What is it about covered bridges that makes them so dreamy anyway? It is the old wood? How they look covered in snow? In fall when the leaves are changing colors? The thought of horse drawn carriages passing through so many years ago?
Well over the weekend I hit the jackpot when I happened upon a set of 3 covered bridges in Northfield, Vermont on Cox Brook Road. Did you know that Vermont has the greatest concentration of covered bridges in the United States? Yes, yes they do. In fact there are a total of 114 covered bridges in Vermont, many of which are still in use today.
If you’ve ever been to Vermont you know the landscape is covered with farms, gorgeous historic homes, and white church steeples in every town you pass through. Until this weekend though I had no idea that forests cover 75% of Vermont’s total land area. No wonder it’s so beautiful there.
I spy with my little eye… someone who lives down the street from 3 historic bridges and has a rockin’ garden.
The 3 particular bridges that we visited on Cox Brook Road in Northfield, Vermont also happen to pass over the Dog River. So of course Lucy and I had to stop and take a look around.
Lucy, who doesn’t like to get wet, actually went wading in the river for about 30 seconds all on her own. I was shocked! Then when we hopped back in the car she smelled like a wet dog and the windows fogged up and the joy of the moment was over for me.
Dreamy I tell you. Just dreamy.
Another unique thing about Vermont I just love, are the all the country stores that seem to pop up in the most random places alongside the road. If you live in the New England area maybe you are totally used to this, but in the Northwest all we have are gas stations and mini marts that sell lotto tickets, pork rinds and energy drinks.
Seriously.
Husband. Are you reading this? I think our new semi-retirement plan should be to own a country store. You can order all the supplies, The Girl can do all the lunch prep, sign making and artwork, Monkey Boy can run the register and chat with the little old ladies….
And I can make the cookies, cakes and other pastries. We’ll have a garden out back so we can sell fresh produce and maybe some chickens too. How does that sound?
It sounds like a plan to me.
~Mavis
Lisa L says
Mavis, have you been following this gal at all? https://www.facebook.com/DrivingMissNorma/
She’s a hoot and I don’t know why I think of you sometimes when I see her adventures.
Christina says
Do you own a house where you are? Or in other words, why are you in Vermont??
My husband’s mother and step father owned an amazing farm in Vermont for a few years. It was my favorite place they lived.
suzanne says
Stop by the Indianola country store and deli next time you head north. Then pass through Suquamish and hit J-C’s grocery deli or just walk along the new dock. If you feel like going further and you should, head towards Hansville and hit the Hansville Grocery and Provision (cafe) Make the loop that drives around the water. Google driftwood keys & don’t forget the light house. The grounds and park allow dogs. Since your so close, drive through Port Gamble on the way home. There is a small market/store/cafe and a logging/mill museum. It is a cute town. This would make a good date day as you can bring Lucy. All the stops are on the water and you can choose a stop to eat outside with lucy. Most have farmers markets on weekends and all are on the water. You can squeeze them all into a long afternoon.
suzanne says
I assumed you’ve been to downtown Kingston but if not it’s a quick trip between Indianola and Hansville. The crepe shop by the ferry is to die for. It has a really nice walk along the beach past the ferry. You’ll see the signage.
AlysonRR says
Love the crepe place in Kingston.
But you should continue your trip by driving a short distance to Seabeck, where you’ll find the historic Seabeck General Store, a lovely beach to wander and kayak from, Scenic Beach campground. and delicious Seabeck Pizza. http://www.visitkitsap.com/seabeck
Add in Port Townsend with art galleries, wineries and cideries and farmer’s market, the Quimper Mercantile, all the historic homes, Fort Worden, Mount Townsend artisan creamery, historic Aldrich’s Market, and a great Food Co-op.
The upper part of Kitsap Peninsula is very similar to Vermont – adorable, historic towns in huge forests, with lots of water in the surrounding Puget Sound.
You should make that trip before you move back east – I’d be interested in reading your journey 🙂
JC says
A farm in Vermont in my HH’s home town is part of our future plan. The property is there, just waiting on a few things to figure themselves out. I can’t wait!
Carrie says
Mavis, if you ever make it down to North Carolina, Valle Crucis is a small town in the valley of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Mast Farm Inn has a beautiful garden and the Mast General Store is a great shop with outdoor enthusiast items, candy store, home and kitchen items and so much more.
Jenn says
I love Valle Crucis and we never miss a chance to go to the Mast Store whenever we are in NC. Have you ever been to Wilson’s Creek that is on Brown Mountain Beach Rd? It is one of our favorite creeks to visit while we are in the area as well. We are lucky to have some friends who own a cabin and let us use it whenever we can.
Carrie says
I did a weekend backpacking trip to Wilson’s Creek when I was in college at App State. A college peer of mine also runs the Brown Mountain Beach Resort in that area. It is so beautiful!
I visit Boone at least once a year and always make a stop at one of the Mast General Stores. I try to go in the summer since the weather is cooler than the Piedmont.
Sallie Borrink says
If you like historical (and I know you do), don’t miss Plymouth Notch and the Calvin Coolidge homestead. 🙂