Farm to Table....tour and dinner at Valley Dream Farm

Tuesday started off a bit gloomy, but worked its way into a fairly nice day. Using my 4G Verizon hotspot I was able to work just fine. There is a nice workout room in the bldg I'm in, so I got in a routine of doing 30-45 min in the workout room then a brisk walk around the grounds. At least I got some fresh air and outside time. The farm tour started at 515p sharp I was told so it was my intention to be there by 5p. I needed to make a quick stop at Hanley's Market for a few things then I was headed to the farm. The farm was only 6-7mi away and Hanley's was on the way. The "grocery" stores in the area, and perhaps all of Vermont I don't know, are scarce. You can find plenty of small markets, but not many large stores with good prices. And the closest Wal-Mart was not worth it. Thankfully, I didn't need much cause I was surely paying plenty for it!!!

When I arrived at Valley Dream the porch was set up on the outside for drinks and appetizers and the table was set on the inside....we hadn't done anything yet and I already LOVED it.

                                                       
                             Appetizers were fresh cream cheese with homemade pepper jelly and crackers and some fresh veggies...drinks were water hot or cold cider , or coffee. You could bring your own wine, but they didn't sell any...but they did have glasses out for those that did....how nice.

The inside table was set, family style and we were sitting on hay bales with old blue jeans sewn together as covers.....too cool, this was going to be awesome.

But first we went on a tour.

Valley Dream Farms is an Organic Farm owned by Joe & Anne Tisbert since 1992. It was a dairy farm with 90 cows in the beginning, but they was not profitable so they sold the herd and became vegetable and fruit farmers....they are doing just fine now. The idea for these dinners was posed to Anne by a friend and when Smuggs ask her about including the farm on an agriculture tour she decided now was the time to put this into action. She has local chefs come each week and they use all fresh meats and vegetables from the farm. And tonite a chef from my favorite 158 Main was the chef...Kasey Longe. 

They were harvesting potatoes right now so we walked into the field for some "show & tell".

The green machine (can't remember what it's called) is pulling the potatoes up and shooting them in the red cart....it was moving fairly slow, but it all seemed to go fairly quickly to me.

Anne explained the process...Joe was driving one of the pieces of machinery here....

Next we went to see some more equipment and learn how they plant the farm. Different things are planted at different times and different years.

The yellow tubs hold fish water, being organic they fertilize with fish water and crab shells, and  put into the holes that are created by the "nubby" green wheels at the bottom of the equipment. The size of the seed determines the size of the hole and they can change the equipment to create bigger or smaller holes. A person walks behind and puts the seeds in the holes. 

The load of potatoes was now going to the barn to be seperated

Different plows they use

Now it was time to go around to the green house, but first we were "stopped in our tracks" by the view we had and the sun setting on the mountains....not a bad view they have everyday!!

Once into the green house Anne explained that they sell flowers, they don't have any right now, from the greenhouse as well as many other things. Right now onions were drying

Then we went into the barn/building where they were separating the potatoes....small/med/large.

They also grow red/whit/blue (or purple).....we were promised we'd be eating some for dinner!!

Then into the wash room and the chiller......

This room was built with special insulation so it would remain at a certain temp...they even have generator back-up...just in case.

We were being summoned to dinner....we'd had a 1.5hr tour and I was ready.

After appetizers....came a wonderful fresh salad with blu cheese, candied pecans, lost of fresh raw veggies and a Raspberry Maple dressing....with fresh bread and butter....we were off to a great start. Notice the mason jar of water with my name tag on it....too cute.

Then came chicken with maple caramelized onions, pork chops and 3 bowls of all different types of vegetables. One bowl was their roasted potatoes, one was a bowl that had bacon mixed in and one was a vegetarian bowl...they were all AMAZING...

and just when you know you can't hold anymore here comes homemade ice cream, made with the biggest freezer I'd ever seen, with Apple Crisp.....

