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!❤️
Sue the pictures you took were just gorgeous! I loved everything, the little shops, restaurants, houses, sleigh ride, and all those beautiful twinkling stars, makes me want to try and make my own! I’m with you, too, about the cocoa and a good book. I went to North Carolina one summer and walked up to the top of a ski slope and looked down. All I could think was, I can’t believe people are crazy enough to put 2 little skinny sticks on their feet and go down this in the middle of winter! No, keep me on even flat ground, that’s where I’m happiest. I’d love to win the maple syrup, it sounds yummy!
2 pounds is nothing! 🙂
Until you have to lose it! 😁 And let’s not forget the other 10.
Love that photo of you and Joe having a kiss! Priceless. Where did you get that great parka?
So beautiful, Susan! You take me away always to some place special with your books and posts. This post of Vermont was no exception.
Thank you so much! And a warm hello from Southern California.
Elisa
would love to give the syrup to my husband
Love the covered bridges!!! and of course the sleigh ride photos. 🙂
What a lovely romantic winter trip….nice to see while I am cozy in my chair…..love your enthusiasim…..
Hope spring is on the wing…..trees here in Vegas are in bloom lilac blossoms everywhere…..leaves peaking out…..
Hi Susan~
I just wanted to take a moment + thank you for your blog, your books, -everything~
For 30 years I’ve worked as an educator but the company I’d worked at for most recently, for the past 7 years closed, + I lost my job~ The past few months have been difficult to say the very least but a friend introduced me to you + I’ll forever be grateful~ You have been an inspiration + I just wanted to say Thank you + God Bless~
Hope things begin to look up for you Sophia! XOXOXO
Vermont added to the bucket list!
I love everything about this! When my friend Camille and I traveled back East this fall we flew into Boston, drove to and stayed in Stowe in a beautiful cabin for a few days (how I left there without maple syrup is beyond me). We then drove down via roads and ferry to Martha’s Vineyard to spend the last half of our vacation. Susan! This was like revisiting that wonderful trip but in a new season. Thank you for the new to add to the old – both delightful. 🙂
I enjoyed seeing Vermont through your eyes.
Born in Michigan but now living in Tennessee. Miss seeing the beautiful snow and birch trees! Thank you for sharing! Loved taking the trip with you 🙂
Jealous!
Hello from wet Northern CA,
I have a car trip through the Northeast on my bucket list.
Your trip just made me want it even more.
I’m not sure I would want to do it in the snow…..but it was so
beautiful! Glad you all had a wonderful trip and an even
better Valentine’s Day.
Cheers
Jan from Northern CA
I LUV the snow scenes and thanks for the Von Trapp info…..LUV the sleigh ride…..xoxoxo
My mother was born on Valentines Day and was named Velma Valentine. For real. Granny must have been a Victorian romantic. Also remember my piano teacher taking me to a Von Trapp family concert at old Brady Theater in Tulsa OK in the 50’s. Remember many children singing in different language. Still have yellowed program. Recently read they were traveling cross country in old bus.
Oh Susan – I had to read through this three times to make sure I was able to take it all in — but it was worth it! 🙂 May have to go back for a fourth (or fifth) time to make sure.
I’m so happy about your ‘obsession’ with houses and buildings – I love seeing what you see on these excursions.
I must tell you – I just began a watercolor class (absolute first time for any kind of artwork) my desire to do this was all inspired by you and your work I might add……..and while chatting with another first time student I was asked what or who was my ‘motivation’ and I mentioned YOU – and lo and behold my fellow student said YOU were her inspiration as well !! SB fans are everywhere!
How sweet that is, thank you for telling me Rosanna!
Beautiful post Susan and so glad you got the sleigh ride you had dreamed about, and how romantic to go with your husband and friends. I will have to add Vermont to my list of places to visit, but being from the south, I think I will need to go in summer or fall-no snow for this girl.
I would love the maple syrup because I have never had real maple syrup ever.
