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!❤️
How so very lovely! Thank you for taking us along!
Love, love, love snow. And cozy fires. And cider doughnuts. Vermont looks perfect!
Oh Susan! What a wonderful trip! Shopping, champagne, (I am going to Trader Joes this week and look for it, to sip while I watch the academy awards!). The snow looks so beautiful, and the horses! oh my! My grandson and I have walked to a nearby farm and fed their horse apples and carrots, he is a retired work horse, and when he saw us he came prancing out of the woods! That bathroom is to die for! what a wonderful trip for your 30th Valentines Day! And with special friends to share it with! Your breakfasts sounds wonderful! Corn fritters would be great with that delicious maple syrup I bet! My husband and I bought a big tin of syrup back in 1973 to take back to Ca with us from Vermont, we were on a road trip around the US for 10 months, and loved New England! That’s when we decided to move to the mountains of NC! We love it here!
Happy belated Valentines Day To all of you!
Jeannie
Beautiful up there too Jeannie! Corn fritters! How I love them!
Susan! Went to Trader Joes Sunday after reading your post, and found the Peach sparkling wine $4.99! Yea, chilling in fridge for the academy! Thanks for sharing!
Have a wonderful trip to Ca, hope it stops raining! Have to call my brother in Huntington Beach and see how he’s fairing, he lives about a block from the wash that rtuns into the ocean.
Happy training,
Jeannie
Tweet Tweet
Yes, I knew it was some unbelievable price, but wasn’t sure, and didn’t want anyone to be disappointed! That’s great! And so delicious on top of it! Hope your brother is good. We’re on our way out there, praying for rain to stop now.
Dear, dear Susan….
I am biased, I will say, but I think this might my very favorite post of yours EVER!!! My family lived in Vermont for six years, (and my parents were raised in Vermont), so I have many wonderful memories of that beautiful state. My mother used to say it was the most beautiful state in the country, as she had travelled thru many states. Your post reminded me of those memories and the many happy times we had there. We spent time at Trapp Family Lodge, when the original lodge was there, and actually met Maria Von Trapp. Thank you for taking me along, even tho it made me a little homesick for Vermont, as I now live in Arizona! I can tell you had a wonderful time, as you and Joe deserve. Keep reminding us of the beautiful, lovely, happy little things in life, please! We love you. JO
It’s one of my favorites too, it was so gorgeous I couldn’t wait to get home to show everyone! I wonder why there aren’t more travel programs on TV ~ so many wonderful places to see, and so many details to explore!
What fun! Would love to do this sometime. I am jealous of all the snow!
What gorgeous pictures. I am truly envious of your life!
Don’t be, I bet you have the same gorgeousness all around you! xoxo Glad you’re here!
Susan Branch, you are the very, very best!!!!! You just warmed my heart and made me long to visit New England again, maybe in the winter. We live in the northwest and there are sleigh rides here too but the old houses and bridges and twinkly lights make it the most charming! I just spent half an hour snuggled in my chair but need to go back through your post to write some of your fabulous quotes in my journal. One of the favorites is this Weight Watchers’ chuckle with “only two pounds heavier.” We are off to the Oregon Coast for a few days to retreat and I will remember that as I eat my favorite burger and fries at our favorite pub — oh, WELL! I love you, dear Susan! You bring joy and levity to my life and so many others. Happy trails as you twitter from the train — can’t WAIT! I now I’ll know as you inspired me and my friend to come down to SLO for your last visit ON THE train FOR 29 joyous hours each way. Remember us? I’m just sure you MUST. Xoxooxo
Of course I do!!!! xoxo
Hi Susan, what a fun trip. Loved the sleigh ride. We have them also here at Lake Tahoe. Always so scenic. I love King Arthur Flour and use it for our Sunday morning waffles, plus yummy maple syrup. Visited Maine last summer but didn’t make it to Vermont. Next time!
xoxo
Pam
Say hello to beautiful Lake Tahoe for me Pam!