It was a delightful evening. We all chatted and learned more about the farm and each other...and had a great time. In all my travels I have never done anything like this before....it was truly unique. If your travels take you near to Jeffersonville, VT. you MUST sign up for this.

Thanks Joe and Anne this was wonderful 

Vermont ....Smuggler's Notch & Boyden Valley Winery

Yep, September was the month to go. I've always liked traveling in Sept, kids are back in school and it's way less crowded. I was craving a trip to see some fall foliage and Vermont was perfect. I'd visited this area in May of 2012, but the fall would look much different.
My flight got into Burlington about noon and I was determined to get to Boyden Valley Winery for part of their Harvest Festival. I found this winery on my last trip and love their wine, esp The Glogg...it is served warm, something like a hot mulled wine, but still a little different. It was going to be cool in the evenings and I certainly needed a bottle to get through the nites. I got the car and arrived arrived 2p...just in time to get in some fantastic tasting they had paired with foods. YUM!! By this this time I needed some real food.

I made my way outside to find the Burger Barn Cart....much to my surprise these were cooked to order. I got a blu cheese/maple glazed onion burger....OH MY...this was exactly what I needed. There were a few other tents set up with crafts/baked goods but it was pretty small. My guess is since it was Sunday and not a very pretty day it was a slow day. I was told the day before had been gorgeous and very busy. That's ok, I was still happy as a clam.

I decided to go on the $5 horse drawn carriage ride. It was an authentic Amish buggy, but I talked my way into riding in the front.....way cool.

I got a few shots of the winery and the mountains while out on the ride....

I opted to skip the hayride but had to get a pic, have you ever seen a hayride with steps???

It was beginning to rain, so it was time to head to Smuggler's Notch www.smuggs.com...my home for 7 nites.

But first I had to stop at my favorite restaurant 158 Main www.158main.com  in Jeffersonville, and get some amazing seafood chowder for my dinner. This will be the 1st trip to 158 Main, I know I'll come back. With chowder, wine and few groceries I was ready to head up the mountain to Smuggs. 

A quick shot on the way up the mountain 

I got checked in and headed to my condo. A 2 br/2bth unit....was very nice. It took a bit to get it all unloaded and settled, and by then it was dark, rainy and cool. I was glad I was in for the night. Chowder and Glogg for dinner.... all is well. I'd been up since 4am, and had to get up to work so it was an early night. 

Since I'm still a working girl, I've perfected traveling and working from anywhere. As long as I can get good internet I'm fine. Monday was supposed to clear up, but didn't. But I did get a shot from the deck and one as I was out for my lunchtime exercise and walk time. Yep the colors were gorgeous. You could tell they were not at peak color, but was still amazing to see God's work!!

                             
                                               Some blue sky would peak through now and then

I went to the "meet and greet" chat (just like in Arkansas) to find out what's happening at the resort and surrounding area for the week. Since I'd been here before I knew about many things. However, something new started in June, a Farm to Table tour and dinner. This really got my attention. I'd read about it in the literature I'd gotten when I checked in, and now one of the farm owner's was talking about it and I was really curious....so I signed up. There was lots more happening at the resort than in May when I was last here, so there were several things to do this week right here at Smuggs......oh good.

With it being another gloomy nite, and having worked all day I cooked some dinner and stayed in. I rented a movie at the store and I was just fine. 

I couldn't wait for my tour tomorrow.....never had a tour and real farm dinner before!

The Ozark Mountains....Fairfield Bay, Arkansas September 2013

Upon landing in Little Rock, we decided to check out the town a little before heading north to Fairfield Bay. We were told to go to the river front to see shops and have lunch, sounded good to us and it was only a 10min ride. We found it without much trouble, and after looking around just a bit decided on brunch at a brewery that offered some great versions of Eggs Benedict. We had a booth by a window so we could see the river...it was a bit muddy but still nice to see water. We kept seeing this trolley car cross the bridge, looked interesting. Lunch was ok....I can't say outstanding, but not bad and off we went to explore.

