Shows
Happy VermontSculptures in the Wild at Vermont Rest AreasAlong Vermont’s interstates stand a unique collection of 16 abstract sculptures created by internationally renowned artists. more than 50 years ago.
These sculptures were placed at rest areas along Interstates 89 and 91 in the early 1970s. Decades later, most of them are now hidden by forest growth. That will soon change.
The collection could be described as the largest outdoor presentation of sculpture in the world. Art conservator Bob Hannum of Barre is working with the state of Vermont to clean, repair and move these sculptures into view so they can be enjoyed once again by the pu...2025-07-1125 minHappy VermontFood, Music & Community at Crossmolina Farm in West CorinthMargaret Loftus is a former public defender. She’s now a farmer.
She and her husband Jonathan left Brooklyn for Vermont in 2006 in search of a better place to raise their kids—Keelan, Tobin and Wendell—and grow their own food.
After years of learning about farming, growing organic vegetables, and raising animals for beef, pork and lamb, the family-run Crossmolina Farm—named after a town in Ireland—became a full-time enterprise in 2018.
In this episode, Margaret talks about creating a new life in Vermont, learning how to farm, and creating a tight-knit community a...2025-06-1727 minHappy VermontVermont Ancient RoadsHost Erica Houskeeper talks with attorney Spencer Crispe of West Brattleboro and forester Norm Arseneault of Granville about why Vermont ancient roads still matter.
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2025-06-0650 minHappy VermontLove, Loss and Ice CreamChris Wilcox is vice president of Wilcox Ice Cream in Sunderland. Chris was my first friend when my family moved to Vermont in 1979.
Not only were we friends, we were neighbors, too. I would zig zag my way through a couple of fields and cross a dirt to get to her house.
The farm you see just south of Equinox Valley nursery on Route 7A, where Chris spent her childhood. But 24 years ago, on May 7, 2001, a fire tore through the farm on Route 7A, destroying multiple buildings, including one that housed the ice cream business.2025-05-2434 minHappy VermontMemories of a Mountain Top Hotel on Mount MansfieldHotels used to stand at the top of some of Vermont's mountains, like Mount Mansfield, Camel's Hump, Snake Mountain and Mount Equinox.
Mary Skelton spent eight childhood summers at the Mount Mansfield Summit Hotel. It was a hotel her dad managed, and he served as the hotel's postmaster.
In this episode, Mary talks about the old hotel on Vermont's highest mountain, her joyful memories, and the end of an era.
2025-05-0822 minHappy VermontMore Stories about Vermont Place NamesVermont has no shortage of offbeat place names.
What is special about place names is that they come with a story, either a true story or one that's a mix of myth, folklore and fact.
In this episode, host Erica Houskeeper shares some of Vermont's interesting place names.
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2025-04-1012 minHappy VermontStratton: Forests, a Fire Tower, and How the Town Nearly DisappearedThe town of Stratton is best known for the popular ski area, Stratton Mountain Resort. But beyond the 3,000-acre ski area, the town has 30,000 acres and about 300 full-time residents.
At one time in the 1930s, the population was so small that there were fears the town would go the same way as the unincorporated communities of Glastenbury and Somerset.
Town Clerk Kent Young talks about Stratton's tiny population, the fire tower on top of Stratton Mountain, the lack of post offices in town, and an old tragic tale from Kelley Stand Road.
Support H...2025-03-2730 minHappy VermontThe Magic of Cochran's Ski AreaCochran’s Ski Area in Richmond is tiny but mighty.
The ski area was started in the early 1960s by Mickey and Ginny Cochran.
Their children, Bob, Barbara Ann, Marilyn and Lindy, came to be known as the “The Skiing Cochrans.” They represented the U.S. in the Winter Olympics, with Barbara Ann winning the gold in 1972.
In this episode, Barbara Ann talks about the ski area's early days, her racing career and what makes Cochran’s an extraordinary place.
Learn more about Cochran's Ski Area
https://cochranskiarea.com
Find more...2025-03-0831 minHappy VermontQuirks, Collections and Taxidermy at Vermont LibrariesYou can learn a lot about a town and its history by visiting the local library.
The Goodrich Memorial Library in Newport has a taxidermy collection that includes an alligator, bob cat, porcupine and birds.
The Rutland Free Library originally served as a post office and courthouse. There are also jail cells in the basement.
In this episode, Jessamyn West, a library technologist from Randolph, talks about what makes Vermont libraries fascinating places. She also shares what's she's learned on her quest to visit all of Vermont’s libraries.
happyvermont.com
...2025-02-2148 minHappy VermontA Vermont Original: Wilson "Snowflake" Bentley's Gift to the WorldWilson "Snowflake" Bentley was the first person to ever photograph a single snowflake.
On January 15, 1885—at age 19—he used photographic plates to capture his first snowflake image at his family's farm in Jericho. His images of snowflakes are on permanent display at the historical society in the Old Red Mill in Jericho.
"He had the mind of a scientist and the soul of a poet," says Sue Richardson, Bentley's great-grand-niece, who manages the exhibit and gift shop at the Jericho Historical Society.
"His dream was to share his images with the world," she says.2025-02-0333 minHappy VermontSouthern Vermont, In Memory of My BrotherHost Erica Houskeeper talks about her brother, Matt, who died while kayaking in Southern Vermont last summer. It happened in a region of the state that Matt loved exploring.
In honor of Matt, Erica highlights a bit of history and geography in this part of Vermont.
2024-12-1211 minHappy VermontA Good Life in the Shadow of Terrible MountainSusan Leader is a well-known potter based in Andover, where she grew up at the base of Terrible Mountain.
