Posted by Bruce Pfander on Thu, Apr 05, 2012 @ 03:24 PM
Beyond Irene
Spring is upon us and The Four Columns is alive with activity as we prepare for the season. While work continues on painting the front Four Columns building, back by the stream the final stages of landscaping and repair from the damage of Hurricane Irene is in full gear. Here Tom and Mike are putting the finishing touches to the gardens next to the stream. Where you see equipment now will soon be a return to the flowers and the peaceful surroundings that provide the backdrop for weddings, or just relaxing with a friend, a glass of wine and the latest must-read book.
Posted by Bruce Pfander on Sun, Mar 25, 2012 @ 01:39 PM
Getting ready for the season...
Spring is coming early to Vermont this year, so we are getting a jump start on sprucing up the Inn and grounds for the season. Norm Holden, our local painter extrodinaire is giving the front building a lot of TLC with prep and fresh paint. Mia, our gardner is busy this week cleaning out the gardens as our tulips and daffadils make the first appearance. Much more to do!
Posted by Bruce Pfander on Tue, Feb 21, 2012 @ 11:51 AM
Early Spring Mountain Bike Excursion
While we still have plenty of snow on the mountains for downhill skiing, these sunny days make us restless for some Vermont back-road mountain biking. So that's what we did this past weekend and had a cold, muddy blast! We have our favorite route from The Four Columns through Brookline, up over the mountain and then down to Grafton for a little hot coffee and a deserved break. Dress warm! This is a chilly, muddy and fun ride!!
Posted by Bruce Pfander on Thu, Sep 01, 2011 @ 12:18 PM
Looks like it's going to be a beautiful September
and an Incredible Fall!
Thank you for all of the calls and emails extending your concern and best wishes for hurricane recovery. Southern Vermont caught a good portion of the damage but things are on the mend. We were fortunate. Our back garden area next to Smith Brook suffered serious flooding, and we are in the process of landscaping and repair in the coming weeks. Happily the rest of the Inn was untouched and remains fully operational. We were able to host a number of stranded travelers during the storm, who seemed grateful to have a place of warmth and respite, with cookies and tea to boot!
Road and bridge damage through much of the State is extensive, but repairs are well under way. Access to Newfane and The Four Columns is best from the south. We recommend I- 91 from all points north and south to Brattleboro, and then connect to Vt Rte 30N with only one minor bridge detour about two miles south of us. Many of you are planning to visit over the next two months and we look forward to seeing you soon!
Posted by Bruce Pfander on Fri, Jun 10, 2011 @ 01:12 PM
The Four Columns Inn is host to Vermont weddings in all seasons. This summer is off to a great start with three happy couples, friends and families enjoying the grounds and gardens while celebrating beside our stream.
These are a few images from this past weekend
Guests were seated adjacent the gardens with table decor appropriate to the summer season
Tents and Lighting at the ready...
And came to life at night-fall
To celebrate into the evening
Posted by Bruce Pfander on Tue, Aug 24, 2010 @ 09:13 PM
We see many engagements, weddings and romantic interludes here, but this was one of the best. Our prospective groom constructed a gazebo in the gardens by the stream, and we set it up for dinner service by candlelight…and not just candles on the table, but a host of suspended candles in cones, casting a warm glow over the table. The unsuspecting girlfriend was taken for a hike where the couple came upon this lovely setting with waiter at the ready for a romantic dinner and proposal. This much preparation also requires much confidence, which was rewarded with a ‘yes’!
Posted by Bruce Pfander on Sat, Apr 10, 2010 @ 05:56 PM
When the Chef’s away we like to play in the kitchen. Chicken Pot Pie anyone?
Posted by Bruce Pfander on Sat, Mar 27, 2010 @ 07:24 PM
Even as snow remains on the mountains and we have some of the best skiing in years, we are seeing signs of Spring as wintergives way to beautiful sights and sounds!
Posted by Bruce Pfander on Mon, Jan 25, 2010 @ 02:47 PM
On crisp sunny winter days we dispense with our duties as quickly as possible to enjoy an outdoor activity. When we can take Toby, our Golden Retriever,all the better. It makes him a happy dog. This week we grabbed our snowshoes and headedto the Long Trail for a hike up Bromley Mountain. The trail-head can be found just south of Route 30 on Route 11 as you head toward Manchester. On the right you can see a parking area where Equinox Snow Tours orchestrates snowmobile rides through the mountains. Park there and walk along the snowmobile trail toward Bromley. The trail-head is on the left. (You can tell this is a foot path). White marks on the trees designate the path, but generally you can tell where the trail leads.It is about 1 1/2 miles to the summit.
You know you are almost to the summit when you cross a ski trail at the top of Bromley mountain. We made friends with a few skiers who were surprised to see us, but couldn’t resist meeting our fuzzy partner. With the short winter day moving into late afternoon we headed back down the mountain into the rich light of a fading sun.
Posted by Bruce Pfander on Wed, Dec 23, 2009 @ 01:56 PM
Holiday Preparations are almost complete...
A beautiful snow…
decided to stay
Ornaments in the Tree
Festive trimmings
And conversations by the living room fire…
Create a season of warmth and good cheer
In the Kitchen…
Chef Zak
Prepares his stock
For Christmas and New Years Dinners
No escape for Mr. Lobster
While Dinner guests enjoy…
A quiet table in the corner
beneath a local artist’s creation
Or next to the fire’s warm glow