Here is a beautiful fall-decorated small town that we found on the drive over:
Not too incredibly far outside of Stowe is the location of Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream Factory, where they give tours. I have been on the tour, back when we were on our honeymoon, but the Flavor Graveyard was closed during that time of year, so we had to go so that I could check it out. Of course, there is fun in this place for everyone. If you go on the tour, you get a free ice cream sample. This time, we did not do the tour, but I found some delicious chocolate covered pretzels and Brylee her little cow souvenir (named Cowbella, after the sweet Cabella we met a few days earlier). And then off towards the graveyard, only to pause a moment longer to find a cache hidden out here...I know, we were on a roll!
After paying our drooling respects to some of the lost flavors, we left and made our way to the Cold Hollow Cider Mill, a wonderful place where you can see Apple Cider being made, check out the tasty food (apple cider donuts!), and buy lots of souvenirs...and trust me...it's very tempting!
After scoping out the tempting desserts, jellies, soaps, and other souvenirs, we drove the rest of the way to Stowe, where the McFaddens' favorite hamburger shop waited:
(why are there very few pictures of me that I like, but they tend to be of me making a silly face?)
It was chilly but beautiful outside, so we decided to join another family (with 2 little ones) in sitting out there. With the warm hamburgers, onion rings, and cold chocolate milkshakes, it was a perfect combination to stay warm/cool...does that even make sense???
(like mother, like daughter perhaps?)
And afterwards, shopping!
The little cutie I got for myself:
After some shopping and cemetery viewing (Cary and Gary), we got back on the road, where we drove to Smuggler's Notch, a state park with lots of climbing and hiking opportunities. Cary and his family have been here a few times, searching for the rock formation that looks like a man's face. No luck for me yet, though. Then again, it was my first visit.
Instead, Cary and I visited a cave where smuggled goods used to be stashed (i.e., alcohol during prohibition) and found...what else? A cache, of course!
After stretching our legs and switching drivers, we then continued on our way, driving down the road with a destination, but the stops here and there were not planned. We stopped at this antique store that they have loved to visit in the past. Cary found a trumpet, and despite my protests, he wanted to play it...making a beautiful sound (ehhh...). We also found a child's play kitchen that I used to have when I was a tiny one...oh the memories! 2 floors in this giant barn full of old goodies that could take you hours to explore.
When we got back on the road again, we headed for Craftsbury Common, a tiny town that was the set for the movie The Trouble With Harry. Interesting movie--check it out sometime! This is one of Gary's favorite movies, mostly due to the set, so we walked around and he pointed out interesting tidbits from the film.
Back at the cider mill I bought dessert, some Apple Cider Donuts, so in this little square, we sat down and ate and enjoyed them. Cake donuts that are very tasty!
This was by far the longest day driving and exploring that we have had on this vacation. Brylee did so well the entire trip! We stopped for dinner at the Pizza Chef and then back home to rest and get ready for our next day's adventure.
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