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!❤️
I wish I could have been along on your trip. Hope to get to Vermont one of these days.
Sigh….Oh, the memories. I lived in Connecticut decades ago and really miss the bridges, autumn colors, history, quaint buildings, etc. (although, truthfully, I don’t miss the snow!) Like you Susan, I would gravitate toward fireplaces and cats-in-a-box (although that one did seem to have a warning in his eyes.) Guess I will just have to leave Central California sometime to visit New England again! Thanks for the journey!
Thank you for this lovely trip! I sooo needed this today!
Thank you for sharing this delightful trip with us! I visited VT during summer in the mid-90’s so I am overdue to return! New England is such a special place. Your commentary and photos have propelled it towards the top of my bucket list!
How nice that in such a short visit you can experience much of the atmosphere and unique spots that make VT the charming state that it is.
I also want to thank you for my two latest addictions: Gladys Taber’s books and A Place Called Home(Acorn tv). I have joined the fan club and nearly exhausted the county library system of all their Taber collection and have read only 18 of her 59 books! Her books have helped me get through the depression following the election as they are so calming, heart-felt and oddly rather pertinent to some of today’s current events.
As for APCH, I am looking forward to Regina getting her comeuppance as well as the Sgt.getting demoted to rat catcher.
Toss my name into the bowl for the maple syrup as real syrup is the only type I use in my kitchen. Nothing beats real maple syrup!
Best wishes to you and Joe on your upcoming train travels. I’ll look forward to your future trip escapades!
“Oddly rather pertinent” — I so agree. With giant heavy dose of something that seems to be sadly missing in many places these days, Common Sense! I love Gladys for that! You read it and you go, “Oh yeah!”
Thank you for this charming recap! Sleigh ride with champagne! It looks so refreshing on that ride😊 And there’s something about horses in the snow💕 Wonderful stuff Susan! I’m looking at your pictures and thinking how it must look in Autumn! #todiefor😍
😘
Now THAT is what I have always imagined it would be like (from Tasha Tudor, Gladys Taber, and Mary Ellen Chase books) and it IS! You made my day, week, ah heck my YEAR! Complete with a snowstorm–which driving in would scare the pants off of me or near about–what a great adventure! My mother would tell us about sleigh rides in her native Saskatchewan and the bells on the horses, only her brothers would go really FAST. Years ago while visiting a teacher friend in Minnesota, she said I should come back some winter break and we would go for a ride in her aunt’s sleigh. She died a few years later, but some day my Joel and I will do it. So often I am tempted to put in my 2cents when you post another delightful adventure but don’t. But I wanted to THANK YOU for this cozy winter adventure. ❄️❄️❄️
Wish I cls upload my empty tea cup. Thanks for the mini getaway ❄️☃️😊
I very much enjoyed your memorable Valentine trip and all your pics. Thanks for sharing with us. Vermont maple syrup is certainly the BEST ! Thank for an opportunity to win.
For a couple of former winter people from the snowbelt along northern Ohio and New York (now living in the southwest desert) this could not have been a more beautiful Valentine! Thank you for bringing back such fond memories. Thank you for the red barns, the snow, the shops, the sleigh, the cider donuts, and all. We are leaving now to get to Trader Joe’s for some Amour de Paris!
What a sweetheart of a trip. Visited Vermont for the quilt festival a few years back. Like walking in a painting…..the houses, churches, lanes, lakes, sailboats. I want to add a thank you here……because of one of your blog postings, I now have a pen pal! She lives in Oregon. I live in Maryland. She was born in Maryland! We have so much in common – both retired school librarians, quilters, readers, crafters, lovers of scones and pastries. We owe our growing friendship all to you so from Ridgely and me – THANK YOU!
Just the dose of winter I needed here in Indiana! We had temps in the 60’s today! 🙁
Thank you, Susan!
What a wonderful Valentine’s Day adventure you all had! You have made me think that my husband and I should plan a trip to Warren, Vermont, though I think we will wait till Spring. I am just not a winter girl, though I do love a snow storm, especially when I am on the inside looking out and not having to drive in it!
Thank you for sharing this, Susan! You make everything MORE fun by your attention to the little details and gratitude for the people and places you visit.
