the Amtrak rail stop. A short drive from town the Cotton Mill Studios had an open studios weekend with lots of great art and creativity throughout this historic industrial building, including pottery, paintings, jewelry, fine wood furniture and even a demonstation by the Center for Circus Arts. If you missed this event, visit the Vermont Artisan Designs Gallery right on Main St. to see a collection of Vermont area artists' work.

Brattleboro also has a Winter Farmer's Market on Saturday's from 10-2 (open until 3 p.m. between Thanksgiving and Christmas) at River Garden on Main St.. Enjoy music from 11-1. Pick up eggs, syrup, wine, bread, meat, jams and available produce. Lunch is served and local crafters are on hand with items like jewelry, pottery and handmade soaps.

Although a fire damaged the historic Brooks House on the corner of High and Main Streets, rebuilding efforts are evident and some shops have relocated to nearby blocks. Plans for the Brooks House include shops, condos, restaurants and possible use by Community College of Vermont and Vermont Tech. Dragonfly Dry Goods which called Brooks House home is currently selling online only and has unique home and garden decor.

Parking is available in several lots tucked behind Main St. Try the Elliot street lot especially if you would like to be close to the books stores and the Works Bakery Cafe with its variety of breakfast, lunch and snack items such as bagels, paninis, pizza and desserts. The Works has room to spread out and use the free Wi-Fi and a nice view of busy Main St. Mocha Joe's is a cozy coffee shop with good strong coffee also on Main St. The Twilight Tea Lounge has free Wi-Fi and desserts to accompany their wide selection of teas. They stay open until 10:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday providing a relaxed atmosphere with board games and sitting areas. If you like a mountain and river view with your hot chocolate, go to Amy's Bakery Arts Cafe and check out the back seating area.

Just a short drive north on Route 30 Linden St. will bring you to Grafton Village Cheese Company with cheese making demonstrations and a variety of tasty Vermont cheeses to choose from. The longest covered bridge in use, the West Dummerston Covered Bridge is just up the road on the right spanning the West River. There is a small parking area and rocky beach so you can stop and take pictures of this scenic spot.

Once you have stocked up on cheese, make a last stop at the Brattleboro Food Co-op downtown for anymore made in Vermont products you forgot to get, such as maple syrup, fresh bread, locally roasted coffees, wine and of course, more sheep, goat and cow milk cheese. They have sheep and goat milk yogurt. The co-op emphasizes environmentally friendly farm practices and food packaging along with education about the benefits of eating locally produced organic food and selling fair trade products.

If winter sports are on your agenda (after all you are in at the beginning of the Green Mountains), the Brattleboro Outling Club offers ski and snowshoe rentals from their warming hut on winter weekends on groomed trails at the Brattleboro Country Club on Upper Dummerston Road. Check weather conditions ahead. In nearby Grafton, snow making is done on the cross country trails at the Grafton Ponds Outdoor Center. Weather permitting, there is also snowshoeing and tubing. Rentals and hot beverages are available.

Ice skating at an indoor rink can be found at Nelson Withington Skating Rink at Living Memorial Park. Check hours and conditions. Also, there is a small volunteer run skiing and snowboarding area at Living Memorial Park which might be open depending on weather conditions.

Outside the Brattleboro area, Mt. Snow is about a 50 minute drive from here. Mt. Snow has downhill skiing, snowshoeing and a tubing park. Cross country skiing is just across the road. Sleigh rides, snowmobiling and ice skating are available in the Mt. Snow area. A little further north of Mt. Snow is Stratton Mountain Resort with more of the same winter fun. They also have a village with shopping, a day spa and the inter-denominational Chapel of the Snows.

Just 2 hours from Boston or Albany, 1 1/2 hours from Hartford, 1 hour from Hanover, New Hampshire or Springfield, Massachusetts, Brattleboro is uniquely situated for a day trip or weekend getaway. The 1800's and early 1900's architecture includes Victorian and Greek Revival styles. There are ornate building fronts and lots of red and brown brick commercial buildings located on upward sloping Main Street. Brattleboro with its social consciousness, environmental fervor and artistic vibe will open your mind and satisfy the senses. Winter sports are within easy reach. Brattleboro is Scenic Shopping™ with a mountain view, a fun winter alternative to crowded malls and outlets. For more information about Brattleboro, Vermont shops, click here.

-M.A. Barrett (December, 2012)

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