Rustic Pines was an absolute dream of a venue, thank you all SO much! From the very beginning of my…read morewedding planning process, Steph and the Rustic Pines team really stood out. When researching and contacting venues, they were not only the only venue to reach back out same day, but also the only one that actually seemed interested in helping me achieve my dream wedding. Steph was available by text or call literally any time of day or night for random wedding questions, planning, or inspiration. She was always open and interested in what I had to suggest and was nothing but positive and encouraging every time. Some of the things that Steph did for us that made this process SO much smoother were cocktail tastings, decor trials, and she even put together all of the reception florals that I bought in bulk! She always had an answer to my questions and if she didn't, she would find out without worry. As for the day of the wedding, Steph and the Rustic Pines team had the ceremony and reception space completely set up and decorated for us without us having to lift a finger. I was welcomed into the bridal suite with a gift, a good playlist, and mimosas ready to drink! Steph was available all morning to grab us anything we needed and even made us coffee. She welcomed and coordinated with our vendors to ensure they were set up in the proper areas and that they were ready to go. The ceremony and reception coordination went very well and was completely handled by the Rustic Pines team. Other things to note: the lawn was IMMACULATE and the entire venue makes for beautiful photos. The gravel driveway was of no concern for our guests and the rustic pines team had a golf cart for any guests who would be in need of assistance getting to the ceremony space. They were extremely accommodating to anything I may have needed and I would choose Rustic Pines over and over again!

My husband and I attended a wedding at Rustic Pines this past weekend, and witnessed an incident…read morethat I feel is important to share. We arrived by Uber, driven by a kind, well-spoken driver who happened to be a Black man from Africa, with my husband and I seated in the back. As we pulled into the venue, a man directing traffic, who we later learned was the owner, approached the car and demanded, in a harsh and aggressive tone, "What's your business here? What are you doing here?" Before our driver could even finish explaining that he was dropping off guests for the wedding, the owner cut him off and demanded he roll down the windows so he could see who was in the back seat. Our driver remained polite and composed throughout, though it was clear he felt he had no choice but to stay quiet and comply. It was heartbreaking to witness. Before we got out of the car, my husband and I told our driver how embarrassed and sorry we were for the way he'd just been treated, but even that didn't ease the heartbreak of knowing someone had to experience this kind of treatment at all. I also spoke up in the moment, because I believe those of us who hold a position of privilege have a responsibility to use it when we witness this kind of treatment. The owner's demeanor didn't change in response, he simply directed the car to pull forward, without any acknowledgment of how inappropriate his behavior had been. The venue itself is beautiful and the wedding was lovely, but this encounter left us deeply unsettled. A venue owner's conduct toward the people serving his guests says a great deal, and this is not the kind of treatment anyone should have to experience. I would caution anyone considering this venue to be aware of how the owner treats people he perceives as outsiders, it's left me unwilling to ever return, regardless of how beautiful the grounds are.

Captain Scotty of Champlain Islands Magical Boat Tours took my dear high school friend and me on…read morethe most enchanting adventure imaginable. We were already having a marvelous time during my biennial visit from Toledo, Ohio, but Captain Scotty whisked my friend, me, and my vacation straight into the realm of magic and folklore. As we glided along the sparkling waters of Lake Champlain, Captain Scotty regaled us with the most wonderful stories. From history to geography, legends to delightful fun facts, every tale became even more captivating when delivered in his glorious, genuine Scottish accent. By the end of the tour, I started to wonder if he stepped straight from the pages of a storybook into the captain's seat of his boat! Captain Scotty's love for Lake Champlain is as vast as its waters, and his knowledge of its history, mysteries, and hidden treasures seems almost wizard-like in its depth. His affection for people is evident from the very moment he welcomes you aboard, making you feel less like a passenger and more like an old friend joining him on an adventure. But the real magic happens when he steers toward one of Champ's favorite hangouts. The twinkle in his eye rivals Santa's on Christmas Eve as he scans the water in search of the legendary Lake Champlain sea monster. Captain Scotty seems every bit as eager to introduce you to his old -- though unfortunately elusive -- friend as you are to catch a glimpse for yourself. And if Champ chooses to remain shy that day, no matter. You'll leave the boat convinced that the real magic of Lake Champlain was aboard with you all along. Thank you for a truly marvelous tour Captain Scotty!  Diane Reckley Toledo, OH

We enjoyed our day with Captain Scotty! He was so funny and welcoming. We felt like he was a long…read moretime friend. He is very flexible to what your interests are. We got to site see, learn about the islands, fish, and stop for lunch on the water. Highly recommend Champlain Islands Magical Boat tours!!

This place was heaven to me. They have cute little motel like rooms. On a Friday night, for $115…read more(which included tax) we were able to swing into town and have a place with two separate rooms, really one bedroom had a door on it, a bathroom, and a screened in porch. The place included: fridge; ac units/heat in each room, k cup machine complete w coffee, fixings, and cups; microwave; and shampoo/conditioner. Each cabin/room has a different fish name and the office is also a bait shop. They rent boats for the water (the place abuts the water). The rooms are clean and the staff is friendly and go out of their way to help. When I spoke with joanne when we arrived in the state, she helped us locate a place to eat at a late hour. The only caveat is that this location is on the water and there are bugs around. If you leave the door open you will have dozens of bugs flocking to your lighting fixtures. If you do not handle bugs well, this may not be the place for you. If you love to fish, this is home sweet home!

Tried this location after many years at another one, very clean with tv and wifi, housekeeping,…read moreboats are in good shape. Bruce and his wife are very pleasant. Will be going back in the spring. I give it five stars as a location for fishing lodging.

"The Strand Center Theatre is a landmark of cultural and historical importance. Located in the…read moreheart of downtown Plattsburgh, NY, the Strand Center Theatre was originally built as a Vaudeville Theatre in 1924, and is currently on the National Register of Historic Places. In 2004, the Strand Center for the Arts (formerly the North Country Cultural Center for the Arts) purchased the Theatre and has since undertaken initiatives to restore the Theatre to its former glory." It's one of the BEST places to spend your weekends, watching theatre plays and even a safe space to learn and create masterpieces! This venue is home for the arts of Plattsburgh- we have seen Rocky Horror Picture show during Halloweekend, Cabaret play last week, Journey and Tusk, and Pink Floyd bands play, and Todd Berry, the comedian also performed here this year alone. There are also great refreshments, snacks, beer, wine at the concession stand in between shows. If you also enjoy working with your hands you can take classes for 3D resin earring making, wood carving, sculpting, painting classes. One of my best friends in town, Winosha teaches students young and old how to paint. Many of the actors also teach classes and have graduated from SUNY Plattsburgh. You will also see many of the actors at the YMCA, like Justin the CEO also playing the lead in Rocky Horror Picture Show. This is a beautiful community theatre that accepts everyone and we hope more people get involved for many years to come!

The strand has been around for many many years. It has many events and I truly love it. You should…read morereally check it out. You will be very impressed.

The chicken sandwich I built today tasted almost identical to the "field trip" sandwiches I would…read morehave in high school when I lived in NYC. Haven't had one in years. Then the Rainbow Cookie cake *chefs kiss*. 10/10.

I love this farm…read more Staying here was more like staying with your family that happens to live on a farm, and happens to have a wing of very cute and comfortable guest rooms. Lisa and her family are super friendly, and she has quite the arsenal of delicious, gourmet recipes. We're still dreaming of the coffee cake! We loved hanging out with the pets as well. If you're in Northern VT and want a comfortable, family atmosphere, I highly recommend staying here!