Happy Vermont

The Magic of Maple Season in Vermont

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 05:01:00 -0400

Maple sugaring in Vermont is a tradition built on hard work, risk, and reward. When it comes to sugaring, the days are long, but the season is short.

At Judd's Wayeeses Farms in Morgan, fourth generation Vermonter Jim Judd and his wife Donna Young have spent years perfecting their craft.

“People look at our place, and what they don’t always consider is that I’ve been doing this for 50 years. This didn’t happen overnight,” says Judd, whose maple farm is five miles from the Canadian border.

In this episode, we talk about maple season, why sap can taste different from place to place, and what it takes to make a living as a Vermont sugar maker.

Buy Vermont Maple Syrup from Judd's Wayeeses Farms

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Vermont General Stores: Past, Present and Future

Fri, 23 Jan 2026 16:09:21 -0500

There’s a lot to love about Vermont general stores.

This episode includes an interview with Ben Doyle, the president of the Preservation Trust of Vermont in Montpelier. The organization has helped many Vermont towns save or reopen general stores.

I also chat with Dan and Alison Singleton of Singleton’s Store in Cavendish, which opened 80 years ago.

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Reviving a Town Hall in Townshend

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 05:02:00 -0500

Cory Ciklin and a group of volunteers are helping to bring the Townshend Town Hall and Opera House back to its former glory.

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Celebrating Brattleboro's Creative Spirit

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 05:05:00 -0500

This holiday season, windows on Brattleboro's Main Street and beyond are being decorated for the inaugural Festival of Miniatures.

Festival organizer Melany Kahn talks about the event and the town she loves. She also shares insight into Brattleboro's strengths and challenges, and why local art matters.

www.brattleboro.com

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Exploring Lost Ski Slopes in Underhill

Fri, 14 Nov 2025 05:05:00 -0500

Jamie Ide of Jericho spends a lot of time on the western side of Mount Mansfield—where you’ll find Underhill State Park and trails to hike to the top of Vermont’s highest peak.

But it turns out there was a ski area there, too. Jamie talks about finding relics of the old ski area in Underhill and what it was like on the quieter side of the mountain many years ago.

https://happyvermont.com

Happy Vermont Holiday Gift Guide

Turning a Beetlejuice Icon into an East Corinth Community Hub

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 16:22:32 -0400

Kendall Gendron's favorite movie is Beetlejuice.

When the Seattle native met her future husband and discovered that his hometown was East Corinth—where the movie was filmed—it felt like a match made in heaven.

In 2016, the couple moved from the Pacific Northwest to East Corinth. When the opportunity arose to own the fictional Miss Shannon's School for Girls from the Beetlejuice movies, Kendall jumped at the chance.

It wasn’t just about owning a part of movie history, but how the iconic, Gothic structure on Village Road could become a vibrant events venue and community gathering space.

In this episode, I talk to Kendall and lifelong East Corinth resident Wade Pierson about Beetlejuice, the building's past, present and future, and the meaning of community.

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An Ode to Trees, Forests and Foliage

Fri, 12 Sep 2025 05:00:00 -0400

Mike Snyder is passionate about keeping Vermont forests healthy, especially in the face of climate change.

We met up on a wooded trail in Stowe to talk about the consequences of overuse, the foliage outlook for this year, and how we can be more mindful when we’re exploring the woods.

Vermont Fire Towers

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 09:47:21 -0400

At one time there were 38 fire towers in Vermont. Now there are fewer, but Vermont fire towers are more popular than ever.

Luke O’Brien, a forest recreation specialist with the State of Vermont, talks about the history of Vermont fire towers and why they matter.

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Treasure Digging on South Mountain in Bristol

Sat, 16 Aug 2025 05:00:00 -0400

South Mountain in Bristol is a legendary place. Ethan Mitchell, a history and mathematics teacher, grew up in nearby New Haven. He’s a folklore enthusiast who has researched tales of money digging in Vermont, including stories about people searching for treasure on South Mountain. https://happyvermont.com

Sculptures in the Wild at Vermont Rest Areas

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 05:03:00 -0400

Along Vermont’s interstates stand a unique collection of 16 abstract sculptures created by internationally renowned artists. more than 50 years ago.

These sculptures were placed at rest areas along Interstates 89 and 91 in the early 1970s. Decades later, most of them are now hidden by forest growth. That will soon change.

The collection could be described as the largest outdoor presentation of sculpture in the world. Art conservator Bob Hannum of Barre is working with the state of Vermont to clean, repair and move these sculptures into view so they can be enjoyed once again by the public.

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Food, Music & Community at Crossmolina Farm in West Corinth

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 10:17:21 -0400

Margaret Loftus is a former public defender. She’s now a farmer.

She and her husband Jonathan left Brooklyn for Vermont in 2006 in search of a better place to raise their kids—Keelan, Tobin and Wendell—and grow their own food.

After years of learning about farming, growing organic vegetables, and raising animals for beef, pork and lamb, the family-run Crossmolina Farm—named after a town in Ireland—became a full-time enterprise in 2018.

In this episode, Margaret talks about creating a new life in Vermont, learning how to farm, and creating a tight-knit community around food.

Read about Crossmolina Farm in Daybreak

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Vermont Ancient Roads

Fri, 06 Jun 2025 05:00:00 -0400

Host Erica Houskeeper talks with attorney Spencer Crispe of West Brattleboro and forester Norm Arseneault of Granville about why Vermont ancient roads still matter.

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Love, Loss and Ice Cream

Sat, 24 May 2025 09:52:13 -0400

Chris Wilcox is vice president of Wilcox Ice Cream in Sunderland. Chris was my first friend when my family moved to Vermont in 1979.

Not only were we friends, we were neighbors, too. I would zig zag my way through a couple of fields and cross a dirt to get to her house.

The farm you see just south of Equinox Valley nursery on Route 7A, where Chris spent her childhood. But 24 years ago, on May 7, 2001, a fire tore through the farm on Route 7A, destroying multiple buildings, including one that housed the ice cream business.

The farm you see now on Route 7A is no longer part of Wilcox Ice Cream. It hasn’t been for years. For the past decade, they’ve been making ice cream out of their facility in Sunderland.

In this episode, Chris talks about ice cream, hard work, perseverance, love and loss.

https://www.wilcox-ice-cream.com

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Memories of a Mountain Top Hotel on Mount Mansfield

Thu, 08 May 2025 05:02:00 -0400

Hotels used to stand at the top of some of Vermont's mountains, like Mount Mansfield, Camel's Hump, Snake Mountain and Mount Equinox.

Mary Skelton spent eight childhood summers at the Mount Mansfield Summit Hotel. It was a hotel her dad managed, and he served as the hotel's postmaster.

In this episode, Mary talks about the old hotel on Vermont's highest mountain, her joyful memories, and the end of an era.

Stratton: Forests, a Fire Tower, and How the Town Nearly Disappeared

Thu, 27 Mar 2025 10:11:09 -0400

The town of Stratton is best known for the popular ski area, Stratton Mountain Resort. But beyond the 3,000-acre ski area, the town has 30,000 acres and about 300 full-time residents.

