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Be the first to sample 3 new cheeses at The Vermont Country Store

Mon, Feb 13 2012 03:12 | Vermont Country Stores, Vermont cheese maker, Group and motorocoach tour itinerary idea | Permalink
 

Cheese Tasting at The Vermont Country Store
Date: 2/18/2012
Time: 12:00 PM TO 3:00 PM
Phone: 802.362.5950
http://www.vermontcountrystore.com/

Event Description: Peter Mohn, Vice President of Vermont Farmstead Cheese, will be at The Vermont Country Stores sampling 8 cheeses. Be the first to sample 3 new cheeses that he will be debuting!

February 18 - The Vermont Country Store, Rockingham

Directions:
The Rockingham Store- 1292 Rockingham Rd, Rt 130. Bellows Falls, VT 15101.
Group Tours VT by Vermont Tourism Network

Group tours experience farm, fun, education and exploration at Billings Farm & Museum

Fri, Feb 10 2012 10:13 | Group and motorcoach tour itinerary idea, February 2012 newsletter, Billings Farm Museum | Permalink


Billings Farm and Museum E-Newsletter
To view the entire newsletter click here
WoodstockVermont Film Series:
The Music Tree (Brazil 2009, 78 min.)
Saturday, February 11 ● 3:00 p.m.
Found only in the remnants of Brazil’s devastated Atlantic Rainforest, Brazilwood (pernambuco/pau brasil) has been vital in the manufacture of fine violin, cello, and viola bows since the time Mozart was composing his masterpieces. From the search for the wood in the forests of Brazil, to their use by the world’s greatest symphony orchestras, the film explores a path to saving the trees and the music that depends on them. 2009 Festival Internacional De Cinema Do Algarve: Best Documentary Film. {Read More}
Please note: our films often sell out! Please purchase tickets in advance to ensure a seat. February 11 & 12
Saturday & Sunday10:00 am. - 3:30 p.m.
The farm, farm house, and visitor center are open for visitation. {Read More}Sleigh Ride Week
February 18 - 2610:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Sleigh or wagon rides, dairy farm and farmhouse; programs and hands-on activities. Sample presidential cookie favorites and spiced cider! {Read More}

President's Day Program: Abigail Adams: Madame President (1788-1803)
Monday, February 20 ● 3:00 p.m.


February Vacation Programs
Feb. 21 - 24
A Day at the Farm and Winter Warmth on the Farm, our popular school vacation programs for children ages 6-12, feature a hands-on experience of the farm in winter. New! Farm Vet for a Day for ages 10-15: work along side a large animal veterinarian in the farm barns. Learn the anatomy and physiology of ruminants (cows and sheep) and non-ruminants (horses) and help with a physical exam.  Enrollment for all programs is limited! Pre-registration required. {Read More}
Abigail Adams: Madame President (1788-1803) 
President’s Day, Monday, February 20, at 3:00 p.m.

Admission is free; but reservations are required.
The tumultuous events of the American Revolution swept Abigail Adams far beyond her humble roots in Weymouth, Massachusetts. Witness Abigail’s journey – from loyal British subject to ardent revolutionary and from Weymouth to the White House – through Boston-area actress Linda Myer’s portrayal of Mrs. Adams. Throughout her life, Abigail wrote reams of letters about everything from potatoes to politics, revealing her strengths, passions, heartaches, and trenchant opinions.

Actress Linda Myer has performed in feature films, Boston-area theaters, commercials, and has toured nationally.

This Vermont Humanities Council program is free and open to the public, and accessible to people with disabilities.
Seating is by reservation: reservations@billingsfarm.org
or 802-457-2355.

WoodstockVermont Film Series
March Films:
March 3: The First Beautiful Thing (Italy, 2010)
March 17: The Visitor (USA, 2007)
March 31: The Making of Liberty (USA, 1986) and Island of Hope, Island of Tears (USA, 1989), with an introduction by special guest Grace Guggenheim.

