Happy Vermont happyvermont

Russell Farm in Starksboro has been in the Christmas tree business for 40 years. Located off Route 116 in Addison County, the family-owned former dairy farm is where locals and visitors flock to every November and December to cut their own Christmas trees.


A visit to Russell Farm includes a horse-drawn wagon ride, hot chocolate, homemade cookies, and lots of holiday cheer. 


Host Erica Houskeeper talks with Russell Farm owner Dave Russell and his grandson Brandon about Christmas trees, the importance of tradition, and the future of the farm.


Learn more at www.happyvermont.com 

Host Erica Houskeeper returned to her home state of Vermont in November 2006. In this episode, she shares some of her favorite areas of Vermont and talks about a few places she's come across and fallen in love with in recent years. 


You can find more Vermont stories by Erica on www.happyvermont.com.

Host Erica Houskeeper attended the annual Stellafane Convention of Amateur Telescope Makers in Springfield to see telescope makers in action. She also picked up some stargazing tips along the way. 


 


 

Host Erica Houskeeper meets up with Mike Snyder, Vermont's Commissioner of Forests, Parks, and Recreation to talk about how Vermont's fall foliage season is shaping up.  They also compare notes about scenic Vermont state lands to explore this season and why fall foliage in the Green Mountain State is better than the rest. 

Patrick Fultz and Leslie Browne intended to buy a house in Woodstock, Vermont. Instead, they end up purchasing and renovating a motel outside the center of town. Host Erica Houskeeper interviews the couple about why they decided to move to Vermont and what advice they give to guests who are visiting the area. 

The small town of Wardsboro is where you’ll find a country store, local library, post office, and town hall. High on a hill just outside of the center of town is the farm where John Gilfeather developed the Gilfeather turnip, which is now the official Vermont State Vegetable. 


In this episode, host Erica Houskeeper talks with Wardsboro residents about John Gilfeather, the tight-lipped farmer behind the turnip and why the this heirloom vegetable is important to the community. 


Update 8/30/2021 7 pm: I just received word that the 2021 Gilfeather Turnip Festival has been canceled.