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Situated just north of Brattleboro on the Connecticut River, Putney has had a history of attracting progressive elements. In 1838 it was the home to Humphrey Noye's Bible Communism community, which advocated the sharing of all property, work and (most significantly, at least to the authorities) wives. They were charged with adultery in 1847 and fled to establish Oneida, NY. In the 60's, Windham College served as a counterculture magnet, attracting a lot of students to the area who stayed on.
Windham College is gone, but Putney is still a strong presence in the southern part of the state. The past home of governor and senator George Aiken, it is current home to Landmark College (the first college specifically geared towards dyslexic students). Businesses such as the Green Mountain Spinnery, Harlow's Sugar House and Basketville can be found here. Putney also plays host to the Yellow Barn Music School and festival, which puts on a number of chamber concerts each week throughout the summer.
http://www.basketville.com
Basketville carries everything from picnic baskets to gardening baskets to step baskets to Shaker baskets in a myriad of sizes and colors, all at outlet prices. You can find baskets from Chinese villages, Philippine and Indonesian islands, Mexican pueblos, Polish workshops and many other places with long histories of weaving.
The store also offers a selection of wicker and rattan furniture at factory-direct prices as well as silk and dried flowers. Custom floral arrangements are a specialty. Open 7 days a week.
Main Street, Putney VT 05346-0710. (802) 387-5509.
http://www.greenmtorchards.com/
Farm stand with Pick-Your-Own blueberries and apples. Open daily mid-July till October 8-5 pm. Call for winter hours. Experience and take home a part of Vermont and its bounty, including jams and jellies, local wines, Vermont's best cheeses, Vermont maple products, honey, quilts and apples.
130 West Hill Road
Putney, VT 05346
(802) 387-5851
http://www.vermontsugar.com
The Harlow Family has been a part of the New England maple sugaring tradition since 1927, when Uncle Frank started the farm and first set out a few hundred buckets. A fourth generation on the Harlow Farm carries out this tradition today. Visitors are welcome. The farm sales room and Vermont gift shop are open daily, from March 1st 'till late December. Boiling usually takes place on the weekends during the sugaring season, and visitors are invited to stop in to watch the process. During the summer months, there are pick-your-own and ready-picked strawberries, raspberries and blueberries ... or in September, you can pick your own apples in the orchard or visit the cider mill to watch fresh cold apple cider being pressed.
563 Bellows Falls Road (Sugar House is on Route 5)
Putney, Vermont 05346
(802) 387-5852
(for younger siblings) http://www.santasland.com
Geared towards kids aged 2-8, with train tours, a miniature amusement park, petting zoo, slides and the chance to meet Santa, his elves and all the other North Pole regulars. Peek into Santa's house, visit the Christmas Tree Shoppe or buy goodies from the Candy Shop and the Igloo Pancake House. A picnic area is also provided. Open May 26-June 30 on weekends, 10-5; July 1-August 31 daily, 10-5 (closed Wednesday); and September to Christmas Eve on weekends and holidays only, 10-5. $15 for children 3-12, $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and free for children under 3.
1-800-SANTA99.
http://www.vermontshepherd.com
Award-winning Vermont Shepherd cheeses are handmade in Putney during the spring and summer, and then aged for 4-8 months in a special cave before going on sale in late August. Vermont Shephard produces three different kinds of cheese, including the signature Vermont Shephard Cheese (made from sheep's milk and available each year until it is gone) and the cow's milk cheeses Putney Tomme and Timion (available year-round). All together, some 15,000 pounds of cheese are produced annually. The cheese cave is open for free tours on a very limited schedule during the months of August through November. Visitors get to see the aging cave itself and enjoy a cheese tasting. Check the website for information on tour dates or to order cheese online.
875 Patch Road
Putney, Vermont 05346
802 387 4473 Phone
E-mail: vtsheprd@sover.net
www.vermontshepherd.com
(Studios not always available for visits – call or email ahead)
http://www.yellowbarn.org
(For families visiting during the summer)
For five weeks each summer (July 6-August 4, 2007), renowned artists and aspiring young professional musicians convene at Yellow Barn, in Putney, Vermont, to explore the riches of the chamber music repertoire through more than 30 concerts, master classes, and educational events. Most concerts and master classes take place in the new concert hall on Main Street in Putney, with special events and community concerts offered throughout the surrounding area.
