Getaway in Vermont and Upstate NY

I fell in love with Vermont a few years ago when I visited Burlington. The raw natural beauty impressed me. 

In fact, New England is one of my fave areas for summer getaways in the U.S (I wouldn't dare going there during the winter). It's very convenient, it's a short flight from where I live and drive is always pretty scenic.

Antiques everywhere

Generally speaking, food and accommodations are terrible. I rated a couple of hotels in a row with 1 or 2 stars . And I had a hard time trying to figure out what to write about the restaurants. This area is about nature, if you want to have good food, go to Chicago - this is my new mantra. Keep that in mind.

Hike in the Haystack Mountain Trail

The Haystack Mountain trail is one of the highlights. Unfortunately this park is not under the U.S. National Park system. Along the road that leads to this trail we saw several houses and recreation facilities for the residents.

The trail is not very well marked and distances are not accurate either. 

In total it took us more than 3h. But the views over the lake and mountains are worth it. 

Dozens of classic cars around

If you are not a nature lover, you should skip this post. New England is all about that. When the sun goes down, there is nothing left to do. Unless you are really into sport bars in small villages. I mean, you can have drinks and watch sports but that doesn't seem like a great plan to me. 

Henry Bridge

Vermont has the highest number of covered bridges and most of them were built using the traditional truss construction methods. Henry bridge is the nicest one. It's legit, well preserved and it's located on the perfect setting, over the Walloomsac River.  I wish weather had been warmer at daybreak, so we could have done some kayaking. 

Blue Benn Diner

Raspberry chocolate chip pancakes at Blue Benn Diner

We found an American diner trailer (directly from the 60's) to have early breakfast, Blue Benn Diner. While the counter is a classic, music lovers might want to pick a jukebox-outfitted booth. Food is prepared on the good old fashioned greasy spoon fare (don't order eggs unless your cholesterol is in healthy levels).  

We had delicious made-to-order raspberry chocolate chip pancakes while Johhny Cash [I Walk The Line] was playing. 

Pit-stop at Tom Hannock Reservoir

The ambitious weekend road trip move on to Saratoga National Historic Park where we learned a bit more about the brave people that defeated the powerful army (God bless this amazing country) and enjoyed the wildlife. While walking around, we spotted 3 deer very close by from where we were standing. 

Saratoga National Historic Park

Albany, the capital of NY State, was our final destination. It's a charming city, in one hand old small scale brick houses and in the other, futuristic construction like the Egg. After a little while you get used to the architectural variation. 

Ribs at Capital Q Smokhouse

Before we drove back to Connecticut, to get our flight back home, we had lunch in a BBQ place in a residential neighborhood (it seemed a bit rough, beware if you are planning to walk there), Capital Q Smokhouse. 

Rui is a BBQ expert, I'm sure that he would say that we already had better, but it was pretty decent. And the sides were very tasty. Decor is a must. 

Squirrel posing in exchange for some pistachios 

The drive back was through small villages in beautiful natural scenery routes with few cars enjoying the countryside. It was a great way to finish out trip.