Friends! Family! After eight years of unwedded domestic bliss, we've finally decided to make it official.
Sarah and Andre, along with their tiny son Otis, invite you to join them for a weekend of merriment and matrimony!
8:30pm, Friday: Welcome Campfire at Ottauquechee Farm
8:00am to 5:00pm, Saturday: All welcome to join us at the farm for a laid-back, family-friendly day of horseshoes, hiking, swimming-holing, and general hanging out. Light breakfast and lunch fare, snacks, and beverages will be available throughout the day.
5:30pm, Saturday: Ceremony at Ottauquechee Farm, followed by barbecue, drinks, and dancing.
9:00am, Sunday: Pancake Breakfast at Ottauquechee Farm
Why mess with a good thing, you ask? Well, despite having spent plenty of time sharing our love with each other, we haven't done much to share this side of ourselves with all of you. On top of this, since moving to Middle-Of-Nowhere, NY, we've had a hard time getting around to visiting many of our favorite people. Wouldn't it be great, we thought, if we could somehow get everyone we care about gathered together in the same place to help us celebrate our little (recently enlarged!) family? Wait a minute... Sounds like a wedding!
And so we'd like to invite you all to join us in Vermont (a.k.a. the “California of the East Coast”) next summer for a weekend of fun, festivities, and (at least a little) ceremony. A friend of Sarah's mom has graciously offered to let us use his 500 acre farm in Bridgewater Corners, VT for the occasion. Right in the middle of the Green Mountains, the Ottauquechee Farm is surrounded by beautiful scenery, hiking trails, and swimming holes. It's also right across the street from Long Trail Brewing Company, one of our favorite Vermont beer brewers, and with the vacation communities of Killington and Woodstock nearby, there are loads of activities for kids and adults alike.
If you would take a moment or two to answer the following questions about who we can expect, what they'll be eating, and where they'll be staying, we'd really appreciate it! We only need one response per family. (In order for your RSVP to be submitted, you'll need to answer at least the first two questions.)
Since we've shared a home for more than 8 years, we already own many of the items traditionally gifted to newlyweds. We know nearly all of you will be traveling to get to Vermont, and your presence is more than enough of a gift for us—please do not feel in any way obligated to buy us anything at all! Of course, if there is something special you would particularly like for us to have, we will be glad to accept it. Any monetary gifts received will be donated to Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders).
If you'd like to do something extra, we'd be thrilled if you'd contribute something to the event itself, either by volunteering your time and talent or by bringing something everyone can enjoy. Let us know you're interested (either in a personal email or in the comments section of the RSVP) and we'll include you in future communications with more details!
Helping to drive guests from the train/bus stations in Rutland and White Water Junction to Bridgewater Corners; decorating and flower arranging; food Preperation (to supplement BBQ catering); lead an activity (hike, etc.) on Saturday; etc.
Alcohol: Help diversify our beer/wine/spirits selection by contributing a case/keg/flagon/what-have-you of your favorite libation!
Lawn and/or board games: There's plenty of space on the farm, indoor and out.
Other: Got a talent, or a great idea for a reading? Want to nerd out by getting together with some musicologist friends and singing some madrigals? Let us know! Our ceremony is going to be kind of a free-for-all, and we'd be psyched to incorporate whatever you have in mind.
The Ottauquechee Farm is at 298 Holiday Farm Road in Bridgewater Corners. How the heck do you get there? We're glad you asked! If you're flying, the nearest (relatively) major airport is Burlington, VT—that's less than two hours from the farm (and it's a city definitely worth checking out, if you haven't been).
If you're coming from the Boston or NYC areas, you have several options:
Drive: It's about 2 ½ hours from Boston, 4 ½ hours from NYC, and 4 hours from Potsdam (Google maps)
Fly: Cape Air has flights from Boston to Rutland, VT (30 min. from the farm) and from Westchester (near NYC) to Lebanon, NH (40 min. from the farm)
Train: There is a daily Amtrak from Penn Station to Rutland, and one from Springfield, MA to White River Junction, VT (35 min. from the farm)
Bus: Greyhound runs buses from Boston to White River Junction
Carpooling/shuttle: We will be trying to coordinate rides for those arriving via the train or bus stations in Rutland or White River Junction, or the airports in Rutland or Lebanon. If you’re interested, please let us know once you know when and where you'll be arriving!
