SANDGATE
Daniel Shays of Shay ’ s Rebellion holed up in 1786 in the independent state of Vermont when his tax protest against the United States failed .
Sandgate ’ s topography ensures a degree of isolation from the world . A road leads in from Route 313 in West Arlington along the Green River ; not many roads lead out .
It ’ s popular with retirees , the self-employed , and increasingly families , who are attracted by safety , quiet and school choice .
Farming and logging still flourish here , giving the town the feel of old Vermont .
Community suppers , visiting theater and music groups performing al fresco on summer evenings on the lawn by the church , an impressive Fourth of July parade , and an even more impressive ox-roast ( with a vegetarian option ) on the third Saturday in August .
Photo by Lorianna Weathers Photography
SEARSBURG
Lying between Woodford and Wilmington , Searsburg is bisected by Vermont Route 9 or what we call the Molly Stark Scenic Byway .
The terrain is mountainous and forested ; log ging was once the most import ant industry , but hunters , hikers , and back-country skiers are the ones most likely to be enjoying the woods now .
One thing that draws year-rounder families is the opportunity for school choice , since the town doesn ’ t have schools of its own .
Winds from the west blow steadily over Searsburg Moun tain , which has made it an ideal site for wind turbines , the first of which were installed in 1997 . The new turbines provide power to 14,000 homes .
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