds of quilts, but also classes, tours, gallery talks, silent auction, guest artists (including Vermont's Warren Kimble this year), guest speakers, vendors, consignment sales, appraisals, and receptions.

2006 Winner Best of Mixed Technique: Rosy Garden Patch by Judith Thompson

Free Movies at Ben & Jerry's Factory

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 13:19:01 -0500

For the past 29 summers, Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream factory in Waterbury VT has shown free movies. The first one this year is Saturday July 7 with the showing of Wallace & Grommit. All movies are rated for family viewing. The series continues each Saturday through the end of August - you can see the summer movie schedule on the B&J web site. Click on the Event calendar to see the movie line up.

All shows are free and start at dusk. You should bring your own chair if desired. The facility is handicapped accessible. and Ben & Jerry's offers special assistance - just call Dana or Jerry at (802) 882-1240, extension 2300.

The Ben & Jerry's factory is on Route 100 about a mile north of Exit 10 off Interstate 89. You will see the Ben & Jerry's sign on the left.

Their factory tours are the number one tourist attraction in Vermont. June hours are 9:00 to 5:00 and starting in July the tours run from 9:00 to 8:00. I recommend going early in the day or late to avoid the large crowds. The tour buses usually start showing up around 10:00 am and keep coming until mid afternoon.

The tour lasts just half an hour but at times the wait to get in can be as long as an hour. It is a light-hearted and entertaining tour with free ice cream samples at the end.

The factory also has a Scoop shop with all their flavors in cone, dish, or sundae, plus a well stocked souvenir shop.

(c) 2007 Jeff Connor

Free Stowe Music in the Meadow Concert at Trapp Lodge

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 20:27:45 -0500

The very popular Music in the Meadow series starts this Sunday, July 1 at the Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe. The United States Air Force Liberty Pops band will be performing. The band must have many requests to perform on a July 4 holiday so Stowe is fortunate to get them.

The meadow at the Trapp Family Lodge is a very large field with a beautiful vista of the Green Mountains behind it. If there is a better looking outdoor concert area in this country, I haven't seen it.

This concert starts at 7:30 pm and admission is FREE, a great bargain compared to the usual $25 for adult tickets in this series.

I've found that it is best to arrive about an hour or more before the concert. Many people do so and some bring a picnic basket.

The other concerts in the series are the Vermont Symphony Orchestra, July 8; Terrance Simien and the Zydeco Experience, July 15; The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Sept 2.

(c) 2007 Jeff Connor except the meadow concert photo above which is (c) Trapp Family Lodge.

July 4th Parades and Fireworks

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 22:15:18 -0500

Vermont has more July 4th parades and fireworks per capita than any state in the country.

No, I don't have any source to cite on that statistic, and I can't prove that Vermont is number one except by logic.

No one will ever research this statistic because no one besides me cares. So, I won't be proven wrong. If something can't be found to be incorrect, then it must be correct. Right?

Vermont is a great place to celebrate the nation's birthday. In addition to all the usual great reasons to be anyplace where it is scenic, quiet, safe, and fun, Vermont offers a unique opportunity to see several parades and fireworks. Many of the villages here have their own little parade and festivities culminating in a fireworks display. Moreover, VT ski areas are promoting their summer offerings and many offer a day-long event with music, food, and fireworks.

What is interesting is that even though Vermonters are a pretty relaxed group of folks, there is actually some planning and organization in effect. Many neighboring towns cooperate with each other and don't schedule conflicting July 4th events. As a result, there are events a few days before and after the actual July 4th date. This year, the 4th falls on Wednesday so many of the holiday events will be the weekend before - June 28 and 29 in other words.

The list of July 4th events is too long to spell out here but there will certainly be plenty of opportunities for you. Check with your lodging host to see what's available.

You will probably find these events are much more accessible than the big shows in major metropolitan areas where crowds are immense. I've found that Vermont events have a much more relaxing and entertaining atmosphere, and that the events are better than you might assume for such a small rural state.

And I can prove that too.

(c) 2007 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus

Vermont History Expo June 23 and 24

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Wed, 20 Jun 2007 23:07:53 -0500

This year's Vermont History Expo will be held June 23 and 24 at the Tunbridge World's Fairgrounds in Tunbridge VT.. Hundreds of volunteers work many months preparing for this event and their work produces outstanding results.

The state's 150 historical societies and 30 history museums will be represented. There will be exhibits and demonstrations of such things as traditional crafts, 19th century children's games, log cabin museum, antique tractors and farm equipment, blacksmithing, print shop, school, winer transportation, Revolutionary War encampment, Civil War encampment, Korean War encampment, eight meet-the-author book signings, realistic simulator that puts you at the controls of a train locomotive, rare heirloom animal breeds,

One of the most popular parts of the Expo is the Genealogical Center where you can get help researching your family history and ancestors.

There will be 20 some performances on stage plus a good selection of food vendors.

On Sunday, there will also be a live auction in the afternoon.

I attended the Expo a couple of years ago and was impressed with the scope and quality of this event.

For more information, see the Vermont History Expo website.

For information on Vermont historical societies, see the Vermont Historical Society website.

(c) 2007 Jeff Connor

Burlington "Chew Chew" Food Festival June 22 - 24, 2007

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Tue, 19 Jun 2007 22:20:49 -0500

The 22nd annual Burlington "Chew Chew" Food Festival June 22 - 24, will be held on the Lake Champlain waterfront in Burlington. The organizers do a good job of keeping this popular event fresh by requiring that vendors must serve one new food item each year. Prices are kept low and portions small so you can eat cheaply but in a wide range of food styles. Bon Appetit magazine called the festival one of the top four in the east.,

The web site has a full vendor and menu list plus a map and schedule.

Entry is $2 per person and the first 1000 children are admitted free. Nine food tokens cost $5. Most food samples cost three tokens.

Musical performances by top regional bands (including crowd favorite, Banjo Dan and the Mid-nite Plowboys) and individual performers all three days are a big part of the festival.

(c) 2007 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus

Quechee VT Balloon Festival This Weekend

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Thu, 14 Jun 2007 23:14:47 -0500

Father's Day weekend in Quechee, VT means it is time for one of the state's top annual events, the Quechee Balloon Festival.

The 28th Annual Quechee Hot Air Balloon, Fine Art, Craft & Music Festival starts June 15 and runs through the 17th. There will be balloon flights twice a day in the early mornings and early evenings. A craft fair is the center attraction at the Village Green event area and features the work of some 50 crafts people.

The entire festival emphasizes family activities and there are many items to make the event a family outing.

There will be live music such as rhythm & blues, jazz, 60's tunes, jump swing, a fiddlers' competition, plus an antique and classic car show, clowns, mimes, jugglers, puppeteers, unicyclists, vaudeville acts, and dancers, church rummage sale, and the Quechee Library book sale.

There will be many choices for food including breakfast, barbecue, sandwiches, ice cream.

The Ottaquechee River runs through the village and over a waterfall at the Village Green which make a picturesque backdrop for the event.

Exit 1 from I-89 onto Route 4 and travel west. Note: you will see signs about Route 4 being closed but that is for bridge repairs in Woodstock and you won't be going that far if you are going to the balloon festival.

(c) 2007 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus

Flag Day June 14, 2007

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Sun, 10 Jun 2007 21:43:56 -0500

Bennington Battle Flag

This Thursday, June 14, is Flag Day, a proclamation by Woodrow Wilson 91 years ago which then became an official holiday when President Truman signed a Congressional Act in 1949. June 14 was chosen because that is the day in 1777 when Congress officially adopted the basic layout of the flag that has evolved since then.

The flag above is popularly known as the Bennington Battle Flag but also referred to as the Filmore flag because it was carried home after the battle of Bennington by a soldier named Filmore who passed it down through the generations including President Millard. Today the flag is on display at the Bennington Museum.

The Bennington Battle took place in August 1777, twelve years before Vermont became a state. The Americans were led by General John Stark. He and his "Green Mountain Boys" defeated 600 German mercenaries.

General Stark gave a rallying speech to his men before the battle in which he said "My men, yonder are the Hessians. They were brought for seven pounds and ten pence a man. Are you worth more? Prove it. Tonight, the American flag floats from yonder hill or Molly Stark sleeps a widow."

The flag below is the one adopted by the Green Mountain Boys and was most likely also in use at the same battle.

I highly recommend a visit to the Bennington Museum - it's a beautiful facility. There are many historical displays, exhibits and events you can see on their Calendar web page. The museum also has the largest public collection of Grandma Moses paintings in the world.

The town of Bennington is located in the southwestern part of the state just a few miles from the New York and Massachusetts borders. Here is a link to a Google map of the Bennington Museum's location.

Green Mountain Boys' Flag

(c) 2007 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus

Lake Champlain Maritime Museum Events

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Sat, 09 Jun 2007 21:35:08 -0500

The Lake Champlain Maritime Museum is one of the greatest assets for both the town of Burlington and the state of Vermont. It's in a scenic location right on the waterfront and it is one of the top places you should put on your list to visit.

Two fun events are coming soon:

# Kids� Pirate Festival � June 16�17 (Father�s Day fun for the whole family!)

# Bon Voyage Party for Schooner Lois McClure � June 17

(c) 2007 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus

Manchester VT Antique Car Show at Hildene This Weekend

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Fri, 08 Jun 2007 22:17:46 -0500

The Manchester VT Antique and Classic Car Show, also known to car enthusiasts as the "Hildene Car Show" or simply "Hildene" is this weekend.

Hildene is a mansion once owned by the son of Abraham Lincoln. It is now a museum with beautiful gardens and grounds. It is located in the countryside south of Manchester VT and north of Arlington in the southwestern part of the state. Here is a link to a Google Map of Hildene Road.

The countryside around there is ideal for driving tours.

Legendary stock car driver and NASCAR pioneer Junior Johnson, the "Last American Hero" as author Tom Wolfe called him, will be the Grand Marshall.

(c) 2007 Jeff Connor

Burlington VT Jazz Festival

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Fri, 08 Jun 2007 19:50:28 -0500

The Burlington Jazz Festival continues this weekend with multiple performances Saturday and Sunday. A detailed schedule with biographies of the performers can be found here.

(c) 2007 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus

Top International Tennis Event Comes to Stowe July 14 and 15

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Thu, 07 Jun 2007 22:35:16 -0500

Tickets are now on sale for the Fed Cup Semifinal between the United States and Russia, which will be held at Topnotch Resort and Spa in Stowe, VT, July 14 � 15, 2007. Topnotch is ranked #1 in the Northeast and in the Top Ten Best U.S. Tennis Resorts by Tennis Magazine.

This will be the fifth meeting between the United States and Russia in Fed Cup play with the U.S. ahead in the series, 4-1. Russia defeated the United States in the 2005 Fed Cup Semifinal in Moscow the last time these two countries met.

While the USA is battling the Russians in Stowe, defending champion Italy will host France in Castellaneta Marina.

Tickets can be purchased by calling (888) 334-8782.

The Fed Cup has been played for more than 40 years and is the premier international team tennis competition and the largest annual international team competition in sport for women.

It is likely that the Williams sisters, Serena and Venus, will play at the Stowe event. The two were part of the USA team that beat the Russians most recently in Del Ray Beach FL.

(c) 2007 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus

Corvette Classic Car Show in Stowe Begins June 15

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Thu, 07 Jun 2007 22:07:04 -0500

The Green Mountain Corvette Classic is being held June 15 - 17, 2007 in Stowe, Vermont.

There is a cocktail party, car corral, vendor auto market place, motor show, barbecue, dinner and dancing to the best of the 60's band, Sunday morning breakfast run, people's choice awards, and competition of colors awards.

Entrants can register either online or at the event on Friday from noon to 7:00 pm.

(c) 2007 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus

Green Mountain Opera Festival presents Madame Butterfly

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Thu, 07 Jun 2007 21:39:27 -0500

The Green Mountain Opera Festival started a few days ago and will conclude June 24. The festival includes concerts, open rehearsals, master classes, a new young artist program, opera chats, picnic. The online festival calendar has details of events, dates, and locations.

The highlight of the festival are performances of Puccini's masterpiece, Madame Butterfly, on June 22 and 24, 2007 at the Barre Opera House, in Barre VT (north central part of the state close to Montpelier). You can purchase tickets at Barre Opera House online ticket sales web page.

The festival is sponsored by the Green Mountain Cultural Center which also sponsors other events during the summer.

The Madame Butterfly painting above was created by Vermont artist Bill Bauer who donated it to the Green Mountain Cultural Center. The GMCC is holding a silent auction for the painting and, as of May 4, the bidding was up to $3250. You can submit a bid by calling 802-496-7722.

(c) 2007 (except Madame Butterfly image) Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus

It's Vermont Open Studio Memorial Day Weekend

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Fri, 25 May 2007 22:02:40 -0500

While traveling around Vermont this Memorial Day weekend, look for artists and craft workers who have opened their studios to visitors. Some of these are retail operations that are usually open anyway but many others are located at the artist's home (or barn, in some cases!). This is a rare opportunity to see their actual studios which I think is more interesting than seeing their works in a gallery.

There will be oil and watercolor paintings, pottery, hand-blown glass, wood furniture, photography, sculpture, jewlery, quilting, fiber arts. The best place to get information is at the Vermont Crafts Council website. There is also a very well done brochure that you can pick up at any of Vermont's Vermont Welcome Centers and other information racks located in stores, inns, gas stations, etc.

(c) 2007 Jeff Connor

Dandelion Festival May 19

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Sun, 13 May 2007 11:21:05 -0500

In suburbs all over this country, homeowners are gearing up to do battle with lawn weeds this spring. The king of all weeds, the dandelion, is often number one on their hit list. But naturally, here in Vermont, we take a different tact - people here cultivate the darned thing for heaven's sake. And wouldn't you know, there's even a group of Vermonters who have a festival celebrating America's most frustrating weed. To top it off, there is another group of Vermonters who actually show up at the event. Go figure.