Good Morning Susan,
I’m so happy that you enjoyed your get-away in Vermont and that you reveled in all the special things (red barns, twinkling stars made of branches, sleigh rides, SNOW, maple syrup and so much more) that make our little state so unique. My four sisters, one brother and I had the privilege of growing up on dairy farm in a little town outside of Stowe. We grew up appreciating the land and understanding the benefits of working together. It was hard work, but we also had fun especially when it was sugaring season. We had “une Cabane a Sucre” (Sugar House) where my Dad boiled down the sweet sap from the maple trees and transformed it into delicious Vermont Gold that you are giving away in the drawing. When we were old/strong enough we were out in the sugar bush emptying sap buckets into the gathering tank. There were times when the snow was so deep that we would sink down to our knees doing our best to keep the sap from sloshing out of the buckets and into our boots. Somehow we managed it and our reward was always arriving at “la Cabane” and getting our first whiff of the aromatic steam wafting out of its cupula. Dad can’t “sugar” anymore but my brother-in-law does and thankfully we always have that delicious elixir on hand. There is no need to enter my name in the drawing . . . my hope is that one of your many fans, who has never had the pleasure of tasting that sweet maple treat, will win the drawing.
I wish you and Joe a lovely and relaxing train ride to California.
Fran
So happy that you are already off on your next adventure, Susan and Joe! 🙂 Today is a sunny day in Chicagoland. Hope it will be nice for your brief visit! Enjoy every moment with your Mom and bring her many hugs from all of us!
Safe travels!
Dawn (in Illinois)
Love VT. Son went to college there for a semester. We still are hoping to go back. Now I have those winter pics courtesy of you to show the hub it must be in winter! You had me at the sleigh rides!!! And panacake eating can be hidden by woolly sweaters too. Speaking of pancakes I can just imagine how good that syrup must be!! Fingers crossed.
Thanks so much for sharing your trip. No amount of details could be overkill because what you notice is so delightful. I especially liked the stars, though I, too, am very fond of houses, barns, shops, horses, and graveyards.
Totally off the subject BUT I just saw a picture of Katie Holmes with bangs. I think she looks like you! There’s your actress – she’d be wonderful. Wishing you HAPPY and safe travels!
I LIKE that idea!
Oh I do love Vermont. Haven’t been there in many many years. Thank you for that tour. So beautiful! Glad your home safe & sound.
This post made my morning. Now off to work I go.
What a wonderful trip you took us on. Lots of lovely info and pictures. The pictures were the best. Thank you so much for sharing. Hope you enjoy your trip to California. The temperature will be quite different. Kay H.
I fell in love with Vermont years ago when I went to Stowe and Burlington. We stayed in a little B&B in the mountains where there was a turkey named Ike. I loved it all, Cold Hollow cider mill, Stowe ski resort and the gondolas, the view from the mountain, the covered bridges and church steeples, and the barns! Such a charming and beautiful state.
Thank you for this beautiful post on your trip to Vermont. I felt like I was there. Have a fun, safe trip to California.
Susan, I have several of your wonderfully illustrated cookbooks and have recently discovered your diaries and enjoyed reading them. Now, I’m enjoying your blog and plan on reading back through your past posts.
What really sets you apart from other authors is that you celebrate the joys of life by having experienced the down times and moved on to embrace the good. Social media has become a cesspool of political opinions and bickering that still a lot of us just don’t want. No matter what beliefs guide us, too much discussion of it divides us. You are a wise woman and a breath of fresh air to steadfastly remain a uniter in celebrating the simple joys together that all can relate to.
Thank you.
I have fallen into the cesspool from time to time, as I am only human like the rest of us. But not too often I hope!
I guess we all have, but like you I believe we mostly create our own joy which isn’t dictated to us by the 6 o’clock news. I really enjoyed the sleigh ride, covered bridges, birch stars, and mystical lanterns. I don’t get to travel much so it’s nice to armchair travel with you.
Thank you so much for the tour of Vermont! So cozy!
Beautiful! I’m dizzy keeping up with all you do as I ride along!
So excited to read this blog about Vermont. My husband and I will be out there at the beginning of June. No beautiful snow, but I’m sure it will still be BEAUTIFUL!! So excited to see it and now I have added some more sites to see from your adventures. Hope we can get it all in while we are there!! Thank you so much for sharing. I love reading your blog.
Susan, The Pitcher Inn in Warren, VT has been on my Bucket List for
several years now. I always wanted to go during Christmas time as I
imagined how beautiful, snowy and delightful that would be. But, now
I’m thinking a Valentine getaway would be wonderful… Thank you for
the tour. Hubby and I went on a winter sleigh ride at Nestlenook Farm
in Jackson, NH that was magical.
