December Blog: Hildene- A Lincoln Family Home

 

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December Blog: Hildene- A Lincoln Family Home- A Great Place to Visit Greetings! Happy Holidays from The Wilmington Inn! We hope everyone is enjoying the Holiday season. We recently had the chance to finally visit Hildene & wanted to share the history of The Lincoln Family Home with our guests. We highly recommend a visit while in Vermont. Don't forget to partake in our holiday gift certificate program- more information at the end of the blog. Happy Holidays to you & your family, we look forward to seeing everyone soon. Thank you, Charlie & Megan Hildene Hildene is located about 45 minutes from The Wilmington Inn in Manchester, VT. Hildene is the home of Robert & Mary Lincoln who built the home in 1905. Hildene is formed from two old English words: “Hil” meaning “hill” and “dene” meaning “valley with stream.” Robert and his wife Mary gave their Vermont home this name because it is perched on a hill overlooking the Taconic Mountains to the west, the Green Mountains to the east, and the Battenkill river flowing through the great Battenkill Valley below. Robert Todd Lincoln was the eldest of the four sons of President Abraham Lincoln and his wife Mary Todd Lincoln, and the only one of them to survive into adulthood. Robert grew fond of Manchester when he used to visit the area as a young man when he was visiting his mother. In 1903, Robert returned to Manchester & purchased 392 acres to build his family home. At the time, Robert was the President of Pullman Company which was the largest manufacturing company in the country. Robert Todd Lincoln had already served as secretary of war under two presidents and as ambassador to the Court of St. James. Robert & his family moved into the house in 1905. The beautiful estate boasts 14 buildings, these include but not limited to the home, formal garden, and observatory. Peggy Beckwith, Abraham Lincoln’s great-granddaughter and the last Lincoln descendant to live at Hildene, added more acreage to the estate. Peggy who lived full-time at the property expanded the farming operations for the estate that are still in place today. When Peggy died in 1975, she was the last descendent of the Lincoln Family. When she died in 1975, she left Hildene to the Church of Christ, Scientist in accordance with grandmother's wishes. The will stipulated that the Church maintain Hildene as a memorial to the Lincoln family. The Church didn't have the financial means to maintain the property. In 1978, a non-profit was formed to purchase the estate & maintain it as a historical venue. The now 412 acre estate, with its Georgian revival mansion and 14 historic buildings, includes the home, formal garden and observatory; Welcome Center and The Museum Store in the historic carriage barn; 1903 Pullman car, Sunbeam; and Hildene Farm. The farm includes a solar-powered goat dairy and cheese-making facility and, in the lower portion of the property—the dene--includes a teaching greenhouse, composting facility, animal barn, vegetable gardens, apple orchard, 600-foot floating wetland boardwalk and an 1832 schoolhouse. Historical information copied from www.hildene.org When to visit Hildene is a great destination to visit year-round. Guests can purchase admission for self-guided tours; tickets can also be purchased for guided tours of the house. During the summer, guests to the estate can view & walk through the historical garden pictured above. During the winter, volunteers decorate the house for the holidays. More information can be found here! Give the gift of travel! Don't forget about our Annual Gift Certificate promotion! For every $100 you purchase you will get an extra $25! And the best part? If you spend $300 or more, you will receive a complimentary Wilmington Inn water bottle! Wow- this is quite a deal! Here are some examples of what you will receive! Purchase a $100 gift certificate- Receive a total value of $125! Purchase a $200 gift certificate- Receive a total value of $250! Purchase a $300 gift certificate- Receive a total value $375 plus complimentary Wilmington Inn water bottle* Shop now > *while supplies last Thank you for your continued support Visit our website Our Packages Contact Us  ‌  ‌  ‌

June Blog: Visit Historic Bennington

 

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June Blog: Self-guided tours & history of Bennington Greetings! We hope everyone is having a great start to summer! The weather is beautiful in Wilmington & we are enjoying the warm days. Bennington is located about 25 minutes from Wilmington, full of history it is a great destination to tour while visiting the area. Thank you, Charlie & Megan History of Bennington Bennington, town (township), one of the seats of Bennington county (the other is Manchester Village), in the southwest corner of Vermont, U.S., on the Walloomsac River between the Taconic Range and the Green Mountains. It includes the villages of Old Bennington, Bennington, and North Bennington. The site, chartered as a town in 1749, was settled in 1761 and named for Benning Wentworth, governor of New Hampshire, who issued the grant. The settlers were led by Samuel Robinson, who camped in the river valley on his return from the French and Indian War. Within the year the group had organized a town-meeting government that has survived to this day with only slight modifications. These pioneers, among them Ethan Allen’s Green Mountain Boys, successfully resisted the claims to Bennington lands by absentee landlords of New York, and the independence of Vermonters was soon established. During the 19th century the town grew into a textile, pottery, wood products, and paper centre. Its present economy is based on manufacturing (batteries, automotive parts, composites, stoneware, plastic products, and hand tools), agriculture (including maple sugar), and tourism. Nearby ski areas attract many visitors. Extant colonial buildings include the Walloomsac Inn (in continuous service from the 1760s to the 1980s, when it became a private residence) and the houses of Parson Jedediah Dewey, Governor Isaac Tichenor, and General David Robinson. The Old First Church (1806) was restored in 1937; the grave of Robert Frost, the poet, is in the Old Burying Ground. The town is the seat of Southern Vermont College (founded 1926) and Bennington College (1932.) Battle of Bennington Battle of Bennington, (August 16, 1777), in the American Revolution, victory by American militiamen defending colonial military stores in Bennington, Vermont, against a British raiding party. After capturing Fort Ticonderoga (see Siege of Fort Ticonderoga) in July 1777, the British commander, General John Burgoyne, pushed into western New York State toward Albany. His long supply line to Canada could not provide adequate supplies, and so hoping to capture needed provisions and overawe New Englanders, he dispatched a well-equipped regiment to Bennington under the German colonel Friedrich Baum. The raiding force, numbering 800 Germans, British, Loyalists, and Indians, departed on 9 August and plundered the countryside for five days. On 14 August, a group of American militia sent by Vermont Brigadier General John Stark lost a skirmish with Baum’s raiders near Bennington. The American force grew to 1,100 men the next day when Stark arrived with reinforcements in heavy rain. Baum realized he was badly outnumbered. He sent a courier to Burgoyne requesting more troops and had his men build earth breastworks in the meantime for defense. On 16 August, Stark led his militia in a multipronged assault against Baum’s positions. The complex American plan worked perfectly, hitting the positions simultaneously from several directions. The Loyalists and Indians ran at the first volley, but the British and German regulars fiercely defended their redoubt for two hours until their ammunition was gone. In a vain attempt to break out, Baum had his dismounted Hessian cavalrymen draw sabers and attack on foot. Baum fell fatally wounded, and the survivors surrendered. Reinforcements sent by Burgoyne were delayed by the rain and arrived after the battle. Stark reformed his celebrating men and attacked the arriving Germans. In the fight, the German commander was killed and the rest forced to retreat. The outcome of this engagement went far in enhancing American morale. The battle, which took place at the site of the present village of Walloomsac, New York (several miles west of Bennington), contributed to the eventual defeat of Burgoyne. It is commemorated by a historical park near Walloomsac and by a 306-foot obelisk at the village of Old Bennington. Bennington Museum The Bennington Museum presents and explores the rich culture of southern Vermont, eastern New York State, northwestern Massachusetts, and southern New Hampshire in all its forms, from the 18th century to the present. The Museum, founded in 1875, has an outstanding historical collection centered on regional materials—particularly those associated with the Battle of Bennington in 1777 during the American Revolution, which took place several miles northwest of Bennington in what is now New York state. The museum includes genealogical records, the oldest stars-and-stripes flag in existence, an art collection containing stoneware and porcelain objects from local potteries, and paintings, including a number of works by Grandma Moses. More information here Tours Bennington boasts multiple driving & walking tours that bring you through the history of the area. The Bennington Museum has compiled a great list of these tours. More Information Here! Thank you for your continued support Visit our website Our Packages Contact Us  ‌  ‌  ‌

May Blog: Summer & Fall Events for 2021

 

Events & Festivals Summer & Fall 2021

Greetings!

