A Dinner Adventure

Having researched before leaving home we had a few places in mind for our dinners depending if they fit the schedule.  This is one we are really glad we got to try.  The food was excellent but the location is what really set it apart.  It was so remote we couldn't believe it really existed out there.  It was about 40 min from Burlington, driving north then crossing out into Lake Champlain going through South Hero then on to North Hero these are islands in the lake connected by  causeways (not very high above the water).  The water being very high was right up to the edge of the causeway, can't imagine how they managed before the water started to recede.  Check out Shore Acres website for more details, but this is like going back in time.  We were just before the high season begins but still a number of diners considering the location.  You drive through a lot of empty space to get there.  Such a calmness that comes over you as you walk around the grounds.  With the lake water lapping onto the shore, the birds flying by, and the quiet peaceful surroundings you can't help but want to stay.

Shore Acres
237 Shore Acres Drive
North Hero, VT

Brie with poached grapes

Blue Cheese fritters

Steak, Garlic mashed, julienne vegetables.

Flourless chocolate cake

 A great meal and a wonderful experience, so glad we took the drive up.

the drive between islands

Time to explore Burlington, VT

After the first day on the road that was filled with things to do I decided to spend today downtown Burlington.  We were a bit ahead of the "season" so it was quieter, which works for me.  The whole Northeast of the United States had a very wet Spring season and Burlington was still hurting from it.  Along Lake Champlain there was still a lot of flooded areas, some of the worst they have seen in many years.  This is an area with a lot of outdoor activity hiking, biking, boating, festivals---- Summer is as busy or busier than Winter is with skiers.   After a quick breakfast I headed out for a bike ride along Lake Champlain.  There is a trail that goes for miles and at certain times there is a ferry that will actually take you the rest of the way across so you could go down the New York side.  That part is closed due to flooding damage for now.  I had been looking forward though to going on the old rail bed on the causeway out into the lake but it was also still flooded so I couldn't go quite as far as planned but it was a beautiful morning for the bike ride.  I stopped along the way to take in the view as it changed with the ride around the the north east side of the lake.

Rail to Trail sign along the path.  I am a big fan of using old rail
beds in communities for safe walking, biking, horses we are lucky to live
where we also have access to these trails.

When I got back to the city area I found a spot for a quick drink and lunch then headed back to the hotel to clean up.

Great park area with swings.

Map of Burlington

After Jim's meetings we headed back downtown for dinner and a walk listening to the different Jazz sounds.  There was a bigger crowd out and  with the music playing people would stop to listen or dance along the way.  

All in one day.

driving from Burlington south on 89

Yep first day in Burlington and I was off to meet up with Alyson in Norwich, Vermont.  We literally met on the border of Vermont and New Hampshire which is defined by the Connecticut River.  It is about 1 1/2 hours for me and about 2 hours for her from Boston.  She had the day off so we planned to meet for a "girls day".  We began at King Arthur Flour to start our day, located just off  highway 89 on Route 5 in Norwich.  If you read recipes from my http://cmglrecipes.blogspot.com/ you already know how much I like King Arthur products.  I have wanted to get there for some classes but couldn't fit that in this trip......someday.  We got a cup of coffee and a snack, did some shopping there being fully amazed at the selection of products for baking. It is a bakers dream spot, I left inspired and definitely want to get back for some classes.

The kitchen area is used for demonstrations.

mini cart-adorable 

Cafe area with fresh baked items & coffee/tea
-----we enjoyed ours outside at a picnic table on a
beautiful day.

We left here and headed a short distance to Quechee, Vermont to visit Simon Pearce Glass making and Restaurant.  Located in a beautifully restored mill on the Ottauquechee River, you can shop, watch the glass blowing, and dine overlooking the waterfalls.  I have a fascination with glass making I can't explain it.  I am not sure where it comes from but I will stop wherever we are if there is a glass/crystal spot.  So this was another highlight of our day for me.  Such an amazing setting with the building jutting out over the water, the porch dining area is screened in so you can hear the roar of the water below.  The restaurant was the perfect spot for our "girls day" lunch.

Started with drink of the day "Strawberry Fizz"

Brown Bread & Small Scones

Vermont Cheddar Soup & Spring Salad with Goat Cheese


The meal was so good I planned a return visit for Friday when Jim and I would be driving through on our way to Boston.  The service is excellent, a calm atmosphere, amazing views, and the food to go with it all.

The Glass Studio

The Hydroelectric generator in the basement of the mill.

 After a walk through the store filled with hand blown glass we went on our way.  Next up we parked the car and walked along the Quechee Gorge and took some photos from the bridge.

A very full but fun day we both started our drives back.  I headed back up to Burlington, at the Stowe Mountain exit got off to get gas, seeing a sign across from me for the "Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream Factory" I didn't hesitate to stop there for a quick tour with a sample.....yum!

A really full first day in Vermont.......but I saved some fun for tomorrow......