Yellow Barn Music School & Festival
63 Main Street
Putney, Vermont 05346
(802) 387-6637 or (800) 639-3819
info@yellowbarn.org
-- http://www.putneycrafts.com/wwilson.htm
Wendy Wilson is a woodturner and sculptor. After many years of designing and building custom furniture, museum exhibits, and children's toys and furniture in the Boston area, she was introduced to woodturning and moved to Vermont in 1994, where she now creates both functional and sculptural turned and carved wooden pieces. These include bowls, vessels, and hollow forms. Her natural-edge forms are turned from woods native to this area. In recent years, she has been exploring sculptural forms in more exotic woods of unique color and figure. Other work ranges from unique wooden books to small-scale rustic chairs. Wendy has been a member of the Putney Craft Tour for 13 years and now spends her summers working with The Putney School Summer Programs.
PO Box 849
Putney, VT 05346
Tel. 802-387-2336
Email: wwilson@sover.net
http://www.bissellwoodworking.com/
A small woodworking shop which has been designing and making furniture one piece at a time since 1982, with a line of Shaker inspired furniture and Windsor chairs, a "standard" line of furniture, and custom work designs.
126 Signal Pine Road
Putney, Vermont 05346
Tel. 802-387-4416
http://www.putneycrafts.com/bennett.html
Jeanne has created and fabricated her original jewelry designs for twenty years. She received her training at Penland School of Crafts in Penland, North Carolina. Her designs include intricate chaining, beads, pendants, bracelets, earrings, and rings. She is available for commissions, working from your designs or her own. For the past seven years she has offered jewelry classes to area children and adults. Currently, she teaches jewelry as an evening activity at the Putney School. Please stop by and see her designs or schedule a class.
P. O. Box 435
Putney VT 05346
802.387.4274
b_peter_2000@yahoo.com
Julia Brandis received her B.F.A. at Virginia Commonwealth University in 1994. Here she studied painting, sculpture, metal working, jewelry making and glass sculpture. Through the use of texture, wire work, jewels and free flowing exterior forms, Julia strives to create depth to a medium often referred to as flat glass. She looks to the beauty found in natural lines and forms and translates them into her glassworks. To visit the studio or for more information, please call or email. For visits other than during the Putney tour, by appointment only.
Tel. 802-722-4585
Email: jbglass@adelphia.net
Joshua has been blowing glass since 2000. He began as an apprentice of Robert Burch in Putney,VT. Joshua creates a fine product line of free-style and functional glasswork, including vases, steins, jars and tumblers. His work is displayed throughout New England and has recently expanded to the West Coast mostly in Oregon and California. He has been a participant in the Putney Craft Tour for four years.
4390 Westminster West Rd.
Putney VT 05346
802-387-1169
twistedglass@hotmail.com
http://www.robertburchglass.com/
Robert Burch has been working in blown glass for over 30 years, and, while maintaining a broad production line is presently increasing his focus on one-of-a-kind and commission work. His glasswork consists of vases, perfume bottles, paperweights and sculptural pieces, with his specialty currently being works that incorporate veiled silver glass with delicate bubble patterns. Call ahead to schedule a visit to the studio in Putney.
3 Great Meadows Ridge
Putney Vermont 05346
802-387-4032
robertburchglass@svcable.net
www.ianeddyblacksmith.com
Ian is a full time blacksmith and has operated a small forge in Vermont since 1975 with his wife, Jenny. In 1999, they moved from Putney to a larger studio in Saxtons River, Vermont, where they are dedicated to producing hand-wrought iron work of the highest quality. Their designs are attractive and delicate in concept yet practical in function. You are welcome to visit at any time, but it is wise to call or e-mail ahead to be sure they are in town.