In 1950, Susan's parents moved to Andover and settled at Popplewood Farm, where she spent her childhood.
Today, she lives on a piece of land her parents left her just up the road from her childhood home.
In this episode, we talk about Terrible Mountain, Susan's unconventional upbringing, and how she has found community in the small town of Andover.
2024-11-2235 minHappy VermontWhat's In a Name? Stories about Vermont Places and NamesSteve Farrow grew up in Holland, Vermont and now lives in Newport in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom.
Steve studied at UVM in the 1980s and his master’s thesis focused on Vermont place names. He now teacher geography at Community College of Vermont.
In this Happy Vermont podcast episode, Steve and host Erica Houskeeper talk about Vermont place names and lost names like Elysiana, Hurricane and Jefferson County. They also explore Vermont gores and grants, as well as town names like Eden, Troy and Athens.
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2024-10-3131 min
Tea Time CrimesThe Bennington TriangleThe Mysterious Bennington Triangle is known for alien activity, mysterious murders, bigfoot sightings, inexplicable paranormal activity and unsolved disappearances. Covering only 100 square miles in Vermont, this triangle has been a source of murder and terror for hundreds of years. Grab your tea as we navigate the spooky area between myth and reality. Tea of the Day: Black Cask BourbonTheme Music by Brad FrankSources:Legends of America https://www.legendsofamerica.com/bennington-triangle-vermont/Passing Strange: True Tales of New England Hauntings and Horrors by Joseph Citro Publisher : Mariner Books (October 31, 1997).Inside The U...2024-10-0150 minHappy VermontVermont Foliage, Forests and Tourist TownsMike Snyder of Stowe was Vermont’s Commissioner of Forests, Parks and Recreation for over a decade before leaving his post in December 2022.
He’s now working as an independent consultant. Mike and host Erica Houskeeper met up at Brownsville Forest in Stowe to talk about fall foliage, forest health, and what it's like living in a popular tourist town.
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2024-09-2438 minHappy VermontBurlington's History is Hiding in Plain SightGlenn Fay of Burlington is an author, historian and seventh-generation Vermonter. He’s also a descendant of one of the Green Mountain Boys.
Glenn wrote Hidden History of Burlington Vermont and has a new book out, Ambition of the Remarkable Family of Ethan Allen. On a sunny day in July, we met at the Ethan Allen Homestead Museum in Burlington, where Glenn serves as a board member.
In this episode, Glenn shares how Ethan Allen is famous for capturing Fort Ticonderoga from the British and was also a complicated figure. We also talk about Burlington’s his...2024-09-1033 minHappy VermontArt in the Heart of MontgomeryTraveling east on Route 118 along the Trout River is a nostalgic scene with covered bridges, barns and mountain views. After a few bends in the road, a clear view of the Montgomery Center for the Arts unfolds.
The Greek Revival building was empty the first time Sebastian Araujo saw it when he and his partner moved to town from Provincetown, Mass. The iconic building, perched at the intersection of Main Street and Mountain Road, is a former Baptist Church built in 1866.
“These buildings deserve to be restored. They deserve to be cherished. They deserve to be...2024-08-0136 minHappy VermontArt and Whimsy at the Sparkle Barn in WallingfordArtist and entrepreneur Stacy Harshman was living in New York and looking for a change. She Googled "nature, therapy, community, work and mountains" and landed in Vermont.
Seven years ago, she started the Sparkle Barn in Wallingford, which has become a wildly popular destination in this small town in Rutland County. The Sparkle Barn is a gift shop and art installation located in an old dairy barn on Route 7.
In this episode of Happy Vermont, Stacy shares how she created this special place and how she’s found healing, happiness and belonging in Vermont.
2024-07-1616 minHappy VermontA Place Called AdamantAdamant is an unincorporated Vermont village between Calais and East Montpelier. Its geographical boundaries are hard to define.
In this episode of Happy Vermont, Erica Houskeeper talks with three women about Adamant's history, the local co-op that's a community hub, and how Adamant is a state of mind.
https://happyvermont.com
https://www.adamantcoop.org
2024-06-0619 minHappy VermontPieces of History on Mount PhiloMount Philo in Charlotte stands at 968 feet. It offers some of the most beautiful views, plus hiking trails, an auto road and campsites. It became Vermont’s first state park 100 years ago in 1924.
Judy Chaves is the author of Secrets of Mount Philo: A Guide to the History of Vermont's First State Park. In this episode, we talk about Mount Philo's significance, its history and why people love this small Vermont mountain.
2024-05-2125 minHappy VermontAn Outdoor Recreation Renaissance in PoultneyOutdoor recreation is breathing new life into Poultney, which is home to Lake St. Catherine, the Poultney River, the Delaware and Hudson Rail Trail and Slate Valley Trails.
James Johnson lives off the grid in a yurt on land once owned by his grandmother. He's also the founder of the Fifth Season Race and Ride, a quirky mud season ride where participants ride around to local sugarhouses.
In this episode of Happy Vermont, James Johnson and other locals talk about life in Poultney, exploring the outdoors in Poultney, and why they call this tight-knit community h...2024-04-0930 minHappy VermontBackyard Rope Tows in VermontPete and Sandy Gebbie are farmers and skiers. They have three rope tows on their 400-acre property, which sits at an elevation of about 2,000 feet. When the snow is good, friends come over to ski.
This year marks the 90th anniversary of the first rope tow, which opened in Woodstock in January 1934.
In this episode, Pete and Sandy talk to host Erica Houskeeper about running a rope tow and what the tradition of rope tow skiing means to Vermonters.
