I have shared over the years a number of the holiday tours I have taken in Vermont and New Hampshire, and still have some past tours to share. Again this year I have taken some tours – the choices were many, but I made some trips not before taken and wish to “write about to remember, and to share.”

Not sure I knew of this before, but reading about the CURRIER & IVES COOKIE TOUR, that was my plan for Saturday, December 13. Fifteen stops, south of Keene, I plotted my route starting in Swanzey then to Troy, Jaffrey and concluding in Harrisville – a counter clockwise circle of driving fun. The stops included a shopping festival, several shops and historical societies, eateries and inns. For the complete list of stops CLICK ON THIS LINK.

A route on some new roads, some roads not been on in awhile, some in reverse directions from the past. But with trees bare, snow on the ground there were new sights to see. Getting in GIGI (Granite Girl my 2018 Dodge Van – gray of course) to head out, here is what she told me. I do not drive as much as I used to.

I started at Frogg Brewing in Swanzey where I browsed the craft vendors and purchased my ticket for the event entitling me to collect cookies. It was then some back roads (one not on before) to cut over to Route 12 but stopping at The She Shed just before the intersection with 12. This bridge I had not been across before (pretty sure) but have to share.

Thinking The She Shed was going to be items for an outside retreat or work space I was surprised to see the number of interesting holiday gifts and decorative items.

this wall hanging has to be shared

In Troy I went into the Cozy Cottage shop on the Common, and then the historical society on Depot Street.

And, at the end of Depot Street, the old train station and the Budd Car that used to be sitting on the siding up in North Walpole — now being restored and exhibited here.

From Troy I took the road past the old Troy Mill complex heading to Route 124. The next stop The Inn at East Hill Farm on Monadnock Street before the junction with 124. I had passed it several times in the past when coming from Jaffrey cutting west to Troy, but never from this direction, and never been on the property. Was I surprised to learn that since the 1940s the farm has been hosting families providing retreats and experiences on a working farm, and providing a large space for meetings, conferences and the like. Upon entering the large facility I found a square dance group having a weekend event. With many buildings and accommodation options, farms stays here include three meals daily.

Turning right once at Route 124 I headed to Jaffrey Center and Jaffrey. May I recommend you tour Route 124 from Marlborough (turning off Route 101) to Jaffrey and onto Massachusetts. Much to explore and see.

A main reason I took this tour was to see places I had not experienced before, and many of the stops were new to me in Jaffrey, first stopping at the Monadnock Inn which new owners are working hard to reinvigorate, hoping to bring back a restaurant as well. Down in the main village area I first went into the Jaffrey Civic Center with the Jaffrey Historical Society in the basement. I loved seeing the country store room at the historical society.

I was afraid I may see the fellow using the gun on the wall – but fortunately not the case. Here is more on the gun. Do “click to enlarge” for full effect of the gun.

upstairs in the building was this Christmas village – overwhelming.

I was really impressed with the newly reconstructed PARK THEATER and had a wonderful tour learning its history and events hosted. Probably best (and I recommend) you visit their website and read their history and what is going on.

Then I headed north to Route 101, west through Dublin, and turned north on Chesham Road in Harrisville. Again, if it were not for the tour I never would have learned about GRANITE OAK FARM – subtitle COW CUDDLING.

what a unique experience – and an adventure to return to

OLIVE – 9 months old – was ready for some loving.

Did I have fun? YES – new experiences, got to see places I had not before seen, traveled some fun roads seeing things I had not seen before, or at least with leaves off the trees. BUT I also arrived home with a great selection of cookies (well, the first one never made it back to the car).

Let me take a few more moments and share Saturday the 6th of December.

The week before, Saturday the 6th of December I found a couple small town festivals to check out. I had the option of also again over the weekend touring both the Inndulgence Tour and the Manchester area tour (both in Vermont), but having done those a number of times (still owe you several posts – maybe before end of the year so I can relive those tours, and share).

I started the day at the Holiday Fair at the Westminster, Vermont, Congregational Church and then to get to the Holiday Festival in Townshend headed over to Westminster West, turning left on the road to Putney, then off to Putney Mountain Road which I shared with you in July 2024. A great road, but alas, I forgot I had learned of this unique route in an article about Vermont Roads with “no winter maintenance.” Turning back, and then recognizing the road to Dumerston Center so I could cut over the West River on the covered bridge to Route 30 I soon made it to Townshend only to discover I had misread the day of the fair — it would be the next day, Sunday the 7th. Hey, no problem. Hope you are remembering to “click” my galleries for larger image views.

so north to my favorite Grafton, and the Inn at Grafton, where as you should know is where Cathy and I stayed that fateful day we made a quick decision changing our lives, and state of residence moving to Walpole. Below the inn, and then looking back down the “Main Street.”

one feature of the Grafton Village Holiday Festival was the gingerbread house exhibit and competition. Well, below are three of the six entries I saw that were there. Still fun.

walking back up to my car, on the left below a home I once bought books when it was last for sale, and then the historical society. I visited for a second time – nice local exhibits especially on the local soapstone industry.

The next stop, and last stop for the day was “Christmas in Weston.” Below the common

and across from Vrest Orton’s Vermont Country Store is another “original” country store, and this Christmas shop. Santa and Mrs. Claus were outside, and I do not ever remember being inside before. Will go in again for sure.

then looping back home through Chester, and a “secret spot” I like to stop and browse I found this set of glass ornaments. Wanting some of these classic ornaments I was not sure if they were new or old vintage from my childhood. Each measuring about 2 1/2 to 3 inches, When I got home (with them) I did a Google image search of one and learned — “This is a Thomas Pacconi Classics blown glass Christmas ornament featuring a snowman holding a gift bag and wearing a green scarf and red hat. The ornament is handcrafted using mouth-blown glass and hand-painted techniques. It is part of the Thomas Pacconi Classics collection, which includes various vintage-style Christmas ornaments. Similar ornaments from this collection were produced around the early 2000s, such as 2003 and 2004.” From images I saw this is the original tray for one collection, albeit with two missing. But still, worth the $10 for fun and memories.

Thank you for getting the far down the page – I appreciate it. For some reason I have not delved into as many adventures this year, and then not even written and shared all that I have done. Again, mainly “I write to remember.” Hopefully I can share some more this year 2025.

BUT – please have a safe and happy holiday season — enjoy each moment, cherish your friends and memories, and stay well. More from me soon I hope – and do have a joyous and prosperous New Year. – love, RAY