Oh Girlfriends, we’re going to have fun with this one. Last month our friends (and neighbors) Lowely and John suggested we all go on a Valentine’s getaway together, up to the big snow country of Vermont! What a good idea! Cozy fires, hot coffee drinks, flannel shirts, lots of barns (love barns, have a collection of barn photos, needed more!), Vermont maple syrup on our pancakes, who could ask for more? But there was more, there was a sleigh ride! And you’re coming along! So, here we goooooo! (It’s very long! Unhook the computer, take it to your sofa, get cozy with a cup of tea, and settle in for a virtual trip to luv-lee Vermont!)
MUSICA. It was, I admit, a wee bit hairy on the way up. There was a huge storm. It never stopped snowing and blowing from the second we hit the state line. Luckily Lowely and I were in the big back seat, sharing a cozy blanket, where we could see nothing, therefore could not comment on any sort of driving anomalies. Best for all involved. Trust being the main item of the day. We were strapped into a monster SUV of safety, which was filled with wonderful music! So there was lots of singing along. We had fun! Our map men did a great job, as I am reporting, now, alive, and back home, safe and sound, so it must be true.
And the snowplows were out in full force.
And when our windshield wiper stopped working, Joe popped out and fixed it! Because he can!
But it was gnarly sometimes. And did we mind? No, we just clicked away with our cameras! Lowely is a pastel artist and takes photographs for inspiration. I think some of our more out-of-focus photos look like paintings already! And I take pictures so I can show you! Look at this! Isn’t it beautiful?
I’m always in the mood to share the magic when I see it! I think I forgot how BEAUTIFUL Vermont is. Red barns and red brick chimneys with smoke curling into the white sky ~ softly painted clapboard houses, and everything polka-dotted with snow.
Not to mention old covered bridges, 104 of them in Vermont . . . the most in all of New England!
I liked this photo because of the juxtaposition between the rearview mirror, the bridge opening and the GPS screen. Visions and views, old and new.
Most of the buildings had good steep roofs, and here you can see why . . . the snow slides off in big sheets. Would not like to be under it when it happens! But, then again, it might be fun (if it doesn’t kill you!).
From right out my car window. Lowely and I were always teasing each other, I thought she had all the “good stuff” on her side, and she though I had it all! In this case, I was definitely the lucky one. But she probably had something just as good on her side, as you will see…. it’s all beautiful. Beginning to look a lot like Christmas, 🎶everywhere we go!
This homeowner put a pine-tree wind break around his house. Isn’t it cute? Talk about Christmas! Look at the tiny green building on the right. Snow on roof tops is very pretty! These people would never have to worry about a Christmas with no snow!
Had to be careful though. See that pole in the middle of the church? Didn’t want that in the picture, had to snap it at just the right time! Luckily the icy roads slowed the car down! Look below ⬇️, the graveyards were lovely. My favorite part about anywhere I go is the history, and Vermont is old and wonderful and filled with history of our country, and the people who built it, mostly of course, immigrants! AND, related to us, building America, fighting for our country in wars and buried here. See the little flag? 💝
Even the smaller barns had cupolas and weather vanes on top. Why? Because they can. It’s small-farm country around here, and beauty, little graces, which we see everywhere, seem to matter. I always appreciate efforts of home owners who make the world a more lovely place to be. They have such power and often don’t even realize it, they do it because that’s just who they are.💞
And it’s big-farm country too . . . and pride makes them choose blue and red paint to make the whole world brighter.
So we toodled along, taking pictures of everything. Besides wood, which was plentiful in all the local forests, they also used lots of brick for their buildings. This New England is as close to Old England as we can get in America!
Almost everyone has traded his wooden roof for one of these slippery metal ones where the snow can cause no water-intrusion problems for the homeowners.
Lots of the pick-up trucks come equipped with their very own snow plow! Smart! Taking no chances!
Sweet little log cabin in the woods. I will always be a lover of houses, all shapes and sizes.
Almost there! Our hotel is in Warren! In the Mad River Valley! Mad River, what a great name!
Just because it’s out of focus, doesn’t mean it isn’t wonderful! By the time we got to the hotel, it was around 5 o’clock, and we had fallen madly in love with the whole countryside. MAS MUSICA? Oui! Favorite travel musica!
We’re there!
And this is our hotel. The Pitcher Inn in Warren, Vermont. Plan ahead if you go there, because their hotel packages give a significant discount if you do! Romantic, perfect for Valentine’s, set in the smallest little town, but right in the middle of everything.❤️
Here’s the parking lot. With this darling little clock building in it, a converted barn we think is probably offices for the hotel.
And there’s our beast-like vehicle that got us here alive.
Here’s the view across the street.
Snowy Warren, Vermont, says, “welcome!”
Quite a cute little store attracting our attention across the street. Lit up with stars and twinkle lights. Looks like a country general store. Probably a good one. Note to selves, go here first thing in morning!
The hallway display on the way to our room.
Here’s the entrance, with a look into the dining room, and the stone fireplace far beyond. Every room had a fireplace of course.
Charming lighting in the hallway . . .
We unloaded our bags and went right down stairs to the cozy pub to drown our driving jitters in hot toddies and cold toddies and all the toddies in between!
Below, is one of the lovely views from our room. Note starry curtains.
And this was the ceiling. Painted with stars . . .
And this frightening thing with wild eagles on the posts, was our very comfortable bed, with ice cube light tables on both sides! You just never know!
And at the foot of the bed, this . . . a crackling fire made with white birch logs . . . Every night, or any time you asked, they would come and make you a real wood fire.
