Vermont Woods Studios - Eco Furniture Blog

Columbus Day Weekend in Vermont: Fall Open Studio Tour

By Heather Barrett

 

October 6-7 is the Vermont Fall Open Studio Weekend. Artists and artisans are opening their studios for the public at 119 locations, showcasing 131 artists.

Vermont always has unique events happening, and Columbus Day Weekend is packed with them. One that we are most excited about is the Vermont Fall Open Studio Weekend. Vermont artisans are opening up their private studios, on October 6-7, to the public for this statewide event. The Vermont Crafts Council Director states, "It's a rare invitation to go behind the craft shows and exhibits to view the creative work environment and speak with the artist." There are 119 studio locations all over the state, so you can personalize your own route and move at your leisure. Most Vermont artisans have studios on the same property of their homes, and in many times, on back roads that visitors typically wouldn't travel. This event is a great excuse to jump in the car and explore Vermont during foliage season.

Studios will be open from 10-5 each day, and will be marked with yellow signs from the Crafts Council. Free map booklets of the 119 studio locations (showcasing 131 artists) can be found online, at galleries, and at Vermont Welcome Centers.

If you stop at the Guilford, Sharon, or Williston (north and south) Welcome Centers be sure to keep an eye out for Vermont Woods Studios. A barnwood bench and inlaid table have found their home at the Guilford Welcome Center. We have an additional furniture display of an inlaid table at the Sharon center, and our rack cards can be found at both Williston centers.

 

Heather Barrett is a Marketing Assistant at Vermont Woods Studios, an online furniture gallery which showcases Vermont's finest wood furniture. Follow our blog to learn about Vermont fine furniture, Vermont happenings, our mission, and our team.

Vermont Tourism: Twitter, Welcome Centers and a Lending Library

By Heather Barrett

 

Vermont Visitor Centers are participating in a Lending Library program, which allows visitors to borrow books for free! The Guilford Welcome Center shown in this photo is one of 7 locations where you can borrow a book!

The Vermont Department of Marketing and Tourism has been experimentally trying out progressive tactics to boost tourism and ensure that visitors have a unique, memorable time in the Green Mountain State. This summer the Twitter handle @THISISVT was handed over to the public. Each week a new Vermonter is selected to take over the account and share their Vermont experiences.  @THISISVT acts as a peer review / inside scoop on what to do and where to go while in Vermont. It also gives visitors a glimpse into the everyday lives of Vermonters.

 

Additionally, The Vermont Department of Marketing and Tourism, the Department of Buildings and General Services, the Vermont Librarian's Association and AMPress Publishing have developed a new program that encourages visitors to experience the state's literary resources. Seven Visitor Centers are participating in The Vermont Authors Project's Lending Library. The Alburgh, Fair Haven, Guilford, Montpelier, White River Junction and Williston north and south Visitor Centers will have free books to lend to the public. The books are written by Vermont authors Archer Mayor and Castle Freeman, with the intention to expand genres and authors in the future. Travelers can sign out a free paperback or audio book to enjoy during their Vermont trip. The program uses a classic Vermont honor system in that borrowers are simply asked to return the book to any Welcome Center in Vermont or by mail (envelope provided) within one month.

To learn more about the program and Vermont authors, please read the press release from Vermont Tourism & Marketing.

Heather Barrett is a Marketing Assistant at Vermont Woods Studios, an online furniture gallery which showcases Vermont's finest wood furniture. Follow our blog to learn about Vermont fine furniture, Vermont happenings, our mission, and our team.

Vermont Fine Furniture and Woodworking Festival

The weather isn't looking so great for leaf peeping in Vermont this weekend, so if you're traveling around the Green Mountain State and looking for indoor activities, try heading to Woodstock, VT for the Ninth Annual Vermont Fine Furniture and Woodworking Festival. 

This year's theme is "From Forest to Furniture:  Take Home a Piece of Vermont".  It dovetails with our plans at Vermont Woods Studios for a showroom at Stonehurst in that the focus is to raise awareness about where your furniture comes from.

