http://www.grunberghaus.com/blog/ A blog with news, advice, and tips for touring Vermont. Fairly good information since April 2006. en Copyright 2004-2005 info@grunberghaus.com info@grunberghaus.com Ublog Reload 1.0.5 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss http://www.grunberghaus.com/blog/blog_comment.asp?bi=501

"How to Survive the Recession - A Vermont Perspective" by Bob Stannard:

A fun read by Manchester Vermont resident Bob Stannard made up from some newspaper columns he wrote in recent years ago plus new material especially for this book. Bob figured he could help his country in this time of trial and tribulation by explaining how Vermonters get up every morning (well, most mornings), pull on their boots, and go about the task of wrestling with the bear (i.e., living).

Bob sketches the characters (and I mean that in every sense of the word) he has met and events he has witnessed or instigated, and uses these vignettes to show how Vermonters deal with the challenges and rewards of life.

The book in written in a conversational voice thankfully lacking in pretense. If you stopped by Bob's house, sat down with him in front of his fireplace and asked him what it's like to live in Vermont, this book would be his response. It's a very easy and quick read.

For the most part he does not stray too far into being preachy. He often just presents people and events and then lets you draw the conclusion. For instance, he enthusiastically veers into talking about playing serious blues harmonica ("harp") with the likes of B.B. King. He relates the stories King tells of losing a profitable gig to another blues performer and how his early manager cheated him. Yet King remains non bitter, even grateful for the experience and cherishes what these men did for him rather than what they did to him. That's how to live a full and happy life.

The book available directly from the author: Bob Stannard

Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus Inn ]]> Thu, 02 Sep 2010 18:20:38 -0500 http://www.grunberghaus.com/blog/blog_comment.asp?bi=501 http://www.grunberghaus.com/blog/blog_comment.asp?bi=499

Starting a positive review with a criticism is probably the wrong way to go about it, but I'll do it anyway because I won't be able to continue writing unless I get it off my chest.

A recent Slate magazine headline, "The Only Luggage You'll Ever Need" is wrong. The article is about the Patagonia Maximum Legal Carry-on (MLC), which looks like a great travel product and has many positive user reviews on Patagonia's website. It's sized to fit in airline overhead bins or under the seat in front of you.

How that qualifies as the only luggage you will ever need, I don't know. There may be times when you need to travel with a suit or dress for instance. They won't fit in this bag and even if you managed to fold them up enough to get in, they wouldn't look too good at the other end of your journey.

I will admit this bag would probably be my go-to bag most of the time. I'm a big fan of Patagonia products and have owned a few including a great fly-fishing rain jacket I'm still using after more than a decade of use. I don't own this travel bag but if I still flew on business I most likely would. These days, I only fly once or twice a year (thankfully) and I'm in no rush. If I have to wait a few minutes at a baggage carousel, I don't mind.

I look back and chuckle about years of hustling through airports, choosing the best seat assignments, closest car rental lots, etc. But I was in the consulting bidness so we were always conscious of our hours. Either we were billing the time or we were losing revenue. There was no neutral time. If that's the way you fly, and you prefer carry-on luggage, this is probably what you want. It looks like it would be a good one for car trips as well.

I remember looking for a bag like this years ago. I tried several somewhat like it over the years but nothing ever really served well. This one looks like it would have been a home run. It also converts into a back pack and is made of water proof 1200 denier polyester - as tough as polyester gets.

I'm a big fan of Slate too so if they like it, I'm sure it's top notch.

Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus ]]> Thu, 19 Aug 2010 21:59:25 -0500 http://www.grunberghaus.com/blog/blog_comment.asp?bi=499 http://www.grunberghaus.com/blog/blog_comment.asp?bi=475 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

]]> Fri, 04 Sep 2009 11:38:14 -0500 http://www.grunberghaus.com/blog/blog_comment.asp?bi=475 http://www.grunberghaus.com/blog/blog_comment.asp?bi=473

MSN has an online video series hosted by Andrew Zimmern in which he travels around the country recording interesting places to visit, usually focused on food. Zimmern was host of the Travel Channel show, "Bizarre Foods" and now hosts Travel Channel's "Bizarre World" in addition to being a chef, writer, and teacher.

Zimmern was recently in my area of Vermont to visit Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream, Little River Hotglass Studio, and Cold Hollow Cider Mill. He doesn't just visit though - he gets right into production, creating his own Ben & Jerry's flavor in the test room, blowing a glass jar at Little River Hotglass, and making cider doughnuts at Cold Hollow.

These Appetite for Life. episodes are a good way to get some behind-the-scenes views of popular attractions in Vermont and elsewhere.