And this bathroom was SO good, I’ve never seen one like this. For anyone thinking about building a house, you might take a look at this! (The reflections from the windows behind me get in the way a bit, try to look past them.) For one thing, the entire floor is heated, 
including the tile in this glass room, which is totally enclosed, right up to the ceiling, with a glass wall and a glass door. On the left is the whirlpool tub (you see the bathroom counter in the reflection, but that’s the tub) ~ there are two shower heads, a really good drain in the heated non-slip tile floor, a steam control, so you can take a steam bath, and a little wooden seat on the right that folds down in case you are the sitting-steam-bath-shower type. It’s very possible to spend the day in this room. I couldn’t help but picture my mom, who could only bathe three kids at a time, (all that would fit in tub, with her on her knees getting soaking wet), putting herself and her babies in here for group shower! Would have been very handy!
From our room, looking across the street . . . colored lights. How could we not love this!
And here it is again, looking from their side back to our hotel . . .
Birch trees are snow art . . .
The dining room where we had breakfast every morning. Breakfast comes with your room: French toast or flapjacks and Vermont Maple Syrup, delicious coffee and ice-cold fresh-squeezed orange juice with all the delicious pulpy parts intact ~ poached eggs, all white and soft and juicy with yolk, and crunchy seedy toast, with jams and honey and every good thing, and so much more. Fruit and yogurt and granola too. . .
We were happy. Nicest guy waited on us. Remembered all our little preferences from day to day.
Then across the street we went through softly drifting snow to the “almost world famous” Warren Store, built in 1839 as a stagecoach stop, which, from all the action, people going in and out, seems like it’s probably the community center, both for locals and for our kind, the not-so-local, but-still-very-appreciative, too.
First thing I noticed, in all the cuteness of this store where they pretty much sell everything from groceries to home goods, clothing to champagne, with worn wooden floors, the fragrance of fresh coffee brewing, was the extremely hygge wood stove that you couldn’t help but cozy up to. (This store reminded me of the one in the wonderful movie Baby Boom, where Diane Keaton sold her Country Baby Food, remember? SUCH a good movie with a darling Vermont house in it, in case you haven’t seen it . . . you’d love it!)
These are my people. Lowely, Joe and John as we go upstairs to the WONDERFUL clothing store, where they also sell home things, like beautiful hooked rugs and pillows! I found a darling little wool vest up there.
Then there was this framed print hanging over the cash register that made me laugh. So much, I had to go home and show it to Jack, and this is what his face did:
Did someone mention ball? Wait a minute, does someone have my ball? Where is it …. you took it? You took it to Vermont and gave it to that strange zebra cat???? Jack was very confused.
They had children’s books too…isn’t this book cover adorable? Not to mention the play on words. Had to take a picture of this!
A label on a box of chocolates. Quite cute. Have I mentioned how much I love barns and lettering?
Then it was into the car, and back on the road for a day of serendipitous meandering. And more adorable red barns (just like the one on the chocolate box!).
If you really want to get in the mood . . . look at this old video. Because on the actual day of Valentine’s Day, this is what we’re going to be doing ourselves… eeek.
Store window in the neighboring, somewhat larger town, of Waitsfield. X’s and O’s for Valentine’s day.❤️
Across from where Joe was walking is this wonderful store, All Things Bright and Beautiful, on Bridge Street. Filled with stuffed animals, and glass and wooden ornaments. Gaelic, the woman who’s owned the shop for 52 years, was there, making her homemade wooden ornaments.
And there were these . . .
And these . . .
And this . . .
And on Gaelic’s art table, was a box, with a cat in it! A word of advice: resist temptation! Do not put your hand in the box with the cat. #wordtothewise
He is waiting for you to try it. He had me so riveted on him, I forgot to take a picture of Gaelic making her wooden ornaments . . . but Lowely took this picture of a wall display . . .
So now we know how she does it . . . Nothing is what you think it is. The work that goes into all the lovely things there are in this world is phenomenal. This just proves it.
Next to Gaelic’s store is this bridge, 2nd oldest in Vermont, hence “Bridge Street.”
We walked through it and around it, and on the far side, we looked across the snow meadow and there was this huge bonfire.
I know what my girlfriend Diana would say, she would say, “What would you do if you saw that?” Seemed like a pretty safe time to burn though, I could feel the heat from where I was standing. Had to video it!
XOX
See the snow coming down? All wonderful.
Perfect photo op.
And more meandering, more town, getting hungry . . .
Lunch started with a toast and four Bloody Mary’s!
Then more meandering . . .
Couldn’t drive past this sign . . .
Because what’s Vermont without cider and syrup, and these . . .
Legendary!
Cider donuts! Yum!
All kinds of goodies here . . .
Beautiful bottles ~ think I’ll get . . .
This! One Bourbon Barrel Aged Pure Vermont Maple Syrup for me, and, one for you!! Yes! A GiveAway! Just leave a comment at the bottom of this post (if you ever get there), and you’re IN!
Out, munching do-nuts, drinking cups of steaming hot cider, we slip into gallery, then back in the car . . .
for more red barns . . .
And green ones, and floaty snow flakes . . .
And picture-taking from open car windows . . .
It’s a big ski area up there . . . you may have heard of Sugar Bush and Mad River Glen . . .
And apparently golf is popular too! Though we did not see a lot of it going on!
The slopes were packed with brightly colored people!
The mountains are criss-crossed with ski runs and chair lifts . . .
And gondolas . . . to which, I say, thank you, but no thank you. My adventurous spirit, which brings me right to the edge, has its limits . . . I’m best in the lodge. With the cocoa. And the book. I can go, but drop me at the lodge and bring on the whipped cream.
Luckily, Map Man is right there with me . . . a lodge guy.
So, speaking of immigrants, we then arrived at the chalet of the famous singing Von Trapp Family (Yes, from The Sound of Music) who, with their ten children, left Austria just before WWII, and brought their American Dream to this gorgeous mountain top with the long views of Vermont and made it all come true.💞
They built this amazing ski lodge . . .
Always wanted to see this place and here we were. If you are a skier, I would say this would be a wonderful place to come stay. As you can see, it wasn’t all snow and blizzard while we were there, it was sunshine too!