Haven’t been to Vermont in about 50 years. Thanks for the ride!
Wow- Vermont is always so pretty. A sleigh ride would be fun!! However, living in New Hampshire and getting way too many big storms lately, I’ll skip the snow. Enjoyed your photos except the diving in the snow. Do that too much. Hugs-Erika
I love Vermont..but it is so similar to where I live that we rarely go in winter..
I feel in love w/ colonal candles in windows about 40 yrs ago..never stopped putting them in our windows every Christmas..since then.
So pretty and looks like so much fun for you 4!
I love your blogs; in fact can’t get enough of them. I have never commented before but thought you would like to know that near Steamboat Springs, CO I went on a sleigh ride on Valentines Day a few years ago at night in the mountains and it was magical! We ended with dinner and a Western band. I would love to be in Vermont in the winter. I loved your pictures. I think I will have to read your whole entry again so I can enjoy your trip all over again. Thank you. Ginny from the Eastern Shore of Maryland where we don’t get enough snow.
You were in my neck of the woods! I’ve been to most of the places, and you’re right, it’s all beautiful. We haven’t had all the snow in the pictures all winter though…that was just recently, for you!😏
Thank you for letting us vicariously travel along!
You made Vermont shine – and we got to stay warm during the whole trip!
Safe travels to CA!
Kathleen
Beautiful ! Love the sleigh ride with bells! The pubs reminded me of your England posts a bit.
Would love to be in the drawing for the syrup. Funny story my sister who lives in Boston made homemade limoncello and sent my husband and I some in a maple syrup jar.
He thinking it was some kind of homemade syrup put it on his pancakes . 😳😖
So perhaps if I win this he will have his true maple syrup pancake breakfast , without the buzz.🍁
Dear Susan,
Oh, how I enjoyed your journey to Vermont! I started reading it last night & finished savoring it this morning with my tea! Thank you, it was heavenly & inspiring!
Thank you,
Linda
Thank you Susan, for a mini vacation! I so enjoyed this, and appreciate the time and effort you take and make! I’m sure there are times you would rather not be tethered to your camera, but it is wonderful to see your pics and follow your travels. ❤️
That was “so my kind of day.” I love snow, I love roaring fires, maple syrup, little ornaments, purple haze, red barns, and sleigh rides with my wonderful husband above all. Thank you, Susan for another wonderful holiday with you and Joe – Wonderful meeting Lowly and John. JudyC
Dear Susan,
Oh, how I enjoyed your journey through Vermont! I started watching it last night so I could savor it & finished watching it this morning with my tea! Many thanks for sharing it with all of us!
Thank you,
Linda
Thank you so much for sharing your journey. I live in Southern California and only dream about such winter beauty.
Oh, Susan, thank you so much for taking us along on your trip! I love the adventures and I really look forward to the magic moments you share with all.
Thank YOU!!!
Have never been to Vermont, but certainly feel like I have been now. Thank you so much Susan for taking me with you! Looking forward to our Twip on the Twain next week. 😍
Thank you for sharing these beautiful images!! 💕
What a beautiful winter wonderland post! I loved each picture I came to more than the last. What a wonderful way to spend Valentine’s Day ♥ I don’t know what I love more, the cider donuts, maple syrup or Bloody Mary’s!! Yum to all! Thanks so much for taking us on a magical snowy trip. Love ya ♥
P.S. In addition to my earlier post,
I have been meaning to ask you if you could recomend lodging in Marthas Vineyard ?
That is a funny question I always feel like I should be able to answer very easily . . . but we never stay in them! There are lots of places to choose from here. You can rent whole houses too, big ones and little ones, next to the water or near town. And lovely hotels, country Inns and B & B’s. Google Martha’s Vineyard accommodations or check with the Chamber of Commerce.
Oh how I have always wanted to visit New England! Thanks for taking us along for the ride. And how wonderful that you visited King Arthur Flour company. I just received my order from them a couple of days ago.
