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Snowmobiling
Riding The Trails
Winter Only—It might seem like overstating the obvious to say “winter only” when referring to snowmobiling in Vermont, but in Vermont, the use of snowmobile trails does not extend to hiking, biking, ATVs, or any other vehicle.
That caution noted, Vermont makes it easy to go snowmobiling, setting the standard for well-marked trails, readable maps, easy access to fuel stops, food and accommodations.
Convenient trailheads mean snowmobilers can hook up to trails anywhere in the state. And all it takes to snowmobile is a simple trail pass and a valid state registration. Or simply take a guided tour from one of Vermont’s many snowmobile tour operators.
You’ll find the best-groomed trails the snow allows. The Vermont Association of Snow Travelers (VAST), together with local clubs, maintains Vermont’s trail network with over 120 groomers to assure smooth riding. And when you hit the trail, you’ll find that VAST’s 145 community-based clubs hold friendly events every weekend all winter long, from pancake breakfasts and chicken barbecues to spaghetti dinners, charity rides, radar runs and snocross races.
For all the information you’ll need, visit the VAST website at www.vtvast.org or contact VAST at 41 Granger Rd., Barre, Vermont 05641 (802) 229-0005.
Bolton Valley
Main tel: 802-434-3444
Snow phone: 802-434-SNOW
Reservations number: 1-877-9BOLTON
Events hotline: 802-434-3444 ext.4
E-mail: info@boltonvalley.com
Website: www.boltonvalley.com
Bolton Valley provides a high-quality Vermont experience that is both affordable and convenient. Getting here is easy; we are located just seven miles off of Interstate 89, and we are within twenty-five minutes of Burlington, Montpelier, and Stowe. Use Exit 10 (Waterbury) or Exit 11 (Richmond) from I-89. Then follow US Rt.2 from either direction for (8) miles to the Bolton Valley Access Road. Once you get here, everything is within walking distance of your hotel room.
Winter
Vermont’s ultimate family value! Bolton Valley is where Vermont’s visitors learn to ski and ride. With Vermont’s highest alpine base elevation, Bolton combines great snow, slopeside accommodations, fine dining, and a top-rate Ski & Snowboard School to provide a true Vermont vacation experience.
Besides views of Mount Mansfield, Camel’s Hump, Lake Champlain, and the Adirondack Mountains, and Vermont’s best night skiing, Bolton offers a fully-lit 1500 foot-long terrain park and half-pipe, a Recreation Center with tennis and basketball courts, a pool, and Jacuzzi, an exciting schedule of activities for all ages, the Honey Bear Childcare Center, and 100 kilometers of Nordic and snowshoe trails. Everything is right here at the Resort at affordable prices… it is no wonder that Bolton is known as Vermont’s best family value.
Cross Country
Main tel: 802-434-3444
Toll free: 877-9BOLTON
E-mail: info@boltonvalley.com
Website: www.boltonvalley.com
The Hotel and Alpine base lodge will be to right and the parking lot to the left. Take a left into the parking lot and drive down to the bottom-most lot. The Sports/Nordic Center is the large metal building.
Summer
802-434-6804
Milissa O’Brien
mobrien@boltonvalley.com
Bolton Valley is home to some of the East’s most challenging trail riding and downhill terrain.
Bolton Adventure Center offers an array of adventure alternatives for all ages and abilities. Corporate adventure teambuilding, guided excursions, high and low challenge events and wilderness adventure summer camps will be base camped at Bolton Valley. Fly through the air on the Zip Line or soar like an eagle on the Giant Swing. Conquer your fears on the high wire or climb skyward on Jacobs Ladder. Build your strength during a day of rock climbing. Kayak down the gentle current of the Winooski River. Explore deep limestone caves by headlamp or “Survive a Challenge” with Survivor’s Kathy O’Brien.
Smugglers’ Notch
Main tel: 802-644-8851/Snow phone: 800-451-8752
Reservations number: 800-451-8752
Events hotline: 802-644-8851
E-mail: smuggs@smuggs.com/Website: www.smuggs.com
America’s Family Resort! Smugglers’ Notch is the place to go for fun vacations any time of year when families seek adventure in Vermont’s beautiful Green Mountains.
