Coming from New Jersey, there really aren’t all that many “hot” days in Brattleboro.  Of course, when the thermometer does climb, there are some perks to living in Southern Vermont?  One is the luxury and serenity of a nice dip in the river.  There is nothing more refreshing then a swim in a nice cool fresh water river.  One of our guests’ most frequently asked questions is “where are the swimming holes?”.  Well, the great part (OK, one of the great parts) about Vermont is that swimming holes can be found almost anywhere along a river.

Almost all Vermont waterways are clean and beautiful and perfect for swimming, though some spots are better (and safer) then others.  The sure way to find yourself a decent swimming hole is to drive along any river or stream and look for other cars parked along the side of the road.  Chances are that if you pull over and park you will find some folks frolicking in the water nearby.  Some of the closest swimming holes to our Vermont Bed and Breakfast are along the scenic West River.  One nice example is just about 3 miles north of Grafton Cheese Company on the right hand side of Route 30.  This spot has a nice gravel parking area and is shallow but rocky.  The water is cool and clean and there is even a small sandy area to stretch out and sunbathe.  Of course, you’ll find plenty of other nice spots along Route 30 as well.

If you are looking for the quintessential Vermont experience and a great secluded spot with picturesque views then I would suggest checking out The Ledges or Timber Crib Dam.  The Ledges is located on the Harriman Reservoir and is best know for its clothing-optional status.  The Ledges (as the spot is referred to) offer sandy beaches and big, flat rocks at the water’s edge as well as some rocks to jump from.  Timber Crib Dam is one of the most beautiful of any of the swimming holes we have yet to find and is even a National Historic Site.  At Timber Crib Dam you are swimming above and below the picturesque Green River Covered Bridge.  For directions to these two great swimming holes check out our “Warm Weather Outdoor Activity Guide.”

Some quick tips for swimming – Remember that you will likely be walking on a rocky river bed so water shoes are a great idea.  Also remember that we moved to Vermont to get away from the boise, litter and polution of New Jersey, so please do your part to help us keep this state as beautiful as you find it.  Be sure to take all of your trash with you and respect the water and your neighbors.

As a kid (or even an adult) did you ever dream about running away to join the circus?  Didn’t we all.  Of course, if you really wanted to run away to join a circus you’d better do some work on developing your performance skills.  As luck would have it you can do that right here in Brattleboro, Vermont at the New England Center for Circus Arts.

This school was established in 2003 by identical twins Elsie Smith and Serenity Smith Forchion.  Elsie and Serenity are world renowned circus performers.  They spent four years with Cirque du Soleil’s Saltimbanco and performed with Ringling Bros., Barnum and Baily’s Circus and well as many other top circus companies.  As performers they present a duo trapeze and duo fabric act, as well as various solos on aerial apparatus.  Serenity also performs a partner hand balancing act with her husband, Bill Forchion.  Elsie and Serenity have spent many years teaching and choreographing throughout the world.

At Forty Putney Road Bed and Breakfast we have had the honor of meeting some of their students from all across America.  Some of our guests attending the school have specialized in contortion and trapeze. However, the classes at the New England Center for Circus Arts have a broad range of offerings and appeal. Classes include fixed trapeze, aerial fabric, flying trapeze, acrobatics, dance, Pilates, yoga, clowning, stilting, and juggling.  So if you are into building strength & flexibility, poise, self-confidence and creative self expression – well and of course having fun – then perhaps Circus School is for you.

Then again, if you are like me,  perhaps you can just appreciate others as they perform (Check out performance dates of their company Nimble Arts).  Either way the New England Center for Circus Arts is just one more thing that makes our little town of Brattleboro so unique, vibrant and just a little off center.  If you would like more information about the New England Center for Circus Arts check out their website at necenterforcircusarts.org.  Of course, if you do decide to try your hand at trapeze or stilting, we hope that you will stay at our lovely Brattleboro Vermont B&B and share your good times with us!

Brattleboro is a lively little town celebrating the arts whenever possible.  This past Tuesday Tim and I were sitting out on the back patio chatting with some guests over a cold drink when we heard some great music coming from the park.  We strolled down the block to see what was going on and settled into a blank on the grass.  We had stumbled onto a brassy band, Jazzberry Jam, playing a mix of swing music and big band numbers.   Turns out that throughout the month of July the Brattleboro Recreation Department organizes Tuesday Concerts on the Common. The Common is the park located just 2 blocks from Forty Putney Road’s front door, just north of downtown.  The Recreation Department even had 25 cent lemonades for sale along with some popcorn. All together a great way to spend a relaxed Tuesday evening.  We will certainly be back for the rest in the series.

We invite you to join us for the upcoming concerts on Tuesdays at 7pm on the Common:

• July 15th Easy Street
• July 22st Peter Miles
• July 29th Dave Rowe Trio
• August 5th American Legion Band

On Thursday, July 17th there is a different musical event on the Common it is called Summer Park Bands. This event is like an “Open Mike” night for bands and other local musicians.  We are looking forward to seeing more great free concerts just steps from the door of our Brattleboro Inn.  We hope to see you there!