2024-02-2223 minHappy VermontThe Early Days of Skiing at Stowe and the Remains of a Plane on Camel's HumpVermont’s skiing had a big year in 1934. Ninety years ago, the first rope tow opened in Woodstock. It’s also when the Stowe Ski Patrol got its start, when the Civilian Conservation Corps were busy building trails in Vermont, and when the first purpose cut ski trail was completed on Mount Mansfield.
Brian Lindner of Waterbury is a historian, ski patroller, and outdoor enthusiast. While hiking on Camel's Hump when he was a boy in the 1960s, he stumbled upon World War II plane wreckage, which sparked his lifelong interest in local history.
In this...2024-02-0933 minHappy VermontIn Vermont, Why Are Things Where They Are?Jane Dorney of Richmond is a geographer who helps people connect to the Vermont landscape and understand how it evolved.
She approaches her work with the geographer’s question: Why are things where they are?
In this episode of Happy Vermont, host Erica Houskeeper talks to Jane about settlement patterns, maps, town centers, villages, covered bridges and old mill sites.
https://janedorney.com
https://happyvermont.com
2024-01-2430 minHappy VermontAppreciating Mount Tom in WoodstockMount Tom in Woodstock isn’t a particularly tall mountain. But its environmental legacy, easy public access and central place in the community are monumental.
Mount Tom is where you’ll find miles of trails, beautiful views, a shining mountain top star, and the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park, the only national park in Vermont. It’s also where the American environmental movement was essentially born 160 years ago.
Host Erica Houskeeper talks with resident Randy Richardson about the mountain's legacy, hiking trails, and special place in the community. She also checks in with resident Norm Frates about...2024-01-1129 minHappy VermontAn Accomplished Marathon Runner Shares His Drive to Help OthersJohn Lent, of Waltham, started volunteering many years ago at the Vergennes Community Foodshelf with his late wife, Mary Ann. She was the driving force behind the couple’s volunteering efforts in the community. After Mary Ann died in 2020, John decided to keep volunteering in her honor.
John is not only an avid volunteer, he’s also an accomplished marathon runner. He’s completed marathons in all 50 states, all Canadian provinces, and all seven continents.
In this episode of Happy Vermont, John shares what motivates him to volunteer and why getting out of your comfort zone is...2023-12-0520 minHappy VermontFinding a Home for Roller-Skating in VermontAlicia Taylor and Joanna Alpizar met at a pop-up roller-skating event in Burlington. The two BIPOC women became fast friends and are now on a mission to create a public, welcoming, year-round space for roller-skating in the Burlington, Vermont area.
In this podcast episode of Happy Vermont, Alicia and Joanna talk about the joy of roller-skating, the history of roller-skating, and creating a welcoming skating space for the community.
Read the story here on HappyVermont.com.
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2023-11-2032 minHappy VermontDisappearances in Glastenbury, Witches in Pownal and Vampires in ManchesterJamie Franklin opened an exhibition at Bennington Museum earlier this year called Haunted Vermont, which explores disappearances in the Bennington Triangle and the work of mystery writer Shirley Jackson. Jackson lived in North Bennington and some of her work was inspired by the strange happenings in this area of Southern Vermont.
This episode of Happy Vermont highlights disappearances in Glastenbury, witches in Pownal, and vampires in Manchester and Shirley Jackson's work.
https://benningtonmuseum.org
https://happyvermont.com/2023/10/11/bennington-triangle-happy-vermont-podcast/
2023-10-1136 minHappy VermontHawk Watching on Putney MountainEvery fall, John Anderson of Dummerston and a group of volunteers monitor birds that are migrating south for the season.
For decades, these volunteers, known as the Putney Mountain Hawk Watchers, have recorded the number and kinds of hawks they see and report the information to Hawk Migration of North America, which maintains an online hawk count database.
Established in 1974, Putney Mountain Hawk Watch is the only autumn raptor watch in Vermont that is monitored daily between August and November.
In this episode of Happy Vermont, John talks about hawk watching, what it...2023-09-2914 minHappy VermontAt Shelburne Orchards, Nick Cowles Found His GrooveIf you’ve ever been to Shelburne Orchards, chances are you’ve seen or been lucky enough to meet owner Nick Cowles. Nick has spent most of his life at the orchard, which his father purchased in the 1950s. Nick loved growing up there, and when you visit, it’s easy to see why.
Host Erica Houskeeper met up with Nick to talk about apples, brandy, and how running the orchard changed his life for the better.
www.happyvermont.com
www.shelburneorchards.com
2023-09-1429 minHappy VermontHiking is Pure Joy for Vermont Attorney General Charity ClarkThe summer she turned seven years old, Charity Clark's first outing on Vermont's Long Trail was at Little Rock Pond in Mount Tabor. Years later, she completed the 272-mile footpath across the Green Mountains, the oldest long-distance hiking trail in the United States.
Today, Charity is Vermont's first female attorney general. Even with a busy schedule in Vermont’s highest law enforcement office, she spends as much time as she can outside—hiking, skiing or exploring the woods.
In this episode of Happy Vermont, Charity shares her love for hiking and the outdoors and why Vermo...2023-08-3039 minHappy VermontAfter the Flood: Exploring and Embracing VermontHappy Vermont podcast host Erica Houskeeper shares ways to explore Vermont this summer and fall. She also weighs in on why we can't take Vermont communities for granted.
happyvermont.com
2023-08-1512 minHappy VermontButterfly Watching in VermontTerri Armata of Bennington is one of Vermont’s most dedicated butterfly watchers. A retired hospital employee, Terri has seen about 100 species in Vermont, nearly every kind ever found in the state.