Winter
Winter means exciting skiing and snowboarding on 72 trails interconnected on three big mountains. This trio hosts northern Vermont’s highest vertical of 2,610 feet and more than 1,000 acres of all terrain access. Day-long kids’ ski and snowboard camps cater to all ability levels of 3-14 year-olds and daily instruction for adults is included in the popular Club Smugglers’ vacation package.
Winter: Take Exit 10 I-89 in Waterbury, VT. Follow Vermont Rte. 100 N through Stowe to Morrisville. In Morrisville, pick up Rte. 15 W through Johnson to Jeffersonville. In Jeffersonville, pick up Rte. 108 S. The Resort is located about 6 miles from Jeffersonville on the left.
Cross Country
Toll-free: 800-451-8752
E-mail: smuggs@smuggs.com /Website: www.smuggs.com
Smugglers’ Notch Nordic Ski & Snowshoe Adventure Center is conveniently located at the center of this year-round resort, providing a host of exciting activities for every member of the family. PSIA-Certified instruction in both classical and skate skiing; daily guided snowshoe treks and night tours on 20 kilometers of dedicated snowshoe trails; ice skating on a 10,000 sq.ft. natural outdoor rink. With over 100 pair of Red Feather Snowshoes and plenty of skis, boots, poles and ice skates, Smugglers’ can outfit ages six and older. Machine-groomed and track-set trails take adventurers through spectacular winter forests, amidst splendid sugar maples and towering hemlocks. The Center is right next to the FunZone, 15,000 covered and heated square feet of inflatables, giant games and arcade fun.
Summer
802-644-1156/Barbara Thomke/bthomke@smuggs.com
At Smugglers’ Notchville Park, one of four family water/play venues at the Resort. This body flume (a body slide, not a tube slide) features a 360-degree twist. Part of the slide is enclosed to add to the thrill. It begins at the Lily Pad Pool and empties swimmers into the Sugar Shack Pool 140 feet below. The Twister Slide joins the Resort’s other waterslides: Giant Rapid River Ride, Turtle Slide, and Courtside Flume. Notchville Park is a family playground amidst towering maples with Watering Hole Wishing Well, Raven’s Roost Climbing Tower, three terraced pools, Peregrine’s Picnic Pavilion, sand volleyball court, croquet, tumbling brook, frog pond and bathhouse.
Discover Tennis – A two-day program that introduces new players to the game and begins to build the foundation of basic tennis strokes through group lessons and a half-hour of private instruction with complimentary racquet use included.
Geocaching - Led by the Petra Cliffs Climbing Center and Mountaineering School of Burlington, VT every Wednesday throughout the summer, guests aged eight through adult develop old school map and compass skills and learn new school skills of GPS (Global Positioning System) ultimately locating hidden treasures or geocaches at the resort and high up in the Smugglers’ Notch pass.
Shiatsu - Guests learn the basic techniques of ancient Chinese massage and acupressure known as Shiatsu. Shiatsu joins Yoga Workshop, Massage Class, Herbal Edibles, Bath Indulgence and Stretch & Go for daily health and wellness offerings.
Stowe
Main tel : 800-253-4754
Snow phone: 802-253-3600
Reservations number: 800-253-4SKI
Events hotline: 800-253-4754
E-mail: info@stowe.com
Website: www.stowe.com
Winter
At Stowe Mountain Resort, every trail is a unique work of art. Stowe features the finest natural skiing and snowboarding terrain east of the Rockies. With 48 trails on two mountains (and more terrain than many resorts that claim twice the number of trails), Stowe offers a winter playground for beginners, intermediates and experts alike. Situated on Vermont’s highest peak, the resort offers a full-service ski and snowboard school, the Stowe Toys Demo Center, childcare from six weeks, night skiing, a mountainside internet cafe and gallery, terrain parks and a
superpipe.
Guests will find friendly employees and a commitment to quality snow surfaces. After an invigorating day on the mountain, Stowe’s quaint New England village is a fun option for shopping, dining or a visit to the Vermont Ski Museum. The slogan is true: “There is only one Stowe.”
It’s not hard to find Stowe. Since the ski area shares its name with the town, there’s no confusion about where you’re headed. Located in north-central Vermont, we’re 40 minutes from Vermont’s largest airport, 15 minutes from Interstate 89, and 15 minutes from the train station. Clear signs, light traffic, well-maintained roads, and pretty countryside make it a pleasant drive from the airport or other northeastern locations.
