We popped over to visit the Chocolatorium one day. The kids each made a candy bar, and we got to view a very informative video on the history of chocolate. In the video they also showed us what cacoa beans look like before they're dried. I've never seen that before, so that was really cool. Before we left, we also purchased some more chocolate--it was very tasty. We needed to get lunch while we were out, and our chocolate friends recommended the Market Wagon out in Bennington. That turned out to be a wonderful recommendation. It's an Amish place, and the food was terrific. We had salads and sandwiches, on par cost-wise with a Subway, but so much better. And the portions were HUGE. Bill and I split a sandwich, and still walked away a bit uncomfortably full.
Friday we moved campgrouds to be closer to Ben & Jerry's and Cabot. On our way to the campground we stopped at Ben & Jerry's for the tour. Under 13s are free, and it cost $12 for the three of us who are over 13. Totally worth it. We got to try a new, in development flavor, and it was mighty good. We got to check out their flavor graveyard, say hi to some cows, and see where they make their tasty treats. They weren't making any when we were there, something about stopping to clean the equipment every three days. I'm cool with that.
We dragged K out of bed to visit Cabot. We did get to see cheese being made, which was cool. When we went to the place that handmakes the cheese (Crowley's), they weren't making any that day, so this was our first shot at seeing cheese made. This place also cost us $12, but that was for four of us this time. The cheese tastings were delightful. My favorites were the Artisan Reserve (we bought some), and the Old School Cheddar. The Old School is aged 5 years and is SOOOOOOOOO good. But also SOOOOOOO pricey. I'm drooling just thinking about it, though!
We started Monday off with a bright and early visit to the doctor for K, and by the time we had the meds and all, we were ready to visit a maple farm. We've tasted a lot of maple, bought a lot of maple, had a lot of maple cremees and shakes, but we'd not yet toured a maple farm and sugar shack. Let me tell you, Morse Farm in Montpelier is the place to go. They have a country store where you can purchase all kinds of handmade items, tons of syrups and other maple products (along with cremees & shakes), but the prize is walking around their farm. They've got a cool video on how they do the sugarin', they've got a collection of wood that includes the elephant & donkey (oh--and Pi-Cow-So), and the maple trail that winds through their maples. So cool. And on our way out, we picked up some strawberries they get from a local farm. We ate the whole container before leaving their parking lot. I miss our homegrown strawberries, but these were a close second. So good.
On our way back to our campground, we stopped at Cold Hollow Cider Mill. We got to see them stack the apple mash and press out the cider, as well as read all their cool signs. And taste it. Wonderful stuff. Holy cow. So we bought cider, cider doughnuts, cider vinegar (crikeys that stuff is strong!), and some postcards and such. And so, while Vermont has brought upon our family Lyme disease, we are hanging out for a bit longer. I need to get over to King Arthur Flour!
Lots of memories...well documented!
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