Host Erica Houskeeper met with Terri at Merck Forest in Rupert to talk about good places to find butterflies, her passion for butterfly watching, and Vermont's second Butterfly Atlas Project survey.
happyvermont.com
vermont-butterfly-atlas
merckforest.org
patreon.com/happyvermontpodcast
2023-06-2828 minHappy VermontThe Man Behind Woodchuck Golf, a Backyard, Six-Hole Course in WaitsfieldSpencer Potter created Woodchuck Golf in his backyard in Waitsfield in 2004. The six-hole course, which runs on donations, attracts golfers from near and far looking for an offbeat and challenging experience.
Happy Vermont podcast host Erica Houskeeper met up with Spencer to find out what motivates him about running a public backyard golf course in Vermont's Mad River Valley.
www.woodchuckgolf.com
happyvermont.com
2023-06-1416 minHappy VermontOld Trees at Gifford Woods State Park in KillingtonMost of Vermont's forests and hillsides were clear-cut in the late 1800s. But in a few places, like Gifford Woods State Park in Killington, old trees were spared and continue to stand tall today.
Host Erica Houskeeper talks to Vermont State Parks regional manager Rebecca Roy about ancient trees—some more than 300 years old—that visitors can see up close at Gifford Woods State Park.
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Learn more about Gifford Woods State Park: vtstateparks.com/gifford
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2023-05-2519 minHappy VermontHow Did You End Up Here?A question host Erica Houskeeper often asks people is, how did you end up in Vermont?
As she gets older, Erica thinks more and more about how she ended up in the Green Mountains more than 40 years ago. In this solo episode, she shares some personal memories of her family's early days in southern Vermont (a bittersweet, challenging time), and answers a few lighthearted questions from Happy Vermont readers and listeners.
Find Vermont stories: https://happyvermont.com
Find Vermont events: https://happyvermont.com/events/
Support Happy Vermont on Patreon: htt...2023-05-0113 minHappy VermontMaking Friends in VershireAfter moving to Vershire in 2020, Justin Willeau was eager to find ways to meet people in town and contribute to the community.
Vershire, a hard-to-get-to place in Orange County, doesn't have a coffee house or a bar. So Justin decided to create weekly get-togethers revolving around coffee and beer.
Justin started a Coffee Bar on Saturday mornings and a Beer Exchange on Thursday nights at the Church Orr House on Route 113.
In this episode, host Erica Houskeeper talks to Justin about serving in the Navy, getting involved in the community, and finding a p...2023-04-0425 minHappy VermontMaple Sugaring in Johnson is a Marvin Family TraditionButternut Mountain is the tallest peak that falls entirely within the town of Johnson. On the mountain's southern slope, the Marvin family owns 600 acres where they produce maple syrup for their business, Butternut Mountain Farm.
David Marvin started Butternut Mountain Farm in the early 1970s on land owned by his father, Dr. James Wallace Marvin, a botanist and the co-founder of UVM's Proctor Maple Research Center.
In this podcast episode of Happy Vermont, Butternut Mountain Farm's David Marvin and his children, Emma and Ira, talk with host Erica Houskeeper about the history of maple sugaring, h...2023-03-2327 minHappy VermontThe Magic of Blueberry Hill in GoshenTony Clark found his way to Vermont in the late 1960s. He bought an old farm in the middle of nowhere in Goshen and eventually turned it into an inn and cross-country ski center. One of his greatest legacies was helping to establish Vermont's 16,000-acre Moosalamoo National Recreation Area in 2007.
Tony died a year ago in March 2022. Host Erica Houskeeper met with his daughter, Britta, who grew up at the inn and is now working on her Ph.D. at Harvard. She is also helping to run the property’s Blueberry Hill Outdoor Center.
The ce...2023-03-0724 minHappy VermontVermont’s App Gap, Historic Routes and Dirt RoadsJohnathan Croft, who leads the mapping section at the Agency of Transportation, loves everything about Vermont roads. Johnathan met with host Erica Houskeeper to talk about the history of the McCullough Turnpike and the App Gap, as well as Vermont's toll roads, turnpikes, shunpikes, and the dirt roads of East Barnard.
Read more: https://happyvermont.com/2023/02/16/podcast-mccullough-turnpike-app-gap/
2023-02-1625 minHappy VermontSigns and Archives at Stratton Mountain ResortStratton Mountain may not be Vermont’s oldest ski area, but its history is iconic. Tucked away at the resort is a collection of Stratton Mountain signs, photos, and posters that tell the story of this Southern Vermont ski area that opened in 1961.
Over the past 54 years, Kimet Hand has collected everything from a bronzed tennis ball served by Ivan Lendl at Stratton’s Volvo International Tennis Tournament to signs made by ski school director Henrich, who was also an artist and a musician who played in the Stratton Mountain Boys.
In this episode, Erica Hous...2023-01-1337 minHappy VermontVermont Place Names Offer a Glimpse into Local HistoryIf you spend enough time in any Vermont town, you'll likely come across Vermont place names like Maple Corner in Calais, Snowsville in Braintree, and Hortonville in Mount Holly. These places are not official villages but rather unincorporated areas that are deeply rooted in the fabric of these communities.
Jackson Evans, president of the Braintree Historical Society, has lived in Braintree for over a decade.
“Place names are a real part of the history of any town,” Evans says. “So, when you're able to talk about those places or remember events that happened or people who li...2022-11-1839 minHappy VermontA Love for Restoring and Preserving Vermont’s Old CemeteriesThe Vermont Old Cemetery Association (VOCA), founded by the late Leon W. Dean in 1958, is a volunteer organization that restores and preserves public and private cemeteries that are neglected, abandoned, or in need of repair.
