The 45th and 46th State - Maine and Vermont!
Jun 23rd, 2014, 07:23 PM
#21
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Darn it, I just lost a whole post I had written. And now I have to go to bed as I need to head to the airport again tomorrow.
Here's the short version
Thursday - Road Trip and birds
DH birded again in the morning and had a great morning. After consulting with dfrostnh 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.
Unfortunately I have to stop now, but at least I got to state number 46!
Here's the short version
Thursday - Road Trip and birds
DH birded again in the morning and had a great morning. After consulting with dfrostnh 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.
Unfortunately I have to stop now, but at least I got to state number 46!
Jun 24th, 2014, 01:57 AM
#22
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I thought Santamonica said it was odd not to see any billboards on I93 and I89 and there were too many trees! Glad you enjoyed the route. People usually recommend the Kancamagus which is the east/west route further north but I think the one thru Center Sandwich is prettier. I like to see a few houses. I hope to take the grandkids to the science center in Holderness this summer for an educational boat ride on Squam Lake.
Jun 28th, 2014, 02:47 PM
#23
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I thought of you and your husband when I heard this story on VT Public Radio yesterday morning. I hope his birdwatching in the Norwich area was successful
http://digital.vpr.net/post/outdoor-radio-dawn-chorus
http://digital.vpr.net/post/outdoor-radio-dawn-chorus
Jun 29th, 2014, 04:59 AM
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Sorry! It has been a crazy busy re-entry into work this week, including travel. Besides the work day, when I have the laptop and an internet connection, I have either not had internet, laptop, or time to write! And I hate writing on my phone. So I return home tomorrow night and hopefully will get this completed. Thanks for reading! Be back soon.
Jul 1st, 2014, 04:29 PM
#28
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Thursday, continued
Picking up where I left off, we arrived that evening at the Norwich Inn, site of the What's for Dinner Get Together. DH 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 DH's burger. I had the Norwich IPA (I think?) which was really good.
DH 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. It was JanetKMR, gomiki, and her SO! Thrilled to meet them, and I stopped in at the dining room where I got to meet dfrostnh, tdudette, and santamonica and his dw.
Having already eaten, and really needing a nap, I left them to order and went up to the room where DH 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.
Friday--A lovely breakfast, reading on the front veranda, and cooking class at King Arthur
Picking up where I left off, we arrived that evening at the Norwich Inn, site of the What's for Dinner Get Together. DH 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 DH's burger. I had the Norwich IPA (I think?) which was really good.
DH 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. It was JanetKMR, gomiki, and her SO! Thrilled to meet them, and I stopped in at the dining room where I got to meet dfrostnh, tdudette, and santamonica and his dw.
Having already eaten, and really needing a nap, I left them to order and went up to the room where DH 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.
Friday--A lovely breakfast, reading on the front veranda, and cooking class at King Arthur
Jul 7th, 2014, 05:01 PM
#29
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Breakfast at the Inn, followed by reading on the veranda
DH 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 Fodorites! 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 Jubilada had assured me 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
I'm not sure I explained this earlier, perhaps assuming that everyone knew what I was talking about. The whole trip started with a Fodors GTG that was planned by the What's for Dinner ongoing thread in the Fodorite Lounge. I participate in that thread regularly, and really wanted to go to the GTG, and gee, if I went to the GTG I would get another state. Then I persuaded DH to go with me and get both Maine and Vermont.
The 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.
You can find more details here, where a GTG thread formed the record of the weekend!
http://www.fodors.com/community/fodo...s-underway.cfm
I had the pleasure of having elberko as my bench partner. We had so much fun, and the time just flew by! I definitely learned new things as well. I hesitate to repeat the whole experience of the class in this trip report since so much detail can be found in the above link. I will say that 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 Mr AGM and SO Gomiki bought some salads (and maybe some others?) and we sat at picnic tables outside as KA closed up, ate our tapas, salads, and drinks from the cafe. Jubi kindly shared her salad with me! 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!
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.
DH 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 Fodorites! 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 Jubilada had assured me 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
I'm not sure I explained this earlier, perhaps assuming that everyone knew what I was talking about. The whole trip started with a Fodors GTG that was planned by the What's for Dinner ongoing thread in the Fodorite Lounge. I participate in that thread regularly, and really wanted to go to the GTG, and gee, if I went to the GTG I would get another state. Then I persuaded DH to go with me and get both Maine and Vermont.
The 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.
You can find more details here, where a GTG thread formed the record of the weekend!
http://www.fodors.com/community/fodo...s-underway.cfm
I had the pleasure of having elberko as my bench partner. We had so much fun, and the time just flew by! I definitely learned new things as well. I hesitate to repeat the whole experience of the class in this trip report since so much detail can be found in the above link. I will say that 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 Mr AGM and SO Gomiki bought some salads (and maybe some others?) and we sat at picnic tables outside as KA closed up, ate our tapas, salads, and drinks from the cafe. Jubi kindly shared her salad with me! 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!
