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 keep thinking that there is no way that your posts can get any better. But you keep out doing yourself! This latest was beautiful. I can ‘t decide what was my favorite pic. Rochelle and her horses or the cat in the box. Still laughing over that. I probably won’t ever be able to get to Vermont. But because of you I can see it all. Thank you from all of us armchair travelers. Enjoy your trip out here to California, and seeing your mother. Cherish your memories and times together. Times go by much to fast! A long time fan of all your works.
I’ve not been to Vermont, but these pictures are the best I’ve ever seen, I feel like I’m right there, and now I must go there for sure and see so many pretty sights, it brings tears to your eyes. I would love to try this syrup, it would make me feel so warm and cozy and close my eyes and transport me to this special place.
Loved your photos! A reminder of the great sleigh ride we enjoyed in NH with cozy blankets and hot chocolate!
3 Things!
1. Baby Boom is my favorite movie (OK, I have lots of favorites, but it’s one of my favorite favorites)
2. Rochelle absolutely looks like she could be one of your paintings – especially her sweater!
and
3. King Arthur Flour is a great company – they also have a program where they will
come to your school and teach the kids to bake bread. They supply ALL the ingredients and send them home with the children. Children go home and bake two loaves, one to keep and one to bring back in to be donated to a local food bank.
Number 3 is totally brilliant! Making new bakers and encouraging generosity one creative child at a time. If I didn’t love King Arthur Flour before, I would be CRAZY about them now! Thank you for that Joanne!!! We need to tell the world about them!
Thanks for taking me with you on your trip! Loved the sleigh ride and horses. And the beautiful snow and lighted stars were amazing! The good news is I can keep visiting Vermont everyday if I want to! And I do!
That looked so much fun. I’ve done hayrides but never a sleigh ride! It was nice to see snow since we are in the 70’s here in the Carolinas. What kind of a winter is this. Everything is budding we fear for the apple and other fruit trees. Fingers crossed for no late frost.
Dear Susan,
🎶Moonlight in Vermont🎶❤ What a beautiful post and so enjoyable to read and look at!! You have such a God Given Gift Susan….sharing yourself and all of your Blessings with everybody the way you do! I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again…you are an Earth Angel!! I love all of the stars in the little village ….stars everywhere, even on your hotel room ceiling! I loved it all!! It is magical to look at! ….and oh….that kiss❣️ What a darling picture of the two of you!! I loved it!! The first time that I tasted real maple syrup was in 1974. At that time there was no way that I could afford to buy it but I never forgot that wonderful, wonderful taste!! After having real maple syrup, all of the other syrups just don’t measure up! Now, it is one of my favorite guilty pleasures!! Love it! Love it! Love it! Almost like Buddy the Elf, but not as intense. Doesn’t it make your heart melt when you come home to a kitty that is so happy and excited to see you that they are just besides themselves?! Our kitty girl does that too! They are just so full of love for us that it escapes out of their ears and their eyes and it just can’t all come out so they roll and twitter and purr all over the place. ( She makes a sound in her throat that is a high pitched cry mixed with purr…I just call it twittering ) Thomasina is the perfect “old lady’s lap cat”. She is content just to be held all day if you had time to do it. I think that is because she is of noble birth 😉. Her story is: She showed up on my doorstep during one of the coldest, cruelest winters. I believe that somebody left her behind. It took her 5 months to trust me enough to let me sit on my porch and pet her. It took another 5 months for her to be trusting enough to walk into the house on her own accord when I would leave the door open. After a few days of doing that, one day I shut the door and kept her forever! …so I made up a really exciting story about her being a Duchess and escaping from a not-so-nice place in England ( sorry! ) where she was treated badly. She stowed away on The Queen Mary and came to America and wandered until she found my front porch! ( She arrived on my porch just 2 days after my Beloved Rosie-Kat died at the age of nearly 20 ). I knew right away that she was a Duchess ( you just KNOW these things! ) her name and title is HRH Thomasina ( yes, after the movie ❤ ) Moonbeam McDuhy, Duchess of Penny Lane. not the end. 😊 Have a good night Susan!! Thanks again for all of your kindness xoxo
Adorable!