Thank you for taking me along on your trip. The one thing I have been wanting to do for some years now is go on a sleigh ride . I don’t think my family thinks I’m being serious but I dream of doing it. Who knows maybe one day!!!
the syrup sounds delicious!
Going on a sleigh ride in the snow has always been my dream, too! I got so many ideas from you on how to do it right when I finally do!–champagne and, of course, apples for the horse!!
thanks for the vermont trip!
Love love this post! One of my favorite states. If I didn’t love CT so much, I’d move to VT! We’ve been going there for years, during every season, except winter. I’ve always been afraid of hitting a blizzard. You were all very brave driving through that. Our favorite place to go is the Woodstock/Quechee area. And I love KA Flour of course when I’m in that area. Oh, that Baby Boom memory is such fun. What a great movie–and that chimney scene, oh my!!! I will have to watch that one again soon. Have you ever been to the Northshire Bookstore in Manchester, VT? It is my favorite bookstore ever and has a huge room for guest speakers. Maybe on your next new book tour, LOL, I’d drive there to see you!!! Thank you for a wonderful winter post full of all things cozy.
I would love some Vermont maple syrup! Looks like you had a fabulous trip!
Seeing your sleigh ride was wonderful and reminds me of our family trips to Canada and the sleigh rides on Lake Louise at Christmas time. Even though it was cold you only remember the fun. Our boys complained of the cold they didn’t think it was as romantic as my husband and I did. Since we are from Southern Cal. I made sure that many Christmases were spent in the snow. How can it be Christmas with out snow.
I enjoyed seeing your beautiful pictures. Not sure I can talk my family into a trip to Vermont in the snow.
Vermont is now on my “to do” list. Thank you for taking us along with you! And, I would love to try the yummy REAL maple syrup.
Loved seeing your sleigh ride. What a wonderful Valentine’s Day. Looks like dee-li-cious syrup!!
Wow, I want to go on a sleigh ride. The photos are beautiful. We live in Ohio and have lots of snow, but the mild weather has melted it all away. I’m inspired since I got a fancy camera for Christmas. I need to practice. Would love to try the Vermont syrup. We have great syrup here. I wonder how it would compare? Thanks for the lovely update on your romantic Valentine’s day adventure. <3 🙂
I am in LOVE!!!! I really do not like winter….but to be there in the winter….yep LOVE! I love all the red houses, white houses,green houses, brownish houses. It was picture perfect.Thank you for a winter wonderland tour. If I don’t win the maple syrup, it will not stop me from heating up some genuine syrup for my waffle. Happy and safe trip to see your mom….and tell her howdy from Texas.
My favorite part of this post was the video of the sleigh ride–and the sound of the bells! Lovely, and thank you for sharing this trip with us!
~SuSan~
Thank you for sharing you lovely photos from your trip to Vermont, oh my how charming! I was hoping for a vacation out east this spring but my daughter took a new job had to cancel, so for now I can travel with you , ehehe 🙂 your blog brings so much joy to the heart !! Your life is truly blessed !
Thank you for a chance to win that Yummy syrup I bet it is absolutely wonderful on FrenchToast !! and that was very thoughtful of you to share !!
Susan, Thank you for sharing your beautiful pictures of Vermont! I felt like I was right there with you! Amazing pictures!!!!! Stowe is so romantic…It would be a great place to spend next Valentine’s day there with my hubby! Love New England!!!!
Sigh, pea green with travel envy!!! Though, I can’t be too jealous as I just got back from a “wandering” around Ireland. No sleigh rides there…but I did meet the two most adorably sweet donkeys out roaming the peat fields hoping for a tasty morsel from any unsuspecting tourists. Lucky for them, I swiped an extra apple at breakfast for this type of un-forseen emergency! Glad you made a great memory 🙂
Cerene
When our children were younger, we went to Vermont. We stayed in a cabin, on a small lake. We had so much fun. We picked wild blueberries, had a canoe to row out to a small island in the middle of the lake. I took the van, and took a tour while the kids stayed with dad, and fell in love with Vermont.I found small out of the way shops, and right in town, on a hill, was a barn, where the husband and wife, made their own candles, grew wild flowers,and gave demos. I could go on and on.We went back a second time, and found more to love. I am now a widow, but I still wish to visit again. I love you photo gallery that you share.