I love, love, love this trip you took us on! Magical country, Thank you Dudan for once shain yrsnsporting me from my living room in California to another trip through Ameticsn history.
Such lovely pictures, enjoying a wonderful holiday.
How amazing and beautiful! I am a native Californian with major fantasies about living where it snows with everything decorated with twinkly lights all year long, so I devoured this post! I’m also half Icelander (my mom was born and raised there and hey, close enough Denmark!) so the pursuit of hygge is built in me, I think. Thank you for sharing your adventure!
Loved this post!
Thank you, Susan, for this blog. Visited Stow many times, but always in the summer! What a difference a bunch of white stuff makes! By the way, Cold Hollow does make the BEST cider doughnuts:)
Thank you for sharing a little piece of your life with us!
Someday, I hope to see Vermont as it looks absolutely delightful! Love looking at all the photos you take. I feel as if I was there with you. My friend and I love your books and your blog and hope to meet you one day!
Thank you . I sat with a cup of tea and it was truly magical! What a lovely place and a
fairytale of a journey. 🍵💙❄
Thank you for sharing your fun trip, Susan. I felt like I was there with you. I even had to pause and put slippers on because I got a chill looking at your wonderful photos. The snow and farms and towns and rooms were so beautiful. It’s 70 degrees here in North Carolina this weekend and all of my trees and bushes are starting to bloom. I say “my trees” because being born and raised in New York City I grew up with steel and concrete. Even at my age I am still thrilled with trees and farms and countryside. I envy you a trip like that with good friends. How fun! Thank you again.
Love,
Peggy
I grew up in California, and now, and forever, the seasons always seem like a miracle to me!
Hi Susan, What beautiful memories you have shared with us, a lovely trip to Vermont in the snow. I just love all the photos, the horses, houses, barns, waffles and Vermont syrup, hotels, and the sleigh ride with bells. I especially like the old cemeteries. My husband and I enjoy visiting old graveyards, such history. Looking forward to your train trip.
Thank you Susan for the lovely trip to Vermont. It was so special, a good reminder to take time to play, its good for the soul.
Love your blogs. You are so full of joy and love.
…wow, Susan !!..what can I say that hasn’t already been said !!..what an amazing way to spend Valentine’s Day !!.. thank you for this most enjoyable adventure !!.. (you were very fortunate to have those two “mapmen” to drive for you and Lowely..I know that I could n’t have done it myself !!..lol)..as always, I am forever grateful for you and all the joy and love that you share with so many !!!
Fun! Did you know, according to The Old Farmer’s Almanac: a quarter cup of maple syrup contains more calcium than the same amount of milk and more potassium than a banana? 🙂
Sharon in Alabama
NO! Does this mean we should drink it? Perhaps! It definitely adds lots of healthy bits to the Pancakes!
What a sweet give-away from you! Thanks. Enjoyed your little trip very much and was glad your guardian angel watched over your safety when driving all that way in that snowstorm.
Terri
They are always on guard for me, is what I think!
Hi Susan,
What a wonderful trip. Haven’t been to Vermont since college when three of my friends and I went on ski trip. It’s the only time I have ever been given a blanket for the ride up the mountain on the chair lift. Crazy baby!!! You only gained two pounds on this trip?? Better luck next time! Hahahahah,
Cheers,
Terri Major
Love Vermont, love New England, it is the closest place to real England UK, where I’m from. Can’t get enough of it. My hubby Joe and I visit at least once a year and I go home to England twice a year. Thank you so very much for the photographs and the whole trip, what a beautifully romantic get-away. I was sharing your joy.
Wow Susan! I spent my morning in Vermont for Valentine’s Day. What a wonderful trip. Thanks for the transportation!!
Love ya to the “stars” and back.
Vermont is near and dear to my heart! My father’s family were/are Vermonters.
I spend every summer from the age of 7 with my cousins on my Grandmother’s
farm. What a magical part of my childhood! Stowe is a favorite. I highly
recommend staying at the Trapp Family Lodge. Thank you for taking me along!