You should come out and take a look at these quirky folks. You'll find they are friendly and relaxed. Some of that may have to do with the fact they are drinking white wine that's made from their exalted weed.

So, while the rest of the country digs, cuts, chops, burns, poisons, and generally mutilates the poor plant, you can find a place that celebrates it with raised glass and grateful palates. This festival is a good chance for you to make an entry in your list of goofy but fun stuff you did with your time on this planet.

The festival is Saturday, May 19th at Grandview Winery from 1:00 to 5:00.Admission is free. There will be music along with other types of wines to taste. Grandview Winery is located about 15 minutes north of Montpelier. You can get directions here. It's a very scenic area to drive around exploring. I recommend a drive up through Plainfield and Marshfield over to the town of Peacham and just pick some side roads to explore. It's a lot of fun to see the beautiful vistas and farms back in the hills and you will no doubt find some good places to photograph. The area around Peacham is one of the most photographed in the state of Vermont. Cabot Cheese factory is nearby in the town of Cabot and it's worth a visit for the factory tour and cheese shop.

The dandelion blossom produces a wine that tastes surprisingly good. It is aromatic and lightly sweet. Quantities are limited and the price is about $15 a bottle.

(c) 2007 Jeff Connor

Stowe Basketry Festival May 16 - 20, 2007

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Thu, 10 May 2007 21:30:49 -0500

The 16th annual Stowe Basketry Festival focuses on educating enthusiasts on the art of of basket weaving. A staff of 16 well known basketry teachers from the US and Canada will hold one and two day workshops plus evening lectures in weaving styles ranging from traditional to classic to contemporary.

(c) 2007 Jeff Connor

Burlington Marathon Memorial Day Weekend

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Mon, 07 May 2007 19:00:08 -0500

Burlington is one of those cities where residents give a lot of support to local events. One of the biggest and most enthusiastic responses each year is to the annual Keybank Vermont City Marathon which will be held Sunday May 27 this year. Hundreds of local volunteers and tens of thousands of spectators enjoy the festive atmosphere and see the event as an unoffical welcome to milder weather after a long season of snow. Details are available on the Run Vermont website. Resgistration is closed but there is a Transfer Board where you might be able to buy someone else's entry for $70 for the marathon, $90 for a 2-Person Relay, $130 for a 5-Person Relay. Time is short: the transfers must be postmarked by this Friday, May 11.

For youngsters, there is the 7th Annual Y.A.M. Scram - Kids' Fun Run on Saturday May 26 with options for a half mile, one mile, and two mile events. Note: there is NO raceday registration so if you are interested, please go the Yam Scram online registration page.

The weekend's events include the HERC Sports and Fitness Expo with information on many types of outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, climbing, yoga, energy enhancement, etc. Everyone is welcome and admission is free. The event is located at the Burlington Sheraton, and it is where runners sign in and pick up there registration packets. On the websitse is a list of Expo vendors and a list of Expo seminars.

(c) 2007 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus

Killington Pond Skimming Postponed

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Sat, 21 Apr 2007 15:02:58 -0500

I just happened to be looking at the Killington web site and saw a tiny notice that the Pond Skimming event scheduled for today has been postponed to noon tomorrow, Sunday April 22.

(c) 2007 Jeff Connor

Final Vermont Pond Skimming Contest of the Season

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Mon, 16 Apr 2007 18:54:06 -0500

The final pond skimming event in Vermont this season will be held at Killington Ski Resort this Saturday, April 21. This is the 26th year these lunatics have gone out of their way to get soaking wet in cold weather. What could be more fun? Watching, for one.

If you haven't seen one of these events, there is a good description and a video on the Scenes of Vermont website.

It's good, wholesome entertainment for everyone except the participants but they don't know any better so it's OK.

(c) 2007 Jeff Connor

Vermont Chocolate Show May 26 and 27

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Sat, 14 Apr 2007 17:01:01 -0500

I know that I'm way out in front of this May event but I wanted to have it on record for readers who search by category or use the search function. And I will mention it again in this blog closer to the event date.

The 1st Annual Vermont Chocolate Show will be held May 26 and 27 2007 at the Stoweflake Resort in Stowe Vermont. Note on the website that they are looking for volunteers so maybe you can help out and snag some free candy.

Someone has put a lot of thought into this one. Look at these events: chocolate art display; chocolate education programs, including cooking demos and healthful tips; children's chocolate land; chocolate martini bar & beer Lounge; ultimate chocolate breakfast; chocolate spa treatments. Sounds yummy. Don't forget to bring insulin.

(c) 2007 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus

April Fools at Bolton Valley

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Fri, 30 Mar 2007 21:59:35 -0500

Bolton Valley Ski Area will flip their normal adult lift ticket from $52 to $25 tomorrow to celebrate April Fool's Day. They are open from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm. This ski area, about 25 minutes south of Burlington VT, is popular with locals who want to avoid the crowds and higher costs of the nearby big name resorts of Stowe and Sugarbush.

(c) 2007 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus

Vermont Ski Area Events This Weekend

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 22:20:25 -0500

April 1, Bromley Ski Area's Foolish Special two-for-one Sunday when you can get two lift tickets for the price of one. Bromley is Vermont's only mountain with southern exposure so it gets sun all day long. Located near Manchester in the southwestern part of the state, so this is a popular place for people from Albany and central Massachusetts.

Killington is hosting one of its biggest annual events, the 27th Annual Bear Mountain Mogul Challenge from Saturday, Mar 31 to Monday, April 2. The event draws a thousand or so spectators to watch the great abilities of some 200 amateur bump skiers and boarders.

Boarding for Breast Cancer, March 31 and April 1, sponsored by Stowe Mountain Resort and Boarding for Breast Cancer Casual, fun, educational, fund raising events: March 31 - B4BC Slopestyle Event for riders, skiers, or telemarkers; April 1 - Group Jam in the Lower North Slope Terrain Park including Groups of 3 / Costume Contest/ Dye your Hair Pink.

(c) 2007 Jeff Connor

Date Change for Sugarbush Pond Skimming and Reggaefest

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Tue, 27 Mar 2007 09:54:09 -0500

Sugarbush has changed the date of its Pond Skimming and Reggaefest from Sunday April 1 to Saturday March 31. Pond skimming is an event where the competitors try to cross a shallow pond on their skis or boards without falling down. As they say, it's all fun and games until someone gets hurt, then it's funny.

This is a great Vermont tradition, now in its 40th year. You are welcome to watch or join in. There will be prizes for Best Skier, Best Rider, Best Costume, Best Jr., Best Crash'n'Splash. There will also be live music with lots of laughter and relaxing enjoyment. Always a fun event. Admission is $25. Located at Sugarbush's Lincoln Peak ski area.

(c) 2007 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus

Mogul Ski School at Sugarbush March 31

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Fri, 23 Mar 2007 22:54:28 -0500

Want to learn how to do this?

Sugarbush is hosting a Mogul Logic Ski Camp March 31 and April 1. The course is $275 which includes personalized coaching and video analysis from World Cup mogul skiers. The price also includes lift tickets but if you are a season pass holder you can enroll in the coaching and video analysis only for $225. More information about the course is available at Sugarbush Mogul School web page and more information about the Mogul Logic company is also available online.

(c) 2007 Jeff Connor

Mad River Glen Events March 24 and 25

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Wed, 21 Mar 2007 20:57:25 -0500

The Saturday, March 24 Backcountry Challenge at Mad River Glen is a competition but not a race. The competition is between you and the backcountry, not other people. You choose your equipment - snowshoes, telemark skis, randonee - and then you take on the rugged terrain of the Green Mountains. The entry fee is only $15 and that includes lunch! There will be a raffle with many good prizes at the end of the challenge which is sponsored by The SKIRACK.

The next day, Sunday, March 25, is the Northern Forest Snowshoe tours led by a Mad River Glen naturalist who will take you exploring through the hardwood and boreal forest ecosystems and show you which trees are called moosewood, rock maple, and shadbush among others. The tour is rated easy to moderate difficulty and runs at 10:30 am and 1:30 pm.

(c) 2007 Jeff Connor

Laughs and Music This Weekend

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Tue, 20 Mar 2007 22:58:44 -0500

Above: a stuffed kangaroo (or dog?) goes for a long ride in a recent Sugarbush Big Air Contest. Photo (c) 2007 Sugarbush Resort

This weekend the emphasis will be on laughs and music with pond skimming, dummy big air contests, and Reggae festivals.

Red Stripe, a Jamaican beer brand, is sponsoring Ascutney Ski Area's Spring Fling Weekend starting March 24. Free, live Reggae music Friday night and Saturday noon to 8:00 pm plus an outdoor limbo contest on skis.

The traditional end-of-season pond skimming contests have started. Sponsored by Vermont's Trout River Brewery, the Annual Pond Skimming Competition at Burke Ski Area will be March 24. This years theme is story book characters. There will be awards for best splash, best story book costume, best wet look, and best exit.

Mount Snow has three big events this weekend. The March 24 pond skimming contest is called Sink or Swim . Skiers and snowboarders dressed in costumes will attempt to cross the 100 foot long pond called "The Bog." Most eventually don't make it and the flops are met with laughs
and cheers.

Mount Snow's Bud Light Reggaefest starts March 24 and continues through Sunday afternoon with performances every day and night. Jamaican style drink and food too.

Mount Snow employees and guests go head to head March 25 in this Dummy Big Air, a "truly dumb competition" to see which one is the most creative, stays in the air the longest, and whether or not it stays in one piece (note: explosives are no longer allowed!). This year BUD TV will be on site to film every dummy in the competition and some among the spectators.

11th Annual Sugarbush Dummy Big Air March 24. I think Sugarbush has the longest running Dummy Big Air contest in Vermont, this year's event being the 11th.

(c) 2007 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus

Stowe's Spring Summit This Weekend

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Mon, 19 Mar 2007 22:06:17 -0500

As we near the end of March, the ski area parties start to move outside. This Saturday, Stowe will hold the first of its Summit Celebrations. Basically, it's beer, barbeque, and bands, with some events, contests, special deals thrown in too.

The first contest of the weekend is the Slopestyle Series Two, a two run, freestyle format through North Slope Jib Nation Medium Terrain Park for skiers, riders and telemarkers alike. Register in the Den at Mt Mansfield from 8:00 to 10:00 Saturday morning. Contest begins at 11am. $15 fee.

The second event is the Sunday March 25 Mt. Mansfield Ski Patrol Bumps Contest which is open to all ages and all styles including ski, board, telemark. This is a popular event for spectators too and proceeds go to the Vermont Children�s Trust Foundation.

(c) 2007 Jeff Connor

Another Six Inches of Snow

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Sun, 18 Mar 2007 19:57:38 -0500

Last night and this morning, we received another six inches of snow at our north central Vermont location. Snow flurries were scattered around the state with some locations getting no snow and others getting a foot or more. Stowe and Smugglers' Notch report about another foot of snow today for a weekend total around 32 inches but the king of the hill statewide, Jay Peak, in far northern Vermont, reports six inches today for a total of three feet of new snow this weekend.

The only mild complaint I heard yesterday was that the snow is so powdery, it's tiring to ski in it. But our guests loved it and many commented on how much snow we have piled up on the ground. Some of the mounds around the edge of our parking lot are over six feet high.

(c) 2007 Jeff Connor

Sugarbush Triathalon April 7

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Sat, 17 Mar 2007 21:13:14 -0500

The Sugarbush Adventure Games are scheduled for April 7, 2007 at Mount Ellen. Adults compete on Saturday and a children's mini event is the next day. There are classes for men, women, and children, both individually and by team. This is a very popular event and will attract about 700 competitors.

Now in its 29th year, it can claim to be the only "four-event triathlon" in the U.S perhaps because other people are better at math, or maybe because Vermonters are less inhibited. The events are running, whitewater boating, cycling, and cross-country skiing.

The Kids' Triathlon has pond kayaking, running, and bicycling on special courses scaled for the little people.

You can registers online here.

I did not see anything on the Sugarbush website about ClearwaterSports but last year they coordinated the Kids' event so you can contact them if you have any questions about it.

(c) 2007 Jeff Connor

Stained Glass Class

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Fri, 16 Mar 2007 20:19:59 -0500

Yestermorrow, a design/build school located in nearby Warren Vermont has a Stained Glass Intensive Class that teaches designing, making, and repairing stained glass windows. The course covers identifying styles, the design process, cutting and assembling the window. Also, it will teach how to restore old stained glass windows. You will see that this is more than a casual class yet it is designed for people at all levels of experience. Tuition is $750 plus $75 for materials. April 1 - 6, 2007.

(c) 2007 Jeff Connor

Green Mountain Film Festival Starts Friday

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Wed, 14 Mar 2007 22:08:39 -0500

Just a reminder, and in case you did not see the Feb 22 entry on this blog, the Green Mountain Film Festival in Montpelier VT starts this Friday and runs ten days. There are still plenty of tickets and most movies are shown more than once. See the website for a detailed schedule and list of guest speakers.

(c) 2007 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus

Vermont Maple Open House Weekend March 23 - 25, 2007

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Tue, 13 Mar 2007 21:43:01 -0500

Rustic buildings you see around Vermont, like the classic example above, are where maple syrup is made (I photographed this one because it's a good example and it had the advantage of being very near our inn.). These sugarhouses are being opened now to begin one of Vermont's longest and most popular traditions, maple sugaring season. It usually starts around March 1 in southern Vermont and works its way north as the days become longer and warmer. The best way to get maple sap flowing is with cold nights and warm days. It's a short season lasting only four to six weeks. And like most agricultural crops, there are good seasons and bad ones.