(c) 2009 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus Inn ]]> Sun, 30 Aug 2009 19:32:36 -0500 http://www.grunberghaus.com/blog/blog_comment.asp?bi=473 http://www.grunberghaus.com/blog/blog_comment.asp?bi=468
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 )]]> Tue, 11 Aug 2009 22:49:53 -0500 http://www.grunberghaus.com/blog/blog_comment.asp?bi=468 http://www.grunberghaus.com/blog/blog_comment.asp?bi=464

Nobody loves you as much as mom. You can give her a Mother's Day she will cherish with the gift of Vermont. Take her to a Vermont inn, restaurant, attraction, or simply a drive in the country.

If that's not possible this year, you can send Vermont to her with a Vermont Teddy Bear. They are very good at online orders and ship quickly. If you are going to travel to Vermont next weekend (Mother's Day is May 10), a tour of the Vermont Teddy Bear factory in Shelburne VT would be fun.

Vermont Teddy Bear has several pages of Mother's Day bears on its website, plus a grandmother bear too.

Make reservations soon and enjoy your day with mom.

(c) 2009 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus ]]> Sun, 03 May 2009 14:40:39 -0500 http://www.grunberghaus.com/blog/blog_comment.asp?bi=464 http://www.grunberghaus.com/blog/blog_comment.asp?bi=459
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 ]]> Thu, 30 Apr 2009 10:45:34 -0500 http://www.grunberghaus.com/blog/blog_comment.asp?bi=459 http://www.grunberghaus.com/blog/blog_comment.asp?bi=416 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 ]]> Thu, 27 Nov 2008 10:22:21 -0500 http://www.grunberghaus.com/blog/blog_comment.asp?bi=416 http://www.grunberghaus.com/blog/blog_comment.asp?bi=412

Somehow, long ago, the tradition of having super sales during deer season got started in VT. If you live here, you know what I mean. You see newspaper advertisements addressed to "deer season widows" whose husbands are off in the woods in pursuit of deer. The deer hunting season in this state is huge, and so is this kick off to the shopping season.

There are two super sales that you might be interested in as destinations or stop offs while traveling in Vermont this weekend.

One of the biggest sales is the Cabot Hosiery Company ("Darn Tough") annual sale in Northfield VT, just a few minutes drive from the state capital of Montpelier. The company has been holding this sale for 29 years and it is a big one. Cabot Hosiery makes socks for both indoor and outdoor wear. I plan to go tomorrow and load up on Merino wool socks.

I went to the Black Diamond sale a few years ago and was impressed with the great prices on outdoor wear, mostly winter jackets, pants, and hats. Black Diamond, located just outside Montpelier, has excellent good quality products.

Remember the famous line: "The more your buy, the more you save!" Our economy needs you. Well, actually, it needs your money.



(c) 2008 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus Inn ]]> Fri, 21 Nov 2008 18:32:15 -0500 http://www.grunberghaus.com/blog/blog_comment.asp?bi=412 http://www.grunberghaus.com/blog/blog_comment.asp?bi=409

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 ]]> Tue, 11 Nov 2008 21:16:05 -0500 http://www.grunberghaus.com/blog/blog_comment.asp?bi=409 http://www.grunberghaus.com/blog/blog_comment.asp?bi=408

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
]]> Mon, 10 Nov 2008 20:44:26 -0500 http://www.grunberghaus.com/blog/blog_comment.asp?bi=408 http://www.grunberghaus.com/blog/blog_comment.asp?bi=399
The next leaders of the free world. God help us.

In my September 21 entry, I mentioned that the Vermont Teddy Bear Company was selling Obama and McCain teddy bears. Now that the Vice Presidential candidates have been announced, Vermont Teddy Bear has rounded out the ticket with their four bears.

I had mentioned that it would be interesting to know which bear ticket was selling the most. In fact, if you look at the company's website, you will see that several thousand people have cast their "votes." You can do the same.

I was surprised to see that the McCain/Palin ticket was winning handily by about 2:1 over the Obama/Biden team - that certainly goes counter to all the polls I have seen lately.

Visit the company's Vermont stores In Shelburne VT and Waterbury Center VT, or order online the bears of your favorite candidates and don't forget to vote on November 4.

(c) 2008 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus Inn ]]> Sat, 11 Oct 2008 22:00:58 -0500 http://www.grunberghaus.com/blog/blog_comment.asp?bi=399 http://www.grunberghaus.com/blog/blog_comment.asp?bi=384

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 ]]> Mon, 22 Sep 2008 19:57:50 -0500 http://www.grunberghaus.com/blog/blog_comment.asp?bi=384 http://www.grunberghaus.com/blog/blog_comment.asp?bi=383
Did they have to make the ears stick out so much for the bear on the left? At least the bear on the right does not have age spots.

