This can be practice

The CT Wine Trail is made up of many vineyards statewide, all offering samples of their wines for a small price. There is a passport program, wherein visitors stop by a winery, have a sample and get their passport stamped. At the end of the season, which runs from early May to mid-November, completed passports go into a drawing for a trip to a European wine destination. DH and I plan to participate this year.

This past weekend, DH asks if I’d like to visit a winery. I remind him that it is too early, it’s not even May and we won’t get our passports stamped. He responded, “Can we call it practice?”

It’s about a thirty five minute drive from our house to Chamard Winery, located in Clinton, Connecticut.

 

The tasting room is a lovely, vaulted space with high top tables for seating or a standing bar to sample the wines. We paid $10 each to sample 5 wines, 3 white and 2 red. The server gave impressive descriptions of each wine which went completely over my head.

We enjoyed our wines so much that we decided to stay for lunch and enjoy their Bistro. We sat at a table with a lovely view of the vines.  The menu was varied with something for everyone. DH had the charcuterie plate and I had eggs benedict. We both enjoyed our food.

As for the wines, I had Stone Cold White made with grapes from the Cayuga area of New York State.  It was crisp and citrus-y and I really liked it.  DH had the "Estate Merlot." He said it was earthy, and had so much body that it reminded him of stout.

We had a fun afternoon.  And since this was practice, we get to do it all over again in the coming months. 

You don't have to travel far

You don't have to travel far away to feel like you've gone on vacation.  DH and I spent a few hours in Essex, CT  this past Sunday.  Wandering up and down Main Street gave us a glimpse of many stately historic homes, old commercial buildings and the Connecticut River.

New England Today magazine even called it the "perfect small town" and a great place to visit.  

We agree.  Here are some of the pictures we took.

We highly recommend the Griswold Inn Goods & Curiosities Shop. We always find a unique gift for ourselves or someone else. All price ranges, too.

Don't be afraid to bring your kids and dogs, just be aware that Essex is very clean and you should be prepared to pick up any messes.

A surprise destination

A weekend away to a surprise destination - that's what he promised.  The only hint he gave was that I would not need my passport.  When the day came, my directionally-challenged hubby drove north out of Connecticut.  As the miles passed, the destination possibilities decreased substantially.  When we turned off onto I-89 north, I made a guess of Stowe, Vermont and I was right!

We passed Sharon, Vermont and a sign directing us to the birthplace of Joseph Smith.  Mental note: return here someday for possible Xmas card photos.

Although it was too early for foliage, the drive through Vermont was lovely.  We stopped in South Royalton for lunch.  I finally got to see Vermont Law School, a place where I used to send copies almost daily when I worked for interlibrary loan at WNEC Law.

During the final approach to Stowe, I got the biggest surprise when DH announced we would be staying at the Trapp Family Lodge! As a long-time Sound of Music fan, I've always wanted to see the place where Maria and Georg ended up.

First this you notice when you drive up to the lodge is the stunning view.  It really is breathtaking and changes constantly with the weather.  I could pull up a chair and spend the day looking at that view.  Photos do not do it justice.

The main lodge is built in what I assumes is an alpine style.  It is very picturesque and there is much attention to detail.

Throughout the hallways there are framed photography of the von Trapp family members on premises.

The room numbers are hand stenciled.

The mens and ladies restrooms are designated by little brass signs of children in lederhosen.

There are lovely gardens on all sides of the lodge and an apple orchard in the back for those who don't have a view of the mountains.

Just down the hill from the main lodge is the von Trapp Brewery, a great place for a drink, a sandwich and deck for a different perspective of the view.  On certain nights of the week, which we happened to catch, there is an open fire and a sing-a-long.  DH enjoyed a pint and we split a lovely apple strudel.

South of the main lodge are large vegetable gardens that you are welcome to wander through.  There is even time scheduled that you can chat with the gardeners and ask questions.  We loved the moveable chicken coop with a ton of chickens that are trapped by moveable fencing.  

Also on the property are miles of trails, one of which goes to a chapel built by the family. 

We spent 3 days in the area, enjoying Stowe and Trapp Lodge and hope to return soon.

Query:  What is it with Vermont houses and tilted windows?