blog @ west hill house b&b » Vermont B&B

Time to book for Fall Foliage + Photo Contest!

peter — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 17:59:48 +0000

Foliage at West Hill House

Mid September to mid October is THE time to be in Vermont. The colors are amazing. Browse our photo album from Fall 2009 and from Fall in prior years to glean some idea what the fall leaves look like around West Hill House.

We have also shared a slide show set to music to let you appreciate even more of the foliage colors … but you need to be here to really soak in the experience!

This year we have a photo contest. We will award a $100 gift certificate for another stay within the coming year to the guest who sends us by October 31st the best hi-res photo of 2010 foliage taken within one mile of the B&B.

To learn even more about the Foliage season, this Foliage Tracking page will give you an approximation of when the peak color will appear in various places around the State of Vermont.

To enjoy the leaves in a different way, why not come and help us rake them up? Check out our Leak Raving Special to save you up to 50% of the price your stay.

The Perfect Summer Day

susan — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 18:29:48 +0000

Today is stunningly beautiful. Blue sky, a few wispy clouds, a nice gentle breeze and about 79′F. This morning before I started breakfast for our guests I took a few minutes to sit on the front porch with a cup of tea. I gazed over the beautiful orange lilies and enjoyed the song birds, the sound of the busy woodpecker, the wind through the leaves and the antics of a couple of chipmunks chasing each other up and down one of the huge sugar maples in the front yard.

What a great way to start the day and what better place to relax and spend summer days than right here. The hammock is waiting for you…

Ahhh...

Featuring a Vermont Winery

peter — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 17:02:46 +0000

We are now featuring 3 wines from Vermont’s East Shore Vineyard in our honor bar at West Hill House.

East Shore Vineyard is located in Grand Isle, Vermont on East Shore North overlooking Lake Champlain. In addition to creating a breathtaking backdrop to their vineyard, Lake Champlain helps make ESV an excellent place for growing grapes.

Grapes at East Shore Vineyard

The deep lake waters provide them with a micro climate favorable for growing winter hardy cultivars capable of producing world class wines.

The wines:

Frontenac Rosé features deep mahogany hues and cherry aromas. On the palate, this wine is lively, flavorful, and balances a crisp acidity with just a touch of sweetness – making it semi-dry. Notable are its dark cherry and spice flavors followed by its balanced and refreshing finish.
Traminette is quickly becoming a favorite for all those lucky enough to have discovered it. A slightly spicy, off-dry white wine that harkens back to its Gewürztraminer and Seyval Blanc roots; very floral on the nose, slightly fruity on the palette finishing with a brisk, very clean acidity.
Cabernet Franc is a staple for wine bars and bistros throughout France, symbolizes a signature varietal from France’s Loire Valley. Our Cab is a medium-bodied, highly aromatic red, with a plum cherry start, and smooth tobacco finish that has a distinctive, tangy “old world” feel.

Their Traminette won a double gold medal in 2009 Tasters Guild International Wine Judging Event and the Cabernet Franc won a bronze medal.

For more information on Vermont Wines check out the VermontWine.com website.

Vermont Festival of the Arts

susan — Sun, 16 May 2010 12:14:43 +0000

The Vermont Festival of the Arts is a month long celebration of the arts, including demonstrations and workshops in fields such as painting, cooking (& eating!), photography, poetry, meditation, gardening and many more.

Charles Pruitt our Artist-in-Residence

Here at West Hill House we are delighted to be hosting artist Charles N. Pruitt, a West Texas native, born in 1941 near the small farming and ranching community of Colorado City, Texas. An award winning artist, Charles enjoys painting primarily landscapes of the Southwest however from August 24-26, 2010 he will once again be turning his brush and oil paints to the wonderful Vermont scenery in the Green Mountains.

As our Artist-in-Residence Charles will be conducting plein air workshops and demonstrations as well as providing individual guidance to both novice and experienced oil painters. The location will be the beautiful gardens of West Hill House.

We are fortunate to have several of his paintings currently on loan and gracing the walls of the B&B giving guests a glimpse of the special treat we have in store this August. Even if you are not staying with us you are welcome to come and view his paintings – please call to confirm a time.

Workshop Dates: August 24, 25 & 26, 2010

$60 per day (including lunch)
$150 for all 3 days (including lunch)

Please call to book: 802-496-7162. Spaces are limited.

It’s not too early to be thinking about summer activities!

Telling Stories

susan — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 01:12:37 +0000

Storyteller Jim Weiss

Storyteller Jim Weiss keeps his audiences attentive, involved and thinking during his telling of classics, myths and traditional tales.

Warren Elementary School invited Jim for a week long session of storytelling and story workshops and we were fortunate to have him make West Hill House B&B as his home-away-from-home.

Susan was lucky enough to be able to attend his final performance at the school – an evening for children to bring their parents along to hear their favorite storyteller. “The Crow and the Pitcher“, “Hercules”, and the “Baker and the Beggar” were given new life through Jim’s delivery.