At one time in the 1930s, the population was so small that there were fears the town would go the same way as the unincorporated communities of Glastenbury and Somerset.

Town Clerk Kent Young talks about Stratton's tiny population, the fire tower on top of Stratton Mountain, the lack of post offices in town, and an old tragic tale from Kelley Stand Road.

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The Magic of Cochran's Ski Area

Sat, 08 Mar 2025 13:15:15 -0500

Cochran’s Ski Area in Richmond is tiny but mighty.

The ski area was started in the early 1960s by Mickey and Ginny Cochran.

Their children, Bob, Barbara Ann, Marilyn and Lindy, came to be known as the “The Skiing Cochrans.” They represented the U.S. in the Winter Olympics, with Barbara Ann winning the gold in 1972.

In this episode, Barbara Ann talks about the ski area's early days, her racing career and what makes Cochran’s an extraordinary place.

Learn more about Cochran's Ski Area
https://cochranskiarea.com

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Quirks, Collections and Taxidermy at Vermont Libraries

Fri, 21 Feb 2025 13:48:01 -0500

You can learn a lot about a town and its history by visiting the local library.

The Goodrich Memorial Library in Newport has a taxidermy collection that includes an alligator, bob cat, porcupine and birds.

The Rutland Free Library originally served as a post office and courthouse. There are also jail cells in the basement.

In this episode, Jessamyn West, a library technologist from Randolph, talks about what makes Vermont libraries fascinating places. She also shares what's she's learned on her quest to visit all of Vermont’s libraries.

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A Vermont Original: Wilson "Snowflake" Bentley's Gift to the World

Mon, 03 Feb 2025 16:51:21 -0500

Wilson "Snowflake" Bentley was the first person to ever photograph a single snowflake.

On January 15, 1885—at age 19—he used photographic plates to capture his first snowflake image at his family's farm in Jericho. His images of snowflakes are on permanent display at the historical society in the Old Red Mill in Jericho.

"He had the mind of a scientist and the soul of a poet," says Sue Richardson, Bentley's great-grand-niece, who manages the exhibit and gift shop at the Jericho Historical Society.

"His dream was to share his images with the world," she says.

In this episode, Sue shares stories about Snowflake Bentley and his lasting impact on the world.

Jericho Historical Society

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Southern Vermont, In Memory of My Brother

Thu, 12 Dec 2024 11:54:35 -0500

Host Erica Houskeeper talks about her brother, Matt, who died while kayaking in Southern Vermont last summer. It happened in a region of the state that Matt loved exploring.

In honor of Matt, Erica highlights a bit of history and geography in this part of Vermont.

A Good Life in the Shadow of Terrible Mountain

Fri, 22 Nov 2024 13:51:45 -0500

Susan Leader is a well-known potter based in Andover, where she grew up at the base of Terrible Mountain.

In 1950, Susan's parents moved to Andover and settled at Popplewood Farm, where she spent her childhood.

Today, she lives on a piece of land her parents left her just up the road from her childhood home.

In this episode, we talk about Terrible Mountain, Susan's unconventional upbringing, and how she has found community in the small town of Andover.

What's In a Name? Stories about Vermont Places and Names

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 05:02:00 -0400

Steve Farrow grew up in Holland, Vermont and now lives in Newport in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom.

Steve studied at UVM in the 1980s and his master’s thesis focused on Vermont place names. He now teacher geography at Community College of Vermont.

In this Happy Vermont podcast episode, Steve and host Erica Houskeeper talk about Vermont place names and lost names like Elysiana, Hurricane and Jefferson County. They also explore Vermont gores and grants, as well as town names like Eden, Troy and Athens.

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Vermont Foliage, Forests and Tourist Towns

Tue, 24 Sep 2024 05:00:00 -0400

Mike Snyder of Stowe was Vermont’s Commissioner of Forests, Parks and Recreation for over a decade before leaving his post in December 2022.

He’s now working as an independent consultant. Mike and host Erica Houskeeper met up at Brownsville Forest in Stowe to talk about fall foliage, forest health, and what it's like living in a popular tourist town.

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Burlington's History is Hiding in Plain Sight

Tue, 10 Sep 2024 04:03:00 -0400

Glenn Fay of Burlington is an author, historian and seventh-generation Vermonter. He’s also a descendant of one of the Green Mountain Boys.

Glenn wrote Hidden History of Burlington Vermont and has a new book out, Ambition of the Remarkable Family of Ethan Allen. On a sunny day in July, we met at the Ethan Allen Homestead Museum in Burlington, where Glenn serves as a board member.

In this episode, Glenn shares how Ethan Allen is famous for capturing Fort Ticonderoga from the British and was also a complicated figure. We also talk about Burlington’s history, old neighborhoods, and the city's waterfront, which was once a bustling lumber port.

https://ethanallenhomestead.org

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Art in the Heart of Montgomery

Thu, 01 Aug 2024 16:19:33 -0400

Traveling east on Route 118 along the Trout River is a nostalgic scene with covered bridges, barns and mountain views. After a few bends in the road, a clear view of the Montgomery Center for the Arts unfolds.

The Greek Revival building was empty the first time Sebastian Araujo saw it when he and his partner moved to town from Provincetown, Mass. The iconic building, perched at the intersection of Main Street and Mountain Road, is a former Baptist Church built in 1866.

“These buildings deserve to be restored. They deserve to be cherished. They deserve to be protected,” says Araujo, founding director of the Montgomery Center for the Arts. “And it's really important, because if we don't know where we come from, we don't know who we are in the present.”

Since opening six years ago, the Montgomery Center for the Arts has hosted art exhibits, performances, workshops and meditation sessions. Araujo and others have tirelessly volunteered to help repair and preserve the building, organize events and get the word out.

https://www.montgomerycenterforthearts.com

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Art and Whimsy at the Sparkle Barn in Wallingford

Mon, 15 Jul 2024 20:26:00 -0400

Artist and entrepreneur Stacy Harshman was living in New York and looking for a change. She Googled "nature, therapy, community, work and mountains" and landed in Vermont.

Seven years ago, she started the Sparkle Barn in Wallingford, which has become a wildly popular destination in this small town in Rutland County. The Sparkle Barn is a gift shop and art installation located in an old dairy barn on Route 7.

In this episode of Happy Vermont, Stacy shares how she created this special place and how she’s found healing, happiness and belonging in Vermont.

A Place Called Adamant

Thu, 06 Jun 2024 05:03:00 -0400

Adamant is an unincorporated Vermont village between Calais and East Montpelier. Its geographical boundaries are hard to define.

In this episode of Happy Vermont, Erica Houskeeper talks with three women about Adamant's history, the local co-op that's a community hub, and how Adamant is a state of mind.

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https://www.adamantcoop.org

Pieces of History on Mount Philo

Tue, 21 May 2024 05:17:00 -0400

Mount Philo in Charlotte stands at 968 feet. It offers some of the most beautiful views, plus hiking trails, an auto road and campsites. It became Vermont’s first state park 100 years ago in 1924.

Judy Chaves is the author of Secrets of Mount Philo: A Guide to the History of Vermont's First State Park. In this episode, we talk about Mount Philo's significance, its history and why people love this small Vermont mountain.