Kathiellen, that is one of the best kitty stories I’ve heard, and I’ve been a part of one of those. Love your name for Thomasina Moonbeam McDuhy, duchess of Penny Lane.
This is why I always carefully read the Girlfriend Responses. Susan attracts kindred spirits, doesn’t she?
Debbie in Tampa….for now
What is missing on this blog is a “like” button!❤️
💖
Vermont brings wonderful memories of my little family camping in our pop up camper on the Battenkill River in Arlington, Vermont when our son was young. He is now approaching 48 years old (oh my!). Thank you for the romantic, snowy tour of a beautiful state. ❤️
Enough is never enough. I wanted more! IF I can’t be there, at least I get to see it through your blog pictures. Thanks for sharing all this beautifulness!
Have you ever been to Inn at Shelburne Farm in Vermont? It is the “summer home” of a Gilded Age country estate. Stay in the family guest rooms, have breakfast in the dining room, and pick out a book in the library to read in by the reception room fireplace. Plus, it is run by a nonprofit that does stellar agricultural/ sustainability work. It is like stepping into another dimension!
Susan, I just want to thank you for the gift of your blog. I read everything you post and enjoy it so much! Especially since I am pretty much housebound. I’m sure I speak for others when I say thank you for brightening my day!
What a beautiful trip! Thanks for sharing.
Wonderful! I’ve always wanted to go to Vermont! Thanks for taking me along! The photos are magical.
One of your most wonderful posts ever! Sounds like you needed the adventure; so glad you enjoyed it. I used to like the Robert Flinchum quote. However it has taken on a new negative meaning as it seems to be Trump’s motto: I believe that imagination is stronger than knowledge, myth more potent than history, and dreams (alternative truths) more powerful than fact…” Sadly it isn’t the only thing he has tarnished for us. (Feel free to delete this comment if you don’t wish to start another political assault on your wonderful sight, but please still enter my name into the give-a-way!)
My dear Elrica – I agree with every word you said.
Annie
Thank you so much for the kind words of support -for me, for our wonderful Susan, and for common sense. Something that seems to have gone by the wayside recently. I am halfway across the country in Virginia, by the way. Strangely beautiful and very warm winter day- 70*. But no global warming….yeah, right.
Susan!!! You have done it again!!! Loved every minute of our trip with you!!!
I love real maple syrup, nothing better! I would love some Vermont Maple syrup!
Thank you for taking us along! Absolutely beautiful! I love all the STARS!!!! SO heavenly!!!
What a wonderful Valentine get away. You really are the “Heart of the Home.
Would enjoy Baker Farm Bourbon Barrel Aged Pure Vermont Maple Syrup. Please and thank you.
Such a wonderful trip…not sure what I loved best about it! Also wanted to wish you and Joe a Happy 30th Anniversary <3 xoxo
What a lovely Sunday afternoon I’ve had in beautiful, snowy Vermont – loved it – thank you! I just didn’t look out the window of my apt. in not-snowy Henderson (Las Vegas).
What a wonderful time you must have had ! Beautiful scenery and the weather looked perfect ..and what is better than enjoying it all from a horse-driven sleigh ? Hey, you forgot to include one of my favorite songs – “Moonlight in Vermont” !!
Vermont, snowy skies, roaring fires, twinkle lights and birch wood stars, good food, good friends, your true love….And, a sleigh ride! Perfect!
As always, I loved tagging along for the trip! So beautiful! Thank you!
Thank you Susan so much for taking me back in time. I haven’t been in Vermont for years and I Truely loved remembering thru your photos days that were only old memories in my mind.
Delightful!! <3 We live on the exact opposite side of the country with more rain than snow in our little neck of the woods…am ALWAYS thrilled when we have snow…about 8" a couple weeks ago, but now, back to rain…sigh. Loved all the pix and sharing in your adventure! 🙂
Susan, you couldn’t make these too long for me, I love all the details ~ every view makes a more complete picture and adds depth to the experience, plus you have a way of making the reader feel so included ♡ I love feeling included xoxo
what a fun and romantic trip! i love vermont and maple syrup and the sleigh and the horses..and even the snow if it doesn’t get carried away! we were in the low 60’s today in illinois!! maryb
I loved your trip to Vermont. Thanks for all the details. My kind of trip. My hubby and I met you in Denver last summer. We live 27 miles from the train depot in Garden City, KS. Toot as you take out from the station on your way to California! We’ll be waitin!
