With the 2014 Winter Olympics about to begin, I find it is a perfect time to roll out this old photograph.  My best guess is this is winter 1977 in downtown Londonderry, VT.  This is where Jake Burton Carpenter started the now world famous Burton Snowboard Factory.  To think that such humble beginnings has catapulted into a huge industry, and is now one of the most popular Olympic Sports.  For nostalgia seekers, this building was the little brown antique boutique across from 'Mike & Tammy's' and the Garden Café.  Sadly, it burnt down a few years ago. There are several Vermonters in the 2014 Olympics this year, hope you cheer for them all!

Right here in the village center of Londonderry we have an Artist Colony!  The Mountain Painters and Artisans is a group of 19 gifted, spirited, and 'Quirky' artists, displaying and selling their unique creations.  Their inventory changes seasonally, so be sure to stop by frequently.  There is a  wide selection of talent:  Watercolors, Oils, BirchBark Creations, Jewelry, Murals, Acrylics, Botanicals,  Scherenschnitte,  Landscapes, Zentangle, a Children's/Baby Gift Section and more!  PS, they also do classes and custom/commission art work.  They are located at the Mountain Market Place, JCT RT11/100.  Phone# is (802) 824-6555 and they are celebrating their 4th year. Congratulations!

This this is a real Vermont Style  'Artist co-op', they are open: 'By Chance, or Appointment'.  Most  days they are open between 10 - 4, but some artists have been known to work well into the evenings!  Everyone takes a turn managing the shop, but even still, there are days when everyone has other obligations, so if traveling a long distance, calling ahead is wise if you want to be sure someone is there. 

See....there are things to do in Vermont besides skiing!   

It takes a Village.....
With many thanks to the Londonderry Arts & Historical Society, the Blue Flames Steel Drum Band, Dick Adams, Jelley's Deli, and renowned muralist Kim Ray, the town of Londonderry is proud home  to the  'The Barn Dance' mural.  It is located on the exterior of Jelley's Deli, RT 11,  in the center of town. Since RT 100 and 11 intersect here, the Mural is officially located on the Scenic Route 100 Byway.     

 Londonderry is blessed with a growing number of residents interested in preserving the  rural Vermont  lifestyle and the charm of a New England village.  This is the second mural to be commissioned for public viewing painted by Kim right here  in her own home town.  Her first Londonderry public commission  can be seen just down the road  at the Mountain Market Place, also on Scenic RT100 Byway at the JCT RT100/11 Londonderry.  For more information about Kim's murals, visit www.kimraymurals.com.