Vermont Travel Notes

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.

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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

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

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, 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 matinée Saturday, September 29 at 2:00.

(c) 2007 Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus

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

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