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. In this quick video we take a look at some of the artist studios and offerings in the Cotton Mill during the 2009 open studio sale.

From their release:

Where can you go to see potters, glass blowers, circus performers, musicians, painters, candlemakers, jam makers, jewelers, booksellers, dancers and more all under one roof, all while you get your holiday shopping done?

Announcing the 13th Annual Cotton Mill Open Studio and Holiday Sale at the historic Cotton Mill building in Brattleboro,VT.

Admission and parking are free.

2011 Time & Dates:
Friday, December 2 – 10 am to 7 pm
Saturday, December 3 – 10 am to 6 pm
Sunday, December 4 – 10 am to 5 pm

Location:
76 Cotton Mill Hill – Brattleboro, VT

This once-a-year celebration features the work of many artists and artisans and promises something of interest for all ages. Walk away with handmade crafts, candles, candy, handmade jewelry, freshly made Jam, garden sculpture, cool books and so much more. Meet the artisans in their studios as you find beautifully handcrafted gifts for the holiday season.
Explore a diverse array of entertainment and artist demonstrations. There will be trapeze and dance, glassblowing, ceramics, woodworking, painting, film, a free raffle and more.

This once-a-year celebration features the work of many artists and artisans and promises something of interest for all ages. Explore a diverse array of entertainment and craft work, from live music, demos, trapeze and dance to blown glass, ceramics, woodworking, painting, film, bodyworks, toys, a free raffle and more. Meet the artisans in their studios as you find beautifully handcrafted gifts for the holiday season and enjoy live music, entertainment and demonstrations.

Even if you miss the open studio, 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 the artists in this video directly please find their information below:

Natalie Blake Studios
802-254-9761

T. Breeze Verdant
Marquetry & Inlay
802-258-9820

Solinglass
802-251-0389

If you would like to contact any of the performers in this video please find their information below:

Luminz Dance Studio
802-254-9200

John Hughes Music

And for information on Brattleboro and the surrounding area, please keep an eye on our website InnBrattleboro.com or spend a night with us at our Brattleboro Vermont B&B. Thanks for watching!

We always describe the uniquely odd (in a good way) Brattleboro culture, but Twice Upon a Time makes the case more so than any other store. It’s not just merchandise, but keepsakes, antique furniture, jewelry, dishware, decor, clothes and “stuff” with a story, many of which came from the characters living here in southern Vermont. Vendors stalls line the isles with pieces from 1 to 100 years old. I can’t think of a better place to get a Halloween costume or a store that has such an incredible selection, anywhere, much less in downtown Brattleboro. Twice Upon A Time has giant hats for Sunday brunch (feel free to bring yours) and Fiesta Ware to match. The shelves are stocked with books, cowboy boots, kimonos, vintage ashtrays – a tough find even at the flea market.

We moved to Brattleboro to buy our inn, 40 Putney Road, after months of looking for a fun and interesting place to live. Twice Upon a Time says it all. Brattleboro’s eclectic culture can be seen all over downtown in the people, the home goods, the clothes, the shopping, the food, the books and the art and architecture. Twice Upon A Time is one of our favorite consignment shops…. in the lower 48!  Stop by downtown Brattleboro and see for yourself.

Downtown Brattleboro book stores all have their own niche and are still surviving after years of growing competition from larger, bigger budget stores. Thanks to a thriving interest in keeping it local and a large population of book enthusiast and authors, downtown Brattleboro book stores hold their ground. Some hold events, books signings and reading for all ages year round. Although each book store has its own personality, they all have a well read staff. Each store presents an enthusiastic staff, who in many cases (like Mystery on Main), have read almost every book in the store. This is what they do and they love it! These aren’t the people you want to play Trivia with, trust us. But they are the people to recommend the best books for recipes on a dime, DIY home insulating, Joe Gunther’s greatest adventure, social justice or natural birthing in your home. You name it, one of the downtown book stores carry it.

What’s your flavor? Not sure? Check out our book stores just a few blocks from our inn in downtown Brattleboro to find out for yourself.

The Book Cellar
120 Main Street, Brattleboro (802) 254-6810

Everyone’s Books
25 Elliot Street, Brattleboro (802) 254-8160

Brattleboro Books
34-36 Elliot Street, Brattleboro (802) 257-7777

Mystery On Main
119 Main Street, Brattleboro (802) 258-2211

Baskets Bookstore/Paperback Palace
48 Harmony Place, Brattleboro (802) 258-4980

If there are other book stores you think we should include, comment! We’d love the feedback.