Now a quick word about stars. Something about birch stars that the locals adore, because they are lit up and on everything. You may have noticed them on the Warren Store. Here are a few more photos to prove my point.
Upstairs and downstairs . . . I think they know that twinkles in the snow make magic! That’s why they do it!
And they are really everywhere . . . hanging from trees . . .
On barns . . .
All sizes . . . we think they make them from scratch from the trees in the woods . . .
Some more into it than others . . .
They don’t look store-bought, or uniform in size . . .
Little ones too. . . next to the cute blue door . . .
And even, or especially, in front of the wonderful New England churches . . . quite pretty. I could go on with stars, and restaurants and food and everything, but I think NOW is the time for the Main Event, our sleigh ride in the snow which I have been dreaming of doing for years . . . and now we finally did!!!!!! It was everything I hoped it would be for us four Valentines.❤️ And so nice to be able to take you Valentine’s along with us too!
“Gentle Giants” in Stowe, Vermont . . . that’s the name of the sleigh people, and there’s their phone number . . . just in cases.❤️
We brought champagne with us, for before we got out of the car, for a pre-sleigh-ride warm-up and toast to Valentine’s and our wonderful friendship. (BTW, want to taste the MOST delicious champagne, that does not give me a headache like all the others do, costs about 7 dollars a bottle and is from Trader Joe’s? It’s called Amour de Paris (good name), is peach flavored, and I tell you, it’s good cheap stuff. Very celebratory! Perfect for brunch! Yum! Write it down! You’ll love it!)
Now we are happy! 💖
Joe goes in to talk about what we do next!
I go toward the horse. Horse sees me!
He’s coming! I’m happy.
SO beautiful
Much friendlier than the kitty in the box! Note feet (mine) in snow. But totally warm. Uggs boots. Oh yeah, only way to go!
We had a bag of apples and we forgot them! Don’t let this happen to you!
Boys… while we’re waiting . . . (Hay truck, make a wish!)
So you can see. This is the basic lay of the land. That little red house in the middle, the smallest one, was where Joe was talking to Rochelle our sleigh driver . . . and there’s the horse Lowely was petting off on the left. Isn’t it pure heaven there?
Lots of lovely horses here . . .
xoxoxoxo
So here’s “Jack” (another Jack, they are everywhere these days), our horse, being hooked to his sleigh. See how smart he is, when Rochelle asks him to move he does it in just the right tiny increment she was asking from him. I was thrilled when Rochelle put on the bells. I was so hoping there would be bells.
John is bringing his blanket. It belonged to his grandfather, we’ve had it in the back seat for the whole trip, and it’s definitely coming on the sleigh ride! Right, Lowely? Right!
And here we are, loaded up and ready to go. They wrapped us in furry red blankets. We are toasty and warm, and just a few small flakes are coming down. It’s perfect. We’re really doing this!
XOXO
Here we go! Under the covered bridge . . . !
Look at Rochelle. Isn’t she the perfect sleigh driver? Her hair color is wonderful!!!! This is one of my favorite photos of our whole trip! I could paint her!
So into the pristine white woods we go, cold and crisp . . . see all those branches? That’s what you make those stars from!
As we walked along, we noticed there were lanterns hanging from the trees . . .
While watching little blobs of snow fall out of the trees and turn to powder in the breeze, I said to Rochelle, “How fun, do you go out in a sleigh at night?”
(See the lantern?) She laughed, and said, “No, we just put them there so you’ll think we do!” I’m confused. Is she messing with me? I’m a perfect stranger. There were candles in there! I still don’t get it! 😜
We were out there for about a half hour ~ we saw these cross-country skiers go by . . .
And one other sleigh . . . which was fun, because then we could see how cute we looked!
Delightful. You should do this if you can. Must be sleigh rides all over snow country no matter where you are. Imagine, if you are Louisa May Alcott, this is how you travel in the snow, not because you’re a dreamer per se, but because it’s your only choice after walking. And this is how you go to Boston too. And take your book, Little Women to the Publisher to see if they want to print it! Which of course they do! ❤️ It wasn’t so long ago that everyone traveled like this, so all of Beacon Street would be sleighs and horses in the snow. This is one moment I’d like to slip back in time and take my camera with me.
They understand the value of RED in the snow. ❤️
But way too soon we were heading back for the covered bridge . . . Yes, we were singing Winter Wonderland to go with our sleigh bells ~ even Rochelle was singing with us. She must have heard people do that a thousand times, because you just can’t help but break into song. Never was there a more appropriate time to sing that song!
Time to go! ❤️
But not before a Valentine’s Kiss.😍 This was our 30th Valentine’s Day together. So lucky to be loving him.🎶 Came a long, long way to do it.
And good bye to Rochelle. One of the many things I liked about her, is how good she is with her horses. She takes wonderful care of them.💞
Back in the car once again, with back-row seat view to everything.
More wonderful scenery, colors in the snow…
Stars and frozen roads . . .
and luv-lee graveyards . . .
And road views . . .
Another truly delicious dinner, this time at the Common Man, just FANTASTIC. I have the menu, I took pictures of the food, I could show it all to you and go on (I was going to say “all day” but it’s already been all day!) and I’m afraid you may want to reclaim your life now!
So here’s our last glimpse of the winter sun . . .
Before we hit the road, because the blizzard started right up for our ride home. And the four friends were on the road again.🤞Fingers crossed for safety!
We stopped here at King Arthur Flour on the way home, a place Lowely and I had always wanted to see. Really interesting, they have classes there ~ would love to do that sometime, and lots of good stuff in the gift shop! But, blizzardsville, USA.
This was our boat ride home. The snow had stopped. It had been raining. We looked outside to this really strange sky. Finally went outside after remembering, “No, the windows on this boat aren’t tinted.” It was that under the total cloud cover, somewhere up there, must have been a gorgeous sunset, that made it’s way to earth in a giant, and I don’t get to say this often, Purple Haze!
