The Norwich Farmer's Market
Saturday dawned and the plan was to go to the Norwich Farmer's Market. First, we had breakfast again at the Inn. While good, we really should have waited to go to the market and eat! The Farmer's Market was fabulous, and had lots of prepared foods along with vegetables, bakery stands, cheeses, wood art, jewelry.
It wasn't a huge market, but had wonderful variety. I had not yet had a whoopie pie, so I bought a couple of those to share with Steve later. I tasted some cheeses, and really wanted to buy some but couldn't figure an easy way to get them home fresh.
I bought a silver coiled ring from one vendor. I brushed back some hair and the ring got caught in my hair. Complete strangers were trying to help get this ring out of my hair! No kidding it was about 30 minutes until it was released. Cutting it out was not an acceptable option!
Even with the ring hanging in my hair I managed to look at some more jewelry and bought one piece. I wanted it to be about two inches longer so I paid for it and the vendor made me one that was longer and sent it to me. I got it last week, and wore it right away. A great memento of the trip.
There was entertainment in the middle of the market, and places to sit and rest and eat popsicles and other treats.
http://www.norwichfarmersmarket.org
Thursday, August 28, 2014
June 19 - Bangor ME and a road trip through New Hampshire, arriving in Norwich VT
Thursday - Road Trip and birds
Steve birded again in the morning and had a great morning. After consulting with a friend from New Hampshire we choose the scenic route from Bangor ME to Norwich VT and it was well worth it. We started west at about Gardiner ME and drove through some stunningly beautiful country and quaint towns. Green, lots of lots of green. Flowers, lots and lots of flowers. Blue and clear lakes, rivers and streams. Wetland areas with beaver lodges (but no moose). Shear rock outcroppings, rugged mountain profiles, and best of all NO billboards anywhere!
Went by lake where On Golden Pond was filmed.
We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and arrived a little hot, tired, hungry, and roadworn about 6 or 6:30 at the Norwich Inn, site of the GTG.
I got to state number 46!
Went by lake where On Golden Pond was filmed.
We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and arrived a little hot, tired, hungry, and roadworn about 6 or 6:30 at the Norwich Inn, site of the GTG.
I got to state number 46!
Thursday, continued
Picking up where I left off, we arrived that evening at the Norwich Inn, site of a get together with some of my cooking and travel friends.
Picking up where I left off, we arrived that evening at the Norwich Inn, site of a get together with some of my cooking and travel friends.
Steve and I stayed in the main building of the Inn, just one flight up and round the corner at the front of the building. Creaky flowers and windows that opened! Unfortunately no mini fridge so we had to end up tossing the last of our picnic goods from the cooler.
The Inn is lovely, and like the village of Norwich itself, fit my mental image of a Vermont Inn. A big broad veranda with rocking chairs, several places to gather throughout the building, welcoming staff. I kept looking around for Bob.
The Norwich Inn http://m.norwichinn.com
After 5 plus hours in the car, we needed to stretch our legs so we took a short walk, thinking we might find some place to have a quick bite as well. We should have stopped in at Dan and Whit's, the old-fashioned general store next to the Inn as besides the Inn and the restaurant the GTG ate at on Sat night, there was nothing to be found.
But, it was a nice short walk, and the town looked like my mental image of what a small town in Vermont should look like. Lots of green, a Village Green (with signs for a solstice festival) a white steepled church, lovely old homes and businesses
Back at the Inn we stopped in the pub for dinner. We weren't up for waiting for the GTG gang to eat, we were hungry. The pub is part of the inn, small, and essentially the same menu as the main dining room. We shared a Maryland crab cake appetizer and I could have just had another one for dinner, it was really good. My veal piccata was good, as was Steve's burger. I had the Norwich IPA (I think?) which was really good.
Steve left for the room while I waited for the check, and as I waited, I notice a curly haired woman at the end of the bar. Soon, a couple waved her over, calling "Janet?" and I knew I had spotted my first GTGrs. After paying my bill I sidled over and introduced myself. Thrilled to meet them, and I stopped in at the dining room where I got to meet several others.