An Outdoor Recreation Renaissance in Poultney

Tue, 09 Apr 2024 15:21:38 -0400

Outdoor recreation is breathing new life into Poultney, which is home to Lake St. Catherine, the Poultney River, the Delaware and Hudson Rail Trail and Slate Valley Trails.

James Johnson lives off the grid in a yurt on land once owned by his grandmother. He's also the founder of the Fifth Season Race and Ride, a quirky mud season ride where participants ride around to local sugarhouses.

In this episode of Happy Vermont, James Johnson and other locals talk about life in Poultney, exploring the outdoors in Poultney, and why they call this tight-knit community home.

Backyard Rope Tows in Vermont

Thu, 22 Feb 2024 09:26:42 -0500

Pete and Sandy Gebbie are farmers and skiers. They have three rope tows on their 400-acre property, which sits at an elevation of about 2,000 feet. When the snow is good, friends come over to ski.

This year marks the 90th anniversary of the first rope tow, which opened in Woodstock in January 1934.

In this episode, Pete and Sandy talk to host Erica Houskeeper about running a rope tow and what the tradition of rope tow skiing means to Vermonters.

The Early Days of Skiing at Stowe and the Remains of a Plane on Camel's Hump

Fri, 09 Feb 2024 09:55:25 -0500

Vermont’s skiing had a big year in 1934. Ninety years ago, the first rope tow opened in Woodstock. It’s also when the Stowe Ski Patrol got its start, when the Civilian Conservation Corps were busy building trails in Vermont, and when the first purpose cut ski trail was completed on Mount Mansfield.

Brian Lindner of Waterbury is a historian, ski patroller, and outdoor enthusiast. While hiking on Camel's Hump when he was a boy in the 1960s, he stumbled upon World War II plane wreckage, which sparked his lifelong interest in local history.

In this episode, Brian talks with host Erica Houskeeper about the story of the plane that crashed into Camel's Hump, the early days of Stowe Mountain Resort, and the spot along Interstate 89 that goes over the top of the engine room of an old rope tow.

In Vermont, Why Are Things Where They Are?

Wed, 24 Jan 2024 06:02:00 -0500

Jane Dorney of Richmond is a geographer who helps people connect to the Vermont landscape and understand how it evolved.

She approaches her work with the geographer’s question: Why are things where they are?

In this episode of Happy Vermont, host Erica Houskeeper talks to Jane about settlement patterns, maps, town centers, villages, covered bridges and old mill sites.

https://janedorney.com

https://happyvermont.com

Appreciating Mount Tom in Woodstock

Thu, 11 Jan 2024 14:00:12 -0500

Mount Tom in Woodstock isn’t a particularly tall mountain. But its environmental legacy, easy public access and central place in the community are monumental.

Mount Tom is where you’ll find miles of trails, beautiful views, a shining mountain top star, and the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park, the only national park in Vermont. It’s also where the American environmental movement was essentially born 160 years ago.

Host Erica Houskeeper talks with resident Randy Richardson about the mountain's legacy, hiking trails, and special place in the community. She also checks in with resident Norm Frates about replacing the wooden Woodstock Star on the south peak of Mount Tom, which was installed after World War II.

For more Vermont stories, event listings and podcast episodes, visit www.happyvermont.com.

An Accomplished Marathon Runner Shares His Drive to Help Others

Tue, 05 Dec 2023 08:38:20 -0500

John Lent, of Waltham, started volunteering many years ago at the Vergennes Community Foodshelf with his late wife, Mary Ann. She was the driving force behind the couple’s volunteering efforts in the community. After Mary Ann died in 2020, John decided to keep volunteering in her honor.

John is not only an avid volunteer, he’s also an accomplished marathon runner. He’s completed marathons in all 50 states, all Canadian provinces, and all seven continents.

In this episode of Happy Vermont, John shares what motivates him to volunteer and why getting out of your comfort zone is essential.

Learn more:

Vergennes Community Foodshelf

Vermont Sports magazine interview with John Lent

HappyVermont.com

Finding a Home for Roller-Skating in Vermont

Mon, 20 Nov 2023 15:20:56 -0500

Alicia Taylor and Joanna Alpizar met at a pop-up roller-skating event in Burlington. The two BIPOC women became fast friends and are now on a mission to create a public, welcoming, year-round space for roller-skating in the Burlington, Vermont area.

In this podcast episode of Happy Vermont, Alicia and Joanna talk about the joy of roller-skating, the history of roller-skating, and creating a welcoming skating space for the community.

Read the story here on HappyVermont.com.

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Disappearances in Glastenbury, Witches in Pownal and Vampires in Manchester

Wed, 11 Oct 2023 08:15:09 -0400

Jamie Franklin opened an exhibition at Bennington Museum earlier this year called Haunted Vermont, which explores disappearances in the Bennington Triangle and the work of mystery writer Shirley Jackson. Jackson lived in North Bennington and some of her work was inspired by the strange happenings in this area of Southern Vermont.

This episode of Happy Vermont highlights disappearances in Glastenbury, witches in Pownal, and vampires in Manchester and Shirley Jackson's work.

https://benningtonmuseum.org

https://happyvermont.com/2023/10/11/bennington-triangle-happy-vermont-podcast/

Hawk Watching on Putney Mountain

Fri, 29 Sep 2023 14:39:24 -0400

Every fall, John Anderson of Dummerston and a group of volunteers monitor birds that are migrating south for the season.

For decades, these volunteers, known as the Putney Mountain Hawk Watchers, have recorded the number and kinds of hawks they see and report the information to Hawk Migration of North America, which maintains an online hawk count database.

Established in 1974, Putney Mountain Hawk Watch is the only autumn raptor watch in Vermont that is monitored daily between August and November.

In this episode of Happy Vermont, John talks about hawk watching, what it brings to his life, and the time he saw more 6,000 birds fly over Putney Mountain in one day.

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http://putneymountain.org

At Shelburne Orchards, Nick Cowles Found His Groove

Thu, 14 Sep 2023 15:55:15 -0400

If you’ve ever been to Shelburne Orchards, chances are you’ve seen or been lucky enough to meet owner Nick Cowles. Nick has spent most of his life at the orchard, which his father purchased in the 1950s. Nick loved growing up there, and when you visit, it’s easy to see why.

Host Erica Houskeeper met up with Nick to talk about apples, brandy, and how running the orchard changed his life for the better.

www.happyvermont.com

www.shelburneorchards.com

Hiking is Pure Joy for Vermont Attorney General Charity Clark

Tue, 29 Aug 2023 23:30:56 -0400

The summer she turned seven years old, Charity Clark's first outing on Vermont's Long Trail was at Little Rock Pond in Mount Tabor. Years later, she completed the 272-mile footpath across the Green Mountains, the oldest long-distance hiking trail in the United States.

Today, Charity is Vermont's first female attorney general. Even with a busy schedule in Vermont’s highest law enforcement office, she spends as much time as she can outside—hiking, skiing or exploring the woods.

In this episode of Happy Vermont, Charity shares her love for hiking and the outdoors and why Vermont is her forever home.