Who is the best bear to take on a bear of a job? You decide '08 . . . vote by purchasing the Obama Bear or the McCain Bear at Vermont Teddy Bear.

I imagine the company is keeping track of which one sells the most but they don't say anything on their website about releasing the results. It would be an interesting poll.

You can stop in their headquarters store in Shelburne VT, a few miles south of Burlington. You can also tour the factory there. The website link has information about tour and store hours.

VT Teddy Bear also has a store in Waterbury Center VT which has a full selection of bears and costumes plus a Pajama Gram outlet store where you can often find some very good bargains.

If you aren't traveling to Vermont before the election, you can order online of course and put your candidate on display for all to see - much more attention-getting than a bumper sticker or lapel pin.

I hope your candidate wins but, if not, you can curl up with your "best candidate" bear to comfort you through the next four years.

(c) 2008 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus Inn







]]> Sun, 21 Sep 2008 20:37:22 -0500 http://www.grunberghaus.com/blog/blog_comment.asp?bi=383 http://www.grunberghaus.com/blog/blog_comment.asp?bi=351

I've written Vermont Travel Notes entries about Stephen Huneck's unique dog chapel in St. Johnsbury VT as well as his artwork and galleries around the state (the newest is in Stowe). His whimsical and sometimes touching artwork is very popular with dog owners all over the world. As a result, he has received publicity in a large number of places, the most recent being CNN and its website. The article is entitled "Doggy Disneyland draws animals, owners by the pack" and it's a good description of Stephen, his artwork, and his 175 acre farm with widely known dog chapel. It's quite a structure, requiring an expenditure of several hundred thousand dollars, and well worth a visit if you are a dog lover. From our inn, it is a little over a 45 minute drive to Dog Mountain..

Another great place to visit in the St. Johnsbury area is the Fairbanks Museum. I also recommend a drive north to Lake Willoughby and then over to the area around the town of Island Pond to do some moose spotting.

(c) 2008 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus Inn ]]> Wed, 27 Feb 2008 15:15:25 -0500 http://www.grunberghaus.com/blog/blog_comment.asp?bi=351 http://www.grunberghaus.com/blog/blog_comment.asp?bi=347
Vermont's Tubbs Snow Shoes


I just received an email from my friends at Umiak Outfitters in Stowe VT that they are having their annual 30% off sale on skis, boots, snowshoes (20% on Tubbs brand) and sleds this weekend.

In addition, Umiak has a online retail store page with discounted prices plus a clearance sale page on their website you might be interested in if you can't make it to their sale.

In fact, in your travel to Vermont over the next few weeks, it's a good idea to drop into the local ski shops and outdoor outfitters to see what they have on sale. Most of these shops have their summer gear on order and their new stuff is already starting to arrive.

(c) 2008 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus Inn ]]> Fri, 22 Feb 2008 22:38:34 -0500 http://www.grunberghaus.com/blog/blog_comment.asp?bi=347 http://www.grunberghaus.com/blog/blog_comment.asp?bi=327
" 22" Flash Trolley" by Titan Luggage of Germany . . . Made with 100% polycarbonate . . . extremely lightweight and scratch-resistant, with sturdy ergonomic telescopic handles and protected exterior zippers . . . fully lined and padded . . . removable garment and toiletry cases . . . TSA approved combination lock and 4 swivel wheels" It's $475! but it will probably survive 20 years of airline abuse so that's just $24 per year: on the Luggage section of Flight 001.

Flight 001 is a website with travel related products including "luggage, carry-on, tech-to-go, packing aids, groom bags, essentials, travel i.d., wallets, jet comfort, meal service, aerotherapy, time travel, gadgets, entertainment, books, and airtunes."

I found myself spending a lot of time just looking around this website and learning about all the different products I didn't know were available.

If someone asks you what you want for the holidays, have this website bookmarked for them.

(c) 2007 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus Inn ]]> Sat, 24 Nov 2007 19:28:35 -0500 http://www.grunberghaus.com/blog/blog_comment.asp?bi=327 http://www.grunberghaus.com/blog/blog_comment.asp?bi=326

I was recently looking for travel bags and came across a site you might be interested in too. It's called Trusty Pony for no reason that I see but it has a lot of "cool stuff for travelers" as it claims.

You can find helpful items under categories such as Air, Family, Fancy, Gadgety, Girly, International, Outdoorsy, Road Trip, Sporty, Urban, Warm-weather, Luggage & Bags, Body, Books & Guides, and Gifts.

