The Best of 2023
There is so much to appreciate about living in the Mad River Valley—the natural beauty surrounding us, the community’s resiliency, the breadth of activities available. As the Mad River Romance team looks back over the year, a few memorable moments deserve a special shout-out.
Here are Sharon’s top Valley moments of 2023:
Best Valley non-profit experience: Dining under the tent at the Sugarbush Airport at the Flight Experience for Youth (FEFY) summer auction, hearing directly from the kids about the impact of the youth camps and flight programs on their lives.
Best picnic: Strolling Knoll Farm with friends, enjoying the farm-prepared picnic while seated under a massive oak tree overlooking the Valley, with sheep bleating in the distance.
Best theater experience: Walking to the Phantom Theater and enjoying a first-rate production of the play “Time Stands Still.”
Best educational experience: Learning about floral design at the French Blooms floral demonstration and book signing at Addison West.
Best way to be lazy: Sitting on our back deck with visiting family, enjoying Aperol spritzes, and watching gliders circle overhead.
Here are some additions from Judy:
Best Valley meal: Dinner and dancing at the Inn at Round Barn Farm for the wedding of our friends’ children. What a beautiful setting and delicious meal. Congrats to Jenn and Zach!
Best Valley adventure: Skinning the Mt Ellen uphill track on a frigid cold day with my friend Annie. We made it, even though this was probably a really bad idea given the temperature!
Honorable mention adventure: Tubing on the Mad River. With all the 2023 summer rain, we turned rain drops into water currents and set speed records for our river rapid runs.
Best Valley purchase: OK, I bought this in Waterbury, but I love my new eBike (shout out to Sharon for the inspiration). It means I can ride down my driveway and get back up.
Favorite Mad River Romance story: I think the December 2023 story about the young woman stuck in the snow in her bare feet was my best work. And it had the best title. If you missed it, check it out: Stuck. A Pants-Optional Vermont Love Story.