Brrr! It's 20 degrees in southern Vermont today. It's been quite cold these past few days, and Old Man Winter has been far from shy - he's downright angry! If you were in our Brave Little State a couple of weeks ago, you would have experienced the snow squall/whiteout that came unexpectedly and had winds up to 30 miles per hour!
It's cold, er, freezing outside, but don't let that stop you from enjoying magic and wonder of Vermont, not to mention its great breweries, inns, restaurants, art galleries, bookstores and of course, ski slopes with warm fireplaces and cocktails. Here's a list of six (warm) places that are a must-visit and will have you bundling up to pile into the car to get there.
Check out these six must-see places to enjoy Vermont and keep warm.
1. Bennington Museum, Bennington - A museum all its own, this beautiful building is home to 18th-century history which leads up to the present time. It's rich with local information of 'art, history and innovation' and tells a story which can only be felt when one walks through its doors. On the property is the Grandma Moses Schoolhouse and behind the Museum are the Old First Church and its adjacent graveyard where the famous poet, Robert Frost, is buried. Stay warm and learn about southern Vermont, eastern New York, and northwestern Massachusetts at this historic gem.
2. The Alchemist, Stowe - Home of the famous craft beer Heady Topper, this brewery in Stowe is the second one to open in The Alchemist family, as the first located in Waterbury. Its chill atmosphere paired with a tasty eatery and fun store is sure to have you taking home some craft brew for you and yours. Can't make it to the brewery but still want to grab some Heady or Focal banger packs to enjoy? You can hit up one of the many stores in the northern Vermont region that carry the stuff. Check out the 'Buy' section on the company website for more information.
3. Hildene - The Lincoln Family Home, Manchester - Hidden in trees on a long dirt road is the summer home of Robert Todd Lincoln, son of President Abraham Lincoln and his wife, Mary. You will feel you are stepping back in time when walking the grounds, and that's because you are. Even though the gardens aren't seen when snow-covered, this piece of Manchester is still as wonderful and timeless as ever. On your way out after absorbing all around, be sure to stop at the Gift Shop to see what interesting Vermont products they have in store - or to get a package of our Maple Shortbread.
4. West Mountain Inn, Arlington - What a wonderful gem tucked away in the mountains of southern Vermont. If you're looking for a place for a wedding, party or a lovely weekend for the family - or two - the West Mountain Inn is just the place. If you choose to stay a night, you'll have the choice between rooms carefully named Robert Todd Lincoln, Grandma Moses, Robert Frost or the Rockwell Kent Suite - to name a few. The views outside the inn in the meadow in summer are something right out of a movie, and it's no wonder why this destination has a 4.9-star rating on Google reviews. Don't forget to have an experience in their restaurant. It's an excellent spot for the foodie, and you won't want to miss it.
5. Flynn Center for the Performing Arts, Burlington - What better way to keep warm than to attend a music, comedy or storytelling show at The Flynn? There are so many acts and opportunities to be a part of the energy and culture that is currently on Main Street in Burlington at this venue. It started as a vaudeville house, then a premiere movie theatre and is now a performance center and an arts education center. The stage has seen many different genres and performers and plays a big part in the Burlington Discover Jazz Festival when big-time musicians come to town.
If you have been to any of these places, let us know what you think. If you're visiting Vermont on a Saturday, stop by our shop in beautiful Shaftsbury and see us - we love to meet our followers and cookie fans. Check our Facebook page for open times and upcoming events!
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About the Author: Andrea E. Bacchi is a Marketing Copywriter, Freelance Marketing Consultant, Social Media Fanatic, Beginner Coder and Website Builder, Foodie, Content Writer, Musician, and Advocate. She has a special place in her heart for small and women-owned businesses, New York accents, cannoli, the specialty food industry, Vermont, New England, and New York. She can also finally admit she likes The Oxford Comma. Sort of.