His granddaughter, Dianne Leary of Charlotte, is vice president of VOCA. She talks about her grandfather's legacy and what volunteering in cemeteries means to her.
https://happyvermont.com
https://voca58.org
2022-10-2826 minHappy VermontLocals Sing, Strum and Find Harmony at the Dover Town HallOpen Mic Night, held twice a month, was started in 2018 by East Dover resident Linda Sherman. A singer, songwriter, and guitar player, Sherman has been passionate about music since childhood. For years, she's wanted to create a performance space in the community.
In this episode of Happy Vermont, host Erica Houskeeper asks Linda Sherman about her lifelong passion for music, why she started Dover Open Mic Night, and the importance of performing in a safe, supportive space.
Article and photos:
https://happyvermont.com/2022/10/19/dover-open-mic-night-podcast/
2022-10-1924 minHappy VermontFall Foliage, Big Trees, and the Future of Vermont’s ForestsVermont is gearing up for another foliage season. If anyone can talk about fall foliage in Vermont, it's Mike Snyder, Commissioner of Forests, Parks, and Recreation.
Host Erica Houskeeper recently met with Mike in Mount Mansfield State Forest to discuss this year's fall foliage forecast. In this episode, Mike also shares the Vermont county with the most sugar maple trees, dives into details about big trees, and weighs in on private ownership of Vermont's forests.
https://happyvermont.com
https://vtcommunityforestry.org/places/big-trees
https://fpr.vermont.gov
2022-09-2041 minHappy VermontMain Street in BrattleboroIt’s tempting to describe Brattleboro as a mini-Burlington, but the town is very much its own place. Brattleboro’s Main Street is a vibrant place that's home to places like the Latchis Hotel and Theatre, which dates back to 1938, and Sam’s Outdoor Outfitters, a mainstay since the 1930s. A few doors down is the Brattleboro Food Co-op, which has been going strong since 1975.
There’s a big focus on local in Brattleboro—local food, local shops, local art.
Host Erica Houskeeper spent some time on Main Street to talk to people about why they love...2022-08-2529 minHappy VermontJackson’s Lodge, The Slash, and a Tiny International LakeAlong the Canadian border in Vermont's Northeast Kingdom is Lake Wallace, a small international lake in Canaan. There’s an area known as the slash–a treeless zone of land–that runs along the entire US-Canadian border. You can see the slash from the southeastern shore of Lake Wallace, where Jackson’s Lodge is located.
Jackson’s Lodge is a family-owned vacation spot that’s been in the Jackson family since the 1950s. Gloria Jackson purchased the lodge and cabins from her parents in the 1980s. One of the cabins at Jackson's Lodge is located less than a dozen feet f...2022-07-2733 minHappy VermontA Rare (and Adorable) Cattle Breed from Vermont Makes a Promising ComebackIf you’ve ever visited the Dene Farm at Hildene in Manchester or driven by a small farm in Vermont, perhaps you've come across some unusual black and white cattle that look a bit different from Holsteins or Jerseys.
These beautiful, speckled creatures are Randall Lineback cattle. Randalls originated decades ago on a farm owned by Samuel Randall and his son Everett in Sunderland.
When Everett Randall died in the 1980s, the cattle were sold to other farms, where they lived in less-than-ideal conditions and nearly disappeared. Today, the cattle are considered critically endangered.
B...2022-07-0817 min
In The Nick Of CrimeEpisode 6 - The Bennington Triangle DisappearancesHappy Tuesday, little creeps and freaks! In this week's episode, Michelle discusses the disappearances around Bennington Vermont, also known as the Bennington Triangle disappearances. This episode is a little wild, but we hope you have as much fun listening as we did recording it!
Thanks as always for listening!
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Source material for the episode:
https://allthatsinteresting.com/bennington-triangle
https://www.happyvermont.com/2014...2022-06-1456 min
Witches, Magic, Murder, & MysteryMYSTERY: What is Happening in the Bennington Triangle?!(We recorded this episode remotely, so the sound is a little different than usual. Remember how we always say “normalize imperfection?” We just like to practice what we preach.) When we started reading about the disappearance of Paula Jean Weldon, we had no idea what we were getting into. This story has everything—murder, mystery, a cryptid, possible supernatural stuff, aliens…you get the picture. It’s time to learn about the Bennington Triangle.The NEW MERCH is live in the podcast store! https://witches-magic-murder-mystery-podcast-store.myshopify.comThere’s bonus content, ad-free episodes, and other perks on our...2022-05-2746 minHappy VermontThe Past Meets the Present at Basin HarborBasin Harbor along Lake Champlain is a family-owned resort that’s been around since the 1880s. The resort has weathered the Great Depression, wars, pandemics, and recessions, and through it all managed to thrive.
Descendant Sarah Morris grew up at Basin Harbor, where she made lifelong friends and developed a strong work ethic under the guidance of her parents, Pennie Beach and the late Peter Morris. Now a fifth-generation host at the resort, Sarah can be found helping guests in the dining room, answering questions in the main lobby, and everything in between.
As the re...2022-05-1033 minHappy VermontLocal, Quirky and Old School: Erskine’s Grain & Garden in ChesterInside Erskine’s Grain & Garden, a fixture in Chester since 1952, customers will find flower seeds, chicken feed, farm tools, and everything in between.
The store, started by the Erskine family, is now owned by Janessa Purney and her husband, Burleigh Sunflower.
The building, located in Chester Depot, is a reason alone to visit. With its creaky floors and sliding wooden doors overlooking the railroad tracks, Erskine’s is one of the more quirky, old-time grain and garden stores you’ll find in Vermont.
https://erskinesgrain.com/
www.happyvermont.com
2022-04-2022 minHappy VermontMaple Sugaring is a Family Affair at April’s Maple in CanaanApril’s Maple in the small town of Canaan is located on the Canadian border in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom. April Lemay grew up in Canaan, left home for college, and worked in the corporate world before deciding to return to her hometown. She now owns and operates April's Maple, a Vermont maple farm and cafe along Route 114.