Much like the organic food movement, the organic furniture movement is catching on and customers are realizing both the economic and health benefits to buying locally crafted furniture, handmade from real, solid, sustainably harvested wood.

Come visit with some of the regions (and world's) most respected fine furniture makers in Woodstock this weekend.  You'll be able to see and feel their furniture creations and also learn about the well-managed forests where their wood is harvested.  Free tours are available of the nearby Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park where customers can experience the forest and learn about each of the many links in the chain from forest to trees to furniture.

 

Shown above:  Brent Karner of ClearLake Furniture in Ludlow VT won first place for production furniture in the 2011 Vermont Fine Furniture Festival.  Who is going to win this year?

Weekend Events: Meet Vermont's Finest Artists and Artisans

By Heather Barrett

 

Spend your weekend in Vermont at the Manchester Art and Craft Festival and the Brattleboro-West Arts Open Studio Tour.

Vermont is full of artists and artisans, and this weekend is a perfect opportunity to discover their products and visit their studios.  There are two events, one in Manchester, and the other in Brattleboro, for you to explore this weekend.

 

Craftproducers Manchester Fall Art and Craft Festival
September 28-30, 10am-5pm

Manchester is starting their foliage season with an outdoor event celebrating the local art community. Over 180 artisans will have their craftwork on display and for purchase. Art work ranges from photography to paintings to clothing to maple distilled vodka. In addition to the beautiful array of art on display, the festival offers food and drink. There will be a food area serving a variety of localvore items, and a Vermont Beer, Cheese and Sausage tent. Spend the day meeting artists, purchasing gifts for the upcoming holidays, and eating delicious food. For more information about this event, visit the Craftproducers' website.

 

Brattleboro-West Arts' 4th Annual Open Studio Tour
September 29-30, 10am-5pm

The town of Brattleboro is Vermont Woods Studios' neighbor, located in the southeast corner of Vermont. Brattleboro is known for it's thriving arts community, and this weekend you will have the opportunity to meet some of the artists. Artists are opening up their studios this weekend to the public. There will be 13 different locations with 16 artists showing off their crafts. The tour is mapped out on a brochure that you can print from their website, pick up at any of the studio locations, or get from the Brattleboro Chamber of Commerce. At the studio locations you will see where artists make violins, blow glass, paint, and create many more items in different mediums. In addition, to conclude the first night of the weekend event, the Chelsea Royal Diner will be hosting a special dinner on Saturday. The dinner will feature a selection of locally produced foods.  This is another opportunity to meet artists and learn about their crafts. The Brattleboro-West Open Studio Tour has been recognized by the Boston Globe.  For more information about the event, please visit the Brattleboro-West Arts website.

Heather Barrett is a Marketing Assistant at Vermont Woods Studios, an online furniture gallery which showcases Vermont's finest wood furniture. Follow our blog to learn about Vermont fine furniture, Vermont happenings, our mission, and our team.

Fall Colors Outside Vermont Woods Studios

 

We're celebrating Fall with a Shaker style furniture sale that lasts for a few more days (till next Tuesday, Oct 2). Stop by to shop or just check out the colorful maple trees at the water's edge.

Autumn has arrived in Vernon, Vermont and I had to snap this photo today as I was leaving the showroom at Vermont Woods Studios.  It feels great to see water back in our pond at George's Mill after the summer's drought left it pretty well empty for several weeks.

 

We're celebrating Fall with a Shaker style furniture sale that lasts for a few more days (till next Tuesday, Oct 2).  Stop by to shop or just check out the colorful maple trees at the water's edge.  Heather or Liz will be more than happy to accompany you for an Autumn leaf-peeping stroll around the pond.

 

Vermont Artisan Robin Chase of Maple Corner Woodworks

Friday Douglas and I traveled around Vermont to check in with a few of our fine furniture makers.  Our last stop was at Maple Corner Woodworks to see our friend Robin Chase. 

Robin's been crafting beautiful fine wooden furniture for over 25 years and it's always fun to visit his workshop in pastoral Calais, Vermont.  Besides seeing all of his works in progress we got to tour the Maple Corner campus and meet the furry sentinels that guard and patrol the grounds (see photo). 