Cross Country
Main tel: 802-253-3688/Toll-free: 800-253-4754/E-mail: info@stowe.com/Website:
www.stowe.com
Stowe Mountain Resort’s 35 kilometers of groomed and 40 kilometers of backcountry trails are the highest in Stowe. Also available are 5 kilometers of trails specifically for snowshoeing. They’re all part of the largest connected cross-country trail network in the East... a nordic skier’s dream! Summer
802-253-3000/Kirt Zimmer/kzimmer@stowe.com
Fire up the construction equipment: Stowe is ready for a makeover. As green things sprout this spring, work crews are diving into what will be an active construction season next to Vermont’s highest peak.
DEAD NORTH, Vermont The Legend Grows
For over 50 years, the cornfields and grasslands on what is now the Patterson farm in North Danville, Vermont, had enjoyed peace and quiet as nature slowly attempted to bury its unwanted history. And there, the demented, horrific history would have rested deep beneath the overgrowth, until one night, about nine years ago, when blood curdling screams of terror echoed over the hill and through the valleys in the dark, cool autumn night, announcing the rebirth of DEAD NORTH, Vermont - Farmland of Terror.
Now known as New England's most unique haunted event, DEAD NORTH has been terrifying visitors from around the world for nine years. The haunt includes a half-mile walk through a dark cornfield complete with buildings, animatronics, special effects, mostly live actors, professional entertainment and the Dead North Village. It is said that this area was once called North Village and had been a flourishing community and popular stage coach stop. But, despite the promise of prosperity, the railroads and highways all opted to pass through neighboring townships, leaving North Village to slowly decay and its population to scatter.
Over the following years the land and village became home to a slaughter house operated by psychotic brothers, a toxic dumping ground, secret government experiments, a haven to demented traveling circus performers, and a violent, over-protective scarecrow suspected to be the last Dead North resident.
To experience this night of terror, victims must purchase tickets in advance. These tickets are limited and sell out every year since it only occurs the first two Friday and Saturday nights in October.
Located at the Great Vermont Corn Maze in Vermont's beautiful Northeast Kingdom, the haunt is only minutes from Rt 2, I-91, I-93 and only 45 minutes north of Franconia Notch in New Hampshire.
Visit www.deadnorthvermont.com for more information.
Summer Season Highlights at Lake Champlain Maritime Museum
With 14 exhibit buildings and replica 1776 gunboat Philadelphia II docked at the waterfront, LCMM is a virtual timeline of regional lifeways, colorful characters, and historical events. The museum's team of nautical archaeologists has explored the lake's 300+ historic shipwrecks, transforming their discoveries into hands-on exhibits, films, and programs. LCMM's replica 1862 schooner Lois McClure travels to ports throughout the region – itinerary and ship's log at www.lcmm.org. Gain a new perspective on the region's historic waterways, the lands and people that they connect. This is a place where the American nation took shape; now its future is being shaped by the use and stewardship of these resources. The museum is open daily, late May through mid-October.
What's new this summer at Lake Champlain Maritime Museum? Time travel back 100 years to see Otter Creek and downtown Vergennes Through the Eyes of Custer Ingham, a fine art exhibit on view through August 15. Born during the Civil War, Ingham painted scenes of daily life, including the Westport Sail Ferry, a baseball game at the Falls Basin, mills at Vergennes Falls, and the family farm.
Saturday July 17 will be a free admission day at LCMM. A ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10:30 will kick off the museum's Small Boat Festival and officially open the doors of the new Hazelett Watercraft Center. The centerpiece of this exhibit is the 35 foot long, 1902 ice yacht Storm King, surrounded by an array of dugout and bark canoes, kayaks, rowing skiffs, and sail boats from the LCMM collection, and digital displays of vintage postcards and film footage of ice boats in action. Mid-day kids design, build and launch boats to ride in the Duct Tape Regatta. At 2:00 pm Mystic Seaport's Dana Hewson will present an illustrated talk on the current restoration of wooden whaler Charles Morgan. All day, meet boat designers and try out boats. Come back on Sunday July 18 for the three-mile non-motor Challenge Race, and wish schooner Lois McClure Bon voyage as she prepares to depart for the Erie Canal.