HOME SWEET HOME, with Jackie cozying up to the heart dishtowel I bought at King Arthur Flour. What a wonderful time we had. Got a lot done in a very short time! We left on Sunday, drove all day, had Monday and Tuesday to Play, and came home on Wednesday.❤️ Perfect! Only 2 pounds heavier! Could be worse!
Hope you enjoyed our trip! Don’t forget to leave a comment if you’re interested in some Vermont Maple Syrup! Be sure to heat it up before you pour it over your waffles or pancakes or French toast! Hot syrup melts butter, yum, rivulets! And, come again soon . . . next week we leave on the train for a cross-country trip out to California to be with my mom on her Birthday! Very excited. Will “Twitter from the Twain” along the way! Lots to tell you about still, but enough is enough is what I say! Love you! Byeeee! P.S. Here are some interesting facts about Vermont I’m sure you would love to know!❤️
Oh, and Susan, it is very fun to take a class at King Arthur Flour! A girlfriend and I went to Vermont in the fall several years ago, and we took a pies and tarts class. I use their all-butter pie crust recipe exclusively after that! I got my wonderful candy-apple red Kitchenaid mixer from them as a Christmas upgrade to my old smaller one (which is still my friend, in my kitchen, we go way back) because they use that model in their kitchens! Have you tried their Bakewell Cream? It makes the tallest biscuits EVER!
I haven’t, I’ve heard of it though, love the name!!!
And it makes the best short cake for the strawberries. It’s an import from England, but now KA makes it.
Debbie in Tampa…for now
Susan Branch has absolutely revealed Vermont’s
appeal and charm.
And didn’t Susan’s running dialogue make it seem as if
we were riding and striding along with her as she explored?
The photography catches Vermont’s hold on our hearts
and it does capture the impression found in impressionist paintings.
Susan has a good eye. Her calligraphy spices up the dialogue and is
is fun to read. Her dialogue seems off-hand and appears as
an after thought, but it is not.
Her every word counts.
Goes to show, doesn’t it, that delight is in the eye of the beholder and in Susan
Branch’s case her delight is our delight.
Very sweet Margaret . . . I think my writing is all because of the letters and diaries I’ve written in my life. You get used to the “conversation” and then it’s the only thing you know! xoxo
Not only one of the most beautiful and magical blogs, but so transporting- on a day I just needed to be somewhere else. Many thanks Susan!.
Perhaps if the movie/TV thing falls through , you , Joe and maybe some of your friends can do 1.Travelogue- With all the small , quaint, wonderful places to see and experience throughout the USA (or the World); 2. Cooking show–showing all manner of delish dishes, how to actually savor all the flavors or detect what is in some wonderful find in a restaurant; 3. An Arts and Crafts show with real artists (like you and your friends) showing how to make beautiful Crafts or teaching how to visually tell a story with painting, photography , fabrics, treasured findings (natural or re-purposed). Enough Dreaming.
You are so special in so many lives-count me in as one of them. Marty
Love the sleigh ride and the maple syrup.
oh so beautiful!
What a wonderful post, Susan. Thank you so much! Its pouring rain where I live near San Francisco and I made tea with milk and honey, waited for my new puppy to take a nap, and sat down to enjoy Vermont with you, your hubby and dear friends. I adore New England, have never lived there, but my mother’s family go back several generations near Portland Maine and I have always felt a kinship for this truly magical place. Happy travels to CA – hope the rain lets up for you!
What a great getaway! Our oldest, Shawn, is a cadet in the Vermont State Trooper Academy. He will be done the Academy in May. SO proud of him and love that we have an even lovelier excuse to roam the back roads of VT. It looks like you all had a grand time!!
Love it when the kids go somewhere beautiful! Of course you’re proud ~ you’ve raised a hero!
I’ve always heard how beautiful Vermont is in Autumn, and have wanted to visit then. But, you’ve proven that it’s beautiful there in Winter, too. Thanks for another fantastic post!
Loved the adventure in snowy Vermont. I’d love the maple syrup, too.
Hi Susan ❄️⛄️❄️ Thank you ” snow ” much for sharing your wonderful 💞 Valentine getaway with us. We retired to the Eastern Shore of Virginia to get away from fridged temps, ice and snow, but I sure miss the beautyeousness ( if that is a word 😃) of snow covered houses, trees, fields ( especially in moonlight) and swirling snowflakes to catch on your tongue. Watching your sleigh ride was fantastic and is one of those special winter things I would love to do someday. However, if I don’t, I feel like I have enjoyed one in my nice, cozy house thanks to you ❄️ Thanks again, Sarah 🐚who lives on the Eastern Shore🐚
Susan,
Thank you for that trip back in time — at least for me. My mother is from Vermont and we spent all our summers there when we were kids. It’s one of my very favorite places and, yes, you are right: it is SO beautiful. So, thanks for posting — been to almost all the places you had pictures of. Now I want to get on the first plane out of D.C. and get myself up there!
Oh, Susan, so the fairy tale continues. At times did it seem mystical–all the simple but enchanting gifts of nature and man?
Always and forever, it does. xoxo
I will probably never be able to travel to Vermont, so this has been almost like a dream come true, to see it through your eyes.
Thanks Susan, I absolutely loved my trip with you to Vermont. 🙂
Makes me happy to hear that Sheree!
“Sleigh bells ring” ….. have that song stuck in my head! Loved your trip and the sleigh ride, just as I imagined! Thank you for sharing.
We spent time in the same area two summers ago. How enchanting to see it in the winter. It is exactly what I thought it would look.Thanks!! Nancy
Susan,
I have never been to Vermont, never seen so much snow! Thanks to you I feel like I have been there. (I grew up in Tampa FL) .Thank you for sharing your wonderful picture travel diary! Now I want cider donuts! 🙂 Never had maple syrup, I should give it a try. I love how you said “twinkles in the snow make magic! That’s why they do it!” I can picture it! The sleigh ride was epic!
