Tim and I took a trip over there with some friends this past Saturday night for their double feature of WALL-E and Iron Man.  Opened in 1948 and one of the oldest Drive Ins in New England, the Northfield Drive in plays movies Friday - Sunday nights.  Always 2 and occasionally 3 or more movies are played in a row on remarkably preserved equipment and screens from 60 years ago.

Having grown up just minutes from the first drive-in movie theater in America, established 75 years ago in Camden, New Jersey; this trip to Northfield brought back wonderful memories of my childhood.  I was 6 years old the last time I saw a movie at the drive-in, it was Superman.  My sister and I would wear our feety PJs and fall asleep in the back of the big orange Volkswagen Bus my parents used to have.  I am sure it made for a great date night for them.

Now 25 years later Tim and I were able to have our own old school date night at the drive-in.  We packed up the car with blankets, pillows, our camping chairs, and bug spray.  We curled up in the back of the Rav4, turned on the radio to the designated station and had a blast watching WALL-E and Iron Man (OK so I admit, I slept through Iron Man - but it was 10:30 and that’s past my bedtime).

One of the highlights of the Northfield Drive-In is their awesome retro snack bar.  From corn dogs to ice cream, it was like walking back in time.  I will say, one pleasant surprise was that the prices were very reasonable.  Tim had a couple of corn dogs, I had some chicken fingers and with two drinks we paid under $20! Fun and affordable.

Another excellent retro touch were the original intros and snack bar commercials, which I am guessing are from the 50’s or 60’s.  Completely cool and corny at the same time.

Overall, this was probably one of the most original dates Tim and I have ever been on, we are certain to be back.

The Northfield Drive In is located in (you guessed it) Northfield New Hampshire.  It is about 15 minutes from our lovely Vermont Inn and runs movies starting at around 8:30 all summer long.  The full schedule and details can be found on their website.

There are many benefits to taking the Vermonter.  The first is your vacation begins the moment you get on the train.  No traffic, no chaotic terminals and transfers and if you take off your shoes on this trip, it will be on your own terms…  Just park your car, climb on board and let the relaxing begin.

Sit back and read a book, put on you headphones and listen to some music or bring your laptop and catch up on your movie watching or that TV series you missed last year.  The chairs are large and comfortable, they recline and they even have a foot rest.   The coach seating on the Vermonter beats most airlines first class. There is a snack car which serves beer and wine at very reasonable prices as well as sandwiches, even hamburgers and pizza.  One very important tip however, is that while the snack car is a great place to grab a drink, I really can’t recommend the food.  The only decent thing I have found on the menu is the cheese plate (prepackaged cheese and crackers).  Your best bet is to pack a lunch or pick up some sandwiches before you get on the train.

By taking the Vermonter you can avoid all of the stress associated with driving.  No traffic, searching for restrooms, arguments about directions, or wrong turns.  Best of all, you will arrive at your destination already relaxed rather than spending your whole first day recovering from your drive.  If you book early, your tickets may even cost less than the gas it would take to fill your tank (A ticket from Philadelphia to Brattleboro will run you about $55).  This is a savings for you and the environment, and we all love a win - win.

If you are worried about how you will get around while you are here in Brattleboro, relax.  The train station is downtown and only about 8 blocks away from our beautiful Vermont Inn.  We are happy to swing down and pick our guests up at the train.  And of course, if you decide that you have to leave our amazing town, we will even drop you back off.

Brattleboro is a very pedestrian friendly town and our location will put you in the heart of so many things to do in walking distance.  You can walk to and enjoy everything from hiking, bike rentals, canoe and kayak rentals, shopping and dining.  If you are not much for walking than give Brattleboro Taxi a call, they are sure to get you where you want to go.  So when you are making your vacation plans or your plans to see the Fall Foliage, take a look at the Vermonter and arrive at Forty Putney Road Bed and Breakfast without all of the stress of travel.

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.

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.

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!

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!

For the kids and animal lovers of all ages out there you enjoy the Retreat Petting farm which is located just out front.  This is a must stop if you are visiting or driving through Brattleboro.  Conviniently located just around the corner from our Vermont Bed and Breakfast, on Route 30 opposite the Retreat Meadow.

What does the Brattleboro Food Co-op have to do with Forty Putney Road Bed and Breakfast? Well I am a working member of the Brattleboro Food Co-op which in addition to giving back to a great local place also gives us a 10% discount. Tim and I are very interested in supporting our local farmers and other producers and the co-op makes that easy to do. I love the fact that I am using locally made cheeses and locally grown produce at each breakfast. It is lots of fun trying interesting ingredients and unique juices for breakfast. We invite you to join us in supporting the Brattleboro Food Co-op and all of the people and producers that make it so special.

Flat Street Pub is the “Cheers” of Brattleboro. Locals and tourist alike can find a comfortable place to sit and great conversation here. Be sure to say hello to the great staff including bartenders Martha (shown in photo), Amy and Justin as well as server Hope. They will all take great care of you. If you are looking to strike up a conversation with one of the locals the best way to identify them is by their glass mug. Yes, Flat Street Pub has a mug club. In the last photo you will find a some of these mug club members.

So pull up a seat…let everyone know your name…at Flat Street!

For those interested in visitng:

The Newfane Flea Market is open from 6am through about 2 pm on Sundays only. It is located a short and beautiful scenic ride up Route 30 (about 15 minutes from our Brattleboro Vermont Inn). Just north of the town center, the market comes up on your right hand side. Parking and admission is free and plentiful and food is available. No pets are permitted on the grounds.