"I was anything but a farmer. I always thought I was destined to live in Boston or New York or somewhere a little less remote or rural," she says. "But the land was calling me back, and I didn't even...2022-03-2336 minHappy VermontIce Fishing in Vermont’s Champlain IslandsIn Vermont's Champlain Islands, where the land is flat and surrounded by water, ice fishing is a big deal this time of year. For Vermonter Bruce Batchelder, ice fishing has been an important part of his life for as long as he can remember.
A former educator and school administrator, Bruce and his wife Joanne have owned Holiday Harbor Lodge in North Hero for the past 16 years.
On a recent mid-February weekend, Bruce was particularly busy hosting a group of ice fishing enthusiasts for the 42nd annual Islands Ice Fishing Derby in northern Vermont.
...2022-03-0118 minHappy VermontThe Tradition of Town Meeting: A Conversation with Former Governor Jim DouglasTown meeting has been the basic system of governance for Vermont towns since the 1760s. But participation has been on the decline for several decades.
Former Governor Jim Douglas talks about the importance of town meeting, and shares why he is worried that this powerful local tradition might fade away.
www.happyvermont.com
2022-02-2131 minHappy VermontSoaking Up the Outdoors with Forest Bathing Guide Duncan MurdochDuncan Murdoch, a former actor, is a certified nature and forest therapy guide. He started forest bathing workshops in Central Park before returning to his home state of Vermont in 2015.
Forest bathing, which first originated in Japan, is a research-based practice for supporting healing and wellness through immersion in forests and other natural areas.
In this episode, Duncan talks about leaving acting behind, the beauty of nature, and how being a forest therapy guide changed his life.
Learn more about Duncan: https://natureconnectionguide.com or visit www.happyvermont.com
2022-01-3134 minHappy VermontSelling Christmas Trees is a Family Affair at Russell Farm in StarksboroRussell Farm in Starksboro has been in the Christmas tree business for 40 years. Located off Route 116 in Addison County, the family-owned former dairy farm is where locals and visitors flock to every November and December to cut their own Christmas trees.
A visit to Russell Farm includes a horse-drawn wagon ride, hot chocolate, homemade cookies, and lots of holiday cheer.
Host Erica Houskeeper talks with Russell Farm owner Dave Russell and his grandson Brandon about Christmas trees, the importance of tradition, and the future of the farm.
Learn more at www.happyvermont.com 2021-11-2921 minHappy Vermont15 Years Back in Vermont: Old Favorites and New (to me) PlacesHost Erica Houskeeper returned to her home state of Vermont in November 2006. In this episode, she shares some of her favorite areas of Vermont and talks about a few places she's come across and fallen in love with in recent years.
You can find more Vermont stories by Erica on www.happyvermont.com.
2021-10-2713 minHappy VermontStargazing at Vermont‘s Stellafane Convention of Amateur Telescope MakersHost Erica Houskeeper attended the annual Stellafane Convention of Amateur Telescope Makers in Springfield to see telescope makers in action. She also picked up some stargazing tips along the way.
2021-10-1420 minHappy VermontVermont Fall Foliage Outlook and Scenic State Lands to ExploreHost Erica Houskeeper meets up with Mike Snyder, Vermont's Commissioner of Forests, Parks, and Recreation to talk about how Vermont's fall foliage season is shaping up. They also compare notes about scenic Vermont state lands to explore this season and why fall foliage in the Green Mountain State is better than the rest.
2021-09-2830 minHappy VermontSlowing Down and Finding Happiness in WoodstockPatrick Fultz and Leslie Browne intended to buy a house in Woodstock, Vermont. Instead, they end up purchasing and renovating a motel outside the center of town. Host Erica Houskeeper interviews the couple about why they decided to move to Vermont and what advice they give to guests who are visiting the area.
2021-09-1632 minHappy VermontThe Roots of the Gilfeather Turnip Run Deep in Tiny WardsboroThe small town of Wardsboro is where you’ll find a country store, local library, post office, and town hall. High on a hill just outside of the center of town is the farm where John Gilfeather developed the Gilfeather turnip, which is now the official Vermont State Vegetable.
In this episode, host Erica Houskeeper talks with Wardsboro residents about John Gilfeather, the tight-lipped farmer behind the turnip and why the this heirloom vegetable is important to the community.
Update 8/30/2021 7 pm: I just received word that the 2021 Gilfeather Turnip Festival has been canceled.
2021-08-3017 minHappy VermontDreams Do Come True for This Middlebury Small Business OwnerNot only is Susan Shashok an environmentally conscious entrepreneur, she’s also civic-minded. Susan served on the Middlebury selectboard for seven years and is the town moderator for Middlebury’s annual Town Meeting—a position vacated a few years ago by former Vermont Governor Jim Douglas.
In this episode, host Erica Houskeeper talks to Susan about Caroline's Dream, the skincare company she founded 20 years ago. Susan shares the challenges and rewards of running a small business, and what it means to be an introvert, a Vermonter, and a healer.
Learn more about Susan at www.happyve...2021-07-0727 minHappy VermontReturning Home to Run the Rochester CafeIf you’ve ever driven down Route 100 through the town of Rochester, you’ve likely noticed the Rochester Café. Constructed in the 1880s, the building has been used over the years as a drug store, a bank, a dentist office, a barber shop, and even a funeral parlor.
