Best Places to Warm Up by the Fire in the MRV
Sometimes the best thing to do on a cold, winter day is to cuddle up next to a roaring fire. There are some great options all over the MRV and some of them are less obvious than others. Here are just a few of our favorites;
The Joslin Memorial Library down on Bridges Street is not the first place folks think of when you consider fireplace options, but after recent renovations the new fireplace sitting area has become a focal point and sought after reading space. It’s a magnificent spot to enjoy a book and take in one of the most beautiful buildings in town recently restored to its original luster thanks to an ambitious capital campaign,
“Old Burnie” the pot-belly stove at The Warren Store has been warming the bones of locals and visitors alike for generations. Enjoy a cup of Joe, a tasty bakery item or a sandwich on rustic tables scattered around this antique classic from days of yore. It’s yet another facet of the quirky Warren Store experience. Most folks walk right by it all summer with hardly a notice but come winter it offers a much appreciated blast of warmth and a place to enjoy a chat with a neighbor. While your in Warren Village be sure to pop into Tracks at the Pitcher Inn to enjoy their cozy fireplace too,
The Mad River Taste Place has a beautiful, gas fireplace to cozy up to as you enjoy a charcuterie board, have an amazing gilled cheese or imbibe with a fine spirit, cider or beer. First installed when the space was a bank, most folks don’t realize that the fireplace is even there, but it sure is appreciated on a blustery day. The flicking flames add a sense of elegance to the sophisticated look of this unique tasting space.
Leonard Robison warming himself up at Blueberry Lake XC Center’s old wood stove.
After a day of skiing at the Blueberry Lake XC Center you can pop into their exceedingly rustic lodge to warm up by the fire. That’s a great experience unto itself but what makes it really special is the chance to have a chat with the 91 year-old proprietor of the place, Leonard Robinson. Leonard grew up on a dairy farm up on Lincoln Gap and has endless stories of times gone by here in the MRV, truly a local treasure. He is renowned near and far for his ability to “snow farm” on his trails, offering fabulous skiing even in the worst of winters. Bring your dog along, they’re always welcome on the trails and they’ll enjoy the fire too.
Pie by the fire at Swanson’s Inn
The only thing nicer than sitting by a roaring fire is to sit by one with a tasty piece of pie. Stop on by Swanson’s Inn on any Sunday afternoon to do just that. Rick and Tim, the owners of the establishment host this unique, local phenomenon every Sunday from 3 to 6 pm. Learn the whole story here.
Sure everyone goes to Lawson’s Tap Room for the beer and some of that famous MRV conviviality, but it’s also a great place to gather with friends around a crackling fire. And where else can you enjoy the warmth AND play classic video games all while enjoying some of the finest beer on the planet?
General Stark’s Pub at MRG
Our Valley’s classic ski lodges famously sport well-used hearthstone fireplaces. There are whole bunch of them strung like pearls along Route 17 on the way down from Mad River Glen. There is nothing better after a day of skiing than imbibing in front of a raging fire in the venerable General Stark’s Pub. A short schuss down from the mountain you’ll find a fieldstone beauty at
the Mad River Barn that has been in use since before Mad River opened in 1949. A bit further downhill you’ll find the Hyde Away which has a cozy nook by the bar that has a fireplace that has been the venue for many a tall tale of skiing exploits over the decades. Tucker Hill Inn used to have a rope tow of it’s own back in the day
along with a fireplace to warm your toes after a day on the slopes. The ski area is long-gone but the fireplace remains, now ensconced in the downstairs pub.
Fire pit at American Flatbread
Sometimes the best fires can be found outside like the one at American Flatbread which keep diners warm as they await their turn to sit be the hearth inside.
There are countless other places to warm your spirit all over the valley. be sure tell us about your favorites so we can fully round out the list. Stay warm friends!