14 Pleasant Valley Road, P.O. Box 169
Saxtons River, VT 05154
Tel: 802-869-2828
Email:info@ianeddyblacksmith.com
www.wwtileworks.com
After installing commercial tile for more than thirty years in a third-generation business, John and Peggy entered the artistic process of making their own unique tiles to offer to clients. Beginning with raw clay, they experimented with different clay bodies, glazes, designs, and firings. The process has evolved and now includes an extensive variety of plaster-of-paris molds, allowing designs to be duplicated, as well as the detailed hand painting and airbrushing of tiles in an array of colors. For more information, please call or e-mail
3400 Westminster West Road
Putney, VT 05346
802-387-6661
tilewks@sover.net
www.firecirclestudio.com
Over the past 7 years Zach’s work has been displayed in galleries throughout the east coast. He is recognized as one of the premiere emerging metal artists of the new millennium. Custom pieces for custom places are his specialty, inside the home and out. He is easy and fun to work with, and looks forward to your ideas.
P.O. Box 574
Putney VT 05346
802-387-5061
Zach@firecirclestudio.com
www.spinnery.com
The Green Mountain Spinnery was established in 1981 to spin local fleece into the finest possible yarn for knitters and weavers. Since then, they have lead the groundswell of appreciation for natural fiber yarns, introducing blends of fine wool with precious fibers such as mohair, alpaca, organic cotton and lyocell. Today the Spinnery produces ten varieties of yarn in more than 100 natural and dyed colors. Over 90 classic and contemporary knitting patterns written by the Spinnery staff & friends are known and loved by knitters everywhere. Tours of the plant take place throughout the year at 1:30 p.m. on the 1st & 3rd Tuesdays of each month. Mill store is open seven days a week. Located at Exit 4 off I-91 across from the Putney Inn.
PO Box 568
Putney, VT 05346
802-387-4528
TOLL FREE: 800-321-9665
spinnery@sover.net
www.penelopewurr.com
English born designer, Penelope Wurr, was trained as a printmaker in England and has adapted some of that medium's techniques and invented a new process of applying color and design onto glass. She hand finishes each of her pieces using her original patented technique of enameling on glass. Penelope's designs range from the classic through the abstract to the minimalist. Her new shop in downtown Putney is located at 12 Kimball Hill (Next to Offerings Jewelry). Glassware, cabinets and other items for the interior. Please call for more information or an appointment.
Store hours: Fri: Noon - 6 PM; Sat: 11 AM - 6 PM; Sun & Holiday Mondays: 11 AM - 5 PM
Woodhouse
719 West Hill Road
Putney, VT 05346
Phone: 802-387-5607 (Studio)
Phone: 802-579-5130 (Shop)
Email: wurr@sover.net
http://www.tomandsallys.com
Factory is open for tours beginning at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., Monday through Saturday. It is best to call ahead. The guided tour takes about one hour. $5.00 for adults and $2.00 for children through age 18. Tasting samples included! Factory outlet open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday, year round, and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday during peak seasons.
Directions: Take I-91 to Exit 2 in Vermont. Left off ramp onto Western Avenue (Rte 9) toward downtown Brattleboro. At fork bear left onto High Street (Route 9). On steep downhill, get into left lane. Turn left at the T junction onto Main Street (Routes 5 and 9). Continue north on Main Street for a couple of blocks. As street becomes one-way, get into the left lane. Follow signs for Route 30 to Newfane, Townshend, Manchester. After passing under I-91 and around a long bend, factory is on right. Enter at south side "Retail Store Entrance."
485 West River Road (P.O. Box 600)
Brattleboro, Vermont 05301
Toll-free: 800-827-0800. Phone: 802-254-4200. Email: sally@tomandsallys.com
865 Putney Road, Brattleboro, VT 05301
Phone: (802) 257-1177
Sunday-Thursday 9AM-10PM, Friday-Saturday 9AM-Midnight (Summer Hours: May-August open at 1PM)
Exit 3 off Interstate 91. Turn right on Rte. 5 South. About 3/4 mile down on the left (across from Hannaford's and Home Depot).
http://www.fairwindsfarm.org
Horse workshops & training, hay & sleigh rides and hardy perennials.
