Christmas Tree Farms in Vermont

December 1, 2015October 12, 2022 Megan Fulton Leave a comment

Last updated on October 12th, 2022 at 06:26 pm

New-Hampshire-Forests
No need to trek through the forest, Christmas tree farms throughout Vermont have you covered!

A Guide to Christmas Tree Farms in Vermont

Being a native New Englander I’ve come to expect a lot out of a Christmas Tree. It can’t be fake, it has to be real. It needs to be a Fraser or Douglas Fir. It has to be naturally even on all sides with no major gaps between branches and it can’t be too tall or short. One of my family’s outings to a Christmas Tree Farm can last hours and usually results in a major family deliberation over which tree to cut down.

Did you know real Christmas trees are great not only for their added ambiance but because they are a renewable and recyclable resource? To help with my idea that real trees trump artificial trees I dug a little into the world of Christmas Trees. According to the National Christmas Tree Association, 85% of artificial trees are manufactured in China and often contain non-biodegradable plastics. Christmas trees from farms are grown as a crop and once they are harvested new seedlings are planted to replace the harvested trees, so the cutting down of a Christmas Tree is actually better environmentally than buying an artificial tree. It also supports local economies!

If you’re like me and need to have the best tree, I’ve gone ahead and compiled a list of a few Christmas tree farms here in Vermont and a provided little information about what each farm offers you!

Christmas Trees of Vermont: (456 Old Connecticut River Road, Springfield, VT 05156) Located just 15 minutes north of the famous Vermont Country Store, this tree farm offers thousands of Fraser Fir trees to choose from. You can cut your own or choose from ones that are pre-cut. There’s a shop on site with complimentary hot cocoa and candy canes, Santa’s cabin, furry friends from the Vermont Humane Society on the weekends and free sleigh rides and tree baling.

The Russell Farm: (1248 VT Route 116 Starksboro, VT 05487) Located just under 40 minutes south of Burlington, VT, the Russell Farm boasts a feel-good family environment. You can cut your own Balsam Fir and catch a ride on a horse drawn sleigh (with a fee) and buy handmade wreaths and garland. You can warm up by a cabin fire and nibble on homemade cookies. You’re sure to feel part of the family!

The Bishop Farm: (Park Farm Road, Springfield, VT 05156) Also located a short 15 minute drive from the Vermont Country Store, the Bishop Farm grows both Balsam and Fraser Fir trees. You can choose your own tree, which the staff will happily cut down for you, or choose from a variety of pre-cut trees. On the weekends you can hop on a tractor ride and they offer free baling, hot chocolate and Christmas candy. They sell tree stands and handmade wreaths, as well. If you’re unable to make the trip, they offer delivery options, just choose the type and size of the tree and it’ll usually ship within 2 days.

Paxton Greens: (97 Stewart Lane, Cuttingsville, VT 05738) Located just 20 minutes north of Okemo and 40 minutes south of Killington, Paxton Greens offers primarily Fraser and Balsam Fir trees. You can cut your own tree, or have a staff member cut it for you as well as choose from from a selection of pre-cut trees. Their Christmas shop sells handmade wreaths, tree stands and has a wood stove you can warm up by. They offer hot mulled cider and the shop has great gift ideas.

Walker Farm’s Elysian Hills: (223 Knapp Road, Dummerston, VT 05301) New to the farm this year, you can cut your own trees on the weekends at the Walker Farm. Staff at the farm will help guide you the cut-your-own section and provide you with a price guide. Their farm store sells wreaths, center pieces and holiday greenery. If you’re in need of warming up after cutting down your tree, stop into the store where they offer free hot cider, hot chocolate and pretzels! You’ll also find fresh Certified Organic veggies, honey, maple syrup and more on sale in the shop!

All the farms supply hand saws-please don’t bring a chainsaw! And they all offer baling and/or netting of your tree. Good luck and may the best tree win!

If you’ve been to a great Christmas Tree farm in Vermont that I didn’t list, please let me know in the comments section!

Sources:
National Christmas Tree Association

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This blog is written by your friends at Vermont Woods Studios. Check out our Vermont made furniture and home decor online and visit our showroom and art gallery at Stonehurst, the newly restored 1800s farmhouse nestled in the foothills of the Green Mountains.

