InnBrattleboro » Southern Vermont

Haunted Sites Near Brattleboro Vermont

Tim Brady — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 13:44:07 +0000

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…

Tubing in Vermont

Amy Brady — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 16:06:47 +0000

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 Newfane, VT

Amy Brady — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 16:56:16 +0000

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.

A great Brattleboro trip itinerary

Tim Brady — Mon, 18 May 2009 15:54:03 +0000

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!

Newfane Country Store – Newfane, Vermont

Amy Brady — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 14:35:43 +0000

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.

The Newfane Country Store is located at:

598 Vt Route 30
Newfane, VT 05345
(802) 365-7916

www.newfanecountrystore.com

Tom and Sally’s Handmade Chocolates in Brattleboro, Vermont

Amy Brady — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 16:56:32 +0000

UPDATE: Unfortunately for us (but fortunate for Tom and Sally) they have closed this retail location to expand. Tom and Sally’s has merged with Hauser Foods in Rhode Island. We will miss them and wish them the best as they continue to grow.

ORIGINAL POST: 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!

West Dummerston Covered Bridge

Amy Brady — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 13:49:56 +0000

The West Dummerston Covered Bridge crosses over the West River. This two span town lattice truss bridge is typical of the covered bridges in Vermont and was built in 1872 by builder Celeb B. Lamson.

What sets the West Dummerston Covered Bridge apart from the many others in Vermont? Well it is the longest still operational covered bridge in Vermont. It is 271 feet long and 22 feet wide and what a sight to see! This historic landmark was rebuilt in 1998 and is fully operational today.

The West Dummerston Covered Bridge is a treasure here in Southern Vermont and should not be missed. One of the most frequently asked question we receive as innkeepers regarding covered bridges is…why are they covered? Well, our research seems to indicate that the bridges were built covered to keep snow and ice off of them. As you may know ice forms faster on a bridge than a road due to the cold air flowing under it, so that seems to us to be a reasonable answer, but of course there are several theories out there. Today they are mostly preserved for historical significance.

The best part about this gorgeous architectural structure is that it is only minutes from Brattleboro, VT. Which of course makes it a just a short drive from our B&B, Forty Putney Road. So weather you are interested in the covered bridges of Vermont, or just taking a scenic drive down route 30, be sure to pause and cross over the Dummerston Covered Bridge, as travelers have been doing for over 130 years.

The Vermont Country Store

Amy Brady — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 19:40:13 +0000

So our blog has been rather quiet recently, as we have taken some time off for the holidays. But in doing our holiday shopping, we made a trip up to the Vermont Country Store and thought we would share our experience to get back in the swing of things!

The Vermont Country Store is a popular attraction in Southern Vermont with stores in Weston, VT and Rockingham, VT, both just a short drive from Forty Putney Road and Brattleboro. Many of you may already be familiar with the Vermont Country Store through their catalog and Internet sales. But to fully appreciate this piece of Vermont’s history you really need to go to one of their stores.

The Vermont Country Store was founded in 1945, yes over 60 years ago, by Vrest and Ellen Orton. Vrest and Ellen created a 12 page catalog with 36 high quality and practical items in it and mail it out to everyone on their Christmas list. Word began to spread and In just one year they had a booming mail order business. In 1946 they opened their first store in Weston, VT which is still open today for your shopping needs. Today both stores are owned by 3rd and 4th generation Orton’s…Lyman, Eliot, Gardner and Cabot.

The Vermont Country Store is still stocked with high quality and practical items. All of the best Vermont Cheeses, preserves, Vermont Maple Syrup, penny candy, warm cloths, hats, etc. This new generation of Orton’s have taken things one step further by finding unique and nostalgic products. Eliot Orton says it best “We still find products that aren’t sold any where else.”