Read the story: https://happyvermont.com/2023/08/29/hiking-the-long-trail-charity-clark-podcast/

After the Flood: Exploring and Embracing Vermont

Tue, 15 Aug 2023 10:51:19 -0400

Happy Vermont podcast host Erica Houskeeper shares ways to explore Vermont this summer and fall. She also weighs in on why we can't take Vermont communities for granted.

happyvermont.com

Butterfly Watching in Vermont

Wed, 28 Jun 2023 09:32:31 -0400

Terri Armata of Bennington is one of Vermont’s most dedicated butterfly watchers. A retired hospital employee, Terri has seen about 100 species in Vermont, nearly every kind ever found in the state.

Host Erica Houskeeper met with Terri at Merck Forest in Rupert to talk about good places to find butterflies, her passion for butterfly watching, and Vermont's second Butterfly Atlas Project survey.

happyvermont.com

vermont-butterfly-atlas

merckforest.org

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The Man Behind Woodchuck Golf, a Backyard, Six-Hole Course in Waitsfield

Wed, 14 Jun 2023 15:13:00 -0400

Spencer Potter created Woodchuck Golf in his backyard in Waitsfield in 2004. The six-hole course, which runs on donations, attracts golfers from near and far looking for an offbeat and challenging experience.

Happy Vermont podcast host Erica Houskeeper met up with Spencer to find out what motivates him about running a public backyard golf course in Vermont's Mad River Valley.

www.woodchuckgolf.com

happyvermont.com

Old Trees at Gifford Woods State Park in Killington

Wed, 24 May 2023 19:49:35 -0400

Most of Vermont's forests and hillsides were clear-cut in the late 1800s. But in a few places, like Gifford Woods State Park in Killington, old trees were spared and continue to stand tall today.

Host Erica Houskeeper talks to Vermont State Parks regional manager Rebecca Roy about ancient trees—some more than 300 years old—that visitors can see up close at Gifford Woods State Park.

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Learn more about Gifford Woods State Park: vtstateparks.com/gifford

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How Did You End Up Here?

Mon, 01 May 2023 11:09:27 -0400

A question host Erica Houskeeper often asks people is, how did you end up in Vermont?

As she gets older, Erica thinks more and more about how she ended up in the Green Mountains more than 40 years ago. In this solo episode, she shares some personal memories of her family's early days in southern Vermont (a bittersweet, challenging time), and answers a few lighthearted questions from Happy Vermont readers and listeners.

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Making Friends in Vershire

Tue, 04 Apr 2023 16:36:55 -0400

After moving to Vershire in 2020, Justin Willeau was eager to find ways to meet people in town and contribute to the community.

Vershire, a hard-to-get-to place in Orange County, doesn't have a coffee house or a bar. So Justin decided to create weekly get-togethers revolving around coffee and beer.

Justin started a Coffee Bar on Saturday mornings and a Beer Exchange on Thursday nights at the Church Orr House on Route 113.

In this episode, host Erica Houskeeper talks to Justin about serving in the Navy, getting involved in the community, and finding a place like Vershire to call home.

VerShare and the Church Orr House
https://vershare.org

Happy Vermont
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Maple Sugaring in Johnson is a Marvin Family Tradition

Thu, 23 Mar 2023 09:55:31 -0400

Butternut Mountain is the tallest peak that falls entirely within the town of Johnson. On the mountain's southern slope, the Marvin family owns 600 acres where they produce maple syrup for their business, Butternut Mountain Farm.

David Marvin started Butternut Mountain Farm in the early 1970s on land owned by his father, Dr. James Wallace Marvin, a botanist and the co-founder of UVM's Proctor Maple Research Center.

In this podcast episode of Happy Vermont, Butternut Mountain Farm's David Marvin and his children, Emma and Ira, talk with host Erica Houskeeper about the history of maple sugaring, how Butternut Mountain Farm came to be, and their hopes for the future.

https://happyvermont.com/2023/03/23/butternut-mountain-farm-maple-syrup-podcast/

https://butternutmountainfarm.com

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The Magic of Blueberry Hill in Goshen

Tue, 07 Mar 2023 12:01:36 -0500

Tony Clark found his way to Vermont in the late 1960s. He bought an old farm in the middle of nowhere in Goshen and eventually turned it into an inn and cross-country ski center. One of his greatest legacies was helping to establish Vermont's 16,000-acre Moosalamoo National Recreation Area in 2007.

Tony died a year ago in March 2022. Host Erica Houskeeper met with his daughter, Britta, who grew up at the inn and is now working on her Ph.D. at Harvard. She is also helping to run the property’s Blueberry Hill Outdoor Center.

The center offers about 35 kilometers of trails for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, mountain biking, and trail running. There are no fees as the center is run with help from volunteers and donations to keep the trails accessible to the public.

https://happyvermont.com/2023/03/11/blueberry-hill-trails-goshen-podcast/

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Vermont’s App Gap, Historic Routes and Dirt Roads

Thu, 16 Feb 2023 13:56:00 -0500

Johnathan Croft, who leads the mapping section at the Agency of Transportation, loves everything about Vermont roads. Johnathan met with host Erica Houskeeper to talk about the history of the McCullough Turnpike and the App Gap, as well as Vermont's toll roads, turnpikes, shunpikes, and the dirt roads of East Barnard.

Read more: https://happyvermont.com/2023/02/16/podcast-mccullough-turnpike-app-gap/

Signs and Archives at Stratton Mountain Resort

Fri, 13 Jan 2023 17:43:21 -0500

Stratton Mountain may not be Vermont’s oldest ski area, but its history is iconic. Tucked away at the resort is a collection of Stratton Mountain signs, photos, and posters that tell the story of this Southern Vermont ski area that opened in 1961.

Over the past 54 years, Kimet Hand has collected everything from a bronzed tennis ball served by Ivan Lendl at Stratton’s Volvo International Tennis Tournament to signs made by ski school director Henrich, who was also an artist and a musician who played in the Stratton Mountain Boys.

In this episode, Erica Houskeeper interviews Stratton volunteer archivist Kimet Hand, Stratton sign maker Mike Smith, and his colleague, Lauren Suriani.

Read the story here: HappyVermont.com

Vermont Place Names Offer a Glimpse into Local History

Fri, 18 Nov 2022 10:44:32 -0500

If you spend enough time in any Vermont town, you'll likely come across Vermont place names like Maple Corner in Calais, Snowsville in Braintree, and Hortonville in Mount Holly. These places are not official villages but rather unincorporated areas that are deeply rooted in the fabric of these communities.

Jackson Evans, president of the Braintree Historical Society, has lived in Braintree for over a decade.

“Place names are a real part of the history of any town,” Evans says. “So, when you're able to talk about those places or remember events that happened or people who lived in those places, it's a way to connect yourself.”

Evans is a historian who also loves exploring Vermont Class 4 dirt roads on his bike. He talks about his love for the town of Braintree, its places, and history.

Learn more on Happy Vermont:

https://happyvermont.com/2022/11/18/vermont-place-names-podcast/

A Love for Restoring and Preserving Vermont’s Old Cemeteries

Fri, 28 Oct 2022 12:44:24 -0400

The Vermont Old Cemetery Association (VOCA), founded by the late Leon W. Dean in 1958, is a volunteer organization that restores and preserves public and private cemeteries that are neglected, abandoned, or in need of repair.

