Sara and Tom Duff are snowbirds from Florida. Tom is originally from New Jersey and Sara split her time between
New York and Vermont. Cold weather was not on Tom’s menu but he wanted to see Sara so they compromised and
bought a waterfront home on Lake Memphremagog where they spend half the year with family and friends.
They fell in love with the beauty of the lake and all that Newport has to offer.
What’s your favorite retail shopping experience?
For gifts and unique hand made furniture, jewelry and art, we love the Mac Center for the Arts. Talented artists and craftspeople supply this airy space with beautiful, unique pieces. And for everything else there’s the Pick & Shovel! From hardware and building supplies to a pet store, from maple sugaring supplies to clothing and footwear, from pool and patio to widgets to fix just about anything in your home.
What are your favorite places to dine in Newport?
That’s a tough one…maybe a better question would be what cuisine do we want to sample tonight? Depending on our mood we can get everything from the best prime rib we’ve ever had at The Eastside to some delicious Italian fare at Lago Trattoria. There are other options as well: Thai, German at the Derby Inn, and farm to table delicacies from the Newport Farmer’s Market.
What cultural activities do you look forward to?
Covid-19 has caused some activities to be postponed but we loved the music at Wednesdays on the Waterfront. Catamount Arts in St. Johnsbury offerers a great gallery space and sponsors artistic productions in the area. The Northern Star themed boat rides are a special treat. A great way to see Newport from the water. We’ve been to a few this summer with family and friends and have learned so much about the lake and it’s heritage.
What’s Newport’s best kept secret?
The Lake! We are amazed that so few people gravitate here to play on the water. There are great places to fish, kayak, boat and swim. A true gem. We love walking the shore on the bike path and wading into the lake from our sandy beaches.
We also want to give a shout out to Lift Medical Treatments for all our skin and body care treatments. They care about us and work to spread body joy through medical aesthetics.
What’s your favorite lake or waterfront activity?
Fishing with the grandkids, floating and kayaking on the water, and sunset pontoon cruises. Playing golf at the Newport Country Club an 18-hole, par 72 golf course that overlooks Lake Memphremagog. The views and the course are spectacular.