We will do it for sure Marilyn!
Lovely tag-along, Susan! Thank you so much. Each photo helped tell the story. It was so good to see snow after a no–winter Winter two years in a row.
When I was a child and teenager growing up in Conn., my brothers and I would spend our winter school vacations at my godmother’s log cabin on Lincoln Gap Road in Warren. You brought back so many fun memories! And I Love the Warren General Store! When a child, it had that wood burning stove blasting, and all the old town cronies sitting around chatting. It was a true general store back then with provisions only. Now, it is a perfect blend of local products, and wonderful items for visitors to purchase. I learned how to ski at Sugarbush. And I visited the Von Trapp Family resort’s restaurant with my aunt and had a lunch looking out onto the snowy Stowe slopes. A warm memory that stays with me. If you had continued through the covered bridge in Waitsfield, turned left, gone past the Round Barn Inn (a beautiful spot to stay) and turned left onto Common Road, you would have come upon my brother’s farm, Mountain Valley Farm. He fell in love with the area and bought this Vermont Farm whose red barn photos are on post cards and at Vermont Rest Stops. He used to do sleigh rides with his draft horses (Caleb was my favorite one), and today as I am typing this he is sugaring off maple syrup. He is living the dream! You should check out his website, mountainvalleyfarm.com and visit when you return to Vermont. Thank you for sharing your pitch perfect Valentines weekend in Warren VT!!
I don’t know why we didn’t find Mountain Valley Farm when we were Googling for sleigh rides! But I have it now! For next time! He is definitely living the dream . . . and lucky you gets to go visit!
Just lovely. We all got to go with you!
YAY!
I finally got through all the comments….then there were 20 or so more. I do love seeing with my own heart how your blogs cheers us…and they are just plain Fun! And to know I am not alone in this feeling.
One more Thank You among 700….as of now. 🙂
Debbie in Tampa….for now
I read them all too Debbie, and love them and think how much they are like a beautiful woven cloth, all the stories and dreams of kindred spirits coming together with so much wonderfulness in common! It’s very touching to me. Love us!
I read all the comments as well! I thought I was the only one ,besides Susan. I love how we all cherish the same things.
Lovely post. Should make anyone want to visit Vermont.
Snowless and sad about it here in Maryland, and there you are taking a Valentine’s sleigh ride in the snow………how do you manage to always do things that are on my bucket list!! I am so happy for you and thank you for letting me live vicariously through you. My birthday is the day before the V-day and that would so be the gift for me……next year two girls in college and the dream might become a reality. Thank you for the lovely photos….. It’s just dreamy out there. Thank you for sharing. I am making a copy of this post for my sweet hubby…..hint hint hint Eddybear……..
LOL, yes, your birthday is a whole year away, plenty of time to plan!!!
So fun to go on your trip with you! My great grandfather was a blacksmith in The Upper Penninsula of Michigan and there’s a sleigh he helped build on display at the historical blacksmith shop he operated. Your trip makes me think of what it must have been like to travel by sleigh in rural Michigan as my ancestors did. Someday I hope to take a sleigh ride as well! Thanks for the wonderful time traveling along with you and Jo!
The handwork that went into just one sleigh . . . priceless!
Ok – I can do 6 more weeks of winter. Even though it was 65 in Baltimord today and I almost bought pansies! I know winter can’t be done with us yet!
What a wonderful weekend-thank you so much for sharing the beautiful photos. It is SO HARD to not be jealous of you! You are wonderful. Thank you so much for sharing your life with us.
I hope I don’t inspire that! My whole thing is that I’m so regular and normal like the rest of us kindred spirits, that if I can do these mostly rather little things, anyone can. It’s a message of making your dreams come true. And of course, my absolute pleasure to share with my Girlfriends. xoxo
Enjoying your trip..from Fla. Thank you for sharing this with all of us!