There are countless worthwhile and clever items that you can use even when you are not traveling. Give it a look - you'll probably see something of use to you or someone you know (think holiday shopping).

(c) 2007 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus Inn
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Baked Beads is a jewelry manufacturer a few miles down the road from us in Waitsfield VT. Each year on Columbus Day weekend they hold a clearance sale where you can get prices below wholesale. Look for their big tent on Route 100 in Waitsfield in front of the Big Picture Movie Theater. The sale runs three days, October 5 - 7, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Their product line includes earrings, bracelets, necklaces, rings, hair accessories, scarves, belts, beads, and eyeglass chains.

If you can't be here for this sale, you can sign up for their email newsletter about future sales and online specials.

Here is a list of their coming clearance sales in other cities:

BARRINGTON, RHODE ISLAND
November 2-3, 2007 • Friday-Saturday • 10am-5pm
June 2008 • Friday-Saturday • 10am-5pm
The White Church

MARBLEHEAD, MASSACHUSETTS
November 9-10, 2007 • Friday-Saturday • 10am-5pm
The Masonic Lodge

SARATOGA SPRINGS, NEW YORK
November 29-December 1, 2007 • Thursday 2-9pm • Friday 10am-5pm • Saturday 10am-2pm
The Arts Center

ESSEX JUNCTION, VERMONT
December 6-8, 2007 • Thursday-Friday 10am-8pm • Saturday 10am-5pm
Champlain Valley Exposition

SO. YARMOUTH, MASSACHUSETTS
DENNIS-YARMOUTH GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY TEAM
December 14-15, 2007 • Friday-Saturday • 10am-5pm
Howard Lodge

(c) 2007 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus
]]> Sun, 30 Sep 2007 20:53:20 -0500 http://www.grunberghaus.com/blog/blog_comment.asp?bi=289 http://www.grunberghaus.com/blog/blog_comment.asp?bi=246

To celebrate the Women's Fed Cup tennis event and a new gallery opening in Stowe this weekend, Vermont artist Stephen Huneck has created a new dog work called "Ball Boy."

You can order a "Ball Boy" giclee as a Black, Yellow or Chocolate Lab at the new Stowe Stephen Huneck gallery or online.

The new gallery in Stowe has its opening Friday July 13. It is located in the middle of the village near the intersection of Routes 100 and 108. Look for the sculpture of a Lady with Labs. Artist Stephen Huneck will be there with gallery owners Patty and David Jaqua to sign his books and artwork. Dogs are always invited in the gallery and there will be treats for them as well.

About an hour's drive from Stowe is Stephen's unique dog chapel, located on a farm called Dog Mountain just outside St. Johnsbury VT (a great town to visit too). All are welcome. As the sign outside says, "All creeds, all breeds." It is a beautiful little church complete with pews and stained glass windows and, more important to the dogs, plenty of room outside to run and play, plus a pond for swimming and fetching.

There is a map on the Dog Mountain website but it's a little hard to read the name of the road. The Dog Chapel is located at 143 Parks Road, off Spaulding Road which you can see better on this Google map.


"I wanted to build a chapel, one that celebrated the spiritual bond we have with our dogs" - Stephen Huneck

(c) 2007 Jeff Connor except Stephen Huneck artwork and photograph which are copyrighted by the artist]]> Thu, 12 Jul 2007 19:57:34 -0500 http://www.grunberghaus.com/blog/blog_comment.asp?bi=246 http://www.grunberghaus.com/blog/blog_comment.asp?bi=89
We have had a number of our inn's guests ask about outlet stores. There are two outlet "malls" in Vermont. One is in Manchester VT in the southwestern part of the state and the other is in Essex Junction VT, just a little outside Burlington in the northern part of the state,

There are 36 stores that make up Manchester Designer Outlets . In my opinion, this is a very nice shopping experience because it's not a mall setup but a grouping of attractive shops in a village setting. The Manchester area is well known as being a "high dollar" destination with luxury lodging and restaurants. These shops are of the same caliber.

The Essex Shoppes is a mall near Burlington with 26 stores, an eight screen cinema, and six restaurants. We recently ate there at the Tiny Thai and enjoyed a very good quality meal at low prices. If you go to the Essex Shoppes website, don't overlook the discount vouchers page under Additional Links at the top right of the Shoppes page.

(c) 2007 Jeff Connor

]]> Wed, 17 Jan 2007 20:52:48 -0500 http://www.grunberghaus.com/blog/blog_comment.asp?bi=89