Finding the Holiday Spirit in Orwell Vermont

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Holiday Road in the Little Town of Orwell

The festive display on Main Street in Orwell caught me by surprise. I didn’t expect to be so comforted by the town’s holiday decorations, especially because my senses have been overloaded with holiday songs on the radio and Christmas commercials on television. With all of the noise, the season can seem like a hectic blur.

I had been driving aimlessly for more than an hour on Sunday looking for people, places and things to photograph. The sky was colorless and the snowy mountains were covered in clouds. There was a subdued feeling in the air that the long Thanksgiving weekend was over, and I was struggling to feel the holiday spirit on such a drab day.

Then I drove east on Route 73 to Orwell and my day completely changed. I saw a Christmas tree on the Orwell town green, telephone poles adorned with wreaths, and the local general store decked out in ribbons and garland.

As I continued eastward on Route 73, I came across Red Sky Farm Market, a small farm that sells wreaths and Christmas trees. I stopped by, talked to the owner for a bit and ended up buying a handmade Christmas wreath before heading home.

For a town with only about 1,200 residents, Orwell’s sense of community and festive spirit is impressive. In the midst of the Christmas rush, it’s nice to soak up a small town’s quiet holiday glory.

**If You Go: Town of Orwell
Red Sky Farm Market
Buxton’s General Store/VAICS
Map

Red Sky Farm Market

Red Sky Farm Market on Route 73.

 

Categories:
Addison County, country stores, roads, Scenic, Travel Tips, Winter
15 Comments
  • LC
    Posted at 13:39h, 30 November Reply

    Hi Erica… We came across Orwell for the first time three years ago while showing Vermont to friends… in fact, we bought food in that very store for an impromptu lunch! Thanks for the great reminder of a lovely day from a few short years ago! Larry

  • Erica Houskeeper
    Posted at 15:12h, 30 November Reply

    Hi Larry. Orwell is such a memorable little town, isn’t it? I love the general store, it’s a classic. Hope you are doing well!

  • Ocean Breezes and Country Sneezes
    Posted at 15:58h, 30 November Reply

    What beautiful photos, they are very comforting and send a reminder to stop and smell the “pine” for the holidays! Have a great day!

    Mary

  • elvira pajarola
    Posted at 17:19h, 30 November Reply

    Very charming christmas decorations indeed, Erica….I love it simple and delicate too!

    have a wonderful week!
    ciao ciao elvira

  • Erica Houskeeper
    Posted at 17:41h, 30 November Reply

    Hi Mary – Thank you. It was nice to get away from the holiday rush and spent time in this peaceful little town. Hope all is well!

    Hi Elviria – It’s a lovely town and it has a very cozy New England feeling. The country store and farm that sells the Christmas trees are great little local places. Take care.

  • wdbythesea
    Posted at 19:57h, 30 November Reply

    Sounds like a great little town..to me those seem to be the best ones…we have a town in Maine like that (Kennebunkport)…I’m going to have to get out there and get some pics and post them on my blog…

  • Margaret
    Posted at 19:59h, 30 November Reply

    These pictures brought me such comfort after a hectic day! Thanks for sharing them.

  • Erica Houskeeper
    Posted at 22:05h, 30 November Reply

    Hi Will — Looking forward to seeing your photos of Kennebunkport!

    Hi Margs — I’m really glad the photos helped!

  • Tony
    Posted at 14:48h, 01 December Reply

    What a great little town. I need to make it to the northeast one of these holidays. I love the small town charm.

  • Erica Houskeeper
    Posted at 14:52h, 01 December Reply

    Thanks for stopping by Tony! The northeast, especially New England, is so nice during the holidays. There’s nothing like it. Hope you can make it here one of these days.

  • Stella
    Posted at 16:44h, 01 December Reply

    Ok, you make me want to hop on a plane and come for a visit! You photos are lovely!

  • Erica Houskeeper
    Posted at 19:35h, 01 December Reply

    Thank you Stella! I hope you can get to Vermont sometime soon.

  • From Beyond My Kitchen Window
    Posted at 03:28h, 02 December Reply

    Well, your long car ride was worth it. Delightful photos of your lovely Vermont!

  • Bernie Sun
    Posted at 02:43h, 29 March Reply

    It’s a great small town, complete with the little red school house! It is just like a Rockwell painting! and because my best friend grew up there…

  • Pingback:11 Vermont General Stores Worth Visiting
    Posted at 12:32h, 09 July Reply

    […] the southern reaches of Addison County is the little town of Orwell and the home of Buxton’s Store. Established in the early 1900s, Buxton’s is a classic Vermont […]

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