Hope you have a great train adventure, and a wonderful time visiting family.
What a fantastic post, I enjoyed every single word! I can’t believe you were out and about during the blizzard, it dumped quite a bit of snow on us all! Would love to try that maple syrup, thank you!
God bless you Susan for yet another lovely post. You bring majic to us with your lively, discriptive jaunts . love to you ,Joe and JackToni
Fascinating question from the dream of Miss Psychette 🙂 But sad about those cups. Love finding treasures for next to nothing. I have a newly acquired
$4 Jemima Puddleduck. She has a tiny chip on the back of her bonnet, but I don’t mind. She kept me company/sane while I struggled with IRS forms.
There are many chips in my things also, but that doesn’t change my love for them!!!! On Jemima’s bonnet, mine also has a tiny chip, and I paint it blue with watercolor every so often. So it doesn’t show.
I remember you saying this before and I plan to do the same for my little duckie..
Loved your post! Vermont is wonderful – we love exploring when we go to visit our daughter. She lives in Burlington. Went on the sleigh ride at Gentle Giants, this last December. Such fun!!
The snow looks so wonderful, am from Iowa & we haven’t had much this year & I miss how pretty everything looks with a blanket of white!! thanks for taking me along with you.
So hard to imagine, after all my Iowa-born-and-raised mom’s stories of her youth and the DEEP snow she had to navigate to get to school!!!
Thank you so much for this wonderful adventure you shared! I can truthfully say I loved everything about it. It reminded me of our first and only sleigh ride taken in Park City, Utah about 30 years ago. I had booked it as a surprise for my husband (no special occasion) because it not only had a huge group sleigh, but they cooked us a fabulous steak dinner in a tent out in the middle of somewhere during the ride. Since there were just the two of us, they put us with a church group from Wisconsin and we had such fun meeting a lovely bunch of people:) Now, I want to fulfill a wish to visit Vermont in the Winter! We’ve always loved Winter vacations and this would be our cuppa tea (so different from the California coast:). Happy rest of February to you, Joe & Jack Kitty of course.
Winter travel, so much less crowded with other travelers! Especially if you choose a blizzard to go in! 😊
Thank you for sharing your wonderful holiday … the twinkling stars, crackling fire, sleigh bells, covered bridges and hot maple syrup! 💕💗💕
I am a Vermont transplant, a flat lander, my VT family calls me. I have been here 30 years now and just love it. Like you, I am thankful to celebrate 30 years of Valentine’s Days with a special someone too, and the reason I was lucky enough to move here. I just love all your books, when is another coming out?
I need to write a new one! When we get back from California I think I’ll be ready to do that!
As much as I am anticipating a tea book from you some day, I am really hoping you finish PANCAKES! That was your dad’s vote if I remember correctly ♥ Enjoy your train trip and visit with your mama … and wave as you pass by us in AZ 🙂 Wishing you beautiful skies and sunsets. xoxo
About you, Joe and your forever home, maybe???
Debbie in Tampa….for now
I love Vermont. Thank you for sharing your delightful trip. Definite bucket list is a sleigh ride in the snow. Must have the bells!
Thank you for sharing your trip memories and pictures with us all. I have always wanted to go to Vermont – I always think of the movie “White Christmas”.
I’ve never had maple syrup. 🙁 I would love to try some though.
Right Vermont is now on my bucket list! x
Greetings from the Rocky Mtns where we can’t begin to match the charm of your snowy Valentine trek. Loved it all pavement to hoof, star to star, cider to syrup. And now you’ve inspired a winter Vermont journey wish, in addition to a fall leaf peep of glorious New England. Grateful thanks for taking us all along and the TJ’s champagne endorsement too ~ wahoo!
Dear Susan,
Just saw that they are filming Season Five of “A Place To Call Home” being in February, 2017 and it will air later in the year!
foxtel.com.au/got/whats-on/foxtel-insider/showcase/a-place-to-call-home/season-5.html
Fondly,
Debbie
Beautiful photos of Vermont! Thank you for posting.
PS Bourbon Barrel Maple Syrup sounds delicious!
Stay safe & warm.
Hugs,
~C
Thank you for such a Magical Vermont Valentine’s Day Trip! I feel all warm and cozy and early American:). Just lovely!
What a wonderful post! thanks for sharing all that SNOW !! Loved the sleigh ride, and the stars are so interesting. thanks for the opportunity to win some authentic maple syrup!
Wonderful lovely post!!!! My my that was a romantic Valentine Kiss. You are looking young and fit!!!! Beautiful, cozy winter photos. I want that fireplace!!!!! Thank you
You were in my stomping grounds! I live in NH, about 60 miles from where you were, but we make our way to this part of VT fairly often. By mid-Feb I can get quite “wintered out” but all your lovely pictures made me love my “neighborhood”
all over again. So glad you had so much fun here.
How delightful!
So cozy and wonderful!!!
I wonder if the champagne is organic ? My girlfriend said organic wine doesn’t give her a headache.
Have fun on the train!
Not sure, now the bottle is long gone. I tend to think it isn’t. Probably I would have noticed.
I love your travel story’s and pics. Pretty sure my hubby is a lodge and hot chocolate sort of guy too. Looking forward to your cross country story’s. Happy travels. ❤️
Love the snow in Vermont! And maple syrup !
Thanks for sharing your trip.
Yum! Vermont Maple Syrup. We get it each year from my sister in Maine, but never Bourbon Barrow Aged. Woot! Woot!
Dear Susan! Oh how I loved this post! I grew up in lovely Connecticut and will always be a New England girl at heart! There is nothing like it! I understand how you fell in love with it so quickly❤️ We have had such a disappointing mild mild winter here in Ohio! How I long to have a huge snow storm… Thank you for sharing such beautiful photos of your winter wonderland trip! Looked nothing less than amazing. I need to plan a trip back “home” soon.
