Stone City Treehouse & Glamping

April Happenings in the Hills

Sun, 12 Apr 2026 16:20:36 GMT

The hills may be bare, but the community is full of life.

Don’t let our winding dirt roads fool you — this little corner of Vermont knows how to have a good time! Whether you’re craving live tunes, tasty treats, or small-town charm, there’s plenty to explore this month. Check out what’s happening right here in our neck of the woods, and make it part of an unforgettable stay at the treehouse ! Don't forget to make the most of your stay by enjoying your complimentary sauna at the Forest Spa and our Add-on's !

Community members can book a two-hour Streamside Sauna Session here!

Here are some ongoing events and calendars:

The Civic Standard in Hardwick has a steady stream of both ongoing activities and special events - check out their entire calendar here!

The Den at Harry's Hardware i n Cabot (NEW ENGLAND’S ONLY BAR IN A HARDWARE STORE)valso has an ongoing stream of great music and fun community events!

The Open Space in Hardwick has ongoing yoga, qigong, and other healthy activities! The Open Space Studio is a fully equipped movement studio located inside of Wellness 101 in Hardwick, Vermont. With an emphasis on breath work and meditation, the Open Space promotes thoughtful and accessible yoga to promote both physical and mental well-being.

The Highland Center for the Arts in Greensboro i s a local community arts center that believes the arts inspire joy, contemplation, and conversation through distinctive performances, exhibitions, and events. The Highland Center for the Arts offers a home for artistic expression, shared experience, and a sense of belonging. Check out their ongoing events in the link!

Tara at Vermont Explored put together this Massive Vermont Bucket List - Worth checking out - all of Vermont's best!

Vermont Vacation Statewide Events Calendar - Gather together to watch as live music lights up historic downtowns and waterfronts, treat the whole family to a Vermont fair or festival as foliage bursts forth, or get outside in the winter for carnival activities like ice carving and snow volleyball. An event in the Green Mountains is an experience worth planning your trip around.

Vermont's Northeast Kingdom Events Calendar - Check out what's going on in Vermont's Northeast Kingdom!

Vermont Explored: Spring in Vermont: 14 Fun Events in April and May in 2026

Local happenings include:

Bookmaking & Printmaking Workshops, Apr 4, 2026, 10 AM to 5 PM - Join us for BOOKMAKING/BOOKBINDING on Saturday, April 4th from 10-5pm in the new Parker Ladd Community Room at Jeudevine Memorial Library in Hardwick, VT. This is the second class in this series of three wildly fun and informative Art workshops! Take one, two or all three! All skill levels are welcome. Spring is a perfect time for creating: beautiful art, handmade Mother's Day gifts, garden | writing | art journals, beautiful handprinted patches, bandanas, banners and more!

Vermont Sauna Festival, Saturday, April 11th, Burlington, VT - a full-day celebration of sauna culture, ritual, and community. Experience 7 unique saunas, 8 guided aufguss ritua ls, and 5 internationally renowned sauna practitioners sharing traditions from around the world. Throughout the day, enjoy aromatherapy, guided cold plunge experiences, and time to gather, rest, and connect between rounds of heat

Hardwick State, April 17-19th, Hardwick - A town-wide, weekend-long, pop-up Free University.

Pippin, April 17-19 and 24-26, Hyde Park, VT - The acclaimed musical Pippin is coming to Lamoille County Players this spring, captivating audiences with high-energy performances, mesmerizing choreography, and an infectious score that includes timeless hits like “Magic to Do” and “Corner of the Sky.”

Some April highlights (from a HR newsletter from the State of Vermont - my regular job) include:

Month-long:

Celebrate Diversity Month , USA
Arab-American Heritage Month , USA

April 2: Hanuman Jayanti (Hinduism) marks the birth anniversary of Lord Hanuman during the Chaitra Purnima (full moon) day. Hanuman is revered for his unwavering loyalty.

April 3 : Good Friday (Christianity) Good Friday's historical context centers on the Christian commemoration of Jesus Christ's crucifixion. Traditional Good Friday foods center on fish, seafood, and meatless dishes, reflecting fasting and abstinence.

April 7: International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi in Rwanda - The date marks the start of the 1994 genocide, which lasted for the 100-day period to mid-July 1994.

April 8: International Romani Day To celebrate the rich culture, language, and heritage of Roma around the world, and a day to remember that many Roma continue to suffer from systemic discrimination and violence.

April 13 : Theravada New Year (Buddhism) coincides with the lunar calendar and typically falls in April. This New Year festival doesn't just mark the beginning of a new lunar year but is deeply rooted in Buddhist traditions. It represents a time of reflection, meditation, and renewal of spiritual commitments.

April 15: National American Sign Language (ASL) Day Day of observance celebrating American Sign Language.

April 18: World Heritage Day (a.k.a. International Monuments and Sites Day). To spread awareness about preserving the history, diversity, and vulnerability of world heritage sites and monuments. Also intends to recognize the efforts of all people like architects, engineers, geographers, civil engineers, artists and archaeologists, who contribute towards conserving the heritage.

April 23: UN Spanish Language Day Spanish Language Day celebrates the one of the most spoken languages in the world (currently, there are more than 534 million Spanish speakers in the world, behind only English, Mandarin, and Hindi). It’s also a day to honor the most revered writer in the Spanish language, Miguel De Cervantes Saavedra.

Driving the back roads during mud season

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 17:09:59 GMT

It's an art and a science!

Where I grew up, near Saratoga, NY, the far end of my road was a dirt road, and it continued on the other side of the semi-major road crossing through it. It was the only dirt road I knew of in my area. So moving to Vermont on my 18th birthday, way back in 1990 (do the math :), it was a different story, and still is - 55% of Vermont's roads are dirt! And, there are different classes of dirt roads - from relatively well-maintained (Class 3) to rarely maintained (Class 4) .

Right in our back yard there are a few Class 4 roads that I strongly warn folks against driving on. In the summer one of them becomes a swamp and the other is usually passable, but only with vehicles that have some clearance because of ruts and large rocks in the road. In the winter, these roads become VAST snowmobile trails , and when people choose to drive on them, generally they get stuck and need a tractor to come get them out. GPS can bring people through some of these routes, so I always suggest to do some research before heading out. For our guests, I warn, "***IMPORTANT!!!*** If your GPS takes you up Coits Pond Rd., Corner Rd, Township Highway 45, or Dusty Swamp Rd, make sure to find another route. These are class four roads that are pretty rough to get over - impassable in the winter (no joke - they become snowmobile trails)."

Driving the back roads during mud season - when the ground is starting to defrost and the roads become muddy - can be quite an adventure! I have a vivid memory of driving along a dirt road in the mid-90's and up ahead we see a car stuck right in the middle of the road. We didn't have many options, and when things are really muddy, you need to keep moving or you'll get stuck! So, on this narrow back road we stepped on the gas and squeezed between the stuck car and a drop down to a ravine! Luckily, we made it just fine - I have to say, that was some skilled driving and really got the adrenaline moving!

What I typically recommend to our guests when coming during mud season is to drive slowly and pick your way through the potholes, because potholes are pretty much guaranteed and they shake you to your bones! If the mud looks deep, look for an alternative route, or if you decide to go for it, get some speed, pick the tops of the ruts, and realize there's no turning back, unless you want to get stuck, so don't stop or even slow down

The other thing to consider whether you're driving on the dirt roads or paved, are frost heaves. I don't remember seeing a sign for frost heaves before moving to Vermont, but basically a big dip can form across the road and if you're going too fast, you can bottom out. So, pay attention to those signs and keep an eye out for them, because the signs aren't always there.

Oddly, every year the severity of mud season is different and I haven't figured out how to anticipate how it will play out, or where the bad sections will be. I'm not sure anyone has! If you know how to predict this, let me know! It can also happen any time between January (rare and limited) through April, with March and April being the worst.

So bring your vehicle with the highest clearance, ideally with 4WD, and experience the adventure of mud season in Vermont!

Do you have any recommendations for driving the back roads during mud season?

What's coming up for summer at Stone City?

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 16:16:49 GMT

Things move slowly here, but they're moving!

One of the exciting things about developing this beautiful property is adding to it and making improvements. It's also one of the more frustrating things because I have so many plans and only so much time and money to do them. So, every year I need to make hard choices and there's always more that I want to do than I'm able to.

This isn't new to me - in fact, it has always been this way at Stone City! After initially building the house, no improvements happened for about 15 years! It is only in the last ten years that I have been able to build the treehouse, add sheds, build a porch and decks on the house, the sauna, and the tent platform. It was pretty sparse before I was able to build those. Anyway, I'm certainly not complaining, and I have so much gratitude for this land and homestead, and that I'm able to do this fun work!

So.... drumroll....

This year, the plan is, at a minimum, to:

Get the new timber-framed, six-sided cabin to a place that people can stay on the main floor in the warmer months. It is unlikely to get winterized, but I am hoping that you and I can start enjoying this beautiful and special place!
Move the two-person hot tub out by the sauna. This will be set up similarly to the sauna and be available by reservation (no charge for our guests), and folks can reserve this private space for themselves!

Other things I'm hoping to do, but are lesser priority, include:

Building a walking path around the property
Replace some sod on a path with creeping thyme
Build a brick path to the house from the driveway
A few projects inside the house, like doing a few minor improvements to the shared, downstairs bathroom
Build a wood shed
Building a shelter for bicycles
Moving our recycling/trash shed

There are so many other things I plan to do over the coming years, but these are my hopes and wishes for this coming season, and I hope to share them with you!

Keep an eye on our Instagram and our Newlsetter to follow along!

March Happenings in the Hills

Sun, 22 Feb 2026 18:15:13 GMT

The hills may be bare, but the community is full of life.

Check out what’s happening right here in our neck of the woods, and make it part of an unforgettable stay at the treehouse ! Don't forget to make the most of your stay by enjoying your complimentary sauna at the Forest Spa and our Add-on's !

Community members can book a 2 1/2-hour Streamside Sauna Session here!

Here are some ongoing events and calendars:

Artistic Mending Pop-Up, Front Seat Coffee, Every Friday from 7-9am - Repair of Knitted and Woven Fabric: Darning, Patching, Sashiko, Replacing Knitted Stitches. Are there moth holes in your sweater? Rips in your pants? Blown out elbows in your favorite shirt? - Go talk to Gwen

The Civic Standard in Hardwick has a steady stream of both ongoing activities and special events - check out their entire calendar here!

The Den at Harry's Hardware in Cabot ( NEW ENGLAND’S ONLY BAR IN A HARDWARE STORE)v also has an ongoing stream of great music and fun community events!

The Highland Center for the Arts in Greensboro is a local community arts center that believes the arts inspire joy, contemplation, and conversation through distinctive performances, exhibitions, and events. The Highland Center for the Arts offers a home for artistic expression, shared experience, and a sense of belonging. Check out their ongoing events in the link!

