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"Itís Still Winter In The Northshire"
Oh, who cares about the olí groundhog anyway? Six more weeks of winter is good news around here! This time of year itís the light at the end of the tunnel; the days get longer, the snow softens up, and there is surely a hint of spring in the air.
One of my favorite things about this time of year is sugar time! Depending on the weather, sugaring season starts near the end of February or beginning of March. Buckets are hung on the sugar maples and sap lines criss-cross through the woods like spider webs. When the sap starts running, you can see the little sugar houses start to percolate with their boiling steam.
Be sure to take the time to stop in and check out the many sugaring operations throughout our areaÖlocals love to talk about their trees, their lines, and their syrup. Itís a wonderful, heady processÖyou wonít believe all the sap it takes to make one little jug of delicious Vermont maple syrup!
While itís still winter in the Northshire, take a gander into The Mountain Goat on Main Street in Manchester, our featured advertiser on this monthís cover. At The Mountain Goat, youíll discover all sorts of winter adventures waiting for you. Theyíve got a great selection of cross country and backcountry skis, mountain sleds, snowshoes and all the latest, cold weather, outerwear from Patagonia, Marmot, Mountain Hardwear and the North Face. They also carry two popular Vermont clothing lines ñ Ibex and Isis for women. The staff at the Mountain Goat knows the trails and the terrain around here, so theyíre fun to talk to! MAP: V.
Three beautiful venues to take your Mountain Goat gear and get awayÖRobert Todd Lincolnís Hildene estate (for cross country skiing), Stratton (for backcountry, down hill or snowshoe) and Merck Forest & Farmland in Rupert (for cross country trails, snowshoe and backcountry skiing).
RETAIL NEWSó
The news this month is all about the bargains to be had at the Manchester outlets and gift shops as they prepare for the changeover season. The markdowns are amazing. And Manchester has such a selection of shops to visit ñ from specialty stores, quaint antique shops, numerous unique boutiques and of course, the infamous outlets. Take a few moments to stroll through our areaís elegant centerpiece, the 200-year old Equinox Hotel, which features an eclectic variety of gifts for sale and a delicious lunch in an age-old historic tavern. Donít forget outside, the Equinox Shops offer more fun browsing.
RESTAURANT NEWSó
Did someone say lunch? Then check out Vermont Styleís review of Sherrieís CafÈ, a great place to meet and eat in Manchester, for breakfast or lunch. My daughterís dance company won big this weekend so we took her out for a celebratory lunch. Sherrieís was the perfect place.
REAL ESTATE NEWSó
Whether itís your first home, a second home, moving up or sizing down, the realtors in Vermont Style can provide an up-to-date sampling of whatís on the market these days. Be sure to visit each realtorís website for a larger selection. Tell your agent you saw their ad in Vermont Style. Happy house hunting!
Maybe being your own boss is more of what you had in mind. United Parcel Service (UPS) is offering franchise opportunities in the area. If youíre looking for a change of pace, call 800.473.3222 for more information.
COMMUNITY NEWSó
Kudos to the Grand Performance Studio of Dance in Rutland for a great showing at the International Dance Competition held in Concord, New Hampshire in February. The young dancers and their talented instructors came home with a platinum medal, three gold medals and six sterling silver medals along with other awards. Our Grand Performance Studio of Dance company dancers do it again! For more information about Grand Performance instruction or to have company dancers perform at a special event, call 802.775.5856.
All in all, life is good in Manchester and the Mountains and the surrounding towns and cities. Come see us, come stay with us, come watch the next season unfold. -DW |
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