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.
Jul 7th, 2014, 05:56 PM
#31
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I'm pretty sure this is the bacon jam we had: http://www.jamminham.com It was sooooooo good!
It was definitely fun Jubi! Should I mention how we managed to get lost getting back to the Inn. Which is about a mile from KA? One would think that would be hard to do, but we managed. We didn't get too far astray though.
It was definitely fun Jubi! Should I mention how we managed to get lost getting back to the Inn. Which is about a mile from KA? One would think that would be hard to do, but we managed. We didn't get too far astray though.
Jul 7th, 2014, 06:24 PM
#32
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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. What am I missing WFD GTG Fodorites?
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 DH later. I tasted some cheeses, and really wanted to buy some but couldn't figure an easy way to get them home fresh.
Along with santamonica, I bought a silver coiled ring from one vendor. Unlike santamonica, 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
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. What am I missing WFD GTG Fodorites?
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 DH later. I tasted some cheeses, and really wanted to buy some but couldn't figure an easy way to get them home fresh.
Along with santamonica, I bought a silver coiled ring from one vendor. Unlike santamonica, 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
Jul 7th, 2014, 06:45 PM
#33
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Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site
After returning from the market, everyone went on their own adventures. I chose to hitch a ride with dfrostnh, tdudette, and elberko and go to Saint-Gaudens. I knew absolutely nothing about Augustus Saint-Gaudens before this trip, but Jubilada (and perhaps others) had mentioned it in the planning for the GTG and I was intrigued by the grounds, and as it later turns out, the artist.
Another beautiful drive and we arrived. The others wanted to go on a tour of the house, but I wanted to spend more time on the grounds so we split up and I walked up the short path to the visitor center to work my way back. It was a lovely short walk through the woods, all sorts of ferns in the undergrowth.
I tend to not be a big sculpture person, or at least I tell myself that and then get just as interested as the next person. I had no idea Saint-Gaudens is considered one of America's greatest sculptors. There are several exhibits throughout the grounds, including The Shaw Memorial which is at the Boston Commons. http://www.nps.gov/saga/historycultu...w-memorial.htm I knew about that memorial, but nothing about the sculpter.
There was an informal cutting garden, and by the house, a much more formally designed garden that was lovely. The studio was fascinating. I always like things that get you somewhat into the process an artist goes through.
I connected with the others and we walked back up to the visitors center where a film was showing about Saint-Gaudens. Should you visit, I would recommend seeing the film as well. although dfrostnh took a snooze during the film instead.
One fun thing was that there was a wedding taking place there, and as you walked the grounds you would come across small caches with a note giving directions to their guests, asking you to leave the cache in place, and saying yes, they had permission. I spoke to one guest who said it was more fun than sitting waiting in a church for the wedding!
They were giving out cookies down by the studio, and I think a few from our group got a little snack!
It really was a pretty site, and the history fascinating. I highly recommend.
http://www.nps.gov/saga/index.htm
After returning from the market, everyone went on their own adventures. I chose to hitch a ride with dfrostnh, tdudette, and elberko and go to Saint-Gaudens. I knew absolutely nothing about Augustus Saint-Gaudens before this trip, but Jubilada (and perhaps others) had mentioned it in the planning for the GTG and I was intrigued by the grounds, and as it later turns out, the artist.
Another beautiful drive and we arrived. The others wanted to go on a tour of the house, but I wanted to spend more time on the grounds so we split up and I walked up the short path to the visitor center to work my way back. It was a lovely short walk through the woods, all sorts of ferns in the undergrowth.
I tend to not be a big sculpture person, or at least I tell myself that and then get just as interested as the next person. I had no idea Saint-Gaudens is considered one of America's greatest sculptors. There are several exhibits throughout the grounds, including The Shaw Memorial which is at the Boston Commons. http://www.nps.gov/saga/historycultu...w-memorial.htm I knew about that memorial, but nothing about the sculpter.
There was an informal cutting garden, and by the house, a much more formally designed garden that was lovely. The studio was fascinating. I always like things that get you somewhat into the process an artist goes through.
I connected with the others and we walked back up to the visitors center where a film was showing about Saint-Gaudens. Should you visit, I would recommend seeing the film as well. although dfrostnh took a snooze during the film instead.
One fun thing was that there was a wedding taking place there, and as you walked the grounds you would come across small caches with a note giving directions to their guests, asking you to leave the cache in place, and saying yes, they had permission. I spoke to one guest who said it was more fun than sitting waiting in a church for the wedding!
They were giving out cookies down by the studio, and I think a few from our group got a little snack!
It really was a pretty site, and the history fascinating. I highly recommend.
http://www.nps.gov/saga/index.htm
Jul 8th, 2014, 05:02 AM
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Thanks for doing this, Toucan2. Really fun weekend.
