For all those kind customers and friends who have sent their best wishes to Vermont Woods Studios and our network of Vermont woodworkers, here's a quick update on Vermont's status after Hurricane Irene.

• This storm will most likely prove to be one of the 10 costliest catastrophes in the nation’s history
• Analysts said that much of the damage might not be covered by insurance because it was caused not by winds but by flooding, which is excluded from many standard policies
• 3 people in Vermont have died and a fouth is still missing
• All rail traffic has been stopped
• Nearly 300 roads and 30 bridges are closed
• The state office complex in Waterbury is shut down
• A dozen villages are cut off by bridge and road wash-outs, with no way in or out
• The National Guard is airlifting food, water and supplies to them
• Nearly 20,000 Vermonters are still without power
• These photos give an idea of the damage and destruction in VT

Skiers – sorry to report that this is a base lodge at Killington.

Also, if you love horses you have to see this video. It's a horse and rider braving the floods and stormy weather to deliver medicine to a stranded Vermonter.  And speaking of horses, here's a tip for Vermont horse owners:  New England's only non-profit donkey, horse and mule rescue may be able to help you with boarding displaced animals.  It's called Save Your Ass, of course (really- you can't make this stuff up).  Give them a call at 603-835-2971.  Ask for Ann.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those who are suffering through this disaster. Vermonters need help.  The Brattleboro Reformer had a great article today on ways to help.  Yesterday I posted links to the American Red Cross of VT  and other organizations that are helping Vermonters.  Your encouragement and support is greatly appreciated!

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By Dennis Shanoff

Where did Spring go? It seems like suddenly it is summer! So have you planned your summer family vacation yet? Or are you still looking for vacation ideas?

Well if you haven’t planned your summer vacation you just might want to consider a Vermont Vacation. We might be a tad biased but we think Vermont is one of the best vacation spots. And if you like fresh air, rolling green hills, arts & crafts and artisan foods Vermont is absolutely one of the best places to vacation!

Where to stay? The choice is yours. Vermont accommodations range from quiet campgrounds and cozy cabins to luxury inns and classy resorts. You can make one area your base camp while you work the region or hop scotch the state on a theme vacation such as following a cheese, wine, or micro brewed beer trail.

What to do? Here are a few of our favorite Vermont vacation ideas and popular destinations:

It’s hard to beat the quaintness of Woodstock, a postcard picture perfect New England Village. Be sure to visit the Gillingham & Sons General Store. You will be amazed at the diversity of products they carry! Nearby Queeche Gorge offers great scenic opportunities, antiquing, and fine dining. You might consider lunch or dinner at the Simon Pearce restaurant where you will have the added treat of dining on a balcony overlooking a dramatic waterfall. Prefer your activities to be a little more strenuous? Try hiking or mountain biking in the Killington area.

Or visit our big city of Burlington where we don’t quite have skyscrapers but you might find a building more then a few stories tall. Burlington is not only a great pedestrian town, but very dog friendly. Take a Lake Champlain tour (Americas 6th largest lake) or wander about Church Street where outside dining and unique shops abound.

Need more ideas? When it comes to finding Vermont vacation attractions the official Vermont tourism website has a great search feature to help you discover fun and interesting things to do. And if your route brings you in the southeastern area of Vermont and you have an interest in seeing some of Vermont’s best wood furniture please stop by and visit our showroom in Vernon.

So this year take a Vermont family vacation! Oh, and bring an empty suitcase… you are going to find a lot of goodies you’ll want to bring back!

Photo courtesy of Vermont State Parks.

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