Wow!We had a lovely,rainy 17th Anniversary Weekend!However,in 2000 it was a "Vermont Road Trip". At that time we'd been living in New Hampshire since May.
We're both pretty adventurous! Map plans:Weston,Rutland,Burlington,Montpelier St.Johnsbury and Norwich,Vermont! Here we go.....
Weston,Vermont
This was one of the most beautiful drives_rolling hills,beautiful countrysides,Holstein Cows grazing in pastures,quaint little towns,twist and turns AND Model T Fords! Yes,we're wondering why traffic on this two-lane road was so slow_noticed that several cars were passing the slow poke up front_everyone was kinda taking turns(at least 12 cars)_we discovered that a Model T Ford was holding up traffic_just cruising along at about 20mph!! You just had to give the guy a "thumbs-up"when you passed!
We were headed to a quaint_ kinda remote corner of Weston,Vermont for a unique shopping experience at Vermont Country Store,founded in 1946 by Vrest & Mildred Ellen Orton.
The Vermont Country Store continues to grow under the Orton family(4th & 5th generation) and serves millions of customers annually. Famous for its specialty as “The Purveyors of the Practical & Hard-to-Find,” The Vermont Country Store sells a broad array of general merchandise, traditional, specialty, and nostalgic items. Since 1946, the store’s mail order catalogue has been distributed nationwide.We spent several hours perusing the goods_so much to see.I loved this corner:
and the bins of old-fashioned penny candies that I enjoyed as a child! We spent way to much money & time at that store...fun!
Rutland,Vermont
Next was a trip through the Green Mountains_Rutland,home of the Green Mountains National Forest.First things first_a quick stop at a shop that caught our eye_plus it was time to "stretch our legs" a little.
Green Mountain National Forest
Supports a variety of wildlife, including beaver,moose,coyote,black bear and white tailed deer.It also supports an abundant variety of bird species, such as wild turkey and ruffed grouse.The forest, being situated in Vermont's Green Mountains has been referred to as the 'granite backbone' of the state.
The forest was established in 1932, as a result of uncontrolled overlogging, fire and flooding. It consists of 399,151 acres and is the biggest contiguous land mass in the state.The Fall Foliage was just coming to fruition.
Burlington,Vermont
Headed North on I-89 to the largest city in Vermont,Burlington. We're all excited about the beautiful landscape_all of a sudden we looked to the right and saw "Whale Tails"!What in the world??_
Whale Tails
The name of the whale tails sculpture is "Reverence" and is meant to symbolize the fragility of the planet.It was commissioned in 1988 by a wealthy British metals trader named David Threlkeld, who lived in Randolph at the time. Jim Sardonis sculpted each of the two 13-foot high tails from six tons of black granite. They certainly got our attention! Check these links out for further information:
http://www.roadsideamerica.com/tip/1377
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reverence_(sculpture)
Yet another beautiful scene_Lake Champlain the home of "Champ" the "Lake Monster"_his cousin gets more attention_"Loch Ness Monster" in the Scottish Highlands! Nope,didn't see nary a hair of "Champ"..kinda happy about that! After a quick bite,we headed to the State Capital,Montpelier!
Montpelier,Vermont
To say the least we were tired!What an adventurous day!We arrived at Betsy Bed & Breakfast Inn around 7:00 pm(dusk)! The Owner(Betsy & her husband) were seated on the front porch with other guest chatting.Betsy was excited to learn we were from Texas.She was born in Houston but married a Vermont guy...been there 20 years she said! So,she made us a lite Supper,we chatted on the porch some,a little Wine_& off to bed for a good night's sleep! Here's some photo's_
Next morning Breakfast_talk about a real Southern Breakfast in a Northern city...Waffles,Pancakes,Sausage,Bacon,eggs,grits,fruit,maple syrup.....
Here's Betsy poking her head around the corner for a photo...
We had a great time chatting with the other guest at Breakfast!But,it was time to get on the road again_as our adventure had a couple more stops planned.First was a visit down the street to view the State Capital grounds_three blocks from Betsy's Bed & Breakfast Inn.
St.Johnsbury,Vermont
Next Stop! We were really excited about visiting Dog Mountain.We love dogs & cats!
However,we saw Cabot Cheese Visitors Center Exit_so made a quick detour. We were not disappointed_we tasted everything offered & bought several goodies!
Coming into St.Johnsbury_I don't think I've ever seen a city so clean_spotless!We stopped at the Visitors Center to get directions_so off we go to Dog Mountain! I'm still in love with this most beautiful place.Here's a few photos_
Outside the Shoppe are Dog or Cat Statutes on Pedestals
Norwich,Vermont
Well,we're headed South I-91 which follows the Connecticut River_stopped in a couple of places for gas,etc..i.e.McIndoe Falls to watch the cascades,purchased fresh veggies at a working farm in Newbury on a hilltop,from which you could see the White Mountain Range in NH,never seen such large Leeks in my life & the Farmers spoke broken French/English, just LOVELY!!
Next stop was King Arthur Bakery in Norwich.To this day I order products from this company.Being a "Closet Chef", I was mesmerized by all the products,gadgets,& more gadgets this store had to offer.I so wanted to sign up for a Cooking Class_but that's a helluva drive from Nashua,NH.Anyway,I left with a sad face_didn't want to leave!
Do yourself a favor_either visit or order online the best products around_try the "Fiori Di Sicilia" a combination of citrus and vanilla with a pleasingly floral aroma for cookies,pies,cakes,smoothies,etc.
http://www.kingarthurflour.com/
What a "Memorable Road Trip" with my "Best Friend",My Husband!
An Anniversary is a time to celebrate the Joys of Today, the Memories of Yesterday, and the Hopes of Tomorrow. ~Author Unknown~
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