His granddaughter, Dianne Leary of Charlotte, is vice president of VOCA. She talks about her grandfather's legacy and what volunteering in cemeteries means to her.

https://happyvermont.com

https://voca58.org

Locals Sing, Strum and Find Harmony at the Dover Town Hall

Wed, 19 Oct 2022 10:40:20 -0400

Open Mic Night, held twice a month, was started in 2018 by East Dover resident Linda Sherman. A singer, songwriter, and guitar player, Sherman has been passionate about music since childhood. For years, she's wanted to create a performance space in the community.

In this episode of Happy Vermont, host Erica Houskeeper asks Linda Sherman about her lifelong passion for music, why she started Dover Open Mic Night, and the importance of performing in a safe, supportive space.

Article and photos:

https://happyvermont.com/2022/10/19/dover-open-mic-night-podcast/

Fall Foliage, Big Trees, and the Future of Vermont’s Forests

Mon, 19 Sep 2022 19:55:59 -0400

Vermont is gearing up for another foliage season. If anyone can talk about fall foliage in Vermont, it's Mike Snyder, Commissioner of Forests, Parks, and Recreation.

Host Erica Houskeeper recently met with Mike in Mount Mansfield State Forest to discuss this year's fall foliage forecast. In this episode, Mike also shares the Vermont county with the most sugar maple trees, dives into details about big trees, and weighs in on private ownership of Vermont's forests.

https://happyvermont.com

https://vtcommunityforestry.org/places/big-trees

https://fpr.vermont.gov

Main Street in Brattleboro

Thu, 25 Aug 2022 10:17:46 -0400

It’s tempting to describe Brattleboro as a mini-Burlington, but the town is very much its own place. Brattleboro’s Main Street is a vibrant place that's home to places like the Latchis Hotel and Theatre, which dates back to 1938, and Sam’s Outdoor Outfitters, a mainstay since the 1930s. A few doors down is the Brattleboro Food Co-op, which has been going strong since 1975.

There’s a big focus on local in Brattleboro—local food, local shops, local art.

Host Erica Houskeeper spent some time on Main Street to talk to people about why they love Brattleboro and what makes Main Street special.

One of those people is Greg Worden, whose grandfather was raised in Brattleboro but moved away long before Greg was born. Growing up in the midwest, Greg had never met his grandfather or been to Brattleboro. But when a couple of college friends from the University of Missouri asked him to join them on a trip to their hometown of Brattleboro, Greg decided to tag along.

He never left. Fifty years later, he's still calling Brattleboro home.

https://happyvermont.com/2022/08/26/downtown-brattleboro-podcast/

Jackson’s Lodge, The Slash, and a Tiny International Lake

Wed, 27 Jul 2022 12:26:17 -0400

Along the Canadian border in Vermont's Northeast Kingdom is Lake Wallace, a small international lake in Canaan. There’s an area known as the slash–a treeless zone of land–that runs along the entire US-Canadian border. You can see the slash from the southeastern shore of Lake Wallace, where Jackson’s Lodge is located.

Jackson’s Lodge is a family-owned vacation spot that’s been in the Jackson family since the 1950s. Gloria Jackson purchased the lodge and cabins from her parents in the 1980s. One of the cabins at Jackson's Lodge is located less than a dozen feet from the Canadian border. In the summer, you can swim, paddle or go boating into Canada, as long as you don’t set foot on Canadian land.

Gloria grew up in Canaan and worked at Jackson’s Lodge in the summers as a child. She now runs the business with her partner, Mark Leveillee.

Learn more at www.jacksonslodgevt.net

Visit www.happyvermont.com for stories and podcast episodes.

A Rare (and Adorable) Cattle Breed from Vermont Makes a Promising Comeback

Fri, 08 Jul 2022 09:14:40 -0400

If you’ve ever visited the Dene Farm at Hildene in Manchester or driven by a small farm in Vermont, perhaps you've come across some unusual black and white cattle that look a bit different from Holsteins or Jerseys.

These beautiful, speckled creatures are Randall Lineback cattle. Randalls originated decades ago on a farm owned by Samuel Randall and his son Everett in Sunderland.

When Everett Randall died in the 1980s, the cattle were sold to other farms, where they lived in less-than-ideal conditions and nearly disappeared. Today, the cattle are considered critically endangered.

But efforts to protect and preserve Randall Linebacks are well underway and making progress. Cynthia Creech rescued the breed in 1987—when only about 15 Randalls were left in existence. Together with farmers Phil and Dianne Lang, Cynthia Creech started the Randall Cattle Registry in 2001.

Kim Pinsonneault, who works at the Dene Farm at Hildene and lives at the original Randall farm in Sunderland, now maintains the Randall Cattle registry.

Host Erica Houskeeper spent some time in southern Vermont meeting with a few Randall Lineback owners, including Kim Pinsonneault and Michelle Porter, to find out what makes these cattle so special.

https://hildene.org/visiting/estate/dene_farm

https://happyvermont.com/

The Past Meets the Present at Basin Harbor

Tue, 10 May 2022 07:04:48 -0400

Basin Harbor along Lake Champlain is a family-owned resort that’s been around since the 1880s. The resort has weathered the Great Depression, wars, pandemics, and recessions, and through it all managed to thrive.

Descendant Sarah Morris grew up at Basin Harbor, where she made lifelong friends and developed a strong work ethic under the guidance of her parents, Pennie Beach and the late Peter Morris. Now a fifth-generation host at the resort, Sarah can be found helping guests in the dining room, answering questions in the main lobby, and everything in between.

As the resort gears up for another busy season, Sarah reflects on her time at Basin Harbor, what the future holds, and what she loves most about the place she calls home.

www.basinharbor.com

www.happyvermont.com

Local, Quirky and Old School: Erskine’s Grain & Garden in Chester

Wed, 20 Apr 2022 10:31:02 -0400

Inside Erskine’s Grain & Garden, a fixture in Chester since 1952, customers will find flower seeds, chicken feed, farm tools, and everything in between.

The store, started by the Erskine family, is now owned by Janessa Purney and her husband, Burleigh Sunflower.

The building, located in Chester Depot, is a reason alone to visit. With its creaky floors and sliding wooden doors overlooking the railroad tracks, Erskine’s is one of the more quirky, old-time grain and garden stores you’ll find in Vermont.

https://erskinesgrain.com/

www.happyvermont.com

Maple Sugaring is a Family Affair at April’s Maple in Canaan

Wed, 23 Mar 2022 14:28:00 -0400

April’s Maple in the small town of Canaan is located on the Canadian border in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom. April Lemay grew up in Canaan, left home for college, and worked in the corporate world before deciding to return to her hometown. She now owns and operates April's Maple, a Vermont maple farm and cafe along Route 114.

"I was anything but a farmer. I always thought I was destined to live in Boston or New York or somewhere a little less remote or rural," she says. "But the land was calling me back, and I didn't even realize it."

https://aprilsmaple.com

https://www.happyvermont.com

Ice Fishing in Vermont’s Champlain Islands

Tue, 01 Mar 2022 14:58:01 -0500

In Vermont's Champlain Islands, where the land is flat and surrounded by water, ice fishing is a big deal this time of year. For Vermonter Bruce Batchelder, ice fishing has been an important part of his life for as long as he can remember.

