Woof, woof, meow, Friends! Anyone who knows me well knows that I am a staunch supporter of pet adoption and animal rescue. That’s why I’m thrilled to share Tails of Hope’s Trails for Tails event in Rutland, VT on October 4. Tails of Hope is Rutland County’s Humane Society, dedicated to building a more humane and compassionate community for animals and the people who love them. They provide shelter, care, and adoption opportunities for animals in need, and advance welfare thro

Hi, Friends! Are you ready? One of Southern Vermont’s oldest, most unique, and perennially popular events—Norman’s Attic Fall Fest—is coming this weekend to Arlington! Plan to join in the fun again this year as St. James’ Episcopal Church readies the town center for the festivities on Saturday, September 19, from 9am until 4pm. If necessary, the rain date will be Sunday, September 20, from 12pm to 5pm. Photos provided courtesy of St. James Episcopal Church Residents, visitors

Hi, Friends! Everyone’s favorite country store is turning 80! The Vermont Country Store will celebrate its 80th anniversary at the inaugural Weston Village Fair & Jubilee this Saturday, September 12, a new community event featuring old-fashioned food, fun, and games for the whole family, with proceeds to benefit the Weston Community Association. I remember the first time I visited the Vermont Country Store in Weston in early September 2014. It was shortly after my family and

Garlic Town USA, Southern Vermont's signature Labor Day weekend festival, will return to downtown Bennington on Saturday, Sept. 5, celebrating its 31st anniversary with new vendors, expanded programming, a reimagined chef demonstration tent and a full day of live entertainment. Hello, Friends! You know what time of year it is– time for the 31st Annual Garlic Town USA! This cherished event held in Bennington, VT draws enthusiastic crowds from near and far year after year. Pho

Hi, Friends! I hope that if you live in this region—or have visited recently—you've had a chance to experience the Southern Vermont Arts Center's newly renovated, gorgeous campus. Trust me, it's worth the trip. Wander through the new galleries, grab a bite in curATE Cafe's expanded outdoor eating area, and take in those views. SVAC's recent expansion is the largest single museum expansion in Vermont's history—a milestone worth celebrating for an organization that has been a

Hi, Friends! Here in Bennington County, there’s a farmers market four days a week in the summer and early fall, which makes for a proper Farm Crawl over a long weekend. Hop in the car, stay local, and stock up on the bounty of the season. Photo courtesy of the Arlington Village Farmers Market Kick off Thursday at the Manchester Farmers Market (709 Depot Street, 3pm to 6pm), where 20-plus vendors sell produce, meats, cheeses, and prepared foods rain or shine. Friday evening, h

August 13 through August 16 Hi, Friends! This Sunday, August 16, is Bennington Battle Day. State offices and municipal services in Vermont will be closed in observance on Monday, August 17. The commemorative weekend features living history events, cannon firings, encampments at the Bennington Battle Monument, and more. Photos courtesy of Bennington 250 It’s always a special day in our community, in part because the holiday is specific to Bennington, Vermont, and celebrated b

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