We welcome your group and motorcoach tours! For reservations or more information contact:Marge Wakefield, Group Reservations Coordinator
Billings Farm & Museum
Route 12 and River Road, Woodstock, VT 05091
http://www.billingsfarm.org/
info@billingsfarm.org
Group Tours VT by Vermont Tourism Network

Maple season brings sweet treats for your motorcoach/group tour

Tue, Jan 31 2012 03:48 | Permalink
Motorcoach and group tours will enjoy a historic journey through Vermont's famous maple industry at the New England Maple Museum. Sugaring - sap to syrup - is featured in this "King Kong" replica of a century old sugarhouse. Tour includes the most complete collection of equipment in existence, theater and tasting room. Vermont foods and crafts gift shop.
Calendar of Events & Activities:

March 9 - New England Maple Museum, the world's largest maple museum, opens for the season. Groups of 12 or more can request "Sugar on Snow" by reservation. Spring hrs 10am-4pm daily.

March 24-25 - A special presentation of the History of Maple Sugaring coinciding with Maple Open House Weekend. A great way to start or finish your tour of local Vermont Sugarhouses. The tasting counter is open to all and features Vermont Specialty Foods and Maple Syrup. 10 am-4pm daily.

Maple Candy making coming in June! Crystallizing pure Vermont Maple Syrup into Maple Sugar is demonstrated. Visitors can sample the final product fresh from the mold.

New England Maple Museum is located at 4578 Route 7, Pittsford, 05673. 802-483-9414. Reservations are recommended. Capacity 200; ample parking. http://www.maplemuseum.com/

Group Tours VT by Vermont Tourism Network

New Vermont tour ideas for Motorcoach/Group Tours

Thu, Jan 26 2012 12:15 | Permalink



You'll find contact & group information for these businesses on this website. For a printed Tour Manual, to plan your group tour to Vermont, contact Karen Ballard, kballard@vtchamber.com

Bennington Museum (Bennington) NEW for 2012. 11 galleries, extensive Grandma Moses and one of the oldest "stars and stripes in existence. Southern Vermont, http://www.benningtonmusem.org/

Brattleboro Downtown District NEW for 2012. Lively downtown. National Historic District. Flourishing arts community. http://www.brattleborovt.org/
Burlington Farmers' Market (Burlington) NEW for 2012. Visit this fun and festive market on Saturdays year round and shop directly from Vermont farmers and artisans. Northern Vermont, http://www.burlingtonfarmersmarket.org/

Champlain Orchards (Shoreham) is now making ice cider and hard cider which is available at the Farm Market. Central Vermont, http://www.champlainorchards.com/

Commodores Inn (Stowe) NEW for 2012 holds model sailboat regattas weekly on their 3 1/2 acre lake. Northern Vermont, http://www.commodoresinn.com/

Cortina Inn (Killington) NEW for 2012 a resort for all seasons located in Rutland/Killington, close proximity to Killington/Pico ski areas, Woodstock and centrally located to many activities and attractions, http://www.cortinainn.com/

Champlain Valley Fair (Essex) is a 2012 Vermont Top 10 Summer/Fall Event. Northern Vermont, http://www.cvexpo.com/

Farm Way (Bradford) has added a wrap around porch to their Carriage Shed for customers to kick back and lounge. Central Vermont, http://www.vermontgear.com/

Fort Ticonderoga (Ticonderoga, NY) was named by US Travel News as #2 Best Things to Do" in the region and is just a short ferry ride or drive from Vermont. http://www.fort-ticonderoga.org/

Grafton Inn (Grafton) NEW - The perfect stop for lunches, special events, a visit to the Village, or overnight at the Inn. http://www.graftoninnvermont.com/

Green Mountain Coffee Roasters Visitors Center (Waterbury) is newly designed with a bright new look. http://www.waterburystation.com/

Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home's (Manchester) new exhibit houses a restored 1903 Pullman Car, Sunbeam, a special piece of rail history. http://www.hildene.org/

Holiday Inn Express, Springfield has installed a convenient waste removal connection station. http://www.vermonthi.com/

Johnson Woolen Mills (Johnson) NEW for 2012. World renowned woolen clothing company still makes the same popular items that have been bestsellers for nearly 50 years. http://www.johnsonwoolenmills.com/

Morse Farm's (Montpelier) newest sculpture is a granite "Very Important Cow" named Ilene, honoring Vermont Family Farms at their popular destination. http://www.morsefarm.com/