We also had our own opportunity to talk to Jim about his profession and his travels over dinner at West HIll House one evening. Just another example of what makes West Hill House such an interesting place – a big part of it is all the fascinating people who visit!

Spring in Boston

susan — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 16:54:45 +0000

Spring blooms in Boston

Last week we were in Boston. Having only one full day to discover the wonders of this great city was, of course, not nearly long enough however we set off early to do as much exploring as we could in the time available. We passed shops and homes decked with window boxes of bright flowers and tubs of spring blossoms keeping watch at doorways.

We had a lovely walk in Boston Common which we learned is one of the oldest city parks in the United States, dating from 1634. The ponds and fountains were being cleaned up ready for fresh water and the park was looking resplendent in its garb of spring colors.

Boston Common spring colors

Only early April but the temperature reached nearly 90° and after this winter, the people in Boston were more than ready be in the park enjoying the sun! Despite the high temperature we had fun exploring the city, walking the Freedom Trail and learning some American history as we went along. A cool drink and a lovely French pastry at a sidewalk café concluded our day of adventuring.

While we look forward to another visit to Boston, we are happy to be back at our quiet mountainside B&B welcoming guests and enjoying our own garden’s signs of spring… our first daffodils popped into full bloom yesterday! West Hill House B&B, a perfect place to come and relax.

Artist in Residence Workshop – Charles N. Pruitt

peter — Sat, 03 Apr 2010 00:03:14 +0000

Charles N. Pruitt considers himself an “impressionist of the Southwest” because of his devotion to working from life, painting in oils directly from nature using the “alla prima” or “plein air” method. Using close observation of nature, the effects of light, composition and interpretation of values based on intuition, emotion and his experience, has led to a style described as spontaneous and honest.

He is returning to the Valley following a field study visit in the fall of 2008, and will host a 3-day workshop at West Hill House B&B. The painting here is an example of the work he did in 2008.

The daily workshops will start with a demonstration painting by Charles, followed by guidance on an individual basis for each participant as they do their own painting. Participants should bring their own easel, canvas, paints, brushes etc. and a stool.

Field Study - Sugar House on West Hill Road

Dates: 24th, 25th & 26th August 2010

Prices will be as follows:

$60 per day (including lunch)
$150 for all 3 days (including lunch)
Special: $50 for all 3 days with a 3-night stay

Please call to book: 800-209-1049 or 802-496-7162. Spaces are limited.

This is a sanctioned event of the Vermont Festival of the Arts.

Mint – great restaurant experience

peter — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 02:30:21 +0000

Chef Illyan at work

Mint Restaurant in the heart of Waitsfield’s Historic District offers the Mad River Valley a vegetarian alternative with a primary focus on natural, organic whole foods and ingredients. The restaurant opened in November 2009 and we at last had the opportunity of a free evening to try it out for ourselves, after getting rave reviews from our many guests who have dined there.

We concur with our guests: Mint is an experience not to be missed. The menu choices prepared by chef and co-owner Illyan are varied and interesting, and have an international flair. While vegetarians will recognize some of the choices, many are original creations and can be thoroughly enjoyed by diners more used to meat based entrees. The flavors are often surprising and delightful. Co-owner Savitri has integrated the amazing and varied tea selection from her former tea room across the laneway, and provides knowledgeable guidance to match teas with your meal. Also available are a small wine and beer list at reasonable prices.

Make it a point to visit Mint during your next stay at West Hill House. Open Wednesday to Sundays year round for dinner. Price for a 3-course dinner for 2 including a glass of wine each will be about $75.

Girlfriends’ Getaway Special

peter — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 22:34:01 +0000

Out for dinner at American Flatbread

No meals to cook, no dishes to wash, no beds to make, no housework to do!! Our Girlfriends’ Getaway means you do the relaxing and we do the work.

Come browse our artisans’ shops, be pampered with an “in house” massage, check out the local sites, catch up on your current craft project, or relax in a comfortable chair with your latest book and in the evenings enjoy meals out at any number of great local restaurants. Our rooms are well appointed and very comfortable.

There are lots of Things to do nearby. Whether you come in the winter and take part in the local outdoor activities or enjoy looking at winter from our three large common areas, or you are here in the summer, hiking, kayaking, biking or relaxing in our gorgeous perennial flower garden, you are sure to have a wonderful time.

Come before May 13th and get 33% off a stay of 3 nights or more AND we will cook you a table d’hôte dinner one evening at no extra charge!

New Elopement Packages

peter — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 23:33:13 +0000

Kathy & Lorand Elopement at West Hill House

Elopements have come a long way since Romeo & Juliet! Today the term is used to refer to a well planned but smaller wedding – usually just the couple or with a few friends and family.

We have made a speciality of working with couples to help them plan their perfect celebration.

To make things even easier we have now designed two all-inclusive packages, our Just the two-of-us and Diamond Elopement packages.

You can also add a few Friends & Family to either package.

We continue to offer wedding celebrations for up to 30 guests year round and up to 80 guests in the warmer months – May to October.