Susan, that was a great Valentine’s Day trip. I felt like I was right there with you. Of course, you always make me feel like I am right there with you no matter where you are. Now I know what Vermont is like. Thanks for sharing your trip with all of us.
Oh, that was the best trip ever !!!!!!! NEVER have been to that part of the USA, as living in Florida.
Your pictures are fabulous! It’s lovely seeing the charming town through your eyes. It is so much fun traveling with good friends isn’t it?
Grrrreat trip! Thanks for sharing! Especially some of that very fine Vermont maple syrup!
Hubby’s fav on a Sunday morning, blueberry pancakes! YUM! And bacon, OJ and buerre!
Absolutely Loved your sleigh ride! What fun! Perfect ending, a Valentine’s Day kiss, too😘
Hi Susan,
Thanks for taking us along on your wonderful Vermont trip. I loved the sleigh ride. Glad y’all had such a nice time.
Baby Boom is one of my favorite movies! That general store definitely reminded me of it. I even have a Jeep Grand Wagoneer like the one in the movie!
Thanks again for your lovely posts!
Thank you for this! I am living vicariously through you these days…..it has been a long time since I was last in Vermont. What beautiful pictures….hope to make it back there one day. Enjoy your upcoming trip!
I will have to add Vermont to my wish list of places tomtravel! Thank you for the lovely post!
Oh what a beautiful trip. I simply have no idea what it would be like to live with seasons and snow. It seems so peaceful. My life is full of running around and the thought of being in my warm home, with my tea or cocoa, my books and my kitty purring, all the while a simple blanket of snow covers the area – sounds heavenly to me.
One day I would like to experience it for myself. Thank you for sharing your wonderful adventures.
“Forced down-time” is what you get with a good winter storm. We used to have it all the time and in every weather, but too much modernity has swiped it away from us!
Vt. one of my very, very favorite places to visit. We were just there 2 yrs. ago. While there visited our goddaughter in Norwich VT where she is a professor. I can never get enough of New England and visit every chance we get. Thank you so much for all your photos and videos and now makes us want to go in the winter time. Anxious to go on your train trip with you and looking forward to all your notes and photos. We will be visiting Great Britain and Ireland in Aug. and sooo looking forward to seeing the countryside there. God bless you and Joe.
Thanks for sharing about your trip. Never been to Vermont, it looks beautiful in winter! Have to put it on my bucket list, for sure!
We lived in New Hampshire for years and loved Vermont. Your travels took me back to wonderful memories. Thank you for a fabulous ride.
I felt like I was riding along in the back seat with you – it’s been years since I last travelled through Vermont and rthen inly in summer – wondrful country!
Thanks for taking me along on so many of your travels and adventures.
Loved seeing all the snow and taking the wonderful sleigh ride. Thank you for letting us all join you. Vermont is close to my heart as my great great grandfather was born there in 1797 in Hartland, Windsor Co. I have never visited that part of the country so I appreciated seeing some of the state.
I loved the house with all the stars and gingerbread trim!
Love your pictures and I’m on my way to Trader Joe’s!
Loved your Vermont get-a-way! Everything perfectly perfect – well done!
Of course I’d love some Vermont Maple Syrup – and have been to and seen many of the places you saw! Beautiful Vermont!! Thank you, God, for Vermont – and all of those who pioneered it then and now!
Oh, my goodness. I see pictures like these every day living here in Vermont. I know how lucky I am, but sometimes, when I have to drive through a blizzard to get one of my kids to a doctor’s appointment or a music lesson, I might forget. Thanks for the reminder!
P.S. I LOVE cider doughnuts!
More more more!!! Never enough wandering in New England with houses, horses, stars, barns, and snow. Thanks so much for the glorious trip!
Lovely! Just lovely! Thank you for sharing. 😊❤
Have always wanted to do the same…..have a sleigh ride through the woods. My husband tried to convince me that riding with the kids on an inverted carhood being pulled by a tractor was just like “a sleigh ride”. No honey, it is not…and now I have the pictures to prove it, LOL! However, thanks for your pics…I could feel the snowflakes in my face!
Susan, enjoy visiting with your mom and wish her a Happy Birthday from all of us out here. Mom’s are special and we need to appreciate every minute. My mom is 92 and we spent Valentine’s Day spur-the-moment at the doctor’s. It’s the start of a whole new season of our lives. Thank you for your beautiful post. I needed it right now.
