Issues → November/December 2008 → Travel →
Christmas in Vermont
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The showroom at Tsuga Studios, squirreled up a back road on the western edge of town, is usually open by appointment only, but hosts an open house and holiday sale one weekend in December, when blown-glass Christmas ornaments festoon the rafters and seconds draw fans from afar. Glassmaker Nicholas Kekic is known for his deeply colored, elegantly simple pitchers and bowls.
Back near the green, Chester's attraction for artists carries over to Baba-a-Louis Bakery. John McLure's sticky buns, croissants, French loaves, and peasant breads are distributed throughout New England, but here you'll also find his French pastries, including buche de Noel. The octagonal building, which McLure designed and built, features arches soaring 30 feet and also houses The Phoenix Cafe, serving made-from-scratch soups and sandwiches.
For many residents and visitors, Misty Valley Books, on the green, is the heart of Chester. This independent bookseller offers frequent author's readings and hosts a "New Voices" weekend at a church in Stone Village in January, featuring first-time novelists. Past flyers for this event paper the walls in the store's "Archives" (the bathroom), picturing a number of current best-selling authors.
"This store is an extension of ourselves," explains Lynne Reed, when asked why Misty Valley also sells Persian carpets and offers French courses. (Husband Bill Reed has taught in Africa and France as well as in Vermont schools.) It's also a place to find a schedule for Chester's Green Mountain Festival Series (winter dates November 22, January 10, and February 28; 802-875-4473) and a trail map to the town's hiking/snowshoeing trail.
According to Jo-Ann Silver, whose Extreme Adventures' Willy Williams, a guide qualified to introduce neophytes to ice climbing and extreme sledding as well as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Chester's Overture to Christmas
Events are spread over two weekends, December 6-7 and 13-14 this year. The first Saturday is Children's Day. Youngsters assemble around noon for a marionette show at the Wright Library, followed by story hour at Reed Gallery. Each child leaves with a book and a candy cane. Then there's ornament making at the neighboring First Baptist Church, while kids wait for Santa and Mrs. Claus to arrive on a fire engine. After the tree lighting, Santa receives his petitioners at The Fullerton Inn. The day ends with an evening choral concert at First Baptist. The second Saturday in December features caroling and the reading of the Christmas story. The "Polar Express" excursion train from Bellows Falls to Chester Depot runs both days of the second weekend (at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.). Details at: okemovalleyvt.org
Grafton Turns Back the Clock
Arriving in Grafton (population 650) during snow season is like entering a Christmas card. Although it's an easy drive to several ski resorts, Grafton on a wintry night seems a long way from anywhere. But serious cross-country skiers know Grafton. The 30-kilometer trail network at Grafton Ponds is meticulously groomed. Trails meander off from the warming hut, out over meadows, and up into the woods on Bear Hill, where there's plenty more back-country skiing. The complex also offers rentals and great venues for tubing, ice skating, and snowshoeing.
Reader Comments
Comment from Debra Harris on December 10, 2008
Oooh how this ole yankee wishes she could be in Woodstock for the WWW.
I fell in love with Woodstock over 20 years ago, to me that whole area truelly is "Heaven on Earth".
I enjoyed ths little write up & history on the area and the holiday goings on.
Have enjoyed many meals in Bentlys, have purchased many toys in the drug store basement, have had many a photo taken by the little brook, enjoyed ice cream cones in the summer time while strolling the streets and breathing in every little detail to relive over & over in my mind. The fall foliage is spectacular in Woodstock......every where you look is ablaze in God's colors........just breathtaking.
Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to "travel back in my minds eye"........espicailly as I sit here in Fl in the middle of Dec in 75 degree weather.
Blessings, Debra Harris
Comment from Deb Powers on December 12, 2008
The house which you featured in Christmas in Grafton, VT. is the home which has been in my family for literally centuries. The Grafton house was built by many "greats" before me and stands now hundreds years after it was built. It remains in the family now owned and maintained by my parents. What happens with the next generation is yet to be determined. But memories are as vivid today as when I was a child visiting Gram at the house. Thank you for such a wonderful tribute. Sincerely, deb powers
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