If you get off the highway and take some of the main two lane roads such as Route 100, you will likely run across a maple sugaring operation underway. But most of them are off the main roads and it's best to do a few minutes research on the internet to find a couple in the area of Vermont you plan to visit. The best website to visit is the Vermont Sugar Makers Association

In ten days, the Vermont Maple Open House Weekend will be held at sugarhouses throughout Vermont. The Sugar Makers web site lists sugarhouses open to the public throughout the state. You can watch maple syrup being made, learn how the process works (it's more technical than you might think), perhaps get a fresh sample and even taste "sugar on snow" candy, a rare treat and something you should make a point to experience if you have not done so. It's made by drizzling hot syrup on packed snow to make a chewy candy, and it is usually accompanied with a bite of cake donut and then a bite of a pickle. Or the other way around - I forget which. Seriously, that's how it's done. Keep in mind that we've been living through long winters here and we have time to think of stuff like this. It's not just a Vermont tradition by the way, you will find it in other maple sugaring states and Canada.

(c) 2007 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus

Kids Adventure Week at Mount Snow

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Sun, 11 Mar 2007 09:51:16 -0500

Mount Snow has a Kids Rule Adventure Week this week. SpongeBob SquarePants and Dora the Explorer will be there for picture taking with the children, strolling the base area, and just hanging out for fun. The Dirty Socks Funtime Band will perform Wednesday at the Snow Barn. There�s lots more going on including scavenger hunt, movies, family relay race, karaoke, magic show, etc. See the web site for detailed schedule.

(c) 2007 Jeff Connor

At Stratton: Snowboard Championship March 12 - 18

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Sat, 10 Mar 2007 08:13:28 -0500

The 25th annual US Open Snowboarding Championship is March 12 to 18, 2007 at Stratton Vermont, the mountain where US snowboarding took hold and grew into the huge sport it is today. The 500 biggest names in the sport will be competing in superpipe, dual giant slalom, boardercross, big air competitions, and a junior hafpipe jam for ages 15 and younger. Free admission.

(c) 2007 Jeff Connor

VT Backcountry Skiing for Women

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Fri, 09 Mar 2007 20:03:30 -0500

The Vermont Outdoors Women organization is holding a workshop to teach backcountry ski techniques to women who have experience with cross country skiing.

The March 17, 2007 workshop will be led by Mary Lou Recor, Lead Women's Workshop Coodinator for the Green Mountain Club Education Staff.

Registrations are requested a week before the workshop.

Contact Green Mountain Club at 802.244.7037, by email at gmc@greenmountainclub.org, or you can register online at www.greenmountainclub.org

(c) 2007 Jeff Connor

Telemark Festival at Mad River Glen March 10 and 11

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 21:41:57 -0500

About 1,000 skiers are expected for this year's North American Telemark Festival at Mad River Glen ski area in Fayston VT, the oldest and largest event of its kind. It is also one of the biggest annual events at Mad River Glen and this year it will be held this coming weekend, March 10 and 11, 2007. Telemark skiing is an older style of getting down the mountain and it's called "free heeling" because the skier's boots are not connected to the skis the way they are with modern ski equipment.

The weekend includes competitive skiing, clinics for beginners to experts, and product testing made available by all the major telemark equipment manufacturers. The cost is $54/day or $104 for both days which includes lift tickets, demo equipment use, clinics, and Telemark Dance Party sponsored by Magic Hat Brewery.

(c) 2007 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus
Photo (c) 2007 North American Telemark Organization

Stephen Huneck Book Signing at Vermont Ski Museum

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Wed, 28 Feb 2007 22:56:10 -0500

Popular Vermont artist Stephen Huneck and his dog Sally, the subject of a book called "Sally's Snow Adventure" will be at the Vermont Ski Museum in Stowe this Saturday March 3, 2007 from 3:00 to 5:00. Stephen will read from the book and sign copies. It's Sally's birthday and there will a surprise birthday party for her.

(c) 2007 Jeff Connor
Image copyright Stephen Huneck Gallery 2006

Tree House Building Class

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Wed, 28 Feb 2007 22:00:41 -0500

Here is something unusual to do this coming Sunday, March 4 at 11:00 am. It is a tree house building class at the ECHO Aquarium on the lakefront in Burlington. Bill Allen of Forever Young Treehouses will demonstrate the proper construction of a treehouse - good information to have for a spring/summer project.

(c) 2007 Jeff Connor

Mount Snow Mardi Gras Celebration March 3

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Wed, 28 Feb 2007 14:20:06 -0500

The 5th Annual Mardi Gras Celebration at Mount Snow is March 3 and 4 this year. It includes a parade through the base area, skiing jesters, children's events, music performances, contests, and parties.

Also at Mount Snow on March 3 is the United States Snowboard Association competition on UN BLANCO GULCH terrain park.

The Suzuki Halfpipe Jam for both skiers and riders is on the same day and will held on Mount Snow's Gut Superpipe for a chance to win cash prizes. Registration is FREE and open to the public. See Mount Snow's Events Calendar for more details on these events and others.

(c) 2007 Jeff Connor

April Maple Festival and June Quilt Festival

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Tue, 27 Feb 2007 14:35:40 -0500

It's early to write about these two events but the brochure distributor just dropped off literature about two popular Vermont events.

The Vermont Maple Syrup Festival celebrates one of Vermont's biggest "crops" : maple syrup. This event will be held in St. Albans in far northern Vermont April 27 - 29, 2007. It celebrates the end of maple sugaring season with an exhibit hall, store, contest, demonstrations, crafts, antique show, pancake breakfast, youth talent show, and fiddler's variety show. For details, see Vermont Maple Festival

The hugely popular Vermont Quilt Festival is scheduled for June 29 - July 1, 2007. It is held at the Champlain Valley Expo in Essex Junction VT, a suburb of Burlington. There are displays, workskhops, lectures, merchants mall, appraisals, kids classes, and award ceremony. If you want lodging in the Burlington area on those dates, now is the time to get them. This festival fills most of the rooms in the Burlington area. For details, see Vermont Quilt Festival

(c) 2007 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus

Pittsfield VT Snowshoe Marathon

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Fri, 23 Feb 2007 15:49:17 -0500

What do Vermont joggers and runners do during winter? They run in snowshoes. In fact, there are special racing snowshoes made just for snowshoe running.

Marathon runners stay in shape and compete in winter too. One of the major snow shoe marathons, the Pittsfield Snowshoe Marathon is scheduled for March 3, 2007 in Pittsfield VT, about 12 miles north of Killington in central VT.

Top prize for both the male and female categories is $500. The marathon is a challenging one that includes 5,500 feet of elevation change. There is also a half marathon.

There is also a postrace lobster and shrimp dinner with a presentation by famous mountaineer and guest speaker David Breashears who will show his Mount Everest movie. More information is available at the Peak Adventures website.

(c) 2007 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus

Mad River Glen Naturalist Series This Weekend

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Thu, 22 Feb 2007 17:21:16 -0500

Mad River Glen not only has skiing, it also places great emphasis on the environment. They see themselves as much more than just another ski hill. A major part of their mission is providing environmental education for both skiers and non-skiers. Here is their mission statement:

" Mad River Glen's Nauralists Program seeks to educate the public about the ecology and conservation of our unique alpine environment and to advocate the stewardship of Stark Mountain for recreation, healthy forests, and wildlife habitat. Our education program provides alternative recreational activities at Mad River Glen and strives to inspire young people to become involved in the Cooperative mission and the protection of our environment."

This is a very good quality program which has several events this weekend:

February 17-25, 2007 President's Week Naturalist Series. Kids and adults alike are welcome! Naturalist guided snowshoe treks available every day. Easy to moderate difficulty. 10:30 AM and 1:30 PM

February 24, 2007 Family Snowshoe Adventure special outing designed with families but everyone is welcome. Easy snowshoe terrain combined with lessons about Vermont's forests and wildlife. Ages 5 and up. 10:30 AM and 1:30 PM

February 25, 2007 Winter Wonders Snowshoe - instruction on how wildlife adapts to the the challenges of winter. Easy to moderate terrain. 10:30 AM and 1:30 PM

MRG puts a considerable effort into this program. The outings are excellent quality, educational, and fun. Highly recommended.

(c) 2007 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus

Stowe Ski Resort Events Feb 24 and 25, 2007

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Thu, 22 Feb 2007 13:42:33 -0500

February 24: Mount Mansfield Ski Club Mogul challenge - an annual freestyle event on Slalom Hill at Spruce Peak (the mountain on the right as you come up Route 108).

February 24: Torchlight Parade and Fireworks - takes place on the Gondolier Trail at 7:00 pm. Go to the Midway Lodge at Mount Mansfield (on the left as you drive up Route 108 - look for the Gondola sky cars as you drive in).

February 25 - Stowe Derby: one of the oldest and distinctive ski races in North America and a major Stowe event each year. This is a race from the top of Mount Mansfield, highest mountain in Vermont, down to the village of Stowe. Since 1945, it has been the "ultimate" test of a skiers ability. Attracts about 1,000 competitors including the Canadian Cross Country Ski Team and the NCAA college champions but also casual skiers who just want a challenge. Here is the 2006 Stowe Derby Web Site which has some information about the event and its history. And here is the 2007 Stowe Derby Web Site which is basically an online registration form.

(c) 2007 Jeff Connor

Green Mountain Film Festival Schedule Released

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Thu, 22 Feb 2007 07:31:05 -0500

The Green Mountain Film festival will be held March 16 - 25, 2007 in Montpelier. Films will be shown at Savoy Theater, City Hall Arts Center, and Kellogg-Hubbard Library. Two addtional venues this year are the Unitarian Church and Langdon Street Cafe.

Films to be shown are: Avenue Montaigne � Beauty in Trouble � Been Rich All My Life � Black Gold � El Carro � The Cave of the Yellow Dog � Climates � C.R.A.Z.Y. � Family Law � Flock of Dodos � Following Sean � Gimme Shelter � Gobi Women�s Song � Grey Gardens � Gypsy Caravan � Holding Our Own � The Host � Into Great Silence � Jonestown � Land Mines: A Love Story � The Light Ahead � Living on the Fault Line � Men at Work � Molly�s Way � Our Daily Bread � El Perro � The Refugee All-Stars � The Ritchie Boys � The Rules of the Game � Salesman � Shakespeare Behind Bars � Sisters in Law � Suite Habana � Ten Canoes � Today�s Man � Wondrous Oblivion �

Kenneth Turan, LA Times and NPR film critic is the featured speaker this year.

Advance ticket purchases are recommended. For more information, see Green Mountain Film Festival

(c) 2007 Jeff Connor

Events This Weekend Feb 23 - 25, 2007

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Wed, 21 Feb 2007 23:23:35 -0500

Ben & Jerry's Winter Festival
North Central Vermont
Waterbury VT
February 24, 2007
11:00 am to 4:00 pm.

These folks put the fun in funny business. Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream factory is located off Interstate 89, Exit 10, Waterbury-Stowe, go north toward Stowe on Route 100. The factory will be up the road about 3/4 of a mile on the left.

----------------

Vermont Style Mardi Gras in Burlington
Northern Vermont
Feb 24, 2007

Magic Hat Mardi Gras Parade and Block Party sponsored by Magic Hat Brewing was scheduled for Saturday Feb 17, but had to be postponed beacuse the city streets could not be clearned of all the snow after the Valentine's Day blizzard. It will be held this Saturday, Feb 24. The parade starts at 3:00 pm on Church Street in Burlington but there are activities/parties before and after.

There is a wheelchair accessible viewing area located immediately in front of Burlington's City Hall between Church and College Streets, and a special children's viewing area so they can see the parade without tall adults in the way.

------------------

Middlebury College Winter Carnival
Central Vermont
February 22 to February 25 in Middlebury VT. Now in its 83rd year!

------------------

Brattleboro Winter Carnival
Southern Vermont
Feb 16 - 25

Family friendly activities.

-------------------

Extreme Sled Demo Day
Northern Vermont
February 24th
Jackson Arena in Stowe Village from 10am � 3pm.

I have been planning a blog entry about Mad River Rocket Sleds and Hammerhead Sleds, both made in VT. However, you can personally test these unique and high tech sleds this coming Saturday. Also try an Air Board, a European inflatable sled that has even gained acceptance at some lift served areas in Vermont.

"Today�s gravity powered winter toys have been supercharged for performance. Using modern high-tech
materials have made these new hybrid sleds lighter, stronger, faster and more maneuverable than the sleds and toboggans of years gone by.

'The Industry has dubbed these new toys EXTREME SLEDS for their ability to negotiate advanced terrain. But this name can also be a bit mis-leading in my mind, in that the sleds are far safer and user friendly on our back yard hills than the traditional sleds I grew up with, because of their ability to steer and stop.' says Steve Brownlee owner of Umiak Outfitters ."

Participation is FREE.

-------------------

Telemark Ski Clinic at Stowe Resort
Northern Vermont
Sunday Feb 25, 2007

Beginner�s clinic for first time Telemark skiers will be held on Spruce Peak at SMR from 10am � 12am. An intermediate clinic for Tele skiers looking to improve their skills will be offered from 1pm � 3-pm. For more information see Umiak Outfitters or call 802-253-2717.

(c) 2007 Jeff Connor

US Open Snowboarding Championships March 12 - 18

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Mon, 19 Feb 2007 23:07:09 -0500

The 25th US Open Snowboarding Championship will be held March 12 - 18, 2007 at Stratton Vermont Mountain Resort the birthplace of snowboarding. This event is expected to have more than 20,000 spectators to watch the best riders in the world.

(c) 2007 Jeff Connor

Jay Peak Mardi Gras Celebration

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Sat, 17 Feb 2007 21:37:07 -0500

This year's Jay Peak Mardi Gras will be February 26 - March 3, 2007: a week long family event with New Orleans food prepared on-site by Chef Mark Uddo (founding partner and Senior Chef of the Culinary Institute of New Orleans), bands every night, mask making workshops with Vermont artist Maggie Sherman, snow sculpture contest, snowball throwing contest, cooking demonstrations, etc.