Tara at Vermont Explored put together this Massive Vermont Bucket List - Worth checking out - all of Vermont's best!

Vermont's Northeast Kingdom Events Calendar - Check out what's going on in Vermont's Northeast Kingdom!

Here are some specific Local highlights, curated just for you!

Breathwork for Deep Healing at Sierra Dawn McFeeters in Woodbury, VT, February 28, 2026, 12-4pm - Breathwork has been used for millennia to enhance health and connection with spirit. The aim of this workshop is to connect to the divine within ourselves, our true nature, our souls. The breathing technique helps to move stagnant energy in the body allowing physical healing and emotional release. Many have healed old wounds, discovered unhealthy patterns of thought and behavior, or found a spark to ignite inner creativity.

Sweet Cicely Harry's Hardware, Cabot, Saturday, February 28, 2026, 7:00 PM 9:00 PM - Sweet Cicely is Northern VT folk-grass fun! Fran Forim on upright bass, Marc Edwards on lead guitar, Hank Clark on mandolin and Christine Malcolm on rhythm guitar and washboard. They hope to see you out in the wild!

Hill Farmstead Brewery Winter Gathering, March 1st from 11:30 - 3pm, Greensboro - With a nod to the first Winter Gatherings (a mere 15 years ago, in February 2011), we invite you to join us for a casual celebration of Vermont’s heartiest season on Sunday, 1 March. Don your winter coat and join us for an afternoon of warmth—both inner and outer—surrounded by the beauty of Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom in full winter regalia.

Greensboro Historical Society presents FarmBoy (Vt made movie) Fellowship Hall Greensboro Church, March 1st at 1pm. Free but donations accepted

Town Meeting Day, all over Vermont, Tuesday, March 3rd - Vermont town meeting is direct democracy practiced in its purest form. It is the key to town government, as voters determine the town business for the coming year.

Full Blood Worm Moon & Total Lunar Eclipse: March 3: Catch the eclipse just before sunrise! Look west around 6 AM for a spectacular view.

First Friday Pie Cafe, Mar 06, 2026, 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM The Civic Standard, 39 S Main St, Hardwick - The First Friday of March is the grand opening of our Pie Cafe! Sweet and Savory pies and hot beverages will be availble upstairs in the cafe, and there will be live music in the living room. First Friday Special is a new program at the Civic. Each month we'll have an event- music, movies, games or something else!

Comedy Night - Open Mic!, The Den at Harry's Hardware, Cabot, Friday, March 6, 2026, 8:00 PM 9:00 PM - It’s the first Friday of the month, which means it’s time for our Open Mic Comedy Night at The Den! A night of belly laughs, smiling so hard your face hurts, and letting the stress melt away with natures best cure - laugher! Want to get up on stage and create the laughs? Email info@harryshardwarevt.com to sign up.

Scrabble History and Play, Saturday, March 7, 2026, 10:30 AM 12:00 PM, Greensboro Free Library - Join us to hear Stanley Parsons share stories about running a sawmill in Hardwick that was once the largest supplier of Scrabble pieces. He will talk about life at the mill, the history of the game, and other fascinating stories about growing up in Vermont. Stay afterward for snacks and a friendly game of Scrabble with neighbors and friends. Stanley Parsons is also a Grandmaster of martial arts at Pyramid Blackbelt Academy in Hardwick. For more information, contact Emily Purdy at greensborokids@gmail.com or call the library at 802 533 2531. This program is free and open to all.

Hardwick Community Winter Market, Hazen Union, Hardwick, Sunday, March 15th, 2026, 10 AM to 1 PM - All three markets will be happening in the Hazen Union High School gymnasium so there's plenty of parking & attendance is free! We hope you'll join us in coming out to support your local growers, producers, artisans, and youth/students! There will also be some great opportunities to support yourself in our 'winter wellness' area with a chair massage, reiki session, aromatherapy etc. Other elements include: Free live music, lots of new & familiar faces, tons of yummy local food , prepared/lunch options, fun kids activities and a FREE $10 value meal & grocery voucher for the first 100 customers to arrive. These are going to be really fun community events with something for everyone!

New Moon: March 19:A perfect night for stargazing under a clear, dark sky.

March 20: Spring Equinox: Celebrate the change of seasons… Welcome spring!

Puzzling For the Pantry fundraiser, March 21st at 2pm - bring canned good or donation; do a jig-saw, win a door prize Fellowship Hall, Greensboro Church

Maple Open House Weekend, March 21 & 22 all over Vermont : This is a sweet tradition you won't want to miss!

Seed Swap & Social!, Mar 22, Jeudevine Memorial Library, North Main Hardwick, VT - It's time for the Swap Sisters' annual Seed Swap and Social! All are welcome to the social whether you are a new gardener in need of seeds or an old pro with homegrown or extra seeds to share! We will ask participants to introduce themselves and share if they brought any seeds that have a story or need special instructions, then start the free-for-all seed swap. In years past the swap has offered a lot of donated seed from local seed companies as well as seed saved by gardeners themselves and older or excess seed purchased from seed companies that neighbors are willing to share. We encourage all to attend this free event whether you have something to swap or not. Bring your questions, gardening experiences, and dreams for the coming growing season. FREE! All ages welcome. This year we are again accepting donations for Migrant Justice: https://migrantjustice.net/ For more information about the swap feel free to email swapsisters@gmail.com .

Bread and Puppet's The End of the World Never Minding Show! Thursday, March 26 @ 7pm, Highland Center for the Arts, Greensboro - Puppet show! Puppet show! Bread & Puppet Theater is excited to announce that we will kick off our 63rd year by traversing the Northeast and Eastern Seaboard with The End of the World Never Minding Show ! Join Bread & Puppet Theater for an urgently-needed new puppet show featuring our upside-down situation, a revolt orchestra, screaming choirs, and a reckoning with the catastrophe of logic. Of The End of the World Never Minding Show, director Peter Schumann tells us that, “The sitting mind realises the predicament of the rats, assigned to spread the plague which opens the gates of darkness as fears chase the populations across the face of the earth. Humanity’s humdrum is now outrageous and no longer composed of beloved details. The rats in charge of spreading the plague are ordered to repurpose human freedom and democracy into guns, bombs, and starvation. Our own futuristic Not-Yet is impatient and unready. We must take our cardboard provocations into the revolting streets of life, with help from our paper-maché divinities, to succeed and succeed.” After the show Bread & Puppet will serve its famous sourdough rye bread with aioli, and Bread & Puppet’s “Cheap Art” – books, posters, postcards, pamphlets and banners from the Bread & Puppet Press – will be for sale. Tickets are $15, but nobody will be turned away. no Tickets: $15. on e turned away for lack of fund

No Kings Day, March 28th, all over the country - In America, we have no kings. Get out there and stand up for our country and our constitution! Hope to see you there!

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Some March highlights (from a HR newsletter from the State of Vermont - my regular job) include:

Month-long:

Gender Equality Month , International (Diversity Resources)

Women’s History Month , National

March 1: Zero Discrimination Day (International) - Began as a way to empower people living with HIV but has evolved into an occasion to draw attention to ending all forms of discrimination that impact quality of life. "Highlights how people can become informed about and promote tolerance, compassion, peace and, above all, a movement for change.” - United Nations Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (UNAIDS). This year their theme is “ We Stand Together .”
March 2-3 : Purim (Judaism, International) - Purim, or the Festival of Lots, is a joyous holiday that celebrates the Biblical story of the rescue of the Jews in ancient Persia.
March 4 : Holi (Hindu, International) - Holi (Dolyatra, Doul Jatra, Basanta-Utsav) is the Hindu festival colors that celebrates the triumph of good over evil, good harvest, and fertility. It usually falls in the later part of February or early March. It is widely celebrated in the USA , as well.
March 8: International Women’s Day - To celebrate women's achievements, raise awareness of and prevent bias, and to take action for equality. (See also Women’s Equality Day, Aug. 26 )
March 10: Harriet Tubman Day (USA) - Harriet Tubman was a formerly enslaved person who fought tirelessly to free other enslaved people by assisting them in fleeing their captors. This observance celebrates her heroic work towards the abolishment of slavery and freedom of enslaved people.
March 17: St Patrick’s Day (International, primarily Ireland) - March 17 annually (fixed date). Said to be the date of St. Patrick's death circa the year 493. The Irish have observed this day as a religious holiday for over 1,000 years. On St. Patrick’s Day, which falls during the Christian season of Lent, Irish families would traditionally attend church in the morning and celebrate in the afternoon.
March 25 : International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade - Honors and remembers those who suffered and died at the hands of enslavers and their collaborators. The day also raises awareness about the dangers of racism and prejudice.
March 29 : Palm Sunday (Christianity) in 2026 falls on Sunday, March 29, marking the start of Holy Week , the week leading up to Easter Sunday, which will be April 5th, 2026. It commemorates Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem, celebrated by crowds waving palm branches.
March 30 : Ugadi (Hindu, International) – Ugadi is an ancient festival that marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year (Lunar Calendar). With the rapidly evolving modern world, Ugadi still remains as a symbol of hope and joy where we blend sacred rituals with modern celebrations.
March 31: Cesar Chavez Day (USA) - Honors Cesar Chavez, one of the most well-known and impactful labor leaders and civil rights activists in the U.S.

Photo by @heathergrayphotographyvt

February Happenings in the Hills

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 19:55:54 GMT

The hills may be bare, but the community is full of life.

Local happenings include:

Yoga and Qigong at the Open Space Studio, ongoing with classes every day!

BY DONATION ALL LEVELS YOGA CLASS, January 31st 3-4 pm, The Open Space Studio, Hardwick -
with Sophie to raise funds for Hazen Union High School's Panama Service Learning Trip.

Vermont's Free Ice Fishing Day & Festival, Elmore State Park, Saturday, January 31st - No fishing license? No problem! Vermont's Free Ice Fishing Day is the perfect opportunity for everyone, residents and non-residents alike, to try ice fishing. Looking for a day of fishy fun for the whole family? Join us for our annual Free Ice Fishing Festival at Elmore State Park. Come learn ice fishing basics from the pros with fun, hands-on demos including hole drilling, tip-up and jigging techniques, ice safety tips, knot tying, fish identification and more. Just dress appropriately for the weather and we will provide the equipment, bait and fish fry!

Bingo & Burgers at the Greensboro United Church, Saturday, Jan 31, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM - Join us for an evening of low stakes gambling and classic American cuisine! Doors open at 6pm for burgers, and the games will begin at 6:30. Throughout the evening, live piano music will be provided by Greensboro's own Andrew Koehler, a fiendish tickler of the ivories. All games will be 50/50 and cash only—you win half, the other half goes toward the Civic Standard's New Home Fundraiser. BYO dauber if you have one!

