Signs of the Times – Back to Normalcy

It’s clear that things are really getting back to normal here in the MRV. The most obvious signs of our re-awakening are all the activity and energy pulsing from our local businesses that had been unable to operate previously. It’s great to see that they were able to weather the storm and get back to doing what they love, welcoming visitors and being the integral aspects of our community that they are. Here are some highlights;

Wellness
Complexions, the MRV’s popular skin care and waxing studio offers an impressive selection of non-invasive, advanced anti-aging technology, clinical-strength skincare products (Environ, EltaMD & Naturopathica ) and a set of gifted curative hands. Joanie’s facials are an unforgettable experience that will leave you feeling refreshed and recharged. As you once again are getting out and about, why not look and feel your best. Who couldn’t use a little self-care right now?

Who doesn’t need a little self-care after this past year? Mad River Massage is back offering their relaxing massage services. They took the downtime to re-imagine their space and it looks amazing inside and out. The new boutique space is bursting with a beautiful array of fun gift ideas, Jenna Kahn jewelry, new Ayurvedic aromatherapy oils handcrafted in small batches in Montpelier, and a new vegan/natural skincare line called Mad Hippie!

Our local yoga studios are once again inviting folks back to their studios. Mountain Rose Integrated Wellness Center is  offering full slates of private and group vinyasa sessions as well as their acupuncture and massage and Reiki services. Taking time for oneself on a regular basis is important in the lives we live now a days. Whether it is by practicing yoga, meditating, getting acupuncture or through some other means, these modalities can transform one’s life with more calm, peacefulness, joy and health. Ana and her team are thrilled to be back helping our community. Be sure to check out their retail space for a wide selection of wellness products.

Salt & Sand Studios inspires people to create, connect and share joy through yoga and glass blowing.  It’s a hub for wellness and art in the Mad River Valley and they have returned in full force.  Owners Karen McPhillips and Spencer Kirk-Jackson are inspiring people who are eager to discover, learn, explore and have some fun. There are group classes, private study, workshops, events and more. Karen is also teaming up with the Featherbed Inn to host their weekly Stretch & Sip event.Each Saturday they bring you a refreshing outdoor experience incorporating gentle, yoga-based movement at a mindful pace, plus tea and scones, along with a dip in the pond if you are so inclined. The Yestermorrow Design Build School is also partnering with Salt & Sand to bring you YesterYoga outdoors every Tuesday evening.

Zoe’s Pilates physical location is open for business as usual! Mat classes and reformer classes are a mix of in person and Zoom clients. Privates can be done in person or via Zoom. Five reformer classes and three mat classes per week. Privates day and times vary.

Arts
Mad River Valley Arts is our center for the arts and a hub for creative activity. For more than two decades, MRVA has fostered creativity in our community. They produce art shows, workshops, and numerous activities for for artists and art appreciators. It’s a great place to start your exploration of our local arts scene.

Blockhouse Studio, our local community pottery studio and artisan shop is once again offering classes for adults, kids and specialty workshops in clay and other mediums. They also have memberships for experienced potters to utilize the studio. In their studio shop you’ll find pottery and a carefully curated selection of items for you and your home.

Other regular gathering places are flinging open their doors too. The Madsonian Museum is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 4 or by appointment. The collection represents a lifetime of appreciation for and devotion to good design, displaying over 2000 of the best designed and most artistic manufactured objects. Ranging from the early 1900s to present day, the museum features everything from cars, bikes and motorcycles to toys, canoes, golf gear, radios, toasters, and typewriters.

Create your own glass art with Salt & Sand Studios (description above). Current classes enable you to design your own glass plate/s (Fused & Slumped Plates) or make glass beads, pendants, marbles or small sculptures (Introduction to Flameworking). No experience necessary!

Live theater will be making its triumphant return to the MRV when The Valley Players presents Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland from July 9 to 18. Then they will present the annual Ten Fest directed by the Vermont Playwright Circle from August 12-15. The award-winning Valley Players Annual Craft Fair will climax the summer season over theLabor Day Weekend. It’s great to have our local thespians back in the theater!

Galleries
The Bundy Modern Gallery, an art and sculpture gallery, was conceived to be in harmony with its surroundings in nature and to bring the outdoors in through the use of walls of glass. Set on a plateau with mountain views. Their latest exhibit features Adolf Dehn (1895-1968) and Virginia Dehn (1922-2005) – Landscapes & Inscapes. Open by appointment-only – text 802-777-2713

Moosewalk Studios & Gallery is situated in the midst of five acres of pristine property along Lincoln Gap Road in the Mad River Valley town of Warren, VT. Lincoln Gap Road is known throughout Vermont for its scenic beauty at any time of the year.  The oil and watercolor paintings by award-winning artist Gary Eckhart, and the fine art photography by Roarke Sharlow are the focus of the charming and intimate gallery. The gallery frequently features select works by guest artists.

The Mad River Valley Arts Gallery is located in Village Square in Waitsfield. It is our community’s center for the arts and a hub for creative activity. For more than two decades, MRVA has fostered creativity in the Mad River Valley. They produce art shows, workshops, and numerous activities for for artists and art appreciators.  The current exhibit is ART FORMS: an exploration.Be sure to learn more about their other summer highlights; Tim Saternow Watercolor Workshop,  the Green Mountain Watercolor Exhibition, the Return of the Arts Celebration, the Vermont Plein Air Festival, the Bill Brauer Retrospective, the Green Mountain Photo Show and the Vermont Watercolor Society Show

Adventure
Sugarbush Soaring is back! Without question, it is one of the most spectacular ways to experience the beautiful Mad River Valley. Their experienced FAA certificated commercial pilots provide an exhilarating soaring adventure above the valley. On a clear day you’ll see the Adirondacks and Lake Champlain to the west, Camel’s Hump and Mt. Mansfield to the north, and Mt. Washington and the White Mountains to the east.  In the fall – when the mountains turn red and gold – the view is truly spectacular. It’s one of the most beautiful places in the country to fly gliders.  Beyond scenic rides they also offer offer flight instruction, rentals, introductory flights, and aero tows.

The Vermont Icelandic Horse Farm offers the chance to explore the mountains, meadows, and forests of the MRV on one of the oldest horse breeds in the world. The tireless and efficient movement of the Icelandic Horse makes it the ideal saddle horse, seeming to dance effortlessly over the earth with lightness and power. They offer daily rides of varying lengths, as well as, 2 to 5 day riding packages.