Tag: New England

Kendall on Prepping for the Cold Weather Season

by thesaltyexchangeLeave a Comment on Kendall on Prepping for the Cold Weather Season
Photo by Aleksandr Slobodianyk on Pexels.com

It gets cold here in Vermont. Yesterday morning it was 28 degrees… and that’s not even that cold. If you are going to live in New England, there are some things you gotta do to survive your first cold weather season (November- April). 

  1. Cold weather gear. It’s expensive but worth it. You do actually need that jacket that will keep you warm up to -35 degrees. Socks, mittens, base layers, hats, pants, tops, etc… yup, you need it all. 
  1. Prepare your car. Soooo the salt from the roads (to help with snow) is known for rusting cars out. Prepare by getting your undercoat sprayed with a protective layer or washing your car often. I am talking once a week in the winter to help get all of the crud off. 
  1. Prepare your house. Make sure you have full tanks or plenty of propane or oil. If you are lucky enough to be on natural gas then disregard. While many tanks are supposed to be designed to alert companies when you are low on fuel, still keep an eye on it. It’s been known to fail. 
  1. Get a cold weather hobby. It’s easy to stay inside November 1st- April 30th. DON’T. There are so many wonderful things to do like snowshoeing, skiing, snowboarding, playing hockey, or ice fishing. And if there isn’t a ton of snow on the ground and it’s sunny, bunde yourself up and go on a walk. Vitamin D will do you good. 
  1. Don’t wait to do any of the above. Resources are slim for many right now. Things are running out and if you want or need something to get you through these cold temps, go buy them now. Don’t make me say, “I told you so.”

For many, the cold of Vermont is a major turn-off. Personally, I love it. I love the crisp air, the snow (and snowshoeing), and snuggling up with a puzzle or book at night when it’s colder than balls outside. We currently have lots of people moving here and it’s almost sweet how unprepared they are for the cold weather. 

With these colder temperatures also comes some changes to our economy… businesses tend to have winter hours because not as many people are staying out as often or as late. Many just simply don’t have a ton of work in the winter because people aren’t having work done at this time. Others have taken their landscaping trucks and turned them into a private plowing service for a business parking lot. And then, there are those who were hit incredibly hard by the COVID-19 pandemic… and they need help. SO if you have any extra or unused cold weather gear, please think about donating it or putting it on FB marketplace. Please also consider reaching out to your local food bank to see what they need every few months. At present, a lot of places are trying to get stock in for Thanksgiving so that bellies can be full on November 25th. Keep checking in if you are able to. Let’s take this time to help each other out and be kind. It’s already dark and chilly outside- let’s not put that in our hearts, eh? And PLEASE, send us an email at thesaltyexchange@gmail.com if you need help. Shari and I will do our best to get you assistance if you want it. 

Stay warm, friends.

Kendall: Fall in Vermont

by thesaltyexchangeLeave a Comment on Kendall: Fall in Vermont

Vermont in the autumn time is breathtaking. Like, breathtaking. The leaves draw in a lot of tourists from around the New England area this time of year and this year is no exception. Last year, the leaves started to turn a bit early. This year? A little later. The “peak” leaf time frame is projected to be soon- within the next 10-12 days. What this means is that the colors will be the most vibrant and dense between now and the end of next week. Today, I actually took a very out of the way road home JUST to see the leaves. And let me tell you- they. did. not. disappoint. 

My backyard!

As a lover of all things fall, Vermont is the perfect place for me. Even my backyard is gorgeous this time of year… despite the dying plants that are about to get cleaned up for fall clean-up (a very big thing in Vermont). While travelling is still a little tough for some, if you happen to find yourself headed this way any time soon (or even next year), here are some fun things to check out around the state!

Smugglers Notch Road-

This is a historical path in VT. It’s also very dangerous and closes for the long winter months due to the inclement weather and the danger it poses to the road. It’s a sharp and windey path and if you come, do me a favor. SLOW DOWN. We all know you’re a tourist if we see you taking the turns on the road like a total fool (Yup- I am talking you, Massachusetts.). But, if you can- it’s worth the drive. The leaves are seriously gorgeous and make you feel like you are in a movie. 

Apple Picking-

Apple picking is hot here. There are so many local orchards. Some have already picked apples so that you can buy a bag while others let you hit the trees to grab your own. The orchards are usually incredibly family friendly and offer snacks, creamies (a big thing in New England), and even have activities for kids! 

Visit a Brewery-

So apparently there are brewery tours? I can’t speak to that but I am sure you can google it. What I can tell you is that this is a fantastic time to visit a brewery. The weather isn’t too hot and it’s not balls cold yet. I love a brewery with good beer AND good food. Some of my favorites include Zero Gravity, Fiddlehead, and Four Quarters.

Visit Cold Hollow Cider Mill-

Located in Waterbury, VT, Cold Hollow Cider Mill is THE place to get your apple cider donuts. You can also watch them press fresh apple cider. The smell of the place alone will make your mouth water. And for all of your touristy needs, they have a ton of stuff for you to buy to take a little bit of VT home with you or to someone else! AND across the driveway is their restaurant called, Apple Core. This belongs to Cold Hollow and is their luncheonette where you can have a delicious sandwich and sample local hard ciders. They also have a few brews on tap. Find something you like? See if it is their retail space behind the register and take it with you on your journey! 

Maple Syrup-

It’s everywhere. Seriously. If you want local syrup, keep your eye out for roadside stands. If you are desperate, most grocery stores sell local stuff too. It’s EVERYWHERE! OR if you are me, you are lucky that your neighbor taps some of the trees in his backyard during the winter and makes his own… and he even shares! I call that winning. 

Fall Festivals-

There a ton. Most fall festivals have great food, local artists, and general fun for the family. This weekend alone there are about 5 happening throughout Vermont. Google it and find one near you! 

If you come to Vermont, come to relax and enjoy the scenery. People are friendly and welcome your company. There is so much to see, taste, and do here at this time of year. It’s hard not to enjoy it- even if you are a bit sad that the summer weather is gone for the next 7 months… There’s nothing like fall in Vermont!