Montpelier Winterfest, January 31st-February 1st 2026 - Celebrate Winter Together in Montpelier, the heart of Vermont. This free, family-friendly event is packed with activities for all ages. Enjoy outdoor adventure, cozy indoor gatherings, downtown shopping, music, and seasonal traditions.

The Snow Moon (Full Moon), Sunday, February 1, 5:09pm, Everywhere. - Let's hope for a clear night! It's the traditional marker of heavy winter snows.

The 2026 Craftsbury Marathon Ski Festival, Craftsbury Outdoor Center, Sunday, February 1 - The Marathon Ski Festival is back for another fantastic weekend of cross country ski racing. The 2026 Festival will again be a stand-alone popular racing event, with techniques and distances for racers of all ages and abilities. Saturday brings the traditional classic Craftsbury Marathon, with short and long course options for open, college, and high school racers and a short course tour for BKL skiers and chaperones. We hope to have a 15k loop, allowing for a 45k long race and a 30k short race for the classic race on Saturday and 30k or 15k for the freestyle race on Sunday.

Game Night at Front Seat Coffee, Thursday February 5th, 6-9pm - Game night is back! Bring a game and some friends, or join a hosted game with Adam and Rachel. There are also plenty of games available for use. Front Seat will have foods (baked goods, soup, etc) and drinks (beer, wine, or any of our barista drinks).

Henchey Memorial Eastern Cup and UVM Carnival, Friday, February 6, 9 AM - Sunday, February 8, 4:00 PM, Craftsbury Outdoor Center - The best skiers in New England return to the trails of the Craftsbury Outdoor Center for a three-day weekend of ski racing. Day one on Friday features the top collegiate athletes in the region contesting a classic sprint. Day two, Saturday, combines the EISA college field with NENSA’s Eastern Cup, with everyone racing freestyle individual starts. Day three, Sunday, is another classic sprint, this time featuring the Eastern Cup field.

Honkey Tonk Night at the Legion, Saturday, Feb 07, Hardwick American Legion, Feb 07, 2026, 7:00 – 11:00 PM - Join us once again at the Hardwick American Legion for a Honkey Tonk dance. Doors at 7, dance lesson at 7:30, dance at 8. Our band of local hotshots will keep the classic country coming until every heart in the room is broke. Get out your boots and sequins! Cash bar, exciting snacks, and our guarantee: at least two steps

La bohème, Highland Center for the Arts, Saturday, February 13 & 14, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM - Opera Vermont and Highland Center for the Arts present a new production of Puccini's beloved La bohème, a timeless tale of love and heartbreak. Composed by Giacomo Puccini and premiered in 1896, it follows a group of struggling artists who chase their dreams while barely scraping by. Puccini’s lush, emotionally charged music captures both the exuberant joy of young love and the deep sorrow of loss. Both intimate and grand,La Bohème paints a portrait of life’s fleeting beauty and the enduring power of love.

Orchard Valley Winter Fair: Feb 14, 2026, 10 AM to 2 PM, Orchard Valley Waldorf School, East Montpelier, VT - Looking for a fun winter activity for the whole family? Join us for the Winter Fair at Orchard Valley on Saturday, February 14th, from 10 am to 2 pm, for a magical day filled with joy and creativity!
�� Activities include: Candle-dipping, Unique children's crafts, Face painting, Storytelling, Magical Fairy Realm, Games
Enjoy local foods-a home-cooked soups plus Bonte Bakery and Heyday Bakery Bread, Jasper Hill Cheeses, Magic Spoon treats and Capitol grounds Coffee & tea. �� Admission is free. Activities range in price from $1-5. Bring your family, friends, and neighbors for a day of fun and community spirit. We can't wait to see you there!

Love Readings, Saturday, February 14th, 5-8pm at the Backstairs at Harry's Hardware. Get an intuitive Tarot love/relationship or issue reading from an experienced professional. CONFIDENTIAL! $20/15 minutes. Walk-ins welcome or reserve a spot by emailing sglebus@gmail.com

Hardwick Trails Nordic Ski Lessons, Saturday, February 14th, starting at 9:15am - The frigid temperatures have limited our lesson program offerings this winter, but weather reports for this coming Saturday predict sun (really!) and temperatures in the twenties! The weather and snow conditions will make for a perfect morning to hone your Nordic skiing skills with our experienced instructors, or just head out to enjoy the trails on your own. Nordic ski lessons will begin at 9:15 AM. The cabin will be open from 9:00 -11:00 for equipment loans. Alternately, join in multigenerational games on skis at 10:00 for a good dose of fun as you challenge your skiing abilities. An advanced sign-up is requested to ensure that we have adequate staffing for the ski lesson or multigenerational games options. On Saturday morning, check our website or Facebook page for lesson confirmation. Hot cocoa ☕️ and chocolate chip cookies �� await you at the cabin to either fuel or celebrate your ski adventures!!

Hardwick Community Winter Market, Hazen Union, Hardwick, February 15th, 2026, 10 AM to 1 PM - (also March 15th) All three markets will be happening in the Hazen Union High School gymnasium so there's plenty of parking & attendance is free! We hope you'll join us in coming out to support your local growers, producers, artisans, and youth/students! There will also be some great opportunities to support yourself in our 'winter wellness' area with a chair massage, reiki session, aromatherapy etc. Other elements include: Free live music (by the Brothers Miller on 1/25), lots of new & familiar faces, tons of yummy local food , prepared/lunch options, fun kids activities and a FREE $10 value meal & grocery voucher for the first 100 customers to arrive. These are going to be really fun community events with something for everyone!

Cirque Kalabanté, Sunday, February 15, 7:00 pm, Montreal-based African Circus, Sunday, February, 15, 7:00 pm, Lyndon Institute Auditorium - Founded by African circus star Yamoussa Bangoura, who has performed worldwide, including with Cirque du Soleil and Cirque Eloize, Cirque Kalabanté is a dazzling spectacle inspired by daily life in Guinea, showcasing the beauty, youth and artistry of African culture. A colorful show beyond its scenery, costumes and staging, it vibrates with energy, strength, agility and joy. The troupe’s acrobats execute gravity-defying moves and human pyramids, accompanied by the contemporary sounds of live Afro-Jazz, percussion, and kora – for an unforgettable journey.

Chinese New Year, Year of the Fire Horse, Tuesday, February 17th, Everywhere - “Fire Horse energy amplifies the Horse’s natural independence and restlessness, creating a powerful drive for freedom, self-expression, and breaking away from limitations,” explains Janine Lowe, a Chinese astrology expert and author of Feng Shui Your Way to Abundance . “Historically and socially, Fire Horse years often coincide with upheaval, cultural shifts, and bold collective movements, where people feel compelled to challenge authority, redefine identity, and push for radical change.”

Pancake Supper, February 17th at 5:30pm, Fellowship Hall Greensboro United Church of Christ, Free

George Woodard talks Farming (Stories & Songs), February 21st, 4:00pm, Greensboro Library, Free

Curds & Curling (New Date), Highland Center for the Arts, Saturday, February 21, 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM - One of my favorite events of the year! Cabin Fever? Get Cheesy with Us! Grab your friends and join us for an epic afternoon of Curds and Curling—a winter showdown like no other! With live music, warming fires, and plenty of cheese, we’re turning the cold into gold. The spotlight? A wheel of Jasper Hill cheddar as the curling stone! Sweep your way to victory in Vermont’s twist on this classic sport, or cheer on the action as competitors vie for the ultimate prize: the coveted Golden Cheese Award. While the cheese flies, treat yourself to gooey mac-n-cheese, melty raclette, and a sampling of the finest cheeses around. Thirsty? Sip on signature drinks featuring Barr Hill gin to keep you toasty and festive.

John Fealy, Harry's Hardware, Cabot, Saturday, February 21, 2026, 7:00 PM 9:00 PM - John Fealy is a folk singer songwriter living in Cabot, VT. John's songs are often inspired by people, family, consciousness, and nature. He performs his songs on acoustic guitar and banjo and aims to connect deeply and vulnerably with his listeners. In 2026 John will be performing a new collection of songs that reflect on his experiences with fatherhood, love and grief, his work in street outreach, and other heartfelt things.

Green Burial in VT Documentary and Q&A, Parker Ladd Community Room at the Jeudevine Memorial Library, 93 N. Main St., in Hardwick. Feb 26, 2026, 6 to 7:30 PM: Come to the Jeudevine Memorial Library on Thursday, February 26, at 6 PM to see a short documentary called "From Earth to Earth: the Lost Art of Dying in America," and discuss natural burial in Vermont. Jim Hogle, Communications and Outreach Coordinator of the Vermont Forest Cemetery, with show the film that describes natural burial and its benefits through stories from the people who worked to make it legal in Vermont, and the stories of people whose experiences have shown the ways it can help come to terms with the loss of a loved one, and with one's own mortality. A Q&A with Hogle will follow the documentary. This event is free and open to the public.

Murder Mystery Movie Night, Jeudevine Memorial Library, 93 N. Main St., in Hardwick, Friday, Feb 27, 2026, 7 PM: The first Friday Night Film in the murder mystery series, based on the recommendations from Rick Winston during his talk called "Whodunits and Whydunits." This week we'll show: Whodunit in the tower with the knife and the maid? (2019, Rated pg-13) Because of oddities in the movie licensing process for libraries, we can't post the name of the movie outside of the library, but you can visit the library or check the website to find out. ( https://jeudevinememoriallibrary.org/ ) Come on out this Friday to watch an excellent film with friends. Plus popcorn and cookies!

Sweet Cicely Harry's Hardware, Cabot, Saturday, February 28, 2026, 7:00 PM 9:00 PM - Sweet Cicely is Northern VT folk-grass fun! Fran Forim on upright bass, Marc Edwards on lead guitar, Hank Clark on mandolin and Christine Malcolm on rhythm guitar and washboard. They hope to see you out in the wild!