Middlebury: Oldest Student-run Winter Carnival in the Country

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Sat, 17 Feb 2007 21:13:49 -0500

From February 22 to February 25, the Middlebury College Winter Carnival will have an ice show, ski competitions, fireworks. It is held in Middlebury VT, one of the best looking villages in New England, and it's the the oldest and largest student-run carnivals in the country.

(c) 2007 Jeff Connor

Burlington Mardi Gras Postponed

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Sat, 17 Feb 2007 16:46:07 -0500

I just found out that the Burlington Mardi Gras originally scheduled for today (see my Feb 12 post) has been postponed to next Saturday the 24th.

Waterbury "Chilympaid" Church Supper

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Thu, 15 Feb 2007 13:08:11 -0500

A church chili supper and competition combined at the Waterbury Congregational Church this Sunday, Feb 18, starting at 5:30 p.m.. You don't have to bring chili but people in the area will be cooking up their best chili recipes for the contest. Dinner is just $5 per person or $15 per family. The Church is a large white one on north Main Street in Waterbury VT. This is a family friendly, alcohol-free event.

(c) 2007 Jeff Connor

Ben & Jerry's Winter Festival

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Tue, 13 Feb 2007 16:54:17 -0500

Ben & Jerry's 2007 Winter Festival will be held here in Waterbury VT on Saturday February 24 from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. There are free factory tours all day plus games, snow sculpture, ice cream caractures, music, snowshoe tours, food samplings from King Arthur Flour, Bragg Farm Sugarhouse, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Laughing Moon Chocolates, Cabot Cheese. The Vermont Instititute of Natural Sciences will have a "Bird on a Glove" (hawk, owl, falcon) demonstration from 1:30 to 3:00.

Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream factory is located off Interstate 89, Exit 10, Waterbury-Stowe, go north toward Stowe on Route 100. The factory will be up the road about 3/4 of a mile on the left.

(c) 2007 Jeff Connor

Vermont Style Mardi Gras in Burlington

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Mon, 12 Feb 2007 10:39:45 -0500

Mardi Gras Parade and Block Party sponsored by Magic Hat Brewing is scheduled for Saturday Feb 17, 3:00 pm on Church Street in Burlington.

This is one of the major festivals in Vermont and it gets thousands of visitors for a couple of reasons: it's a lot of fun and it's free. Young children are welcome and in fact there is a special area for them to view the parade: look for the Kinko's on Church Street.

Also, there is a wheelchair accessible viewing area located immediately in front of Burlington's City Hall between Church and College Streets.

(c) 2007 Jeff Connor

Brattleboro VT Winter Carnival Feb 16 - 25

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Sun, 11 Feb 2007 20:05:12 -0500

The Brattleboro Winter Carnival, Brattleboro, VT features a pancake breakfast, sleigh rides, music performances including country/western jamboree, karaoke, square dance, ice fishing derby, queen's pageant, ice skating show, Vermont's distinctive sugar on snow (hot maple syrup poured on snow which makes a maple flavored taffy), $1 movies, petting zoo, torchlight parade on the ski slope, and other family friendly activities.

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the carnival, there will be fireworks and a revival of the traditional Snow Ball, a semi-formal dance that was once a highlight of the carnival.

Brattleboro is in southeastern Vermont town and is known for its 70-metre ski jump. The carnival started as a one-day ski-jump competition. Click here for a detailed schedule of events during the carnival.

(c) 2007 Jeff Connor

Green Mountain Film Festival

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Wed, 24 Jan 2007 22:53:11 -0500

The 10th annual Green Mountain Film Festival is scheduled for March 16 to 25 this year. It will be held in Montpelier's Savoy Theater. The line up will be announced in early Feb but you can go to the website and see what kinds of films have been shown in recent years.

(c) 2007 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus

Brookfield Ice Harvest Cancelled

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Sun, 21 Jan 2007 21:35:03 -0500

The Brookfield Ice Harvest, one of Vermont's oldest traditional events, has been cancelled this year because of thin ice. The ice on Sunset Lake is about 6" thick now which is enough to support a few people but only about half as thick as it should be to support the weight of several hundred people who usually attend the event. The event had been scheduled for Jan. 27.

The Vermont Chamber of Commerce has often named the Brookfield harvest a top 10 winter event. It reenacts ice harvesting that took place there, and all around northern New England, during the 1800's and early 1900's until commercial refrigeration replaced it. Large blocks of ice were cut by hand, loaded onto horse-drawn skids or wagons, and hauled to insulated rail cars. The trains would then take the ice to such places as Boston and New York, where they were stored in insulated warehouses to help preserve meat and other foods.

Brookfield is the home of the floating bridge which you can drive across in warm weather. It's also home to Ed Koren, one of my favorite cartoonists. He has had about 1000 drawings published in the New Yorker magazine over the last few decades. His drawing style is distinctive as you can see at The Cartoon Bank web site Here is his self portrait with cartoon pen and fireman's outfit because he is a member of the Brookfield volunteer fire department:

(c) 2007 (except the Ed Koren cartoon) Jeff Connor

Ice Bar at the Stowe Winter Carnival

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Mon, 15 Jan 2007 21:06:24 -0500

The Stowe Winter Carnival is this coming weekend, Jan 19 - 21. One of the things you should make a note to see there is the ice bar being built next to Stowe's best known bar/nightclub, The Rusty Nail. It is located on Route 108, also called Mountain Road, the main road from the village out to the ski area.

About 20 tons of ice blocks are being used to build the 25 foot bar plus ice tables and chairs, two person ice throne, and a liquor luge (whatever that is) all inside eight foot tall ice walls. This bar was inspired by the winter carnival ice bars of Quebec, the Canadian province that shares a border with Vermont.

Here is a link to the Stowe Reporter newspaper which last week featured a front page photograph of the ice bar under construction. This link will be outdated in a few days when the next issue of the newspaper comes out. If you would like to see how the Quebecois do it, go to this link about the amazing Ice Hotel in Quebec City.

(c) 2007 Jeff Connor

Breast Cancer Snowshoe Series

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Sat, 13 Jan 2007 21:47:17 -0500

The Tubbs Snowshoe Company is sponsoring a series of snowshoeing events named "Romp to Stomp Out Breast Cancer" to raise funds for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. The first event is January 20 at Stratton Mountain in southern Vermont.

There are 3K and 5K casual walks plus a 3K Fun Run with prizes for the more fleet footed. Snowshoers of all ages and abilities are invited for the walks. Tubbs Snowshoe company will have 350 snowshoes free to use on a first come, first served basis. Or bring your own or rent.

For more information and to register online, click here.

(c) 2007 Jeff Connor

National Guard Mountain Exercises on Display

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Fri, 12 Jan 2007 22:02:46 -0500

This Sat and Sun, the Mountain Infantry from the Vermont Army National Guard will be demonstrating their mountain skills and training at Mad River Glen Ski Area.

This is an annual event at Mad River Glen and open to the public to observe the training. The exercises include rock climbing, rappelling and winter bivouac at stations on the mountain.

Also, Mad River Glen is offering all active and retired military personnel 2-for-1 skiing lift tickets.

Mad River Glen relies mostly on natural snow. It only makes snow at the base elevation and on the beginners' slope. As a result, the mountain is not open this weekend but the beginners' area is.

If you go to the National Guard exercises, be sure to visit the General Stark Pub afterwards. Nothing fancy but I like its rustic pub atmosphere with wood beams and large stone fireplace.

(c) 2007 Jeff Connor

Stowe Winter Carnival in 10 Days

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Tue, 09 Jan 2007 20:57:21 -0500

The Stowe Winter Carnival is scheduled this year from January 19 to 21. The carnival, now in its 33rd year, features activities for both young and old, from zany sports events, Ice Carving Competitions, movies, Kids Carnival Kaos and the infamous Village Night Block Party.

"Tour the town, while watching Professional Ice Carvers create elegant and masterful Ice carvings throughout the village on Demonstration Day, and see the see the competition evolve at the 7th Annual NICA sanctioned Ice Carving Competition.

"Tourists and locals alike participate in such zany events such as our infamous SnowVolleyball Tournament, Stowe Super G Ski Race, Kids Carnival and our long-standing, ever popular Village Night Celebration Block party on Main St. There is something for everyone in the family as we become "The Stowe Must Go On."

Women's Outdoor Events

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Tue, 24 Oct 2006 19:15:58 -0500

This coming Saturday, Oct 28, there is an introductory course for women to learn archery, shotgun, orienteering with compass and map, and handgun shooting.

BASIC ARCHERY - learn how to shoot compound and/or traditional bows at targets.

BASIC SHOTGUN - basic shooting techniques with an emphasis on safety. Includes gun identification, safe handling and learning how to shoot flying clay targets.

MAP AND COMPASS - for the hunter or non-hunting nature
enthusiast. Learn how to use a map and compass. A great aid for confidence in venturing outdoors.

BASIC HANDGUN - basic shooting and safety. Whether for sport, personal protection, or just to satisfy your curiosity, you'll find this section intriguing and fun.

Sponsored by the National Wild Turkey Foundation

Will be held at Ethan Allen Firing Range, Jericho, Vermont.

Contact: Lindsay Miller at 802.858.0041, Lindsangel22@hotmail.com; or Pat Thompson at 315.947.6169, email rihuntress@yahoo.com

Registration Fee: $40.00 Mother/daughter special $70. for both! Fee covers continental breakfast, lunch, all equipment use, all course (4) instruction, membership to NWTF, magazine subscription and a great silent auction!

For other outdoor events for women, visit the Women's Events page on the Vermont Outdoor Guide Association web site.

(c) 2006 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus LLC

Native American Artwork at the Fleming Museum

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Fri, 20 Oct 2006 18:07:54 -0500

The Robert Hull Fleming Museum is located on the campus of the University of Vermont in Burlington. This Native American exhibit features Navajo textiles, Plains quillwork and beadwork, carvings from the Northwest Coast, pottery from the Southwest, baskets from California and New England, and lithics from Vermont. Objects in the exhibit date from circa 1500 to modern day.

Three other exhibits are also running at the museum: Colors of the Amazon: Featherworks from the Nalin & Petersen Collections; The Aesthetics of Fire: Glass Sculpture by Tony Jojola and Preston Singletary; Fleming at 75: From Curator's Cabinet to Modern Museum.

(c) 2006 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus LLC

Vermont Events Oct 6 - 10

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Thu, 05 Oct 2006 23:25:30 -0500

This is the time of year for church suppers and apple festivals.

Vermont's Northeast Kingdom Fall Foliage Festival
Barnet VT - Friday, 10/6; Groton VT - Saturday, 10/7; St. Johnsbury VT - Sunday, 10/8."

October 3 - November 4
Rock Solid - 6th Annual Stone Show at Studio Place Arts
Barre VT
Barre is home to the Rock of Ages granite quarry and this show demonstrates contemporary and classic designs in 3-D sculpture and 2-D relief. Stone assemblages, and paintings or drawings that show the beautiful qualities of stone. Also, �Across Generations - The Barre Portrait & Oral History Project� On the third floor will be paintings by Paula Wolcott. Mon.-Fri., 10-5 pm. Sat., noon-4 pm.

Oct. 7
Chicken Pie Dinner at Trinity United Methodist Church
Montpelier, Vermont
Traditional family style dinner with potatoes, buttercup squash, coleslaw and homemade desserts.

October 6 - October 8
Literary Festival
Brattleboro VT
"The 5th annual Brattleboro Literary Festival is a 3 day celebration of the book. The festival includes readings, panel discussions, and special events featuring 29 emerging and established authors, including National Book Award winner Robert Stone, Jamaica Kincaid, Jeffrey Lent, Mary Gaitskill, Brian Turner, Seth Mnookin, 2006 Pulitzer Prize winners Kai Bird and Martin Sherwin and Madison Smartt Bell. Family events Sunday include Elizabeth Winthrop and E.B. Lewis plus a Mad Hatter Tea Party. Fri. 7:30-8:00 pm, Sat. 9:00 am-12:00 am, Sun., 9:00am-4:00 pm."

Oct. 6 - 8
Fall Foliage Festival
Adamant, Vermont
You know you just have to visit any town with a name like Adamant! Activities include a church supper, art show, scarecrow stroll, display of locally created Palettes of Vermont and tours.

October 6 - October 8
12 Voices, 6 Strings - Counterpoint with Classical
�Guitarist John Muratore joins Counterpoint and famed conductor Robert De Cormier in an enchanting concert featuring Castel-Nuovo Tedesco's seductive Romancero Gitano and Paul Alan Levi's delightful Bye, Bye Toots.� 10/6-7:30 pm-McCarthy Arts Center, Saint Michael's College, Colchester; 10/7-7:30 pm-Universalist Church, Barre; 10/8-4:00 pm-Congregational Church, Manchester.

October 6 - October 8
Foliage Art and Craft Festival
Stowe VT
Stowe Events Field On Weeks Road
185 juried art and craft exhibitors under large Camelot tents with great food and entertainment. Come see cool and functional artwork and fine contemporary crafts at this annual Columbus Day weekend event. 10-5 pm.

October 7 - October 8
Vermont Apple Festival
Springfield VT, Riverside Middle School
A celebration of the apple harvest featuring hand made Vermont crafts. Features over 50 crafters selling their goods. Apple pie contest, great food, fall decorations, a large variety of hand made crafts to purchase. It's a fall tradition and has been honored as one of the Top Ten Fall Events in the state by the Vermont Chamber! Sat., 10-4 pm, Sun., 10-3 pm.

Oct. 7
Country Crafts Bazaar
Waterbury, VT Congregational Church
Homemade crafts and artistry for sale

Oct. 7
Halloween Wagon Ride & Bonfire Party
Wilmington, Vermont
At the Adams Farm.

