We have snow and great skiing, Valentine's Day and President's Week this month. We also have great shopping with big sales this month. Let's see how we can fit all this together÷ My recommendation is to call one of our inns to make reservations for a special ski weekend. At the end of your ski day, leave enough time to shop and visit the retailers featured in our pages. If you aren't a skier, why not go for a sleigh ride! Dick Jones of Petticoat Junction Horse and Carriage will provide all the essentials for a delightful and carefree ride and finish off the experience with a cup of hot chocolate. Call 802.362.3885 for more information.

Our shops are filled with a variety of Valentine's Day gifts for your loved ones. To make this special day complete, enjoy a delicious dinner at one of our restaurants listed on pages 14 and 15. If you want to stay close to the fire, several of our inns also have fine dining restaurants on the premises - Arlington Inn, Village Country Inn, and the Wilburton Inn to name a few.

We had a lot of fun shooting our cover this month÷ it was amusing to watch the kids fill the bird feeders. February is National Bird Feeding Month, and it's important to provide your backyard birds with three essentials-food, water, and shelter. Visit The Bird Place located in the Manchester Shopping Center, Map: X, where they have everything needed to keep your birds happy, along with decorative pieces for your yard and home.

Retail News -

We are quite lucky to have three wonderful chocolate shops in our area and each one is unique in their own presentation and chocolate specialties. Score major points this Valentine's Day by stopping by and picking up your gift box or call in your order. We feature the Village Peddler and the Bearatorium, the Chocolate Barn, and Mother Myrick's. Consider sending a box of chocolates to your folks, the kids who are away at school, your office, or someone who's done something special for you recently. Each of these shops will ship for you-it's that easy!

We're fortunate, too, to have a fine selection of reputable and creative artisan jewelers in and around Manchester-each with their own distinct designs and specialties. For a surprise Valentine gift, visit Leaves of Gold, Harris Goldsmiths & Fine Art, Nina, and Silverado in Manchester and Drew Ann Dunigan Jewelry Studio in Dorset.

Many shops are having winter sales in February. The Scandinavian Country Shop is offering a special discount for Valentine's Day. Mention Vermont Style Magazine and receive 25% off anything with a heart on it. Overland is having an up-to-40%-off sale on furs, sheepskins, and leather coats. Eiger's is offering a real creative promotion-if you purchase anything between February 1st and 17th, you'll get a full refund if it snows more than 8" on February 22nd! You'll get it for free! Does anyone know a snow dance?

Bennington Furniture is holding a Cabin Fever Sale, Manchester Footwear is giving 25% off on women's boots, and Manchester Sports Shop is having a Winter Clearance Sale. The Clift Collection, Union Street Mercantile, Anichini Company Store, and Skier's Edge are all having special sales too. Stop in and see the great bargains you can still get this winter.

Restaurant News -

Experience the romance of Angel's for Valentine's Day when special dishes will be added to the menu on February 14th, 15th, and 16th. Starting this month, Angel's is featuring music by Glen and Linda Hueckel on Wednesday evenings. Enjoy complimentary appetizers (sweet potato encrusted crab and scallop cakes or smoked chicken ravioli) with each entree. A portion of the evening's proceeds will go to the Dorset and Manchester School Funds.