February is Black History Month ! Some highlights of the month (from a HR newsletter from the State of Vermont - my regular job) include:

February 1: National Freedom Day (USA) - Honors the signing of a resolution that proposed the 13 ^th amendment to the U.S. Constitution on February 1, 1865
February 15: Nirvana Day (Buddhism) (International) - Nirvana Day is an annual Buddhist festival that remembers the death of the Buddha when he reached Nirvana at the age of 80. Since the date is not exactly known when The Buddha died, some Buddhists observe this day on February 8 ^th . The majority of Buddhists observe it on February 15 ^th . Mainly observed in China, Japan, Korea, Tibet, and Vietnam.
February 16: Presidents’ Day (USA) - Presidents’ Day is officially George Washington’s Birthday in the United States. Popularly recognized as honoring George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, the day is sometimes understood as a celebration of the birthdays and lives of all U.S. presidents. This is a federal holiday.
February 17 : Lunar New Year Begins with the first new moon of the lunar calendar and ends on the first full moon of the lunar calendar, 15 days later (floating dates)
February 18 : Ash Wednesday (Christianity) Ash Wednesday is celebrated on Wednesday seven weeks before Easter and the day after Mardi Gras also referred to as Fat Tuesday. This is a Christian observance which represents the first day of Lent and the starting of approximately 6 weeks of fasting and penance.
February 17 - March 19 : Ramadan , the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, is a time of fasting, reflection, prayer, and community for Muslims around the world.
February 20: World Day of Social Justice (International) - To raise a voice against social injustice and to bring the various communities internationally together to eliminate discrimination based on poverty, gender, ability, literacy, or religion.
February 20: National Day of Racial Healing (USA) - To promote solidarity between people of all races in dismantling systemic racism and inequity. The National Day of Healing is celebrated annually the day after the national holiday for Martin Luther King Jr.
February 21: Mother Language Day (International) - This Day recognizes that languages and multilingualism can advance inclusion, and the Sustainable Development Goals’ focus on leaving no one behind

A Winter Stay at Stone City

Sun, 04 Jan 2026 15:10:53 GMT

A slow, snowy itinerary

Winter at Stone City asks very little of you. We work hard to make things easy for you. The woods quiet down, the light softens, and the days naturally slow. This is a season for warmth, rest, and simple pleasures — for letting the cold sharpen your senses and the heat bring you back to yourself. Here’s a gentle winter itinerary for guests who want to stay close, move slowly, and savor the season.

Day One: Arriving + Nesting In

Arrival Afternoon: Winter travel takes energy, so let your arrival be unhurried. Arrive between 4-5pm so you get to enjoy the magic of twilight, but there's still enough light to orient yourself. Once you’re settled, take a few minutes to step outside onto the treehouse deck — notice the snow underfoot, the way sound carries differently in the cold, the stillness of the trees. See if you can hear the stream water flowing under the ice. Then head back inside and get cozy by the stove.

Warm Drinks & Winter Light: This is a good afternoon for hot tea, cocoa, or soup on the stove. Or enjoy some great local brews or a Barr Hill Gin Hot Toddy . Read, nap, watch the snow fall, or simply do nothing at all. Stone City winter days are short, and they’re meant to be honored that way.

Evening at the Cabin: As darkness comes early, light a fire in the firepit by the stream, cook something comforting, and settle in. Winter nights (and screen-free time!) here invite early rest, deep sleep, and a sense of being held by the quiet.

Day Two: Snow, Town, and Heat

Slow Morning at Stone City: Wake without an alarm if you can. Make coffee, linger in bed, and take your time getting moving. A short wander on the property — bundled up and breathing in crisp air — can be invigorating, even if it’s brief.

Late Morning Snowshoe: If conditions are right, this is a lovely time to snowshoe up to Nichols Ledge or over to Nichols Pond. Both offer that quiet, winter-only feeling — soft snow, wide views, and the kind of stillness you don’t get in other seasons. Reserve our snowshoes , go at your own pace, turn back when you’re ready, and know that simply being out there is enough.

Midday in Hardwick: After your snowshoe, head into Hardwick to warm up. Enjoy a hot meal at the Village Restaurant and a slow wander through town, checking out our amazing bookstore and the Whistle Emporium feels especially satisfying after time outside. Winter in Hardwick is humble and welcoming — a good place to land.

Afternoon Sauna & Cold Contrast: This is the heart of a winter stay. The forest sauna after a snowy walk is something special — deep heat, steam rising into the cold air, and the option to cool off with snow and the cold air if you’re feeling called to it. Take your time. Rest between rounds. Let your body and your instincts set the rhythm.

Evening: Post-Sauna Glow: After the sauna, everything tends to soften. Eat simply, hydrate well, and enjoy the quiet, grounded feeling that lingers. Go out and enjoy a yummy and relaxing meal at the Cork and Fork . Later, settle back into the treehouse. This is a beautiful night for journaling, stargazing, playing games, or early rest.

Day Three: Gentle Re-Entry

Final Morning: Pack slowly. Have one last warm drink. Step outside and take a final look around — winter has a way of imprinting itself gently but deeply.

Town Stop: If the roads and weather feel good, a final stop in Hardwick at Front Seat Coffee for coffee or a short walk down the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail can help ease the transition back into the world beyond the woods.

A Winter Note

Winter at Stone City is about contrast — cold and heat, dark and light, stillness and movement. You don’t need to push yourself or fill the days. The season will meet you where you are.

Come prepared to be cozy, to move slowly, and to leave feeling warmer than when you arrived — in more ways than one. Check out our packing list when making your plans .

We look forward to sharing this special experience with you!

January Happenings in the Hills

Sun, 04 Jan 2026 13:47:20 GMT

The hills may be bare, but the community is full of life.

Open Mic, Whammy Bar, Calais, Every Thursday at 7pm - I still haven't been here yet (that's what happens when you get old and don't want to leave the house! :) ) One day I will make it, and maybe you'll get there before me!

Gear repair by Hedgehog Mountain, Craftsbury Outdoor Center, Saturday, January 10, 10:00 AM-2:00 PM - Hedgehog Mountain Gear Repair will be offering outdoor clothing and gear repairs at the Craftsbury Outdoor Center from 10:00am-2:00pm on Saturday, January 10th. Minor repairs such as zipper slider replacements, small patching, and restitching will be offered on the spot. More extensive repairs can also be dropped off at this time for pickup at a later date. Can’t make this round? Hedgehog will be on-site: January 24, February 7, & February 21

Kundalini Yoga and Conscious Breathing Workshop, Saturday, Jan 10 from 4 to 6 pm - We all tend to lead overly busy life, finding the time to simply switch off and relax may be a real struggle. In this workshop, we will experience Kundalini yoga’s immediate results through: Physical exercises (asanas); Pranayama (breathing exercises); Mudras, mantras, meditation and relaxation; Transform stress, anxiety and depression to heightened awareness, energy flow and calmness. Led by Janis Comb, certified Kundalini yoga teacher.

Vermont Mandolin Trio, Highland Center for the Arts, Saturday, January 10, 7:00 PM - The trio of Jamie Masefield, Will Patton and Matt Flinner brings together three of Vermont’s finest mandolinists for a rare evening of bluegrass, jazz and roots music in the unique (and very happy sounding) setting of three mandolins. Joined by journeyman bassist Pat Melvin, the group performs music of Bill Monroe, Django Reinhardt, J.S. Bach, and everything in between, all with the flair of virtuosity and originality.

Tommy Crawford, Harry's Hardware, Cabot, Saturday, January 10, 2026, 7:00 PM 9:00 PM - Harry's Hardware is a fun and unique music and beverage venue, located in a rural hardware store! Tommy plays original music around Vermont and beyond. He is an actor, multi-instrumentalist musician, singer, songwriter, and Drama Desk Award-nominated composer. His music weaves americana and roots of all kinds - traditional folk, neo-folk, rock n roll, blues, country, jazz, bluegrass, and more. His tunes, trend from the silly to the gut-punching, surprise you and move you. As a composer he writes music for plays, musicals, and more.

The Maker’s Palette: Upcycled Art Materials — Workshop with Rachel Mirus, January 17th, 9:30am - 12pm, North Branch Nature Center - Before the modern art supply store, artists found and made materials from their environments. In this class, we will channel that same ingenuity by collecting, experimenting with, and repurposing our own art materials, including paper, ink, and feather dip pens, all from natural ingredients. Come feed your curiosity and creativity by finding color in unexpected sources and experimenting with familiar materials in new ways! Participants will start with an ingredient “treasure hunt” before class and come away with hand-made recycled paper, homemade ink, and a feather dip pen.

Candlelit Sound Healing with Cacao, Highland Center for the Arts, Sunday, January 18, 4-6:00 PM - Join Mallory Moon for an ambient afternoon of sound healing, cacao & meditation by candlelight. This will be a wonderful opportunity to give yourself space to unwind, receive, and rejuvenate.

Chili Cookoff, The Civic Standard, Hardwick, Jan 21, 2026, 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM - It's a special edition community supper, and you are the cook! Bring your best pot of chili, and our team of experet tasters and local celebrities will judge. Winners get a trophy and enormous street cred. We'll supply cornbread and all the fixings!

VAST Ride for $25 Weekend, January 23- 26 - 2026 - Riders can enjoy a full weekend on VAST trails for just $25. Ride legally, explore Vermont’s trail system, and support the volunteers and landowners who make it all possible. Trail passes available electronically at https://vast.tfaforms.net/4820381

SERENITY RESTORATIVE YOGA with Sophie and Lindsey, January 24TH 2-4PM - Indulge in a unique and deeply restorative yoga experience that combines gentle massage and personalized alignment adjustments. This class is designed to nurture your spirit and honor your body as you relax into each pose, deepen your breath, and find balance through self-love and care. With the soothing addition of aromatherapy and positive affirmations, you’ll leave feeling renewed and recharged. No experience is necessary—just come ready to relax, receive, and reconnect with your heart.

Uphill Travel Education Get Together, Jay Peak Resort, Saturday, January 24th, 3:30-4pm - Join us Saturday, January 24 from 3:30–4:00 PM at The Bullwheel for a quick Uphill Travel Education Get-Together. Ski patrol, mountain ops, and uphill community members will cover our policy, answer questions, and share what we’re seeing this season.

Stick around after for one-on-one conversations at the café level, then stay for après with The Earthbound Spirits Trio from 4–7 PM.

Hardwick Community Winter Market, Hazen Union, Hardwick, Jan 25, 2026, 10 AM to 1 PM - (also February 15th & March 15th) All three markets will be happening in the Hazen Union High School gymnasium so there's plenty of parking & attendance is free! We hope you'll join us in coming out to support your local growers, producers, artisans, and youth/students! There will also be some great opportunities to support yourself in our 'winter wellness' area with a chair massage, reiki session, aromatherapy etc. Other elements include: Free live music (by the Brothers Miller on 1/25), lots of new & familiar faces, tons of yummy local food , prepared/lunch options, fun kids activities and a FREE $10 value meal & grocery voucher for the first 100 customers to arrive. These are going to be really fun community events with something for everyone!

Chocolate Drink Making Master Class, January 27th, 5-7pm, Prophecy Chocolate, 27 Winter St. Morrisville, VT - Prophecy Chocolate proudly presents the ultimate hands-on chocolate drink-making workshop led by founder, Mateo. In this workshop, you will learn about the history of chocolate drink-making, and practice making and serving your own chocolate drink! Leave with the knowledge and confidence to create EPIC chocolate drinks to WOW your friends and family, anytime, anywhere. Boom Xocolatl!

Jaded Ravins, Harry's Hardware, Cabot, Thursday, January 29, 2026, 7:00 PM-9:00 PM - Jaded Ravins members Kelly Ravin and Halle Jade began performing together in 2017 after Halle joined Kelly in the recording of his 5th highly acclaimed album "Engine". Ravin, former lead singer and guitarist of Waylon Speed now performs his soulful americana, and country rock originals with Halle Jade. Halle's tasty harmonies and Kelly's powerful voice along with their engaging entertainment style make them a dynamic and expressive duo. Kelly and Halle, who have been called modern-day Johnny and June, perform in large and small venues from New England to Nashville. Whether they're playing at home in backcountry bars, or in big city clubs, Jaded Ravins are always ready to pour their hearts out on stage.

The 2026 Craftsbury Marathon Ski Festival, Craftsbury Outdoor Center, Sunday, February 1 - The Marathon Ski Festival is back for another fantastic weekend of cross country ski racing. The 2026 Festival will again be a stand-alone popular racing event, with techniques and distances for racers of all ages and abilities. Saturday brings the traditional classic Craftsbury Marathon, with short and long course options for open, college, and high school racers and a short course tour for BKL skiers and chaperones. We hope to have a 15k loop, allowing for a 45k long race and a 30k short race for the classic race on Saturday and 30k or 15k for the freestyle race on Sunday.

Curds & Curling, Highland Center for the Arts, Saturday, February 7, 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM - One of my favorite events of the year! Cabin Fever? Get Cheesy with Us! Grab your friends and join us for an epic afternoon of Curds and Curling—a winter showdown like no other! With live music, warming fires, and plenty of cheese, we’re turning the cold into gold. The spotlight? A wheel of Jasper Hill cheddar as the curling stone! Sweep your way to victory in Vermont’s twist on this classic sport, or cheer on the action as competitors vie for the ultimate prize: the coveted Golden Cheese Award. While the cheese flies, treat yourself to gooey mac-n-cheese, melty raclette, and a sampling of the finest cheeses around. Thirsty? Sip on signature drinks featuring Barr Hill gin to keep you toasty and festive.

Why Staying Somewhere Unusual Makes Travel Unforgettable

Sun, 28 Dec 2025 14:30:26 GMT

How the places we sleep become the stories we carry

There’s a certain kind of magic that happens when you choose a place to stay that’s more than just a bed for the night. It’s the difference between visiting somewhere and truly experiencing it. Over the years, some of our most memorable travels have come not from the destination alone, but from the structures we stayed in along the way—treehouses tucked into forests, ice hotels carved from snow, spaces that invite wonder the moment you arrive.

A Place That Becomes Part of the Story

When you stay in a unique structure, the accommodation itself becomes a character in your journey. You don’t just remember the town or the view—you remember waking up surrounded by ice sculptures, or falling asleep to the creak of trees swaying in the wind. These places slow you down. They pull you out of autopilot and into presence.

Think about it: years later, you’re far more likely to say, “Remember that night we slept in the ice hotel in Quebec?” than “Remember that standard hotel room?” Unique stays have staying power in our memories because they engage all the senses—temperature, texture, sound, light.

Treehouses: A Return to Wonder

Treehouses awaken something deeply familiar and deeply forgotten at the same time. They remind us of childhood forts and secret hideaways, while offering the comfort and intention we crave as adults.

On one trip to Hawaii, reaching our treehouse was part of the adventure itself. The path wasn’t obvious—you accessed it through what felt like a secret entry, tucked quietly into the landscape. Finding it made the arrival feel earned, like you’d been let in on a small, beautiful secret.

Sleeping among the trees shifts your perspective—literally and emotionally. You wake with the birds, notice the weather more, and feel held by the landscape rather than separate from it. There’s also a gentle invitation in a treehouse: to unplug, to step outside more often, to sit with a cup of tea and do absolutely nothing except watch the light move through the branches.

Ice Hotels: Ephemeral Beauty

Ice hotels are the opposite experience in some ways—and just as powerful. They exist temporarily, shaped by cold, artistry, and impermanence. Staying in one is a reminder that not everything is meant to last forever, and that beauty can be fleeting and extraordinary because of it.

One of our most memorable stays (and our first trip together!) was in an ice hotel in Quebec. Before we even headed to our room, we were trained—yes, trained—on how to properly get into our sleeping bags so we’d stay warm through the night. It felt part expedition, part ceremony. Wrapped in layers, surrounded by sculpted ice walls glowing softly in the dark, sleeping there felt both daring and deeply cozy. It sharpened our senses and stitched itself into our shared story in a way no conventional hotel ever could.

That night still comes up in conversation years later, not because it was comfortable in the usual sense, but because it was unforgettable.

Why These Stays Matter

Unique accommodations invite us into story-worthy moments. They become landmarks in our personal timelines—touchstones we return to in conversation, memory, and imagination. They often inspire creativity, deepen connection with travel companions, and encourage a more intentional way of moving through the world.

In a culture that often prioritizes efficiency and sameness, choosing an unusual place to stay is a small act of rebellion—and a meaningful one. It says: This trip matters. This moment matters.

Choosing Experience Over Ordinary

If you’re planning a trip and debating where to stay, consider choosing the place that makes your heart beat a little faster. The one that feels slightly unconventional. The one you can already imagine telling stories about years from now.

Because long after the bags are unpacked and the photos are shared, it’s often the place you slept—the treehouse, the ice hotel, the unexpected structure—that you remember most.

A Gentle Invitation

Those experiences—being trained to sleep warmly in an ice hotel, discovering a treehouse through a hidden forest path—shaped how we think about travel, place, and belonging. They reminded us that where you stay can invite you into presence, wonder, and connection.

That spirit lives on in our own treehouse and forest spa here in Vermont. Tucked into the woods, it’s an invitation to slow down, warm up, and reconnect—with nature, with yourself, and with the people you bring along. Whether it’s a quiet night in the trees or time spent moving between heat, cold, and forest air, the hope is the same: that your stay becomes part of your story, something you’ll still be talking about years from now.

If you’re feeling the pull toward something a little different, a little more memorable, we’d love to welcome you into the woods.

December Happenings in the Hills

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 22:50:18 GMT

The hills may be bare, but the community is full of life.

The Civic Standard New Home Grand Opening! Hardwick - Join us for a Town Wide Dinner Party to celebrate the grand opening of our new space! The evening will feature dinner, live music, a silent auction, and a LIVE PIE AUCTION to benefit our New Home fund. All are welcome. Help us warm our new home! December 10, 2025, 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM. We have also donated to the silent auction, so this could be a great way to book a stay and support a great cause! You can bid, and check out the other great items and services, here!

Maker's Market at Front Seat Coffee, Hardwick - Every Friday for the month of December (5th, 12th, 19th) we have PACKED the house with local vendors and producers. Every market is a different mix so be sure to come to all of them. Front Seat will have foods (baked goods, soup, etc) and drinks (beer, wine, or any of our barista drinks) or come on down to hang out!

Candlelit Sound Healing with Cacao, Highland Center for the Arts, Greensboro - Join Mallory Moon for an ambient evening of sound healing, cacao & meditation by candlelight. This is a great opportunity to give yourself space to receive and unwind amidst the bustle of the holiday season! Saturday, December 13 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Birch Bark Ornaments Workshop, Highland Center for the Arts, Greensboro - Enjoy the simple pleasure of creating a decoration or gift from materials responsibly harvested in Vermont. Utilizing techniques common to the Scandinavian and Russian style of basketry, you will craft birds and stars using strips of inner bark from the paper birch. Included is a discussion on how these materials are harvested and prepared. Each person will leave with three ornaments. Saturday, December 20 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Olde Time Jam Session, Harry's Hardware, Cabot - Every Sunday from 12-2pm, Harry's Hardware hosts an Olde Time Jam Session. Come down to enjoy great food, a Vermont craft beer or cider, and watch local musicians play old-time tunes on fiddles, banjos, guitars, and more!

WELLNESS WEEKEND: Serenity Restorative Yoga, The Open Space, Hardwick - Indulge in a unique and deeply restorative yoga experience that combines gentle massage and personalized alignment adjustments. This two-hour class is designed to nurture your spirit and honor your body as you relax into each pose, deepen your breath, and find balance through self-love and care. With the soothing addition of aromatherapy and positive affirmations, you’ll leave feeling renewed and recharged. No experience is necessary—just come ready to relax, receive, and reconnect with your heart and be. Saturday, December 20th, 2-4pm.

NYE with Zach Nugent's Dead Set, Highland Center for the Arts, Greensboro - New Year’s Eve in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom with the music of the Grateful Dead — We’re thrilled to welcome Zach Nugent’s Dead Set back to the Highland Center for the Arts in Greensboro on New Year’s Eve, as they once again bring their heartfelt take on the sound and spirit of the Dead. Wednesday, December 31, 7:00 PM - 11:45 PM

We Won!

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 23:51:29 GMT

Best Treehouse & Glamping Retreat 2025 – Vermont + Sustainability Excellence Award!

There’s a special kind of joy that comes from hearing the wind in the hemlock trees, watching chickadees hop from branch to branch, and realizing—oh! We’ve won an award! Actually… we’ve won two .

We’re thrilled to share that our little forest sanctuary has been honored by LUXlife Magazine’s Hospitality Awards 2025 with:

✨ Best Treehouse & Glamping Retreat 2025 – Vermont
✨ Sustainability Excellence Award 2025

These awards mean the world because they aren’t just about beautiful spaces (though we adore making beautiful spaces). They’re about intention—about crafting a retreat where people reconnect with nature, breathe deeper, unplug, soften, and remember their wild selves again… all while keeping the land healthy, honored, and loved.

We pour a lot of heart into making this place feel enchanted yet grounded, magical yet responsible. From natural cleaning practices to renewable energy efforts, to tending the land with care, to creating cozy human-nest spaces that help folks feel held by the forest… it’s been a journey of love.

A huge thank-you to everyone who has visited, supported, recommended, or simply sent a little forest-friendly cheer our way. You’ve helped this tiny woodland dream grow into something award-winning.

Here’s to more sparkle in the boughs, more starlight through the hemlocks, and more warm, grounding stays for all who wander up our muddy Vermont road.

�� With gratitude,
The Treehouse + Glamping Retreat

Introducing the 🔥 12 Fires Sauna Circle

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 23:51:10 GMT

A year of warmth, ritual, and forest sanctuary.

Welcome to the 12 Fires Sauna Circle — a year-long ritual of warmth, restoration, and nature-immersion. This guide holds everything you need to know about your membership, sessions, and how to make the most of your time in the sanctuary by the stream.

�� Your Membership Includes

One Streamside Sauna Session per month (12 total)
Each session is a private 2-hour reservation for 1–4 people
Seasonal access to the stream for cold plunging
Seasonal use of the outdoor tub and shower
Access to the beautiful house shower
Access to the propane firebowl seating area when conditions allow
50% off the optional Sauna Prep Add-On ( $50 $25 ) for select time slots
(We light, tend, and prep the sauna for you so it’s ready on arrival.)
20% off any stay at Stone City Treehouse or the Pebble Tent

�� Booking Your Monthly Session

You will receive a booking link created specifically for Circle members.

