You may recall that I had two wonderful two night overnights so far this calendar year at the West Mountain Inn, in Arlington, Vermont. Here are the links to those tales.

NEW YEAR — NEW SPECIAL PLACE — 15-17 JANUARY 2026
WEST MOUNTAIN “TWOFER” — 10-12 APRIL 2026

Well, I am not done visiting here yet as I have had an affinity for Arlington for over 50 years, and first drove through in my Model A Ford roadster on my favorite US 7 in 1963 – 63 years ago (please do not do the math). As you enter the drive to this wonderful property you pass the Millhouse (below) before you go up the hill. Formerly an actual operating mill (some equipment still there) when I chatted with MaryAnn (who with her late husband started developing the Inn almost 50 years ago) she explained that water was diverted from the Battenkill River and a dam built to form a mill pond with the run-off flowing under this building to operate the equipment. MaryAnn also told me her daughter, Amie, who now owns and runs the Inn, used to sunbath atop the stone dam.

Below, looking out to the drive to the Inn, the first floor, and the two bedrooms upstairs. I could almost live here full time – BUT too much stuff, too many. hobbies.

My visit was last Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. Gary arrived a few hours after I checked in on Thursday, and David joined us about noon on Saturday. Below the views from the walk to the main entrance of the Inn as we went to dinner the first night.

we later walked up to see the event center where they host weddings, etc. and walking back the view to essentially the north – hard to take.

On Friday Gary and I took a short drive. Exiting the Inn, instead of going back over to Route 313, we turned left on to River Road heading west. Once passing West Arlington the road cuts back over the Battenkill River to Route 313. RAY RECOMMENDS – TRAVEL RIVER ROAD along the Battenkill’s south shore — AMAZING VIEWS and fun road. Remember I told you more about the Battenkill in April.

Below are Norman Rockwell’s studios behind his home which faces the West Arlington Covered Bridge to the north.

we went all the way to the end, and turned back east on Route 313 – the plan to stop at this country store to buy some lunch. Not sure how many decades I have wanted to stop here. Lots of country store antiques on display on the top shelves (just like in my bookstore) and below the “penny candy.” We did not check the prices. And then back to eat our lunch, and relax. And, we “did our thing” at night with classic TV shows and movies. I introduced Gary to Faulty Towers.

David arrived Saturday, we got him something to eat at another country store on Route 7 (well now 7A). Gary and I finished our lunches from yesterday. We had no plans other than to make a stop first made over 50 years ago, and then a plan materialized as we drove along for almost four hours. Below is the Battenkill Camp Ground on “historic 7A” just north of “downtown” Arlington.

and here is where I backed in my Sears Tent Camping Trailer in 1975 — a spot right on the river as you can see.

did I say I had an affinity for Arlington? Here is a house on Route 7A (Battenkill in back yard) that we rented in the late 1980s for a long weekend. Behind the cars on the right is the foundation for the old barn. It was still standing when I was there and I explored it for a potential bookshop — yes, in the plan back then for “retirement” from the Navy Supply Corps.

I had mentioned they may enjoy Kelley Stand Road from East Arlington to Stratton, and see where Daniel Webster spoke to 15,000 attendees in 1840 — IN NO WHERE then and NOW. I turned right off 7A on Hill Road, right at the dead end through the covered bridge to East Arlington. I showed them five places (basically now vacant) where I bought books and antiques in the early 1990s.They enjoyed the road, and near the eastern end is the commemorative rock. Here are the boys on Saturday, and below me in 2013 with BLUE BELLE and October 2019 in GIGI. I need to get back more often.

remember you may click my images for larger views.

Sadly the road eventually becomes paved again, ending in Stratton – the village proper with about four buildings.

What a treat to see this building with gifts and hopefully antiques. This is THE STRATTON PARSONAGE Brought back memories to the boys of complaining of stops at antique shops while I went in.

Gary followed a few moments later, and I said to the lady, “this is number two son in birth order.” To which she said, “would you like some candy little boy.” Gary is 55, it is all relative. Did we have fun, were given candy samples. Gary made some purchases, and I was attracted to this candle holder – NOW MINE. It was not a “guilt trip” from all the free candy, but I felt easier making the purchase. Well, actually a momento to remember this trip.

Now added to my 150 plus candle sticks or holders. By now something has to be really special, and this is. Here is a link to my last candle holder, Flickering Flames post, that links to two more showing my treasures.

148 FLICKERING FLAMES — A SIX YEAR REDUX — 3 DECEMBER 2023

We then backroaded past the Stratton Mountain ski resort and massive assemblage of lodging. Back to Route 30, and north to Route 11 and west to Manchester and US 7A after passing under the new “super slab.” David asked when it was built – I do not know, and still need to know (can you help?) because all I can find is “the US 7 expressway segment from Bennington to Manchester was built in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

When we returned for dinner there was an evening pizza party – this time a private event. But on Wednesday this a a regular happening. Hostess Emily confirmed that what I saw below is what will happen with just over one hundred people on Wednesday evenings in the summer. ON MY LIST, book a two night stay, and Pizza Night is included. I will find a date to attend, hopefully with Gary.

we walked down to the bridge on River Road crossing the Battenkill. Gary left, David right.

and us for dinner Saturday evening.

if you got this far, here are a few images of meals on this visit, and you may click to enlarge and savor.

In conclusion I am so glad that after a few holiday tours that included The West Mountain Inn that I have now stayed – and stayed three times in five months. And, soon again. Do consider a visit for fantastic accommodations meals, and spaces to relax and enjoy. Not to mention how welcomed you are by MaryBeth, Emily, Joanne, and Amie.

Stay safe and well, luv, RAY