November 2014 - Vermont

We were able to leave Hackensack at 7:15-ish on Wednesday but just a few miles north on Route 17, we encountered standstill traffic due to an accident involving a few cars.  Fortunately, the delay was only about 20 minutes and the remainder of the trip was smooth sailing.

Interesting bridge on the New York Thruway

Me and my Very Capable Driver

Steve's plane was due in Burlington around 1:00 p.m. and our original plan was for him to Uber into town and we'd meet up with him.  Due to the reliability of the Garmin, we got to BIA around 1:10 p.m., saving Steve Uber money!  We went into town and grabbed lunch at the Farmhouse Tap & Grill.  Steve had the crispy pig head and declared it delicious.  Vicki and I each had the chicken salad sandwich [which we should have shared as it was huge] and they got our whole hearted approval.

Steeple in Burlington

One of the many things I love about Vermont is the abundance of steeples!  I photographed many in Montpelier last year and may have to make a calendar for me!

After a little walk, we headed to the Golden Eagle Resort in Stowe.  In years past, we've stayed in Waterbury but decided on a change.  The grounds are enormous!

And the rooms are very large, each with a balcony.  Above is our view!

After checking in and resting a bit, we headed out to meet Jim and Sue for dinner.  This year, we selected Michael's on the Hill which was highly rated.  Thanks to the time change, there was no view.  The restaurant is charming and cozy, and the food was very nice.  One of the highlights [to me] was the Fig Manhattan which I had for dessert!  It was my first manhattan of any kind and I've now become a fan.  We chatted for quite some time but since we who traveled were tired, we decided to end our evening at a reasonable hour.

Brother Jim and SIL Sue

Jim, Sue, Steve, me and Vicki

On Thursday, Jim and Sue picked us up around 10:30 and we headed off to Hill Farmhouse Brewery which is touted as having the BEST brews in the U.S.  The trip was interesting as we drove through beautiful farm land but in some places, it looked as if we were passing meth labs!  The Brewery didn't open until noon and when we got there, of course, there was a line. The wait was only about 20 minutes and the weather wasn't too bad yet.  We sampled four brews and dubbed Nelson the best!

I learned what a Growler was a few years ago at Heady Topper, but this year I learned that a smaller Growler is a Growlet!  Steve and Jim each bought a Growler filled with Nelson to take back to the Markley House for our festivities.

This interesting building is across the street from the Brewery.  I just liked the image so I thought I'd share.

On the way back to Stowe, we stopped in the cute little town of Hardwick.  We checked out the Co-Op and then grabbed lunch at Positive Pie.  For the table, we had fried Brussels Sprouts which were absolutely wonderful, and the dipping sauce [which I can't name] was terrific!  Steve and I split a pulled [local] pork sandwich which was the best I've ever had.  Vicki enjoyed her Italian Chicken as did Jim; and Sue said the Beef Stew was very good.  Here are a few photos I took in Hardwick.

Jim and Sue dropped us back at the GER and they headed home to wait for Sidney and Chris to arrive from New Hampshire.

Vicki's son, Matt, and his family were on their way from Massachusetts but didn't get an early start as Laura had a field trip to Plymouth Plantation.  So, while we waited for them to arrive, Vicki, Steve and I went across the street to The Bench for a little something to eat.

Finally, at 8:30 p.m., after over five hours of driving in the rain, The Little People and their parents arrived.  WOW but those kiddos have grown!

After a few hours of chatting and playing, it was time for This Old Broad to hit the sack!

On Friday, after breakfast at McCarthy's across the street, Steve, Vicki and I did some hunting and gathering for things to take to Jim and Sue's.  The snow had already fallen on the ski slopes but was now falling in town.  Nothing serious, but it sure was nice to look at.  We stopped back at the GER to pick up Laura and Josh while Matt and Carol had some free time.  We made the annual trip to Cold Hollow Cider Mill for some absolutely fabulous cider!

Long-legged Laura and Goofball Josh!

Then, we were off to Ben & Jerry's for a cone!

As always, Jim and Sue hosted an absolutely wonderful feast!

Carol and Laura

Me, SIL Sue and Sis Vicki

Cousins Chris, Steve, Matt and Pat

Steve and Jim guarding the Burgundy and Bordeaux

Chris and Sydney

On Saturday, everyone gathered at the Golden Eagle Resort for a hike on one of their trails.  What a beautiful day for a hike!  Cold with snow here and there.

Vicki, Chris and Sydney

Vicki, Pat, Chris, Sydney, Steve and Me

The Markleys:  Jim, Sue, Pat, Chris and Sydney

We all didn't finish the hike together but met at the bottom of the trail.

Some of us worked up an appetite on the hike, so we went over to the Vermont Ale House and enjoyed a bite to eat.  Then back to get freshened up and back up to Jim and Sue's to finish off the feast from the previous evening, and a fun-filled game of Heads Up for all!!!

On Sunday, Steve, Vicki and I stopped up at Jim and Sue's to say farewell until next year.  [sad face, for sure].  Steve's flight wasn't until 3:30 or so but we dropped him off at BIA and he was able to get a much early flight.  Vicki and I stopped at Shelburne Farms [Vicki needed a t-shirt] and then had breakfast in Middlebury at Rosie's.  As we got to Hackensack around 6:30, I got a text from Steve that he'd just landed, and when Vicki called Matt to let him know we'd gotten home safely, he said they'd just arrived home as well.  So all the chicklets were in their homes at an early time.

So that's it for this year in Vermont.  I've said it before, and I'll say it again:  I sure wish we all lived closer to each other!!!  I just LOVE my family and LOVE the time I get to spend with everyone in Vermont.  Of course, I don't leave New Jersey until Wednesday, so there just might be more fun to be had.