Vermont Travel Notes

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

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

(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

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)

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

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