Having already eaten, and really needing a nap, I left them to order and went up to the room where Steve was already asleep. I set an alarm for a short nap, and later woke up slightly refreshed and headed down to chat with the group. Turns out they were only just then getting their food! Thank goodness I didn't wait. Still, I pulled up and shared a table, and it was fun to have that first chat with everyone.
The Inn is lovely, and like the village of Norwich itself, fit my mental image of a Vermont Inn. A big broad veranda with rocking chairs, several places to gather throughout the building, welcoming staff. I kept looking around for Bob.
The Norwich Inn http://m.norwichinn.com
After 5 plus hours in the car, we needed to stretch our legs so we took a short walk, thinking we might find some place to have a quick bite as well. We should have stopped in at Dan and Whit's, the old-fashioned general store next to the Inn as besides the Inn and the restaurant the GTG ate at on Sat night, there was nothing to be found.
But, it was a nice short walk, and the town looked like my mental image of what a small town in Vermont should look like. Lots of green, a Village Green (with signs for a solstice festival) a white steepled church, lovely old homes and businesses
Back at the Inn we stopped in the pub for dinner. We weren't up for waiting for the GTG gang to eat, we were hungry. The pub is part of the inn, small, and essentially the same menu as the main dining room. We shared a Maryland crab cake appetizer and I could have just had another one for dinner, it was really good. My veal piccata was good, as was Steve's burger. I had the Norwich IPA (I think?) which was really good.
Steve left for the room while I waited for the check, and as I waited, I notice a curly haired woman at the end of the bar. Soon, a couple waved her over, calling "Janet?" and I knew I had spotted my first GTGrs. After paying my bill I sidled over and introduced myself. Thrilled to meet them, and I stopped in at the dining room where I got to meet several others.
Having already eaten, and really needing a nap, I left them to order and went up to the room where Steve was already asleep. I set an alarm for a short nap, and later woke up slightly refreshed and headed down to chat with the group. Turns out they were only just then getting their food! Thank goodness I didn't wait. Still, I pulled up and shared a table, and it was fun to have that first chat with everyone.
June 18 - Acadia Loop Road, More Lobster, The Big Chicken Barn
Why Woulda Coulda Shoulda
Because I should have figured out a way to take that cruise the day before or gone with Steve on his birding to see more of Acadia in the sunshine. Tuesday was absolutely beautiful, sunny and warm. Tues Night/Wed AM we got a rollicking thunderstorm. The thunder was so loud it woke us both at 3:30 am. By the time we got up the rain had stopped but it was gray and gloomy, and when I called Lulu Lobster a little after 8 they said they were not doing the morning cruise, only the afternoon--and we planned to be gone by then.
Acadia Park Loop Road
Still, we could at least do the Park Loop Road. I almost didn't go at all as it as foggy, then decided to at last give it a shot. Weather wasn't great, but there were a few sunny moments.
What is there to say that someone hasn't said before and more eloquently than I? It's a beautiful drive. So much to look at and ooh and ah. Small waterfalls, mountain streams, ponds with beaver lodges, the lovely Jordan Pond, rocky, spectacular shoreline. Passing under some of the bridges for the carriage roads. Both of us agreed that a week wouldn't be enough time for this park! We saw lots of bikers and hikers. If we were to come back to Maine, we would be inclined to simply base ourselves here and explore the area, and hike, etc.
Trenton Bridge Lobster Pound http://www.trentonbridgelobster.com
We didn't have time for a whole lobster, but it was fun to stop at this place on the drive out of Bar Harbor where you could see them boiling the lobster in pots of sea water just outside the restaurant. There is a row of pots boiling over wood fired brick ovens, and in would come one of the cooks with lobsters in a string bag to fill orders.