From New York to Nature in 3.5 Hours

September 21, 2015September 23, 2015 Peggy Farabaugh Leave a comment

Last updated on September 23rd, 2015 at 07:46 pm

Vermont Furniture Store | Green Mountain Forest — Our Vermont furniture store is located in the lush foothills of the Green Mountain National Forest, about 3 1/2 hours north of Manhattan. Maybe we’re not the closest or easiest showroom to get to, but once you’re here we think you’ll be glad you made the trip.

I guess word is getting around about our unique Vermont furniture store because we’re starting to get many visitors from New York, Boston and other metropolitan areas. Customers tell us they’re looking for something beautiful, sustainable and uniquely theirs. That’s why we’re here, of course but “here” isn’t necessarily easy to find.

Directions to Stonehurst, Our Fine Furniture Showroom

So Rebecca and I teamed up with next-door neighbor, Drew Amidon to make a video showing the route to Stonehurst, our Vermont Woods Studios furniture showroom. Drew made the scenic journey and filmed it from Interstate 91 (exit 28A, Northfield, Route 10), past the Inn at Crumpin Fox, left onto Bald Mountain Road, right onto Huckle Hill Road and 5 miles to Stonehurst. He used his GoPro and drone helicopter to show visitors just where we are and what to expect when they get here.

Rebecca was kind enough to narrate the video and even made a few cameo appearances. Check it out, Stonehurst: How to Get Here.

Dining Furniture | Vermont Furniture Store — An Autumn view from Stonehurst, our showroom in the woods.

Most Furniture Stores Don’t Have to Make a Video on How to Get to Their Showroom

Who had the crazy idea of putting a fine furniture store in the middle of nowhere, anyway? OK that was me. Well… sustainability is important to me and it’s part of the mission of our company. Customers come to us because they want to feel good about their furniture. They want to know where their furniture comes from. They want to be sure it originates in a sustainable forest that provides recreation & habitat for wildlife, a forest that’s going to be around for future generations.

Stonehurst fine furniture showroom — Stonehurst in the summer. Our showroom is located on a 109 acre woodland in southern Vermont so customers can experience the kind of sustainable environment in which their furniture originates.

So when the Stonehurst property on 109 acres of pristine woodlands became available in 2012 I knew it was the perfect location for a Vermont Woods Studios showroom. We’re 3 1/2 hours from Manhattan and 2 hours from Boston. It’s a beautiful drive to get here and once you arrive, you’ll feel a relaxed Vermont vibe before you even get our of your car. Be sure to pack a picnic basket and a bottle of wine because fine furniture shopping should never be rushed.

See you in the woods!

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Shelburne Museum Exhibit on Vermont Furniture Opens Today!

July 25, 2015August 3, 2015 Peggy Farabaugh Leave a comment

Last updated on August 3rd, 2015 at 03:18 pm

Shelburne Museum Exhibit: Vermont Furniture runs today through Nov 11, 2015 — *Rich and Tasty: Vermont Furniture to 1850 is on display at the Shelburne Museum Exhibit, today through Nov 11, 2015*

Vermont’s premier arts & history venue, the Shelburne Museum is unveiling it’s newest exhibit today, Rich and Tasty: Vermont Furniture to 1850. Frequent readers, customers and visitors to Stonehurst are well aware of Vermont’s current reputation as the Fine Furniture Capital of America. Now you can learn about the history of Vermont made furniture and see the incredible craftsmanship that VT woodworkers began developing as far back as the 1700s.

The Rich and Tasty exhibit “dramatically expands popular understanding of Vermont high style furniture. It reveals the exquisite craftsmanship of individual forms and encourages a wide audience to learn about regional tastes and economics that help define Vermont furniture’s stylistic features and unexpected aesthetic innovations in the early decades of the nineteenth century. Approximately 40 documented pieces will be displayed, the majority of which have never been on view before. In addition to showcasing pieces from Shelburne Museum’s extensive permanent collection, public and private collections contributing pieces in the Northeast will include: the Vermont Historical Society, the Collection of the Woodstock Historical Society, Fleming Museum of Art, The University of Vermont, Historic Deerfield, Inc., the Collection of J. Brooks Buxton, the Collection of Norman and Mary Gronning, the Collection of the Fowler Family, and other private collections.”