I love all things Vermont and especially enjoyed the sleigh ride with bells. Thanks for sharing.
What a wonderful trip! I would love to visit King Arthur Flour. When I saw the sign for the place that had cider donuts I just had to sigh. I’m from Michigan, lived in Illinois for the first 25 years of our marriage and now live in Texas. We don’t get Fall down here. There was an orchard in IL I used to go to and they had the best cider donuts. I miss them every year. We don’t get much winter here in TX (especially this year) and I remember the beauty of snow in Michigan. But I don’t miss that as much as the donuts!
Loved the photos and since I have never been to Vermont it was a joy seeing your sleigh ride. We did this for our family one ‘special’ Christmas. Rented a hugh chalet for all the family plus many grandchildren and now they all want to do this for the next generation.
Since I have not been to Vermont I would be pleased to have a bottle of their Maple Syrup………
Wow, that was some long post, Susan; it was a BOOK; what a treat! Coincidentally, I told my husband recently, ‘I want to move to Vermont.’ Said he, “No, you don’t. It snows there, a lot.” Boy howdy; your photos are beautiful but I wouldn’t know the first thing to do with all that snow…me, a SoCalif girl.
If you gained two pounds, doesn’t look like it’ll make much diff; you look skinny in these pix, and that’s even with layers!
Speaking of SoCalif, you are in for awesome beauty here, with the green-green hills above our blue-blue Pacific; RAIN and more rain, with wildflowers already on parts of Hwy 1 (I’m talking Malibu, Susan; can you imagine what the Central Coast will get?!!). Have a great trip West; wow, you and Joe have clocked a lot of miles in the past 12 months or so, haven’t you; whew!
Maybe this is a dumb question, like I missed the whole point, but why are the Vermont countryside/farm communities still dressed up as if for Christmas, with hanging green/red wreaths, colored lights, etc., yet it’s February?
Just the way they are, I guess. We were just in Chicago, and there were still things up there too!
Maybe it’s a feel-good kind of thing; speaks to what’s warm and cozy when feeling cold and frosty. Bright color in all the white, and so beautiful when it’s light reflected in a dark day. I guess I actually DO get it!
Of course you do. 😃
What a delightful trip that was! I always look forward to your uplifting posts.I’m signed up for Willards, but I wonder if there is a way to be alerted or receive emails when you post to your blog. Usually I check back and forth a lot, and I’m thinking there must be an easier way. Thank you for your time.
What a wonderful trip…so many lovely houses, bridges, etc….went there years ago and must make my way back again soon. As you mentioned…the movie Baby Boom came into my mind (I just love Dianne Keaton and of course, the adorable Sam Shepard). Looking forward to your California pics too!
Oh…a question always comes to mind while looking through your vacation pics. Do you have a pet sitter who comes to your house or does Jack go off to “camp” at a friend’s house?
Lovely, lovely…started shivering just looking at all that lovely snow. Be sure and bring your galoshes with you to Cali…not so sunny this year, but all the rain has made the hills incredibly green! And next month the wildflowers should be glorious!
Oh Wow!!!! Just got back from Vermont myself!!!!! I was born there but haven’t been back in 15 years! Sadly, I went for the memorial service of a life-long friend, but I also got to see my aunt, uncle, cousins, and friends too. And we had tons of snow! I too just love, love Vermont! I did learn that I should not be the driver because I kept having to say to my mom, “take that picture for me” as we passed a beautiful farm or house. And she kept saying, “why do you need all these pictures”? Hmmmm…..What do I say to that?! “Because I just do!” We got to stay at the Nye Family Farm B&B and it was just delightful! They even made us (gluten free) blueberry pancakes with maple syrup just like we used to have when we came to visit our grandmother when we were little. And, I made a pilgrimage over to the Trapp Family Lodge too! I wanted to eat at the Austrian Tea House because one of my earliest memories is of trying to go there with my uncle and discovering it had just burned down 🙁 Later we went again with other relatives when they rebuilt it.
Susan, what a treat was this wonderful, wintry post! Especially since there has been essentially NO winter in my neck of the woods this year. It’s supposed to be 78 here in Tennessee today. I would love to win the jug of maple syrup….. here’s hoping!
Susan, I really enjoyed the new Willard and am looking forward to trying the angel food cake recipe. Love your new mugs and would love to win one!