National Museum of the Morgan Horse (Middlebury) NEW , the art and history of the Morgan Horse and just minutes from the UVM Morgan Horse Farm. http://www.morganmuseum.org/

Award-winning Northshire Bookstore (Manchester) NEW - Beyond the Best in Books. http://www.northshire.com/

Okemo Mountain Resort (Ludlow) opened the Timber Ripper mountain coaster. http://www.okemo.com/

President Coolidge State Historic Site (Plymouth) will offer a major interactive multimedia exhibit in 2012. www.HistoricVermont.org/coolidge

Quechee Gorge Village (Quechee) welcomes Vermont Spirits distillery and tasting room. http://www.quecheegorge.com/

Quechee Hot Air Balloon, Crafts and Music Festival (Quechee) is an ABA Top 100 event for 2012. June 15-17 2012. http://www.quecheeballoonfestival.com/

Rock of Ages (Barre) popular Sandblast Activity now includes creating a granite wall plaque. http://www.tours.rockofages.com/

Shires of Vermont 17th Annual Garlic & Herb Festival (Bennington) is a 2012 Vermont Top 10 Summer/Fall Event. September 1-2, 2012. http://www.bennington.com/

Timbers Restaurant (Warren/Sugarbush) NEW - Summer on Mountain, slopeside dining at Lincoln Peak, Sugarbush Resort. Featuring seasonal, local and organic ingredients. http://www.sugarbush.com/

Southern Vermont Natural History Museum (Marlboro) NEW . One of the largest collections of natural history exhibits of birds in the northeast. http://www.vermontmuseum.org/

Vermont Artisan Designs (Brattleboro) NEW - Fine art and Contemporary American Craft in Brattleboro. http://www.buyvermontart.com/

Vermont Quilt Festival (Essex Junction) is an ABA Top 100 Event for 2012. June 29-July 1, 2012. http://www.vqf.org/

Vermont State House (Montpelier) NEW - Visit one of our nation's oldest and best-preserved state capitols. History, art and commanding the landscape of Montpelier, the smallest capital city in America. http://www.vtstatehouse.org/

Group Tours VT by Vermont Tourism Network

Fort Ticonderoga - War College seminar - French & Indian War in North America, May 18-20

Wed, Jan 25 2012 09:44 | Permalink


Registration Open for Fort Ticonderoga’s Annual War College of the Seven Years’ War
(Ticonderoga, NY)  Registration is now open for Fort Ticonderoga’s Seventeenth Annual War College of the Seven Years’ War May 18-20, 2012. This annual seminar focuses on the French & Indian War in North America (1754-1763), bringing together a panel of distinguished historians from around the country and beyond. The War College takes place in the Deborah Clarke Mars Education Center and is open to the public; pre-registration is required.
2012 Speakers include:
·         DeWitt Bailey, British author and 18th-century arms expert, on British weapons of the war.
·         Maria Alessandra Bollettino, Framingham State University, on slave revolts in the British Caribbean during the war.
·         Earl John Chapman, Canadian author and historian, on the experiences of James Thompson, a sergeant in the 78th Highlanders.
·         Christopher D. Fox, Fort Ticonderoga, on Colonel Abijah Willard’s Massachusetts Provincials in 1759.
·         Jean-François Lozier, Canadian Museum of Civilization, on the use of paints and cosmetics among Natives and Europeans.
·         Paul W. Mapp, College of William & Mary, on the role the vast western lands played in the battle for empire.
·         William P. Tatum III, David Library of the American Revolution, on the British military justice system, using ten courts-martial at Ticonderoga in 1759 as case studies.
·         Len Travers, University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth, on the “Lost Patrol of 1756” on Lake George.
The weekend begins Friday evening with a presentation by Ticonderoga Town Historian William G. Dolback on “Historic Ticonderoga in Pictures.” Dolback is also President of the Ticonderoga Historical Society and leading local efforts to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the first settler in Ticonderoga in 1764.
Begun in 1996, the War College of the Seven Years’ War has become one of the premier seminars on the French & Indian War in the country. It features a mix of new and established scholars in an informal setting for a weekend of presentations related to the military, social, and cultural history of the French & Indian War.
Early Bird Registration for the War College is now open at $120 for the weekend ($100 for members of the Friends of Fort Ticonderoga). Registration forms can be downloaded from the Fort’s website at http://www.fort-ticonderoga.org/ under the “Explore and Learn” tab by selecting “Life Long Learning” on the drop down menu and then clicking on the War College. A printed copy is also available upon request by contacting Rich Strum, Director of Education, at 518-585-6370.