Some of the furniture in the exhibit was recently sold at a Skinner auction in Marlborough, Mass. Pieces ranged in price from a few thousand dollars for a mahogany sofa to $65,175 for a maple, mahogany and birch dresser. We’ll be checking those out today and look forward to sharing more details and photos with you.

If you’re in the Burlington area, stop by the Museum. It’s a beautiful place set on 45 acres along Lake Champlain. You can easily spend the whole day browsing through their 150,000 works which are displayed in 38 buildings, 25 of which are historic. In addition to Rich and Tasty, you’ll find great concurrent exhibits including:

The Unknown Rockwell: A Portrait Of Two American Families. This includes personal memoirs of James “Buddy” Edgerton, Norman Rockwell’s neighbor in West Arlington, Vermont, for 14 years, and a frequent Rockwell model, as well as best friend with the Rockwell sons.
American Moderns, 1910-1960: From Okeeffe to Rockwell. 50 artworks from the Brooklyn Museum’s collection in a variety of styles that explore the depth and range of specifically American and thoroughly modern art.

I hope to see you there, in the new Pizzagalli Center for Art and Education where Vermont’s furniture making history will be on display until Nov 11. Take some photos and share them on our Facebook!

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Memories of Pine Top by Sigrid Wares

July 16, 2015August 14, 2018 Peggy Farabaugh Leave a comment

Last updated on August 14th, 2018 at 12:11 pm

#TBT: Cool Memories For a Hot Summer Day

Every now and then at Stonehurst (now our Vermont furniture showroom) we’re treated to a blast from the past. Our property dates back to the 1860s when it was a farmhouse and since then it’s had many and varied identities. From the 1940s to the 1960s Stonehurst was a local ski area with 3 rope tows. It was called Pine Top and every now and then we get special visitors who stop by to see how it’s changed and share their memories of family vacations here. Recently we had the pleasure of meeting Sigrid Oscarson who stopped by with her husband Bill Wares. I wanted to share Sigrid’s memories with those of you who remember Pine Top. Did you know Sigrid and her family?

A Visit from Sigrid Oscarson Wares

My husband and I visited with Peggy and Ken last Friday. They were gracious to show us Vermont Woods Studios, formerly known as Pine Top. I grew up in Vermont and spent many days skiing as well as celebrating holidays there. My Godparents, Elsie and Romey Racine were the owners. My father helped to maintain the rope tows very often using a combination of his well-honed automotive skills, true grit with sheer determination, and lots of prayer! It was always a work in progress.

#TBT Memories of a Lost Ski Area: Pine Top by Sigrid Oscarson Wares — *Sigrid and her husband Bill Wares of Moorestown, New Jersey are standing in front of a map of Pine Top that was created by Vernon Town Historian (and former Pine Top employee) Barbara Moseley.*

“I came across this picture of me skiing at Pine Top. From these humble beginnings I have maintained a life-long love affair with this sport and even became a ski instructor for a period of time. Growing up in Vermont was a wonderful experience of which Pine Top was a very integral part. Looking at the ski garb makes me wonder how any of us survived the cold! Any one who skied there will tell you that they went through several pairs of mittens in one season due to the friction of the rope tow. We would all cram into the “Warming Hut” as it was affectionately called, to toast our frozen fingers and toes near the pot belly stove while munching on hamburgers or hot dogs with hot chocolate and brownies (made by my mother). It was truly a family effort.

Thank you for showing us the beautiful renovations you have performed on this most wonderful “home” that holds so many memories for me. Your organization is truly an excellent steward of the property and that warms my heart.”

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Our Vermont Furniture Store: Winter Wonderland Edition

December 17, 2014December 17, 2014 Kelsey Eaton Leave a comment

When you think of picturesque Vermont winter landscapes, you might imagine snow draped covered bridges, busy small town streets adorned in Christmas lights and busy shoppers, or the quintessentially Vermont red barn. What you might not imagine, however, is a furniture store. Yet at Stonehurst, we offer you exactly that–classic Vermont beauty much like what you’d see on a postcard, while you shop for locally crafted wood furniture.