The farm store offers organic eggs, broiler and stew chickens, free range pork and grass-fed lamb.
511 Upper Dummerston Road, Brattleboro, Vermont 05301
Phone: 802-254-9067
E-mail: fairwind@sover.net
http://www.theretreatfarm.com
The Retreat Petting Farm & Gift Shop operates on a seasonal basis from Memorial Day weekend to the end of October, rain or shine. Petting farm features cows, chicken, oxen, miniature horses, llamas, lambs and goats.
350 Linden Street, Brattleboro, Vermont. (Route 30).
Phone: 802-257-2240.
http://www.montshire.org (Nearly an hour from Putney, but worth the trip).
The Montshire Museum of Science is a hands-on museum located in Norwich, Vermont, offering dozens of exhibits relating to the natural and physical sciences, ecology, and technology. Open seven days a week throughout the year except on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas and New Years Day. Hours: 10 am to 5 pm. Montshire is located off exit 13 of I-91 in Norwich, VT., five miles north of White River Junction, VT. It is directly across the Connecticut River from Hanover, N.H. From the South: Driving north on I-91, take exit 13 (Norwich). Take an immediate right turn off the exit 13 ramp and onto Montshire Road. Take your first left hand turn onto the Montshire Museum driveway. One Montshire Road, Norwich, VT 05055
802 649-2200
montshire@montshire.org
http://www.nature-museum.org
This small nature museum offers innovative and interactive exhibits where you can dig for fossils, discover minerals in a mine, watch honeybees at work in their hive (in season), or investigate underground life in a crawl-through tunnel. While at the museum, learn about the area's fascinating plants, animals and geology, and meet the catamount, our most elusive and mysterious cat. For those who wish to experience Vermont's beauty firsthand, enjoy a moment in the wildlife garden (under construction), a peaceful picnic, or a walk on the park trails. Exhibits and Second Nature Gift Shop are open to the public 10:00am-4:00 pm on Saturdays and Sundays year round. Usually open on school vacation weeks, holidays and other special occasions. I-91 North to Exit 5, left at fork on ramp, left onto Westminster Street Highway, right onto Back Westminster Road, left onto Route 121 and left onto Townshend Road.
186 Townshend Road, Grafton, VT
http://www.brattleboromuseum.org
Six galleries host roughly 14 exhibits throughout the year ranging from art to artifacts, video installations to wall drawing, sculpture to silkscreen and more.
Open daily except Tuesday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Open \Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Columbus Day Mondays.
Closed: July 4, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. Sometimes closed for change of shows – call ahead to check.
10 Vernon Street
Brattleboro, VT 05301
Phone: 802-257-0124
http://www.vermontmuseum.org
The natural history collection includes over 600 stuffed native New England birds and mammals in 150 small dioramas, one of the largest collections of its type in the Northeast. The museum also offers an exciting display of non-releasable live hawks and owls. The Museum is located on the top of Hogback Mountain in Marlboro, Vermont, perched on an overlook with views into Massachusetts and New Hampshire -- on a clear day the horizon is 100 miles away.
Summer Hours: Memorial Day to late October, Open 7 days a week from 10:00AM to 5:00PM.
Winter Hours: Late October to Memorial Day, Open most weekends, weather permitting -- call ahead.
From I-91: Take Route 9 West (Exit 2) for 13 miles. The museum is on the left at the scenic overlook.
Route 9, Hogback Mountain
Marlboro, Vermont
802-464-0048
http://www.rails-vt.com/grn_mtn_flyer.html
Travel through the scenic southern Vermont countryside in restored coaches pulled by a vintage diesel locomotive. Travel along the Connecticut and Williams Rivers, with spectacular views of Brockway Mills Gorge and two historic covered bridges. The Green Mountain Flyer also has a snack car offering beverages and other goodies while you ride. During your stop at Chester Depot there is time to explore the 1852 train station which has been restored to its original 19th century appearance. A restored 1941 bay window caboose is on display adjacent to the parking lot. Directions to Bellows Falls Depot: From I-91 North: Take Exit 5 to Route 5 North for 3 miles. Bear right onto Westminster Street at the first traffic light. At the bottom of the hill, bear right after the building with mural onto Bridge St. Take a left onto Island Street. The Depot is at the bottom of the hill. Reservations taken up to 7 days prior to excursion.
