BnBFinder, one of the world’s most comprehensive B&B directories, has named the Inn Victoria (www.BnBFinder.com/InnVictoria) located in Chester, VT, a Guest Favorite for 2011. The Guest Favorite Award, based on guest preferences and independent reviews posted to the site, is the highest distinction awarded by BnBFinder.

“Guests at the Inn Victoria gave it high marks for the delicious breakfast and gracious hospitality provided by Innkeepers Penny and Dan Cote,” according to Mary White, founder of BnBFinder and author of the book, Running a Bed & Breakfast For Dummies.

“The Guest Favorite Award from BnBFinder is a very precious achievement, confirming our commitment to guests” said Dan. “We are truly blessed!”

Traditional travel guides, rating systems and inspections are being surpassed by the demand for user-generated reviews. Guests are now able to leave reviews while visiting websites like BnBFinder or on-the-go using their smartphones to access sites such as BnBFinder-Mobile. Before booking a trip, many travelers read these reviews, making guest comments one of the most valued decision-making tools for potential travelers.

The Winter Carnival has been named a TOP TEN winter event by the Vermont Chamber of Commerce. It should not be missed! For more details or for team signup, call Julie at 802-875-2693.

The schedule for the event is below:

This annual event will run from February 9th until the 12th, and there are several events occurring on each day, (the 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th) all around the village of Ludlow, Vermont! Come join in the fun!

For more details contact Liz at 802-228-7530.

(The photo on the right was an ice sculpture that was created outside of the Chamber office last year by Northwoods Ice Craft)

Java Babas is open Sunday through Thursday 6am – 10pm, and Friday and Saturday 6am – Midnight. Pizza starts being served at 2pm each day. Call ahead if you like, 802-228-7810. 

Year Round

1.    Tour the Clear Lake Furniture Showroom & Workshop

Experience the Clearlake difference. Treat yourself to fine hardwood furniture handmade by a master craftsman to your every detail. They create heirloom quality in every one-of-a-kind piece — signed, dated, and marked with your family name. For one piece, a set, or more — for your home or business — Clear Lake Furniture is unmatched for exceptional quality and personal service.

2.    Enjoy a home-style breakfast at Vermont Apple Pie & Breakfast Bake Shoppe

A family run business with everything made from scratch.  Enjoy a sweet breakfast of Waffles, Pancakes, or French Toast with real VT maple syrup and butter.  More in the mood for something savory?  Try one of their hardy breakfast burritos or omlettes.   With a large menu of both breakfast and lunch offerings there is something for everyone.  Don’t forget to save room for a slice of their homemade pie!  Serving Breakfast and Lunch from 8am – 2pm.

3.    Visit Smith Maple Crest Farm for Maple Syrup

For over 200 years, eight generations of Smiths have farmed more than 400 acres of pristine Vermont countryside producing a variety of quality agriculture products. The focus of their most recent generation has resulted in award winning Pure Vermont Maple Syrup and Natural Vermont Beef. Don’t forget to stop in during Vermont’s Maple month – March, where you can smell the sweet aroma of boiling maple sap escaping their sugar shack!

4.    Take the kids to the Jump Fore Fun bouncy houses

Enjoy the indoor family fun and party center.  They have an indoor 18-Hole Mini Golf Course,10 Bounce Houses, 2 Private Party Rooms, 7+ Birthday Party Packages, Parent’s Seating Area, Baby/Toddler mini-toy area, and Free Wi-Fi! Open to the public and for parties, Thursday & Friday: 4-8PM & Saturday & Sunday: 12-6PM.

5.    Shop for outdoor sporting goods at Singletons’

Singletons’ is a State Fish and Wildlife Agency, offering hunting and fishing licenses, as well as muzzleloader and archery tags.  Along with carrying all of the equiptment you would need for that they also carry a variety of popular clothing and footwear brands including but not limited to Woolwich, Smartwool, Carhartt, Dansko, Merrell, and Keen.  In addition to their sporting goods, they are also known nationwide for their famous Vermont Smoked Meats!

