Good Commons is proud to partner with the Food Bank for New York City as one of our 2010 signature charities.  The Food Bank works to end hunger and increase access to affordable, nutritious food for low-income New Yorkers.  A portion of proceds and house gratuities from this retreat will be donated to the Food Bank, which distributes emergency food and resources to more than 1,000 food assistance programs citywide.  Learn how you can get involved at foodbanknyc.org.

Itinerary*

While we have many activities and adventures planned for this weekend, we also know the importance of just relaxing.  We encourage you to participate in as much or as little as you would like to create your ideal getaway -- whatever that means for you.

Friday, September 3

• Pick-up in NYC on the Good bus — gourmet snacks while traveling on our private jitney to beautiful Vermont
• Arrival and toast in the Good Commons Room 
• Light dinner
  

Saturday, September 4

• Continental Breakfast
• Morning movement class
• Afternoon excursion: a trip to Echo Lake for a picnic lunch followed by lounging by the water or renting peddle boats, canoes or kayaks
  
• Dinner — Grand Tasting #1, a 4-course menu by Chef Matthew with guided wine pairings
• Backyard Chocolate Fondue Party, Jacuzzi and fire pit

Sunday, September 5

• Morning movement class
• Brunch
• Afternoon excursion: A trip to the Calvin  Coolidge Estate to tour Plymouth Artisan Cheese and listen to the Folk & Blues Festival
  
• Dinner — Grand Tasting #2, a 4-course menu by Guest Chef Martin Howard with guided wine pairings

Monday, September 6

• Morning movement class
• Brunch
• Group Photo
  
• Departure

+Subject to change
*On-site massage available at additional charge.

Your Hosts:

Martin Howard has had a lifelong passion for great food. After graduating from the Culinary Institute of America where he studied all areas of cuisine, he went on to lead to some of the top pastry kitchens in New York including the legendary Rainbow Room atop 30 Rock. He has competed many times on the Food Network Challenge series winning top honors for his sweet creations. This fall will see the release of Martin's first children's storybook/cookbook Tine Cocolina, Queen of the Cupcakes, the story of a little girl in search of her topping. You can count on samplimg some of those treats this weekend!

Tesha Buss is the owner/creator of Good Commons.  Raised on a dairy farm and doing back flips by the age of three, Tesha reached her childhood dream of becoming a Broadway performer, only to discover that a new dream--a retreat center to rest and revitalize--would soon reveal itself.  She welcomes the revolving door of health and wellness professionals, artists, vacationers adn more who seek to "be Good". www.goodcommons.com

Matthew Wexler is the resident chef at Good Commons, as well as a freelance food and lifestyle writer.  He is proud to share the bounty of the Northeast with all those who visit Good Commons through fresh, vibrant and accessible cuisine.  Matthew's writing can be found at www.roodeloo.com.

Good Commons was originally built in the 1840’s and operated as a general store. It has been lovingly renovated and restored and now features six bedrooms and a sleeping loft, six shared bathrooms, two living rooms, and a multi-purpose studio. The property features all of the modern amenities of one’s own home, while still creating a warm and inviting environment that honors the historical traditions that have characterized the house for more than 160 years.