The angel food cake, you are going to love it Cynthia, it’s melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
I received your trilogy for Christmas !! I just finished the third book.i loved them all!!
Thank you Cindy, happy to hear that!
A Vermont sleigh ride…how dreamy! I visited the Von Trapp farm with my parents while Mrs. Von Trapp was still alive. What a wonderful person and a wonderful memory. I would love to live in Vermont, you truly captured the magic of it.
Fingers crossed for maple syrup. Thanks for the sleigh ride and tour.
Gerri
Susan…..You are LIVING the GOOD LIFE….thanks for taking your readers like
me along…. Loved the winter sleigh ride photo’s and the charming country ones
reminded me of my younger days living in Eastern Ohio…hills and farm houses
Also most excited about the TV programs coming ….you go girl!!!!
Love maple syrup on waffles
z
I just love your new mugs! They are beautiful! I especially like the “lambiekins” one. I love to collect lambs, bunnies, and little “reindears”. And there is nothing like sipping from a good English fine bone china cup or mug. They make all beverages taste better, truly! Love all you do, Susan, I have been a loyal fan since you first published in the 80’s! 😊 God Bless your ever cheerful soul! -Tina Anderson
Love warm maple syrup on homemade waffles
Oh Susan, your art and designs and writing are so much fun! I am really glad I discovered you in our Barnes and Noble here in Redding, California! What a delightful life and work you have made for yourself!
It turned out a lot better than I ever imagined! 😃 Thank you Teresa!
have been enjoying your sweet blotter on my otherwise bland and boring desk here at the office… and now a lovely post… safe travels!
Love to read your blog. Would LOVE to win a mug. At 73 I have to watch my pennies and I feel extravagant for me. BUT I love even lokiong at all your delightful items. My daughter Robin turned me on to you and she buys several items. We did visit family in RI this past summer. Stayed in a “fairy tale ” cabin by the sea! JUST not into winter any more so will remain in OK.
I LOVE the mugs!! I am excitedly writing down all the women in my life I would like to give them to. Thanks for sharing your talent in so many ways to brighten our lives!
Lovely, just lovely!
xxooxx
As a transplant from NY to FL it was so nice to “feel” the snow and chill of the frosty air. I totally enjoyed the covered bridges and the pictures of the old houses. A true love of my husband of sixty years and I have always enjoyed. Old houses with big fireplaces and crackling logs. Always made Christmas seem so mysterious and wonderful.
Thanks Susan for all of that…..
Can’t tell you how much I loved your description of your Vermont trip. Every bit of it: the ride, the weather, the barns, the stores, the Inn, the restaurants, the covered bridges and the sleigh ride….it took me away! Thank you so much for sharing your life with us.
Susan I love all your posts, blogs, pictures and choice of music!!!! I have everyone of your books and could spend hours between them and your website. I live vicariously through you on all your travels! Can’t wait for the movies to come out, so excited!!!!! You are an inspiration, love u!!!!!!!
XOXOX Denise, this blog has been a true blessing to me!
Loved “seeing” your trip, thank u for sharing photos to highlight
what u experienced. 🙂
Please enter me in the mug contest. I love the mug and hope I WIN!!
Thank you, Susan and Vanna
oxoxox
I would love to be the first to sip a cup of tea from your new mugs! Safe
I would love to be the first to sip a cup of tea from your new mugs! Safe travels to you on your spring cross country adventure.
Kristy
Wichita, KS
Hi Susan: The mugs are darling, and I’m so glad to see your art back on items for the (my) kitchen. And I love that they’re made in England…thank you for taking the high road. I’m waiting to see if Vanna notices me before ordering all three designs.
I love love the new mugs
Such a pleasure to enjoy the best of Vermont snow from Arizona! Wonderful photos, and an uplifting text to go along with them.
Thank you!
Sarah Wood
Thank you for sharing pictures and the story of your wonderful trip.
Hi Susan,
Thanks for sharing your lovely wintery, white vacation in Vermont with us! How pretty everything looks covered in snow!
I was thrilled to have your latest Willard in my in-box today! What a treat 🙂
I’m also excited about seeing you in March at the Apple Farm! Got my event tickets and I’m ready to go!
Thank you for everything that you do. You are treasured! 🙂 See you soon!
See you there Donna! 😃 I can’t wait!
What a magical journey you took! Living on the other end of the US in Hawaii, snowy Vermont is like another world to me! Your pictures made me realize that you weren’t in a movie but experienced it in “real life” ! That means I can actually do it myself one day! Thanks for the hope and inspiration!!!
I am physically sitting here reading your BLOG… but I am mentally traveling with you to Vermont.
I can feel the warmth of the fireplace, I can smell the snow and I can hear the horses moving through the woods.
What a wonderful trip to a wonderful part of Vermont
I feel as if I just arrived home after going on this wonderful SnowyVermont trip. THANK YOU for taking me long on the ride!
Cindy
Hi Susan … you remind me of that old commercial “Calgon, take me away!” It is so fun to follow you, Joe, and the rest of the ‘cast’ in your life. And by the way, may I suggest that you frame the super adorable pic of you and Joe enjoying your 30th Valentine’s kiss? It is so sweet! 💋 ❤️💋 Loved all the pictures of Vermont as I have always wanted to go there! Safe travels to Calif and Happy Birthday to your Mom 🎂🎈
WOW! What wonderful photos of winter in New England….today is so spring like here in Butler, PA….76 degrees!!! I could get real use to this! Thanks so much for sharing….I am a SB fan for sure! The mugs are so very special! Thank you!
You always bring a smile to my heart when reading about you and your many wonderful thoughts and activities.
I HAVE ONLY 0NE THING TO SAY TO YOU …….THANK YOU FOR MAKING MY DAY !!!!!!!!!
MY HUSBAND PASSED AWAY ALMOST TWO YEARS NOW AND I SIT HERE ALONE WITH TEARS IN MY EYES…… BUT NOT REALLY ALONE BECAUSE I KNOW HE IS WITH ME!!!!
LOVE EACH DAY!!!!!!!
Blessings to you Gloria, xoxoxoxo
My heart pounds with excitement and I feel so connected when I see the country side in Vermont. Living in the country myself in Oregon, it is the best.
Thanks for taking us on that ride, I surely want to experience this part of our country some day. You are in my head as usual.
Oh my goodness!! Your trip looked AMAZING! I must clearly put Warren Vermont on my bucket list!! Thank you for sharing these memories and pics!! Have you ever been to Leavenworth, Washington? It is not quite the same as Vermont, but very very quaint! A German town – amazing during December! And if you make it, let me know—I would love to meet you!! 🙂
Your Valentines weekend pictures were fabulous!!! I would ❤to visit Vermont anytime but I think winter would be my favorite time to go. I love Maple syrup…..yes I think I need that bottle!!!!
Dear Susan,You made me feel like I was on your fantastic Vermont getaway with you!!!It was so much fun and romantic!!! I loved it as you have a unique way of bringing your readers along as if we were living in your narrative!! You do the same thing in your wonderful books…we can’t help but love you!! Thank you so much!! Frances
I could do a trip like that….then I would return to my warm Florida home!
Love your Blog and have always been a fan of anything Susan Branch. Would love win a mug. It would make my morning wonderful. Thank you.
Your posts always make me smile and reminisce about days gone by with my grandmother who I miss terribly. She and I loved all the same things including your beautifully illustrated books.
Thanks for always remembering the small details. My husband and our daughter and her husband traveled to England last July and when I couldn’t remember a quote that Beatrix Potter had spoken just before her death, I knew that I would find it in your book and sure enough there it was! LOVE your work!!
About having the seeing eye and still being to walk the meadows if only in her imagination? Love her so very much. xoxo
Oh my goodness, I love the post. I live in Texas, close to Oklahoma border and we seldom get snow, so I loved looking at the Vermont trip pictures. Wednesday & Thursday were very warm here, wore shorts. We broke a record for the high on Thursday but is cool today. I look forward to purchasing the mugs, they are so pretty. Great job. Also can’t wait to order the 2018 calendar. Glad it will be a little thicker than the 2017 is. Take care and enjoy your cross country trip. Take care.
Love-love-love the new mugs❣
Absolutely lovely — ALL of it! I have a better picture in my mind now of my father’s stories of his childhood, getting around by sleigh in our little town in South Central Pennsylvania – some day I too will take that sleigh ride!
Thank you for this charming opportunity to tag a long…..