Wow! That is a lot in 2 days. Looks like lots of fun, even if it is cold.
Oh, Susan! You are so blessed And so sweet to share with us.
Wonderful! I wish I were there. Thank you!!
A sleigh ride in the New England snow…sigh.
Sue,
I am so glad you took as on your Valentine trip. I was in Vermont, in June 2 yrs ago and we stayed in Waitsfield. We ate at the Common man our first night! I took a picture of the Window Wall art for my niece who is in to DIY decorating. We also went to Stowe, the Cider Mill and ate donuts. My dream is to go on a sleigh ride like you did, not the ones that are the big wagons with a ton of people. I have a little ceramic sleigh with 2 people in it that I put out at Christmas and I tell my husband that this is you and me. Maybe some day. You are a lot closer to Vermont in the winter than I am. But bad weather is scary no matter how close you are. I am glad you and Joe and your friends arrived home safe.
Looking forward to the next post,
Nancy
Two ways to escape He Shall Not Be Named………..Read Susan’s latest and have anesthesia administered. I had the later done this morning, and now I’m recovering by doing the former. Step one in the Great Rebuilt Chassis adventure. Oh, add my new fairy light string shining softy in our bedroom, dimable, it is. How did we ever do without these?
Get us all packed (I’m going with you come Hell or High Water!) and get on that train.
So happy for you and Joe, and for all of us as well.
Mucho Love,
Debbie in Tampa…on the countdown for Maine
How are you Debbie? Fairly lights in the bedroom will help get you well!
Lovely, lovely photos and fun — and funny!! — commentary. Always so delightful to read!!! When I saw the road sign with Stowe on it, I hoped you would go and show some photos . . . so glad you did!! I loved Sound of Music and so much fun to see where they settled after escaping. As always THANKS!!!! for your blog — a lovely escape!! XOXO
I want to win the maple syrup
What a beautiful and special weekend. I am trying to plan a autumn getaway to Vermont and hoping to find accommodations that will allow my dog. Can’t wait to get to all those little villages, walk along paths and ohhh and ahhh at the trees. I want to be a true leaf-peeper!
I imagine that will be something fairly easy in such an “aware” kind of place as Vermont. Very people oriented. Gorgeous time of year to go!
Wow Susan! I so enjoyed your trip to Vermont! I did not know that the Von Trapp Family built a Chalet and skiing business in Vermont!! I traveled to Salzburg to see where the Sound of Music was filmed when I was younger and have always treasured their story and The Sound of Music Movie! When I was young, the neighbor kids and I performed The Sound of Music Musical on rollerskates in a friend’s garage with the entire neighborhood as our audience! (Standing room only!!) I have added Vermont to my retirement bucket list!!
That whole family is American now! Little PS to that fabulous movie!
Thanks for sharing the beautiful photos of your getaway!
Hi Susan,
Your Valentine trip to Vermont looked so delightful. That’s a part of the country, I would really like to see. So glad you had a great time. Love reading all your posts. I so look forward to them. Enjoy your visit to your Mom’s.
Love,
Gail
Loved the guided tour through the snowy towns in Vermont. A place I would love to Visit one day. Loved your pictures and story.
Thanks for the wonderful trip! I felt I was there. 70 degrees here today. Going to snow Friday! May still have some winter left in Wisconsin!
Your posts are always so inspiring to me. That part you wrote about people making houses as pretty as they can, just because they can. We just bought an old falling-down house that desperately needs someone to love it. And not only are we restoring it, but we will be making it ‘pretty’ too.
Leaving the world a better place than you found it! xoxo
I love a barn, too!
So exciting to see you live out one of your dreams Susan, and we got to enjoy it with you. (It is one of my dreams as well). Loved all the snowy photos of Vermont. I actually think I have the little glass with the Vermont plate on it. Hope you have a great trip and a safe trip out to California and have a wonderful time with your Mom.
Thanks for the magical trip through the snow to Warren, Vermont. Your beautiful blog will probably create a wave of tourists to Warren for sleigh rides & cozy inns. I loved seeing the beautiful homes & farms. My husband’s grandfather grew up on a farm in Thetford, Vermont, where they produced Maple syrup. My husband has fond memories of receiving a container of maple syrup from the Vermont family farm every Christmas. They were the George Steele Worcester family, if anyone reading is from Thetford. Thanks for sharing this beautiful state with those of us on the west coast.
Thank you for taking us along on your sleigh ride. It was beautiful.
XOXO
Oh Susan, thank you so very much for taking the time to share your life with us! So Delightful! Love Love Love all the details! You are the best blogger ever! We drove through snow in Idaho this morning and I thought of your adventure. Happy Train twittering and happy birthday to your Mom. Heavenly blessing to you and Joe and Jack!
Hello Susan! Your storybook Valentine’s trip to Vermont looked so romantic!!!!! The snow, the scenery, the sleigh ride, and quaint lodging look beautiful!!! My favorite photo was of you & Joe kissing……that little step stool, came in handy for YOU!!!!! Too cute!!!! Thank you for such a long post………I have reread it twice, so far, so many details to ooooh and ahhhhh over! (I only dream of visiting Vermont, someday, someway.) Safe travels via the train out west! I’ll be waving!!!!!!! Take care. God Bless. (P.S. I wish your mother a VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!)
P.S.S. Oh my, Susan….I just clicked on your “new” items, and spotted your wooden spoon recipe cards!!! I can’t believe it! They are so nice! I want to thank you for using my mom’s words in such a cute way! She would be tickled pink to see them! If only. Her memories are always close in my heart, and YOU have honored her in such a special way! Thank you Susan, thank you so very much! (I’ll be ordering them soon for gifts to the cooks & bakers in my family!) Nightynight!