It's is an exciting time as Vermont opens back up and events are on the horizon! We are excited to share a list of events & festivals this summer and fall in the areas surrounding Wilmington! So many of the return events are back such as; Marlboro Music Festival, Mount Snow Brew Fest, and the Wine & Harvest Festival. Come check out all of the fun experiences to be had while staying at the Inn. Dates are booking fast so we are sending a full list so you can plan ahead. Can't wait to see everyone soon!  Thank you, Charlie & Megan 

Events & Festivals Starting in July!

Here is a list of festivals & events to check out this summer & fall. Events are sorted by month. The events that are located in the Wilmington area are in yellow font! Ongoing local events: Wilmington Antique & Flea Market is open every weekend starting 5/23 through 10/24; hours are 9am to 4pm. Brattleboro Farmers Market is every Saturday till October 30th from 9am to 2pm.

July 7/3: Independence Day Fireworks at Mount Snow Dover, VT SVDV Chamber of Commerce is hosting the Annual Independence Day Fireworks at Mount Snow! More Information here 7/17: Opening weekend at Marlboro Music Festival Marlboro, VT Marlboro Music Festival is a collection of musical artists from around the world that collaborate to create performances open to the public on weekends. Tickets are limited! More Information here 7/17: Deerfield Valley Rotary Club Annual Garden Tour Wilmington, VT The Deerfield Valley Rotary Club's Garden and Music Event. Visit beautiful gardens in Wilmington and Dover and see local musicians live! More Information here 7/24: Week 2 concerts at Marlboro Music Festival Marlboro, VT Marlboro Music Festival is a collection of musical artists from around the world that collaborate to create performances open to the public on weekends. Tickets are limited! More Information here 7/26: SVDV Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament Wilmington, VT Southern Vermont Deerfield Valley Chamber of Commerce holds our Annual Golf Tournament at Haystack Golf Course More Information here 7/30: Southern Vermont Art & Craft Festival Bennington, VT A festive mid-summer gathering featuring 125 artists, artisans, and specialty food makers displaying and selling a diverse selection of handmade goods accompanied by live music, fabulous food trucks, and Vermont Craft Beer. More Information here 7/31: Week 3 concerts at Marlboro Music Festival Marlboro, VT Marlboro Music Festival is a collection of musical artists from around the world that collaborate to create performances open to the public on weekends. Tickets are limited! More Information here

August 8/5-8/8: Old Home Week in Wilmington Wilmington, VT Old Home Week is a town event held every 10 years. It is best described as a town reunion, a celebration of Wilmington's citizens, past, present, and future, and an honoring of its history. Events include a parade, a town dinner, and family reunions, and tours of local points of interest. More information here 8/6-8/14 Wilmington, VT Come celebrate everyone's love of Blueberries! A full week-long celebration starting with a Block Party on 8/6! Lots of fun for the whole family! More information here 8/6: 47th Annual Adams Agricultural Fair Adams, MA An annual celebration of our heritage, culture, and community, as the fair provides good whole family fun at this true agricultural fair, with great entertainment, friendly competition, and educational experiences for the whole family. More Information here 8/7: Week 4 concerts at Marlboro Music Festival Marlboro, VT Marlboro Music Festival is a collection of musical artists from around the world that collaborate to create performances open to the public on weekends. Tickets are limited! More Information here 8/7: Summer HomeBrew Festival 2021 Bennington, VT The Summer HomeBrew Festival is meant to highlight the unbelievable talent of the homebrewers in our region. The festival taps the best home brewing talent from Vermont, Mass, NY, and beyond! More Information here 8/14: Closing weekend at Marlboro Music Festival Marlboro, VT Marlboro Music Festival is a collection of musical artists from around the world that collaborate to create performances open to the public on weekends. Tickets are limited! More Information here

