We are a fortunate bunch, as we just returned from a sweet and restful summer trip to Vermont. Even better, Grandma and Grandpa joined us for this getaway to the beautiful Green Mountains.
Last Saturday, we flew into Burlington, grabbed a quick bite of supper, and headed straight to the Vermont Green FC soccer game on the University of Vermont campus. This young team sparked a mighty fun atmosphere and a sold-out crowd in the bleachers. There were chants, free Ben and Jerry’s scoops, smiling Vermonters, and a nice evening breeze. We had a great time, and the team closed the night with a match win.
The next morning, the kids and grandparents headed out for breakfast along the Lake Champlain shores while Jason and I took a little detour to visit a bread maker in the middle of the forest. A few months back, Jason stumbled upon this video highlighting a baker in the north woods. The drive out was mystical and lovely … a little overcast and a lot pretty. Jason and I enjoyed our visit with Trent and marveled at his wood piles, old oven, and tiring schedule. He was on his way to bed when we left his place at 9am. Baking was to start again at 4pm and go through the night. As we drove away past small cottages and big cabins tucked back into the trees, it made me wonder what else was happening in the quiet of the world- all the things being made or the dreams being hatched. It was neat.
Mid morning, we grabbed the family, and we all headed up to beautiful Stowe. First, we made a stop at the Cold Hollow Cider Mill for a delicious lunch, a taste of cider, and donuts to go. Then, we settled in at our home for the night, the Trapp Family Lodge. Funny, our children do not know what The Sound of Music is, but we have it on our summer-watch bucket list now. The kids were eager to hop into the pool, so we spent the afternoon splashing around. Before dinner, we took a walk into the woods and came upon a little magic in the meadow. We enjoyed supper together, with good food but even better company. There was live music in the meadow and a pickle-ball game afterward. The hot day melted away into a cool, watercolored night. We laid our heads down with tired eyes.
The next morning, Harper and I caught morning yoga in the meadow while the others headed into town for breakfast. It was memorable, to say the least. I LOVE these rolling hills of trees. I just can’t get enough of them.
After lunch, we said goodbye to Stowe and headed south to Woodstock, one of my favorite places in Vermont. This town is quintessential, in addition to being home to the wonderful Woodstock Inn. We checked in and then took a stroll, popping in and out of the cute shops. We stopped at Scoops and got ourselves a maple creemee (of course!). Then, it was back to the pool before a delicious farm to table dinner at the inn. We spent the evening making s’mores and playing pool in the game room. The next morning, we took a jog through the picturesque streets and covered bridges of town before heading to nearby Quechee for lunch at Simon Pearce, another yummy meal.
From here, our tour de Vermont took Grandma and Grandpa to Weston to peruse the famous Vermont Country Store, and we took the kids to the alpine slides at Bromley Mountain. The day was sweltering! We did not want a heatwave for our northeastern vacation but, alas, it’s what we got! The views were spectacular, despite the heat, but we were all ready for air conditioning after this adventure.
Our final stay was located in Sunderland, just outside of the gorgeous Manchester. Hill Farm is truly a gem. I selfishly hope not too many others find it, because it feels like a secret that I get to be part of. This little bucolic inn is nestled into a small valley is quiet and quaint but also immaculate and updated. It operates as a bed and breakfast and the food is wonderful. The nearest town, Manchester, may take the top spot for Jason and me. It is charming and scenic and offers plenty of shopping, outdoor adventures, and good restaurants. On our final full day, we lingered in the bookstore and then headed to the local library. We met the library pugs and embraced the historic charm of this building. Then, we wandered to the Dorset Bakery for lunch before heading off to what would become Harper and Jameson’s favorite part of the trip- the Dorset Quarry swimming hole.
Well known to locals, this 60 foot deep granite swimming hole is unlike anything we have experienced. It was SUCH FUN! Many were spread out on the grassy field next to the quarry, enjoying music and picnics while people of all ages (I finally got myself in after seeing a 75 year old shimmy herself all the way in without batting an eye) jumped from cliffs into blue-green, COLD, water. It was scary. But it was also so memorable and joyful. We laughed, shivered, and smiled. All of us agreed that when we come back, we have to tackle a higher ledge.
Our trip wrapped up with dinner at the Barrow’s House. It is a broken record to say that Vermont food is good food. They value ingredients and are thoughtful about seasonal menus. We shared bolognese, scallops, salmon, and wagyu on this final night together before taking one last evening drive back to the farm.
It went fast, of course. I wanted one more of everything- one more hike, one more drive down a traffic-free highway, one more maple dish, one more laugh around a shared table, one more swim, and one more lingering stroll among trees. Next time …
I am deeply grateful for the time I got to share with my spouse, children, and parents in a place I love so much. We made memories. Thank you, family, for coming along on this adventure and for your enduring love. Thank you, Vermont, for being so special.
Other Vermont posts documented here:
