One of the best things about living 20 minutes away from Marlboro, Vermont is our close proximity to Marlboro College, which is overrun by world-class musicians in the summer rehearsing for the Marlboro Music Festival concerts. The festival was founded in 1951 by Rudolf Serkin, Adolph and Hermann Busch and Marcel, Blanche and Louis Moyse. The musicians gather each summer for 3 weeks of intensive rehearsals, preparing for several concerts each week from mid-July to mid-August.

Over 200 pieces are rehearsed each summer, in all combinations of instruments and vocal ensembles. The programming is a mix of music written centuries ago by the giants of classical music (Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, etc.) to compositions written in the 20th and 21st centuries, some which are played for the first time at Marlboro.

The wonderful thing about Marlboro is the collaborative approach. Young and old professional musicians work together to prepare the pieces, each bringing their own experiences and personal perspectives to the rehearsals. The atmosphere at Marlboro is warm and supportive, a true family of musicians who eat together, play, work, share chores, learn from each other and inspire one another.

Some of my favorite memories as a new innkeeper were attending the Sunday afternoon concerts with a family friend from Massachusetts. He would make a gourmet picnic and we would enjoy it on the grass outside the concert hall before going in to listen to the glorious music. Marlboro is a very special place!

The Chesterfield Inn is a very convenient place to stay if you’re visiting the Marlboro Music Festival. Even though we’re across the river from Brattleboro, Vermont in New Hampshire, we are just a 20-minute drive to the Marlboro College Campus.

If you’re interested in eating healthy local foods, and supporting the farmers who produce that food, or if you just like a parade with lots of cute animals, come to Brattleboro the first weekend of June from the 3rd through the 5th for the annual Strolling of the Heifers. This annual event, now celebrating its 10th anniversary, has been delighting guests of our New Hampshire B&B for years and is not to be missed!

There are many events planned for the weekend, but the centerpiece is “the Stroll”, a parade held on Saturday morning, which features about 100 cows and heifers, as well as other farm animals, farm machinery, bands, and local organizations. The parade ends at the Brattleboro Common, where you can enjoy samples of local foods and products, maybe pet a heifer or two, or watch a politician try to milk a cow.

This year, the “Stroll” is preceded by the Slow Living Summit, which will feature distinguished speakers who are all interested in, and striving for, a sustainable future. The Slow Living Summit will take place from June 1st – 3rd in conjunction with Marlboro College and the School for International Training.

So mark your calendars, book a stay at our romantic New Hampshire Bed and Breakfast in nearby Chesterfield, and come to Brattleboro for the weekend to enjoy all of the various activities involved with the Strolling of the Heifers!

*All Photos courtesy of The Strolling of the Heifers Parade & Festival