Vermont 2016
Following our Backroads trip to Nova Scotia, Gary and I flew from Halifax, Nova Scotia, to Burlington, Vermont, where on September 18 we began our Vermont Backroads walking-hiking trip. This time we were a small group of eight like-minded guests, which allowed us to become well-acquainted quickly. We were led by the dynamic Backroads leaders Patricia Logan and Angela Sena, with Ayla Pettry in support role. We stayed in lovely premier inns and enjoyed the tranquility and beauty of rural Vermont. We hiked from 5 to 11 miles (according to my Fitbit!) each day, with the greatest elevation gain of 1150 feet, through lovely forests to overlooks of the towns and landscapes below. Tricia and Angela kept us well fed with a table of “Snackroads” treats each morning and often sumptuous picnic lunches. We dined in wonderful restaurants where we had delicious fresh farm-to-table delicacies—of course lots of cheeses, maple syrup, and apples! Best of all we had fun traveling with kindred spirits who became our new friends.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Angela, Patricia, Ayla and all fellow travelers for making this lovely adventure!
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On Day 1, we shuttle to Shelburne where we stay for one night at the Inn at Shelburne Farms. We walk to the Farm Barn where we enjoy delicious food from the orchards and gardens of Shelburne Farms. In the afternoon we enjoy the beautiful grounds of the Inn and the lovely sunset during our welcome reception, which is followed by dinner a private room at the Inn.
On Day 2, we shuttle to the Green Mountain National Forest where we hike to Rattlesnake Cliffs (and some of the group to Silver Lake). In the mid-afternoon we depart for Manchester and check into our home for the next two nights, The Reluctant Panther.
On Day 3, we visit the Havoc Hill Sugarhouse, where Doug Zecher shows us how he produces award-winning maple syrup. We taste and get a jug to bring home. Next we visit Merck Forest where we hike to Mt. Antone Overlook and returned via Ned’s Place. In the evening we enjoy dinner “on our own,” that is with our six buddies, at nearby Mulligan’s Pub.
On Day 4, after a hike in the Equinox Preserve to Robin’s Lookout where we get lovely views of Manchester below, we visit Hildene, the Robert Lincoln (son of President Lincoln) family home. Because Robert Lincoln was president of Pullman, the beautifully restored Pullman car “Sunbeam” now resides at Hildene. After another delicious Backroads picnic, this one on the terrace of the Reluctant Panther, we drive to Woodstock, stopping en-route to visit the Vermont Country Store. Some of us shop and some of us eat ice cream! Then on to Woodstock where we check into the elegant Woodstock Inn. In the evening we walk to nearby Prince & the Pauper for a lovely dinner.
On Day 5, We hike from the Woodstock Inn across a covered bridge to Mt. Tom Overlook, then around the Pogue (lake), and back down to Billings Farm and Museum, where we have a delicious Tricia and Angie prepared picnic—with “Mile-High Apple Pie.” Some of us return to the Woodstock Inn for massages in the lovely Spa (aaah…) and others explore Woodstock. In the evening we have our last dinner together in the Inn’s Red Rooster.
On Day 6, we say goodbye to Glenda and Nancy who depart early. Some of us visit the Woodstock Inn’s expansive and beautiful garden where they grow the vegetables served at the Inn. There are gorgeous beets, kale, squashes—every vegetable and herb imaginable—and flowers too. While we are there we see a photographer/videographer doing an interview with the Inn’s chef and master gardener. Many thanks for Tricia and Angela for taking us to this wonderful garden!
Next we visit the Simon Pearce Glassblowers and Restaurant in Quichee by the falls of the Ottauquechee River. Here where we see glass-blowing demonstrations and enjoy one of the best meals of our trip. The Carrot Ginger soup was a big hit and we got the recipe!
Then we remaining six are shuttled to our departure points, where we say goodbye to our new friends. Many thank to all for making this such a delightful, relaxing and fun Backroads adventure. We extend special thanks to Patricia, Angela and Ayla for their warm, enthusiastic and fun leadership! Godspeed to all!
VIDEOS
Patricia and Angela describe picnic at Reluctant Panther:
Patricia and Angela describe picnic at Billings Farm with “Mile-High Apple Pie”: