Holiday Road in the Little Town of Orwell
November 30, 2010
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 on Route 73.
LC
Posted at 13:39h, 30 NovemberHi 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 NovemberHi 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 NovemberWhat 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 NovemberVery 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 NovemberHi 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 NovemberSounds 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 NovemberThese pictures brought me such comfort after a hectic day! Thanks for sharing them.
Erica Houskeeper
Posted at 22:05h, 30 NovemberHi Will — Looking forward to seeing your photos of Kennebunkport!
Hi Margs — I’m really glad the photos helped!
Tony
Posted at 14:48h, 01 DecemberWhat 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 DecemberThanks 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 DecemberOk, 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 DecemberThank you Stella! I hope you can get to Vermont sometime soon.
From Beyond My Kitchen Window
Posted at 03:28h, 02 DecemberWell, your long car ride was worth it. Delightful photos of your lovely Vermont!
Bernie Sun
Posted at 02:43h, 29 MarchIt’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…
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Posted at 12:32h, 09 July[…] 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 […]