It didn't dawn on me till recently that the sculpture of Diane on the grand staircase in the Phila. Museum is a Saint-Gaudens. In fact, it is the one which was previously on top of Madison Square in NYC:
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/23/ny...phia.html?_r=0
~Liz
It didn't dawn on me till recently that the sculpture of Diane on the grand staircase in the Phila. Museum is a Saint-Gaudens. In fact, it is the one which was previously on top of Madison Square in NYC:
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/23/ny...phia.html?_r=0
~Liz
Jul 8th, 2014, 06:29 PM
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Tuckerbox, Dan and Whits, Carpenter and Main
The Tuckerbox
After leaving Saint-Guadens, we sought out a light lunch. The GTG gang was having an early dinner, so we didn't want much, but it had still been a long time since breakfast. Ultimately we drove into White River Junction, VT trying to spot something. tdudette spotted the Tuckerbox and said let's try that!
But first we wanted to peek into the Hotel Coolidge, where santamonica and dw had stayed. We looked in a few windows, and nosed around the Hotel Coolidge, then went into the Tuckerbox. What a find and kudos to tdudette for spotting it.
The Tuckerbox has Turkish and Mediterranean style dishes. All brick exposed walls and big windows, it has a coffee house vibe as well. I had a very good Doner Kebab. I saw lots on the menu that intrigued me, so if you are headed to VT, maybe to a function at Dartmouth which is just 8 miles away, consider The Tuckerbox for lunch.
http://www.tuckerboxvermont.com
Dan and Whits
Back at the Inn, all of us had some different things we needed to do. I needed some cash (assuming that I would need cash for splitting the bill at dinner that night) and wanted to pop into Dan and Whits next door to the Inn..
I walked down to the only bank I had seen on the Main Street and walked up to the drive through ATM to get my cash, then back to Dan and Whits, billed as a Vermont General Store. It's quite a place, and I'm not sure I can tell you something that hasn't been said before.
Gas pumps out front, on that Saturday a knife grinder set up shop out front, a wildly decorated piano out front where a young man (12-13) played a little earlier that morning with all his friends around. There were community boards with flyers everywhere, and this was all before you even stepped in the front door.
I browsed around the jumble of goods, and spotted a Bodum. This gave me an idea. I am missing a nut on the plunger of a large Bodum coffee press. Dan and Whits has everything, including a hardware section. Maybe they could help me! So I walked back to the hardware section and checked out the nuts and bolts, and pretty soon a Dan and Whits staffer asked if she could help.
I explained what I was looking for, but not very well, and said they had some Bodum coffee presses up front. Pretty soon she was off at a trot for the corner where I had found them. I did my best to keep up, and when I arrived, slightly out of breath, she already was opening a box to examine how the plunger went together.
After some examination she grabbed the plunger and headed back to the hardware section with me in her wake. She found a nut that would fit the plunger, then put two in a sack explaining how they would "lock" if I put two. All this for a total sale of something like 27 cents!
My little brown back in hand, I explored the rest of the store but only ended up with additional purchases of rolled Lifesavers. You can hardly find them anymore, they are all in bags, individually wrapped, and I hate that!
My pricy purchase gripped firmly in my little fists, it was back to the Inn for me, where I decided I needed a nap before the night's main event at Carpenter and Main for dinner with the GTG gang. The untouched Whoopie Pies with a note for DH indicated that he had not yet appeared, so I had the room all to myself and took a little snooze.
http://www.danandwhits.com
Carpenter and Main
Directly across the street from the Norwich Inn is Carpenter and Main. It was so nice to just walk across the street! When I arrived, there were already a few people at the bar, and after a short discussion with the bartender I ended up with a Carpenter Cup, their play on a Pimms Cup. It was the perfect refreshing summer drink.
Soon we all congregated in a small dining room where a table had been set up for our group. There were a few other small tables there, but few diners, and this was probably lucky for them. Much hilarity ensued. What a blast we had.
C&M specializes in small plates, but also has entrees. Some ordered all small plates, which is fun so you can try different things. Some ordered small plates AND and entree (me for instance). Several of us shared our small plates. For myself, I ordered avocado fries (really good) ; Thai style cod cakes with Nuoc Cham (so good I had to order more); Moroccan Lamb Meatballs with Tomato Glaze. I shared with others, they shared with me. Another small plate I had a bite of that was particularly delicious was
~Roasted Eggplant, Red Pepper And Onion with Sherry and Piment d’Esplette.
For entree I had Mussels in a Thai Curry sauce. A fresh, intense raspberry sorbet finished it off.
The meal was great, the service outstanding, the company even better.
http://www.carpenterandmain.com/index.html
Some of us chatted a bit longer in the parlor over at the Inn, but at last it was time to say our good-byes.