October 7 - October 8
West Dover VT
Mount Snow ski area
Oktoberfest & Crafts Fair
Traditional food and beer along with contemporary and country crafts.

October 7 - October 8
Champlain Valley Antiques Festival
Essex Junction VT
Champlain Valley Exposition
Vermont's largest indoor antique and collectible show. 190 quality diversified dealers from 12 states offer 18th and 19th century furniture, fine jewelry, Asian antiques, quilts, folk art, country antiques and European decorative pieces, 40 in room settings. Come see the foliage and some great antiques in Essex Junction. One of Vermont's Top Ten Fall events.

October 7 - October 8
36th Annual Heritage Festival
Newfane VT (a beautiful village)
Show includes a variety of crafts produced by 80 crafters, a flea tent and a super raffle on items donated by the crafters, church members and town citizens. Sponsored by the lst Congregational Church of Newfane. Hot and cold food for sale, provided by the church. Parking is free.

October 8
A 19th Century Apple Harvest Festival
Strafford, Vermont
Justin Morrill State Historic Site
"Learn about heritage apples and have some fun! Press cider in an antique press, taste heirloom apple varieties, meet John Chapman (Johnny Appleseed), ride the horse drawn wagon, sample hard and sweet cider, play period games, tour the replanted orchard and more. Vermont grown apple, apple treats, and pumpkins from our garden, heirloom flower bulbs, and fresh pressed cider will be on sale."

Oct. 7 - 8
Annual Quilt and Craft Show
Whiting, VT
Quilt and crafts show

Oct. 7 - 8
Wagon Ride Weekend at Billings Farm & Museum
Woodstock, Vermont
Narrated horse-drawn wagon rides around Billings Farm.

Oct. 8
3rd Annual Heirloom Apple Day
Dummerston, Vermont
At the Scott Farm on Kipling Road. A celebration of heirloom apples from around the world. Fresh, baked and squeezed. Tastings throughout the day.

Oct. 8
41st Annual Dummerston Apple Pie Festival
Dummerston Center, VT
Apple pie sale, Grange craft fair, Fireman's pancake breakfast and more at the Dummerston Congregational Church.

Oct. 8
8th Annual Mount Zion Hike
Hubbardton, VT
Hubbardton Battlefield State Historic Site
Hike to enjoy the breathtaking views of the Revolutionary War Hubbardton Battlefield and the colors of autumn.

Oct. 9
The Allen Brothers - Original Vermont Developers
St. Albans, VT
Learn how Ethan and Ira Allen built a real estate empire and how American independence ruined them.
St. Albans Historical Society Museum
Corner of Church & Bishop Streets

Events Sept 29 - Oct 1

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Fri, 29 Sep 2006 21:20:20 -0500

Sept 30 to Oct 1, 06
Woodstock VT, Union Arena
3rd Annual Vermont Fine Furniture & Woodworking Festival
Fine furniture, crafts, demonstrations, food and music.

Sept 30, 2006
Burke Fall Foliage Festival
East Burke VT
Come up and watch Vermonters have fun - you can join in too. Crafts, food, games, demonstrations. This year's theme is Old Home Days.

Sept 28 - Oct 1
48th Annual Weston Antiques Show
Weston VT

Sept 29 - Oct 1
Hildene Fall Art & Craft Festival
Manchester VT
185 juried art and craft exhibitors under Camelot tents with great food and entertainment.
Hildene Meadowlands, Route 7A

Sept 30
40th Annual Northeast Regional Old Time Fiddlers Contest
Municipal Auditorium
Barre VT

Sept 30
Autumn Leaves Cheese Festival
Taylor Farm, 825 Route 11
Londonderry VT
"This event will feature American Cheese Society award winning cheeses and specialty foods from over 30 small farms and artisan food producers throughout the Northeast. Sponsored by Vermont Country Store, Grafton Village Cheese Co., Vermont Cheese Council, Artisan Made-Northeast"

Sept 30 to Oct 1
29th Annual Antiques Show
Peru VT
"A true fall classic and a must-see for any self-respecting antiques buff.�

Sept 30
Harvestfest
Brandon Vermont
Make harvest people - scarecrows - with the experts.

Sept 30
Vermont Civil War Expo
Tunbridge VT
A Civil War living history day honoring the men & boys from VT who fought to preserve the Union & free an enslaved race.

Sep 30 to Oct 1
Shades of Fall Arts & Craft Show
Ascutney Mountain Resort

Sept 30 to Oct 1
Quechee16th Annual Fall Foilage Craft Fair
Quechee Timber Village

Sept 30 to Oct 1
Harvest Weekend
Billings Farm & Museum
Woodstock VT

Oct 1
Autumn on the Green
Danville VT
The leaves are at peak in this area so this is a great time to visit this event.

Shelburne Farms Exhibits

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Sun, 24 Sep 2006 20:19:47 -0500

When traveling, it's often fun to find something unusual and unexpected. Vermont is full of such items. One outstanding example is Shelburne Farms, located near the town Shelburne a little south of Burlington. It's a magnificent facility that you should see even if you don't care very much for farms. It will exceed your expectations of what a farm can be.

There are a couple of exhibits at Shelburne Farm which run through late October. The first, called Suspended Worlds, is an unusual exhibit of painted scenery from the late 1800's and early 1900's itinerate theater and vaudeville type performances. These backdrops and curtains, as shown in the photo below, are beautiful, elaborate, colorful, and, of course, large. The exhibit runs through Oct 22. Free admission. This link will take you to Vermont Museum and Gallery Alliance�s interesting web site.

Also on display is Shelburne Farms� 19th Annual Art Exhibition & Sale - "Envisioned in a Pastoral Setting." Free to members; $5 nonmembers. This link will take you to Shelburne Farms' events calendar.

(c) 2006 Jeff Connor

Vermont Major Events Sept 22 - 24, 2006

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Fri, 22 Sep 2006 22:16:16 -0500

Sept 22 � 24, 2006
Stowe Octoberfest
A family event sponsored by the Stowe Rotary Club. Parade, oompah bands, authentic German food, freshly brewed Vermont beers, plus pumpkin and face painting, fun house play area for the kids.

Sept 23 - 24, 2006
32nd Annual Vermont Antiques Dealers' Association Antiques Show at Hunter Park Pavilion, Manchester Center, Rt.7A. Fine antiques in spacious room settings, displayed by 76 preeminent exhibitors. �The premier showcase for antiquing in Vermont.�

Sept 23 - 25, 2006
Vermont Literary Festival
"The city of Burlington's first annual celebration of the written word will feature readings, signings, panels, workshops and presentations by nationally renowned and homegrown authors at a variety of downtown venues virtually all free and open to the public. A Kid Lit Fest takes place on Sunday along with the festival finale, An Evening with the Onion starring writers of the world's most popular humor publication."

Sept 23 - 24, 2006
Old Fashioned Harvest Market
Underhill VT
A family fair featuring the Underhill and Jericho communities. Parade, live entertainment, flea market, Vermont artisans, refreshments, freshly pressed cider, Clutter Barn, Country Store featuring baked goods, jellies, maple cotton candy, pizza, garden produce and more. Children's games, Cookie Factory.

Sept 23 - 24, 2006
The 32nd annual Chester Fall Craft Fair on the Village Green off Rt. 11. About 70 artisans including 20 new ones this year. Wide variety of quality crafts. Voted one of Vermont's Top Ten Fall Events.

(c) 2006 Jeff Connor

National Street Rod Association

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Fri, 22 Sep 2006 21:20:55 -0500

Well over 1,000 hot rods this weekend, Sept 22, 23, and 24, at the Champlain County Exposition in Essex Junction, near Burlington Vermont. Sponsored by the National Street Rod Association

Selected VT Events Sept 15 - 17

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Wed, 13 Sep 2006 23:12:40 -0500

September 15 - 17, 2006
Tunbridge World's Fair
Tunbridge, VT
This event is famous among Vermonters and it's been held annually for well over 100 years. Old fashioned agricultural fair in a rural setting. 4-H exhibits, midway rides, food booths, free shows, agricultural exhibits, antique tractor pulls, kiddie rides, crafts, live entertainment, ox and pony pulling, gymkhana, contra dancing, field equipment museum with displays of horse-drawn farm wagons and fine carriages. Selected by the Vermont Chamber of Commerce as one of Vermont's Top 10 Annual Events.

Some interesting information about Tunbridge can be found at Wikipedia . . .

Tunbridge has five covered bridges (all listed on the National Register)
Cilley (or Lower) Bridge � South West of Tunbridge Village
Flint Bridge � North East of Tunbridge Village (off VT 110)
Larkin Bridge - North Tunbridge (off VT 110)
Howe Bridge � South of Tunbridge Village (off VT 110)
Mill (or Hayward & Noble or Spring Rd.) Bridge � West of VT 110 on Spring Road

Tunbridge also has two other structures are individually listed on the National Register:
Hayward & Kibby (or Hayward & Noble) Mill � On Spring Road in Tunbridge Village
South Tunbridge Methodist Episcopal Church

September 16 - 17, 2006
Hildene Farm, Food, & Folk Art Fair
Manchester, Vermont
Tractor, horse, and ox pulls, craft and specialty food tents, petting zoo, entertainment for all ages. Horse show Saturday. Hildene is the home of Robert Todd Lincoln, the only chld of Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln to survive to adulthood. This is quite an amazing facility and well worth seeing. It is located on Route 7A, approximately 8 miles north of Arlington, Vermont, and 7 miles south of Dorset, Vermont.

September 15 - 17, 2006
40th Annual Bennington/Hemmings Car Show & Swap Meet
Held at Green Mountain Racetrack, Pownal VT
Car show, swap meet, craft festival, car corral, tractor pull, motorcycle show, food, entertainment. 150 acre flat venue with indoor plumbing and flea market spaces! VT Route 7, 9 mi south of Bennington

September 15 and 16, 2006
Fairbanks Museum
St. Johnsbury, Vermont
"Day 1: The 29th Annual Festival of Traditional Crafts, a celebration of the skills of rural living. Voted a Top-Ten Event by the Vermont Chamber of Commerce and featured in Yankee Magazine's Book of Special New England Days. Quilters, shingle-makers, rail-splitters, bee-keepers, old-time orchardists and herbalists, dowsers, boat-builders, and weavers. Live farm animals; bygone handcrafts, and country lore."
"Day 2: A Day of Delights on Darling Hill. Return to the Northeast Kingdom's most scenic heritage landscape for brunch, a day of guided exploring, and a celebration of Elmer Darling's legacy. Begin your festive day at the Inn at Mountain View Farm."

Sept. 14 - Dec 10
Middlebury, VT
Middlebury College Museum of Art
Opening of the �Treasures from the Royal Tombs of Ur.,� "Nearly 200 ancient treasures�magnificent jewels made of gold, lapis lazuli, and carnelian; weapons and other everyday items forged from precious metals; and stunning art objects widely considered to be among the finest ever created�will provide a lavish look inside the art and culture of Sumeria, the world�s first civilization, located in Mesopotamia in what is now modern-day Iraq. The exhibition will be on display through Dec. 10."

Sept 15 - Dec 17
Images of New England
Bennington Center for the Arts
Painted by artists from around the country.

Sept 17
Shelburne Museum
6th annual Shelburne Museum Goes to the Dogs
Just a real big party for dogs on the grounds of the beautiful Shelburne Museum. Dog and owner costume parade, contests with celebrity judges, dog social area, agility course, rescue societies, pet products, law enforcement dog demos, dog portraiture demonstrations, Frisbee dogs, dog dancing, massage for dogs.

(c) 2006 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus LLC

Stowe's British Invasion

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Wed, 13 Sep 2006 21:16:28 -0500

September 14 - 17

"A Four Day Celebration and Salutation to the Great British Motorcar and all manner of other things British"

This Stowe Vermont event is in its 16th year and has often been named as an annual Top Ten Event by the Vermont Chamber of Commerce. You can see examples of virtually all British cars from MG's and Triumphs to Rolls Royces and Aston Martins, from classic to modern.

I have attended several times and found it to be an excellent quality event. It focuses on British cars but also includes other British-themed events as well:

Concours d'Elegance- Saturday

The British Pub- Saturday, Sunday
Beverages will be provided by Ye Olde England Inne

The Notch Run Driving Tour- Sunday - a magnificent drive through Stowe's Smugglers' Notch mountain pass.

Tailgate Picnic Competition- with awards for "Most Elegant", "Most Creative", "Most British", "Best Costume", "Best Tasting", "Most Practical", "Most Outrageous", and "Most Humorous".

British Market Place & Auto Jumble- Friday noon to Sunday

British Car Corral - Friday noon to Sunday
British cars and motorcycles for sale.

The Competition of Colors - Sunday
Anyone attending the event as exhibitor or spectator can vote for their favorite car.

Also, low-speed driving competition games.

Held at the Top-Notch Resort field on Route 108 a few miles from Stowe village.

Sept 8 - 17 Events

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Wed, 06 Sep 2006 22:53:19 -0500

September is Vermont Archeology Month The next six events listed here are part of the Vermont Archeology Month:

September 8 (Friday), 7:30 p.m.
Bellows Falls VT: Bellows Falls Waypoint Center
�Song of the Drum: Maine Petroglyphs�
Mark Hedden, an archaeologist with the Maine Historic Preservation Commission, will introduce and present a film that summarizes thirty years of field work and analysis of Native American petroglyph sites in Maine. Mr. Hedden will locate the petroglyphs at Bellows Falls in the context of New England petroglyphs by other Algonkian groups.