Hi Susan,
Enjoyed you taking the time, on your trip, to Warren, Vermont, with Joe & your friends.
Love the details, you bring to each picture & your chosen words!
Have a great trip to California & the celebration for your Mom’s birthday.
You & Joe & Jack, have a nice Sunday!
ByE, DonnA
Oh Susan!! I want now to visit Vermont so badly! Thank you for taking this trip and writing, showing it to us! My dear Daniel and I would love to taste this Maple syrup. Thank you for the possibility.
Oh, how I wish your posts would never end… 😍 And I love how you brought connectivity in this post concerning immigrants… we are all a part of the same story. 💞
P.S. I noticed how one of the barn pics, early on in this post, made a heart shape with the snow falling off of the roof; so poetic. ❤
Love you, Susan!!
P.S.S. The pic of you and Joe kissing is one of the cutest pictures I’ve ever seen!!!! 😍😍
The world’s about love . . . must believe!
This was your best ever blog! I love every thing! I can just imagine pancakes with that wonderful maple syrup. Thank-you for sharing all your travel adventures.
We are doing a trip to Catalina next month-also Sunday through Wednesday. I am hoping for sun though, as it has been OH SO STORMY here on the Central Coast! Three trees went down on Grand Avenue in AG Friday!
We lost a whole bunch of them too . . . Kellee sent me a video, I couldn’t believe the wind!
Happy Valentines day to you both. Loved the sleigh ride and the fireplaces were beautiful. Love the blue door also. Thanks for the lovely sleigh ride. We got tons of snow that week-end. Just had my roof shoveled off today cause the guys doing it have ton of snow to remove still. Thanks. Have a lovely day. 50 out today and sunny.
What a lovely outing…even a stop at King Arthur….such fun. You always make everything look special. So glad you had a nice outing. Congrats to you and Joe on 30 happy and romantic Valentine Days.
Thank you so much for the wonderful winter journey to Vermont! My honey and I stayed there, as part of our 2 week road trip (in our tiny Miata, no room for too many purchases) from St. Paul to Maine and back, 25 years ago. Our Vermont stop was a wonderful B & B in Stowe, I just had to imagine how beautiful it all looked in the winter, until now! What a heart happy trip you had, thank you for sharing it with us.
Thank you for sharing that lovely Valentine trip to VT. I used to ski in Stowe back in my “don’t care if I fall” days. Now it would be lodge time all the way. hehehehe It’s wonderful to see all that snow especially when we don’t have to shovel it. Hubby and I are getting over a horrible, horrible cold and have been house bound so sharing your mini trip with us felt soooo refreshing. Now we’re ready for the views from the train. Jersey hugs, C
You always have such lovely trips. Thank you so much for sharing💗💗💗
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! You have delivered so much joy to my “mailbox.” We have had a very mild winter in Ohio – good = no shoveling [ I’m 74] but bad because of the lack of beautiful snow. This was such a perfect substitute that I’m going to save it to watch again later. Also – thank you for the sleigh ride. It’s the last thing [really] on my bucket list and now I feel like I have experienced it [ at least a little].
Thanks for all the wonderful Vermont pictures. I went there many years ago, stayed at a dairy farm, ate fresh baked bread and pancakes with maple syrup made by the folks there on the farm. Really loved the maple butter also (concentrated maple syrup whipped up to deliciousness). Loved the barns, birch stars, and King Arthur flour – my favorite bread baking flour. You make me want to go back to Vermont!
Looking to do a fall color tour with my daughter out there. Gave us some ideas.
What a wonderful way to enjoy winter–thanks for taking me along!!
Ohhhh, I loved this post! I haven’t been to Vermont for years, would love to go back. I took notes so I’ll know where to stay and eat! Thank you so much for sharing. Love you!
Such fun to go with you in the snow! I loved the sleigh ride! I’ve always said I was born in the wrong era! Thank you for taking us along!