The Tuckerbox
After leaving Saint-Guadens, we sought out a light lunch. The GTG gang was having an early dinner, so we didn't want much, but it had still been a long time since breakfast. Ultimately we drove into White River Junction, VT trying to spot something. tdudette spotted the Tuckerbox and said let's try that!
But first we wanted to peek into the Hotel Coolidge, where santamonica and dw had stayed. We looked in a few windows, and nosed around the Hotel Coolidge, then went into the Tuckerbox. What a find and kudos to tdudette for spotting it.
The Tuckerbox has Turkish and Mediterranean style dishes. All brick exposed walls and big windows, it has a coffee house vibe as well. I had a very good Doner Kebab. I saw lots on the menu that intrigued me, so if you are headed to VT, maybe to a function at Dartmouth which is just 8 miles away, consider The Tuckerbox for lunch.
http://www.tuckerboxvermont.com
Dan and Whits
Back at the Inn, all of us had some different things we needed to do. I needed some cash (assuming that I would need cash for splitting the bill at dinner that night) and wanted to pop into Dan and Whits next door to the Inn..
I walked down to the only bank I had seen on the Main Street and walked up to the drive through ATM to get my cash, then back to Dan and Whits, billed as a Vermont General Store. It's quite a place, and I'm not sure I can tell you something that hasn't been said before.
Gas pumps out front, on that Saturday a knife grinder set up shop out front, a wildly decorated piano out front where a young man (12-13) played a little earlier that morning with all his friends around. There were community boards with flyers everywhere, and this was all before you even stepped in the front door.
I browsed around the jumble of goods, and spotted a Bodum. This gave me an idea. I am missing a nut on the plunger of a large Bodum coffee press. Dan and Whits has everything, including a hardware section. Maybe they could help me! So I walked back to the hardware section and checked out the nuts and bolts, and pretty soon a Dan and Whits staffer asked if she could help.
I explained what I was looking for, but not very well, and said they had some Bodum coffee presses up front. Pretty soon she was off at a trot for the corner where I had found them. I did my best to keep up, and when I arrived, slightly out of breath, she already was opening a box to examine how the plunger went together.
After some examination she grabbed the plunger and headed back to the hardware section with me in her wake. She found a nut that would fit the plunger, then put two in a sack explaining how they would "lock" if I put two. All this for a total sale of something like 27 cents!
My little brown back in hand, I explored the rest of the store but only ended up with additional purchases of rolled Lifesavers. You can hardly find them anymore, they are all in bags, individually wrapped, and I hate that!
My pricy purchase gripped firmly in my little fists, it was back to the Inn for me, where I decided I needed a nap before the night's main event at Carpenter and Main for dinner with the GTG gang. The untouched Whoopie Pies with a note for DH indicated that he had not yet appeared, so I had the room all to myself and took a little snooze.
http://www.danandwhits.com
Carpenter and Main
Directly across the street from the Norwich Inn is Carpenter and Main. It was so nice to just walk across the street! When I arrived, there were already a few people at the bar, and after a short discussion with the bartender I ended up with a Carpenter Cup, their play on a Pimms Cup. It was the perfect refreshing summer drink.
Soon we all congregated in a small dining room where a table had been set up for our group. There were a few other small tables there, but few diners, and this was probably lucky for them. Much hilarity ensued. What a blast we had.
C&M specializes in small plates, but also has entrees. Some ordered all small plates, which is fun so you can try different things. Some ordered small plates AND and entree (me for instance). Several of us shared our small plates. For myself, I ordered avocado fries (really good) ; Thai style cod cakes with Nuoc Cham (so good I had to order more); Moroccan Lamb Meatballs with Tomato Glaze. I shared with others, they shared with me. Another small plate I had a bite of that was particularly delicious was
~Roasted Eggplant, Red Pepper And Onion with Sherry and Piment d’Esplette.
For entree I had Mussels in a Thai Curry sauce. A fresh, intense raspberry sorbet finished it off.
The meal was great, the service outstanding, the company even better.
http://www.carpenterandmain.com/index.html
Some of us chatted a bit longer in the parlor over at the Inn, but at last it was time to say our good-byes.
Jul 9th, 2014, 02:29 AM
#39
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I love the story of Dan and Whits and the 27 cent purchase. New England General Stores can be lots of fun. Our friends from Europe really enjoyed the one in Brewster, cape Cod where we stayed last week which has all kinds of unusual items plus a metal ship diorama of Kiel Harbor in 1938.
Jul 9th, 2014, 07:26 AM
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Quite a nice report. We've been most of the places in Maine off and on. But noting now Bayley's Lobster Pound at Pine Point which isn't so far from Ogunquit where next week we have a family gathering in a seaside mansion. Also noting birding locations for avid birder DD. And will file some info about Vermont, such as Saint-Gaudens site.
