Warren Journals

Best of IgoUgo

Warren-a quaint free-spirit Community

A July 1998 trip to Warren by unorthodox traveler

Warren VermontMore Photos
Quote: Warren is a samll, quaint, scenic village in the heart of the Mad River Valley of Vermont. Basically unchanged since 1789, htis interesting town is known for its independent, free-thinking spirit and its outrageous July 4th celebrations...which will be the focus of this journal.
Warren Vermont
Quote: Attend, participate in the Annual July 4th celebration, attend the picnic, mingle with the thousands of people, swim in the lagoon, naked if you dare, ride in an engineless sailplace, hike/bike in the mountains/forests, check out the many antique shops.

Quick Tips:

If you plan to attend the July 4th parade, arrive early since parking is very limited.

Best Way To Get Around:

Arrive by car and park. Walking is the transportation of choice.

July 4th CelebrationBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Warren Recreation Park"

Camping
Quote: All hotels/motels were booked when we arrived for the Annual July 4th parade so we decided to camp...which was perfect with pleasant weather, toilet facilities, and a nearby stream for bathing.





For those of you who can plan ahead, may I suggest the following places:


West Hill House-Warren...telephone 800-898-1427. Built in the 1850''s this farmhouse boasts a modern common room, which offers a beautiful fireplace and outside patio. Room rates range from $100-175 per night.





Another place is the Pitcher Inn...888-867-8424...recently built near a stream in the center of town...very expensive with prices ranging from $200-350 per night.

Member Rating 4 out of 5 by unorthodox traveler on February 15, 2001

July 4th Celebration
All over town Warren, Vermont

Common ManBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "The Common Man"

Quote: The Common Man is located in a century-old barn with a dramatic interior which includes (believe it or not) chandeliers and a strange floral carpeting on the walls.

The evening we were there we had rainbow trout with sage leaves and pine nuts...very delicious.

For dessert we had what they call Schneeballen, which is vanilla ice cream with coconut and hot-fudge.

Member Rating 3 out of 5 by unorthodox traveler on February 15, 2001

Common Man
3209 German Flats Road Warren, Vermont 05674
(802) 583-2800

Warren General Store
Quote: Set along a tumbling stream with a small gorge, this classic store has uneven wood floorboards, a potbellied stove, and all kinds of gourmet foods and wines. You can purchase coffee, beer, wine, sandwiches, and other items to take out. My recommendation is to eat outside on the deck overlooking the stream...a perfect setting for breakfast or lunch.

On the second floor of the Warren General Store you can purchase clothing, leather goods and jewelry.

This is THE place to visit when you arrive in Warren...You immediately sense going back in time as your eyes focus on the large woodburning potbelly stove and the delicious aroma of coffee and pastries from the deli, but then you are brought back to the 21st century as you glance over the wine possibilities and gourmet foods.

Member Rating 4 out of 5 by unorthodox traveler on February 15, 2001

Warren General Store
Main Street Warren, Vermont

Warren
Quote: This is THE event of the year which attracts thousands. The townspeople, who are unorthodox, free-thinking, free-spirited individuals, create a number of floats to express their political views through satire and outrageous condemnation. "Liberal' is stretching the political views of most townspeople...walking in the Parade every July 4th is Bernie Sanders,the independent Senator from Vermont. Along the parade route there are art exhibits, protest demonstrations, singing, and dancing. The atmosphere is festive...these people really know how to celebrate.

My photos...will enrich this limited written expression of this event.

The parade leads up to the community recreation field where all kinds of food is served and entertainment provided all day and into the night.

Member Rating 4 out of 5 by unorthodox traveler on February 15, 2001

July 4th Celebration
All over town Warren, Vermont

Sugarbush SoaringBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Sailplane
Quote: What a great experience...to take off in an engineless sailplane towed by a conventional aircraft. After gaining altitude, the pilot casts off the rope tow and then you quietly soar through the skies and over Mt. Abraham, along river valleys...being kept afloat by updrafts of warm air. The sailplane we were on could take two passengers...a very tight fit. Our ride lasted close to 45 minutes and we paid $100 each for the experience. Expensive, yet well worth every penny. I really felt like an eagle and viewed favorite places from the air for the first time.

For information contact the Sugarbush Soaring at 802-496-2290...PO Box 123, Warren, Vermont 05674.

Member Rating 4 out of 5 by unorthodox traveler on February 15, 2001

Sugarbush Soaring
Warren Airport Warren, Vermont

Hiking-Biking TrailBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Hiking
Quote: This is a 14 mile bike trip along mostly paved roads beginning in the nearby village of Waitsfield and ending the the town of Warren. Park your car near the covered bridge and follow the East Warren Road past the Inn at Round Barn Road and up into the hilly, farm-filled countryside. Near the village of Warren, turn right at Brook Road to connect to Route 100 and your return trip.

For hiking, try hiking to the summit of Mt Abraham...one of my all favorite mountains. Mt Abe is located just west of Warren. Drive west up the Lincoln Gap Road and continue to the crest (make sure you have good brakes). You'll see a small parking lot. The hike takes the average person around 2 1/2 hours to reach the summit of 4,006 feet with incredible panoramic views.

Member Rating 4 out of 5 by unorthodox traveler on February 15, 2001

Hiking-Biking Trail
Route 100 Warren, Vermont

July 4th CelebrationBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "July 4th Community Picnic"

July 4th Picnic
Quote: Following the parade, everyone heads for the huge community picnic where entertainment, good food, dancing and celebrations, fill the hours. Every year is different and this picnic is full of life and unexpected events. The folks of Warren take great pride in being unpredictable...of being different. The photos here give you a glimpse of this great event.

Member Rating 4 out of 5 by unorthodox traveler on February 16, 2001

July 4th Celebration
All over town Warren, Vermont

About the Writer

unorthodox traveler

unorthodox traveler
Norway, Maine

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