Vermont

Ahh the hills were alive and they looked beautiful as I traveled through Vermont.  I traveled from the Southwest corner to the Northeast corner in the matter of four days.  It was a whirlwind tour but it was so worth it.  Along the way though, I stopped to eat....alot.   So I am proud to say I ate and drank my way across the state. 

My favorite stop was the farmers market in Manchester.  What a great variety, I only wish I had a stove and refrigerator because there was so much fresh meat there that I could have gotten very creative.  But alas I did not so instead I purchased fresh apples, morning glory muffins, fresh fruit and wheat bread, and a funky new drink called switchel.  Switchel is a drink the farmers use to take out with them to the fields, it is made with vinegar, ginger, water and maple syrup.  Would you expect anything less for a Vermonter?  It took me a few days to get the bravery to try it, and once I did, I loved it.   It is the most thirst quenching, refreshing drink I have ever had, the soda companies should learn how to bottle this stuff. 
Another really yummy stop was The Pantry in Londonderry.  If you are ever in this small little town go to The Pantry.  They have a variety of sandwiches and pasta to choose from so you can not be disappointed.  I personally choose the Maisy.  Which is a breaded zucchini sandwich with tons of mozzarella, asparagus,  basil and roasted red peppers.   It took me two days to eat this sandwich, due to its size and wanting to elongate the enjoyment.  Plus I was able to pick up a local brew, a very soft and yummy peanut butter cookie and a cadbury egg, can life get any better?  I think not.
Now while your traveling through Vermont try and stop in Shrewsbury at the little country store there.  It is not very big in size but it is big in character.  To me it was like stepping into the store on the Waltons.  They have two chairs set up so you can sit and chat with the shop keeper, the glass cases are still there and being used.  You can pick up a little treasure for a gift or some homemade scones.  I choose the scones, apricot to be specific.  This is the second time I have stopped there and it has been worth it every time.  Although this time was more memorable, with all of my graces I decided that I would make a grand entrance.  I do really hate stairs, or should I say they hate me.  Anyhow, I fell face first, or knee first right on the old wooden stairs, and somehow I bounced.  Not only did I have one nasty gouge, but I ended up with two.  How this happened I don't know nor do I want to replicate it to find out. Needless to say it was a grand entrance and got everyones attention.

Along the way though I did get to see some beautiful churches.  There is nothing more peaceful then seeing an old church in the middle of nowhere and taking a moment to enjoy it.  Plus they have some of the coolest cemeteries. I have seen everything from dragons to pyramids and the burial site of a lady originally from England with a long title.  I am sure I would enjoy her story of how she ended up in a country cemetery surrounded by woods when she traveled so far from her native home.

I hope you have enjoyed my adventure in Vermont.  I did this go around, but I am also glad to be home.  It has been a long summer and now I am ready to travel only through my books for a while.  Who am I kidding, I only get a four week reprieve and then I am off to Illinois.  I can't wait to see what adventure awaits me there.