FORT TICONDEROGA
America’s Fort
Located on Lake Champlain in the beautiful 6 million acre Adirondack Park, Fort Ticonderoga is a private not-for-profit historic site and museum that ensures that present and future generations learn from the struggles, sacrifices, and victories that shaped the nations of North America and changed world history.  Accredited by the American Association of Museums, Fort Ticonderoga offers programs, historic interpretation, tours, demonstrations and exhibits throughout the year and is open for daily visitation May through October. A full schedule and information on events can be found at https://mail.fort-ticonderoga.org/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=https://mail.fort-ticonderoga.org/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.fort-ticonderoga.org/ or phone (518) 585-2821. Fort Ticonderoga is located at
100 Fort Ti Road Ticonderoga, New York
.

Photo: William P. Tatum III is one of the featured speakers at the Seventeenth Annual War College of the Seven Years’ War at Fort Ticonderoga May 18-20, 2012. Tatum will explore the British military justice system, using ten courts-martial at Fort Ticonderoga in 1759 as case studies. Registration for this annual seminar is now open.

For Further Information Contact:
Beth Hill - 518-585-2821     bhill@fort-ticonderoga.org
Group Tours VT by Vermont Tourism Network

New Vermont Tour Planning Manual available

Mon, Jan 23 2012 01:22 | Permalink
 Tour Planners and Group Leaders - The Vermont Tourism Network 2012 Packaged Tour Manual is a one-stop resource for planning your tours to Vermont! Get your copy today!

Motorcoach and group friendly businesses throughout Vermont are showcased in this resource, so you can easily enhance your itineraries with quality and memorable destinations.

The Tour Manual is separated into regions - North, Central & South. You'll find Attractions; Farm, Garden & Agricultural; Lodging; Restaurants; Shopping; Events; Historic Sites and so much more. Most important, all of the businesses featured in this publication are group tour friendly and very excited to show your clients a truly unique Vermont experience.

All of the tour components of the manual are also showcased on this website - VermontTourismNetwork.com

If you would like more information contact: Karen Ballard, kballard@vtchamber.com, 802-262-2129

The Vermont Tourism Network is a program of the Vermont Chamber of Commerce.
Group Tours VT by Vermont Tourism Network

Fort Ticonderoga Presents Garden & Landscape Symposium - April 14th

Tue, Jan 17 2012 02:20 | Permalink


(Ticonderoga, NY)  The King’s Garden at Fort Ticonderoga presents the First Annual Garden & Landscape Symposium: “Planting the Seeds of Knowledge for Home Gardeners” on Saturday, April 14. This new day-long symposium, geared for both beginning and experienced gardeners, provides helpful insights from garden experts who live and garden in upstate New York and Vermont. This springtime event takes place in the Deborah Clarke Mars Education Center and is open by pre-registration only.
This one-day program focuses on practical, easy-to-implement strategies for expanding and improving your garden or landscape. The programs are offered in an informal setting that encourages interaction between speakers and attendees. Speakers include:
·         Emily DeBolt, owner of Fiddlehead Creek Native Plant Nursery in Hartford, New York, “Go Native! An Introduction to Gardening with Native Plants”
·         Amy Ivy, Cornell Cooperative Extension, “Home Composting Made Easy”
·         Heidi teRiele Karkoski, Curator of Landscape at Fort Ticonderoga, “The King’s Garden 2012: A Sneak Peek.”
·         Sarah Kingsley-Richards, Vermont Master Gardener, “What is Wrong with My Plant? Diagnosing Common Pests and Diseases in Garden Plants”
·         Leonard Perry, instructor and researcher at the University of Vermont, “Perennials: New Introductions & Underused Favorites”
·         Nancy Wotton Scarzello, herbalist and educator, “The Gourmet Garden: Culinary Herbs & Edible Flowers”
Registration for the Garden & Landscape Symposium is now open. The cost for the day-long symposium, which includes a box lunch, is $75 ($65 for members of the Friends of Fort Ticonderoga). A brochure with the complete schedule and a registration form is available on Fort Ticonderoga’s website at http://www.fort-ticonderoga.org/ by selecting “Explore and Learn” and choosing “Life Long Learning” on the drop-down menu. A printed copy is also available upon request by contacting Rich Strum, Director of Education, at 518-585-6370.
The Garden & Landscape Symposium is one of several new education initiatives in 2012. You can learn more about these new programs, including Material Matters and the Conference on Lake George and Lake Champlain, by visiting the Fort’s website at http://www.fort-ticonderoga.org/ and selecting the “Explore and Learn” button.

