If you have been following, and keeping track, you realize this is my fourth visit this year to the West Mountain Inn, in Arlington, Vermont. Here are the links to my previous tales.

NEW YEAR — NEW SPECIAL PLACE — 15-17 JANUARY 2026
WEST MOUNTAIN “TWOFER” — 10-12 APRIL 2026
WEST MOUNTAIN MILLHOUSE – 14-17 MAY 2026

Each visit has been different and very enjoyable. In May, Gary and I decided we needed to experience a Wednesday Pizza Night – and with that plan, here are those two nights — and the “day in between” which I have mentioned feels so rejuvenating, and a chance for exploration.

In the main inn are at least ten different and wonderful rooms. With extra space for Gary I booked the Rockwell Kent room – sorry not the best images I took. Spacious sitting area, and perfect for our home theater set up (yes two nights of viewing, but we are not enduring as long as we have in the past. Remember you may click my images for larger views.

this room looks out to the west and the area being set up for the evening affair. Taken through the window, not too bad or blurred.

Wood fired ovens for the pizza, salad, and amazing baked goods (the inn bakes all their own items – and they are amazing).

a view back from our table

Not your normal pizza. Great thin crust, and then a wide assortment of toppings. A different one coming out of the oven in a steady stream, cut, and placed on the line.

Entertainment for the evening was John Scott Gillespie on his various string instruments – and his varied vocals. I posted the below image later the evening of the 24th on my Facebook page stating, “just when you think you have seen and heard everything.” Yes, so people saw the image, but no one commented or asked about this instrument. Gary and I were “in stitches” over it. Can’t you see why?

In planning this escape, the original plan for the “full day in between” was heading west an hour to Saratoga Springs to explore and reminisce. I have had fun visits there, and Gary’s undergraduate degree is from Skidmore. But we lacked rushing energy, had some “work” to do computer-wise, and came up with a local plan, initially to include the Southern Vermont Arts Center in Manchester, and also Hildene.

I have said this before — join a member organization of the NORTH AMERICAN RECIPROCAL MUSEUM ASSOCIATION (NARM) at the proper level (for me $120 membership at Old Sturbridge Village) – and that gives you free admission to over 1500 museums and galleries – three alone in Manchester, Vermont. Let me say it again — Join a NARM organization at the level to give you this benefit. Yes, our plan was to visit these two places (Gary also has a card) – at no cost – thus you can just casually stop for a focused visit and not have to “do it all” to justify the price of full admission (I often drop in the Bennington Museum for 30 minutes for a new exhibit) — now having said that – the art center is just over an hour from Walpole – VISIT, and visit the exhibit below at least. Directly below the path to the entrance.

At the Bennington Museum awhile back I saw some of Lyman Orton’s collection of Vermont Art. I met his Dad, Vrest Orton, in 1963 on my first visit to the Vermont Country Store in Weston, Visiting on the porch, and then around the pot-bellied stove, I had a fun visit with this iconic man, who ironically had met my great-grandfather, Franz.

A new 12,000 square foot addition, opening just this month June 2026, is showcasing For the Love of Vermont, the Lyman Orton Collection. Below the entrance to this new gallery.

and some information —

Ironically, just after it was published I found a review copy (so marked with a sticker on the rear) at a sale, and knowing what it was did not hesitate to purchase it.

To the right is the front cover of my copy (I just took this image for you). Fantastic history of the art of Vermont, the artists, and areas. The paintings of the exhibit were arranged by subject matter (e.g. auctions) unlike the arrangement of the book. BOTH GREAT.

Below the new main gallery (Gary engrossed in viewing) and then the view east out the windows.

an opening placard —

in the “auctions” category – images of Vermont Country Auctions – remember to click images for larger views.

check out the detail of the birch trees.

and, this is still Grafton’s post office – click words for amazing history.

PLAN A VISIT FOR THIS EXHIBIT — but at least (or in preparation) – visit this page on the MUSEUM’S WEBSITE
A great cafeteria with outside deck, etc., but we decided instead to leave and head down the hill to a food truck (actually a converted Airstream) down on Route 7A – the original road. We decided to skip Hildene, BUT instead head over to East Arlington. At the inn, innkeeper and now friend, Mary Beth, said we had to visit THE CHOCOLATORIUM and VILLAGE PEDLAR.

Over the years, since my first visit in the 1980s, I have really enjoyed East Arlington – a really quiet former small mill community. When I retired from the Navy in 1990, and BC (before Cathy) I made many, many visit coming up from my book shop in New Jersey to enjoy and buy at the many antique shops and group shops here — now not a one. But what fun, and thank you Mary Beth, for the suggestion, a reason to swing east off 7A.

We started with an amazing and informative ten minute video — WOW what a process from bean harvest to chocolate bar. I tried to find this video on line – no luck yet, but several on YouTube you may wish to check out.

Directly below one of the demonstration and display areas.

and more chocolate sculpture to tempt you.

Friday we departed – Gary back to Boston area, me to Brattleboro and my printer to get the July CLARION, and then home to process eight orders while I was gone, and then deliver those books, and the paper to the post office.

RAY RECOMMENDS:
1 – LEARN ABOUT, AND VISIT WHAT ALL THERE IS IN MANCHESTER, DORSET, ARLINGTON, VERMONT and surroundings – close and fun
2- Visit the SOUTHERN VERMONT ARTS CENTER
3 – Experience the West Mountain Inn in Arlington, Vermont.
4 – and, enjoy all of the above