Totally delightful Valentine! Thank you!!! What a delight, to enjoy some maple syrup in Florida.
I love snow!!! The photos are beautiful!!! I would love to be there! So happy you guys had such a nice time together!!!
Susan,
What an enchanting trip! Thanks for taking us along, the snow was just magical! We haven’t had a “good snow” (at least 6″ for me) yet…here in central IL! As a matter of fact, it’s been 70 degrees the past few day! Which has been so bizarre and you know it’s going to get cold again. Mother Nature is a bit confused, it seems…
Safe travels!! Looking forward to going along again…
Squishy hugs and love,
Jeanette
Mother Nature is fighting City Hall. Hope she wins!
Mmmmm, cider doughnuts, pancakes and syrup, cocoa, snow…what great memories of our time in Stowe. Thank you.
I love Vermont,the place Tasha Tudor decided to make her home.I have a beautiful Mason Cash mixing bowl from King Author .I have always wanted to do a sleigh ride.I have sleigh bells hanginng on my back door,love how they sound as we come and go.Uggs really are the only way to go.Susan you do such a beautiful job making us fell as though we are along on your adventures.My best to you,Joe and Jack.Also loved seeing the horses.I once had a beautiful horse named Obsession..Keep warm,Mary in Va.where the daffodils are starting to bloom.
What a magical trip! Thank you for taking us along.
OMgoodness — Loved the trip. I’d love to visit Vermont someday!! Thanks for taking us along =)
Maine is my favorite, but I hold Vermont very close to my heart. Thanks for the beautiful memories.
Beautiful photos of Vermont – makes me want to take a trip there!
Martha from CT
Oooooh so amazing. I’ve always wanted to have an adventure like this. Thank you for taking us along❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Love the trip the snow was fabulous. Just had pancakes this am 🙂
You’re such an angel – sharing so many wonderful journeys with us! I was born in NY and now live in Ohio, but remember those kind of winters growing up. I have visited Boston, Cape Cod and a small part of Maine, but never Vermont. I would love to go now having seen your lovely Valentine’s Day trip. It was wonderful looking!! I would love to enjoy that wonderful Vermont maple syrup.
Thanks Susan!
Such wonderful pictures truly made me feel like I was along for the ride! I’ve always wanted to visit New England and you just showed us some of the reasons why. I especially loved the pictures of the horses from your point of view on the sleigh ride. Thank you for a delightful adventure!
Oh Susan-thank you so much for showing and sharing your Valentine’s getaway….I love all the snow pictures and the stars- here in Kentucky we make them from tobacco sticks….and wrap them in lights for the holidays- but hey- what would be the harm in keeping them up longer?????? I think I may! I was wondering- do you roll down the windows before you take the photos? did Joe and John fuss at you for freezing them to pieces? Haha- did you just tell them to hush? hahaha I am wanting some pancakes right now- with hot butter and hot syrup on them- maybe I will have to do that for supper one night soon- sounds LOVELY!!! thank you for making my day- everyday -I see a new post- I am so so excited…..and you have me wanting to go on a train trip…..already have the saving fund started for a someday trip! Have a wonderful day…..love and hugs from Kentucky!
We did roll down the windows sometimes, but the car was so well heated and we were so well dressed (!) in wool and hats and all, that it was actually kind of refreshing! Pancakes for dinner? Yum! 😁
Hi Susan,
What a beautiful trip to Vermont. Someday, it is my dream to make a Road trip to the east coast. Until then I can dream about it through your pictures. Thank you for your blog, I look so forward to your new postings!
Oh Susan- I forgot to write- I have been googling the Von Trapp resort for years- thank you for showing it- its on my someday trip list too.
Delightful! Thanks for sharing!
This was one of my favorite blog posts of yours! Thanks for sharing the beauty of it, Susan. You make the world a better place.
What a sweet thing to say. Thank you Robyn. xoxo
What would I do without you? Thanks for sharing your wonderful life. It always makes me happy! P.S. Have you ever visited Door County, WI? You would love it!
