I spent this past weekend in the Green Mountain State of Vermont, attending my cousin Jude's graduation. While some people may think that's an awful long way to go for a cousin's graduation, Jude (and his brother Justin) is more like a brother to me. I distinctly remember carrying him in my arms as a rosy-cheeked toddler with an easy smile; I surely wasn't going to miss out seeing him accept his Master's degree from the University of Vermont.
This was my first visit to New England and it was an awesome introduction to the region. I was blown away by the natural beauty of the state. The rolling green hills, verdant pastures and lush foliage invoked feelings of peace, tranquility and an awe of nature. There is a simplicity to life here, and I found myself slowing down, taking deep breaths of the crisp air and soaking it all in. I have been to beautiful places before and for some reason Vermont, in all it's quiet grandeur, took my breath away at times.
We were only here for 2 full days and tried to make the most of it without over-extending ourselves. The first day was mostly devoted to Jude's graduation. It was a pleasant ceremony highlighted by Jude's speech as Vice President) and a speech by former Governor Madeleine Kunin. After the ceremony we spent time walking through the UVM campus and taking pictures with the graduate.
Later that evening we dined at
Blue Paddle Bistro in the tiny town of South Hero, in a renovated house. It was so quaint and charming. We feasted on so much yummy food: coffee barbecue rib eye steaks, tiger shrimp, lobster ravioli and duck breast spring rolls to name a few. The delicious food paired with great company and laughter made for a wonderful evening.
Afterwards we headed to downtown Burlington for some scoops of Vermont's claim to fame - Ben & Jerry's ice cream of course. A sweet ending to a busy day.
The following day was our true sightseeing day and boy did we get a lot in. After a typical filipino breakfast at Jude's apartment, Ate, Justin, the girls and I, headed off to the Ben & Jerry's Factory in Waterbury (or as I like to call it, "The Mother Ship").
There we learned about the eponymous founders, the company's history and their current endeavors. We toured the factory and sampled the flavor of the day - Strawberry Bliss - not yet out in stores.
One of the coolest features of the factory tour is the Flavor Graveyard, where flavors that have flopped go to rest in peace! Complete with tombstones, it is such a fun and clever thing to see.
After the tour we returned to our hotel where we met up with Tito Bing, Auntie Paula and Jude for a quick lunch of sandwiches and mini cupcakes. Then we sped off to
Shelburne Farms, a picturesque agricultural estate that is a working/teaching farm where they also make award-winning cheese from their stable of Swiss brown cows. It was unlike any place I've visited before - I was overcome by the serenity and pastoral beauty.
The tour finished off with a cheese tasting, led by our cheerful guide Carol. The cheeses were delicious and we all had our personal favorites.
The third and final attraction of the day was a cruise aboard the
Spirit of Ethan Allen on lovely Lake Champlain. The weather that day was unseasonably warm in the mid-80's so it was a refreshing reprieve to sail along, wind blowing through our hair as we enjoyed the gorgeous view.
After the cruise we strolled along famous Church Street, people-watching and soaking up the last rays of warm sun. After working up an appetite (never difficult for our family!), we settled on
Bluebird Tavern for dinner. The restaurant features a seasonal menu, cooking with locally sourced ingredients from Vermont and the New England area. I had a yummy dish of Atlantic cod.
It was a good choice for our last true Vermont meal. And last but not least, we made one final stop at Ben & Jerry's for our last Vermont dessert!
All in all it was a wonderful trip. Although I missed my boys sorely, I also enjoyed some "me time" while also spending quality time with my extended family and creating new memories. The state of Vermont exceeded my expectations and even stole a little piece of my heart. I look forward to returning to this beautiful state one day with Cruz, Lucas and Randy.
This was my first visit to New England and it was an awesome introduction to the region. I was blown away by the natural beauty of the state. The rolling green hills, verdant pastures and lush foliage invoked feelings of peace, tranquility and an awe of nature. There is a simplicity to life here, and I found myself slowing down, taking deep breaths of the crisp air and soaking it all in. I have been to beautiful places before and for some reason Vermont, in all it's quiet grandeur, took my breath away at times. 
We were only here for 2 full days and tried to make the most of it without over-extending ourselves. The first day was mostly devoted to Jude's graduation. It was a pleasant ceremony highlighted by Jude's speech as Vice President) and a speech by former Governor Madeleine Kunin. After the ceremony we spent time walking through the UVM campus and taking pictures with the graduate.
Later that evening we dined at Blue Paddle Bistro in the tiny town of South Hero, in a renovated house. It was so quaint and charming. We feasted on so much yummy food: coffee barbecue rib eye steaks, tiger shrimp, lobster ravioli and duck breast spring rolls to name a few. The delicious food paired with great company and laughter made for a wonderful evening.
Afterwards we headed to downtown Burlington for some scoops of Vermont's claim to fame - Ben & Jerry's ice cream of course. A sweet ending to a busy day.
The following day was our true sightseeing day and boy did we get a lot in. After a typical filipino breakfast at Jude's apartment, Ate, Justin, the girls and I, headed off to the Ben & Jerry's Factory in Waterbury (or as I like to call it, "The Mother Ship").
There we learned about the eponymous founders, the company's history and their current endeavors. We toured the factory and sampled the flavor of the day - Strawberry Bliss - not yet out in stores.
One of the coolest features of the factory tour is the Flavor Graveyard, where flavors that have flopped go to rest in peace! Complete with tombstones, it is such a fun and clever thing to see.
After the tour we returned to our hotel where we met up with Tito Bing, Auntie Paula and Jude for a quick lunch of sandwiches and mini cupcakes. Then we sped off to Shelburne Farms, a picturesque agricultural estate that is a working/teaching farm where they also make award-winning cheese from their stable of Swiss brown cows. It was unlike any place I've visited before - I was overcome by the serenity and pastoral beauty.
The tour finished off with a cheese tasting, led by our cheerful guide Carol. The cheeses were delicious and we all had our personal favorites.
The third and final attraction of the day was a cruise aboard the Spirit of Ethan Allen on lovely Lake Champlain. The weather that day was unseasonably warm in the mid-80's so it was a refreshing reprieve to sail along, wind blowing through our hair as we enjoyed the gorgeous view.
After the cruise we strolled along famous Church Street, people-watching and soaking up the last rays of warm sun. After working up an appetite (never difficult for our family!), we settled on Bluebird Tavern for dinner. The restaurant features a seasonal menu, cooking with locally sourced ingredients from Vermont and the New England area. I had a yummy dish of Atlantic cod.
It was a good choice for our last true Vermont meal. And last but not least, we made one final stop at Ben & Jerry's for our last Vermont dessert!
All in all it was a wonderful trip. Although I missed my boys sorely, I also enjoyed some "me time" while also spending quality time with my extended family and creating new memories. The state of Vermont exceeded my expectations and even stole a little piece of my heart. I look forward to returning to this beautiful state one day with Cruz, Lucas and Randy.
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