Please schedule one session per calendar month .

Sessions can be booked in advance.
Unused months do not roll over.
If you need to cancel, please do so 24 hours ahead so the time slot can reopen.

�� How to Prepare

To make the most of your ritual:

Hydrate well before, during, and after
We provide towels, robes, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and water, bring your own sandles or slippers and any other personal comforts you may want.
Arrive 10–15 minutes early
Enter the stream slowly and mindfully (and use the buddy system!)
Listen to your body — step out as needed
Leave the space tidy for the next member

�� Liability Release

A signed liability release form is required prior to your first session.

You will receive the link via email.
It must be completed once per year and covers all guests attending with you.

�� Member Etiquette

To help keep the space sacred and welcoming:

Honor your booking times
Treat the sauna, stream, and forest with care
Pack out everything you bring in
Let us know if anything needs attention or repair
Keep noise gentle — the woods amplify everything

�� Sauna Circle FAQ's

How many sessions do I receive?

Your membership includes one private Streamside Sauna Session per month (12 total).

How long is each session?

Each reservation is 2 hours , for up to 1–4 people in your party.

Can unused months roll over?

No — sessions must be used during each calendar month.

Can I gift a month (or more) to a friend?

Yes! We will need to receive confirmation from you, and whoever attends your gifted session will need to sign a release form.

Can I bring guests?

Yes, your monthly session may include up to 3 additional people , max 4 guests total.

Do I need to sign anything?

Yes — a liability release form must be signed once per year before your first session, as well as for each guest

What if I need to cancel?

Please cancel at least 24 hours before your reservation.

Is Sauna Prep included?

No, part of the sauna experience is heating the sauna with the woodstove, but members may add it for $50 when available.

What seasonal features are available?

Stream cold plunge (year-round if conditions allow)
Outdoor tub & shower (warm seasons)
Firebowl sitting area
And more to come!

Where do I book my sessions?

Your confirmation email includes a private member booking link .that will be sent to you when you join.

November Happenings in the Hills

Sun, 02 Nov 2025 21:14:24 GMT

Cozy gatherings, local flavor, and small-town magic all around us

The entire month of November is a busy season for hunting. Check out this great article by our friend Tara at Vermont Explored that shares when the seasons are and how to hike safely. We provide orange vests for our guests!

November 1st - 17th Annual Hardwick Child Haven Benefit : This event helps to raise funds for the 1,300 formerly destitute children in Child Haven's Children's Homes in India, Nepal, and Bangladesh. We donate a night at the treehouse every year for their silent auction!

November 13th - Trivia Night at the Village Restaurant: Sam will be teasing your brain at this month's trivia challenge, and the Village Restaurant will be slinging the apps and burgers. The game begins at 6, but get there early if you want to table. BYOB, see you there! This months game is a special edition fundrasier for our "New Home Fund". Lynn from the Village Restaurant will be donating a portion of the proceeds to the Civic, so come hungry! As always, the best team will win a fabulous prize!

November 15th - Justice for Dogs 19th Annual Craft Show: Justice For Dogs will hold its 19th annual craft show on November 15th at Hazen Union High School's gym in Hardwick. Hours will be 9-3. Free admission and lots of free parking. Shop local with over 50 wonderful crafters with 73 spaces displaying their unique homemade items, including many yummy food items. This show is all crafters exhibiting with no direct salespeople. There will be live music throughout the day, along with door prizes. Also happening will be a 50/50 raffle, a silent auction, and a lantern auction.

November 16th - 13th Annual Harvest Barter Fair - from 1-3 pm at Lakeview School in Greensboro, Vt, the Swap Sisters Folks bring items they’ve grown, raised, foraged, crafted or otherwise had a hand in creating and barter with friends, neighbors and new friends.

November 18th - NEK Together at Highland Lodge: Come connect and celebrate, plus spark ideas for the future of the Kingdom and the Collaborative. Stay tuned as more exciting details emerge! You won’t want to miss this fresh, fun, and interactive twist on NEK Together!

November 22nd - Local Folk Orchestra at Highland Lodge : Led by Roy MacNeil, The Local Folk Orchestra makes a return to the stage at HCA to celebrate their musical roots. Joined by friends old and new, they’ll explore influences from classical, rock, and Americana for a night of music and community.

December 6th - Wintermarket : A really nice event! A festive Bavarian-inspired, indoor & outdoor, artisan market for the whole family! Celebrate the magic of the season with live music, a holiday show with No Strings Marionette Company, and sleigh rides. Warm up by toasty fires, make a holiday craft, say “cheese” at our quirky family photo station and revel in holiday magic. Shop local for the holidays from over 60 producers from around the region! FREE ADMISSION

🔥 Sauna Sessions at Stone City

Sat, 01 Nov 2025 12:25:46 GMT

Steam, Snow, and the Sweet Shock of the Stream

There’s a moment every autumn in Vermont when the air changes — crisp enough to make your breath visible, cool enough to crave warmth. And here at Stone City, that’s when sauna season truly begins.

Our wood-fired sauna is tucked into the forest, a short walk from the treehouse and right next to the stream. It’s beautiful, simple, and deeply satisfying: just you, the scent of cedar, and the slow crackle of fire turning cold air into comfort.

When you open the sauna door and step inside, the world falls away. Peace, quiet, and heat wrap around you like an embrace. And for the brave (or curious), the stream is still running — perfect for a cold plunge that will leave you feeling completely alive.

�� The Ritual: Heat, Cool, Repeat

Sauna use is an ancient tradition for good reason — it’s a whole-body reset. Start with a gentle warm-up inside, letting your muscles loosen and your thoughts drift. Step outside into the cool forest air, or, if you’re feeling bold, slip into the stream for a few breathless seconds.

Then do it again. And again.

The cycle of heat and cold, expansion and contraction, is a dance between your body and nature — a conversation that feels primal, pure, and restorative.

�� The Details

The sauna is available to all treehouse guests.
Add our Sauna Prep Add-On for $50 — we’ll have everything preheated and ready for you to step right in.
During warmer months, the nearby tub and shower are open; as winter settles in, the stream becomes your natural plunge pool. Or roll in the snow when that arrives for the season!
Evenings are extra magical — bring a lantern or let the moonlight guide you.

❄️ Why Now Is the Best Time

There’s something special about sauna season before the deep snow arrives — the forest is quiet, the air sharp, and the steam rising into the bare trees feels almost otherworldly. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend getaway or escaping for a quick reset, this is your moment to slow down, breathe deeply, and let the forest work its magic.

Book your sauna experience (or your stay in the treehouse or Pebble Tent before it closes!) and discover what true relaxation feels like — surrounded by forest, warmed by fire, cooled by mountain water, and grounded in stillness.

�� RESERVE YOUR STAY HERE!

Progress Report on the Quartz Cabin

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 17:57:46 GMT

The quartz is growing!

We’re so excited to share another milestone on our journey to bring the Quartz Cabin to life here at Stone City! The foundation frame is now securely attached to the piers, and temporary decking is in place. Step by step, the vision of this six-sided, timber-framed retreat is becoming reality.

This week, our crew will begin raising the timber frame —always one of the most thrilling parts of a build. Soon the graceful hexagonal shape, inspired by a quartz crystal, will start to rise from the forest floor.

Built within a natural circle of granite boulders and ancient yellow birch trees, the Quartz Cabin will feature recycled windows on all sides, a living roof, and full accessibility. It’s already looking like it belongs here, and it’s only going to get more beautiful.

We can’t wait to share more updates and photos as this gem of a cabin comes to life—thank you for following along on this journey with us!

A Mini-Guide to Autumn Adventures

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 17:42:31 GMT

Lots of autumn adventures await!

�� A Mini-Guide to Autumn Adventures

Autumn in Vermont is a feast for the senses, and Stone City makes the perfect home base for exploring it all. A few of our favorite seasonal outings:

Walk from Stone City to Nichols Ledge
Just out our door is one of the most spectacular views in the area (see the pic above). The trail to Nichols Ledge winds through forest and rewards you with a stunning cliff-top overlook of Nichols Pond and the surrounding hills blanketed in fall color.
Apple Picking (and more!) at Burtt’s Orchard (Cabot)
Stroll through rows of trees heavy with apples, sip fresh cider, and treat yourself to their famous cider doughnuts. From there, head up the hill to the picturesque Foster Covered Bridge at Cabot Plains —a true Vermont postcard view.
Hardwick Farmers’ Market
Every Friday from 3–6 pm at Atkins Field, browse local produce, baked goods, crafts, and live music. It’s a fun, community-minded way to taste Vermont’s harvest season.
Smugglers’ Notch Scenic Drive (Stowe)
If you’re up for a bit more adventure, drive up into Smugglers’ Notch near Stowe. The winding road through dramatic rock formations and brilliant foliage is unforgettable.

These are just a few highlights—find even more ideas on our Local Guide to the Hardwick Area and Northern Vermont . Whether you spend your days hiking, exploring small towns, or simply relaxing in a hammock as the leaves drift down, we hope you’ll feel the magic of Vermont in autumn.

�� Come Experience It With Us

Our treehouse and glamping spaces fill quickly during foliage season, and we’d love to welcome you for a restorative fall getaway. Breathe in the crisp mountain air, watch the colors change from your cozy perch, and return home refreshed. Reserve your autumn stay now and make the most of this fleeting, beautiful season.

Introducing the Quartz Cabin: A New Gem at Stone City

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 12:59:36 GMT

After many years of planning, construction has begun!

We’re thrilled to share that a brand-new creation is taking shape here at Stone City! Meet the Quartz Cabin — a cozy, six-sided, timber-framed retreat designed to honor the natural beauty and crystalline geometry of quartz itself.

This special structure is just getting underway, but we couldn’t wait any longer to share our excitement.

The Quartz Cabin will feature:

✨ A unique hexagonal design , inspired by the form of a quartz crystal
�� A living roof , blending it right into the forest landscape
�� Recycled windows on all sides , to catch the light and let nature in
�� Traditional timber framing , showcasing local craftsmanship and natural materials
♿ Handicapped accessibility , so more guests can enjoy this peaceful space

The cabin is being built in a natural circle of ancient yellow birch trees and granite boulders —a spot on the land that already feels sacred and still. It’s as if the earth was holding space for this exact structure all along.

I’m building this in collaboration with my tenant Adam , a skilled and creative builder who also crafted our beloved Forest Sauna. His deep care for the land and thoughtful craftsmanship continue to help bring our wildest dreams to life.

We’ve just set new metal piers to support the cabin’s base, and the geometric frame will be going up soon. We'll be sharing behind-the-scenes updates as the Quartz Cabin continues to take shape—from timber-raising to planting the living roof.