September 9 (Saturday), 1:00 p.m. � 3:00 (or 4:00) p.m.
(rain or shine)
Dorset: Emerald Lake State Forest
History of the Woods�Part 2
"Industrial archaeologist Victor Rolando will lead a guided walking/hiking tour of the grounds and remains of the Curtis Blast Furnace (ca. 1825-45), the Allen Stove Foundry and Machine Shop (ca. 1840�s-90�s), S. L. Griffith Saw Mill (ca. 860�s), and an innovative waterpower system in the Emerald Lake State Forest. If time, weather, and interest allow, the tour will continue with a 2-mile drive north to inspect the remains of the Vermont Lime Products Company�s three lime kilns (1922-30�s) alongside Route 7 in Mount Tabor and/or a quick visit to the Dorset Iron Company (Draper)
blast furnace ruin (ca. 1845-50�s).

September 9 (Saturday), 11:00 a.m. � 12:30 p.m.
Burlington VT
ECHO at the Leahy Center for Lake Champlain
Flint-Knapping Demonstration
Archaeologist Charles Paquin will demonstrate and discuss materials
used for flint-knapping, how flint fractures and how to work it, and
make a projectile point.

September 10 (Sunday), 11:00 a.m. � 1:00 p.m.
Burlington VT
ECHO at the Leahy Center for Lake Champlain
Native American Pottery Workshop
Charles Paquin, archaeologist and artist, will do a �come and go�
program for all ages, talking about and showing how to make clay
pots like those made by Native Americans. Learn the craft or just
come and watch.

September 10 (Sunday), 1:00 p.m.
(rain date Sunday, September 17)
Charlotte VT
Thompson�s Point
Imprints of the Past: A Walk on Thompson�s Point
Archaeologists and local historians present a walking tour of Thompson�s Point�s past, which includes archaeological evidence of a Native American chert quarry, the local poor farm, and the sites of sunken vessels.

September 11 (Monday), 7:00 p.m.
Danby: Mount Tabor/Danby Historical Society
�Relics &Ruins at Old Job�
Archaeologists David Lacy and Victor Rolando will give a slide presentation about an archaeological field school held at the 19th-century logging village known as �Old Job.�

September 8
Classic Packard car rally
President Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site
Plymouth VT
The Mid Atlantic Packard Club will have several dozen Packards at the Coolidge hometown during the Vermont portion of its tour. .

September 9
Cheese and Harvest Festival
President Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site, Plymouth directions
Plymouth VT
Vermont Cheese Makers � samples & product for sale. Wagon rides, sheep shearing, historic farm demonstrations coordinated by Fred & Ursula DePaul, farmers in residence. Andy Plante with �Harris & Ford,� his team of oxen. The Wilder House (site restaurant) will have a special meal. Traditional craft demonstrations � Fiber Arts in Vermont with several artisans spinning, weaving, quilting, etc. Irene Ames � one of the state�s premier basket makers. Vermont Division for Historic Preservation � �Historic House Doctor� with demonstrations of building restoration techniques. Adam Boyce � old time fiddler. Area restaurants with harvest food tasting displays.

Sep. 9, 2006
Woodstock VT
Traditional Craft Saturday at Billings Farm & Museum
Rug hooking & braiding Saturday.

September 10
Justin Morrill State Historic Site, Strafford directions
Wild Mushroom Hunt
Autumn is the perfect time to hunt for edible mushrooms. Join mycologist Faith Hunt, who will teach which mushrooms can be eaten and which are better left alone on the forest floor. Afterwards, enjoy a �mycophagy,� an opportunity to taste a variety of cooked wild mushrooms.

September 10
Chimney Point Sunday Afternoon Special
Hands-on activities and period games. Learn about ancient stone tools or how to throw an atlatl, play period games, or enjoy other fun for all ages.
Chimney Point State Historic Site, Addison directions

Sep. 9, 2006
Norwich VT
2nd Annual Norwich Antiques Show
30 quality dealers offering fine country to formal antiques.

Sep. 9, 2006 to Sep. 10, 2006
Essex Junction VT
18th Annual Vermont Sheep and Wool Festival
Festival of fiber animals and their fiber.

Sep. 9, 2006 to Sep. 10, 2006
Orwell VT
15th Annual Civil War Weekend
Brookside Stock Farm, VT Route 22A
Civil war re-enactors set up an encampment with artillery, cavalry, infantry, hospitals corps and more.

Sept 10, 2006
Ferrisburgh, VT
Lecture - Sister Societies
Rokeby Museum
A presentation on female anti-slavery societies in the 1800's.

Sept 10, 2006
Wardsboro VT
The Town Photographer in Vermont
Forrest Holzapfel discusses the village photographer in 19th century Vermont, and how the tradition is carried on today. Wardsboro Town Hall

Sept 10, 2006
Shelburne VT
5th Annual Vermont Small Farm Food Fest
"Celebrate local farms and the apple harvest. Eat great food, listen to live music and pick apples."

Sep. 10, 2006
Stowe VT
7th Annual Stowe Marathon
"A premier running event that covers miles of Vermont's classic rolling roadway."

Sept 14 - 17
Stowe VT
British Invasion
An excellent car show featuring all British cars including Austin Healy, Bentley, Morgan, M.G., Rolls Royce, Aston Martin, Jaguar, Sunbeam, Morris, Rover, and more. Triumph is the featured marque this year. Topnotch Resort Lower Meadows Event Field 4 miles north of Stowe village on Route 108.

Motorcycle Rally - Killington Classic

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Fri, 01 Sep 2006 22:08:35 -0500

The Sept 6 - 10 Killington Classic motorcycle rally is a five day event geared toward cruiser type motorcycles. The website has an online pre-registration form, events calendar, list of lodging, photos from past events including this one:

(c) 2006 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus LLC

Vermont Labor Day Events

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Wed, 30 Aug 2006 23:55:31 -0500

Southern Vermont

Aug 24 - Sept 3
Weston Playhouse
Weston VT
"Stones in His Pockets" Two actors play fifteen roles in this play about a small village in County Kerry, Ireland which is overrun by big-budget Hollywood filmmakers. Two out-of-work Irishmen seek their fame and fortune as movie extras in a celebrity-crazed world.

Sept 2 and 3
16th Annual New England Crafts Fair
Queeche Vermont
Crafters and Artisans from all over New England

Sept 2
Old Fashioned Family Fair
Norwich VT
Enjoy activity booths filled with fun, games and entertainment.

Sept 2 and 3
Third annual Plymouth Folk and Blues Concerts

The President Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site
The concerts will team nationally known stars with Vermont and regionally known musicians in a mix of folk and blues concerts performed at historic Plymouth Notch, Vermont. The concerts are free; donation is suggested. Rain or shine. This year's lineup includes Jay Ottaway, Kate McDonnell, Rebecca Hall and Ken Anderson, Meg Hutchinson, and Alastair Moock .

Sept 2 and 3
The 12th Annual Brew Fest
Mount Snow
West Dover VT
Breweries from across Vermont and New England under a huge tent. Brewers will be on hand to answer questions about their breweries and beer. Live music both days.

Sept 2 and 3
2nd Annual Barnard's town wide Flea Market
Barnard VT
Barnard's Helping Hands annual fund raiser, selling quality items and unbelievable prices.

Sept 1 to Sept 4
Labor Day Celebration
Stratton Mountain Vermont
Six free performances, four day annual Retail Tent Sale, Brewfest featuring local and regional brewers, local artisans and performers.

Sept 4
Labor & Leisure at Billings Farm and Museum
Woodstock VT
A wonderful working, model farm that is geared toward hosting visitors. Work and fun on the farm.

Northern Vermont

Sept 1, 8:00 - 11:00 pm
Barn Dance
The Skinner Barn
Common Road
Waitsfield VT
A contra dance with fiddle music and a caller. Kick up your heels at a traditional New England barn dance. Wear comfortable shoes and get ready to swing and doe-see-doe the night away in the beautifully restored Skinner Barn. No dance experience necessary, fun for the whole family. If you are not a dance person, you are welcome to sit and tap your toe while enjoying the live traditional fiddle music.

Sept 2, and 3, 2006
36th Annual Mad River Craft Fair
Waitsfield VT
This is a high quality show with 100 juried artisans. Great live music, food court, demonstrations. Fine arts and crafts, handmade clothing, jewelry, house wares, kids' items, photographs, paintings and digital art, pottery, furniture, leather, glass, and more. Entertainment for children too. Benefits the local Valley Players theater group.

Sept 2 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Waitsfield Farmers Market
Held every Saturday morning in Waitsfield - one of our favorite things to do. Many artisans, crafters and farmers selling their wares, excellent food and live music.

Sept 2 to Sept 4
Labor Day Parade & Festival
Northfield VT (home of Norwich University)
Entertainment, games, food, rides, foot race, the largest Labor Day parade in New England.

Sept 2 to Sept 4
Lawn Fest Craft and Flea Market
Waterbury Center VT
Item set up on Church lawn and in the Church.

Sept 3
Music concert
Grace Potter and the Nocturnals
The Green at Shelburne Museum
Shelburne VT
Meet Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, a Hammond B-3 organ-fueled blues-rock quartet.

Sept 3 6:00 pm
Music in the Meadow
Stowe Vermont
The United States Air Force Liberty Pops perform in this FREE concert. One of the most popular annual events in Stowe. The great United States Air Force Liberty Pops Band and singers are returning for the ninth year. Stirring popular and patriotic songs, music from Broadway, plus some rock and roll standards.

Sept 1 - 4
Green Mountain Stage Race
Waitsfield Vermont
Four days of bicycle racing culminating in the Burlington Criterium Race

(c) 2006 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus LLC

Scottish Festival

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Tue, 22 Aug 2006 23:50:12 -0500

Here's something different to do:

Saturday, August 26, 2006, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm
Polo Field, Quechee, Vermont

A wee bit of Scotland in Vermont. The Quechee Scottish Festival has a range of activities for adults and children. Presented by the Saint Andrews Society of Vermont . Pipe and drum performances; Celtic bands, dancers, children�s games; �welly toss;� ladies rolling pin toss; clan and society display tents; falconry; athletics including the caber toss, the sheaf toss, putting the stone, the stone carry; Vermont Sheepdog Championship Trials; �Dry-stane� dyke building demo; Scottish and American food and drink.

For further information contact: Scotland by the Yard (a store in Quechee that sells items made in Scotland � don�t miss their wool sweaters!), Quechee, Vermont 05059, (802) 295-5351, info@QuecheeScottishFestival.com

Proceeds from The Quechee Scottish Festival go to the Saint Andrew�s Society of Vermont scholarship fund.

(c) 2006 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus LLC

VT Festival of the Arts Aug 22 - 25

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Sun, 20 Aug 2006 07:24:45 -0500

Vermont Festival of the Arts

Memoir Writing Workshop
Ellen Perry Berkeley at 802-447-7226, epbinvt@earthlink.net
Admission: $40, picnic luncheon included
10 am - 3 pm August 22

Plein Air Painting with Candy Barr at Yellow Farmhouse Inn on Tuesday, August 22 and at 1824 House Inn & Restaurant on Wednesday, August 23. Take in one or both days!
Call Candy Barr at 496-2337 or CandyBarrArtist@madriver
Admission: $45
10 am - 4 pm August 22 and 23
For artists and non-artists alike. Oil and acrylic materials are included in the fee. This is a group event so you can see different approaches of others in the group. Rain or shine.

Feng Shui for Realtors with Carol Wheelock. And even if you're not a Realtor, this is an informative workshop with a lunch from the 1824 House Inn. Call Carol Wheelock at 496-2306
Admission: $75 includes lunch
Time: 9-1 (to be confirmed) Aug 22
"Taught by certified Feng Shui practitioner Carol Wheelock: how to use techniques to maximize a home's value to a potential buyer. Feng shui (pronounced "fung shway") is the ancient Chinese art of living in harmony with our surroundings. This workshop is geared especially for realtors or anyone interested in selling a home or property. Advance registration required."

India Experience Cooking Class on August 22 usually sells out, so call now, or just enjoy an Indian meal any other night. Contact Thom Gorman at 802-496-2405
Admission: $35 includes class and dinner
Time: 4:00 pm August 22
"This class will explore regional Indian cuisine and will be based on Thom's experiences of living and traveling in India. The focus will be on both the differences and similarities in regional cuisines and the historical and geographical influences that created them. The class will conclude with the consumption of the meal that has been prepared. Thom will also match wine to the various dishes. Limited to 10 participants."

A Day Under the Tuscan Spell Cooking Class at the 1824 House starts with an early morning stroll through the garden and ends with a wonderful meal you create in the kitchen. Call 496-7555 or email stay@1824house.com
Admission: Cooking Class + Dinner: $125; Dinner only: $60
12-8pm August 23

The Chinese Art Workshop with Ying Lei Zhang at the Bundy Art Center
Call Ruthanne Pattee, 496-4781 ext. 26
Admission: $85
10 am - 3 pm August 24
An artist from China, now residing in Middlebury Vermont, Zhang will conduct this workshop for all ages in calligraphy and ink brush painting. Supplies included.

Benefit Concert with Anthony Santor at the Bundy Center for the Arts
Benefit Concert for Habitat for Humanity
Karen Smith or Ruthanne Pattee, 496-4781, ext26
8:00 pm August 22

A Community Dance & Corn Roast
Lareau Farm Inn, Waitsfield
Call Laura Brines, 496-2490
6:00 pm Aug 23
"Fundraiser for Vermont Refugee Assistance. Cash bar and food available. Great music with John Levey, Jack Garvin, Colleen Mays, Danny McHugh & Johnny Reid. Donations welcome�our goal is to make this really affordable for families to come and have fun!"

Live Jazz at the Bundy on Friday, August 25
Ruthanne Pattee, 496-4781 ext. 26
Admission: $15
Time: 8:00 8/25/2006
The Sklar/Grippo Quartet plays old standards to the avant garde. Don't miss these local favorites!

Zig Zag Ballet at Harwood Union High School
Brett Raphael, ctballet@ix.netcom.com
Admission: $15
Friday, August 25
"A Celebration of Men in Dance showcasing some of the finest male dancers of our time, dancing styles as diverse as tap, hip hop, baroque court dance, and Latin. Featuring Thomas Baird, Maurice Chestnut, Kenichi Ebina, Les Ballets Grandiva, Andrei Jouravlev, and others."

Summer Forever!
The Big Picture movie theater
Jo-Ann Billings, 496-8994
11 am - 10 pm Aug 26 and 27
An animation festival, juggling workshop and large-scale palette sculpture burn.

(c) 2006 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus LLC

Stowe Summer Music Festival

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Sat, 19 Aug 2006 17:16:32 -0500

Stowe Summer Music Festival - Aug. 23 - 26, 2006. Four evenings of classical music, 7:00 pm each night in the Symphony Auditorium at the Stowe High School. "The Stowe music festival, which is free of charge, showcases rising stars
and international virtuosos in the world of classical music and provides an opportunity for the public to experience live classical music in Vermont." For information call 1-802-888-7917 or visit the web site.

Designer Outlets in Manchester VT

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Fri, 18 Aug 2006 23:56:38 -0500

I mentioned below the sale in Manchester Vermont. This is quite a town and if you are a shopper, this is where you want to end up when you die and go to heaven.

Brooks Brothers, Armani, Coach, Polo/Ralph Lauren, Escada, Vittadini, Anichini, J. Crew, Jones New York, Movado, Timberland, Crabtree & Evelyn, Baccarat, and many, many more are here.

Take a look at this to learn more.

(c) 2006 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus

Wood Carvers Annual Meeting

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Fri, 18 Aug 2006 15:39:16 -0500

The Vermont Woodcavers Show mentioned below is the 33rd annual meeting and exhibition for the group. It is the oldest and longest running event of its type in New England. The group holds three major shows per year. In addition to their long running tradtion in Morrisville, the groups holds shows at the Birds of Vermont Museum and at the Shelburne Museum each year.

The Vermont Journal just published an article about the group and the Morrisville event.

The show is being held at People's Academy in Morrisville and I have linked to a Google Map here.

(c) 2006 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus LLC

Vermont Events Aug 18 - 20

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Fri, 18 Aug 2006 12:42:02 -0500

August 19, 2006
Green Mountain Woodcarvers Annual Show and Sale
Morrisville VT
Carving contests, demonstrations, displays, sales.
Information: 802-223-7929 or 802-453-4292

Manchester Sidewalk Sales
Manchester VT
Manchester, in the southern part of the state, is full of top brand name designer outlets and local stores. This is their annual end-of-summer clearance sale where you can get some terrific bargains.

Circus Smirkus
Greensboro VT
Trapeze, high wire, aerials, acrobatics, juggling, clowns � all performed by very well trained young people.

Aug 19, 2006
Living Historic March to Bennington
Members of the Living History Association, dressed in Revolutionary War attire. Visit See web site for more information.

Aug 19, 2006 1:00 pm
Hubbardton VT
Green Mountain Fife & Drum Corps
Revolutionary War period music. Visit web site for more information.

Aug 19, 2006
100 on 100 Relay Race
"The 100 on 100 is a 100 mile, six person relay running race run on Route 100 from the Trapp Family Lodge to Okemo. Proceeds from the race will benefit The Howard Center Teens. Each runner will run three times over the 100 mile distance with a total distance per runner of approximately 16.5 miles."

Vermont State Zucchini Festival
Ludlow VT
A zany event that includes a lot of humorous activities such as the zucchini car race, similar to Cub Scout�s pinewood derby. Also a craft show. Ranked in the Top 10 Vermont Events, believe it or not.

Aug 20, 2006
Antique Tractor Day at Billings Farm & Museum
Woodstock VT
See tractors dating from the 1930's to the 1950's.

Aug 20, 2006, 1:00 and 2:00 pm
GROSSOLOGY 101: Burps & Belches
ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center
Burlington VT waterfront
Join doctors from the Vermont Children�s Hospital at Fletcher Allen in a highly interactive 30-minute family program about the science behind burping and belching. Educational fun for the kids - what's more fun than grossing out your parents?

(c) 2006 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus LLC

Vermont Art Festival

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Wed, 16 Aug 2006 22:07:57 -0500

After a couple of weeks of moderate to severe computer problems, I�m nearly back to full functionality but I�m scrambling to catch up. Let�s get started . . .

The Vermont Festival of the Arts is an amazing, month-long event with an incredible diversity of art. There are more than one hundred activities including culinary, dance, fairs and festivals, galleries and exhibits, health and wellness, horticulture, children�s events, lectures, literature, music, open studios, photography, theater and cinema, visual, workshops and demonstrations.

The event showcases local Vermont artists and it is held in the Mad River Valley (mainly around the towns of Waitsfield and Warren), just a few minutes drive south of our inn but if you are staying anywhere within a two hour drive, it will be well worth your time to attend.

The �At A Glance Calendar� link in upper right of home page takes you to a nifty day-by-day calendar with each day's event listing and links to further information. Or click on a date in the small calendar to be taken to a list of events that day.

I suggest that you spend a few minutes wandering the festival's web site to grasp the enormous scope of this event. If you are going to be in the area anytime before Aug 27, you will most likely find a great event to attend during this festival.

(c) 2006 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus LLC

Vermont Events July 28 - 30

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Fri, 28 Jul 2006 22:07:43 -0500

Rutland Ethnic Festival
Rutland VT
A variety of ethnic food, entertainment, crafts, childrens' activities, bargain shopping.

Annual Native American Craft Show
Evansville VT
Native American Crafters and Artisans Exhibit
The annual Native American craft show with demonstrations and lessons in basket weaving, drum making, and other crafts.

The Tale of the Mandarin Ducks
Lost Nation Theater
Montpelier VT
Newbery Award winning author Katherine Paterson's beautiful Japanese folktale. This is a quality theater company that produces well done plays.

Herrman's Royal Lipizzan Stallions of Austria
North Hero Island, VT, the summer home for the famous stallions. Highly impressive performances by beautiful leaping horses in a wonderful setting on the shores of Lake Champlain.

Marlboro College
Marlboro VT
Music Festival
Now in its 56th year, classical music school and festival of performances

Musical - Disney's Beauty and the Beast
Hyde Park Opera House
A Broadway masterpiece performed by Lamoille County Players, one of the best theater groups in Vermont.

State Fire Fighters Convention
St. Albans VT
Here's something different: Vermont Fire Fighters come together for games, demonstrations and a large parade.
Time: Sat., 8-5 pm. Sun., noon. at the Collins Perely complex. Free admission. Further information: 802-524-2392.

The Bondville Boys
Bromley Mountain Ski Area
Mix of traditional bluegrass and some pop tunes they �grass up.�

Special ECHO Encounter!
Grossology 101
"Total Body GROSSOLOGY"
ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center
Burlington VT
A fun way to teach children abut the human body. Join Dr. First, from Vermont Children's Hospital at Fletcher Allen Health Care
Time: 1:00 p.m. & 2:00 p.m.
Cost: $7-9

Champlain Valley Gem, Mineral & Fossil Show
South Burlington VT
Dealers, exhibits, lectures, children's activities, silent auction, door prizes, refreshments and free parking.

Killington Renaissance Festival
"Faire Days"
Elizabethan era reenactment including lords and ladies, jesters, knights. Carriage rides, fencing lessons, juggling lessons, period music performances, magic performances, games. Adults - $10, children ages 5 to 12 - $5, children under five are free.

Stowe Celebrates Summer Art & Craft Festival
Stowe, VT
Arts festival "150 jury selected artists and artisans, chef demos and wine tastings by local chefs and sommeliers, Spa treatments by the Stoweflake Mountain Resort and Spa, a violin concert by the Suzuki Violin Ensemble featuring 25 children ages 4 to 18 from Chittenden County, and live entertainment all three days of the Arts Festival culminating Sunday evening with a Mozart Festival Concert at Trapp Family Lodge. The once internationally known and loved Kilimanjaro, famous jazz-fusion band, has reunited and will give an exclusive area performance Sunday afternoon at two o�clock.�

Phew! That's a lot of stuff but it's just a sampling of all the Vermont events this weekend.

(c) 2006 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus LLC

Events July 21 - 23, 2006

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Thu, 20 Jul 2006 23:45:33 -0500

There are two big events this weekend, both in Burlington, one public and one private. The public event is the Vermont Vermont Brewers Festival, a very popular event at the Waterfront Park, rain or shine. The private event is the BMW Motorycle Owners International Rally at the Champlain Valley Fair Grounds.

There are many other events throughout Vermont. Here is a sampling:

July 22, 2006
Woodstock VT
Cow Appreciation Day
at Billings Farm & Museum. This is a very good family activity where you can learn about cows, judging which ones are best, milking, making butter, cream, and ice cream. Billings is a model farm and is set up for visitors. We often have guests at our inn who want to visit a "real farm" but most farmers are not set up to receive visitors. Most of them are very nice folks but they are often just too busy to chat with visitors, much as they might like to. Billings is a great place to see a working farm where it is easier and safer to get around. It's a beautiful facility, very clean, professionally managed.

July 22 and 23, 2006
South Newfane VT
Self-guided Rock River Artists Open Studio Tour. Go to the Old Schoolhouse to pick up maps to the artists' studios.

July 22 - August 6, 2006
Halifax VT
Art on the Mountain
Nearly 170 artists and crafts people, mostly from New England, at the Honora Winery & Vineyards

July 22 - July 31, 2006
North Troy VT
Ten Days of Art and Fine Crafts

July 21 - 23, 2006
Stowe VT
Tango Fest
Watch experts and give it a try yourself. Two days of performances, workshops, public dances, film festival. A lot of fun in some great Stowe venues including the VonTrapp Family Lodge. HOT! Bring water to pour on your head.

July 22 2006
Peacham VT, at the elementary school
Vermont Country Antique Show and Sale
Note: Peacham, population 665, is in the beautiful and bucolic area of north eastern Vermont known as the Northeast Kingdom." I recommend touring the area even if you aren't interersted in the antique show. Yankee Magazine called Peacham "unsurpassed" among villages in New England. You will want to have your camera with you.

(c) 2006 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus LLC

Scottish Highlander Guests

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Thu, 13 Jul 2006 23:26:19 -0500

We had some great guests stay with us last weekend who were in the area to compete in Scottish Highland Games. Maybe you have seen such competitions on TV - very large men in kilts who throw (�put�) large stones on a chain, heave long poles (cabers), etc. I just saw a Toyota truck magazine ad showing a doctored photo of some Scottish Highland competitors one of whom has just heaved the pole and accidentally bounced it off a Toyota pickup, a humorous demonstration of how tough the truck is. If you use a search engine to research Scottish Highland Games or Festivals, you will see that there are an enormous number of groups and events all over the country.

The game competitors take their sport seriously and it's fun to watch. While watching, I was thinking I'd like to pick up one of the stones to see just how heavy it is and have a full appreciation of how much it takes to throw one. It appeared to me that it is not only strength but also agility and timing that are required. And it's not only men who compete - there were several women as well.

Below is a photo of Scott D., one of our guests, in full windup for his stone toss. You can see how much power these guys generate.

By the way, there is a Scottish Festival with music, dancing, highland games, sheep dog trials, falconry, displays, and other activities, August 26 in Quechee VT at the Quechee Polo Field, Dewey Mill Rd north of Rte 4. It is sponsored by the Saint Andrew Society of Vermont.

Quechee is also home to the deepest gorge in Vermont, a lot of antique stores, and a Scottish store called Scotland by the Yard which sells those great cable-knit wool sweaters among other Scottish items. It's also near Woodstock VT, one of the prettiest villages in New England.

(c) 2006 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus LLC

Killington Wine Festival

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Tue, 11 Jul 2006 22:00:42 -0500

July 14 -16, 2006

The Killington Wine Festival includes tastings of more than 100 wines, wine seminars, and music. There is a Jazz and Wine Bar Friday July 14 from 5-9pm at the Killington Grand Resort Hotel.

On Saturday, you can ride the ski gondola to the top of Killington for wine seminars along with tastings and music. If it's a clear day, you can see five states and Canada from the top of the mountain, the second highest in VT.

Saturday evening there will be tasting dinners at some of the Killington area restaurants, and champagne brunch on Sunday. For further info and reservations, call the Chamber of Commerce at 800-337-1928.

When you are there, ask the locals how their secession from VT to New Hampshire is going. Seriously, the taxes here in Vermont have become so insane that the town of Killington is in the process of seceding from VT and becoming part of New Hampshire. Now there's an event best observed with wine in hand. Should be fun � stay tuned.

(c) 2006 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus LLC

Native American Pagent

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Fri, 07 Jul 2006 21:50:12 -0500

July 8 and 9, 2006

4th Annual All My Relations Intertribal Pow Wow
Bolton Valley Resort , Bolton VT (about a 20 minute drive from our inn)

Native American arts, crafts, demonstrations, food, music, dancing and authentic dress.

Tribes Abenaki, Cherokee, Apache, Mohawk, Passamaquoddy, Cree & Penobscot will all be represented.

Open to the Public Saturday & Sunday, 10 AM - 5 PM, Rain or Shine Admission: adults $6; children 6-18 and elders $3; children under 6 free

Free parking; drug & alcohol free event; no dogs please.

(c) 2006 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus LLC

BMW Motorcycle International Rally

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Thu, 06 Jul 2006 19:18:48 -0500

July 20 - 23, 2006
Essex Junction VT (suburb of Burlington)

Some 7000 to 8000 people are expected to attend this year's BMW Motorcycle Owners of America Rally.

The event's theme is "Vermont - It's not Flat" . . . personally, I would have gone with " 'taint flat, yaw know" as the old Vermonters would say, but maybe that's quibbling.