For the past 30 years, the building has been home to the Rochester Café. Last year, Rochester native Stephanie Lary returned to her hometown to be the general manager of the café. In this episode, Stephanie talks about coming home to run the same cafe that she worked at as a teena...2021-06-2522 minHappy VermontDirt Road Rambles in VermontPaulette Staats and Paul Shriver of Braintree have explored more than 40 Vermont dirt roads by foot ever since they became empty nesters. The retired couple share some of their favorite dirt roads and what they've learned about each other and themselves on their walks.
2021-06-1015 minHappy VermontKendra Knapik Makes a Splash in Vermont's Tiny Wine Industry
Winemaker Kendra Knapik spent part of her childhood in Vermont's Champlain Islands, where her grandfather operated a dairy farm and later a golf course.
Kendra is a veterinary oncologist, and her husband Rob is a full-time professor and chair of the physics department at Norwich University. The vineyard is located in Grand Isle, while their winery – where they produce natural wine – is at their home in Stowe.
In this episode, Kendra talks about her path to becoming a vineyard owner, incorporating sheep into the vineyard, and why she feels at home in the Champlain Islands.
...2021-04-2430 minHappy VermontThe Joy of Spring (Mini-Episode)It’s March in Vermont, and those 60 degree days we’ve been having all week won’t last. They never do.
Still, the first week of spring in Vermont turned out to be one of the warmest and sunniest in recent memory. Host Erica Houskeeper talks to neighbors, kids, and other Vermonters about what they love most about the spring season.
2021-03-2608 min
Oy with the Terror PodcastEp. 2 Boston, Murder, and Triangles, Oh My!In the second episode, Danielle covers the Boston Strangler who terrorized the city throughout the early 1960s! Meanwhile, Sandra discusses the mysterious Bennington Triangle in Vermont where many hikers have disappeared on Glastenbury Mountain without a trace.
Danielle's Source:
BBC.co.uk
Sandra's Sources:
Legends of America: Exploring History, Destinations, People and Legends of this great country since 2003. https://www.legendsofamerica.com/bennington-triangle-vermont/
10 Creepy Mysteries of the Bennington Triangle- https://listverse.com/2019/03/12/10-creepy-mysteries-of-the-bennington-triangle/
https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/vermont/ghost-town-vt/
https://www.happyvermont.com/2014/10/23/glastenbury-ghost-town/2021-03-1259 minHappy VermontA Vision to Revive Historic Main Street in DanbyNancilee Kennedy arrived in southern Vermont in March 1971 and moved to Danby a decade ago. In recent years, she began to worry about her small community.
After the local general store in the heart of town closed its doors, Main Street became eerily quiet.
She decided to do something about it. In November, she opened Danby Village Shops, a local marketplace selling food, toys, home decor, self-care products, clothing, and more.
2021-02-2224 minHappy VermontWinter Swimming Adventures in Lake ChamplainArtist Katharine Montstream is a driving force behind the Red Hot Chilly Dippers, a dedicated group of adventurers that meet at Oakledge Park, Perkins Pier, or the Burlington waterfront for icy winter swims in Lake Champlain.
2021-01-3119 minHappy VermontLove, Loss, and Cows on a Vermont Dairy FarmAmy Richardson is a UVM alumna, mother of three, and Vermont dairy farmer. For 25 years, she's been part of the Richardson Farm, a dairy farm in Hartland that dates back to the early 1900s.
In this episode, Amy talks about balancing farm life and family, the heartbreak of losing a parent, and everyday things that bring her joy.
(recorded in August 2020)
2020-12-2153 minHappy VermontBackcountry Skiing Along Vermont's Catamount TrailThe Catamount Trail features more than 300 miles of backcountry skiing in Vermont. The trail extends the entire length of Vermont, winding through towns, villages, and remote sections of the state.
Matt Williams, executive director of the Catamount Trail Association, talks about what makes the trail special and offers tips on how beginners can try backcountry skiing this winter.
2020-12-0129 minHappy VermontVermont's 251 Club Inspires Exploration of Towns, Cities, Grants and a GoreThere are 251 cities and towns in Vermont, plus three gores and one grant. Some places you've probably heard of, like Burlington, Brattleboro, Woodstock, and Stowe. Then there are other places, including Lewis, Baltimore, and Victory, that are off the beaten path. Host Erica Houskeeper talks with Stephanie Young, executive director of the 251 Club, about the club's beginnings, what it offers, and why you should join.
2020-11-1125 minHappy VermontHow Captain Richard Phillips Changed the Trajectory of Alison Conant's LifeAlison Kosakowski Conant first came to Vermont in crisis mode.
While working in communications for Maersk, a global shipping company, she rushed from her home in New Jersey to Vermont in April 2009. The Maersk Alabama had been hijacked by four Somali pirates in the Indian Ocean. The ship’s captain, Richard Phillips of Underhill, Vermont, was taken hostage.
As the crisis unfolded, Alison was dispatched to the captain’s home in the small town of Underhill to manage the intense media spotlight on the Phillips family.
In this episode, Alison talks about her experie...2020-10-2629 minHappy VermontWhat Makes Vermont Weird?Chad Abramovich loves to explore the weird side of Vermont. Things like abandoned buildings, mysterious legends, and obscure places are right up his alley. Chad talks with host Erica Houskeeper about what makes Vermont weird and shares stories about strange and mysterious places in the state.
2020-10-1443 minHappy VermontThe Prettiest Vermont Towns to Visit During Fall FoliageFall in Vermont is all about hiking, scenic drives, apple picking and exploring small towns.
You can’t go wrong wherever you are in Vermont this fall—the leaves are changing across the state and there’s beauty to be seen in every direction.
