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Snapshot Chronicles Roadtrip

Family travel through a slightly twisted lens. Sense of humor required. Shoes optional.

Central Vermont: Quechee to Stowe

July 11, 2009 by Susan Getgood

Our local adventures this summer are nowhere near as exciting as the Cardwells’ trip west, as we are mostly revisiting favorite places and activities. However, on the theory that some of you will be coming this way for your summer holiday, here’s the rundown on some fun things to do in Central Vermont.

Woodstock

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A family favorite is Billings Farm in Woodstock. They do a special Independence Day Celebration, including sack races, which Douglas did, and an egg toss (with raw eggs), which he did not.

Be sure to check out Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Park while in town.

Where to eat: Bentleys Restaurant downtown. Family friendly, the restaurant just got a new chef who is doing some remarkable things, at reasonable prices.

Word to the wise: Woodstock takes its speed limits and parking regulations VERY SERIOUSLY. Do not exceed the 25 MPH zones on the way in/out of town and remember to feed the meter. If you are in one of the two-hour free spots along Elm Street, don’t exceed the time limit. Park in the free lot instead. A little walk is a lot better than the inevitable parking ticket.

Quechee

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A fun (and free) activity is Quechee Gorge on Route 4. Wear comfortable shoes, and hike down to the bottom or up to the viewing spot of the dam. Both are very short walks. The state park visitor’s center has public restrooms and there are plenty of options for snacks, sandwiches and ice cream.

Waterbury
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Waterbury is the home of Ben & Jerry’s. They give a  free ice cream cone on  your birthday, so we decided it was as good a destination as any for mine (the 5th). Turned out, my tour ticket was free as well, so keep that in mind if you are in the area on your birthday. Just tell the cashier when you are buying your tour tickets.

The production line does not run on the weekend, so if you can manage to go on a weekday, it’s worth it.  But they do a decent job on the weekend as well, and no matter when you go, the tour wraps up with a free sample of ice cream.

Mount Mansfield, Stowe

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Mount Mansfield is the highest peak in Vermont, and there are a number of ways to enjoy its wonders in the summer months. Last weekend, we drove the Auto Toll Road to the (nearly) top. Cost is $24 per car, hours 9am-4pm (last entry). Other options include an alpine slide and the gondola. Years ago, Dave and I took the gondola one way with two of our dogs and then walked down.

Where to eat: Stowe has some of the best restaurants north of Boston, but if you are looking for something quick and family friendly, try Charlie B’s at the Stoweflake. There’s a nice outdoor deck in the summer months, and board games by the fireplace for the kids if they get restless while you are enjoying your meal.

More pictures from the holiday weekend on Flickr.

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Thinking of Vermont as a destination? We rent our vacation home at very reasonable rates. Check it out on cyberrentals.

Filed Under: Day Trips, National/State Park, Vermont Tagged With: Ben & Jerry's, Mount Mansfield, Quechee, Stowe, Waterbury, Woodstock

Father’s Day Excursions

June 6, 2009 by Susan Getgood

IMG_1712I have two Father’s Day excursions for you, one worth the drive if you are in the Boston area, and the other well worth a weekend getaway. Both are annual events; you go this year or you wait until next.

The Boston area – Stow MA

Every year on Father’s Day weekend — June 20 & 21 –  the Collings Foundation in Stow opens its doors to visitors for Wings and Wheels Weekend. It’s a great opportunity to see the Foundation’s collection of vintage aircraft and automobiles. You can also book a ride in one of the vintage aircraft, but this must be done in advance.  $10 adults, $5 kids.

Family eats in the Stow area: La Provence in Concord (review) and Nancy’s Airfield Cafe in Stow.

Central Vermont – Quechee

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The Quechee Balloon Festival in Quechee Vermont is well worth the trip North. Dave and I went years ago, and last year we finally made it back with Douglas. There are activities all day long, but the highlight is the balloon ascensions in the morning and early evening. This year, we are planning our weekend to attend the Balloon Glow on Friday at approximately 8:30 pm. Balloon rides are available, but should be booked in advance.

Local accommodations:
There are motor inns nearby in Quechee and White River Junction, but I recommend going a bit further and staying at the Kedron Valley Inn in South Woodstock. If they are full up, try the Woodstock Inn, and if you like bed & breakfasts, the Inn at Chelsea Farm, our Vermont neighbor.

By the way, if you are looking to visit the Woodstock area, we also rent our house. Check it out on Cyberrentals. This year, we will be there on Balloon Fest weekend, but we have lots of other availability this summer as we have just started renting it.

Back to the balloon festival. Admission is $10 adults, $5 kids; tickets are good for the entire weekend and dads accompanied by a kid are 1/2 price on Sunday.

Family eats in the Woodstock/Quechee area: There are a lot of great restaurants in the area, but if the family has spent the day at the festival, you want something fast and friendly. For lunch, I recommend the Farmer’s Diner in Quechee and for dinner, Bentleys in Woodstock.

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Filed Under: Dining, Festival, Massachusetts, Things to Do, United States, Vermont, We Recommend Tagged With: balloon festival, Collings Foundation, Quechee, Stow MA

Trip Round-up: San Francisco, San Diego & Central Vermont

May 11, 2009 by Susan Getgood

There’s  a lot more to come from our trip to Orlando last month, including a report on Universal’s Islands of Adventure and the new restaurant in Downtown Disney, T-rex.

For now, though, here are some links to travel related posts written on my personal blog last year. Enjoy!

  • September 1st (Shelburne and Woodstock, VT; Fort Ticonderoga and Lake George, NY)
  • San Francisco and Summer? What Summer?
  • Sightseeing Sunday (more Vermont)
  • Up, up and away (Quechee Vermont Balloon Festival)
  • My telephoto lens (San Diego California and environs)

Filed Under: California, Festival, Museum, New York, Vermont Tagged With: Quechee, San Diego, San Francisco, Woodstock

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