England Swings...and Stowe, too

One may think it odd that Stowe, Vermont is hosting an event that "Celebrates and Salutes the Great British Motorcar and All Manner of Other Things British". Well, we are, after all, in New England, and we do entertain a ton of visitors from the United Kingdom. It's fitting, though, that the British Invasion is said to have started over a pint of ale, because one of the organizers, innkeeper Chris Francis is a legendary Stowe Brit. Five o'clock: off to the pub! Some traditions just don't change because you relocate across the Atlantic.

We're going full-Brit as we close Main Street in Stowe Village and restricting parking to English motorcars such as the Jaguar and the Morgan, this year's featured marques (that would be "make" in Yankee-speak). Shops will be open late and decked out in British window dressing as they compete for prizes, and we'll be jumping with tent sales, food, and of course British music. Not just any music will do, and to that end our street dance will be highlighted by British Mania, the "Official Beatles Tribute Band of Liverpool Tours". From the Cavern Club to Abbey Road, they'll be playing all the Fab Four hits, with authentic costumes and instruments rocking the...ummm...street. All on Friday, September 19 at 6:30pm.

So, here's the story so that you can get into the swing (like-a-pendulum-do): Chris Francis and his lovely wife Lyn moved to Stowe from England a couple of decades ago and bought and rehabbed an inn, naming it, appropriately enough, Ye Olde England Inne. Eighteen years ago they hit upon the idea of staging a British Invasion, one which would be a lot more fun than the original one probably was. And so, they were off and running, or ambling, or strolling, as the Brits are wont to do.

The 18th Annual British Invasion, September 18-21, features a plethora of events, including Back-seat Driving and Tailgate Picnic Competitions; auto judging in the Concours d’Elegance; a British Market; pub food; scheduled driving tours through the Champlain Islands and scenic Smugglers Notch, and much more. “The Invasion”, held in the Stowe Events Field, has been honored by the Boston Sunday Globe as their “number one choice for “Best Things to Do Within a Day’s Drive of Boston”, and recognized by the Vermont Chamber of Commerce as one of their Top Ten Summer Events.

"Baby, you can drive my car!" Beep beep, yeah.

September Song

The past week has been hopping in Stowe! The weather has been beyond reproach, the street outside my window in Stowe Village is bustling. Just grabbed an ice cream cone from the Depot Street Malt Shop (the day, and our boss, cried for it! And he was treating.) and they were busy as can be at 2:30 in the afternoon. Owner Rachel told us that it's the mid-afternoon/end of bike ride or hike break for families who are just chillin'. Nice.

The license plates that we see are not only our traditional "drive markets" of Montreal, Boston, and New York, but farther flung locales, too. And the welcome ring of accents from countries across the pond (whichever pond you choose, east or west) brings a refreshing diversity to our community.

This, folks, is the hum and buzz of a very popular destination for families large and small as they get in one last frolic before it's time to go...back...to...school.

And now the time of year that recharges us all. Ahhhh, September. Yep, the perfect month in Stowe. September is the buffer that Mama Nature offers up; the assuager, the peacemaker. Takes the edge off the cold nights, which are creeping in. Hotel rates become more affordable, the flora and fauna is in full swing--flower gardens glory in September! Picnics and all the outdoor activities that we love continue to be options. How about a glider or hot air balloon ride? A soothing, mellow paddle down the river via canoe or kayak? And how about it all being bundled together into a great package? Check here:
http://www.gostowe.com/lodging/specials/

And fall foliage? It's a-creepin' in. Much as we love it, we're not quite ready to say farewell to summer. I'm tempted to say, as my mother once scolded, "Now, don't you start!"

But for now: September: Gloriosky! I'm outta here and onto my spokes.

Stowe Summer Music Festival=World Class FREE Music

August 10-16 brings incomparable music to Stowe, and it's all free. The 7th annual
Stowe Summer Music Festival brings world class performances from artists who are--- and it's not a stretch to call them this--brilliant

The organizers of the festival are committed to making the performances accessible, so there is no admission charge. The concerts will be held at Topnotch Resort and will begin at 7:30 p.m.

The "kick-off" celebration will be hosted at the Helen Day Art Center, on August 10th at 4:30, and features a collaborative art exhibition. The artist, Rafael Cauduro, is a highly acclaimed painter and muralist and one of Mexico's most prodigious and popular contemporary artists. Mexico's leading brass quintet, Metales 5 will make an appearance.

Metales M5 returns for a performance on Monday, August 11 at Topnotch Resort, the host property for the concerts. Highlights of a Metales M5 program range from Baroque to contemporary, from opera to pop and Mexican folk.

On Tuesday, Traditional music coupled with classical music is the hallmark of the Brasil Guitar Duo. And, theyre the VirtuososWinner of the 2006 Concert Artists Guild International Competition!

On Wednesday Spinto Tenor Jose Ortega is back by popular demand, offering a special evening of operatic arias and songs.

On Friday, Orchestre de la Francophonie Canadienne, directed by Jean-Philippe Tremblay takes the stage with some of the best and brightest young musicians from Canada, performing a program of music from classic movies.

On Saturday we're back at Helen Day Art Center for Stowe Festival 'Finale' Celebration. The Stowe Summer Music Festival will wrap up with a celebration of the Rafael Cauduro exhibition. Cauduro will be on hand to speak

Spend next week in Stowe revelling in great music--and it's all free, so you can splurge on dinner, drinks, and a great place to stay!