I thought you might like that. 💖 So much common sense in those few words, I loved them, and thought, where better than on recipe cards! Love to you Carilyn. xoxo
My ten-year-old son and i read this together and he thinks you’re an amazing author! He now really really really wants to go to Vermont. (He already wanted to because of White Christmas. 🙂 Thanks for sharing the joy!
Such a good age! 10! Full of inspiration and hope and creativity! ((((Hugs)))) from me.
This just reminded me of something I hadn’t even thought of before. I have two lovely granddaughters growing up…one will actually be five this year. (Where does time go?). They are sooo going to know all about Susan Branch. Very soon you will have two new little fans Susan. How fun! xo
Love it Rhonda, you guys will have fun!
I sure learned a lot about Vermont. A place I have always wanted to see. About as far from Washington state as you can go. Loved the snow adventure with heart. Safe travels on your next trip to sunny (hopefully) California.
I was enchanted by your blog entry about Vermont! Now, for sure, going there is on my bucket list! And yes, I would love the maple syrup, I do always buy real maple syrup … and my daughter makes an amazing maple custard pie with it! It has become a staple of our Thanksgiving feasts, along with apple, pecan, and pumpkin… she is always busy at the holiday! Happy Valentine’s Day to you and your sweet Joe! Suzette in Oregon, where the snow doesn’t seem as enchanting as it does in Vermont!
LOL! xoxo
Your VT trip through photos was glorious! My husband and I visited there once but don’t think we got to that town. Bucket List!!
Since living in California since 1984 after living in New York State, New Hampshire, and New Jersey for a few years, I never thought I’d want to return to snow country, but after reading your blog and seeing the photos from your Vermont Sleigh Ride trip, I want to visit Vermont and stay at that inn and visit those shops! If I never get there, I feel like I can visit over and over again because of your blog. Thank you. God bless you!
Thanks once more for sharing another of your wonderful trips. I truly felt I was right there with you. Felt aliitle cold too! Always looking forward to your next blog😜
Oh, I hope my daughter sees this post! She went on a bicycle tour in Vermont last Summer and loved every minute of it. I believe the tour started in Stowe. A little side note…The Von Trapp family gave a concert in my hometown when I was in the seventh grade. I remember it well, as the father had just recently died and yet the children and mother kept their performance as scheduled. I felt privileged to hear them. That was about 64 years ago! The sleigh-ride would be a dream come true for me. Thank you for sharing your pictures and videos. Such breathtaking views!! 💕💕💕
Fondly,
Nancy (from Bakersfield)
p.s. Your mother is a remarkable woman. Does she still play tennis? I wish her a very happy birthday! 🎂🎂🎂. Have a wonderful trip!
You are so lucky Nancy, to have seen such a thing!!! My mom is turning 87, and no, unfortunately she can’t play anymore, but it is the only thing she watches on TV…still loves it dearly. Can’t wait!
I am a genealogist and Vermont is one of the New England states my ancestors were from. I hope to get there someday, but thanks for sharing it with us.
Catching up after quite a few months away and so delighted to discover Vermont through your eyes.
You and Joe are adorable as ever !!
My heart absolutely broke to read about your darling Dad , and your sweetest most beautiful and gentle Girl Kitty..I just loved her.
Wishing you a very happy and safe visit with your dear Mom.
Thank you, I’m SO excited to go see her, as I’m sure you know. xoxo
Oh goodness..I meant to comment on the..” cat in the box “.HILARIOUS !!!..
Makes me want to return to Vermont! We visited years ago in winter but not enough snow for sleigh ride. Next time!
Wow! what a beautiful trip. So happy for you all.
Santa brought bourbon barrel maple syrup to the
men for their stockings this year 🙂 I did not know
that was a thing…
So much to learn!
The Inn reminds me of the show Newhart and how they ran a darling inn, wasn’t it in Vermont? how beautiful your photos are! meanwhile in Michigan it has been in the 60’s all week – 60’s in February! no coats – how glorious. On Sunday I read an entire book outside. (not a large book, but still, I can now say that one February it was nice enough to sit in the sun and read a book outside). Saturday we expect a snap back to the 20’s, but it was warm enough for me to celebrate my birthday in the 60’s once in my lifetime. We worry about the apple trees, will they start to sprout? will we lose the apple crop? Hope not!! Beautiful photos sweet Sue, thanks a bunch 🙂
I’ve read that they can take a chill, hopefully it won’t be too much!
NO! Don’t want to get on with my life, THIS is much better!! What a wonderful post! Sooooo beautiful and filled with simply gorgeous pictures and so much detail, I would gladly spend my whole day off just letting you be my tour guide, you have the perfect eye for detail and all the cute stuff!! I will no doubt be back to look it over again and again, thanks girlfriend! XOXO
Beautiful “snowy” adventure you foursome had in VT… So glad you were able to squeeze a stop by King Arthur (1hr 15 min. from NH) with your bestie! It’s a yearly tradition my best friend and I do together either the end of October or beginning of November for stocking the Christmas holiday pantry! My only hope is she will be able to continue our tradition since being in a coma from a brain aneurysm since January… We had planned a Valentine’s trip… so “THANKFUL” for our King Arthur treks. TFS your wonderful trip!
Vermont is on my “bucket” list of beautiful places to visit. Thanks for sharing and Happy Anniversary to you and Joe. <3
I loved, loved, loved this blog post! So awesome. We have had 70-80 degrees almost all of February here in NC and I want some snow and winter temps so badly. If you haven’t read any of Ellen Stimson’s books on moving to and living in Vermont, you should check them out. Hilarious and warm. I especially liked her Christmas one. Lots of great pictures and recipes also.
My favorite post of all time!!! Would love, love, love to visit Vermont anytime, but now I think the winter would be wonderful. Thank you so much for the virtual tour!