Unique would certainly define the “Attitude Adjuster” or perhaps one of several models of moose hats. But its the nostalgic toys from my childhood that really brought me back. They sell real easy bake ovens (that’s right with the 25 watt light bulb to cook your sweets). Rockem Sockem Robots, Monkey’s in a barrel, the rubix cube just to name a few. There are also the products that have fallen out of products and the Orton family has purchased the patent and began producing it themselves. My favorite example is Lifeboy Soap. You may remember this soap from the popular Christmas movie, A Christmas Story. This is the brand of soap Ralphy’s mother used to wash out his mouth when she thought she caught him using inappropriate language. Pick some up and relive the moment (we picked some up for our brother in law, who recently had his first child and loooves the Christmas Story movie!).

During your next visit to our inn be sure to take the 30 minute drive to The Vermont Store in Rockingham, VT or the slightly longer drive to the original store in Weston, VT. No matter which one you choose you are sure to discover something you have never seen before, and something you haven’t seen in forever…

The Vermont Country Store directions and details can be found on their website.

Apple Picking in Southern Vermont

Tim Brady — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 15:57:03 +0000

Picking apples is one of my many fond childhood memories of fall in New England and is something I continue to enjoy doing each year. Luckily there is no shortage of apple picking in Southern Vermont. As a matter of fact, there are 8 pick-you-own orchards within a short drive of our inn.

While strolling orchards picking apples is a great way to spend a fall afternoon, this year the orchards have teamed up with a clever new promotion. Being one of the most creative promotions I have seen in a while, I had to post something about it here. From the VermontVacation website:

Beginning on September 15th, visitors to Vermont’s pick-your-own orchards will have a chance to win an iPod during this promotion. One specially marked wooden apple will be placed in an apple tree at each of Vermonts 24 pick-your-own orchards. Customers who find the wooden apple replicas will win an iPod Shuffle, Nano or Touch.

This is the second year that they have run this promotion, but the first that I have heard of it. Not that I needed another reason to go out and pick apples, but believe it or not I don’t have an iPod…

There are several pick-your-own orchards near our Southern Vermont Inn. Here is a list of the participating apple orchards with pick-your-own apples that are nearby:

Connecticut Valley Orchard
Kurn Hattin Road
Westminster
802-722-3340

Cortland Hill Orchard
72 Miller Rd
Brattleboro
802-254-6925

Dwight Miller and Son Orchards
511 Miller Rd
East Dummerston
802-254-9111

Scott Farm
707 Kipling Rd
Dummerston
802-254-6868

Green Mountain Orchards
130 W Hill Rd
Putney
802-387-5851

Harlows Sugar House
563 Bellows Falls Rd
Putney
802-387-5852

Moores Orchard
Pomfret Road
Pomfret
802-457-2994

Wellwood Orchards
529 Wellwood Orchard Rd
Springfield
802-263-5200

Grafton Cheese and Country Store – Now in Brattleboro!

Amy Brady — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 01:16:35 +0000

We are happy to welcome the new Grafton Cheese Factory and country store here to Brattleboro. As you would expect, this new state of the art facility has a viewing gallery where you can watch the process of cheese making through the large display window on the second floor. What you may be surprised to find however is that the first floor is a wonderful place to literally get a taste of Vermont. Not only will you find delicious Grafton Cheeses, you will also find about 60 other Vermont and Imported cheeses in a variety of styles. Lactose intolerant? No worries – Grafton Cheese Company is also fully stocked with other local and Vermont products. You will find Mocha Joe’s Coffee, Side Hill Farms Jams, Vermont Smoke and Cure Meats, Maple Syrup and more Maple Syrup, Vermont Chocolates, Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream…and more (and more and more). My favorite part of course is the sample bar. I love to sample good food before I purchase it. One final unique touch, a wide selection of fine wines, displayed and organized by cheese pairings. Educational and delicious!

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.

InnBrattleboro » Southern Vermont

Haunted Sites Near Brattleboro Vermont

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Tubing in Vermont

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Dutton Berry Farm Newfane, VT

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A great Brattleboro trip itinerary

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Newfane Country Store – Newfane, Vermont

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West Dummerston Covered Bridge

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Apple Picking in Southern Vermont

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