The last leg of our trip we hoofed it up to the beautiful state of Vermont. I gotta tell ya, the drive up to Stowe was incredible. I totally made Tim stop at all the “scenic overlooks” for photos. We went through an awesome town, Lake George.  We will be back. Once we got into Vermont we saw so many sights…gorgeous barns in lovely foliage, the Ben & Jerry’s headquarters, and lots and lots of cheese farms.  Hence, the gaining of ten pounds.   Everything was so beautiful, and quaint.  Slow-paced and friendly.  I’m hooked.

I have always wanted to go to Vermont, and I am so happy that we got to drive.  It was truly breath-taking.
Plus I got to hang out with the coolest girl around. I hate to be all cheesy, but I was so happy to get to spend some time with Sandy.  We met through a mutual friend and I thought her and her manfriend were the coolest.  They were everything I wanted to be….independent, intelligent, well-traveled with so many interests, and HAPPY.  They are the type of people that get you inspired.

Get ready for a novella….feel free to scroll:

They first night there we had the best fresh pizza, drank some drinks, and got all caught up.  Sandy & Jon had just moved to Vermont from Florida and their completely DIY’d house was unreal (send me some pictures so I can show the world how awesome you all are wouldya).  This talk was exactly what I needed.  You see all of my friends are growing up.  They are getting married, having babies, jumping into the real world.  While I am so ecstatic for them, it made me start questioning my life.  Is that the path I was supposed to be on?  All of my friends will have babies, what if I have nothing to talk to them about?

I know I am not ready for all that….I have big dreams of traveling the world and starting my own business….and I am just not ready.  Don’t get me wrong, I want kids.  Just not right now.  It has been a real struggle for months.  Should I settle down?  I have a fantastic man that I know I will be with forever….I guess that’s the next step.  But I just don’t feel like it’s right for us right now.

Then I talked to Sandy….and she said, “Just do it”.  I got lost in her stories of traveling and moving and pursuing you dreams….and I know THAT is what is right for me.

So thanks girl….for reminding me that it’s ok to do my own thing and giving me a refreshing new view.

Back to our trip folks, step off the soapbox lady.

Sandy gave us a rundown of the wonderful town of Stowe.  There was tons of hiking, shopping, and great food.  Here is an interesting tidbit, there are no major chains in Stowe….as in there are only local stores and restaurants.  It was a subtle fact, but it really made the town feel so quaint and hip.

Then we went hiking on Mount Mansfield….amazing.  Here, see for yourself.

Who here knew that the VonTrapp’s were real, live people?
You know…Sound of Music family?  I mean, I assumed it was loosely based.
But they were real, and they fled to Stowe, Vermont and opened a lodge.
It’s still in the family and as gorgeous as you would imagine.

Sandy has a fun little game, just add “Von” to everything…it’s fancy.  Let’s play. The VonGarden. VonSunshine.

VonFestive and VonLovely. VonBummer.

VonWhereDoIGetThese and VonTasty. VonSignage. VonMiracleGrow.

And the list goes on, and on…there were apparently fuzzy cows, but they were hiding.

Good golly…when can we go back.  We just loved Vermont.
If you like charming little towns with amazing people….put this on your travel list.

We were supposed to stay in Vermont for two days but at the last minute we decided to go to Maine.  I would have loved to see what other adventures we would get into, I guess we just have to go back!

Until next time Vermont.