Such a wonderful post. I soooo want to go to Vermont now! Real Vermont maple syrup sounds delicious!!!!!!
Wow!! Looks wonderful! I will have to tell my husband I want to take a trip to Vermont!!
Hi Susan
Oh my what a fabulous time you had. Vermont is magical* love the stars. I want to go on a sleigh ride now 🙂 I would love to be entered in your contest. We love maple syrup. This was one of my favorite blog posts. I loved seeing all the sweet houses and barns. And a fire in your room, now that is so cozy. Thanks for sharing your Wonderful Valentines day with us
deezie
Susan, thank you for sharing your wonderful trip to Vermont with all of us. It sounds like the four of you had a wonderful time and now you are filled with even more wonderful memories of love and friendship!! Hurray! Now for the strange part: my family and I were in that horrible Sunday snowstorm as we drove from southern NH to Stowe, VT. That was one awful storm and we had a horrible time getting up the winding road to…the Trapp Family Lodge where we stayed until Thursday! We go there every year at this time in February. I LOVE it there! My family XC skies as I go for walks and/or read in front of glorious fireplaces. I was out walking on Tuesday- the sunny day you were at the TFL! Who knows, our paths could have unknowingly crossed. Our drive home on Thursday included a stop at Cold Hollow for our favorite donuts, and we made it home safely with comparatively little snow to bother us. Vermont is a dream, isn’t it? But then, living in New England is a dream. How can I be so lucky? Thank you again for sharing your story with us! Hugs, KarenHolly
Passing ships, Karen!
Susan you would be a great tour guide! I so enjoyed reading your comments as I was reading. Like you, I fell in love with the barns and bridges, great stores, and picturesque countryside! I only visited in the summer but someday I would love to go in the fall and winter.
What a lovely blog post. I hope to see Vermont sometime in the near future.
Thanks so much for sharing your trip. I loved seeing what you all did. I
thought the sleigh bells sounded like wind chime bells,,,so pretty! I remember riding in a sleigh as a child in Germany sitting between my parents. So much fun! I want to go to Vermont!
Vermont is so picturesque. And romantic. Please don’t be afraid to share all the pix; most of us are romantics at heart and would love to see them. The Stow pix brought back memories of visiting when my children were young; however we only went during the summertime. The contrast is like 2 different states. Pancakes and Vermont syrup sound like just the thing for a leisurely breakfast. Thank you for bringing back an extra bottle to share.
Heavenly trip with friends. HOw perfect. Thank you for sharing the experience, now it feels as if we were right there with you. Love the snow, love the houses, barns, stars, churches, shops, luv-lee cemeteries, and lovely people.
Love and bunny hugs from warm Texas. Happy soon to be travels.
Shirley
What a magical way to celebrate Valentine’s Day! Thank you for taking us along with you.
I am so looking forward to your book signing at the Apple Farm next month. I was able to talk my husband (wonderful guy … no wonder I’ve stayed married to him for 47 years!) into driving me up to San Luis Obispo from Orange County for it and we decided to make it a weekend getaway. It will be our belated Valentine’s celebration.
So I will see you soon Susan! Have a nice train trip across our beautiful country.
All of the photos were wonderful, as if I was there myself. I too love old barns (And barn quilts!) and Vermont must have been the perfect place to spend your Valentine’s Day. I understand that it is amazing during the fall colors, as well. I am so glad that you have fun.
Dear Susan, Thank you for so generously sharing your wonderful trip! So lovely, snow, horses, covered bridges, Vermont country inns, I could really enjoy this. Thank you. Sincerely, Jane
Thank you Susan for a beautiful trip. I just got home from working the 12 day in a row and it’s cold and pouring rain here in Wickenburg AZ. (The desert shouldn’t get so much rain!) I love taking trips with you. I could feel the snow on my nose, smell the horses when I petted him and take all the good winter food.
Thank you for the trip, even if I don’t get the syrup 🙂
Debra
Hello,
!Thank you for this time travel! I miss home so…
Please count me in for the give away?
Thank you!
