Along with the ‘big city’ of Burlington, Stowe is the epitome of Vermont’s many facets; conscious, cosmopolitan and cozy. I love visiting the Green Mountain state any time of year (well, except mud season!) but there’s no time like August, September and October for a trip to what I think of as “The Promised Land” (because every time I go, I get to do all the things I promise myself I will do! How often does that happen?).
When I visit Vermont, I’m lucky enough to have excellent tourguides in my friends who have moved there over the last few years from New York and Connecticut. Holistic health expert Cara Joy, a good friend I met in 9th grade honors English class, drove me around, pointed out the best places to eat, and took me on a waterhole tour of mega proportions. Read on….
Our first stop was Moss Glen Falls, which, as you can see are a huge waterfall that you can swim at the bottom of, or climb into. After a 5-hour drive from my house in Connecticut, the mountain-cold refreshment was intense! And delicious, not to mention instantly calming many of my worries away. Among alternative health practitioners, it is noted that the negative ions surrounding places of water movement are excellent for stress-relief.
These almost perfectly circular potholes were caused by hundreds of years (or more!) of water action on the rock that has now moved and left these behind. This tiny one held an ecosystem within its depths.
Our second water-hole stop was Bingham Falls, where we did more wading than swimming as it was getting late in the day and the sun had already retreated from the deep, narrow gorge the falls and stream flowed in. But such a place of simple beauty, and because we were nestled in the Earth, it felt miles away from anywhere.
Such beautiful rock formations are like works of sculpture.
There was plenty to see at Bingham Falls – besides the main waterfall area, it’s easy (a bit steep) to go check out the rest of the stream as it meanders, crashes, swishes and plunks down through natural flumes, into small and large pools, and in and around smoothly-worn rock.
I know I’m not the only one, but I am so attracted to waterfalls! And never get sick of watching them flow….
Starre Vartan contemplating a crossing….
We were getting hungry after our swimming and hiking around, so we headed into town to enjoy margaritas and a giant bowl of guacamole at Frida’s, which had a fun Frida Kahlo theme (unibrows and festive Mexican decor!). An antique car show had closed off the main street and so we wandered and checked out the cars and watched the old folks and little kids dance to the live music while enjoying wild blueberry ice cream.
Early to bed did NOT mean early to rise! I slept incredibly well in the quiet farmhouse my friend lives in, clocking almost 10 hours of shut-eye. Delicious! And time to get moving. Cara and I headed to the bottom of Pinnacle peak for a hike to the top, about 1.6 miles, all uphill. But we knew it would be worth it! (Neither of us had made it all the way, but in the winter we had snowshoed the same route and remembered it well).
The hike was steep enough that at intervals, built-in ladders were provided – no scrambling necessary. Also, how cute! If you look closely, you can see that I’m wearing my self-created braid hairdo which was ideal for hiking.
The views from the top of Pinnacle Peak were awesome! And windy….we watched clouds push over us, some of them ominous, but the sun always seemed to return. A great place to take a break and do some yoga on the solar-heated rocks!
And then, of course, it was time to hike back down the schisty mountain. We were getting hungry……but before we could feed our bellies, there was another waterhole to check out – Foster’s swimming spot!
Yes, it was a bit cold, as mountain streams are wont to be 
The color of Vermont swimming holes is incomparable. That green you can get lost in…..
The Stowe Farmer’s Market is like a foodie wonderland, and I was so glad we had saved up an appetite before heading there – that way we could really go nuts without guilt and plan for a wonderful night’s dinner.
Farmer Sue made an incredible violet jelly (yes, from the flowers!) I HAD to have! Also, I thought she was adorable.
Wending our way through the market was a treat for the senses; flowers bloomed, fresh food was offered to sample (and buy – I got an amazing rice and bean empanada with hot sauce to tide me over until dinner), lovely body products made the nose twitch in enjoyment, and lovely crafts and jewelry drew us closer to touch and wonder over with our hands.
Beautiful carrots!
Happy Friends! That’s Cara Joy, holistic health expert, and Starre Vartan, enjoying the Stowe Farmer’s Market goodies!
I don’t eat lamb, but this woman also sold the most beautiful skeins of naturally-dyed wools, See below!
Sterling Brook Farm wool -to knit or just admire in its loveliness in the basket
Garlic was everywhere this year; apparently it is an excellent year for the healing bulb.
Beautiful bread! I bought a smaller loaf to go with dinner.
We headed back to Cara’s place with our bounty from the market, and I had a dinner plan……
I had purple and green beans, white and red potatoes, some fresh dill, baby kale, lettuce and muticolored tomatoes, and fresh sheep’s milk feta. I cooked the beans and potatoes, seasoned with fresh butter, salt, pepper and the herbs, and voila…..
And, ta-da! A wonderful farmer’s market salad, courtesy of the farmers of Vermont, and us
A dinner well-enjoyed with a good friend. Thank you Cara!
Thanks for sharing Starre, so great to enjoy your weekend in Vt with Cara this way.Great pictures!
You are a great writer who I enjoy so very much.
God bless you and yours.
Lovingly,
Cheryl
Cara’s mom
08/19/11 » 3:09 pm »
Thanks so much! Cara IS a joy!
08/19/11 » 5:24 pm »