Photo by Lorianna Weathers Photography
Arlington
When Norman Rockwell , who was born in New York City and had been living in New Rochelle , finally got the chance to live in an authentic American small town , the one he chose was Arlington , Vermont , right in the heart of the Shires . He remained for 14 years , using local people as models for some of his most famous paintings . It was at the annual Town Meeting in 1942 that Rockwell conceived the idea for his “ Four Freedoms ” series . At the meeting he heard a fellow citizen express an unpopular view : “ Freedom of Speech ” was followed by “ Freedom from Fear ,” “ Freedom from Want ,” and “ Freedom of Religion .”
Rockwell ’ s studio still stands not far from the iconic 1852 West Arlington covered bridge . The Battenkill , famous for trout , flows nearby , and it ’ s a great spot for picknicking and a summer dip ( or to launch a tube ). One of Arlington ’ s many fine inns ( The Inn on Covered Bridge Green ) is only a walk away . Right in town , the Arlington Inn features four buildings on the National Historic Register . The West Mountain Inn , in a woodsier setting , is known for its weddings ; it ’ s where Michael J . Fox and his wife chose to tie the knot . Need anything ? Chances are you can find it at the wonderful Wayside Country Store along the Battenkill on Route 313 , where there might be a fiddler or two playing for fun .
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