800-707-3530 or 802-463-3069
http://www.vermontmarina.com
Take a narrated tour along the Connecticut River on a flat-bottomed, 49 passenger, wooden vessel. Call for schedule and rates. From downtown Brattleboro follow Main St. north. Just after crossing Memorial Bridge turn left at the Marina Restaurant. Launch is on left in front of restaurant.
28 Springtree Road, Brattleboro.
802-254-1263
Level: Easy
Time/Distance: 1 hour
This walk around quiet Sweet Pond offers scenery and wildlife, suitable for young children. Take Rt. 5 south to the Guilford Country Store, turn right on Guilford Center Rd., bear left after village onto Sweet Pond Rd. Continue 2.5 miles, park is on the left.
Level: Moderate
Time/Distance: 1.5 hours
This switchback Jeep trail to summit offers beautiful views of Brattleboro and surrounding area. Take Rt. 119 toward Hinsdale, N.H. Immediately after the second bridge over the Connecticut River turn left to parking area on your right.
Level: Moderate
Time/Distance: 1.5 hours
Climb to the fire tower on Mt. Olga for a striking 100-mile view. Take Rt. 9 west to Marlboro. Park entrance is on the left 1 mile from Hogback Resort. Stop at ranger station for directions.
Day fee: $1.50 adults, $1.00 children four and over.
Level: Varied
The closest trail access is located on the Stratton-Arlington Rd. off Rt. 100. Take Rt. 30 to E. Jamaica and left on Rt. 100 approx. 7 miles to Stratton Rd. on right. Continue 4 miles to trail head.
Level: Challenging Spectacular above-treeline hiking.
Take Rt. 9 to Keene, N.H. and continue on Rt. 101 to Marlboro, N.H., then right on Rt. 124 to Jaffrey. Monadnock State Park is on the left.
Fee: $2.50, 11 and under free.
Level: Easy
Time/Distance: 20 miles
Take Rt. 30 all along the West River, it offers valley scenery and level terrain. Take Main St. north then bear left on Rt. 30. After you pass the Brattleboro Retreat on the right there is a place to park. Turn at Depot Rd. & return (see loop option).
Level: Moderate
Time/Distance: 20-25 miles
Take Rt. 5 north along moderate hills to Putney to view beautiful farms and mountains. Return the same way or turn right on School Rd. in Dummerston. This steep climb will bring you back through the longest single span covered bridge in Vermont and onto Rt. 30 back to Brattleboro.
Level: Difficult
Time/Distance: 25 miles
Take Rt. 119 to Hinsdale, N.H., turn left onto Rt. 63 in Hinsdale village for a sturdy climb and spectacular views. Continue on Rt. 63, bear left at Rt. 9 and left on Rt. 5 to bring you back to Brattleboro.
Level: Moderate
Time/Distance: 35 miles
A scenic, rolling ride through the Connecticut River Valley. Go south on Rt. 142 from the Brattleboro Museum (warning: walk bikes over RR tracks at 1.5 mi. point) until the intersection with Rt. 10 in Bernardston, Mass. Turn left and follow Rt. 10/63 1 mile and bear left on RR tracks at 1.5 mi. point) until the intersection with Rt. 10 in Bernardston, Mass.
Level: Steep
Time/Distance: 10 miles
From Rt. 9 west park in front of the West Brattleboro fire station. Continue west and turn left on Greenleaf St. at Christy’s Store. Bear right onto Abbott Road and continue to the intersection of Ames Hill. Continue up hill and turn left to a beautiful distant view from Moore’s Apple Orchard. Turn left at the next road and bear left again just before the house. The road turns into a trail that will connect to Melchen Road then bear left on the pavement back to West Brattleboro.