It was a very productive meeting and it didn't hurt that it was in a setting of Robin and Annie's herbal gardens and central Vermont's rolling hills.

I see Robin's furniture as a reflection of his own demeanor: elegant, refined and genuine.  He's a master at combining authentic Shaker sensibilities with modern, contemporary design.  Check out his furniture creations on our website:

Cherry Moon Furniture Collection

Vermont Made Shaker Furniture Collection

American Made Shaker Collection

Each of Robin's pieces is backed by the craftsman's lifetime guarantee.  Let us know which ones you like most on our Facebook or in the comments section below.  

 

This is Robin Chase's Maple Corner Woodworks shop where our Cherry Moon Furniture, Vermont Made Shaker and American Made Shaker collections are made.

 

Explore Vermont With Rachel Carter

 

If you're looking for insider information on Vermont's quirkier side (along with all the state's traditional hang-outs and happenings) check out Vermont: An Explorer's Guide.  In addition to Christina and Rachel's travel secrets, you'll learn about Bonham's (Rachel's cat) favorite fishing holes.

Where do you go to find out when the Vermont Tractor Parade is or where's the best place to eat lobster in Vermont?  If you're looking for insider information on Vermont's quirkier side (along with all the  state's traditional hang-outs and happenings) check out Vermont:  An Explorer's Guide.

 

Authors Rachel Carter  and Christina Tree have the job of everyone's dreams:  traveling around the Green Mountain state investigating Vermont's best barbecue joints & haute cuisine, quaint B&Bs & first class hotels, sugar shacks & ski chalets, apple orchards & breweries, down-home diners & artisanal cheesemakers.  They shares these and more of Vermont's best-kept secrets in a new book that's required reading for every Vermont visitor (and residents too).  Pick up a copy at any Vermont bookstore or online at Rachel's website.

Peggy Farabaugh enjoys traveling around the Green Mountain State on business for Vermont Woods Studios Fine Furniture.  She keeps a copy of Vermont: An Explorer's Guide in the glove compartment at all times.

Take A Peak At Vermont Foliage This Fall

By Heather Barrett

 

Visit Vermont this Fall to see Mother Nature's most dramatic color show. Peak foliage is estimated to be around Columbus Day this year. Photo via the Official State of Vermont Tourism Site.

This is the time of year when our Green Mountain State begins to transform into a world full of red, orange, and yellow hues. The brilliant colors of autumn attract leaf peepers from across the world, and it's easy to see why. Vermont is the best place to see fall foliage in New England, and arguably the United States. With nearly 80% of our state being forested, the opportunities to see the dramatic hues are limitless.  Additionally, Vermont has the highest number of maple trees in New England, which produce the ultimate red leaves during the fall season.

This year the Vermont Department of Tourism & Marketing will be producing a Foliage Report that will be issued weekly. Starting September 18, the Foliage Report will provide a map of the finest driving routes, an audio update and trail recommendations. In addition to visiting the website, leaf peepers can stay up-to-date on Vermont's foliage progression by calling 1-800-VERMONT.

When is peak fall foliage in Vermont? The trees outside our offices at Vermont Woods Studios have already begun to change, but looking at the foliage Forecaster, it appears that Columbus Day weekend will be the best time to see the dramatic colors cover Vermont. This is a perfect opportunity to spend a weekend in Vermont to breathe in the cool, crisp air of autumn, enjoy the outdoors, and listen to leaves crunch below your feet.

Heather Barrett is a Marketing Assistant at Vermont Woods Studios, an online furniture gallery which showcases Vermont's finest wood furniture. Follow our blog to learn about Vermont fine furniture, Vermont happenings, our mission, and our team.

