With Halloween approaching, I put together this quick video to showcase some of the spooky side of Brattleboro.  This video takes you on a quick tour of the  Retreat Cemetery and Retreat Tower as well as Madam Cherie’s “Castle”.  Each of these sites has a “haunted” history and several sources mention ghost sightings.   Best of all, each of these places are a short walk from our Brattleboro Vermont Inn.   Check out each of our individual posts for details (some are still coming, so be sure to keep an eye on our site or follow us on Twitter to get the updates) about the locations, and enjoy this quick look at the haunted side of Brattleboro – if you dare…

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!

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.

There are so many great things to do in and around Brattleboro.  If you are like us, we sometimes obsess over trying to figure out a “plan” when we travel.  So for those who want a plan, and for others who may just be wondering what there is to do around Brattleboro, we have now put together a sample itinerary of a great trip to Brattleboro Vermont.

Our sample covers a 5 night stay (we could have gone on even longer!) but combines a fun mix of outdoors, arts, entertainment, dining and of course some relaxing too.  You can check out what we have put together on our Inn website under the “Our Area” tab.

If you are from Vermont, or have any suggestions for the itinerary, we would love to hear your thoughts!  Leave us a comment or send us an email.  Let’s make it easy and fun for people to choose Brattleboro as their summer getaway!

Of course, we hope you’ll stay with us at Forty Putney Road Bed and Breakfast when you do take the trip to Vermont!

The town of Newfane, Vermont and the Newfane Country Store are located approximately 15 minutes northwest of Brattleboro on Route 30.  Downtown Newfane is picturesque, the quintessential New England town.   The stately and beautiful white buildings take you back in time.  This small village offers wonderful photo opportunities.

The Newfane Country Store is one of my favorite country stores in southern Vermont.  When you walk through the door you are brought back in time.  The experience begins with a welcoming greeting by their friendly staff.  In the front room the walls are covered in floor to ceiling built in shelves with counters in front of them on both sides.  The counters display their homemade fudge and the built in shelves hold a plethora of Vermont made products.  The next room is jam packed with small isles fill with old fashion toys for children and other great trinkets.  The next room offers handmade quilts, candles and other home items.  Finally the last room offers the cutest baby products.  The Newfane Country Store is just the kind of place you want to stop and poke around in.

This winter, in between shoveling, we have taken some time to get out and about and check out some of the indoor activities around Brattleboro. Last week, we checked out Tom and Sally’s Handmade Chocolate’s just up the road from our Brattleboro B&B on Route 30.  It was an interesting (and tasty) find!

We were surprised to learn the diversity of Tom and Sally’s products.  They produce over 100 varieties of hand filled chocolates, chocolate bars, and organic chocolate bars.  Of course, let’s not forget about the Vermont Cow Pies and Vermont Cow Licks, which are fun gifts for the kids.  At the other end of the spectrum, Tom and Sally’s were the first to produce edible chocolate body paint for adults.   They also show their sense of humor with other types of candy packaged with unique illustrations and commentary like their popular “Don’t Eat the Yellow Snow” candies (you’ll have to see this).

Tom and Sally’s Homemade Chocolates is a fun place to visit while staying at Forty Putney Road Bed and Breakfast.   The factory store is open Monday through Saturday from 9am – 5pm (and Sunday 12pm – 5pm during peak season). Tours are available at 10am and 2pm for $7 this includes samples, it is suggested you call to let them know you are coming in for a tour. Be sure to say hi to Sally and tell her you saw her on InnBrattleboro!