Vermont Travel Notes

Close behind the end of foliage, winter seems to be rushing in this year in contrast to last year when the slacker did not show up until mid January. There has been natural snowfall on the mountain ridges lately and I've read of several ski areas already making snow. It won't be long. I also read that Killington is going to open tomorrow but frankly, they're just playing around for press coverage and bragging rights as having the longest season in the East.

Here is a listing from Ski Vermont with projected openings for Vermont ski areas this year:

Killington Resort: Opened for pass holders October 13-14, Full opening day expected early November
Stowe Mountain Resort: Saturday, November 17
Sugarbush Resort: Saturday, November 17
Okemo Mountain Resort: Saturday, November 17
Stratton Mountain: Wednesday, November 21
Mount Snow Resort: Wednesday, Nov 21 (11/17 if possible)
Smugglers’ Notch Resort: Friday, November 23
Bromley Mountain: Friday, November 23
Burke Mountain: Friday, November 23
Jay Peak Resort: Saturday, November 24
Bolton Valley: Saturday, December 8
Middlebury College Snow Bowl: Friday, December 14
Magic Mountain: Saturday, December 15 (12/8 if possible)
Mad River Glen: Saturday, December 15 (earlier if possible)
Pico Mountain: Saturday, December 15

Ski Vermont has a Facebook page too.

Vermont Restaurant Week starts today, April 29, and runs through May 5, 2011

Vermont's annual restaurant week is a great way to eat at some of the state's best restaurants at a deep discount. The event, organized by Seven Days newspaper, includes dozens of restaurants with prix-fixe menus showcasing their chefs’ greatest dishes. Each meal(appetizer, entree´ and dessert) is priced at $15, $25 or $35 per person. Moreover, ten percent of the proceeds from event will be donated to the Vermont Foodbank.

This is a very popular event featuring very popular restaurants, so reservations are a good idea.

To find participating restaurants, go to the Seven Days Restaurant Week web page and find the red box with the "Choose a Restaurant" headline on the right side of the web page. I did not count all the restaurants but it looks like more than 75 are participating and they range in location from Middlebury to St. Albans. You can find the list here.

The event has a Facebook
page too if you would like to check news during the week.

Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus

I saw this photo on Bolton Valley Resort's Facebook page and had to share it. Today is "Santa Skis or Rides Free Day" at Bolton - everyone who wore a Santa costume got a free pass for the day.

And it's a beautiful day here with sunshine and temperatures in the mid 20's. Last week we had light to medium snowfalls every day adding several inches each time. I think all the local ski areas, with the exception of Mad River Glen, have been operating for a while and it seems like each day they announce more trail openings.

The two best websites for information on Vermont skiing and snow boarding are Ski Vermont and the Ski Maven blog.

Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus

There is a fun, new YouTube video about Dog Mountain's 2010 fall festival in Saint Johnsbury VT. Stephan Huneck, artist and founder of Dog Mountain and its famous Dog chapel, passed away earlier this year so all the events from now on are in part memorials to his life and work.

Coincidentally, Frog Hollow gallery in Burlington is currently staging a Stephan Huneck exhibit through the end of this month. It features Huneck's prints, sculptures and books including a posthumously printed book entitles "Even Bad Dogs Go To Heaven" and even a replica of Dog Chapel.

Frog Hollow is the Vermont State Craft Center and features works from 250 Vermont artisans. It's located at 85 Church Street in Burlington. Their summer hours are still listed on the website but it should be open most days during winter. You can call (802) 863-6458 for details.

Both Dog Mountain and Frog Hollow also have Facebook pages.

All dog lovers should plan a visit to Dog Mountain located just outside Saint Johnsbury Vermont. It's open seven days a week year around and has festivals each year. For your GPS, plug in the address: 143 Parks Road, Saint Johnsbury, VT, 05819

Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus

Shelburne Vineyard's Autumn Wine and Food Festival will be held tomorrow, Saturday, November 13 from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm.

There will be free wine tastings, live jazz performances, and local food products from VT Smoke and Cure, Cavendish Game Birds, Olivia’s Croutons, VT Creamery, Shelburne Farms, Fat Toad Farms, Red Hen Bakery, Bread & Butter Farm, Daily Chocolate and Shelburne Kitchen.

Wine tasting includes Shelburne Vineyard, Eden Ice Cider, Artesano Mead and East Shore Vineyards.

This event is a benefit for the Chittenden Emergency Food Shelf. Visitors are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food donation and enter a raffle to win food and wine prizes.

Shelburne Vineyards is located south of Burlington VT on Shelburne Road between Shelburne Museum and the VT Teddy Bear factory.

Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus

Shelburne Farms Coach Barn

28th Annual Quilt Show: Homage to Grandmother
Saturday October 30, 2010 10 to 5
Sunday October 31, 2010 10 to 4
Shelburne Farms Coach Barn

The Champlain Valley Quilters will be hosting their 2010 quilt show in the Coach Barn
at Shelburne Farms, Shelburne, Vermont, Harbor Road off Route 7. There will be quilt
displays, merchants, a silent auction, quilt raffle, handmade crafts, and special exhibits
and demonstrations.Lunch and refreshments will be available. Free parking; admission is $6.

Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus