If you want to get away from it all for a while, I’ve got the place for you. Head on up to Manchester, Vermont where you can breathe deep and disconnect from everything. I felt lucky that I had minimal cell phone service and no wifi when I was there because it really forced me to enjoy the weekend for what it was- calming, peaceful and oh so far away from the noise and craziness of today’s world.
We started our Saturday with a quick run (well not quick exactly… so let’s just call it a run).There were lots of roads like this. Naturally, we had to stop a lot (to take pictures you know– not for any other reason like being winded or anything like that- though I will point out that it’s very hilly in Vermont).Hildene is worth a visit- we reserved some time mid-run to explore the grounds and drink in the breathtaking setting and amazing views.Views like this.this,and this.Seeing this made me want to learn how to be a dairy farmer and open up a cheese shop.For certain I’m romanticizing farm life, but how could you not–standing in this spot?After the run we spent a lot of time drinking coffee and looking out at this. The golden glory of Fall.Later we headed out for a hike in these ridiculously picturesque woods to work off some of the jitters that were a side effect of a long, lingering morning of coffee drinking.I feel like a Thoreau quote would be appropriate here.Like maybe: “I took a walk in the woods, and came out taller than the trees“. I checked afterward, and I was still 5’2, so…maybe I did it wrong?One of my favorite Thoreau quotes is “It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see“. So don’t just think of these as trees, ok?We made it to the falls. They were a little less impressive than we’d imagined.But still, it’s always good to have a destination (and a turnaround point!)This weekend was actually a book group field trip that we spontaneously decided to do one night after reading a book that was completely unrelated to Vermont or nature in any way. We were missing a bunch of ladies, which was too bad because they’re all pretty awesome and unique and special. I love spending time with women who inspire me.After we made it out of the woods we stopped at this really fantastic bookstore (Northshire) because we felt it was appropriate for a book club trip and also we needed books. Well, maybe we didn’t need the books, but we wanted them. Anything goes in Vermont.Manchester has lots of buildings that look like they belong in Vermont.See what I mean?And shopping is very cute in Manchester.Drinking wine and watching the sun sink behind the mountains was alright, I guess.We went to Gringo Jacks for dinner and it was really good. Funny story: I’ve only been to Manchester one other time, maybe 13 or 14 years ago and I ate dinner here. There are other restaurants in Vermont, I think. But this one has tacos.Also, it’s cozy and they serve really good margaritas.On our way home Sunday we stopped at the Vermont Country Deli for the best dang sandwiches around.They also have lots of other stuff.Like maple syrup, for example.Maple wine (um, ok).Maple seltzer (I’m sensing a theme).Maple candy. It was only after I left that I remembered my daughter loves these. I didn’t buy any. Oops.Maple. Maple everything.So that, in a nutshell, was my weekend escape to Vermont. It was super relaxing. I highly recommend it. Disconnecting is good. Very good indeed.
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