The old shed in the backyard is a visitor favorite, and has been standing since the 1950s. Despite all that has changed about this property, the shed remains a nice slice of history from a much simpler time.

Magnificent tall trees cover the property, showing you the direct relationship between the forest and your new wood furniture.

Birdwatchers and animal lovers are in luck, as our property has frequent visitors from the forest. Cardinals, Bluejays, Owls, and more are common– as well as foxes, deer, woodchucks, and even a local barn-cat that we’ve grown to love! There’s always a surprise and we’re happy to share this wonderful connection with the natural world.

If you get here at the right time of the day, sunlight creates the most stunning scenes in places least expected. Plus, how magnificent are those pines?

Our showroom itself is an 18th century farmhouse, rich in character and history. Take a step inside and you can really feel the warmth and charm of a traditional Vermont home. Our visitors love shopping for furniture in a place that feels less like a big box store and more like an authentic rural farmhouse.

We invite you to visit us and see for yourself why shopping at Stonehurst is a truly special experience. We are open 9-6 Monday through Saturday and 12-5 on Sunday. If none of those times work for you, we would gladly make other arrangements for your visit. Get more information about our showroom and plan your visit here, or send us an email at info@vermontwoodsstudios.com. We look forward to meeting you!

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Visit the Vermont Institute of Natural Science VINS

September 15, 2014May 4, 2018 Peggy Farabaugh Leave a comment

Last updated on May 4th, 2018 at 11:00 am

Vermont Institute of Natural Science VINS — *Before your visit to VINS, check out their calendar of events so you can schedule a critter feeding or raptor show.*

I’m not sure how summer slipped away so quickly, but there’s no getting around it… leaf peeping season is upon us! Thousands of visitors will soon be motoring around the Green Mountain state enjoying the brilliant colors our maple trees are dressing up in. If you’re one of those lucky leisure travelers be sure to add the Vermont Institute of Natural Sciences VINS in Quechee (near Woodstock) VT to your itinerary.

Vermont Institute of Natural Science VINS. Helping nature stay in balance. — *In addition to live raptor shows, raptor habitats, nature trails and playgrounds, you’ll find many interesting exhibits like this one on helping nature stay in balance.*

I started volunteering at VINS when Kendall and Riley were in the Vernon Elementary School, so over 15 years ago. They had a wonderful program called ELF (Environmental Learning for the Future) where parents would come into their childrens’ classrooms and give hands-on training using various wildlife artifacts we managed to come up with.

Vermont Institute of Natural Science VINS. Wendy runs the beautiful and interesting gift shop at Vermont Institute of Natural Science VINS. — *Wendy runs the beautiful and interesting gift shop at Vermont Institute of Natural Science VINS.*

Today the VINS mission is mainly focused on bird conservation: “motivating individuals and communities to care for the environment through education, research, and avian wildlife rehabilitation.” It’s a “nonprofit, member-supported, environmental education, research and avian rehabilitation organization headquartered at the VINS Nature Center in Quechee, Vermont. Open year-round, the 47-acre campus, adjacent to Quechee State Park, features 17 state-of-the-art raptor enclosures, 4 exhibit spaces, 2 classrooms, and ¾ miles of interpretive nature trails. VINS places a priority on making high-quality, compelling, and fun environmental education programs and learning opportunities accessible to more people and communities.”

Vermont Institute of Natural Science VINS. Helping nature stay in balance. How big is an eagle's nest? — *Ken and I visited VINS last weekend. For Ken it was a good excuse to get out on his Harley but he also found some cool trails to hike, including this one with a life-size replica of an eagle’s nest.*

At Vermont Woods Studios we support VINS through their Adopt a Raptor, citizen science and other environmental programs. If you’re interested in learning more about VINS, becoming a member or visiting their beautiful Nature Center in Quechee, VT check out their website today!

