We knew our Thursday in Grand Isle would require a search for tools and brake parts, as Dave would have to complete the Airstream wheel repair begun by the roadside mechanic the day before. So, after waking early, we headed into Burlington, Vermont's largest city (which isn't saying much: it's tiny and clean and lovely). We started with a delicious breakfast at Penny Cluse Cafe, and then walked for a bit along beautiful Church Street.
Our daughter went to college in Burlington and loved living here, and it's a favorite city of ours, too. Church Street, the central "avenue," has changed somewhat since our last visit; the infiltration of J. Crews and Banana Republics is here, but there are still many wonderful local shops, restaurants, and coffee houses. The street itself is lovely, completely blocked to traffic and filled with benches and comfy places for people-watching.
After a bit of meandering, we made our way to a local bicycle shop a few blocks down the hill. We've long wanted folding bikes to take along on our Airstream trips, something that wouldn't take up much space in the car but would allow us to ride the sweet roads of most state parks we visit. A bit of luck (a friend wanting to sell her new, unused one) brought one to Jacquie a couple weeks before leaving for our vacation, but Dave was still in need of one, so we went searching, and alas, found one he loved very quickly, and on sale!
From there we sought out RV repair places, trailer repair places, car part stores, etc., as Dave got the necessary brake parts and tools he'd need for fixing the Buglet.
Finally, we stopped at a place we come to with every visit to Vermont - beautiful Shelburne Farms, home of what is hands-down the most delicious cheese made in the country. (Our humble opinion, but must add we've never been to Wisconsin!) This is a working farm, and their cheeses have won numerous national awards - it is just scrumptious stuff. It's not uncommon for us to leave Maine with orders from family members who also want their cheese fix! There are always cool events happening at the farm, too, as visitors are invited to tour the working buildings, pat (or milk) the cows, ride on hay wagons, learn about other aspects of farming, etc.
With our car full of cheeses and brake parts, we headed back to Grand Isle State Park just as a light rain started sprinkling down. For folks in Northwest Vermont, more rain is not a welcome thing. Lake Champlain has been above flood stage for quite a few weeks now, as we saw on our way back to our campsite.
No mind, as a pot of homemade tomato soup and grilled sandwiches made with Shelburne Farms cheddar would be the perfect ending to our day.
Wow, look at all that flooding. Did you have to go through it?
Posted by: Becky Driscoll | June 04, 2011 at 06:07 PM