So after researching a few things via groupon getaways, I booked a 2 day vaca for us. We headed up north around 7am braving the way in the new Ford Explorer through the snow. Proud to report that the four wheel driving machine performed perfectly. Nothing like an American made car in America driven by an American. (I'm slightly biased ;) but if you're looking for a new car, I know just the place!) Ok sales pitch complete. As always, I'm a stellar passenger...falling asleep about 30 minutes into the trip and awaking in time to snag a dunking' donut then snooze all the way into town.
We reached Manchester, VT just in time for lunch. The town is adorable and exerts true New England feel. The streets are decorated with a range of shops from Kate Spade to Patagonia to Vineyard Vines to Armani. They also have antique shops with fun finds to capture your colonial side. We settled on Up for Breakfast to dine in. Perfect choice with a hometown feel. Ryan enjoyed the brie apple omelet while I awed over the short stack pancakes with Vermont maple syrup.
Next stop was Londonderry where I'd planned a sleigh ride at Taylor Farms. The local farm, famous for its cheeses, was beyond quaint offering a delightful experience. Our sleigh was pulled by two mares, Megan & Molly, who were gorgeous in every way. We shared the ride with three couples and their combined 4 kids. Kids are wonderful to watch and observe especially at the 3 to 6 year range. The ride included stopping at a bonfire, roasting unlimited marshmallows, and sipping apple cider. When you go to VT, you must indulge in this winter activity.
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| Taylor Farm sleigh ride... had to borrow the pick because I don't have our camera at the present |
Back on the west side of Manchester, The Dorset Inn was awaiting our arrival. It is the longest consecutive running accommodation in Vermont, started back in 1796. Do the math, and that's over 200 years. The homey feel is felt prior to entering the doors. As you round the corner and turn onto Church Street, the gorgeous white colonial home turned inn speaks to you. With a bit of white snow decorating the outside, it's a winter wonderland dream. The charm of the inside is breathtaking with fireplaces galore, a library nook (take a book, leave a book policy), tea & cookies in the family room, a sunroom for breakfast (included in your stay and girls I'm not talking continental but full breakfast menu that's to-die-for), a tavern, and an intimate dining room with only 13 tables. As for the rooms, there are only 20 in the inn each equipped with a living room furnished with a fireplace, reading chair, a cozy couch, and a full china cabinet (think circa 1850) with ornate pieces inside. They've spared no modern day comforts with heated floors, a jacuzzi tub & shower, king size canopy beds, towel warming rack, and 2 tvs. When you got to VT, you MUST stay here. MUST!
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| gorgeous exterior |
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| and lovely nighttime lights |
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| stunning interior |
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| romantic bathroom |
Taking full advantage of our surroundings, I snuggled up on the couch with a fire & blankie to take a mid-afternoon nap. Ryan used his time to read on the iPad by the fire. Refreshed and dolled up, we made our way to the dining room for our 7:30 dinner reservation. Seated by the fireplace, we enjoyed an intimate thre course dinner that was more than pleasing to the appetite. Real New England clam chowder, a spinach salad, NY strip steak with truffled fries & veggies, VT veal & mashed potatoes, chocolate truffle cake with raspberry grenache, and baked apple crisp. Pardon the sexual reference but simply orgasmic. We capped off the night with a bourbon for Ryan and a few Aussie Open matches for me.
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| intimate dining setting |
Sunday started off with the fab breakfast that I mentioned above. The sunroom was flourishing with guests from the inn preparing for their daily adventures. Once nourished we checked out and headed to one of two ski resorts in the area: Stratton. The resort was hopping with shops, eateries, and skiers/snowboarders. Our stuff is in storage as you know but I managed to hunt down Ryan's gear last week...mainly because he has the annual boys' snowboard trip coming up and needed his stuff. I wasn't so lucky on finding mine so I shopped while he boarded. I'll take it. Stratton is a bustling area with many different options for lodging, part time or ful time. To keep warm, I spent most of the afternoon at Mulligan's making friends with a girl who's boyfriend is a ski instructor on the mountain. We talked Long Island (her native hometown), big girl jobs, sports, and relationships. Nice to know I can still converse with strangers comfortably.
With a full belt of winter activity, we cruised back south to our lovely hotel in White Plains knowing that Vermint is our new wine country. Put it on your bucket list of places to visit. I promise you'll love it!
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