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Charlie Shackleton and the Naked Table Project

February 12, 2014September 28, 2018 Peggy Farabaugh

Last updated on September 28th, 2018 at 09:11 am

Logging with Horses in Vermont | Naked Table Project | Charles Shackleton — “To fully understand the process of sustainably making furniture, you must go into the forest. The woodlands tour describes how to identify Sugar Maples, low impact forestry principles, and demonstrations on horse-drawn logging. It will change the way you see furniture forever” …. Charles Shackleton

Last week on my tour of luxury Vermont home decor companies I stopped to visit Charles Shackleton and his wife Miranda Thomas at their studios in Bridgewater, Vermont. Charlie is perhaps Vermont’s most beloved furniture maker. He’s famous for his steadfast belief in the integrity and enduring value of true handcrafted furniture. You won’t find cnc routers in Charlie’s shop! Everything is traditionally carved and crafted by hand, making each piece a unique work of art. Dennis pointed out that Charlie is making the Chippendales of tomorrow. It’s the stuff Christie’s and Sotheby’s will be competing for in years to come.

Charlie Shackleton's Naked Table Project | King Arthur Board of Directors — I arrived at Shackleton-Thomas just as a Naked Table project was beginning. The lucky participants were the board of directors for King Arthur Flour (bet you didn’t know that was a Vermont company). They were building tables for their conference room.

What’s a Naked Table?

“We invite businesses, friends and families to our workshops to make tables for themselves to last for ages to come. Each piece in the Naked Collection is made from the iconic Sugar Maple harvested in the forests we visit (inverse from conventional methods of deforesting and sourcing wood from anywhere in the world)… The table has come to symbolize our community’s connection to our local environment and our ability to make something of it.” … Charles Shackleton

Pete Michelinie os Shackleton Thomas Fine Furniture in Bridgewater, VT — Charlie Shackleton (left) and Pete Michelinie of Shackleton Thomas Fine Furniture in Bridgewater, VT. Pete was trained at the renowned North Bennett Street Furniture School in Boston. He’s part of an elite team of craftspeople who create heirloom quality furniture and pottery at Shackleton-Thomas.

The Work of Human Hands

Charlie notes that humans have a natural tendency to want to make things, using their hands in particular. “It’s a satisfying “buzz” of creativity, comparable to baking a loaf of bread from the grains of a wheat plant. When a finished piece expresses our creativity, either through the natural beauty of the wood, the design or the marks of shaping left by the human hand, it sends a message. In these times when so much is mass produced in factories by automated machines on the other side of the world, many are treasuring that message and the natural resources that surround it..”

Visit the Shackleton Thomas store in Bridgewater, VT or their website to learn more and shop. Next week: a quiz about Miranda’s pottery. Hint: yes it is displayed in the White House and the Vatican in addition to dozens of other prestigious locations around the world.

This blog is written by your friends at Vermont Woods Studios. Check out our Vermont made furniture and home decor online and visit our showroom and art gallery at Stonehurst, a 200 year old farmhouse nestled in the foothills of the Green Mountains.

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5 Most Romantic Vermont Towns

February 11, 2014March 13, 2019 Kelsey Eaton

Last updated on March 13th, 2019 at 01:22 pm

Looking for romantic Vermont towns for your special weekend getaway with your significant other? Enjoy this post highlighting some of Vermont’s best towns for visiting couples.

Stowe Vermont Photography — *‘Stowe Vermont Community Church’, by *Teresa Merelman.* Retrieved from Flickr.*

1. Stowe, VT

Stowe is a magnificent place to visit during all 4 seasons. This quaint Northern town has a reputation for some of the best skiing in Vermont, making it an ideal place for a wintery weekend retreat with your loved one. It’s also a hub for fun summer adventuring, with popular attractions including luxury resorts, lodges, and spas… sure to make a great midsummer date. Lodging options can range from quaint and cozy, to extravagant and fabulous– and the same can be said for the cuisine. No matter your taste, you will find something to fall in love with in Stowe.