Ginny
Oh wow. What a lovely walk dow memory lane. We often visted the area as my mother used to live right as you get off the covered bridge in waitsfield
Thanks for the post.
Thank you ‘specially for the videos! So lovely to hear the joy and appreciation in your voice and actually see the snowflakes fluttering down to land on your nose and eyelashes (Musica needed!). Can’t wait to read about your twain twip. “-)
Thank you for sharing!!! Loved the pics !!! Fingers crossed I win 💓
I’ve only been in NE in the winter once. I’m not a cold weather person (I say as I’m sitting in my winter Sun City, AZ condo) but those pics are lovely. Been through NE in the spring, summer and fall which are also great seasons there. I love NE tho, to me fall is the best!
Love those lighted branch stars!
Thanks for the trip to Vermont! I soooo enjoyed going with you and the others!
What a wonderful trip! Would love to go to Vermont some time. It’s on the Bucket List!
Looking at all those lovely scenes with snow falling makes me realize you do an awesome job capturing snow fall in your paintings! 🙂
Thanks for the escape!
Vermont is a magical place. My husband and I went there on our honeymoon 32 years ago because I was so enamored with it when I was 13. I travelled with my family to Vermont in 1975 and one of our stops was to Stowe to visit the Van Trapp Lodge. As we were walking about, there was a lady sitting outside and low and behold it was Maria Von Trapp. It was a dream come true for me. Thank you for sharing your adventure!
I feel like I spent my Sunday afternoon in Vermont. I do love a good snow!
Thanks for the adventure.
This is a most awesome post Susan!!! We traveled through Vermont on our way to Maine in October and I just kept saying, we have to come back, over and over and to New Hampshire and Maine. Love love it!! Thank you for the gorgeous post!! Happy February!
Thank you! These are all beautiful pictures!!! My favorite two are the one after your favorite, and one a little after that, of the other sleigh riders through the gorgeous trees. And, I love how everything is still decorated with Christmas wreaths and Christmas garland!🎄
Such a romantic and beautiful place to spend Valentine’s. The horses were breathtaking. I so enjoyed this post. Thank you Susan and company!
Beautiful blog today!!! Thank you , fingers crossed!!
Just loved all the stars…but for sure the sleigh bells are my favorite!!
A million thanks
I loved taking this trip this morning with my coffee and toast! Thank you!
Thank you for sharing another wonderful adventure with us!! I’ve always wanted to go on a real sleigh ride in the snow instead of pretending on the sleigh rides on land where I live in Whittier, Ca. Susan, your posts are never too long. I look forward to each and every one of them which takes me to places that I dream of visiting and reminds us of the beauty of nature and goodness of people. Thank you for being you!!
P.S. the peach champagne sounds delicious! The almond champagne is one of my faves from Trader Joe’s and just as inexpensive.
Must try!!!
Thank you very much for sharing your lovely sleigh ride, Susan! I was able to take one (with bells) in the Colorado mountains, and it was magical. I also want to thank you for sharing about “A Place to Call Home” on Acorn TV!! I had some surgery recently, so I signed up for a free week with Acorn, and watched the first four series as I recovered! It was magnificent…can’t wait for the next season. I still have all the characters floating around in my head…oh, that Regina!! 🤔 So, you were a big part of my recovery, and I thank you!!❤️❤️❤️
Susan. You just took me on one of trips of my dreams. VERMONT…SNOW. VON TRAPP SKI LODGE…SLEIGH RIDE…GREAT FOOD…AND COUNTRY STORES….AND BARNS AND BEAUTIFUL HOMES. THANK YOU!!! SUSAN P.
Two weeks ago I said to my Joe (Jim), “We really need to spend a few days in the deep of winter and go on an old-fashioned sleigh ride! And wouldn’t it be especially fun around Valentine’s Day!” He agreed. I actually researched sleigh rides in Vermont. Sunny Florida (where we are presently residing until hubby retires; formerly from CT, PA and NY) lacks much of the northern charm of New England’s golden Autumns and Winter’s snowfields. This year’s calendar didn’t allow us time for a trip now, but your blog saved the day. Wonderfully fun! Thank you, Susan!