Throughout the summer, LCMM offers special programs and workshops, including On-Water Shipwreck tours, Ecology tours, and a Paddle to Prehistory. You can build your own boat, learn blacksmithing, or brush up your digital photography. Return to 1776 at the Rabble in Arms Living History Weekend August 21-22. Don't forget to bring your best photos of Lake Champlain to the annual juried photography show. Find out more at www.lcmm.org or call 802 475-2022.
Mining For Treasure: Choosing The Path Less Taken To Find The Delightful, The Odd And The Fascinating In Vermont
You've probably heard of the horse whisperer, the dog whisperer and the ghost whisperer, but have you ever heard of the statue whisperer? Did you know that spider webs can be preserved and turned into works of art? Have you ever fished off a floating bridge or wondered what it was like to live in an Abenaki village? Have you ever seen cheese being produced or learned how Vermont's famous maple syrup is made? Have you ever sandblasted into stone or seen a quarry 600 feet deep?
Vermont is a treasure trove just waiting to be explored, savored and enjoyed. Please let this native Vermonter help you find the things that are uniquely Vermont, the places off the well-known tourist trails that you might never chance to find on your own. Meander along Route 2 and venture off onto some of the nearby roadways to discover a Vermont that few ever see.
As you travel west along Route 2 from St. Johnsbury toward East Montpelier, you may just wish to get off in North Danville to try your skill at navigating the Great Vermont Corn Maze (Mid-July thru October), playing an awesome game of laser tag or barnyard golf.
Once your family has mastered the maze, engaged in laser tag and sampled barnyard mini golf, head back for Route 2 and continue west until you reach the village of Marshfield, where you'll take a right onto Route 215 to the Cabot Cooperative Creamery. Owned by the hard-working farmers of Vermont, Cabot has won every major cheese award there is. Stop at the visitors' center, see the video and follow the guide as s/he explains the cheese-making process. Then snack your way through the sample section—and don't forget to taste the world's best cheddar cheese.
Then ask the friendly folks at Cabot for directions to get to Grandview Winery, just a short distance from the creamery. Here you'll learn about Vermont's wine industry. It features spectacular views, beautiful gardens, and wine tastings. Then learn how grapes and other fruits are made into distinctive wines.
From Grandview Winery, follow Max Gray Road back to Route 14, and follow Route 14 south. Just before you reach the junction with Route 2 in East Montpelier, you'll see the Bragg Farm Sugarhouse on your right. Stop in to learn how they use the traditional bucket method to gather sap—they hang over 2500 buckets—and turn it into award-winning pure Vermont maple syrup. Then grab a maple soft-serve ice cream cone at the gift shop before proceeding down Route 14 to the junction of Route 2. When Route 14 turns to the left, heading toward Barre, continue to follow it. As you pitch down a hill on the outskirts of Barre, Hope Cemetery will come into view on your right. Pull in and take a look at the fabulous artwork there. You'll see a racecar, a biplane, a soccer ball, a living room chair, beautiful traditional statuary and fantastic mausoleums. Be sure to check out the hand-carved flowers that adorn the Cummings mausoleum. They are incredible!
When you leave Hope Cemetery, bear right out of the gate and continue following Route 14 southward toward Barre. When you reach the lighted intersection with Route 302, bear left. A granite statue of an Italian stone carver will be to your right as you approach the light. The statue is a tribute to the many Italians and Italian-Americans who helped to build and expand Barre's granite industry, making Barre the Granite Center of the World.
As you turn left at the light, you'll be on Route 302/Route 14 headed toward the south end of Barre City. Along Main Street you'll find restaurants, sandwich shops, antique shops and other things of interest. Look for the Community Bank on your right and take a right turn onto Granite Street. Then take the first left. You'll come to a signed intersection. You may wish to take a right and stop in at the renovated brick train depot which provides visitor information and houses Simply Delicious. You may wish to eat there at Bag Ladies, enjoy a delectable truffle or browse Vermont arts and gifts in the shop. Then hop back into your vehicle and proceed back to the signed intersection from which you came. At the intersection, bear right, travel a few hundred feet and park in one of the spaces in the large parking lot. Get out of your car and walk toward the granite façade of the Barre Opera House. Continue to the corner and follow the sidewalk to the left around the corner of the Opera House itself to Main Street. In front of the Opera House/City Hall is a walk light. When safe to cross the street, cross the street to the park to see the Youth Triumphant statue, a statue erected after WWI as a tribute to peace. Behind the statue is a curved exedra or bench. This is Barre's little-known whispering wall. Be a statue whisperer and try it out! Have a family member sit at one end of the bench and another family member sit on the other. You'll find that the acoustics of the curved bench will amplify your voice and enable you to hear whispers from one end to the other, except of course when traffic noise is really loud. Make sure you direct your voice toward the curve in the bench wall.