Hello Susan, Joe, Jack and everyone,
Susan I so enjoyed your trip to Vermont!! I have been to Vermont many years ago, but not where you were. All your pics were great! Stars are one of my faves so I rally enjoyed all the stars! I love that you were wearing Uggs! I have wanted a pair for years! Someday!! Lol
The absolute best for me was that you put my fave quote by Robert Fulghum. I think you know how much it means to me!! Thank you for that. So the Vermont maple syrup would be the icing on the cake!! Lol
Good luck to us all and thank you again for taking us along on your romantic trip❤
Love and peace to all,
Doreen
Thank you for the wonderful tour of Vermont!! What a beautiful, magical, romantical trip. ❤
Thank you for sharing your wonderful Vermont trip! Looking forward to your cross-country trip. Safe travels to you 🙂
I have never been to the northeast in any weather. It looks lovely. Would love to try the maple syrup. Thank you for thinking of us during your fun trip!
I loved being with you on your lovely Vday trip. I truly felt like I was with you all. And it brightened my day! xoxo
Joe was very brave to drive in the snow, what rotten luck to have it coming and going, it must have taken you all day!
You captured many an idyllic New England scene. Sleigh rides are such fun, aren’t they? Glad you had a great time. Thanks for sharing it with us. 🙂
Thank you for the exciting adventure in Vermont 😊⛄ Vermont is one of four state left on my bucket to visit. Maine, New Mexico, and Alaska are the remaining three. The bourbon barrel maple syrup would be amazing to win … and taste 😁
We are enjoying 60 degree weather here in the heartland. Strange for February, but not unwelcome😎
You mentioned that we might be getting tired of your postings and I was just praying that it would never end. What a fun way to spend Valentines Day – 30 years with your sweetie and 2 of your best friends doing such wonderful things. I love all the snow and I give the guys credit for all the tough driving they had to do. Glad you had a safe trip and can’t wait for more postings. You are an amazing story teller and photographer!!! Have a fun trip to see your Momma!!!
I am sitting in my kitchen in Florida almost in tears over how lovely this post was. I so miss the snow, even if it’s just for a visit. Such a lovely time you had. I think I need to put this town on my list of must see places.
Thanks for the lovely sleigh ride 🙂
Sue
Loved this blog. We have never been to Vermont. It’s beautiful.
I really enjoyed the song “Snow”. It reminds me of the White Christmas party my friends and I have every December, weather permitting. Our dear friend Mary makes a wonderful supper for us then, when we’re all full and happy, we watch White Christmas. This has been a tradition for us since high school. Goodness, it’s been going on for 40 some years. We know every line and song and we sing and laugh and have a wonderful time.
Being a lover of horses, I adored the sleigh ride video. We would love to do that as well. We may have to wait until next winter as it was 64 degrees in eastern Iowa today. Not snow to be seen.
Thanks for sharing your adventure. Barb
What an enchanting trip and your pictures and descriptions captured it so well! Thank you for sharing. I’m going to put Vermont on my bucket list.
I so enjoyed every moment of this charming post. Would LOVE to win the syrup!
Oh baby! Real Vermont maple syrup on pancakes! Sign me up!
Susan, Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful adventure with us. Yes, yes, yes. Please paint Rochelle. I love her little red ponytail and cap and all. What a great picture it would be in Susan Branch style. Perfect!
Barb
Oh I’ve always wanted to go on a sleigh ride! So beautiful. It’s hard to believe there’s snow somewhere when we’ve been having 60-70 degrees here in Missouri and there’s crocus’ blooming. It’s too early for spring – so I enjoyed your post! ❤️❄😊
We made a whole box of pancakes today. Had some for lunch and freeze the rest in quart sized ziplocks. Real Vermont syrup would be yummy!
Love your winter scenes. Vermont very much like Minnesota.
Even tho I’ve been away from them for 14 years I can feel and smell it. Love the beauty of a new snowfall. Oh, the pickup with the plow on the front – they plow businesses and homes for a full or part time job😉. Happy you were able to get away with your best friends and nature gave you a magical blanket. Happy trails❣ judi
Luv-lee. Read this with my 16 year old daughter by my side. We decided we just have to visit some day, and take a sleigh ride. And she said, “White Christmas” isn’t technically a Christmas movie, but a Winter movie, so we can watch it whenever we want. Enjoying your Winter Wonderland. Happy Anniversary!