Instead I had a lobster salad sandwich - their version of a lobster roll and very good and a cup of clam chowder, and Steve had a bowl of clam chowder and blueberry pie. The clam chowder was not a winner. First, I prefer clams to be chopped in my clam chowder so I can get some clam in more spoonfuls. The clams were whole. Second, the broth just had no flavor at all. The lobster salad sandwich was worth the stop though, and if we had more time the whole lobster would have been great.
Big Chicken Barn Books and Antiques
A friend had told us to look out for this outside of Ellsworth (about 20 miles from Bar Harbor) so we made this our next stop. The first floor is all antique stalls and the whole upper floor is used books. Really well organized, and so many! After my haul earlier, I wasn't really feeling the book shopping love so left Steve to his browsing and went outside where the sun had now decided to shine,
Steve eventually showed up, but disappeared to the end of the parking lot where a chestnut sided warbler was singing. Eventually we moved on. I plugged in the hotel in Bangor ME that we were going to, and I guess since we were already past the straightaway route, Google Maps took us on a very scenic drive through the country.
We arrived at the Hampton Inn in Bangor where I had topped off points to get a room for $80. I think it must be very new. Very nice rooms and very nice people.
Nearby is the Bangor City Forest, and Steve heads over to look for black throated blues, and any other birds that show themselves. It was a successful trip as he didn't get back until nearly 8. His stomach was a little queasy so I just made a sandwich and we stayed in for the evening.
http://cityforest.bangorinfo.com/maps.htm
Because I should have figured out a way to take that cruise the day before or gone with Steve on his birding to see more of Acadia in the sunshine. Tuesday was absolutely beautiful, sunny and warm. Tues Night/Wed AM we got a rollicking thunderstorm. The thunder was so loud it woke us both at 3:30 am. By the time we got up the rain had stopped but it was gray and gloomy, and when I called Lulu Lobster a little after 8 they said they were not doing the morning cruise, only the afternoon--and we planned to be gone by then.
Acadia Park Loop Road
Still, we could at least do the Park Loop Road. I almost didn't go at all as it as foggy, then decided to at last give it a shot. Weather wasn't great, but there were a few sunny moments.
What is there to say that someone hasn't said before and more eloquently than I? It's a beautiful drive. So much to look at and ooh and ah. Small waterfalls, mountain streams, ponds with beaver lodges, the lovely Jordan Pond, rocky, spectacular shoreline. Passing under some of the bridges for the carriage roads. Both of us agreed that a week wouldn't be enough time for this park! We saw lots of bikers and hikers. If we were to come back to Maine, we would be inclined to simply base ourselves here and explore the area, and hike, etc.
Trenton Bridge Lobster Pound http://www.trentonbridgelobster.com
We didn't have time for a whole lobster, but it was fun to stop at this place on the drive out of Bar Harbor where you could see them boiling the lobster in pots of sea water just outside the restaurant. There is a row of pots boiling over wood fired brick ovens, and in would come one of the cooks with lobsters in a string bag to fill orders.
Instead I had a lobster salad sandwich - their version of a lobster roll and very good and a cup of clam chowder, and Steve had a bowl of clam chowder and blueberry pie. The clam chowder was not a winner. First, I prefer clams to be chopped in my clam chowder so I can get some clam in more spoonfuls. The clams were whole. Second, the broth just had no flavor at all. The lobster salad sandwich was worth the stop though, and if we had more time the whole lobster would have been great.
Big Chicken Barn Books and Antiques
A friend had told us to look out for this outside of Ellsworth (about 20 miles from Bar Harbor) so we made this our next stop. The first floor is all antique stalls and the whole upper floor is used books. Really well organized, and so many! After my haul earlier, I wasn't really feeling the book shopping love so left Steve to his browsing and went outside where the sun had now decided to shine,
Steve eventually showed up, but disappeared to the end of the parking lot where a chestnut sided warbler was singing. Eventually we moved on. I plugged in the hotel in Bangor ME that we were going to, and I guess since we were already past the straightaway route, Google Maps took us on a very scenic drive through the country.
We arrived at the Hampton Inn in Bangor where I had topped off points to get a room for $80. I think it must be very new. Very nice rooms and very nice people.
