Crowd gathers in Great Room at Birch Ridge Inn to watch VP debate.

Crowd gathers in Great Room at Birch Ridge Inn to watch VP debate.

With fall season in full swing, I would be remiss in writing about Killington if my only commentaries were about leaves on the trees. Peak foliage in the Killington Basin area is upon us. If you look at the fall foliage pictures of the inn, you will notice that there has been a marked color transition over the last week in the trees behind the inn. Some, in fact, have already shed their leaves.

But every 4 years, the fall season at Killington mixes with the presidential election cycle. And interesting things can happen.

I have been telling inn guests and friends for weeks that with the possible exception of joining the military, discussing politics in bars in New England is one of the most patriotic things people can do. It may seem a little shallow on the surface, but if you remember your United States history, you will understand that it was political discussions in bars in and around Boston which resulted in the American Revolution and the founding of the United States. To this day, that grand tradition continues.

So, it was with just a little curiosity, that around 5:00 PM last night we started to receive calls from friends in the area asking if our bar would be open. People wanted to get together and watch the Vice Presidential debates. Since we had planned on watching them already, our response was the more the merrier. I won't go into the particulars of how the crowd reacted to Biden and Palen (that is for conversation at the bar), but it is clear that people are genuinely interested in the outcome of the coming election and feel it is time to start talking again about the future of our great nation. Of course, the presidential debate next Tuesday will also be on the TV in the great room if you are so inclined.

Politics aside, the Killington Resort has a couple of events this weekend worth noting. The Killington Brewfest returns for it's 13th outing. The brewfest takes place Saturday afternoon at the Snowshed Lodge. Also at the resort this weekend, ABC's Good Morning America will be broadcasting live from Killington Peak on Sunday. The resort is offering free passage on the K1 Gondola to the peak on Sunday morning from 6:00 AM to 9:30 AM for anyone who would like to go to the peak and be part of the audience for the show. The GMA segment from Killington Peak will run from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM. A continental breakfast will also be provided.

Not a bad line up for the weekend at Killington over all....colorful leaves, New England traditions, quaffing suds and a TV show...Be here if you can!