blog @ west hill house b&b » Vermont

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.

Celebrate July 4th weekend in Warren

peter — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 10:57:59 +0000

We have two great events over the July 4th weekend for our guests to enjoy.

Stars & Stripes Airshow

On Saturday July 3rd enjoy the Stars and Stripes Charity Airshow featuring bi-plane aerobatics and other great stunts. All proceeds to benefit the Vermont National Guard Charitable Foundation, a nonprofit organization which serves to meet the emergency financial needs of the men and women of the Vermont National Guard and their families. Tickets are complimentary for our guests – advance booking is highly recommended. Starts at 1PM – don’t be late!

Warren 4th of July Parade

Then on Sunday July 4th we have the famous Warren July 4th parade. For the 62nd consecutive year, Warren will celebrate its independence with a wild, wacky, and wickedly fun parade, street dance, and family festivities! Parade starts at 10 AM.

These events are always unique, with little deference to political correctness. This year’s theme is “Life, Liberty, & the Pursuit of Healthiness”. The parade typically proceeds down Main Street, then takes the right on Brook Road – floats pull off the road, or continue up to Brooks Field parking lot…where, after the parade, fun & festivities abound on the field until mid-afternoon. Included in the afternoon fun will be a Scottish Highland Games demonstration at Brooks Field. Now THAT is fun!

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!

Even more snow!

susan — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 01:13:00 +0000

Your skiing mecca!

How much?!

Did I mention that we got some snow? How about this?!!!

Lots of New Snow!

susan — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 14:29:44 +0000

Great snow!

“Yabba-Dabba-Dooooooooooo!” 12-16 inches of NEW SNOW since yesterday morning and it is still snowing and snowing hard. No kidding, Vermont is really beautiful this time of year! It looks like this will be THE weekend to come to the Mad River Valley and ski Mad River Glen, Sugarbush or do some cross country or snowshoeing at Ole’s or Blueberry Lake. Of course West Hill House is a great place to stay – we’re just a short distance from each of the ski areas. Come enjoy winter with us.

Spring Flowers

susan — Tue, 12 May 2009 04:26:57 +0000

The gardens at West Hill House are starting to show the colors of spring! We are always amazed at this time of year when our beautiful gardens start to emerge from their winter sleep. The buds are on the old apple trees, the leaves unfurl on the maples, the flowers are blooming, and the chipmunks which scurry over and around the boulders in the garden are driving our adorable indoor cats, Smoky and Snowball, absolutely nuts! The crocuses were the first to brave the early spring poking their blooms through the snowy blanket which still lay on the ground. These gorgeous miniature tulips were the next flowers, spied by a guest one bright sunny morning, and flashes of yellow daffodils can be seen scattered throughout the gardens.

Our landscape artist, Patty, and her crew keep our extensive B&B gardens in tip top form for our guests to enjoy. Whether you are an avid gardener, like Patty, or just love the look of beautiful flowers, as I do, our peaceful gardens are decked out nature’s palette and await your arrival. Spring has sprung in the Green Mountains of Vermont!