Back in New York, a week after bubbling brooks, grass-fed cows, and cozy dinners with strangers around a long wooden table, there was a distinct difference in the way we worked, ate, and shopped for food. It wasn’t just how we read the labels to make sure chemical ingredients weren’t the first three listed, it was the pace at which we feasted, the tension that no longer lingered around the shoulders, the brattle of city sounds that we could better embrace because of where we had been off Route 100A at Good Commons in Vermont.
“[It’s about] not getting caught up in the histrionics of our lives,” said Chef Matthew Wexler, as the vegetable oil-powered Good Bus drove away from Green Mountain. On day two of the “Northeastern Adventure” retreat to Good Commons in Plymouth, the group of 14 had taken a yoga class, eaten egg casseroles, and hiked for two hours, after which a jacuzzi, cold brewski, and gourmet dinner were on most people’s minds. Check out their Facbook page.
Tesha “Tish” Buss, the creator of Good Commons, grew up on a mid-western farm and has been involved in theater most of her life. In June 2008, she opened the doors to her rural sanctuary (a house that was once a general store visited by President Coolidge) where she could share her passion for food and community living with others.
Lots of Artistic People
“This place has been blessed by many lovely, artistic people,” said Buss, who has plans for a Good Commons-esque cookbook as well as a greenhouse and farm where visitors could get hands-on. “There’s a magic that happens here,” she continued, “when guests take the opportunity to open up and share their stories with those they don’t know and might not continue knowing.” Chef Matthew, preparing the Southwestern style barbecue in the kitchen, chimed in, “It’s also about experiencing a greater space and letting yourself be in the present.”
While the health and wellness center welcomes folks from across the map, the duo decided to target a Manhattan audience that might best respond to promises of “revitalization, peace, and rebirth.” And indeed, from Thursday to Sunday, the signs were clear: from the initial finger pointing on the bus at the “vivid and amazing” expansive open skies and hilly vistas, to the ritual four minutes of satiated silence during the beginning of each meal—punctuated only by moans of elation—to the collective sentiment that people could actually “reboot,” it appeared that Good Commons had successfully answered the call of New Yorkers needing a special, spiritual kind of vacation.
“I feel so much better than when I walked in here,” said Sasha Ginnetti, senior manager of education at the Food Bank for New York. “And this gluten-free muffin is the best muffin I’ve ever had!” Although each weekend has a different theme, the one constant is the deliciously fresh, locally sourced menu. When you’ve met the dairy farm owner (and bonded with her baby cows), visited the cheese maker, and shopped at a market brimming with food from farms all within 50 miles, the colorful, aromatic plates take on a whole new meaning. And when guests gather around the buffet and listen to Chef Matthew tell the story behind his dishes, the farm to table to mouth journey feels complete and truly inspiring.
How to get there
Take Amtrak to Rutland (RUD) and a taxi for 20 minutes to the center. Alternatively, for select retreats, the Good Bus picks guests up in midtown Manhattan (usually around 45th and 9th) and takes you in four hours directly to Good Commons, where Tesha, Matthew, and dog Wilbur will eagerly be waiting. Retreats start at $400 per person for four days, all meals and lodging are included. (Good Commons, 4771 Route 100A, Plymouth, VT, 802.672.1859, goodcommons.com)
The co-founder and editor-at-large at offMetro, Lauren is a sustainable travel specialist and freelance journalist with frequent bylines in National Geographic, Bicycling Magazine and Shape. Follow Lauren’s adventures at @laurenmati.
Sarah Knapp is a Brooklyn based entrepreneur whose love for the outdoors and community building led her to the October 2013 creation of OutdoorFest. She has a BA in History, is a Wilderness First Responder and a NY state hiking, camp and boating guide. Her proudest achievement to date is reading the Aeneid in Latin. 
Allison was one of our first top writers and Chief Editor but is no longer working with offMetro. Allison is a native New Yorker, who has lived in Rome, Tuscany, Melbourne, Toronto and Los Angeles. She frequently contributed travel pieces to Family Travel Forum, using her own children as guinea pigs as they travel the globe. She never missed a chance to sample local delicacies, as her love for travel goes hand-in-hand with her love for food and wine. 
Josh Laskin is a freelance travel writer and photographer based in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. When he is not at work or on the road, you can find him in the mountains snowboarding, climbing, hiking, fly fishing, mountain biking, and eating bagel bites.
Annie is a travel writer, environmentalist, and surfer based in Venice, CA. She heads up our West Coast team, keeps our grammatical errors in check, and makes sure our California writers always have a plan for their next adventure. Follow Annie’s travels @annelisemcb.
Carly Pifer is a freelance writer who has been known to follow whims inspired by romantic movie scenes or colorful street style shots to India, Japan, Tunisia and Argentina. After stints living in Seoul, Boston, Paris and Los Angeles, writing and searching for something intangible, she landed somewhat steadily in Brooklyn and has begun to find inspiration in her more immediate surroundings. 
Kate E. O’Hara is a New York based freelance writer and photographer who loves all things food—especially the people who make it and market it. Her writing aims to capture the essence of the food experience; the stories that go well beyond a plate of ingredients. In addition to her love of food, Kate is also known to have a hankering for red wine and craft beer. You can also find Kate on Instagram