Vermont Travel Notes

We're always very happy to share our recipes here at the Grunberg Haus. In fact, some of our recipes were handed down by the previous owners 11 years ago when we bought the inn, others we brought with us, and still others we've come across while searching for new ideas to offer our guests. So we don't jealously guard our recipes and instead freely pass them along for others to enjoy.


One person we shared a recipe with has written about it on her blog called A Mom Named Mindy (sadly no longer online). The recipe is very easy so give it a whirl and perhaps you will fall in love with applesauce pancakes as much as Mindy has!

Two quick notes: the lemon juice may not seem important but the acidity is what gives the pancakes their "body" and helps them brown properly. Another trick we use here is full flavored Grade A Dark Amber Vermont maple syrup.

Thanks Mindy! We hope to see you again some day.

Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus

The Vermont Department of Tourism is giving away $100 in a weekly drawing that you can enter online. It only takes a minute to answer about 12 survey questions and you're entered to win a $100 gas card. Nowhere else will pay you anything let alone a hundred dollars a minute!

[But wait, there's more! We'll even throw in beautiful scenery like the one above!]

Jeff Connor Grunberg Haus

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

Okemo's "Timber Ripper" coaster is a few weeks late in opening because it was so complicated to build but it's completed now and scheduled to open tomorrow, Dec 23.

The fastest $13 you'll ever spend! . . .



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