We have, but should go again!
Okay, I’m in Kentucky, the bourbon capital of the world, and I’ve NEVER had bourbon syrup! (And it would be perfect on cast iron pancakes!!) A new bucket list add! ❤️❤️❤️
Also, just wanted to let you know I started watching A Place to Call Home a week and a 1/2 ago and finished all seasons last night….LOVE💕❤️💕❤️
After weeks of a coughing chorus, endless sneezes, and aching tiredness which would not be calmed by green tea and blueberries, what a pleasure to ride with you without worry of contamination. The perfect escape. Vermont in winter looks like a good add to our life list? Thank you for the ride. Oh. Our vote,too, for Arthur flour. It makes the best Christmas cookies! Safe journey to the west coast. Toni
Hope you are feeling better Toni!
Susan, a dear friend of mine has been kind enough to share your trips with me.
I love your narrative, your photography and — you! I so enjoy your blog and thank you for being you.
Fran
Quite lovely to be sure. Don’t know if I will ever get to Vermont in the snow season. You took us there beautifully. thank you.
Happy Valentine’s Day a little late.
A much needed post to remind me what Winter looks like! We’ll be in the 80’s here in Texas this week. I love the snow so much, and would be happy with just one day of it. Love King Arthur Flour, too! Seems like I read somewhere that the company is owned (or partly) by the employees. Nice! Happy belated Valentine’s Day!
What a magical Valentine’s Day you and Joe had! I enjoyed every minute, especially the video of the sleigh ride itself. I will be looking for a painting of Rochelle in a future book!
I felt that I was riding along with you on your trip…..enjoyed the sites, food, barns, snow, etc., etc., etc. Thank you for taking me along! And, thank you for a chance to win the maple syrup.
Susan, Even though I now live on South Carolina, your trip brought back wonderful memories of Vermont. Loved the barn and covered bridges pictures. I have painted(on canvas, lol) a few of them a long time ago. I would love to go back to New England and the Cape area just one more time. Your visit and blog just push that travel dream a little bit closer. Thanks for sharing and looking forward to reading more blogs. Be safe and have a great time in California. Gini Dagostino
Even though I might be the 700th person to say this–Thanks for the wonderful, dreamy sleigh ride!! Wonderful memories of living in the Northeast–but hadn’t ever gone on a sleigh ride. It was perfect and you were a perfect doll to take us all along too.
Isn’t warm maple syrup the best! Sometimes I make toast-homemade of course-just to have something to dip into my warm syrup. And it is fabulous in homemade salad dressings! (Luckily, it’s readily available even here in Texas!) Yum, I think I feel a snack coming on. 😉
Because of you, me too! 😃
I was glued to this post. I was there with you four all the time. It was such fun. I finished my syrup but sure could use a new bottle. Thanks for the memories.
What beautiful snow scenes,,makes me homesick for the east,,love those old inns
which we had some here in calif. thanks for sharing your trip,,,judy
I love Vermont! Thanks for taking us along on your trip! Great photos!
Oh, my what a lovely, lovely Valentine trip, Susan!! Thank you sooo much for taking us along with you!! Vermont is my favorite state on the whole east coast!! I loved the whole adventure and especially the cat in the box!! And the barns, and the bridges and the . . . . . Thank you again!! Brillient post!!
Reading about your snow adventure has succeeded in sending me to hygge heaven. Thanks again for sharing!
Thank you for taking us along on your Valentine get away. It was lovely. The picture of the perfect sleigh driver, my thought before I read your comments, was “I bet Susan could paint her, she is one of Susan’s drawings, with the color and all”.
It was beautiful and delightful to “go along” your get away.
thanks
Thank you Susan, and Joe. Love you both. Thank you for sharing. If they make a series or movie from your books it would be pure heaven on earth. You bring so much joy to me with your posts. Thank you💜💜💜
How beautiful! It is in the mid 70s in Ga., so it is delightful to see that it really IS WINTER. Somewhere…. 🌞
I really enjoyed the snowy, dreamy trip to Vermont- thank you Susan! What a shame about your hotel decor…ice cube tables? What were they thinking? At least the fireplace was right.