A September Weekend in Vermont: A View, A Hike & A Wolf

By Heather Barrett

 

A 100-Mile Mountainscape view, known as the Hogback Mountain Scenic Overlook. The Vermont Wildlife Festival is located right next to this stunning view. Image via VisitVermont.com

We love wildlife here at Vermont Woods Studios.  Forest conservation is, afterall, a large part of our mission.  So, if you're anything like us, we have an exciting event for you to attend this weekend. Saturday, September 15, is the third annual Vermont Wildlife Festival. This day-long event, put together by the Southern Vermont Natural History Museum, is designed to "showcase the many ways that we enjoy the outdoors in Vermont." The day (10am-4pm) is packed full of events by over twenty different organizations. During the Vermont Wildlife Festival you will see live animals (including raptors and a wolf), have the opportunity to go on a guided hike, a scavenger hunt, interactive demonstrations, wilderness survival information, and much more. Not quite sold yet? What if I told you that this event is FREE?

Still not 100% sold? Have I mentioned that this event will be taking place right near the Hogback Mountain Scenic Overlook? It is a panoramic 100-mile breath-taking view. It is a must-see, and a perfect photo opportunity, for both Vermonters and tourists alike.

For more information about this event, I encourage you to visit the Vermont Wildlife Festival website. You will find directions and a full list of the events.

 

Heather Barrett is a Marketing Assistant at Vermont Woods Studios, an online furniture gallery which showcases Vermont's finest wood furniture. Follow our blog to learn about Vermont fine furniture, Vermont happenings, our mission, and our team.

Brattleboro, VT: Shopping On A Lark

 

Lark's Fine Women's Clothing and Accessories, located at High Street in Brattleboro, VT. It's inside the Blue Moose Cafe and it's beautiful!

I stopped into the Blue Moose Cafe on High Street in Brattleboro the other day to grab a panini and use their free WiFi.  On my way in I realized they have a new boutique in the store.

 

 

It's Lark's Fine Women's Accessories and it's beautiful!  Like many places in Brattleboro, Lark's is small and intimate with a warm, inviting personality.  The owner, Lark Eustace was tending shop and we chatted for awhile about her unique selection of clothing and accessories.

 

Before you head off to the mall for Back to School shopping, stop by and see Lark! Her store is elegant, but surprisingly affordable. 

 

Some of the lines Lark is carrying include:  Pine Cone Hill (bathrobes and pajamas), Charlie Leather (cross body bags, custom designed in many colors), Hemptress (eco-conscious hemp handbags that won the 2010 Independent Handbag Designer Awards), Brattleboro resident Kori Leary (velvet scarves), local artisan Donna Wilson (hand knit hats made with wool and finished with added mohair from her Vermont farm’s sheep and lambs) and Brattleboro resident Allen McCarty (Dichroic jewelry).  You won't believe the variety of little luxuries that are tucked into this trendy boutique.

 

 

Lark has a great selection of beautiful scarves, custom hand bags, custom jewelry and more.  Check it out, then have lunch at the Blue Moose Cafe.

 

Lark's an Interior Designer and Fashion Merchandiser trained in Phoenix, AZ, but she grew up in Vermont.  Maybe that's why her sophisticated, high end boutique has managed to fit perfectly into Brattleboro's funky scene. 

 

 

 

 

Peggy Farabaugh owns Vermont Woods Studios Fine Furniture.  She travels around the Green Mountain State collaborating with other small business owners  and feeling very lucky to live and work in a place where creativity is flourishing.

King Arthur Flour's Flagship Store in Norwich VT

 

Learn how to create these Chocolate Indulgence Cakes at The King Arthur Baking School in Norwich, VT.

I've been researching Vermont's flagship stores as we get closer to the possibility of opening up one of our own at Vermont Woods Studios. 

 

A few weeks ago Kendall and I drove up to see the brand new King Arthur Flour campus in Norwich, Vermont, just north of (White River Junction).  It's a gorgeous facility with hundreds of baking ingredients, gadgets & classes, a cafe & deli and a baking education center where you can attend classes to become the best baker in your network. 

But the best part of the new store is the wonderful smell of fresh baked bread that greets you when you enter. 

 

 

 

 

Bake like a professional pastry chef!  The new Baking Education Center "welcomes all bakers, no matter your skill level or baking interest. Classes range from introductory demonstrations to intensive week-long courses for the professional, along with hands-on classes for both adults and children."

If you love baking and you're traveling through central Vermont, I should think King Arthur would be a must-see.  Try to visit on a nice day and you'll be able to enjoy lunch with freshly baked croissants (and cakes, breads, chiffons, mousse...) in a splendid courtyard in the middle of the campus. 

