Ann’s Guidebook to Sylvana Farm VT

We are an easy 3-mile drive from downtown Montpelier, 5 miles from exit 8 off I-89. Visitors do arrive by bicycle on our paved County Road, yet there is an uphill climb. From this ideal location it is easy to drive the surrounding country roads and have easy access to nearby attractions in the capital city of Montpelier, ski areas in Waitsfield and Stowe, great visits to Ben & Jerry's, Barre granite quarries, hiking trails, x-c skiing, cycling, the East Montpelier and Calais trail networks, and swimming. We are 20 minutes to Norwich University and 45 to University of Vermont UVM in Burlington.

Our amazingly accessible and friendly downtown Montpelier is the smallest of all state capitals and the only one without a McDonalds. Wait for the "chirp" to signal the safe time to cross the street at the corners of State and Main Streets. Each of the four incoming streets gets a chance to go, then you will hear the chirp for pedestrians to cross. Other crosswalks throughout the area mean people crossing have the right of way. It's good to make eye contact to ensure safety. Enjoy the bakeries, book stores, fun shopping, library, groceries, restaurants, bars, theater, museum and State House

You know the saying, "There's no such thing as bad weather--just the wrong clothing!" We can have hot summers these days and certainly cool evenings come fall. Pack comfortable clothes and especially layers to pile on or take off as clouds and sun trade places throughout the day. A warm layer like a fleece and a rain jacket to break the wind and repel rain are useful. To walk around our yard and fields and nearby trails, bring warm socks and outdoor shoes. Our "Bluebird Loop" is a mowed path through field and woods. For hiking & skiing, a small daypack may be good. Winter will require boots.

Wifi is great, Verizon service works well here but AT&T service is limited and does not work as well (so I am told). It is recommended that you print out your directions and jot down your Keypad Code in order to have what you need to find us.

1) Check out time is by 11:00 am 2) Please call/text to let me know you are checking out. I’d like to say good bye and hear any feedback you'd like to share 3) If you are leaving earlier, it would be good to know so I can arrange cleaning crew 4) Please check coat closet, drawers, hook on back of door, shower, and fridge for any of your belongings 5) Put towels in laundry basket in bathroom closet 6) Bed(s) can stay as is 7) Wash dishes and it’s okay to leave in drying rack 8) Write a note in the guest book if you wish to share info on what you liked to do or where to eat. 9) Thank you!

1573 County Road is 3 miles from downtown. Main Street becomes County Road. We are 1/2 mile past Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks. Watch for our BLUE Mailbox on the left, just before the new guard rail. A long driveway lined with tall pines will lead you to the house. Pull all the way up to the ramp on the left side of the house for your private entrance to your guest suite. Let me know your ETA as I can turn on the heat and leave the porch and hall lights on for you if you are arriving after dark. Then, you can turn them off when you are in for the night. Welcome!

Apt has a drying rack and iron, no washer/dryer. If you need it, your laundry can be done at one of the two local laundromats in downtown Montpelier. 1) Capitol City Laundromat: 54 Elm Street on the corner of Elm & Court Street (across from School Street). Do it yourself or they can handle it for you! Drop off service for Wash/Dry/&Fold is convenient and a great way to spend your time shopping, walking in Hubbard Park, enjoying a meal, or having it done overnight by the helpful staff. Call for hours, prices. 2) Launderama is at 8 Barre St. around the corner from Main St.

Go to the Montpelier Alive website for current information on events, dining, stores. Central Vermont has so much to offer the outdoor enthusiast in you--Here you will find hiking trails, biking spots, waterfronts, skiing, parks, and more. Enjoy places nearby and check out this site to get ideas and directions including what is going on around the area and the upcoming calendar of events. Find listings in local newspapers such as: Seven Days, weekly arts and community updates; Times Argus, daily news with upcoming events; The Montpelier Bridge biweekly;The World, weekly with calendar section.

Ski resort websites provide the opportunity to buy your lift tickets in advance at a discount from the ticket window. For instance, check out Sugarbush (45 min away) and their calendar for prices each day. Really! Consider the Mt Ellen only Lift Ticket for a considerable savings from the All Mountain ticket which includes the neighboring Lincoln Peak. For Stowe, you can save up to 65% buying an Epic Day Pass online rather than the ticket window. Bolton Valley offers a smaller mountain and less expensive tickets. Easy equipment rental can be arranged at Slopestyle Ski & Ride near here.