We found out the trolley did  a 1hr tour for $3 so we jumped on. It took you around the water front, over the river, past The Clinton Library, a really neat museum and old house(that you can tour for free or cheap), and past this cool old drug store that is still in business. It was well worth the time and few $$ to get a good quick taste of Little Rock.

Now it was time to head north....to the mountains and to the condo for the week. We were staying at The Wyndham Resort at Fairfield Bay. The drive was easy and very pretty, had some really winding roads towards the end, but did arrive with no problem. Janice greeted us and she was a dear. She allowed us to look at 2 units before deciding. I'd booked a large 3br unit on the golf course, but the smaller 2br unit had the better view.....see the view off the back deck...WOW!!!

We'd had a big brunch, and done a Wal-mart run before getting to the condo, so after unloading a snack was good enough...plus it was dark and we were tired. 

Monday was Labor Day and we attended the welcome breakfast. We learned what to do in the Fairfield Bay area. We wish they'd covered the surrounding areas as well, but we discovered much of that on our own. After the "meet and greet"...we took a little walk around the country club grounds to see some of the neat historical things there. This was an old cabin that was on an island in the lake. They took it apart, and put it back together here...was really cool, and was set up like they believe it used to be. Another cabin was next door and was used as a museum, with lots of Arkansas history in it. We learned that these places do not cost the city anything so tourist don't pay either, seems this state is very proud that they run many things including the library with volunteers...we could all learn something from this.

We then walked down on the golf course to see Indian Rock Cave...this place has some history.

It has been determined that small groups of Indians used the cave from 1000 B.C. until the early 1700's.

It's not very big, but was really neat. 

We drove down to the lake...Greer's Ferry, a HUGE lake. It's a COE (corp of engineers) lake and is really well kept. Lots of rules, make for a nicer lake.

Then we drove over to the dam that's on Greer's Ferry Lake, one of the largest in the US. However, since 9/11 they do not allow tours, you could only look. You drive to the JFK park that overlooks the dam. This was JFK's last dedication appearance before he was assassinated. Forgot to take pics, it was very nice. The visitors center had some great things to show about how the dam was built and a really good movie.Then we stopped at the Yellow Snow Cone for a fantastic snow cone, I got pink lemonade, YUM. It was hot and it was GOOD. Next was lunch at The Little Red Restaurant, was a good sandwich/burger lunch nothing special but good. 

Now it was time to hang at the pool and chill.

Tuesday was Greer's Ferry boat ride day. We took a 2 hour boat ride on an enclosed pontoon. Had tables and chairs and was very comfortable. The Dock Master at the Marina was our tour guide. We road around Sugarloaf Mtn Island which is an island that you can be dropped at, for 3hrs to hike to the top, and then we covered the northern part of the lake. The shoreline is very rugged, but very nice. We had been told we could bring a lunch with us, so I packed sandwiches and we were really glad. They did have some drinks on board, but it was nice to eat and cruise. The Corp has so many rules for personal boat docks that there are very few of those. There are 3 marinas, but the one we left from was the largest. Again, forgot pics, but is worth doing it you are in the area. It gives you a good understanding and view of the lake and from the lake.

Tonight we had  tickets to see a musical show. This ticket included dinner at Grumpy's Restaurant before. So, we just did a little driving and swimming in the pool before our evening activity. Dinner was ok, we have yet to experience any places I could rave about, and the show was so-so. He was a really nice guy and you could tell he loved what he was doing, but don't really think we'd go again. The only place in town to do this was to borrow the local Lion's Club so 22 of us were there to see this one-man-show. He did a variety of music, some better than others, but it was fun.  

Wednesday was a day to explore outside Fairfield Bay. So off we went to the towns of Leslie and Gilbert. We stopped along the way to see the Natural Bridge. It was used many years ago as a a walking and horse and buggy bridge.

Thanks to the government, you can no longer walk across the bridge, but it was cool to see it. There was also a cabin that had been relocated that had many old tool and even a spinning wheel in it that you could tour, was a really neat stop. Was now time to head north and west a bit.