I like the way your girl thinks!
Consider adding “Holiday Inn” to your viewing list, also. That’s a “every holiday” movie, perfect for any time of year. 🙂
I love “Holiday Inn”; it is one of my all time favorite movies. I have read that the hotel chain “Holiday Inn” took its name from the movie, and that the song “White Christmas” was actually written for “Holiday Inn” (along with all the other fun holiday songs). And after all, you can’t go wrong with Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire. GREAT, GREAT fun movie!
My grandmothers last name is was Baker before she married. Does that count? You are so lucky to be close to all those farms barns and houses. Thanks for sharing it all with us!
I want to do a snow sleigh ride too! This makes me think of a good movie I bet you like Susan: “White Christmas”, with all the “Snow, Snow, Snow, Snow” singing. I’m adding this adventure to my someday-maybe trip wish list!
I love our trips so much! What a great time you all had. I loved the barns also. The snow made everything look magical!! Now I’m going to have to make pancakes and use the maple syrup I have here. I don’t think it will be as good as the syrup you bought though. *L* Whoever wins it will have yummy pancakes and French toast or whatever else you can use syrup on!! Yum! Oh and I loved the kitty in the box!! I’ve seen a few of those also. Use to see a cat named Dammit who laid in a big ceramic bowl in the window of a shop by one of our favorite restaurants in Honolulu when we lived in Hawaii. Our daughter thought it was so funny because it was the only time she could say dammit!! *L*
I loved being an armchair traveler for your Vermont adventure. Your sleigh ride brings back memories of a visit with my best friend in Cleveland. Many years ago, my sister and I were visiting her for a “girl friend’s weekend” and we’re driving around town. We stopped in a parking lot and looked over and there was a horse drawn sleigh and it was for us! A wonderful
surprise.
Happy 30th Valentine’s Day together!
What a lovely way to celebrate Valentine’s Day with snow, sleigh rides, and fireplaces! Thank you for sharing your photos and happy thoughts with your readers. I noticed that Christmas was still in the air there with wreaths still on display. Loved the one on the covered bridge! ….Denny (from Georgia but native yo Pennsylvania and missing snow days! )
Ohhhhh, I’ve never been to New England, but am I homesick? Oh yes. Picture perfect.
America’s Hometown, New England. . .
Your trip makes me want to go to Vermont during the winter just to visit (not live there lol). Such beauty in those snowflakes and all those darling houses. Would love to win the maple syrup which totally is Da Bomb..Have a wonderful Cali trip.
My very favorite SB post ever! I’m a snow/barn girl, too, and I truly come alive in on a beautiful snowy day. Vermont has been on my bucket list since I was a child, but sadly, I rarely get east of the Mississippi these days. True story. When I was a child (about 9 or so) I sent a letter to Maria vonTrapp and asked if she’d like to stay at our home if she ever found herself our way. I have 4 brothers, so having a singing Maria in our home sounded lovely to me. At the time I asked if her lodge sold music boxes which played Edelweiss, my favorite Sound of Music song. She sent me a lovely letter back, thanked me for my offer, and said they did, indeed, sell such music boxes but they were currently out of stock. Not long afterward a chalet music box showed up for me with no invoice. I’m now 57, and I still have both the letter from Maria and my treasured music box. And thus began my desire to visit Vermont. I’ll get there someday, too, just you wait and see!
Delightful story!!!🎶
What lovely photos Susan. I am a snowbird in FL right now but you make me want to go back home to Halfmoon, NY to enjoy winter time and find a sleigh ride. Thanks for sharing.
Beautiful! Now I know what to do in the snow! All these years I’ve been staying home and looking out the window wishing for spring!
What a beautiful trip! Here in Illinois it has been unseasonably warm and springlike. Quite a contrast!
Susan, Thank you so very much for sharing so many wonderful photos, and taking us with you! If you ever get to go on an evening sleigh ride, do it! I had the fantastic opportunity of going on one in New Hampshire with an aunt, uncle and five cousins. It is a very special memory… starry night, jingle bells, flickering flames from the candles in the lanterns to light our way, laughter, singing, seeing your breath, then hot spiced cider or hot chocolate, donuts around a roaring bonfire, Love!
