Ever wonder about those little huts out on the ice around Vermont? Well, beside creating a great “Norman Rockwell” backdrop at our Vermont Inn, they are used by ice fishermen to keep warm and dry. A few days ago Tim headed out on the ice with our friend Doug, who operates a small local outdoor adventure guide service, to learn a bit about the basics of ice fishing.
Watch as Doug explains the simple equipment you will need to ice fish, as well as shares some tips for an enjoyable experience on the ice.
The Retreat Meadows is a very popular ice fishing spot in Brattleboro, and is luckily located just behind our bed and breakfast. We are happy to make reservations with Doug at Brattleboro Outdoors if you would like to borrow an ice shanty for the day, or have a guided afternoon of ice fishing (or other outdoor activities). Of course, we hope that if you are heading to Vermont, you will stay with us here at Forty Putney Road!
The Cotton Mill is an old mill in Brattleboro, Vermont that has been converted into studio space for artist and performers. The first weekend in December the Cotton Mill opens to the public with demonstrations and art for sale, just in time to pick up some great holiday gifts. Since the space is not usually open to the public, many of the pieces of art you see in this video can be purchased at the shops downtown including Gallery in the Woods and The Artisan Design.
If you would like to contact these artist directly please find their information below:
And for information on Brattleboro and the surrounding area, please keep an eye on our website InnBrattleboro.com or spend some time with us at our inn, Forty Putney Road Bed and Breakfast here in Brattleboro Vermont. Thanks for watching!
The Keene Pumpkin Festival in Keene, New Hampshire is the kind of event you have to see to believe. Last year the total pumpkin count was 25,644. This year even more are expected on October 17th when folks from all around bring their customized pumpkins to Keene for the 17th annual pumpkin festival.
The jack-o-lanterns line the streets of downtown Keene, set up on huge scaffolds. At night they are even illuminated, creating a spectacular glow of pumpkin colored light into the night. This event, like any good fall festival, is complete with craft and art vendors, live music and entertainment, fireworks and of course lots of great food (last year Tim unsuccessfully tried to eat his weight in cider donuts).
So carve your pumpkin and take it to the Keene Pumpkin Festival! Help them reach their world record goal this year of 29,000 pumpkins – topping their old world record which was just short of that. For lots of information about the festival and a schedule of this years event, check out www.pumpkinfestival.org.
I am all about spending a sunny summer day outside as you can see from the video above. One of my favorite leisurely outdoor activities is tubing on the West River in Southern Vermont. The best part is the tube rental and the river are located very close to our Bed and Breakfast. The West River is great for tubing as it is not too deep, the water is moving at a good speed, and it offers variety. In some spots you are just floating along while in others you are gently bumping your way through the large smooth river rocks. What a relaxing way to spend a hot summer day.
If you are planning a trip to Brattleboro and you choose to stay with us here at Forty Putney Road B&B, we can help you with your tubing adventure. We will direct you to the tube rental (Vermont Canoe Touring Center 802-257-5008) to pick up a tub and life jacket, you can follow us in your car to the ending point where you will leave your car, we will then drive you and your tubes to the launch site. The launch site is located at the West Dummerston Covered Bridge this trip will take you about 2 hours depending on the speed of the current. Then all you have to do is float down the river and get out at the nearby swimming hole where your car will be parked. What do you need to bring? We suggest water shoes and sunscreen. You will find beach towels at our B&B that you can borrow. So cool off this summer in a tube on the West River – and at Forty Putney Road B&B!
There is a movement across America to begin purchasing products that are made locally. Whole Foods, food cooperatives and local grocers have gained serious popularity in the last few years.
I think people are moving this direction for several reasons. One reason is certainly the recent contamination scares from imported produce. This year it was salmonella in tomatoes (but really they meant peppers) and don’t forget that last year it was scallions. Of course, I also think Americans are more health conscious then ever before and they are looking for organic choices for their families. I am reminded of the line in the Counting Crows song:
Farmer, farmer, put away your DDT, I don’t care about spots on my apples leave me the birds and the bees…please.
Of course for me personally, it is mostly about supporting my small commuity and the people in it.
Here in Brattleboro (and I would venture to say most of Vermont) there is a strong showing of support for the fellow “little guy”. It’s awesome to be able to support the local economy and eat wonderful locally produced produce – and the easiest way to do both is at the Brattleboro Farmers Market.
The market is held every Saturday between 9am – 2pm (there’s a smaller version on Wednesdays as well). Set outdoors on a great sliver of land with a covered bridge in the distance and next to the oldest house in Brattleboro, the Brattleboro Farmers Market is a must see for anyone visitng the area.
Some of my favorite vendors include True North Granola (which we offer here at Forty Putney Road B&B), Pottery Works (where my sister got her wedding china), and Dutton Farm. I just can not get enough of Dutton Farms herbs, flowers and fresh produce. You can also find hand made jewelry, homemade jams, breads, and pastries. Be sure to save room for lunch as you will find stand after stand of Thai, Mexican, Indian, South African and more. We are huge Anon’s Thai fans and find that the farmers market is the ideal setting to enjoy their great Thai food. Of course its all topped off with occasional live music, great people and some pretty killer lemonade…
If you are looking to visit the farmers market, it is located near the Creamery Bridge in Brattleboro Vermont. It’s open from 9am – 2pm on Saturdays from May through October. Wednesdays they move a small version of the market into the Brattleboro Food Co-Op parking lot as well, for the same hours.
Of course, the farmers market is just one of the great things to do around Brattleboro. We hope that you will spend a night or two at our beautiful Vermont Inn and we will be glad to share some more of Brattleboro’s treasures with you.
Dutton Berry Farm has three locations in Southern Vermont. They sell a wide variety of wonderful fresh fruits, vegetables, homemade fudge and jams. Some even have a full bakery with homemade soups. Last year we even get our Inns Christmas Tree there.
Of course, Dutton Berry Farm still has plenty of berry’s – which of course are where it all started. The owner Paul grew up in Southern Vermont on a Dairy Farm. He pursued his education in Agriculture and gained hands-on training in Michigan while working on some berry farms. In the early 1980’s he moved back to Vermont, married his wife Wendy, and they opened their first farm stand. In the mid to late 1980’s they purchased their first “Duttton Berry Farm” and stand in Newfane, VT (still open today). By the early 1990’s they purchased their second location an orchard in West Brattleboro and then yet another farm stand in Manchester, VT. Just this past year they built a brand (and quite beautiful if I may say) new farm stand at their West Brattleboro location.
Don’t want someone else selecting your berries for you? Picking your own fruit is a great way to spend a summer day here in Vermont. Dutton Berry Farm offers Strawberry and Raspberry picking seasonally from 7am – 7pm. Strawberry season runs from about June 15 – July 15 and Raspberry season runs from mid July through early September. Berry picking is one of my personal favorite summer time activities. I love using the fresh picked berries in our scrumptious breakfasts like my Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed French Toast.
Dutton Berry Farm stands are located on Route 30 in Newfane, Route 9 in West Brattleboro, and in Manchester, VT. Hours vary seasonally. Dutton Berry Farm products can also be found at the Brattleboro Farmer’s Market every Wednesday and Saturday from May – October.