FORT TICONDEROGA
America’s Fort
Located on Lake Champlain in the beautiful 6 million acre Adirondack Park, Fort Ticonderoga is a private not-for-profit historic site and museum that ensures that present and future generations learn from the struggles, sacrifices, and victories that shaped the nations of North America and changed world history.  Accredited by the American Association of Museums, Fort Ticonderoga offers programs, historic interpretation, tours, demonstrations and exhibits throughout the year and is open for daily visitation May through October. A full schedule and information on events can be found at https://mail.fort-ticonderoga.org/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=https://mail.fort-ticonderoga.org/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.fort-ticonderoga.org/ or phone (518) 585-2821. Fort Ticonderoga is located at
100 Fort Ti Road Ticonderoga, New York
.

Photo: Leonard Perry, from the University of Vermont, is one of the speakers at Fort Ticonderoga’s Garden & Landscape Symposium on April 14. Perry will be speaking on “Perennials: New Introductions & Underused Favorites.” Perry is familiar to regional audiences from his frequent appearances on WCAX’s Across the Fence program.

For Further Information Contact:
Beth Hill - 518-585- 2821  bhill@fort-ticonderoga.org

Group Tours VT by Vermont Tourism Network

Billings Farm - Sleigh Rides, Woodstock Film Series, visit the Jersey herd, draft horses and more!

Thu, Jan 12 2012 04:33 | Permalink

Woodstock Vermont Film Series continues:
Saturday, February 4, 3:00 pm - In My Father's Country (Australia, 2007, 80 min.)
Saturday, February 11 - The Music Tree

Sleigh Ride Week
February 18-26 - 10:00 am - 3:30pm

Presidents Day: Abigail Adams: Madame President (1788-1803)
Monday, February 20, 3:00pm

February Vacation Programs - February 21-24
A Day at the Farm
Winter Warmth on the Farm
Farm Vet for a Day (ages 10-15)

Read more about these great activities here:
Billings Farm & Museum Events Newsletter

For information for your group tour contact:
Marge Wakefield, Group Reservations Coordinator
Billings Farm & Museum, 5302 River Rd, Woodstock, VT 05091
802-457-2355
Group Tours VT by Vermont Tourism Network

“Fort Fever Series” - Discover Fort Ticonderoga's landscape

Thu, Jan 12 2012 03:39 | Permalink

 (Ticonderoga, NY)  Winter is a great time to get outside, explore and learn at Fort Ticonderoga, America’s Fort! Join Fort Ticonderoga in the Fort Fever Series scheduled for February 12, March 25, and April 22.
The Fort Fever Series is one of several new education initiatives at Fort Ticonderoga in 2012! You can learn more about these new programs, including the Material Matters Seminar, the Garden & Landscape Symposium, and the Conference on Lake George and Lake Champlain, by visiting the Fort’s website at http://www.fort-ticonderoga.org/ and selecting the “Explore and Learn” button.

