Recently I have felt like staying within two hours from home, but even then I have adventures still to do, or redo. Two nights away with a full day in-between is really refreshing, and in my planning (for hours of learning and enjoyment before I leave the driveway) I develop loops from my overnight location — these two nights I RONed (Remained Overnight) at the Bentley House Bed and Breakfast in Poultney, Vermont.

Below is a Vermont map with this adventure highlighted in YELLOW – You can click for a larger view. To save space I am showing you from Ludlow to Poultney – my loops – and home via Manchester back to Chester and home. RAY RECOMMENDS – EXPERIENCE THESE BACKROADS – and my route is something you can modify to do in a day if you prefer.

Leaving Ludlow west on Route 103, I turned left towards Belmont (in Mount Holly) which is a great little town — I was there in this classic hill town in July 2018.. Then up Route 155, left on 140 through Wallingford to Tinmouth and continued to Middletown Springs — a must stop, and I again did.

I remembered a country store in “remote” Middletown Springs, and stopped to pick up a sandwich and ice tea. Below the little store, and its porch. Inside I asked the clerk about the sign on the bench. “I have several ladies who meet and chat here, and they asked if they could add the sign. I said fine.” And now I can share that sign with you, he said fine. Remember you may click my images for larger views.

and just behind the store, is Middletown Springs Park — if you forget my first great visit to the Springs in September 2021 click this link and scroll down for history and more images. The two images below from my picnic bench on this visit.

again the spring pavilion.

My plan was next to visit the Slate Valley Museum in Granville, NY, since I have not been through before when they were open. So, from Middletown Springs I headed south on Route 133, and right on the backroad to Wells, which is on Route 30. RAY RECOMMENDS – follow my route from Belmont to Wells – great rural views and peaceful.

I always enjoy driving through Granville, but in the last couple years some vacancies have occurred in the short “downtown” — My first stay here was in a B&B downtown that was the railroad station – did that in August 2021, and “on the list” to stay at again.

Outside the museum is this fountain with water cascading over slate slabs. I did have my “water fountain” phase, maybe time again.

I was the only visitor, and Ellen took care to point many exhibits out to me. The SLATE VALLEY MUSEUM has a pretty good website (click above), so I will not overwhelm you here with images of the placards, just the one below. Also do check out some YouTube videos as to how slate is quarried and split. I have yet to see something specifically on roof shingles – let me know what you find.

Could not resist this sign. Saw it on one route into town, but on Sunday when heading across the border on VT 31 to NY 25, I had to take the image to share with you – not what you think and “politically incorrect.” The only place in the world that RED SLATE is found is Granville – image below that it is in the museum with a forklift load.

some equipment for moving slabs of slate

a WPA sponsored mural that was in the school, another spot, storage, and restored for permanent exhibit at the museum. In this room much history on the WPA mural projects, and more

Ellen punched some nail holes in slate with a special machine – holes to attach a roof shingle.

great showing of different colors of slate, how cut and arranged.

There are three “main” (ha-ha) routes between Granville, NY, and Poultney, VT. Heading to my B&B I cut over to NY 22 (which I like anywhere in the state) heading north to 22A and into Poultney.

arriving at the Bentley House B&B — a classic Victorian residence with all the appropriate woodwork, appointments and furnishings. Above now one of my favorite images with composition and color – all unedited. And, another fountain to tempt my return to “playing” with them in my back garden area.

Below a few views of the common areas on the main floor, and my room also on the first floor.

Then I settled in on the front porch. “Therapy Session” reading and writing.

“Small World” – a car pulls in, couple exits, he heads to the side door and she comes up and on the porch starts chatting, soon sitting down. Lots to share – she from Ridgefield, CT, next to my home town. Lots to share even though she was born the year I graduated from Wilton High School. She attended Green Mountain College – at the head of the Main Street, and across from the B&B – for two years, and shared with me the recent history.

Closed in 2019 due to declining enrollment and financial struggles, the closing devastated the town with 150 loosing jobs, no students, etc. Businesses struggled, many closing, and my B&B is the only one of five that remained open.

Since I like to learn, and then share with you somewhat “local history” here is a copy paste – “The abandoned campus was purchased at auction in 2020 by spirits entrepreneur and former Apprentice contestant Raj Bhakta for $4.5 million. Initially, he envisioned converting the property into luxury hotels, a micro-distillery, and a world-class trade school. However, after years of sputtering development plans, tax disputes, and regulatory hurdles, Bhakta abandoned the redevelopment in early 2026.” Still vacant, attempting to donate to a non-profit (thus no taxes for the town) Raj Bhakta has in his years of ownership been doing work without approval, and in conflict with the town. An interesting individual — you may wish to read about Raj Bhakta and his current plans and controversial life.

the front parlor and dining room. There is another smaller room downstairs for guests and a sitting room on the second floor. Below my room and bath.

