SANDGATE
THE COMMUNITIES OF THE SHIRES
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 are annual highlights.
Photo by Lorianna Weathers Photography
SEARSBURG
Lying between Woodford and Wilmington, Searsburg is bisected by Vermont Route 9, also known as the Molly Stark Scenic Byway.
The terrain is mountainous and forested; logging was once the most important industry, but hunters, hikers, and back-country skiers are the ones most likely to be enjoying the woods now.
One thing that draws yearrounder 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 Mountain, which has made it an ideal site for wind turbines, the first of which were installed in 1997. The turbines provide power to 14,000 homes.
COME EXPLORETHESHIRES. COM 35 FOR INFO CALL 802.447.2456