Things to Do in Your Long Subaru - Castle Hill in Vermont
For this trip we chose as our destination the Castle Hill Resort & Spa in Proctorsville, VT. Built by wealthy Vermont governor, Allen Miller Fletcher, the English Cotswold style mansion was the technical marvel of its day, being the state's first-ever to be wired for electricity and first to have an in-home elevator. Now housing ten elegant guest rooms, house-guests can experience the charm of arriving via the grand staircase to the on-site restaurant.
Overseen by Executive Chef Alphonsus Harris, the Castle restaurant is well worth a visit all on its own. A menu designed with three and four course dinners in mind, there is almost too much to try and experience at one sitting, so reservations (highly recommended) were immediately made for the next evening.
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But if fancy sit-down meals are not your 'thing' - do not despair. Ludlow's Farmers Market is right down the street and on the way to more adventures in Weston, Vermont.One of the best ways to relax and immerse yourself in Vermont culture is to explore the renowned Vermont Country Store. Now in the middle of its 70th year, most are more familiar with ordering by catalog. Family-owned and run, the store holds a history guaranteed to evoke childhood memories and at least one item you've been looking for!
If you've come this far and you took a moment to plan ahead (hopefully), you know that a short walk will bring you to Vermont’s longest-running professional theater, the Weston Playhouse.
A grand combination of musicals, off-broadway, and original plays are on their roster. Of special note are the Director's talks before some performances. These are held in the theater's 'living room' right off the main lobby. Here you can learn more about the production you are about to see, the history of the company, and personal backstories. All for no additional fee and with an idyllic background of a Vermont covered bridge over a beautiful running stream and waterfall viewable through the room's picture window.
When traveling, we always reserve time for a lazy drive home in our Subaru. Why? Because sometimes that's when you stumble across the most fun during your journey. For us, it was an hour spent walking through the classic old Vermonter's barn turned 'shop' looking for teacups and a yummy breakfast at Country Girl Diner.While most people only go to Vermont for the skiing (Okemo Mountain can be seen from the steps of Castle Hill), summer holds it's own enjoyments in the hills of Vermont.
When you go...
Castle Restaurant features local music performers on most Saturday evenings. Enjoy dinner with a little music!
Reservations for the table for two by the window(s) at Castle Restaurant are the first to be requested, so plan ahead if you would like to sit there.
Reservations at the Castle's Aveda Concept Spa, located in the historic carriage house, are also in high demand. Schedule early for best availability.
Things to know...
Ludlow's Farmers Market is held every Friday with dates from May til October.
Weston Playhouse has expanded to secondary theater locations, so make sure you know where your performance will be held.
Fun Facts...
In December 1967 the Vermont Country Store opened a second store in Rockingham, VT. Most likely, your route from Central Mass to Castle Hill will have you driving right by.
Mr. Darcy's Bar & Grill, a local Ludlow pub/restaurant is home to the famously delicious Parmesan Truffle Oil Fries.
President Calvin Coolidge’s boyhood home is a 20 minute drive away in Plymouth. It was here that a vacationing vice-president Coolidge was informed of President Harding’s untimely death and was given the oath of office by his own father who was notary public.
Allen Miller Fletcher designed his home office at Castle Hill with a panel concealing a secret door. This door allowed business appointments to arrive and leave without fully entering his personal home or disturbing his family. His office now is a private dining room for up to 12 guests.
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