Option 1: There is FREE housing available at the farm in 6 cabins and the main lodge building! Rooms have anywhere from 2-12 hostel-style bunks with shared baths located in each building. We can't guarantee private rooms on the farm, but we can definitely arrange for groups to bunk together! Cabins are rustic but a step above summer camp (linens, flush toilets, and hot showers provided), and you'll be only steps away from good times for the whole weekend.
Option 2: There is space for unlimited FREE camping at the farm, as well! There are private, secluded spots up in the woods above the farm (with trail access), several larger group spots, and also plenty of space to pitch tents in the meadows around the farm buildings. The farm can also accommodate trailers and RVs, if you got 'em (no hookups, however).
Option 3: We have reserved space at three local inns, all located within 5-10 min. of the farm. Sarah's parents have generously subsidized the price of rooms at all three, making them substiantially more affordable than other area hotels for the weekend. The rates listed below are for two nights, Friday August 8 and Saturday August 9. We ask that you stay for both nights if you are booking at one of these properties. Reserve quickly, as these will likely fill up fast, and be sure to mention the wedding when you call the inn.
October Country Inn: Walking distance from the farm! 10 rooms available. Most rooms can accommodate 2 people; some can accommodate a 3rd person for an additional $20. $135 for the weekend. (802-672-3412)
Deer Brook Inn: About 4 mi. from the farm. 5 rooms available. Most rooms can accommodate 2 people; some can accommodate 1-2 extra people for an extra $30. $140 for the weekend. (802-672-3713)
Woodbridge Inn: About 3 mi. from the farm. 5 rooms available. Two rooms can accommodate rollaway beds for families. $147 for the weekend. (802-396-0077)
Farmhouse Inn: Located near the Deer Brook Inn, has beautiful rooms and is run by a delightful young couple and their kids. Rooms $185-255 per night. (802-672-5433)
Kedron Valley Inn: Located about a half hour drive away from the farm, has pet friendly rooms available ($259-359 per night). We stayed there with Sarah's parents (and 3 dogs) while scoping out the farm in July—a really lovely place to stay if you're looking for something a little more secluded, and/or you'll be bringing canine companions (dogs are welcome at the farm, too, of course). (800-836-1193)
Sleep Woodstock: A new budget-friendly motel opening up about 3 mi. from the farm—a good option if you're looking for a standard hotel room (rather than a B&B-style room) with perks like free wifi, 24-hour reception, etc. Rooms $98 per night, with either 2 double beds or one king. Pet-friendly rooms and a suite are also available. (802-332-6336)
Looking for things to do while you're in Bridgewater? Here are some ideas!
Hiking: Check out this guide to some popular day hikes in the area!
Quechee Gorge: The “Grand Canyon of the East,” is located about 30 min. from the farm (you'll pass it on your way here if you're coming from the south). The park offers scenic views, easy hiking trails, and swimming in pools along the river (as well as camping and picnic areas). It is also home to Quechee Gorge Village, a one-stop tourist bonanza that features a staggering array of Vermont products for sale, cheese and wine tastings, the Vermont Train and Toy Museum, and (oddly) a Yankee Candle, among other things.
Swimming: There are a number of local swimming holes if you are looking for someplace to cool off, including Quechee Gorge. For young children, or those looking for a more substantial sandy beach, there are great family-oriented beach areas at Silver Lake State Park and Camp Plymouth State Park, both less than a half hour from the farm. Both offer protected swimming areas with lifeguards, kayak and paddle boat rentals, and snack concessions.
Killington: Bridgewater is located just down the road from this major skiing destination. In the summer, both Killington Mountain and nearby Pico Mountain turn into mountain biking areas, allowing you to avoid those pesky uphill climbs by using their lift systems. (Sadly, the Alpine slide no longer exists...) If you're into this sort of thing, you may be excited to learn that one of the premier disc golf courses in New England is located in Killington. (They hosted the 2013 Vermont state championships!)
Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site: Located on Rt. 100A about 10 min. from the farm. The site--Calvin Coolidge's birthplace--features a perfectly preserved 19th century village, complete with period furnishings, tools, etc. They also do cheesemaking demonstrations, and there's a general store on site selling local goods. (A low-key, more authentic and informative alternative to Quechee Gorge Village!)
Woodstock, VT: The village of Woodstock (once named the “prettiest small town in America” by Ladies Home Journal) is about 15 min. from the farm. This is your destination if you're looking for upscale shopping/dining in the area. Woodstock is also home to the Woodstock Inn and Resort, an exclusive, historic hotel and spa that has won a number of awards.