A former educator and school administrator, Bruce and his wife Joanne have owned Holiday Harbor Lodge in North Hero for the past 16 years.

On a recent mid-February weekend, Bruce was particularly busy hosting a group of ice fishing enthusiasts for the 42nd annual Islands Ice Fishing Derby in northern Vermont.

In this episode of Happy Vermont, Bruce talks about what he loves most about this traditional sport that has deep roots in Vermont.

www.happyvermont.com

holidayharborlodge.com

The Tradition of Town Meeting: A Conversation with Former Governor Jim Douglas

Mon, 21 Feb 2022 06:53:37 -0500

Town meeting has been the basic system of governance for Vermont towns since the 1760s. But participation has been on the decline for several decades.

Former Governor Jim Douglas talks about the importance of town meeting, and shares why he is worried that this powerful local tradition might fade away.

www.happyvermont.com

Soaking Up the Outdoors with Forest Bathing Guide Duncan Murdoch

Mon, 31 Jan 2022 11:55:45 -0500

Duncan Murdoch, a former actor, is a certified nature and forest therapy guide. He started forest bathing workshops in Central Park before returning to his home state of Vermont in 2015.

Forest bathing, which first originated in Japan, is a research-based practice for supporting healing and wellness through immersion in forests and other natural areas.

In this episode, Duncan talks about leaving acting behind, the beauty of nature, and how being a forest therapy guide changed his life.

Learn more about Duncan: https://natureconnectionguide.com or visit www.happyvermont.com

Selling Christmas Trees is a Family Affair at Russell Farm in Starksboro

Mon, 29 Nov 2021 16:34:40 -0500

Russell Farm in Starksboro has been in the Christmas tree business for 40 years. Located off Route 116 in Addison County, the family-owned former dairy farm is where locals and visitors flock to every November and December to cut their own Christmas trees.

A visit to Russell Farm includes a horse-drawn wagon ride, hot chocolate, homemade cookies, and lots of holiday cheer.

Host Erica Houskeeper talks with Russell Farm owner Dave Russell and his grandson Brandon about Christmas trees, the importance of tradition, and the future of the farm.

Learn more at www.happyvermont.com

15 Years Back in Vermont: Old Favorites and New (to me) Places

Wed, 27 Oct 2021 11:52:42 -0400

Host Erica Houskeeper returned to her home state of Vermont in November 2006. In this episode, she shares some of her favorite areas of Vermont and talks about a few places she's come across and fallen in love with in recent years.

You can find more Vermont stories by Erica on www.happyvermont.com.

Stargazing at Vermont‘s Stellafane Convention of Amateur Telescope Makers

Thu, 14 Oct 2021 16:05:51 -0400

Host Erica Houskeeper attended the annual Stellafane Convention of Amateur Telescope Makers in Springfield to see telescope makers in action. She also picked up some stargazing tips along the way.

Vermont Fall Foliage Outlook and Scenic State Lands to Explore

Mon, 27 Sep 2021 18:44:00 -0400

Host Erica Houskeeper meets up with Mike Snyder, Vermont's Commissioner of Forests, Parks, and Recreation to talk about how Vermont's fall foliage season is shaping up. They also compare notes about scenic Vermont state lands to explore this season and why fall foliage in the Green Mountain State is better than the rest.

Slowing Down and Finding Happiness in Woodstock

Thu, 16 Sep 2021 13:42:02 -0400

Patrick Fultz and Leslie Browne intended to buy a house in Woodstock, Vermont. Instead, they end up purchasing and renovating a motel outside the center of town. Host Erica Houskeeper interviews the couple about why they decided to move to Vermont and what advice they give to guests who are visiting the area.

The Roots of the Gilfeather Turnip Run Deep in Tiny Wardsboro

Mon, 30 Aug 2021 14:56:44 -0400

The small town of Wardsboro is where you’ll find a country store, local library, post office, and town hall. High on a hill just outside of the center of town is the farm where John Gilfeather developed the Gilfeather turnip, which is now the official Vermont State Vegetable.

In this episode, host Erica Houskeeper talks with Wardsboro residents about John Gilfeather, the tight-lipped farmer behind the turnip and why the this heirloom vegetable is important to the community.

Update 8/30/2021 7 pm: I just received word that the 2021 Gilfeather Turnip Festival has been canceled.

Dreams Do Come True for This Middlebury Small Business Owner

Wed, 07 Jul 2021 12:50:37 -0400

Not only is Susan Shashok an environmentally conscious entrepreneur, she’s also civic-minded. Susan served on the Middlebury selectboard for seven years and is the town moderator for Middlebury’s annual Town Meeting—a position vacated a few years ago by former Vermont Governor Jim Douglas.

In this episode, host Erica Houskeeper talks to Susan about Caroline's Dream, the skincare company she founded 20 years ago. Susan shares the challenges and rewards of running a small business, and what it means to be an introvert, a Vermonter, and a healer.

Learn more about Susan at www.happyvermont.com.

Returning Home to Run the Rochester Cafe

Fri, 25 Jun 2021 12:22:30 -0400

If you’ve ever driven down Route 100 through the town of Rochester, you’ve likely noticed the Rochester Café. Constructed in the 1880s, the building has been used over the years as a drug store, a bank, a dentist office, a barber shop, and even a funeral parlor.

For the past 30 years, the building has been home to the Rochester Café. Last year, Rochester native Stephanie Lary returned to her hometown to be the general manager of the café. In this episode, Stephanie talks about coming home to run the same cafe that she worked at as a teenager and what she loves about Rochester.

Learn more at www.happyvermont.com

Dirt Road Rambles in Vermont

Wed, 09 Jun 2021 18:00:36 -0400

Paulette Staats and Paul Shriver of Braintree have explored more than 40 Vermont dirt roads by foot ever since they became empty nesters. The retired couple share some of their favorite dirt roads and what they've learned about each other and themselves on their walks.

Kendra Knapik Makes a Splash in Vermont's Tiny Wine Industry

Sat, 24 Apr 2021 14:50:17 -0400

Winemaker Kendra Knapik spent part of her childhood in Vermont's Champlain Islands, where her grandfather operated a dairy farm and later a golf course.

Kendra is a veterinary oncologist, and her husband Rob is a full-time professor and chair of the physics department at Norwich University. The vineyard is located in Grand Isle, while their winery – where they produce natural wine – is at their home in Stowe.

In this episode, Kendra talks about her path to becoming a vineyard owner, incorporating sheep into the vineyard, and why she feels at home in the Champlain Islands.

For more information about the vineyard, visit http://ellisonestatevineyard.com.

The Joy of Spring (Mini-Episode)

Fri, 26 Mar 2021 10:48:15 -0400

It’s March in Vermont, and those 60 degree days we’ve been having all week won’t last. They never do.

Still, the first week of spring in Vermont turned out to be one of the warmest and sunniest in recent memory. Host Erica Houskeeper talks to neighbors, kids, and other Vermonters about what they love most about the spring season.