FORT TICONDEROGA
America’s Fort
Located on Lake Champlain in the beautiful 6 million acre Adirondack Park, Fort Ticonderoga is a private not-for-profit historic site and museum that ensures that present and future generations learn from the struggles, sacrifices, and victories that shaped the nations of North America and changed world history.  Accredited by the American Association of Museums, Fort Ticonderoga offers programs, historic interpretation, tours, demonstrations and exhibits throughout the year and is open for daily visitation May through October. A full schedule and information on events can be found at https://mail.fort-ticonderoga.org/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=https://mail.fort-ticonderoga.org/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.fort-ticonderoga.org/ or phone (518) 585-2821. Fort Ticonderoga is located at
100 Fort Ti Road Ticonderoga, New York
.

Photo: Fort Ticonderoga’s “Fort Fever Series” begins January 22 with a Winter Landscape Snowshoe Trek.


Group Tours VT by Vermont Tourism Network

Fort Ticonderoga presents Second Annual "Material Matters: It's in the Details" Seminar

Thu, Jan 5 2012 04:22 | Permalink
                                                                                         




(Ticonderoga, NY)  Fort Ticonderoga will host its Second Annual “Material Matters: It’s in the Details” Seminar the weekend of January 28 & 29, 2012. This weekend event focuses on the material culture of the 18th century and is intended for collectors, re-enactors, and people with a general interest in learning more about objects of the 18th century and what they can tell us about history. “Material Matters” takes place in the Deborah Clarke Mars Education Center at Fort Ticonderoga and is open by pre-registration only.
A panel of material culture experts from the United States and Canada come to Fort Ticonderoga for the weekend to share their knowledge of 18th-century material culture in a series of presentations. Designed for those who want a deeper understanding of the everyday objects that help tell the story of life and the contests for control of North America during the 18th century, the weekend’s informal approach enables attendees to interact with presenters and provides an opportunity to examine 18th-century objects up close.
Fort Ticonderoga’s Curator of Collections Chris Fox will discuss the archeological remains of clothing and sewing-related artifacts in the Fort’s collection found during the Fort’s restoration in the early 20th century.
Joel Anderson, Artificer Program Supervisor at Fort Ticonderoga, will discuss the challenges of supplying the Northern Department of the Continental Army during the year 1776.
Matthew Keagle, a scholar of 18th-century Atlantic material culture, will talk about grenadier caps used by various 18th-century armies and their cultural significance.
David Ledoyen, a heritage presentation coordinator from Montreal, will explore 18th-century surgeons’ instruments and the evolution of surgeons as a profession in New France.
Stuart Lilie, Director of Interpretation at Fort Ticonderoga, will discuss equestrian saddlery and horse furniture. Lilie is a saddler specializing in 18th- and early 19th-century saddlery.
Sarah Woodyard, an apprentice in millinery at Colonial Williamsburg, will talk about 18th-century undergarments.
Registration for “Material Matters” is now open. A brochure with the complete schedule and a registration form is available on Fort Ticonderoga’s website at http://www.fort-ticonderoga.org/ by selecting “Explore and Learn” and choosing “Life Long Learning” on the drop-down menu. A printed copy is also available upon request by contacting Rich Strum, Director of Education, at 518-585-6370. The cost for the weekend is $120 ($100 for members of the Friends of Fort Ticonderoga).

FORT TICONDEROGA
America’s Fort
Located on Lake Champlain in the beautiful 6 million acre Adirondack Park, Fort Ticonderoga is a private not-for-profit historic site and museum that ensures that present and future generations learn from the struggles, sacrifices, and victories that shaped the nations of North America and changed world history.  Accredited by the American Association of Museums, Fort Ticonderoga offers programs, historic interpretation, tours, demonstrations and exhibits throughout the year and is open for daily visitation May through October. A full schedule and information on events can be found at https://mail.fort-ticonderoga.org/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=https://mail.fort-ticonderoga.org/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.fort-ticonderoga.org/ or phone (518) 585-2821. Fort Ticonderoga is located at
100 Fort Ti Road Ticonderoga, New York
.

Photo: Speaker Henry Cooke (left) and Curator of Collections Chris Fox (right) examine an original 18th-century coat during a “Material Matters” session last winter. This year’s program is scheduled for January 28 & 29, 2012.

For Further Information Contact:
Beth Hill - 518-585- 2821  bhill@fort-ticonderoga.org

Group Tours VT by Vermont Tourism Network