6.    Enjoy savories & sweets at High Tea at Inn Victoria

High Tea is an absolute “Must Do Event” at this Romantic Vermont Bed and Breakfast.  Enjoy savories, scones, sweets, chocolates and fruit…oh, and yes, over 30 different teas to choose from. Inn Victoria’s High Tea has been recognized by guests and locals as a “Must Do” while in the Okemo area in Southern Vermont. Pam Lanier has honored Inn Victoria High Tea with a 2011 award for excellence, chosen above 8500 other B&B’s around the world. Friday, Saturday & Sunday 3:00 pm-4:30 pm.

7.    Paint pottery at Endless Creations Pottery Studio

An artful experience…even if you are artistically challenged!  Their studio will show you how easy it is; just choose your pottery piece, pick your design, select your colors and create your masterpiece!  Whether it is a gift, a vase, a set of plates, or a cute little figurine they have something for everyone.  This is a great place adults and children!

8.    Rejuvenate your spirit with Yoga at Peace Positive Yoga

Benefit from the inner peace and mental clarity that yoga gives you. Offering Gentle Yoga, Vinyassa Flow, YogaSweat (or hot yoga), and Children’s Yoga.  All levels are welcome and students are encouraged to practice compassion and honor their body’s unique abilities and limitations.

9.    Find the perfect book at the Book Nook

Whether you’re in the mood for action, romance, history, a young adult, or children’s book, or anything in between, The Book Nook has something for everyone.  Guess the answer to their daily trivia question and receive 10% off your purchase!

10.    Try your hand at knitting at Six Loose Ladies

With a huge collection of yarns of every type including a large selection of VT yarns this is a great place to pick up something new for your next knitting project.  They also offer classes throughout the year such as Introduction to Crochet, Introduction to Knitting Beginning Spinning, Needle Felted Silk Scarf, Your First Hat, Reversible 2 Color Baby Blanket or Scarf, and Felted Handbag.  Check out their website for their latest offerings.

11.    Go extreme at Green Mountain Rock Climbing Center

Just a short drive from Okemo is VT’s best indoor climbing experience.  The walls stand 25’ and have 30 top rope stations spread over 8000 square feet of indoor climbing.  The surfaces are brilliantly painted with murals ranging from desert sandstone to Yosemite National Park.  They have a skilled staff that can provide skilled instructions ranging from first time beginners to specialized clinics.

12.    Get a relaxing massage at Calm Moments Spa

This is perfect answer for relaxation.  Whether you are in the mood for a Swedish Massage Deep Tissue/Therapeutic Massage, Couples Massage, or Raindrop Aromatherapy Massage, they have something for everyone.  Maybe you’re more in the mood for a nice facial.  Try their Replenishing Facial, Un-Wrinkle Facial, Microdermabrasion “The Lunch Time Face Lift”, or Acne Facial.

13.    Shop and experience the Vermont Country Store

Experience an old-time general store offering a Huge Selection of top quality classic and hard-to-find products. Offering you a host of quality merchandise from around the block and around the world. Browse through their store for wonderful, classic products that can help simplify your life. The Vermont Country Store is a family owned and operated business with roots in over 100 years of Orton family shopkeepers.

14.    See cheese being made at Plymouth Artisan Cheese

The home to Julia Childs’ favorite cheese.  This factory is one of the oldest cheese operations in the United States, and was founded by John Coolidge the father of the 30th President of the United States, Calvin Coolidge. They produce artisanal raw cow’s milk cheeses with milk received from a single local herd that they continually monitor for quality. All of their milk comes from a farm that engages in the best dairy practices and humane treatment of their livestock.

15.    See over 10,000 stuffed animals at the Hugging Bear Inn & Shoppe

Teddies of every size and personality give the Inn a homey touch all its own. The Teddies have plenty of company in the shop. You’re likely to find anything from aardvarks to zebras and lots in between. They have the largest selection of Steiff collectibles, artist bears, and Muffy Vanderbear in the Northeast. You can find puppets (Folkmanis and others), Webkinz, Gund, Boyd’s, Bearington, Princess, Douglas, jewelry, cards, cups, shirts, hats, books and endless other bearaphernalia.