I have always wanted to go to Vermont and now I have. With Susan Branch. How awesome is that? Thanks for inviting us – we love traveling with you.
When I consider how two inches of snow cripples us in Central Virginia, I cannot imagine business as usual in all that Vermont. snow! Visiting there vicariously through you was such fun! Thanks for sharing your special memories!
Thanks for taking us along on your Valentine’s Day excursion. You were brave to be traveling in the snow!
I loved every picture and word in this post! What a lovely way to celebrate 30 years together. Now I have added Vermont to my Bucket List!
This is the second time I’ve read this post in it’s entirety 🙂 I love, love, loved it! Only you can make this warm weather loving girl wish to be out in a blizzard, lol!
Brought back memories of our Vermont trip with two couples – it was not in the snow but just as lovely. We did have one winter trip there -too cold for sleigh rides (-5 with much colder wind chills ). Did, however go cross country skiing and snowmobile riding. Our friends introduced us to King Arthur Flour.
What a special Valentines Day you had!❄️❄️❄️
Dear Susan, thank you again for sharing your sweet and very snowy 30th Valentine’s Day with your Cupid! There is really nothing like New England in the winter, Take care, looking forward to your trip to CA for your Mum’s birthday, and the ride along with you. Love and hugs to you both. Karen in CT.
This was great! I almost felt I was on vacation too! And the home quote “where even the tea kettle sings from happiness” is so adorable! Thanks for sharing?!
Your trip sounds heavenly! Thank you so much for sharing it with us!
It was so nice to see beautiful Vermont in it’s Winter Splendor. I am descended from General Benjamin Wait. My husband and I traveled through Waitsfield, VT on our honeymoon in 1977. We bought a hand made quilt in Waitsfield.
Beautiful! The very definition of a hygge vacation!
Just what the Dr ordered after 3 weeks of funerals 6 total- 1 being my dear dad! Thanks for the lovely pictures. I truly brightened my day!
Oh my dear, I am so sorry. That is a heavy load. xoxoxo
Wow! What a great trip you all had! Thanks for sharing with all of us “girlfriends”!!
Oh, Susan!
It could’ve been longer; I wish it had been longer. I’m as far away from Vermont as can be (Carlsbad, CA) and am sitting here between rain storms but have enjoyed your Vermont Valentine Adventure very much!
Thank you so much for sharing.
I was visiting in Vermont one August, it smelled like Christmas. I drove everyone crazy saying “It smells like Christmas.” I could not help it because it did!
If I had been in the back seat, I would have missed most of the beautiful scenery by being nervous about the roads. Lowley and you, trusting your front seat drivers, enjoyed the view. I was relaxed reading about your adventure, though, and I hope I can go on a snowy jingley-bell sleigh ride some day.
Thank you, such a wonderful post. The kitty in the box💚🐾 ! He is great, you have to love those sensitive little fellows. He just doesn’t know how much he wants ❤! Jack needs to send him a note with some advice about how to accept love.
Dear Susan,
Loved hearing about your trip…could have listened to more! Love VT as I went to school in Burlington so it holds a special place in my heart!!! Thank you for sharing your journey!!!!
Love seeing all the snow! My version of “real winter” as I live where it never snows. Thanks for the great photos Susan.
Your Valentine’s Day get away looked like so much fun. You really do have some great adventures.
I hope you have a wonderful time visiting with your mother. We have had quite the storms here just recently in Pine Mountain Club. Yesterday we were without power most of the day and into the wee hours of the morning. We had to light candles.
I also leave on an adventure this coming week. I am going, on my own, to England for nearly 3 mos. holiday, to stay with my mum in law and extended family. I have not been to England since the 2012 Christmas. So a break is long overdue.
I will be sorry to miss you on your visit to SLO in a few weeks, but do have a good time in Calif. It has been a rather wet winter, needless to say!
I used to live near Waitsfield, and Vermont is as lovely as you’ve described in your charming travel log. Thank you for the memories!
Ahhh, so blissful. What a wonderful trip. And so good to travel with good friends.
Thank you for such a beautiful post! I am feeling nostalgic & homesick for those winters of upstate NY & New England. We haven’t had much of a winter in IL, it’s been like one long April. What I would give for a good old fashioned snowstorm!