On a previous trip I walked inside to see the former D&H train station – now the Tasteful Station, – but this trip had dinner here. Fun – I ate inside, but on the covered outside others were eating listening to live music. I could hear as well.

Saturday was my “loop day” of explorations. Refresh yourself with my map above – or better yet get your Vermont “paper map” out. Vermont is the most generous state making its maps available – obviously helping the tourism industry.

I headed out of Poultney north on Route 30 (make notes) and reaching 4A turned right to swing into Castleton – a wonderful architectural town. I later read in a great area guide that I picked up that on August 15 they have “Colonial Day” with a house tour – now on my calendar. Then back to Route 30 and north and headed west at the top of Lake Bomoseen towards Benson – TAKE THIS ROUTE. From Benson I took a backroad south connecting back into 22A, and then into Fair Haven. My destination, and timing, was to head to Whitehall, NY, and Skene Manor.

Whitehall is historic (birthplace of the Navy) and the beginning of the Champlain Canal leading from Lake Champlain to the Hudson River, but sadly the last two decades I have seen vacancy after another in spite of attempts to make this a vibrant summer spot. BUT – each visit I drive up to the manor and look back down to the village, canal, and museum, and if possible enjoy lunch – that was today’s plan, and I did.

small menu – the Reuben the specialty, and all good and enjoyable — so make a stop — Whitehall is not far from Rutland, so you can make this a day trip from Walpole.

Heading south on NY22 and Route 4, I turned east when NY22 takes that left, and I always stop at Champlain Canal Lock C-11 running alongside the old NY22 – now deadend. To the left, behind the trees is a dam with water flowing over it to the north. Interesting spot – a high point – South of Lock C-11 the water flows south along the canalized Hudson River, and North of Lock C-11 the water flows north through a land cut and canalized Wood Creek into Lake Champlain. Too much fun, and now you know. Oh, do not pick up hitchkikers here (in case) – large state prison just to the east.

heading through Granville, then into Vermont and turning north on Route 30, I arrived in East Poultney which I do not really remember — love it. Remember to click the I mages for larger views. Below is the church with an interesting multi-tier steeple, the old Eagle Tavern, frequented by Ethan Alien and his Green Mountain Boys, And, yes on Saturday August 8 it is East Poultney Day – I will watch the Historical Society website for details – about an hour and half drive from home.

Back to my B&B for more “Porch Therapy.” “A body at rest tends to stay at rest,” and I did not feel like venturing far for dinner Saturday. The couple I visited with again at breakfast from Ridgefield had eaten at the “Lake House Pub & Grill” and liked it. I passed it as I drove around Lake Bomoseen, but debated not feeling like another (one way) 14 minute drive — but decided to, and glad I did. Below looking across Route 30 to the Lake House.

I had the option of inside or on the deck — DUH !!!

down the steps and looking back up, then out to the lake from my table, and a second view of the lake, followed by my tacos.

and finally, just before the rain began, back to an evening at the B&B doing what I enjoy and do best – reading and writing.

Sunday I had a different route home, and plans, only to have them WASHED OUT between rain and my aching bones and joints.

I left Poultney on Route 31 south which becomes Route 25 when crossing into Granville, NY – then off to NY 22, making a planned stop at a book store I discovered in April. Leaving there I was going to continue south to the Shushan Covered Bridge Museum in lower Salem, NY. Again, finally in the right spot at the right time of the year, as the rain got heavier I thought I best call since the volunteers may have stayed home Three phone numbers on-line — and either disconnected or changed. So, maybe another time. So, I cut through Rupert and East Rupert to Dorset on Route 30, down to Manchester to finally explore the Southern Vermont Arts Center. Lovely location, glad to have found it, parked and did not feel to venture through the rain to the buildings – close enough for future visits. So home, rejuvenated, back to work, and ready for the next outing.

RAY RECOMMENDS:
1 – find an area you would like to explore or re-explore
2 – find lodging to your liking as your hub for explorations
3 – on your full day away plan a route or routes bringing you back to your lodging
4 – experience Granville, NY, Whitehall, NY, and Poultney, Vermont, areas
5 – REPEAT