16.    Enjoy a Thai Night Dinner at Harry’s Café every Thursday

Located 5 miles north of Okemo Mountain, Harry’s Café is a wonderful dinner destination. All their food is prepared from scratch. Harry’s zest for cooking translates into fresh, bright tasting dishes spanning the globe, including the comfort zone. Thursday night is Thai night – a three-course meal exploring the bright and bold tastes of Thai Cooking. The menu changes every Thursday. Don’t miss out!

17.    Shop downtown Ludlow until 8 pm on Saturday

Offering an array of shops whose owners believe in pleasing you, their customer.  Walk up and down Main Street and Depot Street and enjoy boutique shops selling clothing, books, gifts, Antiques and collectibles, unique and whimsical, practical and of course, the totally impractical.

18.    Try a specialty burger at Belmont General Store

Try one of 7 different big juicy burgers including the “Karnivore”, Steak bomb, Cowboy, & the Vermonter.  The Belmont General Store has served the community of Mount Holly for 168 years. The Store provides groceries, licenses, meals, clothing, Vermont branded products and much, much more. It is a true Vermont experience just to visit. Situated in the heart of Belmont (a small village within Mount Holly) it is the hub of all activity.

19.    Ride high speed on the Timber Ripper Coaster

The Timber Ripper is a four-season attraction that offers a scenic and exhilarating ride through alpine forests and along the contours of the mountain at Okemo’s Jackson Gore. The ride starts with a five-minute, 1,600-foot climb followed by a 375 vertical-foot descent along 3,100 feet of track that follows the contours of the mountain with added waves, camel backs, banking loops and a “twister” section, at speeds of up to 25 mph.  The riders are in control of the speed in the Sled-like cars, which carry two passengers in comfort but can be handled easily by one alone.

20.    Play pool, ping pong or giant Jenga at Outback Pizza

Family and large party friendly! Kids love the pizza as well as the ring toss and game room. If you’re a gamer, there’s pool, foosball and giant jenga. You can relax while the kids have a good time or join in the games yourself! Want to party? You’ll enjoy the best in live entertainment and DJ dancing!

21.    Visit the gym and take a swim at The Castle

In addition to the variety of beauty, wellness, and pampering services, their spa also features a full range of exercise options including a cardio room with treadmills, elliptical trainers, and exercise bikes, state-of-the-art Life Fitness circuit machines, cable machines, and free weights. From their heated outdoor pool and hot tub, to the fully equipped fitness center, it is quite easy to spend an hour, an afternoon, or even a full day there.

22.    Buy your sweetie flowers at Marion’s Floral Shoppe

Your local Ludlow florist, offers professionally designed flower arrangements and gift baskets for all occasions paired with outstanding customer service. Family owned and operated they are committed to offering only the finest floral arrangements and gifts, backed by service that is friendly and prompt. They will even deliver your flowers to Ludlow and the surrounding areas.

23.    Experience Black Rock cooking at Cool Moose Café

The Black Rock Grill uses a super heated volcanic rock to prepare your meal before your eyes as you eat it. You will enjoy a meal that has great flavor and will always be hot.  Your entree is presented to you on the black rock and will continue to cook as long as you like.  Simply cut into your entree and eat using the heat of the black rock to achieve a temperature that you are happy with.

24.    Catch open mike night on Monday nights at The Killarney

The Killarney is a family owned and operated pub, where locals and visitors alike come to gather in an authentic Irish atmosphere. Steve Audsley and George Nordstrand host Open Mic Night every Monday. A collection of artists from the Southern Vermont area to show off their musical and comedic chops. $4 Vermont draft specials all night. As well as a $2 Bud and Bud light and $3 well drink Entertainment Special until the show begins. Come for the deal, stay for the show.

25.    Shop Brewfest Beverage Company & choose from over 400 beers

They pride themselves on their extensive selection of craft beer and fine wine. Carrying products from around the country and the world. The friendly staff and pleasant atmosphere will help make your shopping experience the very best it can be. For hard to find brands – just ask. They even have a DIY section offering supplies for both beer & wine making.

26.    Visit the Vermont Institute of Contemporary Arts

VTica is a Gallery-Museum-School dedicated to supporting the innovative contemporary artist, creating an inviting space to engage the community through diverse thought-provoking art works and events.  The Gallery provides artists the opportunity to exhibit their finest works to collectors and art enthusiasts in a newly modernized facility located in Chester, the heart of South Central Vermont.  The Museum holds and celebrates a growing permanent collection of work that speaks to the creative impulse in us all.

