Myriad Activities mean that you simply must come back!
Full Calendar here!
Auctions
Our area has many wonderful auctions each weekend, usually on Sundays. Our favorite is Degre Auction House in Westfield, Vermont, just over the mountain from us. We even have reserved seats for any guests of the Phineas Swann since we are such good customers of theirs. It is owned by Richard Degre, one of the area's most reputable auctioneers of fine antiques and collectibles, as well as a lot of fun junk, and is an absolutely wonderful auction service to go to for low prices, and great fun. They even serve lunch!!
Canoeing and Kayaking
You can arrange canoes through directly through us or ride up to Newport, Vermont on the banks of Lake Memphremagog where you'll find canoes and kayaks at Up the Creek Paddle Sports Tel. 802-673-9995
Boat Rentals on Lake Memphremagog can also be made by calling Newport Marine Services 802-334-5911.
Golfing in Vermont
You might be surprised to know that the Northeast Kingdom and surrounding areas are home to several excellent golf courses. A Phineas Swann golf vacation in this area should be a long one! You will also find on the Golf Vacation page a link to information about all the courses near The Phineas Swann. Below are a just a few to whet your appetite!
- Jay Peak Resort 18-hole course. A new Graham Cooke and Associates-designed golf course is now among Jay Peak Resort's list of superlatives. With its wooded setting, stunning mountain and valley views, and uniquely landscaped surroundings, it takes full advantage of the beauty found only in this corner of the Northeast Kingdom. The front 9 holes opened in early July 2006 and will operate through early October and the back 9 holes opened in the Spring of 2007. Tee-times are available from 7:00 a.m. forward. As a member of JPCC we can arrange tee-times for you in advance of your stay.
- Barton Golf Club - Barton - 18 hole golf course. Bryan King, 802-525-1126.
- Newport Country Club Newport - 18 hole course. Michael Santamaria, 334-2391.
- Orleans Country Club - Orleans - 18 hole course. Bob Silvester, 754-9392.
- Owl's Head Golf Club - Mansonville, Quebec - 18 hole course. 800-363-3342.
- Enosburg Falls Country Club - Enosburg Falls - public course. 802-933-4991.
Skiing Jay Peak
The Jay Peak Resort is rightly famous for its excellent skiiing, with the greatest snowfall amount in all of Vermont. We have a full page on our local skiing at Jay for you to explore.
Blueberry Picking
North Troy - Pick your own blueberries in season July - September at Blueberry Ridge. 3382 River Road, North Troy - 802-988-4702
July 4th Parade
The essence of smalltown America. Every July 4th 10 a.m. the town of Montgomery puts on parade which goes right by the front of our inn. Come see our local floats in a town with pride!
Bowling
Derby Lanes, in Derby is one of the rare establishments still offering the opportunity for Candlepin Bowling. This is a treat for any ten-pin bowler. Call 802-766-2672 to reserve a lane for Candlepin bowling.
Hiking
With access to the Long Trail from Jay Peak, and hiking the trails of Hazen's Notch, hikers will think they have found paradise as they travel the mountains of northern Vermont enjoying this popular outdoor sport. The Green Mountain Club maintains the Long Trail.
Danville Corn Maze
Each year, thousands of people attempt to find their way through the Danville Corn Maze. (Or should that be a maize-maze??) Whether at night or during the day, you will be amazed at the fun you'll have here.
Dogsledding
In addition to local “sledders” who may be contacted directly through us, you may also contact Eden Mountain Lodge Dog sledding, located just a few miles south of us, which is New England's only dogsled touring center with a private trail system designed exclusively for dog sledding activities
Visit Eden Mountain Dogsledding for details of where to go for Dog sledding lessons. Or, click on the Voga website for a full listing of sledding events and outings.
Horseback Riding
Two local stables offer riding opportunites and lessons: Rustler's Horseback Riding Camp - Riding lessons, North Troy; and Foxwood Stables, Derby, call Jeanne Hamblett at 802-766-4756 to make arrangements for riding.
Mountain Biking
Guided Tours are available at First Trax right here in Montgomery Center.
Snowmobiling
Vermont is the home of VAST, the Vermont Association of Snowmobile Trails. With hundreds of miles of trails throughout the farms and mountains of the Northeast Kingdom, snowmobiling is one of the most popular winter sports in Vermont. Rentals are available at Jay Peak Resort and at the Jay Village Inn.
Sugaring
If spring seems a little dull where you are, come stay with us and Visit one of our maple sugar houses. See first-hand how Vermont's famous maple syrup is made. Visit Coulture's Maple House between Westfield and Troy. Whilst there, pick up lovely maple gift items which can also be shipped anywhere in the world.
Snowshoeing
Full (Cold) Moon Snowshoe Tour along Spruce Brook to the summit of Sugar Hill. Meet at the Welcome Center on the Hazen's Notch Road, 7:00 PM. Adults $3, Children $1. HNA Members Free. Snowshoe rentals $4. Reservations required by 5 p.m. the day before.
Tennis
There are public tennis courts in North Troy, Derby, Derby Line and Newport. Please contact the Recreation Department for details at 802-334-7951.
Sleigh Rides
Nothing invokes an image of New England more than sleigh rides through the farm lands of northern Vermont.
Hay Rides
June means haying in Vermont. Nothing beats the aroma of new-mown hay. Nelson Hill, Derby offer hayrides. 802-766-2646
Vermont Swimming Holes
There is nothing better on a lazy summer day than to enjoy the natural swimming holes that are found throughout the Northeast Kingdom. Just steps from our front door is a wonderful natural swimming hole at the base of a water fall. The swimming area is reached through a trail by the fire station and library in Montgomery Center.
Another terrific swimming hole can be found at Four Corners, less than a mile from the Elm Street Apartments in North Troy. At both places, kids and adults alike can jump from glacier rocks into deep pools of water where trout hide behind the rocks.
Swimming beaches are also found at Lake Willoughby, a deep glacial lake. The family beach is at the north end, nude beach at the south end. Located in Westmore.
Crystal Lake in Barton has generally warmer waters than Lake Willoughby and it too has a public beach.
Waterfalls, North Troy - A spectacular waterfall at Big Falls, River Road. You shouldn't miss a picnic or hike to this site.
Fishing
Fishing Licenses are available at the Montgomery Town Clerk's office, as well as the ShurFine Foods in Montgomery Center—both just a few doors down. If you like trout fishing, which is great in our area, we can arrange for an experienced guide as well as any gear you may need.