A drizzly morning turned into a wonderful day as we weaved along Vermont Route 30 and on into Manchester to do some land looking, leaf peeping and apple, cider and pie hunting.
After a hearty breakfast at Cracker Barrel on I-91 in Massachusetts, we headed into Vermont via Route 30, stopping in Dummerston (oh, that beautiful covered bridge.. see previous post HERE).. While in town, we visited Scott Farm. I read an article in this month’s Yankee Magazine about an old state owned 571 acre farm and orchard lovingly cared for and overseen by a fellow named Zeke Goodband who believes in cherishing the heirloom gems of the past that few of us get to experience in todays mass produce world -(think your standard Red Delicious, McIntosh, Granny Smith, Golden Delicious). 100 years ago there were at least 100 other varieties of apple, all with distinct and unique flavors.
While we were at the farm buying some delicious jams, crisp tart Hidden Rose apples and the best apple cider you’ll ever know, Zeke walked into the farm stand. He’s easy to recognize with his gentle expression and long beard. I was thrilled to meet him and told him I so enjoyed the recent article in Yankee Magazine. He is a lovely, quiet, gentle soul and appeared embarrassed at the recognition. The dedication and hard work year round it takes to do what he does, preserving these gems that for a while were all but abandoned, serves us all in an immeasurable way. I wish there were 5,000 more like him.
To read more about Zeke Goodband and the centuries old farm once owned and loved by Rudyard Kipling… article HERE.
Next stop along Route 30 was the Heritage Fair in Newfane. I’ve blogged on it before… the apple pies the church ladies make are divine, as is their corn and potato chowder. Crafters come from all over and their work is beautiful. There is a charming house I am in love with, it’s right on Main Street and I’ve photographed it before.. but it’s worthy of another shot. We also got to listen to the down-home folk music of The Bourbon Shuffle… and there was some tractor lust.
On to Manchester, an upscale Vermont town with many fine shops, dining, book stores, ski slopes such as Bromley and Stratton, … and some gorgeous mountain views. We did some land searching just for the fun of it and found more than one spot we could fall in love with.
See what I mean? *sigh*
Thanks for coming along for the ride –