My cousin first told me about the treasure of Simon Pearce Glass in Quechee, VT several years ago. Funny, since she’s in Chicago and I live here in New England. Simon Pearce is known worldwide for his artistic glass blown pieces and designs.
The gristmill was operational here in Quechee beginning in 1778. Over the next few hundred years it changed hands two dozen times, with almost a hundred owners/partners along the way.
In 1981 Simon Pearce and his wife Pia bought the gristmill and transformed it into the gorgeous property we see here today.
I fell in love with the imposing side entrance doors.
Look skyward and feast your eyes on the blown glass pendant lighting. Bonus: great exposed beams and ductwork.
Today glassblowing takes place in the basement.
This is one fiery hot kiln. Simon Pearce employs nearly fifty glassblowers.
Antique glassblowing molds.
It won’t be long ’til this molten glass will be sparkling on the showroom shelf. It’s amazing to watch a glassblower create a masterpiece from start to finish.
Just off the glassblowing area, there’s an outdoor viewing deck of the dam and covered bridge.
There are classic, elegant touches everywhere at Simon Pearce.
Here’s a gorgeous finished glass on the second floor showroom, along with glass ice cubes. There are many exquisite pieces besides drinking glasses for sale. You’ll find pitchers, decorative bowls, platters, and any kind of wine goblet or cocktail glass you can imagine.
Enough handblown glasses for you? Sparkle and warm wood tones, every direction you look.
If you love carved wooden bowls and accessories, these are the smoothest you’ll find anywhere. (Love that exposed brick and hardwood floor. This showroom is absolutely stunning.)
What a sparkling presentation!
The second floor also houses the award winning Simon Pearce Restaurant. The Restaurant overlooks the dam and covered bridge, and is known across the region for its creative menu and award winning chefs. I’ve had the creamy Vermont Cheddar Soup with Cabot cheddar cheese (http://cabotcheese.coop). A+++. The Restaurant is an incredible experience and worth the trip. The wine list is extensive.
Simon Pearce Restaurant is the perfect place to celebrate a milestone birthday, anniversary or special occasion.
I took a dear friend (and her sister) for her 80th birthday last spring and we had a fabulous experience all around.
So after my cousin filled me in about Simon Pearce, I did a little research on my own and was personally surprised by what I found. The Pearces have four boys. Like we do. They have a son with Down syndrome. Like we do. They have a son who suffered a traumatic brain injury. Like we do. I was overwhelmed with the similarities.
Several months later, I had the pleasure of connecting with Pia Pearce one evening at a fundraiser for a local agency that supports families with disabilities and special needs. The Pearce’s son Kevin (who suffered the traumatic brain injury) spoke about raising brain injury awareness through his social movement “Love Your Brain”. Check it out at www.kevinpearce.com
Here’s a short clip to fill you in on his story.
Kevin was recently featured in “Crash Reel”. This 2013 documentary was shown in theaters across the country. It recounts Kevin’s fall and rise following a traumatic brain injury while snowboard training for the Olympic trials in 2009.
The glassblowing, restaurant and showroom are all a one of a kind treat at Simon Pearce Glass. But it’s the intense family loyalty of the Pearce family and their huge hearts that captured mine. Be sure to visit if you get the chance, you won’t be disappointed.
Susan says
This brings back great memories!
Susan says
This brings back great memories!i can taste the soup!!!!!
Linda Jenkins says
Jack and I joined Jenny, Joby, and the boys on a trip to Burlington, VT last spring. We traveled around the area and saw many breathtaking vistas. We even visited the Quechee Gorge and the Vermont Cheddar Cheese factory. Somehow we missed this beautiful Simon Pearce Glass Mill. Maybe it was God who directed us elsewhere, for we did have the toddlers with us. This will make for a lovely return visit. Thanks for the information on another wonderful find in New England.
Tracy says
Allie, excellent job describing Simon Pearce. I love the photos too! You’ve got this down! Quechee is a beautiful, quaint little town. It’s dear to my heart because I got married there in a beautiful little church right across the street from Simon Pearce. Did you notice it? Then we had our reception half a mile away at the Quechee Inn Marshland Farms. Gorgeous location! More to checkout on the way to Simon a Pearce next time. Oh I forgot to mention My dad gives me a Simon Pearce piece for every occasion. I must have 30-40 pieces and love every one of them! Nothing compares to Simon Pearce hand blown glass. Love it!
Christy says
I love how much you have explored in and about VT Allie! I have vague recollections of places and things my mom has seen and/or told me about and then, you capture the story in word and picture, and I find myself even more intrigued. I am making a To Do list for our family trip next summer. Thank you!!
Susie says
We have a glassblowing company in Columbia called One-Eared Cow Glass…yes, a weird name, but a fascinating place to go. When Julia was about 6, we went with some friends to watch a glassblowing exhibition and found it to be quite a fun “field trip.” It is absolutely amazing what one can do with heat and glass. They don’t have quite the view outside their shop like you do at Simon Pearce, but your article brought back some fun memories with friends and a time when my daughter was “little.” =)
Allie Taylor says
Susie — I love the name of the One-Eared Cow Glass. Although I feel bad for it. One ear must be a tough life. I would love to give you a personal tour at Simon Pearce. Think about it. 🙂
Susie says
Okay, I’m going to try this one more time. I don’t know if my internet is the problem (which I suspect it is), but my comment wouldn’t post the first time. =/
We have a glassblowing company here in Columbia called “One Eared Cow Glass.” Yes, a weird name, but a fun place to go. When Julia was about 6, we went with some friends to watch the two resident glassblowers in action. It was truly fascinating. While One Eared Cow does not have quite the view outside their building that Simon Pearce does, it was fun to relive a neat memory. I would love to visit Simon Pearce if and when we get to New England.
jen says
What beautiful pictures that complement the true story! Thank you for sharing this piece of you!
[email protected] says
Oh wow.. what a beautiful spot on earth and what a story of recovery as well. Thanks for sharing the video too.