It misted for about 30 minutes but after that it was smooth sailing and we even saw blue skies along the way. We'd planned on stopping at The Vermont Country Store and did just that. I think we got there around 10:30 or so.
We shopped at bit and sampled the goodies they have laid out. Vicki bought a beautiful sweater and I got a very sexy and alluring flannel nightgown. I also bought some mustard in which to dip pretzels! Just as we were checking out a bus full of senior citizens [how dare they] pulled up and were about to hit the store. We were told to head to Mildred's Grill across the parking lot if we wanted to grab a bite. We did. Not the most delightful place due to the remote buzzers they give to announce your meal is ready but the grilled cheese on sourdough was as big as my head and delicious! Could only eat half of it but I enjoyed every morsel.
Back on the road in short order! We checked into The Green Mountain Inn in Stowe, unpacked, rested for a few and then went down to The Whip for a quick supper before heading back to the room for rest. I had a most delicious Manhattan with a dab of maple syrup. Doesn't it look good? IT WAS!!
I've been dreaming about the New England Corn Chowder since I had it at The Whip in 2016 when I drove Jay and me to the northeast, so I had a cup and got the recipe to which I will add crab when I make it. Vicki and I then had half a Harvest Salad - shaved raw Brussels sprouts, cranberries, bacon, pumpernickel croutons with a delicious dressing. Really good!
We then proceeded back to our room but stopped at the phone booth to see if Clark Kent was around.
and were probably asleep by 9:00 pm.
On Wednesday, after a very good night's sleep, Vicki and I had a nice breakfast in the Inn and then did a little walking around and shopping in Stowe - no coats as the temperature was in the mid-60s. We finally headed up the mountain to Waterbury Center where my brother and sister-in-law live. Steve, Zoe and Stevie Ray Van were already there. Believe it or not, hugging and chatting took place. Steve wanted to give Zoe some attention before we left her alone in the van so:
We piled into the SUV and headed to Montpelier. The boys split from the girls as they had no interest in shopping and we had not interest in alcohol consumption or purchasing at Barr Hill. However, they bought a gin which is aged in oak barrels to give it a dark-ish hue and a bit of honey. I might have to taste that in the next day or so.
I bought a great new coat - reversible and much nicer than the winter coats I have at home. We waited by the Onion River for Steve and Jim to return. We've eaten at NECI in years past but not this time.
After we all met up, we headed back to Stowe to Doc Ponds for the BEST burger I've ever had. Since I've not been up here in three years, I'd not tried it but the rest of the family is mad about this place and Steve is the biggest fan; in fact, he ordered two! I thought they were the perfect size - not too big that I couldn't finish it. But Steve says it should be just a bit bigger. And since it was Wednesday, the Edward from Hill Farmstead was only $4.00 and yes, I had one. Several years ago, we'd gone to Hill Farmstead and had a "tasting" and I thought Edward was the best. Here are a few photos of Doc Ponds:
We then headed back to Jim and Sue's to wait for Chris [their oldest] and his wife, Sydney. We toasted their arrival with a bottle of pinot noir they brought and one that Steve got in Willamette Valley, Oregon. Both were excellent.
Back to Stowe for Vicki and me. It's supposed to rain on Halloween but we have our Halloween shirts and socks ready to be worn.
Stayed tuned for more of my boring posts!
2 comments:
Doc Ponds: I'll start with the Smoked Bluefish Dip and then a Quinoa Bowl. And yes, the Edward! American Pale Ale for me.
Love Montpelier. I always make a point of going there whenever I'm by Jim and Sue's.
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