Enjoy!

 

 

 

Vermont Welcome Centers: Art Galleries and More

 

You can't help but smile at Caryn King's paintings of farm animals-- so much personality shines through. Her blog, A Chicken Painting Every Day is a cheerful way to start any day!

If you've traveled through Vermont, you've no doubt noticed that the Green Mountain State has no billboards.  None.  Not a single one.  They're illegal here.  It's true.

So the way many Vermont businesses reach out to visitors and customers is through our Information and Welcome Centers.  These respites are strategically located along our most traveled roads, particularly routes I-89 and I-91.  I'll post some photos of their unique Vermont architecture another day but today I wanted to show you something on the inside:  Art Galleries!

I took this picture at the I-91 Welcome Center just north of the Massachusetts line in Guilford, VT.  It's part of a collection of paintings by Caryn King of Newfane, VT.  You can't help but smile at Caryn's paintings of farm animals-- so much personality shines through.  She also does breath-taking floral paintings and commissions of your favorite pets.  Her blog, A Chicken Painting Every Day is a cheerful way to start the day!

Vermont's information and welcome centers also offer tons of information and brochures on local, regional and state-wide events, activities, hotels, inns, restaurants, ski areas, outdoor recreation, shopping, sight-seeing and much more.  Stop by and have a look! 

What do you think about replacing billboards with Welcome Centers?  Let us know below or on our Facebook.

 

Peggy Farabaugh owns Vermont Woods Studios Fine Furniture.  She travels around the Green Mountain State collaborating with woodworkers and feeling very lucky to live and work in a place where nature and creativity are flourishing.

Vermont Made Beer: A Visit to the Harpoon Brewery

 

The beer wall of fame at Harpoon Brewery in Windsor, VT.  You can xperience the Vermont's beers at one of our many craft beer festivals. Two are on tap in September (Mount Snow Brewers Festival and SIPtemberfest in Fayston VT) and one in October (Killington Brewfest). Hope to see you there!

Kendall and I were traveling through Windsor VT last week, coming home from Plattsburgh and decided to stop in and see what all the fuss was about at the Harpoon Brewery.  Dennis (our resident Vermont Woods Studios local craft beer expert) had mentioned it a few times -- plus it was hot and sunny and we were thirsty!

What a great place:  Harpoon's outdoor beer garden is a new addition to their brewery that sits on the banks of the Connecticut River in Windsor VT.  It's one of Vermont's 21 craft breweries, including Long Trail, Magic Hat  Otter Creek Switchback  and Trout River and well worth a stop if you're traveling anywhere near the White River Junction area.

At the beer garden you can relax with one of the dozen or so varieties of locally made beer.  The menu includes your favorite pub fare such as paninis, salads, burgers and wings. 

Want to learn more about Vermont craft beers?  Wikipedia has a nice write-up but a better way might be to experience the beers at one of our many craft beer festivals.  Two are on tap in September (Mount Snow Brewers Festival and SIPtemberfest in Fayston VT)  and one in October (Killington Brewfest).  We'll hope to see you there!

 

Vermont Farm Stands: Corn Season's Here Early

 

Here's a closely guarded secret for summer travelers ambling through Southern Vermont: the areas best sweet corn is now available at the Vernon farm stand on VT Route 142, just a couple hundred feet north of the Mass border.  It won't break the bank at $4/dozen.

 

It's been such a hot, dry summer in Vermont this year.  I know (from following fellow Vermonter, Bill McKibbon's work at 350.org) there is much to fear with global warming.  Bu I can't complain about getting the world's best sweet corn a month early this year.

Stop by this quaint farmstand on Vermont Route 142, at the Massachusetts border if you're looking to grace your dinner table with a fresh, local delicacy.  You won't be disappointed.

 

Update On Our Search For A New Home: Stonehurst

 

This is part of the back yard of Stonehurst, the property we're trying to purchase for our new Vermont Woods Studios office and showroom.  The plan is to do a green renovation of the main farmhouse (not shown), creating a unique, luxury shopping experience for customers seeking Vermont's handcrafted sustainable furniture.

