The Red Chair arrived in Deerfield, MA, just after Thanksgiving. We (at the Deerfield Inn) showed her the plastic-sheeted front desk in the 1884 main inn where renovation after Tropical Storm Irene damage is getting closer to completion. She was happy to see the progress, and happy for her cozy room in the carriage house where she enjoyed morning coffee with some other guests.

After breakfast, Chef Matt showed her the map to this National Historic Landmark Village, and she decided to watch the open hearth cooking in the Hall Tavern, although being so close to the flames at one point made her slightly nervous.

She stopped by the gift shop where she found a place at a game of checkers before heading down to the Flynt Center, stopping before an iconic Deerfield door on her way,  to pay her respect to some ancestors and see an exhibition about the making of furniture in this valley. The Red Chair was pleased to see that responsible dogs are welcome in Deerfield and at the inn, as she has always had a soft spot for them and their usefulness as hot water bottles. We took a stroll with her up to The Rock where the Pocumtucks kept a lookout on the scene below, and she was glad for the leg stretch before the journey across to the Berkshires where she will be staying at the Applegate Inn in Lee.

Three Mountain Inn in Jamaica, Vermont was the next stop for Red Chair.

Upon arrival, Red Chair, like most of our guests, was charmed by the roaring fire; it was with mixed emotions that the wooden red chair sat by and enjoyed the massive 1780’s wood burning fire place.

Although the Three Mountain Inn and the village of Jamaica is a short distance from Stratton, Bromley, Magic and Mt Snow ski areas, this time of year residents & storekeepers are gearing up for the holidays and winter season. Jamaica has two wonderful characteristics, the natural beauty of Southern Vermont and its residents.

Red Chair walked through our small village, meeting local residents; visiting the Elaine Beckwith Gallery, chatting with Hank and Toby of Hot Glass Works, gathering with rustic friends at Skip Woodruff’s Handmade Rustic Furniture, enjoying a latte at the Jamaica Coffee House.

At the coffee house Red Chair was invited to enjoy what most Vermonter do this time of year.

Not only is November the quiet season, but it’s also hunting season! Early the next morning the chair stopped by D&K Groceries to pick up supplies and headed out with a few skilled hunters. As most hunters appreciate, today was not “the day,” however the chair enjoyed its time in the woods, admiring hidden old growth tree stands, incredible rock formations and magnificent views.   

While in the woods Red Chair stopped by the Balancing Rock, it could not resist the temptation that has lured almost every young Jamaica resident for 200 years – it tried to push the rock off its perch. The rock that has been there since receding ice placed over a hundred thousand years ago would not budge. Nevertheless Red Chair enjoyed posing for photographs by this huge rock.

After a long day returning to nature Red Chair again relaxed by the fire before heading off to the Inn’s award winning dining room and finally a restful night in bed!    

Breakfast at The Grafton Inn, seated amongst the Windsor Chairs.  The Red Chair struggles with it's best behavior while with royalty:)

The early arrival allowed the Red Chair to enjoy a glass of wine with the inn’s Sales & Events Manager Angela Harford, while relaxing in Phelps Barn Pub.

Each morning, the Red Chair enjoyed a full Vermont country breakfast in the inn’s Garden Room. For dinner, the Chair chose to dine in The Old Tavern Restaurant, a fine dining restaurant that features seasonal menus in order to accommodate the most local available food items. From there, it was touring the historic Village of Grafton.

First and foremost on the list for the Red Chair was a visit to Grafton Village Cheese, makers of handcrafted cheddar and specialty cheese, using milk from Vermont family farms. Cheese tasting is offered daily, so the Red Chair had its fill! It also visited Grafton Ponds Outdoor Center, the year-round recreation center. In just a few weeks time the rolling hills and base of Grafton Ponds will be covered in snow thanks to its snowmaking system and ready for cross-country skiers to visit. Winter really is around the corner.

That said, with some chilly afternoons, The Chair stopped by the Grafton Nature Museum, a local museum that has fantastic children’s programs and activities. It also attended a monthly community coffee meeting over at Mack’s Place Café, where the Grafton locals were very welcoming.

During this short visit, the Red Chair made time for impromptu “alone time” with a local Grafton Inn chair. Before we knew it, the Red Chair had slipped away to our Cricketers Suite (often used as a honeymoon suite). Photos will see the two chairs enjoying champagne in front of the double Jacuzzi tub. As it is, the Grafton Inn is such a romantic inn that management was not surprised at what blossomed in such a short time.

On the 15th, the Inn staff chauffeured the Red Chair over to its neighbors in Jamaica, Vt. at the Three Mountain Inn.  It was an honor to be part of its travels and the staff at the Grafton Inn looks forward to another visit soon!

The Red Chair visited Henniker, NH for a few days and was able to be around for our first snow accumulation of the season! We only had a few inches and it was gone pretty quick but still a good sign that winter is on its way. The Red Chair spent lots of time by the fire (not too close!) and in some of our rooms enjoying the warmth. We were also able to get out to the covered bridge in town, right next to New England College, and were able to get some great shots of both historic bridges. The weather was a bit nicer on its second day and we were able to have a safe trip to Dick & Lesley of the Rosewood and able to exchange hands safely and dry! We wish the Red Chair the best of luck on its future stops and it was a pleasure having it here!

Wow! The Swift House Inn and the town of Middlebury, Vermont are very welcoming.  There is so much to do and see here. My visit started with a greeting at the front door.

Then I went exploring in the town. My first stop was the UVM Morgan Horse Farm. I met one of the horses and was helping him learn how to stand very still. I have had a lot of practice at this. I think he got the hang of it.

Then it was off for a tour of Middlebury College. The campus was beautiful!

There is a beautiful place on the Otter Creek to do some fly fishing. I took in the sun and cast my line. The air was crisp and clean and I couldn’t think of a better place to be. I should do this more often.

On our way back to the Swift House Inn we stopped by Happy Valley Orchard to pick apples. It was hard to decide which my favorite was. Macintosh, Honey Crisp, Ginger Gold. All were delicious!

Back at the Inn, there were chores to be done. Splitting wood for the fire places and raking leaves. Yes, all those beautiful fall leaves have to go somewhere. I didn’t know where to begin.

After all that hard work I enjoyed a glass of wine at the bar. They have a very expansive wine list which is why they are Wine Spectator Award Winners. Salute!

For the evenings entertainment I was the center stage attraction at The Town Hall Theater. It is a beautifully restored theater in the Middlebury Town center. I entertained the crowd with pantomime and musical chairs. “I’m ready for my close up Mr. Demille!”

The next day was a perfect day to go for a bicycle ride. The Champlain valley is full of rolling hills, farm land, apple orchards and some of the most spectacular vistas one can imagine.

I stopped by a farm on my ride and made some new friends. The pigs were friendly. Maybe a little too friendly.

The cows were a little timid at first. I think they were shocked at my color. They had never met a chair with such a bright personality.

I will always treasure my time spent at the Swift House Inn in Middlebury, Vermont. The Inn is beautiful and the people (and farm animals) friendly.

Now Off to the Colby Hill Inn, Henniker New Hampshire...

Susan of the West Hill House receives the chair from Janet of the Inn at Round Barn Farm, as the red chair continues it's epic journey across New England!