You'll see the Aldrich Public Library across the street. Notice the lovely granite columns and carved seal above the doors. Turn so the library is on your left and look up the street. You should see another granite statue, that of Robert Burns, the Scottish poet. Follow the cross walk signals and make your way to the statue. You'll be amazed at the figure itself. But as you get closer, walk right up to the pedestal and look at each of the intricate scenes carved into the granite. You'll find no finer example of carved granite anywhere.
Being careful to follow all crossing lights, make your way back to your vehicle. Come out of the parking lot entrance at the upper end near the Opera House and bear left. At the light, bear right onto Route 14 headed south and follow it to South Barre. When you come to a light and you see a McDonald's on your left, bear left at the light and drive up Middle Road. Continue past Lazy Lion Campground about three hundred feet. The Rock of Ages Visitors Center will be on your left.
At Rock of Ages you can watch a video about how granite is extracted and fabricated, explore the exhibits, browse the gift shop and get a ticket to tour the world's largest deep-hole granite quarry—nearly 600 feet deep! (This quarry has been featured in many shows, including Modern marvels, and is the cliff in the car chase scene in the latest Star Trekmovie.) Once you've marveled at the enormity of the quarry, watch the artisans in the factory as they transform granite into amazing works of art. They'll inspire you to want to try cutting granite yourself, so grab a ticket and go to the Cut-in-Stone Center to learn how to sandblast your very own stone souvenir gift! You'll have a BLAST. And don't forget to bowl a few frames on the outdoor granite lane and pick your free granite samples out of the grout bin before leaving.
If you enjoy hiking and biking, you'll want to travel to nearby Millstone Hill Recreation to enjoy the walking, hiking and biking trails for a nominal fee. These well-kept trails skirt about historic quarries and offer panoramic views. Just ask the friendly folks at Rock of Ages for directions to Millstone Hill Biking Center, which is in nearby Websterville.
After a fun walking, hiking or biking family outing, head back toward the Rock of Ages Visitors Center and go back down Middle Road to the light at the bottom. At the light, take a left onto Route 14 headed south. Drive to the village of Williamstown. Once in the village, be looking on the right for a sign to Knight's Spider Web Farm. They market themselves as the original web site. Learn how the Knights harvest intricate webs and preserve their delicate structure, creating incredible works of art.
After you've been amazed, amused and befuddled at the Knight Spider Web Farm, head back to Route 14 and bear right onto it, once more headed south. Drive south to Brookfield and look for a right-hand turn onto Route 65 to take you to Sunset Lake and the only floating bridge east of the Mississippi. It was first built in 1820 to allow locals to cross the lake rather than having to drive their wagons around its perimeter. It is buoyed by 380 barrels. At the time of this writing, it is under repair and you cannot drive your car across it. However, you can walk across it, fish from it and swim next to it. May I suggest that you bring a picnic lunch and make a family day out of it?
After you've enjoyed seeing the floating bridge and lovely Sunset Lake, retrace your path back to Route 14 and bear left, headed north. Follow Route 14 northward back into Barre City. At the north end of Barre City, there is a lighted intersection where you will once more see the granite statue of the Italian stonecutter. At the light, stay straight, leaving Route 14 and proceeding west on Route 302. Follow Route 302 toward our capital Montpelier. You will once more join Route 2 just prior to entering Montpelier. Take a right onto Main Street (business district) and continue up Main Street to the rotary where you'll take the first right, continuing to follow Main Street, which will become County Road. Follow the signs to Morse Farm Sugarhouse. If you already stopped at the Bragg Farm, you may wonder why I might suggest you visit Morse Farm. Well, each is a unique experience. You don't wish to miss either of them. View the video in the woodshed theatre and enjoy the chain-saw carvings of owner and sugar maker Burr Morse.
