In and around Montpelier

We've had a busy few days in and around Montpelier, starting late morning yesterday we visited the Cabot Creamery, took the factory tour, then the kids tried every kind of cheese in the tasting room/gift shop. Luckily the kids had had their fill and we left without having to actually buy any cheese. On our way back to Montpelier, we stopped by the Rainbow Sweets Bakery in Marshfield. We were the only folks in the place mid-afternoon, so the owner, Bill, had plenty of time to describe the pastries and cakes and we enjoyed every bite.




The Farm Barn at Shelburne Farms

This morning, we met my mother, Allen, Joseph, and Micah at Green Mountain Coffee in Waterbury. I had hoped this was the place where they actually roasted coffee. Unfortunately, this is more of a gift shop and information center. I grabbed a cup of coffee and we headed to the Shelburne Farms near Burlington. This is an impressive farm and reminded me of the American version of set for Dowton Abbey. We took the tractor ride to the Farm Barn
where the kids (and Jll) tried their hands at milking a cow and wrangling chickens. We ate a packed lunch on the grounds and, since we were so near Burlington, decided to visit the Lake Champlain Chocolates factory. The tour turned out to be more of a slide show and video presentation, but the chocolate was delicious, and expensive. Mr. Lampman is certainly proud of his chocolates. Tomorrow we head to Portland, Maine to visit the Szatkowskis there. More adventure awaits.

- Dave