Welcome to āA Minute In ā¦ā ā a BGS feature that turns musicians into hometown reporters. In our latest column, singer-songwriter Caitlin Canty takes us through Vermont communities like Pittsford and Rutland, as well as her favorite places nearby.
A Morning Hike
I’ll start the morning off with a walk with my parents and the dogs down by the covered bridges in Pittsford, such as the Gorham and Cooley bridges, and walk to the confluence of Otter Creek and Furnace Brook. This is my favorite spot in Vermont.
Donuts & Sandwiches
My dad usually wakes up before anyone else and he’ll pick up some classic donuts from Jones’ Donuts and Bakery if I’m lucky. And we’ll always stop at Kamuda’s Country Market for a sandwich or provisions after a walk.
Local Restaurants
My mom’s a great cook, but if I’m home for a few nights, we’ll hit Roots the Restaurant or The Palms in Rutland for dinner. If I’m in Rutland earlier in the day, my favorite spot to sit by a fire and warm up is the Yellow Deli.
Getting Outdoors
I’d tell anyone visiting the Rutland area to go for a quick and easy hike up Deer’s Leap near Killington for a gorgeous view, or paddle around on Chittenden Dam for sweeping views of the mountains reflected on the water.
Foot Races and Farmer’s Markets
If it’s July, try the Goshen Gallup road race (5K and 10k) at Blueberry Hill Inn.Ā Or if you’re visiting in the fall, go apple picking at Mad Tom Orchard and Douglas Orchard, and hit the outdoor Rutland Farmers’ Market (which Iāve played a time or two when I was starting out).Ā If you’re driving on Route 4, don’t miss Woodstock Farmers’ Market (a gourmet deli) for sandwiches, soups, and salads.
Pottery, Glassblowing, and Books
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Autumn in Vermontāis there anything sweeter? #northshirebookstore #bookstagram #shoplocal #autumn
I love Farmhouse Pottery in Woodstock and I love to go to Simon Pearce in Quechee, where you can watch glassblowing and then sit by a window next to the falls and have a drink in one of those pretty hand-blown glasses. If I’m in Manchester, I’ll get lost in the Northshire Bookstore.
The Vermont Marble Museum
The Vermont Marble Museum in my hometown is one of a kind. It’s an old factory building full of huge slabs of all varieties of marble and sculptures. I played a show here once and the sound was unlike any other room I’ve played. I love wandering around in here and seeing the history and the industry that built my town. Vermont’s famous for its covered bridges, but you have to walk or drive over the marble bridge to visit this museum in Proctor. Don’t miss checking out the powerful falls behind the Proctor Library.
The Music Scene
The first guitar I bought myself was at Be Music in Rutland, a Martin DM. Since then I’ve bought countless sets of strings, capos and picks from Brian and Jeff. As far as shows go, Iāve played at the Paramount Theater in Rutland. The first time I played there, I was invited to open for Eric Burdon and the Animals, and I was filling in for the support. I was invited that afternoon! Iād been painting a house with my family and my brother just got his license. He drove me to the theater with the hammer down as I restrung my guitar on the way. I still had paint on my hands when I played the show, and I didn’t have time to get nervous.
Photo of Caitlin Canty: David McClister