Oh my gosh, Susan, I am late to this post! What a perfect Valentine visit in Vermont! It actually made me tear up at all the wonderful details you shared. A true piece of American life so iconically set in one of our most beautiful northern states. Vermont is perhaps one of my most favorite states to visit when time allows. The history and beauty are rugged and intertwined into one of the most fascinating stories ever created about this huge and diverse nation of ours. Oh, thank-you for sharing all of the delicious details of your visit. It was uplifting in every way for me this morning!!!
Just what I needed this morning. It is February in Iowa and it is going to be 75 degrees today! !! Lovely, but you know something is wrong. Really want the beautiful snow if only one time this year. Want a cozy fire and hot soup…your blog will fill the void. Thank you.
Dear Sweet Susan,
I always love your blogs. They are just factinating! Full of photos I want to jump into and lovely words that swirl around in mind throughout the day. I think the thing I espeacially loved about this fairytale post…your unmistakable joy. I loved seeing you in the snow with your stylish, toasty boots and darling hat. Seeing you and Joe kissing…with you on a step!
You have provided me with so much peace and happiness and comfort and inspiration. Thank you!
❌⭕️❌⭕️,
Tawni Urrutia, from Lodi, Ca
It seems you had a wonderful time in our state of Vermont! I moved here in 1974 from Connecticut and wouldn’t think of leaving. It really is a special state. That was quite a storm! That was the most snow we had in one storm in 4 years! It used to be common, but not so much anymore. Although I moved further north, I lived in that area for many years.
Thanks for taking me back to Vermont in winter. I’ve not been in a “blizzard” since 2013. Though we had 6″ here in SC this winter. I felt quite nostalgic following your travels. King Arthur is quite near where I lived and worked.
I loved the pictures you took of scenery and little, sweet things like that book cover with the sheep.
Thanks for taking us along. If Vanna pulls my name pass me over for someone who hasn’t stock piled syrup enough for eternity
Love, June
Are you familiar with Hygge? This lovely story of your delightful sojourn made me wish and dream and start planning my own trip, following in your steps. Thank you for sharing.
You are so welcome! I did a post about Hygge a little while ago … HERE it is…
What a wonderful, “MAHVELOUS” Valentine’s Day treat!! I envy your spontaneity!! I asked my “southern” husband what he thought of Valentine’s Day in Vermont with snow and I think he’d rather swim to Europe! Sad..might have to make it a “girl trip” because that syrup wounded just too wonderful!!
SOUNDED (not wounded)!!!
LOL Sandy!
Oh Susan, thank you for the wonderful relaxing post. I just arrived in Florida from Michigan and specifically left this to be read while I was here. I’m glad i did so i could take my time and enjoy it. I caught myself wanting to click “like” after many of the photos and comments. I enjoy living vicariously through you.
Well, wasn’t that just a perfect post to read on a foggy winter morning in Washington! Drinking my coffee and coming along on your trip was a wonderful way to start the day. Thank you so much for bringing me along.
Since you’re going to be on the West Coast, just thought I’d mention…California isn’t that far from Washington… The Pacific Northwest has it’s own hygge. Come on up! I’ll show you around! 🙂
I thought I wanted to visit Vermont……..now I KNOW I want to visit Vermont. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Living vicariously through you again. Lovely to see!
That was so fun! Thank you for taking us with you.
Do you get recognized when you travel? There must be so many surprised, excited girl friends you meet along the trail.
You are such a treasure to us all.
Love you sweet Sue.
Hugs,
Debbie
Southern CA
ps…my favorite picture was The Valentine Kiss!
Oh, my! Such storybook land. I had no idea Vermont was to cute. My husband and I are thinking of travelling to Quebec and the north eastern states this summer. You may have just clinched our plans.
Thank you for a beautiful blog and for sharing those wonderful pictures of VT! Glad you had a great time and stayed safe in the blizzard! I have always wanted to go to Vermont- someday! Happy Anniversary to you and Joe! My husband and I just celebrated 18 years on the 20th! Time flies when you’re having fun! Enjoy your trip out to see your mom!
Thanks for the inspiration, as always!
Love, love, love every bit of this post. This Southern girl would love to visit New England at some point. A sleigh ride would put it over the top. Best photo in the whole post? The Valentine’s kiss between you and Joe – the sweetest couple! Of course, any photo of Jack is blue ribbon in my book.
Hi Sue,
Another magical post for all to enjoy from the many parts of the USA and the world. You should be an honorary Ambassadress (is that a word?). You are coming to us in rainy California – when was the last time we could say that? I will miss getting to se you at the Apple Farm this time since I have babies (grandchildren coming to visit that week) But I always love reading about your trips and seeing the pics!
xo,
Sue
Lovely! Lovely! Thank you for taking us along:)
I loved this post. The sleigh ride video was excellent. Thank you for sharing. Very romantic and such a pretty white horse. I loved the lantern-lined path as well. We have visited Vermont during the summer months and also loved the charm of the State overall. We have sleigh rides in Northern Michigan, and I am for sure going to have to check them out next year, just because of your lovely post. Thanks.
WoNdeRfuL PoSt! I loved the birch stars and am so inspired to make one for my house. We have 25 acres, so I am off to the woods in search of twiggery! I have also made myself a note about the peach champagne, always good to know. Loved hearing about your “Enchanting” trip. I have just finished reading Isle of Dreams again, loved every minute of it. Guess my word for the day is LOVE!
Oh My Goodness what a wonderful way to spend Valentines day! It looked like a fantastic trip. THANK YOU again for sharing. LOVE LOVE LOVE the post!
Dear Susan-
There are other things we share in common, a love of covered bridges, and a love for old barns. Thanks for sharing your Vermont trip with your girlfriends!
XOXOXO
Pat Bates
Thank you for taking all of us along on your wonderful journey! I LOVED it!!
You absolutely have a gift of making everything come to life with your pictures and your words!! THANK YOU!!!
Happy Birthday to your Mom! The birthday presents wrapped in your gift wrap paper (photo on Twitter) so pretty! Looking forward to “Twitter from the Twain” and sending Happy Wishes for a wonderful trip!