Level: Varied
From Rt. 9 west turn left onto Greenleaf St. at Christy’s Store. Follow the paved road 5.5 miles until the pavement ends and turn left to the Green River covered bridge and waterfall. Park to the left at the far side of the bridge. Explore the dirt roads of the region or make a 14-mile loop by exiting the bridge to the left. Bear left at the first junction following the Green River and left again across the bridge at the three-mile point. A stiff climb will bring you into the Deer Park wilderness area of Halifax. Another left turn will bring you into quaint Halifax village. Turn left on stage road and left again back to Green River.
Level: Varied
From Rt. 30 take the first left on Cedar St. Park along the road at the base of the ski jump. This dirt road extends to the right of the jump and accesses a variety of trails to explore along the ridge above Brattleboro.
Connecticut River Safari, Brattleboro, VT. Rentals: Rowboats, kayaks, canoes. Guide Service.
Open early May – October. On Putney Road (Route 5) in Brattleboro between exits 2 and 3 off I-91 next to the bridge across the West River.
802-257-5008
Situated on a beautiful rocky peninsula jutting into the Connecticut River, Barton Cove is a great place for a day trip or camping. A scenic 1-mile nature trail along a rocky ridge overlooks the river and passes an abandoned dinosaur footprint quarry. Rental canoes and kayaks are available, as is an upriver boat shuttle to three drop-off points that let visitors paddle for three hours to two days. I-91 South to Exit 27, travel east on Route 2 for three miles; campground is on right.
82 French King Hwy. Gill, MA
(413) 863-9300
http://www.graftonponds.com
Winter Activities include: skiing, snowshoeing, snow tubing, and ice Skating. Daily operating hours are 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Check the web site daily to get the latest update on trail conditions.
www.stratton.com
Set on the highest peak in southern Vermont, Stratton Mountain offers skiing for beginner to expert with 92 trails and a 2,003-foot vertical drop. Sixteen lifts, including four high-speed six-passenger lifts, and the enclosed 12-passenger summit gondola get skiers where they want to be quickly and efficiently. The Stratton Nordic Center provides a change of pace with more than 35 km of tracked cross-country trails and 50 km of back country skiing. Moonlight tours, instruction and rentals are also available.
Take I-91 north from Putney to Exit 7 (Springfield, VT) to Route 11 West. In Londonderry, turn LEFT onto Route 100 South. In Rawsonville, turn RIGHT onto Route 30 North. In Bondville, turn LEFT onto Stratton Mountain Road (right next to the 7-Eleven).
802-297-4110
www.mountsnow.com
Mount Snow Resort has four mountain areas (Main Mountain, North Face, Carinthia and Sunbrook), and offers a variety of terrain suitable for all outdoor enthusiasts. It boasts a two-mile-long novice trail from the summit, 100-yard-wide intermediate trails and an expert North Face that includes Ripcord, Mount Snow's steepest trail and one the the steepest in New England. Follow I-91 south from Putney to Exit #2 in Vermont. Take Route 9 West 20 miles to Wilmington, VT. Turn right at the stoplight on to Route 100 North. Nine miles to Mount Snow.
800-245-SNOW
http://www.bromley.com
Bromley Mountain is the only southern facing ski mountain in Vermont, getting more sunshine than any other ski area in the state. Bromley has 44 trails, and nine lifts. The trails range from green to double black diamond. Bromley was rated number one in family programs in North America by SKI Magazine. Locals have their own escape from "flatlanders" when the trail lines grow thick: the east side is where one can find such trails as Corkscrew, (Pabst) Panic and Peril, Blue Ribbon, Stargazer, and Havoc. It is accessible via a slower moving quad, thus keeping the more "spoiled" skiers away.
I-91 North to Exit 6 (Route 103). Take Route 103 North (you will be traveling west) to Chester, VT. Pick up Route 11 West and continue to Bromley.
802-824-5522
http://www.austinhillinn.com
(Owned by Greenwood parents, John and Debbie Bailey)
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