This Fall Break, we set out on another adventure to add a couple of new states to my list, spend quality time with family, and get our fill of the colorful trees, pumpkin patches and crisp air that Arizona just can’t offer in October. First was a stop in my hometown to visit with Nana and Papa, and Grandmama and Buelo. Then, a quick flight north to visit my brother and his family in their new (old?) 1860’s farmhouse in Ithaca, NY. We hiked to waterfalls, played with cousins, and enjoyed a fall festival. Then, it was onward to the road trip portion of our break.
While planning this trip, I used Apple Maps to plan our route through Vermont, from Robert Frost’s old stomping grounds to the New Hampshire border of Massachusetts. It appeared to be relatively straightforward, one or two highways the entire time. But, appearances can be deceiving.
It turns out, “highway” in rural New England means two lane road winding through every quaint town you’ve ever seen. Unexpected, but we didn’t complain. Yes, the journey started out as a 3-hour drive according to the map, but after factoring in 25mph speed limits, stop lights, and a few slow trucks along the way it was well over 4 hours before we reached our first stop. We heard the chimes of churchbells on the hour twice, slowing to travel past victorian and cape cod homes lining the roads. In Bennington, VT, we ate at a British fish n’chips place, and met a lovely retired couple who insisted we cram inside a British phone booth to take a picture.
We strolled down the streets, crunching leaves and popping into locally-owned shops to buy souvenirs and coffee. It’s exactly how I’d imagined a fall outing in Vermont. Our next stop took us to a drizzly farm near the New Hampshire border, with a few farm animals, an amazing local market, and a forrest playground where the boys discovered slack-lining. We ate at a restaurant in the historic district of Nashua, NH, staying the night and making an early start to spend the day at the Boston harbor before flying back home.
Most of our vacations include rigorous itineraries, pre-purchased passes, and quite a bit of planning. I always leave room for spontaneous side-quests and we’re flexible to adjust to a new idea or unforeseen circumstance. But this time, the road trip portion of our east coast vacation only had one real plan- let’s see where this road takes us. I knew wherever it did would be beautiful, and it didn’t disappoint.
