Franklin County Archives - Happy Vermont

Franklin County

  • Small Vermont Ski Hills Offer Affordable Winter Fun
    Small Vermont Ski Hills Offer Affordable Winter Fun

    In the early days of New England skiing, winter enthusiasts flocked to small Vermont ski hills like Northeast Slopes in East Corinth, Gilbert’s Hill in Woodstock (home of the first rope tow in the United States), and Prospect Mountain in Woodford. Vermont skiing has come a...

  • Cold Hollow Sculpture Park: An Outdoor Gallery Inspired by the Rural Landscape
    Cold Hollow Sculpture Park: An Outdoor Gallery Inspired by the Rural Landscape

    In the days before opening Cold Hollow Sculpture Park, David Stromeyer used to walk up the dirt road between his house and studio and feel a mix of emotions. He would stop to examine the tall sculptures he created in his studio and displayed in meadows...

  • Happy Vermonters: St. Albans Couple Creates Sweet Side Hustle with Hangry the Donut Bar
    Happy Vermonters: St. Albans Couple Creates Sweet Side Hustle with Hangry the Donut Bar

    Erica and Ed McClain are working toward their dreams one doughnut at a time. The couple runs Hangry The Donut Bar, a drop-off and pop-up doughnut business based in St. Albans that opened last year. “When I got out of high school, I thought I would go to...

  • Explore the Outdoors This Fall on These 6 Vermont Scenic Dirt Roads
    Explore the Outdoors This Fall on These 6 Vermont Scenic Dirt Roads

    An interesting but not surprising fact: Vermont has more dirt roads than paved ones. With nearly 8,600 miles of unpaved roads across the state (compared to 7,151 miles of paved roads), Vermont has no shortage of scenic dirt roads to explore by car, bike, or on...

  • Four Scenic Vermont Rail Trails for Biking
    Four Scenic Vermont Rail Trails for Biking

    Vermont rail trails are the perfect antidote to cabin fever and quarantine. Since the 1960s, thousands of miles of old abandoned railroad lines have been converted into public recreational trails across the United States. And in this summer of travel restrictions, stay-at-home orders, and canceled summer camps,...

  • Vermont Summer Farmers’ Markets Offer a Sense of Comfort and Connection
    Vermont Summer Farmers’ Markets Offer a Sense of Comfort and Connection

    Vermont summer farmers’ markets may look different this season, but one thing is for sure: local food is more appreciated than ever. About half of Vermont’s farmers’ markets are open for the summer, and almost all will be open by July (a handful have decided to...

  • Vermont Mountain Roads to Travel Before The Snow Flies
    Vermont Mountain Roads to Travel Before The Snow Flies

    Scenic drives are a favorite pastime in Vermont, and exploring Vermont mountain roads is perfect option if you're looking for seeing gorgeous views from higher elevations. 4 Best Vermont Mountain Roads Throughout the year, many roads offer not only gorgeous views but also access to forests, hiking...

  • 9 Vermont Scenic Drive Alternatives to Route 100
    9 Vermont Scenic Drive Alternatives to Route 100

    With fall on the horizon, I’m thinking about new scenic drives to explore and returning to some old favorites. In every corner of Vermont, there are hundreds of miles of roads to enjoy. Of course, Route 100 is Vermont’s best known scenic drive – and...

  • Sugaring a Family Affair at Branon Maple Orchards in Fairfield
    Sugaring a Family Affair at Branon Maple Orchards in Fairfield

    On a thousand acres in Fairfield stand more than 68,000 maple trees tapped for sugaring season. The trees are part of Branon Family Maple Orchards, located in the heart of sugaring country in Franklin County, not far from the Canadian border. The Branons have been involved in...

  • That Old Vermont Feeling in Fletcher
    That Old Vermont Feeling in Fletcher

    How many Vermont towns look the same as they did a generation ago? Probably quite a few. Certain towns make us feel nostalgic for different reasons and stir memories of past experiences and old friendships.  For me, most of those towns are where I spent...