Oh wow Susan….it’s past my bedtime, but I couldn’t stop reading this post!! Even though I tried to follow you on Twitter there is so much more here…magical!! All of it!! But of course the best was the sleigh ride…doesn’t every girl dream of that??? Or at least I hope they do…what a perfect trip…and bless your driver!!! He certainly did good maneuvering those snowy, icy roads… I LOVE good Maple syrup…and would love to win!!
Blessings,
Gert
Yes, the 140 characters allowed for Twitter does require we leave out a lot of detail ~ but when I’m traveling, I can take a photo or a video and send it just as it’s happening, immediately, from my phone. The Blog requires a full-on computer and the downloaded photos in iPhoto! Both fun, but different! Hope Vanna draws your name, dear Gert!
If I win that Vermont syrup I promise to make ginormous, fluffy pancakes from scratch to go with it. So enjoyed this trip with you. Extra special I feel to an ARIZONA girl. Can’t I still be a girl at 68 years young.
Always and forever. xoxo
Beautiful! I love it! I’ve always wanted to be in Vermont in the winter. We were there once mid-summer and it was lovely. Hunted for covered bridges and old meeting houses and cemeteries. But now I think we shall need to go in February! Thanks for taking us along!
It was so much fun looking at your post. Truly lovely. I had a friend who did his bakery internship at the von Trapp Family Inn. He said it was a wonderful place!!! Would love to visit someday. Thanks for such a good post.
Susan:
Thanks for taking us along on your glorious Valentine’s get-away. I should have waited till tomorrow to read your blog and marvel at the photos, but couldn’t resist it and now it is 12:30 a.m. Vermont holds many charming and beautiful places. Sometimes the charm masks the labor-intensive work involved by the early settlers and later residents in taming the countryside.
Lois
🎼🎶 just hear those sleigh bells jing-a-ling, ring ting ting-a-ling too
come on it’s lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with you ……
How fun this post was, and what gorgeous photos. Thanks, Susan, for sharing !
XOXO
What a beautiful and wonderful post, thank you! I just spent the day at Joshua Tree National Park, a very different kind of beautiful from Vermont. Aren’t we so very fortunate to live in a country with such diverse landscapes?
I never knew what happened to the Von Trapp family after they crossed the mountains. The things you learn on your web site? 🙂
What a lovely trip! And Yum! Maple syrup on pancakes!
also good on fried apple rings… yum!!! 🙂
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
Me, too, Nicoline, just yesterday, I picked my first snowdrops, and put them also in a “tiny white jug!” On the same page! xoxo
I always wanted to go to Vermont, being a California girl that snow looks magical!! Thank you for taking us along, and for all those beautiful photos.
Love that they have the wreaths still hanging in February.
Would love to know where they got the star curtains.
I’m sure you will remember that trip forever.
Have a safe trip to California. We are expecting another week of rain. Bring your umbrella!!
I hope the rain will go away for us!
L♥️VED coming along on your valentines get away ~ so magical w/ snow and stars⭐️and twinkle lights. The food, the sights, the friendship and love and that fabulous bathroom!!
Safe travels to sunny California ~ Renee
That was fun … love you and love being along with you! Working our way through A Place To Call Home. Thank you so very much for just the thing I needed to get over my Downton Abbey blues.
Rumor has it that Julian Fellowes is working on a Downton PREQUEL. OMG, that just thrills me to my toes! Hope it’s true!
love this blog so much…everything about this was wonderful…Happy 30th Anniversary and thank you so much for sharing this delightful romantic getaway..xo
Susan, I love your life , thank you for taking us along. It’s been too long since I have been to Vermont. I’m daydreaming about a visit there now myself. You are the best travel guide and someday I’m going to copy all of your trips! Your interests are my interest, just wish I could document and write like you do! Glad you are home safely. I miss snow , we didn’t get enough this winter! Can you smell the pancakes I’m making?
I think I can!