It's been well over a year now since we began our search for a new home for Vermont Woods Studios Fine Furniture. Our amazing realtor, Suzanne King of Masiello Realty in Brattleboro VT has been incredibly patient and helpful.  She's showed us dozens of possible properties and lived through the whole disappointing saga of Skyline, a property we fell in love with last year which did not work out for us.

Now we're working on acquiring Stonehurst, a beautiful old farmhouse property located right here in Vernon VT (that's just part of the backyard shown on the left.  Here's a photo of the main house). It's on 109 acres of forested land with scenic views all the way down to the Connecticut River.  It used to be a ski area, Pine Top.

Our plan is to do a green renovation of the property and transform it into a luxury, destination shopping experience for customers seeking Vermont's handcrafted, sustainable furniture.  What do you think?  Is this the kind of place you'd be interested in if you were shopping for fine wood furniture?  Let me know in the comments section below or on our Facebook.

 

 

Vermont Furniture To Be Featured on WCAX-TV Tonight

 

Watch Vermont Woods Studios on WCAX-TV tonight. We'll be on the 5:30 or 6pm news and perhaps again at 11pm.

Watch us on Vermont's premiere (and only?) TV station, WCAX tonight.  We'll be on the 5:30 or 6pm news and perhaps again at 11pm. 

 

I was traveling around to meet with various furniture makers throughout the state today and I stopped at the I-89 Williston Welcome Center to catch up on emails and make a few phone calls.  Gina Bullard was there.  She's the reporter who does the Made in Vermont series on WCAX.

Gina was interviewing people in reference to the near loss of FREE WiFi access at the welcome centers due to state budget cuts.  She saw me working on my laptop and interviewed me about the importance of free WiFi for small Vermont businesses (VERY important!). 

 

 

 

This is my office-on-the-run at the Sharon Welcome Center off I-89.  I use it when I'm traveling around to visit our furniture makers who are located throughout the state.  I'm grateful to Route 802 for providing FREE Wifi here. Can you imagine that?   What good guys they are!

 

Gina was also interviewing Al Levy of Route 802, a WiFi company that generously stepped in to donate WiFi to the Welcome Centers so we can continue to use it for free.

Check out Route 802's mobile apps for Vermont travelers where you'll find all the latest in Vermont events, restaurants, coupons and other travel and tourism tips and advice.

 

Watch the WCAX-TV clip here.

Discover Vermont's Local Artists at the Art and Craft Festival in Shelburne

By Heather Barrett

The Art and Craft Festival will be held at the Shelburne Museum July 27-29. Photo via Craft Producer's Facebook Page

A couple of weeks ago, I blogged about "Five Fantastic Vermont Events In July." The Shelburne Museum Art and Craft Festival was included, and is wrapping up my list of July events.  The Art and Craft Festival is this weekend, July 27-29, and after a 6 year hiatus, the festival is returning to the Shelburne Museum in Shelburne, Vermont. This 14th annual event will feature over 150 artists and artisans, who will be showcasing their specialties.  Vermont artisans, like the ones who make wood furniture at Vermont Woods Studios, are a large part of Vermont's culture and history.  Vermonter's pride themselves on their craftmanship, and the unique items they can handmake. Art items that will be at the festival include hand thrown pottery, fine silver and gold jewelry, photography, paintings, and many more. 

The Shelburne Craft School will be demonstrating how their products are made.  Kid's will be invited to join in with the activities offered by the school instructors.

This weekend event is more than just art, it is also largely focused on food and drink.  This year there will be a new spirit and wine tasting tent, where you can sample local wines.  Vermont craft beer will be another local beverage option at the event.  Your taste buds will also be satisfied when you discover the small size food portions being served by local restaurants on Sunday. This Sunday event is called the "Taste of Shelburne" and the restaurants will be donating their profits to the Shelburne Craft School.

This is a great opportunity to experience Vermont culture, buy local products, and enjoy delicious food and drink.