Stay tuned for progress photos and opening dates. We can’t wait to welcome you to this new space—another peaceful sanctuary among the stones of Stone City.

With gratitude and crystal-clear excitement,
✨ Heather at Stone City

Explore the helpful FAQ section of our new website!

Thu, 08 May 2025 15:36:37 GMT

the most common questions we receive

We’re thrilled to share that our brand new website is officially live! It’s a fresh new look with the same cozy, nature-filled getaway vibes—plus, it’s now even easier to find all the info you need to plan your stay at our treehouse and glamping retreat in the Vermont woods.

One of the highlights of the new site? Our freshly written FAQ page !

After six and a half years of welcoming guests, we’ve gotten a pretty solid sense of the questions that pop up most often—whether it’s about finding us down our (sometimes muddy) dirt road, what to pack, or what kind of slippers are best for a treehouse stay. So we gathered it all in one easy-to-browse section.

We also created this FAQ as a resource for potential guests to get a feel for what our retreat is really like. It’s designed to help you decide if this is your kind of escape—and to make your visit as seamless and relaxing as possible. When you know what to expect, you can plan accordingly, settle in with ease, and focus on what really matters: unwinding, connecting, and enjoying the magic of the woods.

Whether you're wondering:

What’s the road like in spring? (Hint: adventure awaits!)
What’s included in the stay?
What should I pack for a cozy treehouse weekend?
Can I bring my dog? ��

…you’ll find answers there!

�� Check out the FAQ here

And of course, if you still have a question we haven’t covered, just reach out—we’re always happy to help. Or ask our ChatBot Anson the Glamping Dog!

We can’t wait to welcome you to the woods!

🌲 Now Open for the Season: The Pebble Tent Glamping Experience 🌲

Fri, 02 May 2025 13:38:22 GMT

Glamping at its best!

We’re so excited to welcome you to the Pebble Tent , our newest glamping retreat nestled in the woods and open now through October !

This cozy 16’ canvas bell tent is set up on a private deck with a front porch for morning coffee, lazy afternoon lounging, or stargazing at night. Whether you’re riding the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail or just looking for a peaceful Vermont getaway, the Pebble Tent is ready for you.

�� What you’ll find at the Pebble Tent:

A comfy, fully-outfitted canvas bell tent on a raised deck
A private campfire spot right at the tent—s’mores, anyone?
Basic cooking gear provided (you bring the food, we’ve got the rest)
Twinkly lights, cozy bedding, and those special little touches that make it glamping, not just camping

��‍♂️ Just off the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail
We’re an ideal overnight for bikers—three miles from the trail and fully stocked with comfort and charm. Think of it as your basecamp in the forest.

�� Bonus for Rail Trail riders (and everyone else):
You’ll have full access to all of our retreat amenities, including the wood-fired sauna —perfect for easing those pedal-weary muscles after a long day of riding.

�� Also showers, composting toilets, shared spaces, peaceful streamside spaces, and hammock hangout spots are all yours to enjoy.

�� Now booking through October! Be among the first to stay in the Pebble Tent and experience Vermont glamping at its finest.

�� Book Your Stay Here !

Spring Cleaning, the Natural WAy

Mon, 21 Apr 2025 15:51:48 GMT

Natures ingredients for earth-friendly cleaning

Spring Cleaning, the Natural Way

When my kids were little, I owned a natural cleaning business—and even now, I still swear by the same simple, effective methods. As the days get longer and the sunshine starts sneaking through the windows (hello, dust!), I always feel that familiar pull to freshen things up. And I promise, you don’t need a cabinet full of mystery chemicals to make your home sparkle.

Why Natural Cleaning? It’s safer for people, pets, and the planet—and just as effective as the store-bought stuff. Natural ingredients get the job done without harsh chemicals or waste.

My Go-To Cleaning Arsenal:

White distilled vinegar + water (50/50 mix) – My everyday spray cleaner. Great for counters, doorknobs, and light switches.
Baking soda – The gentle but gritty scrubber for sinks, tubs, and stovetops.
Citrus cleaner – Perfect for heavy-duty messes (plus it smells amazing).
Essential oils – A few drops of lemon, orange, tea tree, or lavender oil can boost cleaning power and tailor the scent to your mood. I’m always partial to bright, zesty citrus!
Elbow grease – The real MVP. Natural products shine best with a bit of effort.
Clean rags – I ditch paper towels for reusable cloth rags, washed in hot water after a big cleaning spree.

Window Cleaning Tip: Spray lightly, rub with a rag until dry, and use a second rag if needed for a streak-free sparkle.

Back in the day, I even sold my handmade natural cleaners locally as part of the Northeast Queendom Herbal Collective , a crew of plant-loving makers and herbalists. We blended nature, wellness, and good old-fashioned cleaning power into products we were proud to share with our community. Here is a recipe that is very much like an all-natural cleaner I sold in our local co-op !

DIY All-Purpose Cleaner Recipe
Adapted from the Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service
Want to make your own all-purpose cleaner at home? Here’s a simple, effective recipe that’s similar to the one I used to make:

1/4 cup white vinegar
12–20 drops of your favorite essential oil (I love citrus!)
1 teaspoon castile soap, phosphorous-free dish soap, or washing soda
2 cups distilled or previously boiled water

Mix all ingredients in a spray bottle, shake gently, and you’re good to go! Use on most non-porous surfaces for everyday cleaning.

Happy Spring Cleaning!

Mud Season Magic

Wed, 16 Apr 2025 20:12:26 GMT

Why April Is the Secret Season for Treehouse Getaways in Vermont

If you're looking for a quiet escape surrounded by nature, fewer crowds, and a cozy place to hunker down while the forest slowly wakes up— mud season might just be your perfect time to visit.

Here in northern Vermont, we locals lovingly refer to the stretch between winter and spring as mud season. It's the time of year when snow melts, the ground thaws, and the dirt roads... well, they get muddy. But there’s a certain charm to it—a kind of peaceful pause before the full bloom of spring. And for those willing to lean into the experience, it’s one of the best-kept secrets for a truly magical getaway.

�� What Is Mud Season, Anyway?

Vermont is home to a lot of dirt roads—sixty percent of them, in fact! Our treehouse retreat is tucked away down a scenic stretch of about three miles of dirt road , which, depending on the weather, can be a little mushy underfoot (and under-tire). Every year is different. Some springs are trickier than others, but this year has been pretty kind so far. Still, it’s best to come prepared—and that’s part of the fun.

�� What’s the Weather Like?

In a word: unpredictable. April in Vermont can swing from 60 degrees and sunny to 20 degrees and snowy —sometimes in the same day! That’s part of the adventure. You might enjoy a sunny hike one day and wake up to a dusting of snow the next. There’s something special about sipping coffee on the porch while watching the steam rise from the forest floor after a spring shower—or tucking in by the fire while snowflakes drift past the windows.

�� What to Pack for Mud Season

It’s a season of layers. Bring cozy sweaters, a rain jacket, maybe a hat and gloves, and definitely your sense of humor. To fully enjoy the experience, we recommend bringing:

Rubber or winter boots – Something waterproof is a must if you plan to wander.
A warm jacket – The days can be mild, but evenings are still brisk.
Slippers – Trust us, your toes will thank you when you're curled up in the treehouse.

�� Tips for Navigating Our Muddy Roads

Worried about the drive? Don’t be—we’ve got your back. Here are a few pro tips:

Go slow and stay on top of the ruts. The road has a rhythm—feel it out and take your time.
If a rut looks too deep to handle, don’t push it. Reach out to us—we can guide you to alternate routes.
4WD and higher clearance are helpful. Not required, but definitely a bonus during this season.

�� Why Visit During Mud Season?

Besides the 30% discount we're offering all April long (yep, our annual Mud Season Sale is on!), you’ll get to experience:

Fewer crowds
Absolute tranquility in the forest
Cracking open the windows to birdsong and the scent of rain
A cozy retreat that feels worlds away, even if it’s just a few hours from home

So go ahead—pack your boots and your sense of adventure, and come see why Vermonters have a soft spot for this squishy, peaceful season. Our treehouse is waiting!

Book now and save 30%—offer is good through April 30. Use the discount code MudSeason2025

https://www.stonecitytreehouse.com/book-directly

🏕️ Welcome to Your Next Adventure – Our New Website is Here!

Wed, 26 Mar 2025 20:30:00 GMT

Everything You Need to Plan the Perfect stay at stone city

– All in One Place!

We’re so excited to share something special with you—our brand-new website is live! �� This isn’t just any website; it’s a true reflection of the experience we offer at Stone City Treehouse and Glamping, designed to make planning your next escape effortless, fun, and inspiring.

✨ What’s New? ✨ Our updated site has everything you need to know before booking your stay, including:

Detailed info on all our unique stays – from the treehouse to the cozy Pebble Tent, you’ll find photos, descriptions, and everything you need to know before you arrive.
Fun Add-Ons – Want to elevate your experience? You can now book extras like yoga sessions, relaxing massages, a private photoshoot, maple syrup, and even a s’mores kit! ��
The Wood-Fired Sauna – Take relaxation to the next level with our amazing sauna. You can even have it prepped and heated for you—just show up and unwind!
FAQs & Amenities – We’ve answered all your burning questions, from what to pack to what’s included, so you can arrive stress-free and ready to enjoy your adventure.
Things to Do – Our handy guide shares all the best spots to eat, drink, explore, and experience in the area.
Guest Reviews & Press – Don’t just take our word for it—see what others have loved about their stay with us!
Lowest Prices for Direct Booking – Book through our website for the best rates (no extra fees!).

�� Meet Anson, Our Chatbot Extraordinaire! �� Our helpful (and adorable) dog Anson is now here to guide you through the website, answer common questions, and make sure you have all the details you need.

�� Join Our Newsletter & Save! �� Be the first to hear about new glamping accommodations, seasonal changes, exclusive discounts, and exciting additions! Sign up now and get $50 off your first stay when you book directly through our website.

Once you book your stay, you will also have access to our private page for guests that will provide additional details to make your stay easy and relaxing.

Take a look around, explore what’s new, and let us know what you think—we can’t wait to welcome you! ��

�� Check out the new site here: www.stonecitytreehouse.com

Rooting the Elderberries

Tue, 07 Sep 2021 00:03:00 GMT

ROOTING THE ELDERBERRIES

Part of my efforts to build up my orchard is to have a plentiful supply of elderberries! A few years ago I purchased some young plants, but they were mostly eaten down by deer.

This year, I procured some cuttings from Todd Hardie of Thornhill Farm, our local rye, elderberry, and honey bee expert! He gave me two local varieties – York and Coomer.

I took some extra precautions to avoid the same deer issue by building a deer fence with fishing line that is intended to scare and confuse because they can feel they’re running into something, but cannot see it. I am hopeful it works!