27.    Browse Chrisandra’s Home Showcase

Chrisandra’s Home Showcase and Design Center is a full-service residential and commercial interior design firm based in Ludlow. In business since 1980, Chrisandra’s is focused on the entire spectrum of inspired design, decorating, and renovation for home, office or retail space. With a spacious design studio and style showroom, Chrisandra’s also operates a home furnishings retail shop at a separate location on Main Street.

28.    Shop Wine and Cheese Depot with over 500 wines

Located in a small Victorian just off of Main Street. Don’t let the exterior fool you. They have more than 500 wine labels to choose from, ranging in price from $6, up to a much more expensive collectible wine. Their extensive wine selection is well thought out and emphasizes small growers and producers. They also carry an array of wine accessories, a terrific selection of cheeses, crackers, and other specialty food products.

29.    Browse Depot Street Gallery showcasing 120 artists

Like walking into a year round craft show.  This gallery features VT handcrafted artist pieces showcasing pottery – including horse-hair pottery, unique technique artwork, and of course art and jewelry made with silver utensils.  Don’t leave the area without stopping in for a truly unique gift or souvenir.

30.    Try a “Maple Creemee” at the Green Mountain Sugar House

Home of “The world’s Best Maple Creemee”!  Whether you like it in a dish or a cone, this soft-served maple ice cream is made with their own award-winning maple syrup. Their red roofed sugar house, just steps away from the water’s edge, is where they make everything from maple syrup to mouth-watering maple fudge. It’s also a Vermont country gift shop.

Winter

31.    Rent a snowmobile with Okemo Snowmobile Tours

Offering a range of riding that is suited for everyone from the beginner to the most advanced rider.

32.    Take a sleigh ride at Mountain View Ranch

Snuggle up under warm blankets and glide through new-fallen snow. Their massive draft horses will jingle their bells all the way to a cozy campfire surrounded by mountain views.  Once you’re there you will be treated to steaming hot chocolate and all the fixin’s for marshmallow s’mores.

33.    Go sledding at West Hill Recreation area

Drive a short distance up West hill Road (next to Benson’s Chevrolet) and look for the pond, fields and hill on the left side. Great for younger kids. Remember to bring your own sled.

34.    Go cross-country skiing at Viking Nordic Center

Their trails have been recognized by experts for their quality and mix of terrain.  Try them during the day OR at night!

35.    Go ice skating at Hawk Inn & Mountain Resort

The perfect place for recreational skating or ice hockey.  The outdoor ice rinks are even illuminated at night to allow skating into the evening hours.  If you don’t have skates, Hawk will loan you a pair.

36.    Try snowshoeing at Okemo Valley Nordic Center

Extending across pristine meadows and rolling hills, a hidden world of beauty and adventure invites winter enthusiasts to discover snowshoeing at the Okemo Valley Nordic Center.

Summer/Fall

37.    Bring the kids mini-golfing at Jackson Gore

The adventures and legends of Ludlow’s lumberjacks and sawyers come to life in this entertaining test of skill. The course offers 18 holes of fun for every member of the family.

38.    Visit the historical Calvin Coolidge Homestead

Step back to a simpler time to one of the best-preserved Presidential sites in the nation. The homestead remains exactly as it was the night Coolidge took office.

39.    Pick fresh apples from Wellwood Orchards

More than just apples you can also pick your own Blueberries, Strawberries, Raspberries, Peaches, Plums, Pumpkins and more!  When your done don’t miss their petting zoo!

40.    Try hang gliding or paragliding at Morningside

One of the most complete flight parks in the country, sits among the Connecticut River Valley’s rolling hills on land that simply must have been cosmically designed for hang gliding and paragliding. Professional instructors can help you realize your dream of flight in a setting that is safe.

41.    Take a trail ride on horseback with Horses for Hire

The oldest operating stable in the Manchester and the Mountains Area.  Offering a wide selection of wooded trails and back country roads to explore, through Vermont’s Green Mountains.

42.    Play 18-holes of golf at Crown Point Country Club

Situated on the town line of Springfield and Weathersfield Vermont lies the Crown Point Country Club, an 18-hole championship course that regularly hosts statewide and regional tournaments.