After a delightful visit to Morse Farm, drive back down County Road to Main Street, through and around the rotary, staying on Main Street. Follow Main to the lighted intersection with State Street. Bear right onto State Street and drive a short distance to the Vermont State House, the first commercial building to be built of Barre granite. This Greek-revival building is lovely. Notice the gold-leaf-clad dome as it sparkles in the sun and take a tour of the interior, which features many different types of marble from Vermont.
Then enjoy the State House lawn and meander next door to Vermont's History Museum at the Vermont Historical Society. Step into an Abenaki village, learn about Vermont's days as an independent republic before its admission as the 14th state, learn Morse code as you use a real telegraph, and enjoy other informative, interactive exhibits. In addition, Montpelier, the smallest US state capital, boasts great restaurants and shops.
I hope that you'll take this Vermonter's advice and stray a bit from the well-traveled routes to see a true slice of Vermont unknown to most of the traveling public.
Submitted by Todd Paton, Rock of Ages
Local Winery Wins Major Wine Competition Awards
E. Calais - Grand View Winery won six awards this spring at the prestigious Tasters Guild International wine Competition. All six wines submitted were fruit wines and all six won. Blackberry won a Gold. Pear, Raspberry Apple, and Cranberry wines won Silver awards. Mac Jack Hard Cider and the Red Barn Cassis won Bronze. Wine maker and owner, Phil Tonks, said, "I'm especially pleased to win this recognition for our fruit wines. A well-built and balanced fruit wine can be just as enjoyable as grape wines."
The winery is located just off Rte 14, high on Max Gray Road. The views are exceptional. The winery grows their own fruit and buys from Vermont farms. For example, Tonks grows lots of Rhubarb and buys strawberries from Legare's Farm market on Rte. 14 for his Strawberry/Rhubarb Wine. This wine has a nice balance of the light sweetness of strawberries and the tartness of rhubarb. The person pouring at the tastings is apt to say, "Your nose will say strawberry, but your mouth will say rhubarb." Tonks says Strawberry/Rhubarb wine goes very well with BBQ or spicy foods.
Buying fruit from area farms and orchards goes a long way to supporting the agricultural community. Tonks gives the example of his award winning Pear Wine. The winery does grow pears, but nowhere near enough. It takes 10 pounds of pears to make one gallon of wine. A batch of 500 gallons of wine requires 5000 lbs of pears. Pears have to be picked before they are ripe and ripened in a controlled environment. The grower supplying the pears benefits by using fruit that is not table quality and likely would have been left in the orchard. He is set up to ripen the pears and as a cider maker grinds, presses and delivers the juice. Instead of competing with the orchard by growing fruit, the winery is providing cash to the orchard for less marketable fruit and for value added processing. This arrangement has worked well for over ten years yielding several awards for the Pear Wine.
Grand View also makes a number of unusual wines. At the winery's recent Dandelion Festival, the latest vintage of Dandelion Wine was released. Because it is only made in limited quantities, it is expected to be sold out in a couple of weeks or so. Grand View also makes a delicious dessert Elderberry Wine. Tonks suggests it goes with any dessert, but he prefers the elderberry wine and a very sharp cheddar (Vermont cheddar, that is), instead of dessert. In the past Tonks has made Cucumber Wine, Ruby Red Grapefruit/Mango Wine and Elderflower Wine among his more unusual wines.
It's not just a Destination … It's an Adventure!
CrossRoads Motorcycle Rally Farr's Field, Route 2, Waterbury
July 23rd, 24th & 25th
The Crossroads of Vermont, Routes 2 and 100, are voted among the top ten motorcycle rides in the nation, so it is no wonder Vermont draws motorcycle enthusiasts from around the world to sail through the curves of the Green Mountains. It was only a matter of time before riders joined together to have a little fun while cruising!
The first annual CrossRoads Motorcycle Rally, sponsored by The Flying Hogs motorcycle group, is scheduled for July 23rd, 24th & 25th in Farr's Field, a 50+ acre site just north of Waterbury Village on Route 2. The rally has named the Rhythm of the Reins, a therapeutic riding program for children and veterans, administered by the Water Town Farm in Marshfield, as the charity to be supported through proceeds of the rally. This charity in particular was chosen to support a local, community-oriented program and what better way to support a cause when it mimics our own passions … riding a steel pony is therapy for every rider. We hope to provide The Rhythm of the Reins with a sizable donation to help support their program.