A Vision to Revive Historic Main Street in Danby

Mon, 22 Feb 2021 15:11:41 -0500

Nancilee Kennedy arrived in southern Vermont in March 1971 and moved to Danby a decade ago. In recent years, she began to worry about her small community.

After the local general store in the heart of town closed its doors, Main Street became eerily quiet.

She decided to do something about it. In November, she opened Danby Village Shops, a local marketplace selling food, toys, home decor, self-care products, clothing, and more.

Winter Swimming Adventures in Lake Champlain

Sat, 30 Jan 2021 20:40:33 -0500

Artist Katharine Montstream is a driving force behind the Red Hot Chilly Dippers, a dedicated group of adventurers that meet at Oakledge Park, Perkins Pier, or the Burlington waterfront for icy winter swims in Lake Champlain.

Love, Loss, and Cows on a Vermont Dairy Farm

Mon, 21 Dec 2020 17:59:58 -0500

Amy Richardson is a UVM alumna, mother of three, and Vermont dairy farmer. For 25 years, she's been part of the Richardson Farm, a dairy farm in Hartland that dates back to the early 1900s.

In this episode, Amy talks about balancing farm life and family, the heartbreak of losing a parent, and everyday things that bring her joy.

(recorded in August 2020)

Backcountry Skiing Along Vermont's Catamount Trail

Mon, 30 Nov 2020 20:33:55 -0500

The Catamount Trail features more than 300 miles of backcountry skiing in Vermont. The trail extends the entire length of Vermont, winding through towns, villages, and remote sections of the state.

Matt Williams, executive director of the Catamount Trail Association, talks about what makes the trail special and offers tips on how beginners can try backcountry skiing this winter.

Vermont's 251 Club Inspires Exploration of Towns, Cities, Grants and a Gore

Wed, 11 Nov 2020 16:46:56 -0500

There are 251 cities and towns in Vermont, plus three gores and one grant. Some places you've probably heard of, like Burlington, Brattleboro, Woodstock, and Stowe. Then there are other places, including Lewis, Baltimore, and Victory, that are off the beaten path. Host Erica Houskeeper talks with Stephanie Young, executive director of the 251 Club, about the club's beginnings, what it offers, and why you should join.

How Captain Richard Phillips Changed the Trajectory of Alison Conant's Life

Mon, 26 Oct 2020 17:44:52 -0400

Alison Kosakowski Conant first came to Vermont in crisis mode.

While working in communications for Maersk, a global shipping company, she rushed from her home in New Jersey to Vermont in April 2009. The Maersk Alabama had been hijacked by four Somali pirates in the Indian Ocean. The ship’s captain, Richard Phillips of Underhill, Vermont, was taken hostage.

As the crisis unfolded, Alison was dispatched to the captain’s home in the small town of Underhill to manage the intense media spotlight on the Phillips family.

In this episode, Alison talks about her experience with Captain Phillips, as well as her decision to move to Vermont later on and create a life for herself as a mother, wife, communications professional, and farmer.

What Makes Vermont Weird?

Wed, 14 Oct 2020 10:37:06 -0400

Chad Abramovich loves to explore the weird side of Vermont. Things like abandoned buildings, mysterious legends, and obscure places are right up his alley. Chad talks with host Erica Houskeeper about what makes Vermont weird and shares stories about strange and mysterious places in the state.

The Prettiest Vermont Towns to Visit During Fall Foliage

Mon, 28 Sep 2020 16:38:25 -0400

Fall in Vermont is all about hiking, scenic drives, apple picking and exploring small towns.

You can’t go wrong wherever you are in Vermont this fall—the leaves are changing across the state and there’s beauty to be seen in every direction.

In the fall, there are dozens of scenic towns worth visiting, including Craftsbury, Peacham, Ripton, Dorset, and Wilmington. Here's a list of towns to explore and things to do along the way.

You can learn more by visiting www.happyvermont.com

Why Vermont's Fall Foliage is Better than the Rest

Tue, 22 Sep 2020 16:23:12 -0400

Mike Snyder is the go-to guy for Vermont fall foliage updates. As commissioner of Forests, Parks, and Recreation, Mike is known as Vermont’s Chief Foliage Forecaster, providing weekly foliage reports to the media and state tourism office.

In this episode, Mike chats with host Erica Houskeeper about the 2020 fall foliage season, the science behind why the leaves change, and what makes autumn in Vermont so special.

The Wild Fern Cafe Grows Community and Positivity in Stockbridge

Mon, 31 Aug 2020 11:46:51 -0400

Baker and musician Heather Lynne runs The Wild Fern on Route 100 in Stockbridge, Vermont. She spends part of her week baking, cooking, and filling to-go orders for sourdough bread, sesame bagels, locally sourced beef burgers, and pesto pizza.

On other days, she is lining up musicians for drive-in concerts at the café’s outdoor pop-up stage or playing bass with her band, Rick Redington & The Luv.

She opened The Wild Fern after Tropical Storm Irene upended the state, causing widespread damage to many Route 100 towns in 2011. After the storm, Lynne realized that Stockbridge needed some sort of community gathering place.

Fast forward to 2020, and Lynne’s bread and bagel business has quadrupled during the pandemic. Her cafe's drive-in concerts, available by reservation only, are also drawing new customers.

“The Wild Fern is attracting good humans, and I am super lucky,” she says.

The History of Burlington Builds a Following on Facebook

Tue, 18 Aug 2020 16:34:42 -0400

Bob Blanchard, who grew up in Burlington, Vermont, started a Facebook group last year that highlights the history of his hometown.

With more than 10,000 followers, the popular Facebook page features old photos of Church Street, Battery Park, the Waterfront, local grocery stores, and neighborhoods around the city. Several times a week, Bob shares historic information that he has meticulously researched.

In this episode, Bob shares historic details about Burlington, including stories about a ravine that ran through the middle of the city, a radio tower that stood behind a building on College Street, and how land along the waterfront was reshaped with mud and sand to accommodate the lumber industry.

You can learn more by following the Burlington Area History page on Facebook.

Unusual and Beautiful Places in Vermont

Mon, 20 Jul 2020 20:30:00 -0400

When you think of Vermont, what comes to mind? Ben & Jerry's? Maple syrup? Host Erica Houskeeper shares entertaining details about Vermont and recommends unusual, beautiful places to visit in the Green Mountain State.

Where to Explore the Vermont Outdoors this Summer

Mon, 06 Jul 2020 17:31:47 -0400

Tara Schatz of Bennington is an avid hiker, camper, and outdoor enthusiast who writes about her adventures on BackRoadRambers.com. Tara's travel blog offers tips about kayaking, camping, hiking, visiting state parks, and road trips around Vermont.

In this episode of Happy Vermont, Tara talks about camping at off-the-beaten path locations, exploring swimming holes, waterfalls, and hiking trails, and her favorite places in Vermont.

Mural Artist Kathryn Wiegers Paints the Town in Vermont

Mon, 22 Jun 2020 02:04:00 -0400

Artist Kathryn Wiegers is brightening up Vermont's downtowns with her giant, vibrant murals. Stroll along the streets of Rutland and you'll come across murals of elephants, giraffes, or even one that's a take on Rosie the Riveter as a COVID-19 essential worker.