43.    Ride the VT hills with a bike rental from Mountain Riders

The Okemo Valley offers numerous cycling options for novice to advanced riders of all ages. Don’t forget to check out the trails on Mt. Ascutney with over 20 miles of single track.

Calendars are $20 each and available on the Chamber website & participating retail locations.

Proceeds to benefit VT/NH Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure for breast cancer & Okemo Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Irene dropped eight inches of water in the Black River basin, through the Okemo Valley Region. Proctorsville, Vermont got slammed with a continuous flow of water that was simply unstoppable. Crows Bakery and Opera House Cafe were in the direct path, destroying all of their inventory, cutting power, and damaging the building. Over six weeks of clean up has lead to this days’ opening, and for that we are all happy. We salute Crow’s Bakery and Opera House Cafe for their determination to persevere and reopen. Our friends at the bakery provide Inn Victoria with pastries, cakes and scones for High Tea.

Shown in this picture is Shamiaka Glidden of Glidden Construction and Painting in Cavendish, Vermont. Shamiaka is painting the finishing touches to the front of the building.

Dan Cote
Owner;  Inn Victoria, a Chester Vermont Bed and Breakfast

Here is a view of the cover, but if you want to see any of these ladies, you’ll need to purchase a copy for $20 dollars….   Every dime of the proceeds will go to benefit the cure for breast cancer.  The Okemo Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce lead the effort and each of the 12 ladies paid a substantial fee to pose, making the sales of the calendar a 100% benefit to the cause.

Miss January is Diane Mueller reaching out of the cab of a snow groomer at Okemo Mountain Resort

Miss February is Mary Knight sitting on the top edge of her hot tub from Knight Tubs, Pools & Spas

Miss March is Sharon Bixby of Ludlow Insurance Agency standing next to the business sign with only a flower picture between her and the camera lens.

Miss April is Maria Tomaselli of Bovine Bookkeeping ….she gives skim milk an added attraction.

Miss May is Tesha Buss hanging upside down from a sky-hook at the Good Commons and The Good Bus Retreat house…..a few flowers and a little lace.

Miss June is shared between Patrice Johnson and Laura Williams of Calm Moments Spa in the flower garden with Turkish towel robes.

Miss July is Pat Budnick wrapped in the “Music in the Meadow” annual event banner on the grounds of the Motel in the Meadow.

Miss August is Lisa Kaiman atop her pony with her pet rooster in her arms on the farm at WAAWWE Family Farm Market.

Miss September is Kathy Burns sitting by the window soaking in the rays from the sun and warmth of the fireplace chimney at Vermont Properties & Development, Inc.

Miss October is Martha Mott in the garden, surrounded by natures harvest, at Live Authentically, LLC.

Miss November is Penny Cote in the double Jacuzzi enjoying suds and tea at Inn Victoria, a Chester Vermont Bed and Breakfast

Miss December is shared among six ladies of winter, each draped in their favorite winter warmer.  Pictured on the porch of a snowed-in Mount Holly Community Historical Museum are; Lynn Anderson, Maggie Blane, Doris Reiser, Amber Nye, Dottie, Finnerty and Linda Guerrera.

Dan Cote

Owner of Inn Victoria, a Bed and Breakfast Okemo Vermont

Fall Foliage Update:
There’s been a lot of talk about the damage Tropical Storm Irene caused when it hit New England on August 28th, and many folks are wondering whether they should cancel their foliage trips. Our answer to that question is a resounding no! Road crews are working hard to repair affected areas, ensuring that you’ll be able to get to your New Hampshire and Vermont destinatio

ns in time for foliage season. There may be some detours, but they just might take you past some beautiful scenery that you’d have missed otherwise.

Dan Cote, Owner of Inn Victoria, a Chester Vermont Bed and Breakfast

Marji Graf interviews different businesses owners in the area: Java Babas, Calm Moments Spa, CZ Construction, Slopeside Okemo, The Book Nook, The Downtown Grocery, Davalia Gallery, Inn Victoria, Inn at Glimmerstone, Stephanie Stoupher, Brandmeyer’s Mountainside Lodge, and The Good Bus.