We boarded the ‘Vermonter’, the Amtrak train service between New York and Burlington, VT. Our stop was the town of Windsor, about two hours before Burlington. Our destination: Holiday Inn Mount Ascutney Resort in Brownsville, VT. A short six-mile taxi ride over the mountain to Brownsville took place in a ‘luxury limo’: a very old town car with every engine light flashing and the shock absorbers shot. Their other cab was an ex-police vehicle. Not our first choice.
The resort is very popular in the winter time with several ski hills down Mt. Ascutney. In summer, it is a place away from everything with no cell service. An escape into nature with fresh pine scents and grass greeting you every morning. Coffee on the porch overlooking the mountain became a ritual.
The town of Brownsville is full of surprises. We discovered a few short trails maintained by the community, a world-class butchery and cafe, and very friendly people. To get to town from the resort, you have to pass a pretty pond with tons of flowers and cross a beautiful, running stream.
After five days and the same ‘limo’, we caught the 5:06 PM “Vermonter” to Burlington, but not before having dinner at the Windsor Station Restaurant. Yes, the station is a full-fledged restaurant with a funky bar where the foot-rest is an actual piece of railroad. Nice local beers as well!
Burlington is a progressive city in many ways. Small businesses, diversity, and healthy living are encouraged. We toured the university’s medical school and spent a lot of time on Church Street – a marketplace that stretches four blocks. It is also the home of the first Ben & Jerry’s store, the world-famous ice cream makers.
Burlington is situated on Lake Champlain, one of the great lakes in north-central U.S.A. Four blocks away from the lake, it offers another opportunity to explore the city. The lake front is amazing, with a long walking path and dedicated bike path. Hours go by without noticing it as one watches the sailboats and seagulls maneuvering the air and waters.
On the walk back to Church Street, we discovered ‘August First’, a bakery/cafe serving a maple scone that you can barely finish. It looks like an old motor repair shop that was converted into an eatery– so typical of Burlington. Then we discovered the Vermont Pub & Brewery. One of many micro breweries in town. I had a sampler of four beers while Elsa waited to get to Mad River Distillers for her samples of whiskeys. Kyla stuck to Dr. Pepper.
Then it was back to the airport for our flight to Orlando. Another family book of memories were created.
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