Nearby is the Bangor City Forest, and Steve heads over to look for black throated blues, and any other birds that show themselves. It was a successful trip as he didn't get back until nearly 8. His stomach was a little queasy so I just made a sandwich and we stayed in for the evening.
http://cityforest.bangorinfo.com/maps.htm
June 17 Woulda Coulda Shoulda
Tuesday - Woulda Shoulda Coulda
Tuesday I decided it was a perfect day to stay at the cottages and let Steve go birding on his own.
I enjoyed my day at the cottage. A little time on the screened in porch, a little time down on a bench in the lower lawn, a little time with binoculars in hand looking at butterflies and looking into the meadow beyond the lawn where wildflowers bloomed, including dark purple Japanese Irises. I even took a nap.
Steve drove into town to the HS where some birds had been reported, but didn't realize school was still in session here. So he moved on to Acadia National Park to several birding spots there, and arrived back at the cottage a little after 5:30.
Laundry and Cadillac Mountain
We did need to do a little laundry so headed back into Bar Harbor to the laundromat next to the grocery store. What's to say about that? Nothing, except, if you are a laundromat owner please don't put washing machines up on six inch high platforms unless you provide steps for short people to step up on and get their laundry out of the tub! I had to go get DH to retrieve it.
On the way back we (I) decided to take a short spin up to Cadillac Mountain. It's a beautiful drive, and interesting to watch the ecosystem changes as you gain elevation. There are all kinds of pullouts with spectacular views. I pull over for one and it says we should be looking at The Bubbles (two rounded mountains). Except we couldn't see them because clouds and rain were rolling in. It was a beautiful, brooding site.
Undaunted, we continued on. Now you can see the alpine flowers, lichens, and mosses. And clouds (or fog?) rolling over the hill tops like a tide rolling in. Another picture stop (I think Frenchman's Bay) and we continue a bit further, but finally there is no visibility at all on the road so we turned around and headed back to the cottages where I cooked dinner and we were in for the night.
Tuesday I decided it was a perfect day to stay at the cottages and let Steve go birding on his own.
I enjoyed my day at the cottage. A little time on the screened in porch, a little time down on a bench in the lower lawn, a little time with binoculars in hand looking at butterflies and looking into the meadow beyond the lawn where wildflowers bloomed, including dark purple Japanese Irises. I even took a nap.
Steve drove into town to the HS where some birds had been reported, but didn't realize school was still in session here. So he moved on to Acadia National Park to several birding spots there, and arrived back at the cottage a little after 5:30.
Laundry and Cadillac Mountain
We did need to do a little laundry so headed back into Bar Harbor to the laundromat next to the grocery store. What's to say about that? Nothing, except, if you are a laundromat owner please don't put washing machines up on six inch high platforms unless you provide steps for short people to step up on and get their laundry out of the tub! I had to go get DH to retrieve it.
On the way back we (I) decided to take a short spin up to Cadillac Mountain. It's a beautiful drive, and interesting to watch the ecosystem changes as you gain elevation. There are all kinds of pullouts with spectacular views. I pull over for one and it says we should be looking at The Bubbles (two rounded mountains). Except we couldn't see them because clouds and rain were rolling in. It was a beautiful, brooding site.
Undaunted, we continued on. Now you can see the alpine flowers, lichens, and mosses. And clouds (or fog?) rolling over the hill tops like a tide rolling in. Another picture stop (I think Frenchman's Bay) and we continue a bit further, but finally there is no visibility at all on the road so we turned around and headed back to the cottages where I cooked dinner and we were in for the night.
June 16 2014 - Moving day--headed to Bar Harbor
However, if you are near Augusta, may I suggest you seek out the Viles Arboretum? It is not a polished, manicured arboretum, but was a worthwhile stop.