On Friday, July 23rd the event will kick off at 9am with a special focus for children. Kids Day will have events including an animal show compliments of the Water Tower Farm in Marshfield, face painting, games and other fun, kid-friendly activities. Children are often enamored by motorcycles and it will give them a chance to see lots of bikes, too!
The rally is a full 3-day event. Camping is available on site for both tents and RV's; reservations are being taken now. There will be merchandise and food vendors, a bike show, swap meet, a cycle high-wire act, burnout pit, bon-fire, mud wrestling, beer tent, chicken pie supper put on by the Waterbury Center Community Church, motorcycle tours, the National Guard climbing wall and obstacle course and so much more! A full line up of bands will hit the stage and rock the field all weekend long with blues, country and rock music. Jamie Lee Thurston will be taking the main stage on Saturday night for a special concert in his home town. Tickets are on sale now!
Whether you're a rider, motorcycle enthusiast or otherwise, mark your calendars and come join in the fun! Visit CrossRoadsMotorcycleRally.com and stay tuned for the most up-to-date additions to rally events and schedules. Camping reservations and concert tickets may be purchased at Ted's Flying Hogs, Route 2 in Waterbury at 802.244.9960.
Prepare to "Get Buggy" with "Backyard Monsters" ECHO's Summer Insect Exhibit
Burlington, VT — Want to "get buggy" this summer? ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center, at the Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, is "going to the bugs," with "Backyard Monsters," running from May 15 through September 6. This special summer exhibit features giant robotic insects — a scorpion, praying mantis, and carpenter ants — whose anatomical accuracy has been endorsed by the American Entomological Society; plus interactive, enlightening displays; a collection of exotic insects from around the world; and live creepy-crawlies from the Lake Champlain Basin. "Backyard Monsters" vividly presents the fascinating world of Insecta, up-close-and-personal… perhaps too "up-close" for the faint-hearted! The exhibit is sponsored by The Automaster.
"The huge, animitronic insects in 'Backyard Monsters," says ECHO Executive Director Phelan Fretz, "provide a unique and exciting opportunity for our guests to experience a part of our ecosystem typically too small to explore in-depth with just the naked eye."
"Backyard Monsters" has swarms of buggy encounters, including...
· The Better to Eat You With: Discover how insects suck blood, chew their food, and guzzle plant nectar.
· Robo-Bugs: Grab the remote control, take your insect for a walk, or race your friends!
· The Good, The Bad & The Ugly: Explore how looks can deceive and protect.
As with all ECHO exhibits, visitors can deepen their experiences through hands-on educational programs for all ages, such as Bug Bingo, Making Scents (insect pheromones), and creating insects from recycled materials. Additional "Backyard Monsters"-related programming will include competitions and public events. For the up-to-the-minute programming schedule please visit echovermont.org.
Be prepared to learn "what's buggin' you" at ECHO's "Backyard Monsters" — and watch out for that giant dragonfly hovering over your head!
It's Autumn on the Green…
From the first trace of color on the little maple tree at the southwest corner of the Danville Green in late July or early August, through the full blown glory exhibited by the big maples in late September and early October, to starkly majestic branches standing guard over this beloved center of Danville village – it is unquestionably autumn on the green.
In the midst of nature's annual metamorphic cycle, the Green itself transforms into a small city of one hundred fifty plus vendors on the first Sunday in October. On Sunday, October 3rd, 2010, the 8th annual Autumn on the Green will host several thousand guests. 2009 brought visitors from 43 states, the District of Columbia, the US Virgin Islands, and 22 foreign countries.
The origin of a town green was to provide grazing area for town folk's livestock. Likewise, our guests can literally graze their way from one end of the green to the other. Hearty soups and stews, vegetarian entrees, sandwiches and fries, baked goods and desserts from the gourmet to "just like grandma's," BBQ, cheese, complete hot lunches, hot and cold beverages, and much, much more awaits at nearly every turn.
With caller Bob Grant, the Country Corner Squares demonstrate the joy of square dancing; large crowds gather on the sap bucket and board seats by the bandstand to enjoy soft rock and country ballads played and sung by Skip and Debbie Gray; and enjoyable late afternoon entertainment is provided by Contra-dance band, the Parsnips.
