Valley of Vermont Rambles
The best of Vermont, walking and canoeing
to explore the Valley of Vermont.  

Our home is right in the center of one of the finest valleys in all of Vermont. The Green and Taconic mountain ranges along with the Batten Kill provide a spectacular background for our unique adventure.

We begin our ramble at the Battenkill Inn, nestled on a quiet meadow right next to our shop. Innkeepers Clint and Donna will be on hand to welcome us and make us feel immediately at home. We'll soon sense the warm feeling of timeless relaxation. This quaint inn has been welcoming discerning visitors since 1934.

We spend our first three evenings here allowing us the opportunity to fully explore this valley by foot and canoe. On the second day of our journey we look forward to a day of paddling on the Batten Kill. Covered bridges and towering maples await us on the river. An ideal canoeing river, we are invited to seek out is cooling swimming holes and quiet picnic spots.

After bidding farewell to the folks at the Battenkill Inn our travels take us north to Landgrove and the Landgrove Inn. Tucked away near the small village of Peru, the inn has been welcoming guests for many years, and is evident in their attention to detail and care. The food is great, the inn is wonderfully weathered and comfortable. The lodge was originally built in 1820 and offers us many amenities at the end of the day. The next few days are filled with choices including the opportunity to explore Tinmouth Channel, White Rocks and sections of the Long Trail. After a full day of activity we rejuvenate at the inn enjoying refreshing drinks, late afternoon sun, a cool breeze and the camaraderie of friends. The White river may be one of the choices on Thursday. The river flows through a picturesque valley with quiet rural surroundings. We will find dozens of private places to swim, sun and picnic. It is a wonderful way to spend the day. Other choices include hiking in the Green Mountains near Baker Peak and Griffith Lake. Footpaths lead through woods dotted with silent standing stonewalls, and we are rewarded with wonderful panoramic views of the valley and surrounding peaks. Cool mountain lakes are the perfect place to cool off and relax and soak in this magical place. After a week of adventure our journey comes to a close. As we conclude our trip in the Valley of Vermont we look back on our time of stretched out space, of peace and quiet beauty, and begin to plan our next trip to this magical area.

   




Valley of Vermont Rambles are a 
4 day/ 3 night trip, meet at our shop in Arlington, and are offered on:
ZZ-CNB02 Trip Price: $ 875
Requested Single Supplement: $135
- half doubles OK
Private Bath: all nights

Dates
 June 5-8, 2006
August 7-10, 2006
September 18-21, 2006
October 9-12, 2006

Canoe and equipment rental included in trip price
Airport Transfer: Private van transfer $85 round trip from Albany airport

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Valley of Vermont Rambles Itinerary
Where and when to go...and how to get there.

Day 1
We meet at our shop, located on route 7A midway between Arlington and Manchester, after lunch at 1:00pm. From points south follow routes into Bennington. Once in Bennington take route 7 north to the Arlington exit. Follow the signs into Arlington and route 7A. Continue traveling north on 7A for about 5 miles. Our shop is on the corner of Hill Farm Road and 7A. From Albany take NY 7 east to Vermont 9 into Bennington. From the north travel south on route 7 to Manchester. Just north of Manchester take route 7A south into the village. Our shop is 5 miles south of Manchester on the left side, just past the Basket Barn.
We generally choose to paddle a quiet stretch of the Batten Kill this afternoon, but we may also choose to enjoy a walk at Equinox pond. Nestled at the base of Mount Equinox this preserve offers some wonderful wooded trails and overlooks with breathtaking views of the surrounding valley.. At day's end we all find ourselves at the Hill Farm Inn. The inn is unique, permeated by the peaceful nature of its location. The Hill Farm Inn provides a tranquil serenity and harmony with nature, rare in this day and age.
Dinner is on your own this evening at one of the many fine restaurants in the area. Welcome.
Lodging: Hill Farm Inn, Innkeepers Al and Lisa Gray
 

Day 2
After a full country breakfast our journey continues down the river. We plan a full day of paddling on the Batten Kill and let the river do it's magic. Gentle current will lead us through quiet countryside and under several covered bridges. The river is truly magical, we will find isolated riverbanks for our picnic lunch and inviting swimming holes to cool off in. After a full day of activity we return to the Hill Farm Inn to relax and enjoy another peaceful evening.
Dinner is on your own this evening at one of the many fine restaurants in the area.
Lodging: Hill Farm Inn, Innkeepers Al and Lisa Gray
 

Day 3
This morning we plan to set out on the Long Trail. The Long Trail is a long distance footpath that travels the length of the state along the spine of the Green Mountains. Along the way our efforts are rewarded with shady picnic spots, panoramic views and open meadows. The Long Trail is interconnected with other local trails so we can be creative and select the length of hike that we want. Some may want a long hike covering Griffith Lake, Styles Peak, Peru Peak and Mad Tom Notch, while others opt for a leisurely walk into Griffith Lake or Little Rock Pond. These mountain lakes offer a wonderful excuse to be lazy, soak your feet in the cool water and leave the hectic pace behind.
By days end we will have regrouped and returned to the Hill Farm Inn for our final evening. Before heading off to dinner you may enjoy relaxing on the porch, or wandering down to the river to cool your feet. After returning from dinner a stroll down a quiet country lane soaking in the star filled sky is the perfect ending to any day.
Dinner is on your own this evening at one of the many fine restaurants in the area.
Lodging: Hill Farm Inn, Innkeepers Al and Lisa Gray
 

Day4
Our final day is filled with choices. Perhaps we will choose to paddle another section of the Batten Kill. It's quick water and enticing scenery calling us back one more time. We have barely touched the surface of the hiking trails in the area so there are still many to choose from if we wish to don our hiking boots today.
Whatever our choice we will be sure to soak in the wonderful views of the Valley of Vermont while appreciating our week's accomplishments and delights. By mid afternoon we will be back at BattenKill Canoe saying our final good-byes and begin our journey home. For those that want to linger awhile we will are happy to make suggestions of additional activities in the area.
Many guests decide to extend their trip an extra day or two in Vermont. We can help you with these arrangements if you wish. We won't be surprised if you remain awhile.