Brandon

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Date Visited: July 2, 2016

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DSCN9784Some visits just turn out to be very special and such was the case on this hot summer day in Brandon. Parking was a real challenge on this the day of the Brandon 4th of July parade. But the walking did us no harm and gave us a chance to explore the fine shops and eateries that line both sides of route 7.

I’ve always admired Brandon for it’s spirit. They never give up here. Always building, improving and promoting; breathing life into their town.

We eventually made our way to the historic town hall and sat on the marble steps to watch the parade. Sitting beside us was Vermont; was America on the Fourth. A reasoned debate on firearms took place and ended without a single blow being struck or feelings bruised. Why even a Red Sox hat and a Yankee T-shirt sat side by each and got along famously. Kind people referred us to the inside of town hall where cushions awaited our use to make the marble steps a bit more comfortable. It seems that a lot of public events are held here and the chairs are old and hard. So they made a big pile of cushions for all to use.

The parade was amazing; local floats, politicians, bands and oh the bagpipes. One of the best Independence Day parades I’ve every been to.

Thank you Brandon. Long may you wave.

Middlebury

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Date Visited: June 25, 2016

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Woody Jackson's cow art defines Middlebury
Woody Jackson’s cow art defines Middlebury

A week earlier we had driven up to Middlebury on what proved to be a rainy day; one not suitable for a 251 visit. So we had a nice meal at the Two Brothers Tavern . We’ve eaten there a couple of times and highly recommend. So we used the time to reconnoiter for our official 251 visit which took place the very next Saturday; a beautiful summer day in Vermont.

Our first project was to locate Costello’s Market. With so many delectable things to choose from it was almost impossible to make a choice for our lunches. Only thing we can do is go back: again and again and again. I had the best fish sandwich I have ever eaten and Robyn’s Italian grinder was off the hook. If only I’d studied the blackboard menu a bit more carefully I could have tried the Oyster Po’ Boy. Going back for that.

We took our lunches down to the river park, where we found a shady spot overlooking the Otter Creek and the famous falls. Afterward we walked across the bridge to explore the southern part of town. Lots of alleyways and hidden places to explore.

There was entertainment on the town green. And lots of shops and eateries to browse west of the town center in the Marble Works complex.

Finally, we visited the Mahaney Center for the Arts  on the Middlebury College campus. We saw an amazing exhibit of tattoo art as well as many other interesting exhibits.

Middlebury is one of those places we sometimes visit where you just can’t do it all in a day. Treat yourself to a trip there soon. And if you’re there in the summer don’t forget to check out the A&W Drive-In on the way out of town.

 

New Haven

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Date Visited: August 8, 2015

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251 May 247Robyn recently pointed out that I had forgotten to add our visit to New Haven last summer so I guess better late than never.

The occasion was the Addison County Fair and Field Days. It’s as fine a country fair as you’ll see in Vermont. The usual agricultural exhibits are present as well as a midway of rides and food trucks.

But this fair has some other neat attractions including and amazing tractor pull which included everything from tractors, to pickup trucks to tractor trailers.

We were also treated to a competition of horse drawn carriages which was unusual and wonderful entertainment.