Day 7 - Exploring Vermont

Vermont woke us to a colorful day. Cameras, film and tripods were carefully tucked into the back of Denis’ trusty Subaru, plans for the day loaded in the gps and we headed out. It was the banners of hand-stitched quilts that prompted us to stop just 7 miles into our drive and that set a precedence. We drove the winding mountain (mountains by Vermont standards) roads stopping at Waitsfield, Warren, Sugarbush, etc…. Gift shops and country stores all carried the maple syrup, cedar cheese, maple candy and ham that Vermont is well known for.
Although we were on a general mission to get to know Vermont, we were also in search of yarn stores and a cheese factory. Denis wanted to take a tour and sample the many levels of sharpness available in Vermont cedar. A local glass artist suggested we visit the shop of a spinner whom has a "small" place with some handspun yarns and knitting/spinning accessories. The shop was indeed "small", it was about 6' x 8' with wheels and a hitch. The doors were open and an open cash draw sat beneath a sign that instructed customers to use cash and make their own change or write a check. (Pictures not yet developed, but will be included at a later date).
We didn't make it to a cheese factory and only traveled about 40 miles total today. The sun was threatening to leave us so we decided to call it a day and find a restaurant. If we had known Columbus Day was so important in this part of the country we would have made reservations. With the help of the maiterde at the The The Common Man we found a little restaurant, Easy Street Cafe , and pub, Purple Moon Pub. While we waited for a table we had a drink at the Purple Moon. Being in an adventurous mood, I asked a bearded, scruffy local man what I should try. His suggestion was the Harvest Martini, a desert like mixture of vodka, apple cider and maple syrup. Yum! I recommend it. Our dinner at the Easy Street Café (scrod for Denis and shellfish soba noodles for me) was surprisingly good. We took our time, talking and people watching while we ate, then headed back to rest up for Day 8 and our trip home.
Harvest Martini: Equal parts vodka and apple cider with a splash of maple syrup. Shake over ice and strain into a martini glass edged with cinnamon sugar.