I actually have a window frame with a photo of a New England village covered with snow on the far wall of my laundry room. It hangs near a framed print that reads, “I love Everything about New England, but especially….” and it goes on to list many wonderful thing New England has to offer.
Suggestion to “Girlfriends” (and some of you “Guyfriend” followers of Susan). Open Susan’s blog on your smartphone and on your computer or iPad, or whatever device you use. As you read Susan’s blog, when it comes to a “Musica,” turn it on low and listen while you read the blog. It really enhances the experience. Sorry, If this has been mentioned before! Thanks, again for the delightful sleigh ride and trip to Vermont!
I appreciate you explaining it again because the MUSICA is such a big part of it, in my humble opinion! xoxoxo
Loved the Valentine’s trip. Thanks for letting me tag along!!
Wow! That a trip…. I enjoyed it all and felt like I was there with you. Everything was just fantastic! About 10 years ago, 5 other quilter friends and I flew into Burlington to go to the Vermont Quilt Festival and we did go all over Vermont (visited the snow lodge the Von Trapps built – without snow) and went clear down to Lowell Ma and back up New Hampshire. What beautiful States and brought back a lot of memories of that trip. Thanks for taking us along!
I’ve never been to Vermont although I have a niece who was born there, lovely talented Eleanor. Thank you so much for taking us there, to the snow and the cozy inn and store. Loved seeing the birchwood stars! I always love to read your blog–thank you Susan Branch❣
Thank you, that was wonderful, I was transported to beautiful Vermont in the snow. No snow yet where I live in the north west of England yet but I shared some with you today .
Give my love to the English north west please Susan!
So very, very envious of your life and adventures! I have always wanted to see New England in the fall and winter. Thanks for sharing your fabulous journeys with us. I will probably never get to these places, but I can dream in color now. Thanks-Ellen Geeslin, Chattanooga
Just what I hoped! 💞
I look forward to every one of your blogs; this one was so yummy. We are kindred spirits, Susan. I have family in Acton MA and have been to visit New England many times. My niece (35) &myself (71)will visit Vineyard Haven one day soon as she & my brother Bill’s family stay at Chappy every summer… I bought Shannon your book, Isle of Dreams, & she fell in love with you & Joe and the cookbook. We vowed to look for your 1st little house in the woods…. Do you collect the “Wee Forest Folk” byAnnette Peterson; I love them soooo much. I used to sell the little mice in my gift shop in Kansas City called “The Picket Fence.” When you come to stay with me in our English Manor house, we will celebrate Beatrix Potter: Your fabulous blogs are really helping me to plan my 3rd Ladies tour to England. We girls will again stay at Lindeth-Howe B&B and eat at their fabulous restaurant that MS Potter bought for her snarly Mother all those many years ago…Have been a travel agent for the past 21 years; we plan to visit the English country side in May of 2018. The Chelsea Flower Show is waiting for us again. Thank you for my Valentine Treat. Your blog was, as always, WONDERFUL!!!
What fun you will have Becky!!!
I live my life vicariously through your adventures. Oh my, this was so lovely. When Christmas comes I am making a lighted star. Will be on the search for birch branches. Thank you Susan for taking me along. Linda
That restaurant looks like such a fabulous place. The kind of place where I’d like to linger long after the meal is over. I so enjoy all your photos. You really know how to capture just what the reader wants to see. The vibrant colors against the snow are lovely. And I could definitely see the backside head and shoulders of your sleigh driver as one of your paintings (such a cool sweater she wore!). Looking forward to your train travels to CA to visit your mom. Chugga-chugga, choo-choo!!
Thank you and I really enjoyed the Vermont pictures. It looks like another world to us here in southern California, even as we slosh through this strange rainy season. Will be missing you in SLO on the 18th as my daughter is getting married in Hawaii — blessed be! Hope you find time to drive over to the Avila Valley Barn. The puddles have dried up and the roasted corn and artichokes are perfect in this weather.
