Hi, Friends! I recently heard a friend say, “summer’s almost over,” and it made me stop in my tracks. It may feel that way to some of us, especially those of us who are gearing up for “back to school” season, or those who view August 31 as the unofficial end of summer. I, for one, am still enjoying summer and looking ahead to more! What remains on your summer fun to-do list? I highly recommend a trip to Lake Bomoseen, which is the largest lake entirely within Vermont’s border

Hi, Friends! Picture it: Manchester, VT, summer of 1976. A glorious bookstore was born. Northshire Bookstore is turning 50! My favorite bookstore has been gearing up for its Golden Anniversary celebration coming soon on August 8 in both of its locations.

Hi, Friends! I love cheese. Especially Vermont cheese. I was thrilled to see that two local cheesemakers, Maplebrook Farm + Ploughgate Creamery in North Bennington and Woodlawn Creamery in Pawlet, won big at the recent American Cheese Society’s annual conference. Photo courtesy of the Vermont Cheese Council Make no mistake: Vermont cheeses and dairy have proven their mettle on the national stage for quite some time now. Vermont cheesemakers took home a record-breaking 54 awa

Hi, Friends! While living in Arlington, VT these past several years, I have watched the community evolve in its own distinct way. One of the most exciting areas of growth has been the thriving Arlington Common, a unique institution that brings neighbors and visitors together to share creative and wellness experiences. The Arlington Common has hosted the popular Battenkill Fly Fishing Festival for 5 years now, and is also the home of the Arlington Community Theater, which beg

(CLICK HERE TO READ The Arlington Common Preserves History & Welcomes Community) Hi, Friends! Traveling is one of my favorite pastimes; I’d rather spend money on travel more so than anything else. I don’t need diamonds or appliances- just take me on a trip somewhere I’ve never been, or maybe somewhere I already adore. Experiences over stuff, always. This year, as my 21st wedding anniversary and my husband’s July 4 birthday approached, we did something completely out of charac

The Don’t Leave Band Hello, Friends! This weekend, we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the founding of the United States of America. As stated on Vermont.gov, “Vermonters played a significant role in the colonists' assertion of independence from Great Britain, from the Green Mountain Boys successful assault at Fort Ticonderoga to the Battle of Hubbardton, and to the Battle of Bennington where Vermont troops helped defeat a

Hello, Friends! Strawberry season is here, and whether you pick-your-own berries or visit your favorite local farm stand for freshly-picked, ruby-red delights, you need to act fast and enjoy one of our favorite late spring/early summer bounties before they all get gobbled up. I stocked up this past weekend at Clear Brook Farm in Shaftsbury to make strawberry rhubarb pies for all the father figures in my life. Unless you’re a pro baker, I don’t necessarily recommend baking 3

Hi, Friends. This Sunday, June 21, is the Summer Solstice, our longest day and shortest night of the year. It’s also Father’s Day. If your dad, husband, grandfather, or father figure loves music, why not treat him to the kick-off concert for Taconic Music’s 10th annual Summer Festival this weekend? There’s nothing like sharing live music with friends and family; to me, these types of experiences are the greatest gifts. Photo by Brooke Champine, courtesy of Taconic Music This

The ritual of record collecting and the allure of analog sound has endured from generation to generation, proving that vinyl albums are here to stay.

Photos by Megan Demarest, courtesy Green Mountain Media Group Hi, Friends! This is a big week for our colleagues at the Southern Vermont Arts Center (SVAC) in Manchester. The 104 year old institution just added a major expansion to the Yester House, celebrated this past Sunday, June 7 at their Grand Opening and Ribbon-cutting ceremony. I had a sneak peak of the Yester House before the big event, and I was blown away by the new space from top to bottom, inside and out. My phot

The INN at Ormsby Hill is a retreat for travelers coming to Manchester that offers a unique, historical experience in what feels like the comfort of your own home

The beloved independent bookstore is celebrating its Golden Anniversary in a big way.

Beyond the House Museum New President Craig Gemmell hopes to transform Hildene into a deeper, more dynamic force in the cultural life of Manchester and Southern Vermont. STORY BY STEPHEN PIERCE PHOTOGRAPHY BY CRAIG LIGHT When Craig Gemmell arrived last December as the new president of Hildene, he brought decades of experience in education, fundraising, and institution-building—along with a clear conviction: the Lincoln Family Home can become an even more powerful force in the

Hi, Friends. June is Pride Month and there will be events over the course of the next few weeks that celebrate the spirit of the LGBTQ+ community and their allies. I remember nearly 11 years ago, on June 26, 2015, same sex marriage was legalized on the federal level. It was a joyous day for all of us who believe that “love is love.” It was also my 10th wedding anniversary. My husband and I proudly celebrated the long-awaited national triumph alongside our friends and family.

Hi, Friends. It’s always exciting and inspiring to me when I see dormant buildings get new life and become active parts of their communities again. Sometimes, it takes a short while for the transformation, and other times, it can take decades. The Bennington Mill building is a long vacant gem that has now been transformed as a destination for the arts, shopping, and housing in Bennington, VT. Owner Vance Chatel has spent the past year transforming this space, ensuring that bo

Hi, Friends! It's that time of year again — the time when the caps and gowns get donned and the band plays “Pomp and Circumstance” while a procession of proud students take their seats. Graduation season is here, and this week we tip our hats to the Classes of 2026 at our local schools. On the college front, Vermont State University Castleton held its commencement on May 16, sending another class of Spartans out into the world. Bennington College celebrates its 91st commence

Hello, Friends! The myriad shades of green in our fair part of the world are just getting greener by the day, aren’t they? As silly as it sounds, all these luscious, vibrant green colors inspired me to bake this past weekend. I wanted something bright, tart, and green. Key Lime Pie hit all the marks! Don’t worry if you can’t find key limes or key lime juice; regular, Persian lime juice will do just fine. Key limes are smaller and more tart, but Persian limes are certainly tar

Hello, Friends! Last year, I got rather sentimental for Mother’s Day, and while this year is no different, I’m turning my focus to the fun side of the Sunday holiday that celebrates the mother figures in our lives. Mother Myrick’s Confectionery / Inns of Dorset Mother Myrick’s Annual Kids’ Cakes for Mom is a sweet, fun ,and creative way to celebrate! Mother Myrick's Confectionery invites children 4 to 8 years old, with an accompanying adult, to create a wonderful, delicious

Photos courtesy of the Manchester Business Association Hi, Friends! If you haven’t yet made your Memorial Day Weekend plans, don’t worry, it’s not too late! To those of you reading from afar, there’s a lot going on in the Manchester area that weekend to keep you happy and fulfilled. And to my neighbors in the Shires, a staycation is a beautiful option when you live in a place that has so much to offer! Often viewed as the unofficial start of summer, Memorial Day Weekend in Ma

Hi, Friends. Earth Day is today, April 22. This reminds me of the many Vermonters I've recently interviewed for our upcoming Summer magazine issues. A recurring theme in our conversations—and not for the first time—is "stewardship." Whether it's the owners who lovingly maintain historic properties, feeling a sense of both pride and duty to preserve our state’s history, or our local farmers cultivating the land, there is an ever-present commitment to preservation that runs dee