Weston Area

While at Winhall Brook Campground, we didn't really have great cell signal.  We didn't invest in a signal booster, so when we're out of range, we're not connected.  It can make it a little bit challenging to find out all the different things we want to do and such.  It was such a great area.  We visited the Vermont Country Store in Weston almost everyday (turns out, we love maple milkshakes.  Who knew?), went into Manchester several times, and generally tried to visit local craftsmen whenever we could.  

On our way from NY, we stopped in Middlebury to check out the Danforth Pewter flagship store and workshop.  We got to see pewter casting (poured into molds) and spinning (pictured).  There was a tour bus group there when we first arrived, but when they cleared out, it was just us.  The manager was super friendly and explained to us how the company is run (everyone hired gets experience at all the jobs), talked about the equipment, and gave us a lot of her time.  She also challenged us all to spin four tops at the same time, and whoever could got to take a little trinket home.  Pretty cool trip.            

One of the sites we enjoyed in Manchester was the Northshire Bookstore.  A great bookstore.  They have used books in addition to new, which is always fun to peruse.  We took home a few books, of course.  We happened to do our laundry in Manchester, right next door to Mrs. Murphy's Donuts.  I stepped in and picked up a dozen donuts.  So glad I did.  They were huge, tasty, and a great variety.  Much better than any of the chains I've visited.  Glad we tried them out right before we headed out of the area!   We visited Crowley Cheese, where we not only picked up their cheese, but we also picked up smoked maple syrup. We seriously had such a great time visiting the little shops and checking out what people make and do in Vermont.  If you get a chance, spend some time in the state.