Dear Susan ~ what a fantastic trip! Thank you for so much for sharing… I want to go Anywhere with you and Joe!! You two make every day a wonderful adventure. Guess what? I have the same O’Keeffe & Merritt stove as you! She’s the center of the kitchen, and sometimes of my day… and when I’m making something yummy out of one of your cookbooks… it’s like we’re twins!! Much Love!
LOL! xoxo
Thank you Susan and Joe and Lowly and John for taking us on your Vermont sleigh ride! Delightful!!!
If you see someone waving happily at the train in Ohio that will be me. I often see the passenger train as I’m headed to school.
Looking forward to your next adventure! I can hear the train whistle now.
Me too, Lynn, can’t wait!
Loved, loved this post! Vermont is such a special state…What a wonderful anniversary sleigh ride! FYI. Check out Ben Pentreath’s Inspiration blog in England…he is a fantastic photographer and runs a business with his partner and they visit so many out of the way spots in England…you’ll love it! Have a safe trip to California!
My grandparents owned a summer cabin in Mount Holly, VT. I spent every summer there as a child. On the way from their home in MA we would always stop and get apple cider donuts. I don’t remember where, I just remember how delicious they were! Thank you for the beautiful memories from your trip. It reminded me of many memories from my childhood.
I love your travel posts! Thank you for sharing. What a lucky friend to go with you!
Thank you, Susan, for sharing your wonderful trip! I’ve been living in Florida for 18 years (from NJ) but still miss winter…and snow. I look forward to all of your blogs but this one was especially meaningful to me. It was a true Valentine gift!! Thanks again. XOXO
My husband and I took this trip several years ago and it is still one of my favorite memories, the sleigh ride, the snowy scenery, snowshoeing across the Von Trapp land and finding their little family chapel. I loved it and we have plans to build a little chapel on our own new little farm. It was great to revisit Stowe through your pictures. ❤️🐴🌨
Thanks for the ride. I have never been to Vermont, but it is a dream and now I feel like I have been there. Safe travels to you and Joe as you travel to California. Take care.
Oh my! I haven’t been to New England since I was a little girl, but this makes me want to head north! I’m a southern gal who knows nuttin’ about snow and ice, but I loved everything about this post. It was so very Vermont-y–cozy, nostalgic–perfect! I got the same warm, fuzzy feeling reading this and looking at all the charming pics that I do when I watch White Christmas each year. That’s a very good thing. Thank you for taking us all along!
All you need to know: first a thin tee-shirt, then a blouse or turtle neck, then a sweater, then another sweater, then a jacket with a hood, then hat, gloves, scarf wrapped round and round, and boots and pants (not thin ones). I have never needed long underwear, so you are on your own with that one! This should make any trip to the snow more than bearable!
My heart overfloweth with gratitude dear 4 Valentines for inviting us along to Vermont!! A trip of a lifetime! Every word, every picture, every tune, perfect for ♥ month!! Very beautiful, tears of pure joy! GOD BLESS and THANK YOU! Love & hearty hugs!
What a treat to look at your blog and see such beautiful pictures of the valley and mountains I’ve been calling home for the last 20 years! Last week was one of the most beautiful snowy weeks we have had in a while, so glad you got to see it like that! I just wanted to say a word about the stars. I don’t know when it started, but they have been showing up for the last several years, mostly made of sticks, logs or even skis, but almost always home made. This year they are a little different though– In October, five teenagers in our valley were killed in a car accident- they were hit on the highway by a driver going the wrong way. Soon after, the stars went up again, but this year there are more, and many are in groups of 5 in honor of those five lives lost. So the stars are sad, beautiful and meaningful. To me they show the best of our wonderful tight-knit community. Thank you for sharing them!
Thank you for that explanation. No, of course we didn’t know. It’s a lovely tradition.
Enjoyed your photos about your trip! Sounds like a wonderful time!
I’m always a few days behind in responding so better late than never. What a lovely post. Me sitting here in Florida for Valentine’s Day and we ate outside with our guests and painted and pasted homemade Valentines for each other and made homemade pizzas. As much as I loved your snowy sleigh ride…I felt a bit chilled reading it. You’re such a warm person I bet the cold doesn’t bother you at all. LOVE !!!