Next to an impressive display of antiques, Danville headquartered American Society of Dowsers, introduce the ancient art of finding underground water veins with dowsing rods to interested onlookers. P.E.T.S of the Kingdom offer children's games and prizes. A recreational tree climbing professional, a blacksmith, painters, basket weavers, wood smiths, rug hookers, knitters, quilters – all demonstrate and encourage participation in their art throughout the day.
The number and quality of vendors who participate in Autumn on the Green is testament to the artistry, creativity and skill waiting to be shared with visitors to Vermont's Northeast Kingdom during its own most spectacular season… and it's just plain fun! Don't forget to take a jug of Vermont Maple Syrup home for "sweet" memories of a wonderful day.
Always the first Sunday in October, reserve the date and make plans to join Danville enjoying and sharing autumn at its peak. Autumn on the Green is recommended by Scenes of Vermont, and a multiple winner of the Vermont Chamber of Commerce Top 10 Fall Event award.
Check www.autumnonthegreen.com or www.danvillechambervt.org. Information is also available by writing aog@charter.net or calling 802-684-2528.
East Burke: A Community Built on Trails
From the beginning, Burke Mountain, in East Burke, was a racing hill. As early as 1937, nearly twenty years before the first lift was constructed at the ski area, downhill ski races were held on its Toll Road and the annual Bear Den Trophy Race was drawing skiers from all over New England. Throughout the 1930s and 40s, recreational skiing and racing events were regularly organized on the slopes at Burke.
In 1932, a 160-man crew from the Civil Conservation Corp was sent to East Burke to create the infrastructure of the newly formed Darling State Park, named after a prominent local family who had donated the land to the state. That year, the first two ski trails at Burke Mountain were cut and graded. The Bear Den trail, so named by the crew after they discovered two bear cubs nearby, and the Wilderness trail, remain today as they were then, narrow, curving, rugged corridors through the northern alpine forest, symbolic of the sturdy men who built them. And by the fall of 1935, this hearty crew had converted a neglected carriage road built in the 1860s into the Toll Road we know today, a road which serves as the Deer Run trail during ski season.
The racing tradition that started in Burke's nascent days got a boost when in 1970, Warren Witherall, skiing legend, member of the Vermont Ski Hall of Fame and author of the seminal ski racing book, The Athletic Skier, founded the Burke Mountain Academy, the first such dedicated ski academy of its kind in North America and today the preeminent ski academy in the country, having produced 45 Olympians and over 100 US National Team members since its founding. BMA, as it is known, continues to feed the US National Team with the cream of the crop and had several graduates on the team who competed for a spot on the Olympic Team in Vancouver for the 2010 Olympics.
During the frigid, snowy winter of 1955/56, Abon Atkins and his crew installed the mountain's first permanent lift to the summit, the Mountain POMA Lift, at the time America's longest surface lift, and one that after 52 years continues to transport Burke skiers up the Warren's Way trail today. And thus, in February, 1956, Burke Mountain became a "modern ski area" when Vermont's "Skiing Governor," Joe Johnson, visited to officially dedicate the state's newest ski area, and received a guided tour on the inaugural run by current Burke season pass holder, David "Duffy" Dodge.
With its storied history based on the creation of two trails some 73 years ago, it's no surprise that Burke's East Bowl trail has been dubbed "New England's Best Classic" trail and the Boston Globe called the Willoughby Trail the "Northeast's 9th Most Scenic" trail. Today, East Burke is also home to the Kingdom Trails, a network of over 100 miles of managed and marked mountain bike trails that Dirtrag Magazine, a prominent mountain bike publication, called "home to the best mountain biking in the United States." Come wintertime, the Kingdom Trails Association grooms over 50 miles of its trails, forming some of the finest cross-country skiing in Vermont.
In a feature article in a 1977 issue, Vermont Life Magazine wrote, "The quiet, the solitude, the vast, untouched spaces common in the undeveloped Northeast Kingdom grace Burke with its uniqueness. The least crowded, set in the least developed area of Vermont, Burke's ski slopes are of incomparable beauty." Over thirty years later, the same can be said of Burke today, and its community, whose very character is defined by the trails it has built over numerous generations, and which offers its visitors a remarkable variety of opportunities in which to explore its magnificent landscape.
Submitted by Burke Mountain Operating Company
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