September 9/4: Garlic & Herb Festival Bennington, VT This Southern Vermont Festival keeps getting better and better. In 2021, Bennington’s Garlic and Herb Festival will celebrate its 26th year. Garlic ice cream, garlic goodies, and other local delicacies to eat on-site and to take home. And, some of the best artisan vendors in the Northeast. This event is full to the brim with fun – Bounce houses, kiddy train, beer tents, and live music. More Information here 9/4: 26th Annual Mount Snow Brewers Festival Dover, VT The renowned celebration of beer, music, and food is back! While this year’s version will be scaled back to maintain safety protocols, we still promise a great time and fantastic beers. Enjoy 20 breweries pouring a variety of beers and ciders, delicious food options, and quality live music throughout the event. Tickets will be available to purchase soon and they will be limited! More Information here 9/18: Bennington Annual Food Truck Festival Bennington, VT Food lovers will want to make their way to downtown Bennington on September 14th for the annual Bennington Food Truck Festival. Food trucks and vendors from Vermont and beyond will be serving a wide variety of dishes, such as Thai, Jamaican, comfort foods, classic treats, unique sandwiches, maple items, desserts, BBQ, international fare, wings, smoothies, slushies, and more! Local musicians. More Information here 9/24: Fresh Grass Festival at MassMoCA North Adams, MA An opportunity for enthusiasts to both appreciate and participate, FreshGrass is a family-friendly bluegrass festival, brimming with bright talent on four stages, and also in our galleries, brick-lined courtyards, and grassy field. More Information here 9/24: Annual Wine & Soup Stroll in Wilmington Wilmington, VT With over 20 soups to sample and judge and close to 30 wines to taste! Enjoy the historic village of Wilmington, VT, and the fantastic soups crafted by our valley chefs. After party at The Wilmington Inn to announce soup contest winner and draw raffle prizes. More Information here 9/25: Wine & Harvest Festival at Mount Snow Dover, VT Set in the backdrop of our world-renowned Vermont fall foliage,  attendees of the 12th Annual Vermont Wine & Harvest Festival  will discover, savor and enjoy Vermont vintners, small specialty food producers, chefs, painters, publishers, cheese makers, potters, jewelers, photographers, and farmers. More Information here 9/25: 2021 Winchester Pickle Festival Winchester, NH There will be live music, lawn games, a pickle parade, a pickle eating contest, local food trucks, and more. In addition, there will be a variety of vendors offering pickle items and more. More Information here 9/26: Vermont Wildlife Festival at Mount Snow Dover, VT The Vermont Wildlife Festival was first held in 2010 on Hogback Mountain in Marlboro Vermont. It was originally intended as an opportunity for locals and visitors to the region to share their passion for the outdoors in all its facets. Representatives from the hunting and conservation communities, wildlife rescues, State agencies, and nature centers all came out for a fun day of learning and fun in beautiful Vermont outdoors! More Information here

October 10/1: Manchester Fall Art & Crafts 40th Festival Manchester, VT Find handcrafted creations made by expert Artists and Artisans, and meet the actual makers of the work. Visitors also enjoy the Specialty Foods and Spirits tent, with producers of Vermont products including maple syrup, craft distilled spirits, and other gourmet items. Also find wine, beer, and great food to eat on-site while you enjoy live music and other entertainment. More Information here 10/9: 23rd Annual Mount Snow OktoberFest Dover, VT Mount Snow Oktoberfest is back! This year’s version will be scaled back, but will still offer the beer, schnitzel, and Oom-pah music that you love. Enjoy a selection of beers from German and domestic breweries as well as authentic German fare. If safety protocols allow, they will have annual games like the keg toss, yodeling contest, and stein holding. Tickets will be available to purchase soon and they will be limited! More Information here 10/9: Newfane Heritage Festival Newfane, VT Every October for the last 50 years locals and visitors alike have enjoyed the Newfane Heritage Festival, which showcases a juried selection of artists and craftspeople, as well as delicious food, a used goods sale (the Flea Tent), a Super Raffle, children’s activities, and live entertainment. More Information here 10/23: Gilfeather Turnip Festival Wardsboro, VT  America’s best turnip culinary event! Join the whole town for Gilfeather Turnip soup at the outdoor soup kiosk, farmers’ market, dozens of culinary-related craft vendors, 1000+ lbs of Gilfeather Turnips, and Gilfeather Turnip seeds. Also on sale: Gilfeather Turnip Festival t-shirts, Turnip logo gifts, and more. More Information here

Check out our local summer activities!

The Deerfield Valley is host to lots of different activities! Check out our website link below! Summer Activities

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