We usually do get to the Barn . . . Happy Marriage Arline, that’s wonderful, Hawaii! Who could ask for more?!
Hello Susan! I so enjoyed your blog about Vermont! I will put this on my list of places to visit! It was romantic, unique and so charming!! Thank you for sharing!
Thanks for sharing your trip!! Looks like you had some fun!!
I am always amazed at how I feel that you are just ‘talking to me’. I seem to always be right where you are and am so glad that I am. How thoughtful you are to think about us-all of us as you travel. I may never get to Vermont in winter, but I have been, thru you, and I have enjoyed the trip very much. The maple syrup is just the perfect way to bring back wonderful memories and to share those memories with one of us. Thanks, Susan, and Joe and your wonderful friends who allowed us to go along.
I just finished reading a book Family Tree by Susan Wiggs that mentions barrel cured maple syrup. Her heroine’s family makes it.
Susan, What a lovely Valentine’s Escape! I have always dreamt of visiting Vermont during winter. Now, I have! Your pictures brought your trip to life….cozy fires, quaint little villages, delightful food, decorations, and the sleigh ride! Thank you for sharing this amazing journey!
Dearest Susan,
What a treat you gave us, this lovely loooooong post! Thank you so much, I enjoyed it all! I was reminded of “Baby Boom”, and then you mentioned it too, and I think I’ll try to watch it soon.
This afternoon we drove to the coast, and enjoyed a lovely walk, on the sunny beach, blue sky, hardly any clouds, and the cherry on top, was that the boys came along too.
I picked my first “bouquet” of this year…A few snowdrops from the garden, in a tiny white jug….
We’d love to try some Vermont Maple Syrup, so many thanks for sharing some with us.
Happy sunday from
Nicoline
oxox
Vermont is a very lovely state…..I know that cause we live here in Burlington. We’ve lived here for 19 yrs and have loved every minute. Maybe next time you could get further upstate toward the lake area. Burlington is right on the lake. So glad you had a good visit even though we were having our first real winter storm…..it makes Vermont even more quaint than fall or spring. Then summer comes and it’s gorgeous with so many other stores and adventures that make it irresistible. Shelburne Museum, Ben & Jerry’s, The Vermont Country Store, Vt.Teddy Bear Co, Cabot Cheese, just to mention a few are widely visited. Come visit us again.
Oh, no doubt about it!!!
\\
Susan, looks like you had an enchanting time. The scenery could easily be Virginia, or Kentucky or North Carolina. All places I have been. Snow and beautiful houses are truly a “place in time”. I am reminded of Williamsburg, Va. and Greenfield Village in Dearborn, Michigan.
As I was looking at the picture of the store, I knew you were going to mention
“Baby Boom”. Bet I have watched that movie ten times. Love when Sam Shepherd dances with Diane Keaton while the band plays Moonlight in Vermont.
I would truly love the maple syrup. Blessings
WOW!! Thank you so much for sharing!!
Thank you Susan for taking me on your lovely trip to Vermont. I have been at home with bronchitis all weekend and your sleigh ride was the perfect antidote for my cabin fever!
Susan
That was really beautiful I could read and watch all day! Have a great vacation in Ca
LOVED going to Vermont with you from my comfy chair at home. After reading your books, I decided we needed to experience cross country train travel in a sleeper car, so we’ll be doing that in May. Now I see I’ve got to plan a trip to Vermont too. Good grief! You’re keeping me awfully busy. Where are we going next (after your upcoming California trip)? You’ve become quite the travel writer, Lady B. ❤️
“Snow, snow, snow. It won’t be long before we see a lot of snow!” Looks like a lovely way to spend an anniversary and Valentine’s Day! You have such a way of making everything magical!
I, also, love Vermont and would love to duplicate you trip. The pictures were beautiful. Thanks for sharing.