Heather Barrett is a Marketing Assistant at Vermont Woods StudiosF, an online furniture gallery which showcases Vermont's finest wood furniture. Follow our blog to learn about Vermont fine furniture, Vermont happenings, our mission, and our team.

Vermont's Best Kept Secrets: The Snapdragon Inn

It's great fun to wander around the backroads of Vermont looking for hidden gems, but not everyone has the time to wander.  In fact, when you really need a quite respite where you can hide away and be pampered, probably the last thing you have is extra time for "wandering".

So I thought we'd use the Vermont Woods Studios blog to occasionally share some the Green Mountain state's best secret retreats with you.

This one, The Snapdragon Inn is a grand, historic retreat located adjacent to Paradise Park (a nature reserve) in Windsor, Vermont. The inn has a 200 year history, starting as a busy stop along a stagecoach line.  Happily for you New Yorkers, it's still a stop- only now it's on the Amtrak train route that runs between Washington DC and St. Albans, VT.

Snapdragon features 9 luxurious rooms, a full service spa and irresistable continental breakfasts made with local Vermont ingredients.  Room prices usually start around $300/night but here's a great deal through Jetsetter for only $159/night (you'll have to sign up for a free Jetsetter account to see it).

If you do visit Snapdragon, be sure to let us know how you liked it.  Post comments below or on our Facebook.  Happy Travels!

Brattleboro Weekend Scene Featured in New York Magazine

 

If you live in Manhattan or elsewhere in New York and need to escape the crowds and concrete this weekend, grab a copy of Rebecca Dalzell's latest article in NY Magazine and head 3 hours north of the City to funky Brattleboro, Vermont.

If you live in Manhattan or elsewhere in New York and need to escape the crowds and concrete this weekend, grab a copy of Rebecca Dalzell's latest article in NY Magazine and head 3 hours north of the City on I-91 to quirky Brattleboro, Vermont.

 

Rebecca's done all the research for your last minute get-away, outlining the Where to Stay, Where to Eat and What to Do.  She's even included some insider secrets on Southern Vermont's best swimming holes, antique stores and Farmer's markets.

 

If that's not enough to get you up here, I'll throw in a couple bonus ideas to whet your appetite:

• Breakfast of all natural super-cinnamon bagels and organic fair trade coffee from The Works Bakery Cafe
• Fresh noodle bowls and local strawberry rhubarb or pear pies for lunch at the Vietnamese Humble Kitchen
• Outdoor waterfront Happy Hour cocktails or local brews at The Marina, where locals hang out for the best sunsets in town.

So, what are you waiting for?  Vermont's laid back, artsy town of Brattleboro is ready to welcome you for a weekend of unwinding in the foothills of the Green Mountains.  Hurry up and get here so you can relax.

Peggy Farabaugh, co-founder of Vermont Woods Studios Fine Furniture lives and works in Vernon, Vermont- what we like to call a suburb of Brattleboro, and another place of quiet respite from the city life.

Vermont Fine Furniture Design Competition: Seeking Entries

 

Vermont woodworkers: this is a no-brainer. Vermont Fine Furniture & Wood Products Design Competition is a great opportunity to gain recognition and notoriety for your work.

 

Calling all Vermont woodworkers and fine furniture makers.  The 9th Annual Vermont Fine Furniture & Wood Products Design Competition wants YOU.  The festival which has been dubbed one of Vermont's Top Ten Fall Events by the Vermont Chamber of Commerce is a great opportunity to gain recognition and notoriety for your work.

 

 

Join some of the world's finest woodworkers and furniture designers and compete for best:

• Custom Studio Furniture
• Production Furniture
• Custom Woodenware and
• Carving and Sculpture

There is also a special category where students and apprentices can compete.  The Woodworking festival takes place September 29-30, 2012 in Woodstock, Vermont and the Design Contest entry forms are here.  If you're not already linked into the Vermont woodworking community, we recommend you become a member of the Vermont Wood Manufacturing Association, VWMA first.  That gets you a discount on entry fees and insider info on all things wood in Vermont.  We hope you join with us, VWMA and the "best of the best" woodworkers who are letting the world know that Vermont's the Fine Furniture Capital of America.