This weekend marked the official re-opening of the Harris Hill Ski Jump here in Brattlebro, Vermont. The jump is the only 90 meter ski jump in New England and one of only six in the USA of this size and caliber. The jump had closed in 2005 and needed significant repair work to reopen. But with the support of the local and even international community, they were able to complete an extensive renovation of the jump and returned the site to a first-class venue in the sport of ski jumping. Harris Hill is a symbol of pride for the Brattleboro community and throughout the Northeast.

We had never been to a ski jump competition, and didn’t know what to expect. Even though we can see the jump from our back yard, it is truly impressive to stand at the bottom of the slope and look up at the jumpers as they fly down the ramp and into the air. Many traveled 90 meters or more, with some even breaking into the triple digits.

Overall it was an impressive display and another cool event hosted by the amazing Brattleboro community. Check out the video (the first we have done for this blog – so its a work in progress!). And of course, if you are headed to Brattleboro for this or any of the other great events in the area, look us up at Forty Putney Road B&B for a great place to stay.

For more information about the ski jump visit the Harris Hill Ski Jump website.

Gallery Walk in downtown Brattleboro, Vermont is the perfect evening for the art lovers out there.  Gallery Walk is held on the first Friday of every month and includes art exhibits in over 50 locations around town.  Gallery Walk is one of the reasons that Brattleboro was named a top 10 small art town by acclaimed author John Villani in his book “The 100 Best Art Towns in America”.  No surprise as our quaint town is home to many artist and art lovers alike.

So how does Gallery Walk work?  You should start by getting a copy of the Gallery Walk booklet, if you are staying with us at Forty Putney Road B&B we will have one here waiting for you, if not they can be found at many locations downtown.  The booklet contains a map with over 50 locations including restaurants, galleries, etc that will be displaying artists work and will be open to the public the first Friday of the month.  Each of the businesses downtown showing an artist has a large bright colored number in the window.  This number corresponds to a number in the Gallery Walk book which provides descriptions of the artists and the work that they are showing.

Gallery Walk makes for a great night out and downtown is often bustling with activity on the Friday of the Walk.  Turn it into an evening.  Make a reservation at one of the great restaurants downtown for dinner and before or after you can stroll through downtown Brattleboro wandering into the various exhibiting locations.  Chances are good that even the restaurant you eat at will be showing someones work.  Some locations will be playing live music and others will have refreshments set up.  In most cases you will even have the opportunity to speak to the artist themselves.  Of course the art is exhibited all month long, but with the artists on hand and the energy of the First Friday – Gallery Walk is the ideal time to see whats new.

Gallery Walk is just one more reason we love Brattleboro.  If you plan to go, check out the Gallery Walk website for more information.  Of course, be sure to also check out our beautiful Brattleboro Inn just a short walk to downtown and all of the Gallery Walk activity.  We look forward to seeing you!