My process for rooting was to first soak the cuttings in water for 24 hours. Then I dipped the ends into a honey simple syrup, which is reported to be a rooting agent and anti-fungal. I stuck these ends into a reused container filled with potting soil with a hole made in the soil so the honey rooting-agent wouldn’t be wiped off.

I am keeping them wet and in a sheltered area (although at the moment they’re getting covered with snow!)

Hopefully this works and I’m thinking about other woody plants I can use this process with, including some amazing plum trees I’ve had my eye on in town!

Wish me luck and if you have any questions or ideas to share, please do!

The post Rooting the Elderberries first appeared on Stone City Treehouse & Glamping .

Welcome!

Tue, 07 Sep 2021 00:02:00 GMT

WELCOME!

Nearly a year ago I asked my daughter to design a logo for my Airbnb treehouse business . She was pretty quick to respond, but getting from there to here – with my sign up to welcome our guests, as well as friends and family – took way too long!

This is what happens when you have too many ideas a projects going on. (!)

I had the logo made into stencils, then I stenciled it onto a piece of scrap wood and protected it with some leftover Vermont Natural Coatings .

Last fall I put the post in – which sat there as a post all winter.

Then, the other day I cut the brace and the piece to hang it from and screwed that together and hung the sign – finally!

In the meantime, with this pandemic issue I came across a group on Facebook ( 518 Rainbow Hunt – Spreading Rainbows Worldwide ) and my good friend also made a rainbow flag, and I was inspired to make one for the sign out of scrap material I had (I couldn’t find orange!) .

I just love it! It brightens things up during this uncertain time and dreary, brown time of year. And soon – I hope – it will be welcoming guests, friends, and family.

I hope you have things to brighten your day!

The post Welcome! first appeared on Stone City Treehouse & Glamping .

STRUCK ONE FROM THE LIST THAT I WILL NEVER DO AGAIN!

Tue, 07 Sep 2021 00:00:00 GMT

STRUCK ONE FROM THE LIST THAT I WILL NEVER DO AGAIN!

Before Christmas I wanted to make those “Bees Wraps” as gifts. You know, the beeswax coated fabric that you use instead of plastic wrap? Seems as though using less plastic has been on a lot of people’s minds (and rightly so!) so I though that making these as gifts would help people reach that ideal.

I collected the supplies I needed, but never got around to it. I ended up adding to my ridiculously long to-do list, and the materials have been sitting on my kitchen table since December.

Here is what I learned: don’t bother – just buy them!

It was such a messy and labor intensive project, I never want to do it again! I do have a small stack of them that worked out (I think) after some trial and error, but definitely not worth the effort and even the cost.

One tip if you’re doing anything with beeswax, though – find an old crock pot and keep it warm as you work. I had to reheat the mixture probably about 10 times as I was melting it on a homemade double boiler in the kitchen and doing the messy work in the basement.

Stay happy and healthy, All! <3

The post STRUCK ONE FROM THE LIST THAT I WILL NEVER DO AGAIN! first appeared on Stone City Treehouse & Glamping .

Keeping Busy, But Not Keeping Up

Mon, 06 Sep 2021 23:57:00 GMT

KEEPING BUSY, BUT NOT KEEPING UP.

Well, I lost my momentum keeping up with my posts after only three days! There were some reasons for this – I was figuring out how to organize my websites and then I got busy with other things.

Been keeping busy catching up on some of the items that have been on my to-do list for a long time. I’ve been at home for two weeks now, but I’ve barely put a dent in my list.

It makes me realize how unrealistic my list was. I’ve definitely gone overboard! I keep being tempted to add more projects to my list, but I do stop myself. Trying to get more realistic!

How are you doing with your project list? Do you naturally overextend yourself?

Stay safe and stay healthy!

The post Keeping Busy, But Not Keeping Up first appeared on Stone City Treehouse & Glamping .

It’s a Winter Wonderland Here!

Mon, 06 Sep 2021 23:54:00 GMT

IT’S A WINTER WONDERLAND HERE!

The Treehouse has become a magical place with all of the snow we have!

The post It’s a Winter Wonderland Here! first appeared on Stone City Treehouse & Glamping .

Slow and Steady

Mon, 06 Sep 2021 23:50:00 GMT

SLOW AND STEADY

Things always take longer than we think they will, don’t they? Well, that is the case with the treehouse too, but the good news is that it is coming along!

Over the past month, the builder I’m working with has been working on the floor, framing, roof, and now the sheathing and windows – and now it’s looking like a real treehouse!

All along, I’ve been planning next steps; laying out the floor plan and deciding upon a lot of details that I’ll be doing – the flooring, counters, composting toilet, hearth and gas stove, the seating area, storage, water, insulation, electricity, and even small details like building screens. There’s a lot to it even though it’s a pretty small building!

So, there’s still a lot to do – and the work coming up will be work that I do. Luckily I have a bit of time off coming up soon and I can focus on it!

The post Slow and Steady first appeared on Stone City Treehouse & Glamping .

The Teen Room: An Evolution

Mon, 06 Sep 2021 23:47:00 GMT

THE TEEN ROOM: AN EVOLUTION

Basements can go one of two ways – gross, cluttered, and cob-web filled – or organized, tidy, and functional. My basement has experienced both of these states!

My friends who know me know that I tend toward being organized and tidy, so can you image how I felt when my basement looked like this??

Despite the crazy mess, I have tried to organize and reorganize the basement for years on a budget of $0, and all efforts would fall apart.

I couldn’t take it anymore, and my kids are getting to the age that they could really benefit from having their own hang-out space (plus I won’t need to listen to loud 13-year old boys playing video games!)

So, I started gathering things to create a cool teen room!

After years of having no money for anything above-and-beyond survival, I got really good at finding deals! Here’s a breakdown of some of the things I bought for their space and where I bought them:

Not so bad!!

Finally – and here’s the heftiest price tag – I hired my favorite handyman to build walls at a price of $1,100 for materials and labor. These walls separate the kids’ space from storage and utilities and was well worth that cost and I’m grateful I was able to do that!

I’m not one to tolerate very much clutter, so the teen room needed an entertainment center to have a place to store all of the stuff! I looked on Pinterest for ideas and came up with purchasing used kitchen base cabinets and building up from there.

I went to our local recycled building supply store, Resource , and purchased these three base cabinets for $130! It took me two trips to get them home in my little Suzuki, but didn’t end up needing to pay for delivery!

I still plan on painting the cabinets, but was anxious to get them in place. Then I decided I wanted to paint the walls and brighten things up before I installed the cabinets, so I painted the cement walls with some paint I had laying around.

It really made things much more cheerful!

I will also still build up from the cabinets and put shelves on top.

To build the countertop I purchased three pine boards.

Mistake number one: I forgot that a 1×8 isn’t really 1″x8″, so I tried for a 2″ overhang, but it ended up just covering the top of the cabinet. Not the end of the world – at least it fit. But, something to remember in the future!

Mistake number two: thinking I can eyeball where to screw. That is why you see oddly placed plugs for the screw holes. I also used a countersink drill bit and didn’t go quite deep enough on some of the holes.

Mistake number three: Even though I used a mallet to hammer in the plugs, it still dented up the wood. So, I should have used a piece of scrap 2×4 to cushion the blow.

I suppose this is the place to make the mistakes and learn! The kiddos won’t care!

The kids are really loving the space! The woodstove keeps it comfortable and there’s firewood stored on the other side of the wall. And there’s lots of fun stuff to do either on your own or with friends!

There’s still more that needs to be done:

I’ll gradually pick away at those things, but for now the kids and I are happy to have a functional, comfortable, and fun room for the teens to hang out!

The post The Teen Room: An Evolution first appeared on Stone City Treehouse & Glamping .

Lists

Mon, 06 Sep 2021 23:43:00 GMT

THE LIST

I’m a big fan of lists. When I have a big project or I’m managing a lot of pieces, a list is essential. When the list gets too big to just keep in my head, getting it out on paper creates order. It can also add to the satisfaction of getting through things.

Being a DIY kind of person, looking at my house project list was once overwhelming. But now, it feels good to look at – look at all of those things that are crossed off!

What’s on your list? What’s holding you back from getting through it? What propels you forward?

I’ll be sharing the projects that are already crossed off, and the ones I complete moving forward. Join me on my diy home improvement adventures!

The post Lists first appeared on Stone City Treehouse & Glamping .

Stone City Treehouse: The Foundation

Mon, 06 Sep 2021 23:39:00 GMT

TREEHOUSE: THE FOUNDATION

Nearly twenty years ago, when we bought the land in Hardwick, it was the brook that runs along the property border that sold me: it’s a beautiful, year-round stream bordered by birch, balsam, spruce, cedar, and hemlock.

I wanted to spend as much time down there that I could and the best way I could imagine doing this was to build a treehouse. So, I’ve been dreaming about this for a long, long time – imagining sitting on the deck, relaxing to the soothing sound of the stream and taking in the beauty of the trees.

Well, that dream is currently becoming a reality!

Now, the foundation is the most important part to get right, whether it’s a regular house or a treehouse, so even though I’m a pretty hard-core DIY’er, I know my limits and I wanted to leave this to the experts.

I remembered hearing that there were guys in Vermont that had a tv show about building treehouses, so I thought I’d look them up. My memory served me right and I connected with B’fer of The Treehouse Guys!

B’fer came to visit to check out my site so he could see if the location was realistic and to take measurements for the plan.

The plans made it seem like it was finally a reality!

B’fer was also happy to work with my budget and gave me multiple options for how far they would take it. I ended up going with the bare bones option: they would build the frame/foundation and then I’d take it from there.

After going through the zoning process and getting approval, in November 2017, Jody (see our selfie, below) came to build it!

I’ll pick the process back up once winter is passed and then I’ll be at the helm – you can watch the progress on this site. I’ve been collecting materials and I’m excited to get going again once spring is here!

The post Stone City Treehouse: The Foundation first appeared on Stone City Treehouse & Glamping .

Where it all started…

Mon, 06 Sep 2021 23:35:00 GMT

WHERE IT ALL STARTED…

I know I’m not the only one that was excited to build my first home – what an exciting (and stressful!) adventure!

When the house was first built, we were on a bare-bones budget. While the sweat-equity I put into the house allowed for a few higher-end features on the inside (tile and hardwood floors), the outside was pretty rough-looking. And it stayed that way for nearly 15 years!

Finally, in the past few years, I’ve been able to make some improvements to the outside, and what a difference!

Here is the before (a few years after the house was first built) …

and after (now)! And while the work is still not complete, I love it!!

Throughout this blog I’ll walk you through many of the steps that have gotten me to this point, and the work I’ll be doing moving forward. There’s been a lot of blood, sweat, tears, failures, and successes, and I’ll share them here. I think you’ll enjoy the journey!

The post Where it all started… first appeared on Stone City Treehouse & Glamping .