In Burlington, her colorful flower mural can be seen at Green State Gardener on Pine Street, while two new murals by Kathryn will be installed at the Hilton Hotel and the UVM Medical Center.

In this episode, the mother of five and Rutland resident talks about the challenges and rewards of creating murals in public places, and why she loves Vermont.

Uncertain About the Future, Vermont Musician Roy MacNeil Lives for the Moment

Tue, 09 Jun 2020 02:00:00 -0400

Roy MacNeil of Greensboro, Vermont, was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in 2014. The diagnosis changed everything about his life, except for his love to create music.

Vermont Organic Dairy Farmer Abbie Corse Nurtures Her Family's Agricultural Roots

Mon, 18 May 2020 12:52:00 -0400

While growing up on her family's dairy farm in Whitingham, Vermont, Abbie Corse couldn't wait to leave and do something else with her life. But when faced with a choice about her future, she realized she couldn't walk away.

Charlie Emers Bakes Bread and Finds Happiness in Vermont

Mon, 04 May 2020 16:19:35 -0400

Vermont baker Charlie Emers has been a professional bread baker since 2001. The former lamp maker and veggie farmer talks about becoming a baker and making a life for himself in rural Vermont.

Vermont Cheesemaker and Literary Agent Angela Miller Learns the Meaning of Survival

Sat, 18 Apr 2020 17:38:27 -0400

Angela Miller of Consider Bardwell Farm in West Pawlet, Vermont, was on track to re-launch her cheesemaking operation, which had closed last fall. Then the COVID-19 outbreak happened, and the world changed.

An Innkeeper Finds Renewal in Ripton

Wed, 01 Apr 2020 14:55:56 -0400

When Chris Bullock's life took an expected turn, he returned to Vermont to run The Chipman Inn—the same inn his mother had owned and operated 40 years ago.

The Joys and Challenges of Running a Vermont Country Store

Sat, 15 Feb 2020 20:08:58 -0500

Running a general store means juggling many tasks at once—tracking inventory, running a cash register, posting on social media, and greeting customers as they walk in the door.

For Jack Garvin—who has worked at the Warren Store in Warren, Vermont, for nearly 40 years—it’s also meant being an active community member, making lifelong friends, meeting a celebrity or two, and learning how to outgrow his previously shy nature and become a more outgoing individual.

Northeast Slopes: A Vintage, Volunteer-Run Ski Area

Sat, 01 Feb 2020 19:04:44 -0500

In East Corinth, Vermont, Northeast Slopes takes pride in what hasn’t changed since it opened 84 years ago. In this episode, we talk to Wade Pierson, who started skiing at Northeast Slopes as a young child in the 1960s. He’s now on the ski area’s board of directors and volunteers at the mountain.

Happy Vermont

The Magic of Maple Season in Vermont

Vermont General Stores: Past, Present and Future

Reviving a Town Hall in Townshend

Celebrating Brattleboro's Creative Spirit

Exploring Lost Ski Slopes in Underhill

Turning a Beetlejuice Icon into an East Corinth Community Hub

An Ode to Trees, Forests and Foliage

Vermont Fire Towers

Treasure Digging on South Mountain in Bristol

Sculptures in the Wild at Vermont Rest Areas

Food, Music & Community at Crossmolina Farm in West Corinth

Vermont Ancient Roads

Love, Loss and Ice Cream

Memories of a Mountain Top Hotel on Mount Mansfield

More Stories about Vermont Place Names

Stratton: Forests, a Fire Tower, and How the Town Nearly Disappeared

The Magic of Cochran's Ski Area

Quirks, Collections and Taxidermy at Vermont Libraries

A Vermont Original: Wilson "Snowflake" Bentley's Gift to the World

Southern Vermont, In Memory of My Brother

A Good Life in the Shadow of Terrible Mountain

What's In a Name? Stories about Vermont Places and Names

Vermont Foliage, Forests and Tourist Towns

Burlington's History is Hiding in Plain Sight

Art in the Heart of Montgomery

Art and Whimsy at the Sparkle Barn in Wallingford

A Place Called Adamant

Pieces of History on Mount Philo

An Outdoor Recreation Renaissance in Poultney

Backyard Rope Tows in Vermont

The Early Days of Skiing at Stowe and the Remains of a Plane on Camel's Hump

In Vermont, Why Are Things Where They Are?

Appreciating Mount Tom in Woodstock

An Accomplished Marathon Runner Shares His Drive to Help Others

Finding a Home for Roller-Skating in Vermont

Disappearances in Glastenbury, Witches in Pownal and Vampires in Manchester

Hawk Watching on Putney Mountain

At Shelburne Orchards, Nick Cowles Found His Groove

Hiking is Pure Joy for Vermont Attorney General Charity Clark

After the Flood: Exploring and Embracing Vermont

Butterfly Watching in Vermont

The Man Behind Woodchuck Golf, a Backyard, Six-Hole Course in Waitsfield

Old Trees at Gifford Woods State Park in Killington

How Did You End Up Here?

Making Friends in Vershire

Maple Sugaring in Johnson is a Marvin Family Tradition

The Magic of Blueberry Hill in Goshen

Vermont’s App Gap, Historic Routes and Dirt Roads

Signs and Archives at Stratton Mountain Resort

Vermont Place Names Offer a Glimpse into Local History

A Love for Restoring and Preserving Vermont’s Old Cemeteries

Locals Sing, Strum and Find Harmony at the Dover Town Hall

Fall Foliage, Big Trees, and the Future of Vermont’s Forests

Main Street in Brattleboro

Jackson’s Lodge, The Slash, and a Tiny International Lake

A Rare (and Adorable) Cattle Breed from Vermont Makes a Promising Comeback

The Past Meets the Present at Basin Harbor

Local, Quirky and Old School: Erskine’s Grain & Garden in Chester

Maple Sugaring is a Family Affair at April’s Maple in Canaan

Ice Fishing in Vermont’s Champlain Islands

The Tradition of Town Meeting: A Conversation with Former Governor Jim Douglas

Soaking Up the Outdoors with Forest Bathing Guide Duncan Murdoch

Selling Christmas Trees is a Family Affair at Russell Farm in Starksboro

15 Years Back in Vermont: Old Favorites and New (to me) Places

Stargazing at Vermont‘s Stellafane Convention of Amateur Telescope Makers

Vermont Fall Foliage Outlook and Scenic State Lands to Explore

Slowing Down and Finding Happiness in Woodstock

The Roots of the Gilfeather Turnip Run Deep in Tiny Wardsboro

Dreams Do Come True for This Middlebury Small Business Owner

Returning Home to Run the Rochester Cafe

Dirt Road Rambles in Vermont

Kendra Knapik Makes a Splash in Vermont's Tiny Wine Industry

The Joy of Spring (Mini-Episode)

A Vision to Revive Historic Main Street in Danby

Winter Swimming Adventures in Lake Champlain

Love, Loss, and Cows on a Vermont Dairy Farm

Backcountry Skiing Along Vermont's Catamount Trail

Vermont's 251 Club Inspires Exploration of Towns, Cities, Grants and a Gore

How Captain Richard Phillips Changed the Trajectory of Alison Conant's Life