Champlain by Marty Desilets — *‘Champlain’ by Marty Desilets, retrieved from Pinterest.*

2. Burlington, VT

Burlington is a truly romantic place for lovers who enjoy both the buzz of city life and the calm of Vermont’s north country. In the summer you can enjoy the beauty of the Lake Champlain as you dine at one of Burlington’s popular waterfront restaurants, or take a ferry ride or cruise. Music, shopping, theater, and art are also some of Burlington’s staples for couples looking for a fun filled Vermont escape.

'Woodstock' by Ryan Phelan, retrieved from Pinterest — *‘Woodstock’ by Ryan Phelan, retrieved from Pinterest*

3. Woodstock, VT

Just a quick drive through Woodstock will give you a warm, romantic feeling– even in the dead of Winter. The main street of town is illuminated by Christmas lights, and people can always be found roaming around their eclectic gift and decor shops. Easy to access all year round, the lush summer greenery of Woodstock is unmatched. During the autumn months, Woodstock boasts some of Vermont’s most beautiful foliage. Senator Jacob Collamer (1791-1865) confessed, “The good people of Woodstock have less incentive than others to yearn for heaven.”

4. Quechee, VT

The most obviously fascinating part of Quechee is the Gorge. While the gorge is visible if you drive by or stop along Rt 4, the beauty of it is best appreciated by following the trail down to the bottom. The Quechee gorge is a 3,000 foot long, 163 foot deep chasam sculped into the landscape 13,000 years ago. A truly breathtaking stop for any couple with a love for nature’s grandeur. After visiting this majestic site, you can pay a visit to one of Vermont’s most luxurious restaurants and shopping destinations– Simon Pearce.

White House Inn, Wilmington, Vermont Travel — *White House Inn, Wilmington. Vermont Travel. Retrieved from Pinterest.*

5. Wilmington, VT

This Southern Vermont town is as quaint and compact as it gets, boasting a population of approximately 2,225 people (in 2000). Known for its severely snowy winters and hot summers, Wilmington is a lovely rural getaway for any couple looking for a sunny Vermont weekend or winter ski getaway. The Wilmington area is home to Mount Snow, one of Vermont’s best family-focused ski resorts, with famous riders including American Olympian Kelly Clark. Home to several traditional lodges, restaurants and shops– Wilmington makes a great stop along any romantic Vermont driving tour.

While these 5 towns are some of Vermont’s most romantic destinations, the entire state is filled with charming places to eat, shop, and enjoy nature. Many people believe that as soon as you cross over the border into Vermont, you can tell that you are some place truly special. Do you believe it? Nonetheless, if you’re looking for a truly magical Valentines escape, Vermont is a wonderful place to explore.

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A Visit to Simon Pearce Glassware

February 9, 2014February 5, 2014 Peggy Farabaugh

Luxury home decor aficionados: do you long for days past when real, honest, human craftsmanship was the means of producing quality, long lasting goods for your home? Are you tired of disposable everything and looking to add authenticity and character to your home– a few things with substance that are designed to be enjoyed forever? Well Vermont has a treat for you. Four of America’s top luxury home decor brands are headquartered in the middle of the Green Mountain state– all within a comfortable driving distance of each other. I made the tour myself last week, while preparing our Stonehurst gallery to begin carrying a selection of items from each company. Here is what I found at my first stop, Simon Pearce.

Simon Pearce Glassware

With the rich history of Irish glass blower Simon Pearce behind it, this company leads the way in high end, hand blown glass and table ware. Headquartered in Windsor Vermont, Simon Pearce creates glass and ceramic “products that are beautifully designed, produced with premium quality materials and time-honored techniques and intended for a lifetime of everyday use”.

Simon Pearce | Glass Blower | Watch it Being Made in Windsor and Quechee Vermont — Simon Pearce high quality glass bowls, goblets and vases are hand blown by skilled artisans and designed to last a lifetime. I took this picture in Windsor, VT but you can also see glassblowing (and pottery making) at their beautiful facility in Quechee, VT.

Simon Pearce Pottery

Learn more about Simon Pearce, his story and products on his website. Or better yet, come up to Vermont for a visit! You can use Stonehurst, our fine furniture, home decor and art gallery as a launchpad to Simon Pearce and the rest of Vermont’s luxury home decor companies.