An unexpected feature of the visit was the presence of sculptures throughout the property. Here's what it says on the web site:
"Current activities of special note in clude the "Shifting Gears Initiative", bringing art to the Arboretum as a way of introducing visitors to art through nature and nature through art"
The sculptures (I am not sure if all of them) are for sale as well, as a fund raising activity. It is a non-profit organization so looking for funds is always a priority! They have a sign inside that says admission is free, but if you use the restrooms you might consider a donation
They also had a stuffed Moose, which was the closest I was going to get to a Moose on this trip:
June 15 2014 - I am going to eat lobster every day I am in Maine.
Scarborough Marsh and Eastern Trail
DH is a birder, and although this trip is mainly my trip, we are trying to get in some birding for him. About five minutes away from where we were staying was the Scarborough Marsh and Audobon Center. You can take canoe tours, and walk trails. Through the Marsh also runs the Eastern Trail. On this blustery yet sunny Father's Day Sunday, there were all sorts of people on the trail--walking, biking, jogging, pushing strollers.
We walked about 2 1/2 miles thorough the marsh to and into the tree line. It was a nice walk, but few birds were being seen with 20-30 mile winds having their way with us and the birds. We did at the end get some looks at the Saltmarsh Sparrow, which was main reason for being there.
In addition to the walk, we had also stopped at the center and had a chat, and now it was getting close to noon, and we hadn't eaten since 2:30 the day before. It was time for....
More Lobster!
Bayley's Lobster Pound http://www.bayleys.com
We turned left out of the parking lot, drove about a minute, and stopped at Bayley's Lobster Pound. This time I tried a Lobster Roll, Lobster Stew, and DH had a Haddock Fish Sandwich (and bites from both my servings.
OMG the Lobster Roll! It was delicious. Big chunks of lobster, lightly dressed, so darned good. The lobster stew was good too, but the Lobster Roll was now my favorite.
Just looking around, Pine Point, CDs and Book Exchange
From there we drove down through Pine Point and basically just looked around. We stopped at one point and DH went off looking for birds and I visited a gift shop for post cards, Christmas ornaments, and a bag of gummy Lobsters (why? I really don't know except it amused me) and saltwater taffy. It was the best saltwater taffy I have ever had! Lots of intense flavors. DH and I have been snacking on them all week.
This was the maker: http://www.havenscandies.com/saltwater_taffy.asp
On the way to the marsh earlier DH had noticed a CD and Book Exchange, and since it was so windy, and not very good birding at this point, and other things we wanted to do were too far away, we headed over to that store. If you knew DH and myself, you would know that hanging out in music and/or book stores is not unusual.
It was a productive tirp as well. I had been wanting to read In The Garden of Beasts, and picked up a copy for 4.99. DH liked The Lost City of Z, and I got it for $3.99. There is more, but one of the prizes was a children's book illustrated by NC Wyeth.
Wrapping up Sunday
We made a trip to a Hannaford supermarket for things like coffee, milk, bread, sandwich makings, as well as a couple of steaks to make for dinner. Back to the cottage to unload the groceries and just relax for awhile. DH went to check out another flea market he had seen, and I read a book and watched with one eye as Martin Kaymer ran away with the US Open. I made steak for dinner, and that wrapped up day 2 of vacation!
DH is a birder, and although this trip is mainly my trip, we are trying to get in some birding for him. About five minutes away from where we were staying was the Scarborough Marsh and Audobon Center. You can take canoe tours, and walk trails. Through the Marsh also runs the Eastern Trail. On this blustery yet sunny Father's Day Sunday, there were all sorts of people on the trail--walking, biking, jogging, pushing strollers.
We walked about 2 1/2 miles thorough the marsh to and into the tree line. It was a nice walk, but few birds were being seen with 20-30 mile winds having their way with us and the birds. We did at the end get some looks at the Saltmarsh Sparrow, which was main reason for being there.
In addition to the walk, we had also stopped at the center and had a chat, and now it was getting close to noon, and we hadn't eaten since 2:30 the day before. It was time for....
More Lobster!
