Hi there. Long time no see...:)

Well, my husband and I went on our country ride this past Sunday, up into central Vermont. I wanted to go all the way up into the Northeast Kingdom, but that would require an overnight and with no reservations anywhere, it wasn't such a good idea. Once upon a time we would have been a bit more adventurous and maybe slept in the van, but now now, it's just not comfortable enough.

Our first stop, although not very exciting, is a nice place. It's the first rest stop once you enter Vermont from Massachusetts. There's a beautiful building manned with really knowledgeable and friendly people to answer any questions you may have. I've been here before, but for some reason, I never noticed their gorgeous weathervane, perched way up on top of this massive barn-shaped structure. Isn't this cool? It took me a minute, but I finally recognized the "VT". Duuuh!

These two guys wait outside to greet you before you enter...I'd much rather meet them here than out in the woods somewhere!

This is the first Vermont Country Store we encountered; the other is about 10 miles up the road. We meandered through this one checking out all the "old-time" stuff they carry, like old candies, old "health and beauty" products...remember "Sun In" for your hair? Or "Gee, Your Hair Smells Terrific"?!

They also carry old-time toys...sock monkeys, Slinkies, kaleidoscopes, wooden toys, etc. Vermont cheddar cheese is a big seller, as is their clothing. It's just a cool place to walk through, but way too expensive for our taste!  I did buy a big bag of balsam at a store across the street that I’ll use for making balsam pillows this winter. One sniff and I’m transported into the woods. :)

The second, larger store has this mural painted on the side of the building. Isn't it wonderful?

This last photo is of a random driftwood sea serpent sculpture we saw in front of someone's house, out on a back road. You can't see them, but his "creator" had put seashells all over his back. 

We finished the drive with a pretty good meal at a typical roadside diner.  My father-in-law used to say that diners had the best food around; add to that the fact that the parking lot was filled with Vermont license plates, and we knew we’d found where the locals ate. 

It was a good change of scenery for both of us, especially considering the year we’ve had.  We’re both thinking that we need to do this more often, like we did way-back-when.  Maybe next time it’ll be a night or two away. :) 

PS~Remember how I said I was joining a hiking club?  Well, my first hike is this coming Saturday.  It’s more of a photo walk through a local reservoir area with the possibility of a short hike up to a summit, but  I am so excited!   Have camera, will hike. :D