Restaurant at Simon Pearce — It takes a ton of energy to make glass so Simon Pearce located his facility on a falls and installed hydro power. Be sure to call for reservations if you’d like to dine at that beautiful restaurant that juts out over the falls. Both food and view are spectacular.

The other three luxury home decor brands I’m thinking of? Stay tuned, there’s more to come but you’ll find hints on Kelsey’s new Vermont luxury Pinterest board. Let us know on our Facebook, about any other brands you’d like to learn more about.

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From Lost Ski Area to Showroom for Green Home Decor

February 5, 2014October 26, 2017 Peggy Farabaugh

Last updated on October 26th, 2017 at 08:31 pm

Michelle and I are the only ones who’ve made it in to work today. Snow is falling ever so gently, but it’s persistent! We’ve got about 6″ and the forecast is for 6 more. So I thought it would a good time to reprint this article that was recently published on Sotheby’s Vermont Country Properties blog. We are grateful to President and Principal Broker Lisa Coneeny and Office Manager Melissa Olson for posting it.

Pine Top Ski Area Resort in Vernon, Vermont Circa 1960 | Now Stonehurst Fine Furniture Showroom — *This is how Pine Top looked in 1960. If the rope tows were still here, Michelle and I would be out there skiing today!*

What to Do with a Lost Ski Area?

Jeremy Davis, author of “Lost Ski Areas of Southern Vermont” estimates there were 119 ski areas in the Green Mountain state during the mid 20^th century. It seems that 2/3 of Vermont’s towns had their own ski area! Of course they were a far cry from today’s luxury resorts like Mount Snow, Stratton, Killington and Stowe. But back in the day, they were the center of winter activity in the communities they served. Now what has become of them?

A group of local enthusiasts at Vermont Woods Studios has recently transformed the former Pine Top ski area in Vernon, Vermont into a showcase for Vermont’s handcrafted, fine furniture and home décor products. The 220 year old farmhouse that used to welcome Nordic and alpine skiers has been lovingly restored. Known as “Stonehurst” since c1870 when it was sold to Lucretia Kendall for a sum of $2000, it is now home to a high end interior design gallery.

Stonehurst Today | A Fine Furniture Showroom and Luxury Home Decor Gallery — Here’s the same scene today. Pine Top, the little lost ski area in Vermont is beckoning Michelle and me to bring our sleds out and play. On days like this the mountain longs for the good old days of the 1940s, 50s and 60s when skiers packed the slopes.

“With all it’s rich history we thought Stonehurst would be the perfect place to showcase the high quality home décor products coming out of Vermont”, said Peggy Farabaugh, new owner of the property. “The homestead is situated on a hundred acre wood with beautiful views of the mountains, forests and Connecticut River Valley. Customers can look out our windows and see Vermont’s sustainable working lands in action. Stonehurst gives us a way to show and tell the story of Vermont’s high quality, handcrafted products: where they come from and how they’re made.”

The lovely view at Stonehurst | Fine Furniture and Home Decor Gallery — Here’s what Pine Top looks like today. The farmhouse that’s been know as Stonehurst for over 2 centuries has been lovingly restored. It now houses the finest handmade furniture America has to offer along with many luxury brands of home decor. And everything here is made in Vermont. Come visit us before the snow melts!

The gallery features a revolving selection of fine furniture from Vermont’s iconic brands including Copeland, Lyndon and many custom and specialty furniture makers. Original artwork by Linda Marcille, Susan Osgood, Donna Scully, Georgie Runkle and other local artists accents the furniture and is offered for sale.

“We’re adding new products daily and hope to soon have a consummate collection of Vermont home goods with glassware by Simon Pearce, lighting by Hubbardton Forge, kitchen accessories by JK Adams, pottery by Laura Zindel and a creative selection of specialty handmade items from the area’s top craftspeople,” said Farabaugh.

Visitors are warmly welcomed at Stonehurst. Hours of operation are 9am-5pm, Mon-Sat. Details and directions to the gallery on Huckle Hill Road in Vernon can be found on our website. Be sure to bring your sled, skis or snowshoes!

For more Stonehurst photos, visit our Pinterest board.

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Peggy Farabaugh	Kelsey Eaton	Riley Farabaugh
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