Rochester | VT

On our girls trip to Central Vermont we visited The Warren General Store and the Rochester Country Store plus other spots in the quaint town of Rochester that evoke a  love of the country mountain lifestyle. On Saturday we purchased sandwiches for our hike at a picturesque coffee house and book store: Seasoned Books & Bakery. There is a special feeling emitted from establishments in Vermont - the way they embody country living with the old rustic furnishings, creaky wooden floors and local food products.

Seasoned Books is precious with counter service in one room, new and used books and gift items filling the shelves in the other rooms. Every corner you turn you are greeted by another set of tucked away table and chairs. 

Our quality made sandwiches survived the hike up Mt. Abe.Saturday after the hike we visited the charming Warren Store for provisions. Saturday night we had a wonderful dinner at the Huntington House Inn. I ordered the Petit Filet ($19) on a marinated Portobello mushroom topped with bleu cheese and mashed potatoes. 

Then dessert happened, we ended up ordering three. If anyone deserved three plates of dessert it was us after conquering that mountain. I washed it all down with a Baileys on the rocks. Sunday morning we had breakfast at the Rochester Café.

I ordered the Rancheros Vermonter which comes with a mild salsa, creamy guacamole and heaping spoonfuls of sour cream over cheddar cheese eggs.

Back at the house we took a short walk around the neighborhood before we packed up and set off for the city. There is so much beauty to be seen here! Much love, VT!

Mount Abraham | Vermont

This weekends adventures brought me to one of my absolute favorite states, Vermont. Friday afternoon with Jen's VW Rabbit packed to the brim for one last crazy road trip, (the lease on the car ending shortly) Jen, myself, Killeen, Garvey and Buckley (Jen's 5 month old English Cream Golden) headed North into the heart of the Green Mountains. We stocked up at the New Hampshire liquor store and proceeded to drink ourselves silly once we arrived at The Vermont House; Jen's family vacation home where I've been a guest for years as evidenced by the journal entry I wrote at age 10 after Jen and her family taught me how to ski. There have been many memorable trips here over the years and this one was no different. 

Jen cooked up a fabulous dinner of Chicken Saltimbocca over a bed of spinach greens. The chicken breasts were stuffed with prosciutto and sage and sautéed in a white wine reduction. 

I awoke the next morning to the adorable scene below.

Jen cooked breakfast and we stopped for sandwiches on our way to Lincoln Gap.Mt. Abraham is a popular Central Vermont hike. The mountain is named after our 16th President and sits at an elevation of 4,006 feet. It is noted for its panoramic views of three states at the summit. We set out on the Long Trail which leaves from Lincoln Gap - elevation 2,424 feet. The trail is 2.6 miles each way for a round trip of 5.2 miles and a total elevation gain of 1,600 feet. That might not sound like very far, but when a good portion of that distance is uphill over extreme rocky terrain, you better believe it becomes a serious cardio workout.
Certain sections of the trail leveled off to flat terrain for a much needed catching of breath, but in general the trail is steep and challenging. As we neared the the summit the densely wooded trail opened up to some breathtaking viewpoints. But none more beautiful and rewarding than the panorama once we officially reached the peak. Mount Abe boasts views of the Adirondacks over Lake Champlain, the Green Mountains of Vermont to the North and South, the White Mountains of New Hampshire to the East, and upstate New York to the West. We were blessed with perfect weather - it was about 65 - 70 degrees with incredibly clear skies.

Lunch at the peak never tasted so rewarding. I had an apple cheddar sandwich with lettuce, sprouts, tomatoes and pesto mayo and a side of coleslaw with raisins and blueberries. We also toasted to a victorious climb with mini bottles of Cavit Pino Noir. After we were well rested and had a photo shoot, we began the descent. I was overwhelmed by the beauty at the summit and in the forest and enjoyed every single moment of this hike!!