The BMW MOA Rallyweb site, and the event itself, look well organized. See the page called Outside the Event, for things to do and see. An especially impressive list is linked from the first item entitled List of Vermont Attractions. The web site says it was put together by a Paul Bachorz, BMW Motorcyclists of America member and, I presume, Vermont resident, who must have spent days doing research and then writing the list. It's a 48 page document! I have never met Paul but I do know he is the kind of guy you want on your event committee. Even if you are not going to the rally, you should take a look at his list for ideas on places to go all around Vermont.

(c) 2006 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus

Stowe Hot Air Balloon Festival

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Wed, 05 Jul 2006 16:39:25 -0500

July 7 � 9
Stowe VT
Stoweflake Hot Air Balloon Festival

About twenty-five balloons are expected. Two launches per day: 6:30 am and 6:30 pm. The morning launches are free and there is a small entrance fee for the rest of the event. The entrance fee includes a raffle ticket. In addition to the balloons, there is food, beer garden, music, tethered balloon rides, and a children�s corner. Stoweflake Resort is on Route 108, Mountain Road in Stowe.

Southern Vermont July Events

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Sat, 01 Jul 2006 19:26:58 -0500

July 1 -3, 2006
Stratton Mountain
near Londonderry and Jamaica VT
Bluegrass Festival and Fireworks

All shows are free.

The Blue Moon Stage (located in the center of the Village)

The Bondville Boys, Banjo Dan and the Midnight Plowboys, The Lonesome Whistle Band, Gordon Stone, High Range.
Beer garden at Mulligan's and the Blue Moon Cafe in the village during daytime performances. A beer garden will also be at the ski gondola during the July 2 fireworks.

July 2 - 30
Events at Bromley Mountain
Near Bennington and Manchester VT

July 2 The Lustre Kings
Performing on the Cafe Deck at the Thrill Zone from 1:00-4:00pm.

July 8 Radio Disney AM 1460 is back with fun, games, and prizes. Noon to 3:00 pm.

July 15 Magic Trunk
Ventriloquist Silvia Markson, 11:30am and 2:00pm.

July 2, 8, 12, 14, 15
Hildene
Home of Robert Todd Lincoln, son of Abraham Lincoln

July 2 Vermont Symphony Orchestra,
Picnicking & Pops Concert
VSO concert of traditional pops and light classics on Hildene Meadowlands at 7:30 pm. Gates open for picnicking at 6 pm. Fireworks.

July 8 Summer Lecture Series
Historian, Elliot Hoffman, Topic: Vermont General William Wells. Hildene Beckwith Room, 9:30 am, FREE.

July 12 Washington County Band Concert
Variety of pop & old favorites return to Hildene�s event tent. Rain or shine, gates open for picnicking at 5:30 pm Admission $2, 7:00 p m.

July 14 Alex Torres and the Latin Kings
Lively Latin music at the event tent, rain or shine. Gates open for picnicking at 5:30 pm, concert at 6:30 pm. Call Vermont Arts Exchange (802) 442-5549 for ticket information.

July 15 Antiques Show,
Antique dealers and recognized experts from the northeast. 10 am to 4 pm. Hildene Event Tent, Admission $5.River Road, Meadowlands

July 7 - 9, 2006
Brandon VT
Annual Brandon Vermont Bluegrass Music Fest
"Bluegrass pickin� and Vermont scenery just naturally go together. This popular annual event began in 1994
and continues to entertain and grow every year."

July 8 and 9
Rutland VT
27th Annual RAVE Car Show No year or vehicle type limits. Usually more than 400 vehicles.

July 15 - Aug 13
Marlboro VT
Marloboro Music College Concert Series
The Concerts include a selection from the dozens of works in rehearsal each week. Programs are not planned far in advance because the artists choose which ones are ready for performance. The concerts are held Saturday evenings and Sunday, July 15 - Aug 13. Saturday Concerts begin at 8:30 p.m. and Sunday Concerts begin at 2:30 p.m.

July 12 - 30
Manchester VT
Vermont Summer Festival Horse Shows Hunter competition at the Harold Beebe Farm in East Dorset, Vermont
� Manchester Summer Festival Horse Show July 12 - 16
� Manchester Classic Horse Show July 19 - 23
� Valley Classic Horse Show July 26 - July 30

June 29 - July 15
Dorset VT
Dorset Theater Festvial "A MURDER IS ANNOUNCED� By Agatha Cristie, adapted for the stage by Leslie Darbon -- "an 'announcement' is placed in the local paper stating the time and place of a murder yet to occur. What follows is a Classic Christie puzzle of mixed motives and concealed identities with Miss Marple on hand to provide the final solution."

July 20 - August 5
"TOM JONES� adapted by John Morrison
Dorset's very own John Morrison brings the lustful, rollicking, romance of Fielding's novel to the stage. Join
Tom, Sofia, Squire Western, Molly, Lady Bellaston and all the rest. A theatrical experience you will never forget.

Weston Playhouse
Weston VT
June 20th thru July 8th
The Weston Playhouse opens its 70th Season with "Cookin� at the Cookery"
"Marion J. Caffey's portrait of the legendary blues artist Alberta Hunter features 22 musical numbers, from the rousing gospel favorite "When the Saints Go Marchin' In" to Eubie Blake's double entendre classic "My Handyman." A production The New Yorker magazine called 'electrifying.' "

July 13 - 29, 2006
Urinetown, the Musical
"The Vermont premiere of the multi-Tony-Award winning musical. This crowd-pleasing spoof pits underdog hero Bobby Strong against corrupt tycoon Caldwell B. Cladwell in a fight for love, honor, and free public restrooms."

�Impudent, colorful, exciting, irreverent, surprising and wonderful� - Rex Reed

�Lovers of classic musicals will cherish this marvelous, surprising, and very funny show that simultaneously pokes hilarious fun at and pays homage to such legendary Broadway shows as West Side Story, Guys and Dolls and Les Mis.�

July 15 - 16, 2006
Tinmouth VT (a little south of Rutland VT)
Solar Festival
12th Annual renewable energy power. Two days of music with national acts plus two days of workshops on renewable energy and sustainability themes.

(c) 2006 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus LLC

Fireworks

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Sat, 01 Jul 2006 16:52:39 -0500

Fireworks and July 4th celebrations. This is not a comprehensive list of all the Independence Day events in Vermont but it's a good start.

Brandon Independence Day Celebration
Saturday July 1st, 2006 from 9:00 am. Fireworks at dusk
Brandon, VT

4th of July Fireworks Extravaganza
July 4th, 2006 at 9:45 pm
Rutland, VT

Old Fashioned 4th of July Celebration and Fireworks
July 4th, 2006
Jeffersonville and Smugglers' Notch, VT

Independence Day Celebration & Stowe Fire Dept. Centennial
July 4th, 2006 from 5:30 pm - Fireworks at dusk
Stowe, VT

Fireworks & Concert at Ascutney Mountain
Saturday July 1, 2006
Various locations, Brownsville, VT

Burlington Independance Day Celebration
July 3rd, 2006 at 4:30 pm - 11 pm
Waterfront Park, Burlington, VT

Warren July 4th Parade and Festival
July 4th, 2006
Warren, VT

Vermont July Events - northern and central VT

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Thu, 29 Jun 2006 13:51:29 -0500

Summer is in full swing and the events are coming fast and furious. The events listed below are just a sampling of July events in Vermont - it is far from comprehensive -there are many other events and activities going on.

This list is mostly for northern and central Vermont. I'm working on a southern Vermont events list and will post it later.

Also see our Events and Links pages for other ideas on things to see and do.

July - October, 2006
Georgia O'Keeffe: Paintings at the Shelburne Museum
The first Georgia O'Keeffe exhibit in Vermont includes 25 landscapes of the American Southwest, close-ups of flowers, still lifes, city and farm scenes.

Vermont Quilt Festival, June 29 - July 2, 2006
The Vermont Quilt Festival has moved from Northfield VT to the Champlain Exposition Center and St. Michael's College, Essex Junction VT (about a 40 minute drive from the Grunberg Haus). Exhibits, workshops, lectures, appraisals, merchants mall, kids programs. One of the largest quilt shows in the northeast.

July 2, 9, 16, 2006
Music in The Meadow 2006
Stowe Performing Arts
Sunday concerts at sunset in the beautiful Trapp Family Meadow surrounded by the Nebraska Valley Mountain Range. Fireworks after every concert.
July 2nd: Old School Freight Train
July 9th: Vermont Symphony Orchestra
July 16th: Orleans

July 4th celebrations
Dozens of events all over the state starting a few days before the 4th. The most popular local favorite is the Warren 4th of July wacky parade in the morning, followed by entertainment in the village and then fireworks at the Sugarbush Resort.

July 2, 2006
Circus Smirkus This is a lot of fun and features impressive performances by young people. We recommend it highly. This year's theme is "Tropical Vacation!"-- a madcap holiday complete with trapeze, highwire, aerials, acrobatics, juggling, clowns and more under the big top. "One of New England's most treasured cultural and educational resources" - Boston Globe. "...Extraordinary troupe with serious commitment to circus arts; a show that brings the standing-room-only audiences to their feet." - New York Times
July 2 Greensboro VT
July 5, 6 Waitsfield VT (about ten minutes from our inn)
July 8, 9 Manchester VT
July 11, 12 Brattleboro VT
July 14, 15, 16 Concord MA
July 18, 19 Revere MA
July 21, 22, 23 Wellesley MA
July 25, 26 Wilton NH
July 28, 29, 30 Bristol RI
----------------

July 5, 12, 19, 26
Barre VT
Concerts in City Hall Park every Wednesday, 7:00 pm.

July 7, 2006
Kaleidoscope Festival
6th annual kaleidoscope festival is an hands-on event featuring 100s of the most collectable and fun kaleidoscopes in the world. Kaleidoscope teacher Scott Cole will offer a class where you can build one and take it home.

July 14 - 16, 2006
Family Boatbuilding Weekend
Lake Champlain Maritime Museum
"Build a boat in three days! This workshop was developed as a way to bring families . . . together for a unified, achievement-oriented project and to get more people on the water! At the conclusion of the event, you will load your new boat on your car and drive it home."

July 15,
Duct Tape Regatta
Lake Champlain Maritime Museum "Using only corrugated cardboard, duct tape, and lots of imagination, kids design, build, and launch a full-sized boat. Materials provided. Can your boat stay afloat as you paddle in the Duct Tape Regatta? Fun for participants and spectators alike! "

Vermont Mozart Festival From mid July to August, performances weekly at various venues mostly around the northern VT area.

July 21-23, 2006
Stowe Vermont's Tango Fest
Something a little different! Tango workshops, classes, films and performances at the Von Trapp Meadow and other Stowe locations.

July 21 and 22, 2006
Vermont Brewers Festival
Burlington VT, at the waterfront park.
One of Vermont's Top 10 Events and ranked as one of ten Great Beer Festivals by USA Today. Vermont brewers present their best lagers, ales, and unique products such as fruit beers, barleywines, and Belgian-style white beers. Gourmet foods, demonstrations, and entertainment.

July 28 - July 30, 2006
Stowe Summer Arts and Crafts Festival
"150 juried artists and artisans will display and sell original art and craftwork. There will be craft demonstrations and children's activities. Local chefs will present a cooking demo daily. Their sommeliers will conduct wine tastings daily as well, with a focus on wines from the New World. (While the cooking seminars are included in the price of admission, there will be a nominal fee for the wine tastings as required by Vermont State law.) Stowe Performing Arts will present musical entertainment on Friday and Saturday. Since this Festival is a town wide celebration of summer, there are off-site events as well. The Trapp Family Lodge will host a Mozart Concert on Sunday evening. The Stowe Theatre Guild will have plays on Friday and Saturday evenings."

(c) Jeff Connor 2006 Grunberg Haus LLC

Motorcycle Run and Rally July 7, 8, 9, 2006

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Fri, 23 Jun 2006 13:02:25 -0500

Motorcycle Run and Rally
Kenyon's Field (about ten minutes from our inn)
Waitsfield Vermont
July 7, 8, and 9, 2006

Poker Run, pancake breakfast at Waitsfield Fire Dept (open to all), Scottish Highland Games demo, beer tent, Texas Hold-'Em Tournament, $100/hand (benefits Camp Ta Kum Ta camp for children with cancer), Harley Trike Pulling, Bike Rodeo (games to include Barrel Push, Slow Race, 2 X 4 Race), party with classic rock band under the beer tent, custom bike show, vintage bike show, Harley Davidson raffle benefits Waitsfield Children's Center. Numerous trials demos & Harley pulls. Dyno available all weekend. AMA Sanctioned. Sponsored by New England Harley Dealers Association, Griffin & Griffin Excavating,, Small Dog Electronics, and Froggy 100.9 FM.

(c) 2006 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus LLC

Three Top Events This Weekend

info@grunberghaus.com ( grunhaus ) — Wed, 21 Jun 2006 23:30:11 -0500

Summer has finally arrived and the events are starting to come fast and furious. Our inn is centrally located for three good quality events this weekend:

Stowe Garden Festival Stowe Garden Festival, Friday, June 23 to 25, 2006, 9 am - 5 pm
Voted one of Vermont's Top 10 Events by the Vermont Chamber of Commerce. Over 30 events including flower and garden related workshops, demonstrations, tours and craft fair. Takes place at various residential gardens and commercial garden centers around the greater metropolitan Stowe area, about 20 minutes drive north of our inn.

Chew Chew Food Festival June 23 - 25, 2006
One of the most popular events in Vermont. Great variety of food, continuous entertainment, including live music for the whole family, at a beautiful lake front park in Burlington. A 45 minute drive northwest from the Grunberg Haus.

Vermont History Expo June 25-26, 2006
The collective efforts Vermont's 188 local historical societies are showcased at this statewide exposition. Located in Tunbridge VT, a scenic 45 minute drive south.

Also see my website Events page for more information on these events and others.

(c) 2006 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus LLC