Off The Beaten Path: In Vermont

Huntington

Cold Creek Railway at Windekind Farm & Country Cottages

Why did you decide to create your train? My goal was to build models of steam locomotives that operate exactly like the full size machines. These 1/5 scale models burn coal, make steam and have all the functions of their full size brethren.

I take special delight in presenting honest and accurate detail. For example, the correct casting number on a miniature part exactly like the full size part made over 100 years ago. This is my way of honoring the craft and skill of the old railroaders.

What can visitors do when they get to your attraction? At Windekind Farm we have three self-catering cottages. When lodging guests come here, they discover the railroad and quickly become very curious about this unique feature of our farm high in the Green Mountains.

As a former teacher, I seek to create an educational experience in my historic shop/museum equipped with working antique tools and steam locomotives. Then we go out on the railroad and operate trains with an emphasis on hands-on learning.

What’s your favorite memory of a guest experience at the farm? The Cold Creek was not built to be a guest attraction. Instead, it was built because it is important to us and we know that when we share it, it becomes even more important. Of course, the railroad, like the rest of the farm, is valuable in its own right, but without human engagement and the ongoing sharing with others of what we have created and what they create, it quickly fades.

Williamstown

Knight’s Spider Web Farm

What inspired you to create your spider web farm? When we moved to Vermont, we started a small business making wooden accessories. We were always looking for ways to expand our line, and wanted a small item that would attract attention to our display. Being out in the country, spiders were all around, including in the shop. We found we could capture and preserve these webs and turn them into delicate works of art. Now we consider it our tribute to nature.

What can visitors do when they get here? The first thing visitors want to see is how we do it–and we don’t mind showing off. We show them the farm and hear their “ohhs” and “ahhs.” If the weather isn’t suitable for collecting we go into the store and they experience the process through stories and pictures.

We talk about “the girls,” Will’s friendship with “Charlotte,” and anything else the visitors want to know! People leave happy because there are plenty of stories and jokes to share.

What’s your favorite memory of a guest experience at the farm? We’ve had visitors from all over the world find us. Many have come back after years and years to see if we’re still here and collecting, and to buy a web or two. We’ve heard through the grapevine about a woman who visited the Spider Web Farm as a youngster and was so impressed that she became a biologist and a teacher.

The most recent and happiest memory is of a young family who stopped by because their 3-year-old loved spiders. She picked out her own web and left after giving me a big hug.

Call Rawhide Travel and Tours and start planning that special vacation or event today. 602-843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com.

Presented By:
Rawhide Travel & Tours Inc
6008 W Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, AZ 85308-3793
(602) 843-5100 
rawhidetravel.com