In the fall, there are dozens of scenic towns worth visiting, including Craftsbury, Peacham, Ripton, Dorset, and Wilmington. Here's a list of towns to explore and things to do along the way.
You can learn more by visiting www.happyvermont.com
2020-09-2822 minHappy VermontWhy Vermont's Fall Foliage is Better than the RestMike Snyder is the go-to guy for Vermont fall foliage updates. As commissioner of Forests, Parks, and Recreation, Mike is known as Vermont’s Chief Foliage Forecaster, providing weekly foliage reports to the media and state tourism office.
In this episode, Mike chats with host Erica Houskeeper about the 2020 fall foliage season, the science behind why the leaves change, and what makes autumn in Vermont so special.
2020-09-2235 minHappy VermontThe Wild Fern Cafe Grows Community and Positivity in StockbridgeBaker and musician Heather Lynne runs The Wild Fern on Route 100 in Stockbridge, Vermont. She spends part of her week baking, cooking, and filling to-go orders for sourdough bread, sesame bagels, locally sourced beef burgers, and pesto pizza.
On other days, she is lining up musicians for drive-in concerts at the café’s outdoor pop-up stage or playing bass with her band, Rick Redington & The Luv.
She opened The Wild Fern after Tropical Storm Irene upended the state, causing widespread damage to many Route 100 towns in 2011. After the storm, Lynne realized that Stockbridge needed some sor...2020-08-3125 minHappy VermontThe History of Burlington Builds a Following on FacebookBob Blanchard, who grew up in Burlington, Vermont, started a Facebook group last year that highlights the history of his hometown.
With more than 10,000 followers, the popular Facebook page features old photos of Church Street, Battery Park, the Waterfront, local grocery stores, and neighborhoods around the city. Several times a week, Bob shares historic information that he has meticulously researched.
In this episode, Bob shares historic details about Burlington, including stories about a ravine that ran through the middle of the city, a radio tower that stood behind a building on College Street, and how l...2020-08-1838 minHappy VermontUnusual and Beautiful Places in VermontWhen you think of Vermont, what comes to mind? Ben & Jerry's? Maple syrup? Host Erica Houskeeper shares entertaining details about Vermont and recommends unusual, beautiful places to visit in the Green Mountain State.
2020-07-2120 minHappy VermontWhere to Explore the Vermont Outdoors this SummerTara Schatz of Bennington is an avid hiker, camper, and outdoor enthusiast who writes about her adventures on BackRoadRambers.com. Tara's travel blog offers tips about kayaking, camping, hiking, visiting state parks, and road trips around Vermont.
In this episode of Happy Vermont, Tara talks about camping at off-the-beaten path locations, exploring swimming holes, waterfalls, and hiking trails, and her favorite places in Vermont.
2020-07-0617 minHappy VermontMural Artist Kathryn Wiegers Paints the Town in VermontArtist Kathryn Wiegers is brightening up Vermont's downtowns with her giant, vibrant murals. Stroll along the streets of Rutland and you'll come across murals of elephants, giraffes, or even one that's a take on Rosie the Riveter as a COVID-19 essential worker.
In Burlington, her colorful flower mural can be seen at Green State Gardener on Pine Street, while two new murals by Kathryn will be installed at the Hilton Hotel and the UVM Medical Center.
In this episode, the mother of five and Rutland resident talks about the challenges and rewards of creating murals i...2020-06-2235 minHappy VermontUncertain About the Future, Vermont Musician Roy MacNeil Lives for the MomentRoy MacNeil of Greensboro, Vermont, was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in 2014. The diagnosis changed everything about his life, except for his love to create music.
2020-06-0935 minHappy VermontVermont Organic Dairy Farmer Abbie Corse Nurtures Her Family's Agricultural RootsWhile growing up on her family's dairy farm in Whitingham, Vermont, Abbie Corse couldn't wait to leave and do something else with her life. But when faced with a choice about her future, she realized she couldn't walk away.
2020-05-1841 minHappy VermontCharlie Emers Bakes Bread and Finds Happiness in VermontVermont baker Charlie Emers has been a professional bread baker since 2001. The former lamp maker and veggie farmer talks about becoming a baker and making a life for himself in rural Vermont.
2020-05-0431 minHappy VermontVermont Cheesemaker and Literary Agent Angela Miller Learns the Meaning of SurvivalAngela Miller of Consider Bardwell Farm in West Pawlet, Vermont, was on track to re-launch her cheesemaking operation, which had closed last fall. Then the COVID-19 outbreak happened, and the world changed.
2020-04-1824 minHappy VermontAn Innkeeper Finds Renewal in RiptonWhen Chris Bullock's life took an expected turn, he returned to Vermont to run The Chipman Inn—the same inn his mother had owned and operated 40 years ago.
2020-04-0120 min
Happy VermontThe Joys and Challenges of Running a Vermont Country StoreRunning a general store means juggling many tasks at once—tracking inventory, running a cash register, posting on social media, and greeting customers as they walk in the door.
For Jack Garvin—who has worked at the Warren Store in Warren, Vermont, for nearly 40 years—it’s also meant being an active community member, making lifelong friends, meeting a celebrity or two, and learning how to outgrow his previously shy nature and become a more outgoing individual.
2020-02-1637 minHappy VermontNortheast Slopes: A Vintage, Volunteer-Run Ski AreaIn East Corinth, Vermont, Northeast Slopes takes pride in what hasn’t changed since it opened 84 years ago. In this episode, we talk to Wade Pierson, who started skiing at Northeast Slopes as a young child in the 1960s. He’s now on the ski area’s board of directors and volunteers at the mountain.
2020-02-0235 min