In downtown Brattleboro, it all starts with the storefront. Regardless of the season, plants and home furnishings sit playfully on the sidewalk calling my name every time I walk by. (Tim thinks I may have a problem.) Inside sits an eclectic mix of quirky garden supplies, jewelry, fashion accents pieces, books, umbrellas for a rainy day, stationary, home decor and unique gifts for your favorite ladies back at home. Some of my favorites are the showers curtains and scarves, many of which have a bright, springy, vintage feel. And the wall clocks ……. I LOVE the wall clocks! They hang nicely lit on the side wall in orange, yellow, sea green, red and blue and make a great, unique gift for anyone who likes to mix the old and the new. The clocks are must see, but the garden section also has a flavor hard to find at your typical decor store. Not only is the presentation great, the prices are modest and the staff are friendly and helpful.

Verde’s eclectic feel fits right in with the shopping in downtown Brattleboro and the culture in southern Vermont. Whether you’re passing through or staying at our inn, drop by Verde and see for yourself. And don’t forget about the clocks!!

In addition to the basics, Sam’s Outdoor Store also carries what we like to call “survival gear”.  This isn’t just outdoor gear.  And who doesn’t need gear, right? Sam’s carries everything you need for outdoor adventures to hikingthe Green Mountains (and getting lost for a month) or climb Mount Everest. Thinking of living off the land as many enjoy doing here in Vermont? Sam’s carries fishing poles and Vermont fishinglicenses; anything guns and ammo; -40 degree sleeping bags; the strongest tick and mosquito repellent on the market; tents; anything fire; raincoats; and…. need we say more? Sounds like a manly shopping paradise all in one store.

On one occasion, “John”, a staff member here in the Brattleboro store, spent over 40 minutes seeking out a jacket for a customer to find they didn’t make the specific style they were looking for. The next day John called them directly to say they found an almost identical match. John went above and beyond and for that, we like to keep it local.

Shopping in Brattleboro isn’t just for the girls and even appeals to kids with their free popcorn.  As a side note, Sam’s has some of the best popcorn in Brattleboro (although the Latchis is a close second).  Popcorn and Patagonia fit perfect together at Sam’s. Check out Sam’s Outdoor Store in downtown Brattleboro just a short walk from our inn and check out their website for deals and steals!

First, of course, if you’re staying at our B&B, a fine gourmet breakfast and a hot cup of Mocha Joes coffee gets you started every day, not just on the rainy ones.  Amy loves to tailor her menu to the weather, preparing the perfect breakfast for the day ahead.

After breakfast, head over to Grafton Cheese,  just 1/2 mile from 40 Putney Road B&B.   Over there you’ll find artisan cheeses, fine wine, local flair, a gift shop and, of course, samples of their award winning cheeses. Next, get your umbrellas (which of course we have available for you to use) and venture downtown. Catch the latest opening at the Brattleboro Museum and Art Center and see historical exhibits and a variety of contemporary art. Stop for a cup of tea in downtown Brattleboro and get a crash course on knitting at Knit or Dye (yes, it’s even fun for the guys!) The Latchis Theater sits across the street where shows begin at 2pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Not only does the Latchis Theater have great popcorn, the 1938 historic Art Deco building was deemed a “town within a town” housing a pub, hotel, retail space and 4 theaters.

Looking for your own umbrella? Shopping in Brattleboro starts at Sam’s Outdoor store. Downtown Brattleboro storefronts are filled with unique decor shops, vintage and contemporary clothing and wouldn’t be complete without Mocha Joes coffee shop located at Main and Elliot. If it’s a cold beverage you’re after, McNeill’s and Kipling’s both sit on the edge of the downtown providing libations, specifically for those who enjoy a craft brew or two. Although many places serve lunch in Brattleboro, the dinner choices are abundant for a town of 12,000. Sit down for a brick oven pizza at Fireworks and go for dessert at Peter Haven’s.

Galleries, food and shopping in Brattleboro not your ideal idea on a rainy day? Book stores are scattered throughout downtown, all with their own flavor and unique niche. Whether it’s a coffee shop, under a pavilion overlooking the town or just lounging on the enclosed sun porch at 40 Putney Road B&B, there is a great way to spend a rainy day in Brattleboro for everyone.

That’s why I was so intrigued when a friend of mine who works in downtown Brattleboro told me I have to check out Cafe a la Cart, a brand new “upscale street cart” on Elliot Street right next door to one of our other favorites, Peter Havens.

I stopped by the bright white cart (which is more like a trailer, complete with a grill, prep station and lunch counter) last week and was immediately drawn to the colorful menu propped up against it. It soon became clear why this curbside chow stop was branded “upscale”. While the menu consisted of basic items like burgers, quesadillas, hot dogs and sausage, peppers and onions, the ingredients and preparation were anything but typical.

I went for the “Vermont Farm Burger,” made with all-natural, Vermont-raised beef. Instead of a roll, it’s served on a Portuguese muffin, a crisp and slightly sweet bun. For extra zing, chef/owner Zach Corbin-Teich adds homemade pickles that he cures himself. A fixins bar on the lunch counter is complete with the standard mustard and ketchup, plus a variety of hot sauces, relish and fresh chopped onions.

