Autumn in Vermont

“How do I exchange my dollars for Vermont Money?”–Joey Tribbiani

Way back last year sometime, Eric decided he needed to take a class for work.  A 3-day workshop kind of class, offered by a private vendor at a variety of locations around the country.  When he told me that Vermont was on the list–in OCTOBER!–I knew all 3 of us would be going.  I have ALWAYS wanted to go to the Northeast in the fall.  I wanted to experience the whole deal:  leaf-peeping, cider donuts, and maple syrup tapping.  Ok, I was bummed to learn that the syrup thing doesn’t happen in the fall…but I still wanted Tyler and I to tag along on this trip.  So, we went for four days of family vacation before Eric stayed to take his class.

In true Hollewood vacation style, we didn’t waste a minute.  From the moment we landed in Burlington, we were on the go.  Tyler was a superb traveler and slept all night long in our airbnb–the house had a nursery with a crib, a diaper genie, bath toys, and even a stroller for us to use.  Amazing.

We headed straight for the ferry to Essex, NY--Eric can now add it to his list! It was windy but beautiful out on Lake Champlain.
We headed straight for the ferry to Essex, NY–Eric can now add it to his list! It was windy but beautiful out on Lake Champlain.
It rained all day on Friday, but that didnt stop us from visiting Shelburne Farms.
It rained all day on Friday, but that didn’t stop us from visiting Shelburne Farms.
Tyler loved chasing still
Tyler loved chasing (still holding our hands) the chickens roaming around the property.
Tyler pet his first goat.
Tyler pet his first goat.
We all milked a cow!
We all milked a cow!
And I perfected my woodworking skills.
And I perfected my woodworking skills.
Obviously, we visited breweries. #57-63 for Tyler. He did his usual thing and conked out.
Obviously, we visited breweries. #57-63 for Tyler. He did his usual thing and conked out.
Did you know Burlington is home to the world's tallest tower made of filing cabinets?
Did you know Burlington is home to the world’s tallest tower made of filing cabinets?
Saturday was beautiful and we set out for a long day in the mountains. We planned to hike the Long Trail from the top of the toll road to the summit of Mt Mansfield.
Saturday was beautiful and we set out for a long day in the mountains. We planned to hike the Long Trail from the top of the toll road to the summit of Mt Mansfield.
But it was windy. Oh, so windy. And SO much colder than in town. This was the most upset we have ever seen Tyler.
But it was windy. Oh, so windy. And SO much colder than in town. This was the most upset we have ever seen Tyler.
So Tyler and I headed back to the car while Eric made the quick summit!
So Tyler and I headed back to the car while Eric made the quick summit!
It's always neat to see other ski areas. We'd love to ski Stowe in the winter!
It’s always neat to see other ski areas. We’d love to ski Stowe in the winter!
Leaf-peeping--check!
Leaf-peeping–check!
Covered bridges are very Vermont.
Covered bridges are very Vermont.
Gorgeous scenery!
Gorgeous scenery!
Tyler really was such a trooper with all the getting in-and-out of the car.
Tyler really was such a trooper with all the getting in-and-out of the car and picture-taking.
We enjoyed both Heady Topper and Focal Banger by The Alchemist. WOW.
We enjoyed both Heady Topper and Focal Banger by The Alchemist. WOW.
We visited Ben & Jerry's!
We visited Ben & Jerry’s!
Picture-perfect Vermont.
Picture-perfect Vermont.
Sunday we visited Shelburne Orchards. Tyler had his first hayride and picked his first apple!
Sunday we visited Shelburne Orchards. Tyler had his first hayride and picked his first apple!

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Cider donuts!
Oooh! Cider donuts!
Enjoying an afternoon in the sunshine on the shores of Lake Champlain.
Enjoying an afternoon in the sunshine on the shores of Lake Champlain.

Many thanks to our friends who gave us recommendations and suggestions of all the things to see, do, eat, and drink in and around Burlington.  We ate at Penny Cluse, American Flatbread, and Vergennes Laundry.  We drank at Magic Hat, Fiddlehead, Switchback, Queen City, Zero Gravity, Crop, and Prohibition Pig.  We saw Stowe, Ben & Jerry’s, Shelburne Farms, Shelburne Orchards, and rode the ferry to Essex, NY.  We ate maple ice cream and bought Tyler a little dinosaur we call his Vermontasaurus.

It was so fun to have Tyler there and see him experience things for the first time.  Thinking back now, although it was only 4 months ago, I can hardly believe how much he has changed since then.  He was barely starting to walk–wobbly and holding our hands.  At 14 months old, he was swimming in size 12 months clothes.  And he was still nursing.  I miss that baby!

 

 

One Reply to “Autumn in Vermont”

  1. Oh Amy, you write so well. I feel as I was there too. Beautiful pictures as always. Yes, Tyler has changed so much and I love him even more.

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