When two local companies partner to better our community, magical things can happen. JAG Productions, based in White River Junction is partnering with King Arthur Baking Company in Norwich. While a theater company and baking company seem an unlikely pair, together they are co-producing a beautiful series of performances, “Theatre on the Hill.”

“Theatre on the Hill” takes place on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings between August 13 and September 12 on the grassy hill behind King Arthur Baking Company. Proceeded with food and drinks provided by Upper Valley favorites such as Munchie Rollz, Griddle and Groovy, and Wolf Tree, “Theatre on the Hill” is an outdoor theater series featuring an array of performances including workshop productions, concert musicals and staged readings. … Read More

Before the rise of the Industrial Revolution in the 18th century, most families made their living by a small-scale, decentralized manufacturing business often operated out of their homes. By far, the most important “cottage industry” – as it would eventually be called – centered on the production of yarn and textile fabrics. Key to its operation was the entrepreneur who purchased the raw materials, distributed them among working families, passed the semi-finished products from one artisan to another, and then marketed the finished products. In time, hand production methods led to the rise of the mechanized factory system in which textiles were still the dominant industry. … Read More

It was the sheer beauty and tranquility of the Quechee landscape that brought New York resident Rich Mauch here over 46 years ago. In fact, as he noted in a recent interview, his blood pressure and stress level took (and continues to take) a significant drop as soon as he exited the highway and entered the picturesque and historic village.

“I’m not sure there are many places like Quechee in the country,” Mauch said. “It is truly a massive playground for “big kids” and little kids with so many things to do for everyone. I often tell friends that the best days are when I complete what I call the Quechee Triathlon, taking part in three activities like downhill skiing, cross country skiing, paddle tennis, golf, tennis or swimming in Lake Pinneo.”… Read More

When a business starts, and flourishes over many years, it provides benefits in several ways. Certainly, it benefits the entrepreneurs who had the vision to start the enterprise, and the various people employed there. Further, it benefits the clients and customers who’ve used the products and services provided. Still, other not-so-apparent beneficiaries may include the community as a whole, organizations that depend on that business in their works, and even other enterprises, which are bolstered by the clientele and goodwill generated. All of these are examples of the good works generated by Quechee’s Strong House Spa, celebrating 30 years in operation this year.… Read More

One fine day, audiences again will flock in person to entertainment venues around the Upper Valley, including the Quechee Green and downtown White River Junction.

Until then – we should live so long – Briggs Opera House and Hotel Coolidge owner David Briggs takes some comfort in the efforts of regional groups like White River Indie Films (WRIF) to keep the performing arts on our radar screens.

Take mid-December’s Light River Junction Festival of Cinema Light, during which WRIF defied the darkness of the 2020 winter solstice by screening short works by area filmmakers on the sides of downtown buildings for passers-by to see and hear.… Read More

The Stars Line up for Kingswood II

What to do with an aging asset? Use it until it’s no longer suitable for its intended purpose? Keep fixing it in an effort to squeeze out a few more years of use? Undertake a major overhaul or renovation involving a significant investment of time, energy, and financial resources?

These are age-old questions that plague many among us sooner or later about our assets small or large. Many folks have at one time had to choose whether to repair, replace or run a motor vehicle into the ground, but it’s quite another matter when we are confronted with such realities regarding our residence.… Read More

It is 4:30 in the morning and Quechee photographer, Lisa Lacasse, is out the door looking for the perfect shot. “It’s hard to explain why I get up so early and head into the dark, but I love being in nature and my camera takes me places I might not otherwise go, plus the light is just so fabulous in the early morning.” Whether it’s a simple sunrise, kayaking out on her favorite pond to find a mother loon and her babies, exploring the back roads of Vermont or the coast of Maine, or just stepping out into her backyard, Lisa’s off on an adventure looking to capture an image that will resonate with others.… Read More

We live in the age of Covid-19. Years from now, people might well harken back to the Covid Era: “Where were you during the pandemic of 2020?” they may ask. Unless the disease has claimed a member of our family, in a decade or more most of us won’t have a distinct memory of any specific event. Not so for John Grondin, a genuine Quechee kid who has fought the pandemic on two fronts.

Grondin’s parents, Emile and Ruth, moved their large family (John is the 8th of 9 children) from a small town in Connecticut to Quechee where Emile worked in management for the QLLA complex.… Read More

Picture, if you will, an upscale four-season resort community in the gently rolling hills of eastern Vermont. It is August, and life here typically hustles and bustles through summer months, but this year ’tis even more so: outdoor facility uses are at or near all-time highs. The 1300-plus members and their families are keeping the golf courses and swimming pool as busy as ever. Youth tennis and golf programs have waiting lists. Demand is so great that members make reservations to use the pool. That is the 2020 edition of life at Quechee Lakes.

Pandemic? Schmandemic!

Into this pristine setting now strides a new general manager brimming with enthusiasm, thrilled to be part of what is already a certifiably good thing, excited to be in a rural, four-season environment, and optimistic about what the future holds for his new domain.… Read More

Whether you’re visiting the area this fall, just moved here, or are an established resident, exploring the region’s historical features is high on many to-do lists. How about considering staying close to home, and exploring what’s in our own backyard? Along with the beautiful drives, the hiking, biking and shopping the Quechee area offers, are several historical points of interest to enjoy. Here are just a few to pique your interest.

Billings Farm & Woodstock

Farming was always, and remains, an important element in the Upper Valley.… Read More