For the veg-heads, Zach, who has served as chef at several upscale Vermont restaurants over the years, includes a veggie burger on the menu. There is also an “Egg McZach” breakfast sandwich served all day.

Wherever possible, Cafe a la Cart uses fresh local ingredients, all homemade.  As innkeepers, we really appreciate that.  We do the same for our breakfasts and really try to support others who support the local farms and farmers.  The carts daily specials are always listed on a separate chalkboard (when I visited, homemade potato salad and chocolate cookies were waiting). The only drink on the menu, beside bottled water, is fresh-squeezed lemonade, squeezed to order before your eyes (soooo good). Newbies to the Cart may not notice, but there is a shaded picnic table hidden just behind it. Have a seat and relax while you eat, watching the world go by on Elliot St.

You might expect to pay upscale prices at an upscale cart, but nothing on the menu is more than $6. It’s a cash-only establishment, and Zach keeps the windows open from 11 – 5 every day but Sunday and Monday.

So if you’re thinking of coming up to visit Brattleboro this summer, make sure you stop by Cafe a la Cart.  Just a short stroll from our Brattleboro inn and the perfect spot for a casual but delicious lunch.

Whitewater Rafting is a great way to spend a hot summer day. We recently enjoyed an awesome whitewater rafting adventure with the great team down at Zoar Outdoor.  Just a short 45 minute scenic drive from our Vermont Bed and Breakfast, Zoar Outdoor is located in Clarlemont, MA.

Being new to this, we went on the beginner whitewater rafting trip called the Zoar Gap.  This trip is 10 miles of fun on the Deerfield River consisting of mainly class I and II but a small stretch of class III rapids.  That makes it perfect for all ages and skill levels.  Of course if you are a more advanced whitewater rafter they recommend you check out one of their tours down the Miller River where you can find some class IV and V rapids.

But back to our adventure, we arrived, signed in and met their fun staff.  We point that out as sometimes guided tours can be a bust solely because of the guides.  On occasion we have found that they forget that while they are experts, we are not.  The folks at Zoar really went out of their way to introduce the sport to us and got us excited about our trip, and about coming back for more.  So after a short lesson on how to use the equipment we were off getting fitted for life jackets PFDs (learned that in the lesson), helmets and oars. Then we jumped on the bus to the “put in”. Once in the water our instructor Katie began cracking a few jokes and chatted us all up so we could get to know one another better.  There were 2 other Zoar Outdoor rafts on the water with us, so when we were not navigating the rapids we found ourselves horsing around and having splash fights with the other rafts.  Just after we maneuvered our way through the most aggressive part of the journey, the class III rapids, we stopped for a homemade picnic lunch.   Lunch consisted of homemade salsa, hummus, organic lunch meat, freshly baked rolls, homemade pasta salad and cookies for dessert.  That was just the energy boost we needed to finish our trip.

Overall, we had a blast! Not only was this the perfect activity to cool off on a hot day,  but we got a little exercise and made some new friends.   So weather you are a beginner or an expert at whitewater rafting, you should check out Zoar Outdoor for a great afternoon adventure during your trip to Brattleboro.  And of course, we hope that you’ll spend the night with us at Forty Putney Road B&B!

#3 Cows are cute!

Who can resist the cute face of a cow. Not only will you see their cute faces you will see them all dressed up for the event. We are not just talking about live cows either. We are talking about paper machete cows on floats, stuffed cows on the side of the road, cow aprons, cow T-shirts, balloon cows, people dressed up like cows and finally cow scarecrows (with a political message of course…this is Brattleboro, VT after all).

#2 Not just cows?

That is correct this parade is not all about cows it is about a community joining together to celebrate local agriculture and do what we love to do here in Brattleboro… that is to parade down Main Street. According to local historians the town of Brattleboro has been parading down Main Street since the 1800’s. You will find more than just cows parading down Main Street, you will also see the kind of parade you may remember as a child. That’s right this parade has marching bands, unicyclists, stilt walkers, clubs, local businesses, men and women driving historic tractors and little cars. That’s not all…don’t forget about the circus. The local circus school will be in the parade and performing afterward.

Be sure to be here Friday night as well for a killer Gallery Walk.  Downtown will be blocked off to traffic for an awesome block party.  A stage will go up for live performances and street performers will be out in full force.

#1 Free Ice Cream and Cheese!

After the parade we stroll just a few blocks to the Brattleboro Retreat where tent after tent is set up. Each tent is serving locally made dairy products including milk, yogurt, cheese, and ice cream. The best part is it is all free…that’s right free!

Clear your schedule on June 4th and 5th (2010), book a room at Forty Putney Road Bed and Breakfast and join the festivities. This is sure to be worth the trip!

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!

For details about ice fishing in Vermont, you can check out BrattleboroOutdoors.com.