Bayley's Lobster Pound http://www.bayleys.com
We turned left out of the parking lot, drove about a minute, and stopped at Bayley's Lobster Pound. This time I tried a Lobster Roll, Lobster Stew, and DH had a Haddock Fish Sandwich (and bites from both my servings.
OMG the Lobster Roll! It was delicious. Big chunks of lobster, lightly dressed, so darned good. The lobster stew was good too, but the Lobster Roll was now my favorite.
Just looking around, Pine Point, CDs and Book Exchange
From there we drove down through Pine Point and basically just looked around. We stopped at one point and DH went off looking for birds and I visited a gift shop for post cards, Christmas ornaments, and a bag of gummy Lobsters (why? I really don't know except it amused me) and saltwater taffy. It was the best saltwater taffy I have ever had! Lots of intense flavors. DH and I have been snacking on them all week.
This was the maker: http://www.havenscandies.com/saltwater_taffy.asp
On the way to the marsh earlier DH had noticed a CD and Book Exchange, and since it was so windy, and not very good birding at this point, and other things we wanted to do were too far away, we headed over to that store. If you knew DH and myself, you would know that hanging out in music and/or book stores is not unusual.
It was a productive tirp as well. I had been wanting to read In The Garden of Beasts, and picked up a copy for 4.99. DH liked The Lost City of Z, and I got it for $3.99. There is more, but one of the prizes was a children's book illustrated by NC Wyeth.
Wrapping up Sunday
We made a trip to a Hannaford supermarket for things like coffee, milk, bread, sandwich makings, as well as a couple of steaks to make for dinner. Back to the cottage to unload the groceries and just relax for awhile. DH went to check out another flea market he had seen, and I read a book and watched with one eye as Martin Kaymer ran away with the US Open. I made steak for dinner, and that wrapped up day 2 of vacation!
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Breakfast at the Inn, followed by reading on the veranda
Steve was up and out early to seek birds, and I slept a little longer until 8 or so. Then I wandered downstairs and poked my head in the dining room to find more of our group. They let me pull up a chair and join them for breakfast. After being served a cold, terrible cup of coffee I caught on and ordered a latte, which was duly served, hot and fresh.
People started scattering to pursue various activities before the King Arthur's Flour class. I took my book out on to the veranda for what I had been assured was a Vermont tradition--reading and rocking. It was just very lovely and peaceful, and there was a little people-watching thrown in as well as it is on the Main Street, next to Dan and Whits General Store, and of course people coming and going from the Inn.
Janet joined me, and we had a nice chat. Before we knew it, it was time to head over to King Arthur Flour.
King Arthur Flour Cooking Class
Our GTG was wrapped around doing a class at King Arthur Flour. Three leaders took charge of arranging accommodations, class arrangements, and dinner reservations. We decided on a custom class at King Arthur Flour that featured making tapas.
We had so much fun, and the time just flew by! I definitely learned new things as well. Boy do I wish I lived closer! King Arthur did a really great job with the class, it is a great setup, and there are so many classes you can take!
The whole facility is pretty impressive. There is the cooking school, a big store (yes I went shopping) a cafe, and a demo baking facility.
After the class it was nearly closing time so we bought some salads and we sat at picnic tables outside as KA closed up, ate our tapas, salads, and drinks from the cafe. The tapas were good, but super rich and a salad was definitely needed.
http://www.kingarthurflour.com
Jasper Murdoch Ale and chatting in the courtyard
Back at the Inn, we gathered together again. There was a small grassy area in back of the Inn between the inn and the brewery where we pulled together some tables and gathered together again. Some people brought out wine, and Abby served some of her nephew's awesome bacon jam!
I'm pretty sure this is the bacon jam we had: http://www.jamminham.com It was sooooooo good!
Did I mention the Inn has their own microbrewery? The beers are only served there at the in. I had tried the Norwich IPA the night before, and tonight I got the beer flight so I could try several more of their beers. I am terrible at remember names, but I liked them all except the final one. It was too much of a molasses taste for me.
We chatted,chatted, and chatted some more, until it became too chilly, and then we all went our separate ways.