We were headed to a bakery that uses all sourdough, and to Coursey's for some smoked meat. We'd also been told about a place, Daisy Queen, that makes awesome milkshakes. Was really good we had skipped breakfast, this was going to be an eating adventure.

We found the bakery after a few miles, many winding roads and some beautiful scenery and we stopped for a break. We shared some pastries on their back porch. We had to admit they were good, but might have been better had there been a way to heat them up. I think we'd have done better to buy some for the next day and then we could have heated them up a bit...lesson learned. We made it to the Daisy Queen....we each got a small milkshake, and agreed they were not really anything special. We drove a bit more, enjoying the scenery and stopping along the way to look. We also stopped to check on Canoe rentals for the next day. It seems canoeing the Buffalo National River is a neat thing to do. Was not going to cost a lot, so we would think this over for a tomorrow activity. At a stop in the town of Marshall we learned that the town was "world famous" for something called a Chocolate Roll, and I was told I could buy one right up the street at the gas station. And the ones that were there, were made daily by the woman that won the contest this year. Now how could I not investigate this. So, up the road about 3mi was a gas station and inside was a small eating area and sure enough freshly made fried pies and chocolate rolls. I bought a peach pie and a chocolate roll for later...and off we went. Yes, much later that nite I ate it and is was very good.....who would have ever thought of this!!!

That's my roll next the pamphlet that told all about it!!! Yum!!

Was time for lunch and to find Coursey's. It was amazing. Their specialty is smoked meats. We sampled smoked turkey and ham, swiss and cheddar cheeses.....fantastic. We got a turkey and ham sandwich, some summer sausage for later, and some bacon to take home. We'd brought our own cooler of drinks so we headed to the town of Gilbert to sit by the river for lunch. Not a bad view, but it was hot....but was so quiet.

Eventually some canoers came up, this was a "take out" spot for some folks. I went over and asked their opinion of the canoe trip and they said it was awesome....so maybe.

One more stop in the town of Prim to see the round rocks. Seems there are only 4 places in the world where these rocks come out of the ground....round. So we HAD to see this. We'd been told the post office had a great display.  You see there are MANY small towns on the same "main road"....and each one has it's own post office. I later thought, I should have taken pics of all of them and done a posting of all the different post offices....we saw them all shapes and sizes.

But we finally saw this one.....now that is, yet another church on the hilltop, the post office was to the left, but the rocks were very unique.

Had been a great day of seeing and doing and was time to head home. A little time in the pool and off to bed.

Thursday was R&R day....did a lot of nothing....swimming and relaxing. However, we finally got a fantastic dinner. Janssen's Lakefront was amazing....I had salmon, he had oso buco...both outstanding. Would for sure go back here. There is also a Janssen's on the Bay, but it is soup/salad/burger a very different menu, a sport's bar. It may be good for that type thing, but we really enjoyed the food and view at the lakefront location.

Friday was all about the town of Mountain View. Was a about a 1hr lovely drive. We skipped breakfast since we'd been told we needed to eat at  Wood's Pharmacy. We needed to get some gas on the way into town. We stopped at yet another station where you could eat/shop/buy gas....one stop shop, and I really thought this was funny...count to 20 and try again!!! Note the age of this pump....hadn't seen one of these babies in a while.

We have come to refer to this entire area as "stepping back in time"....it's sooooooo laid back but one could get used to that. And I could really get used to the VERY friendly people....a simple wonderful lifestyle.

 We were ready for lunch when we got there...and the shakes were amazing....

oh yeah, so was the lunch special.....white beans with ham soup/jalapeno cornbread and cabbage. Let me that's not a typical hillbilly, backwoods lunch!!!

Time to do a little shopping and exploring. I bought some rope sandals I think I'll really use and we were off to find the Ozark Folk Center. We got there and got "the scoop". We could pay to go and see the craft fair or come back for the Folk Dance music and show at 630p. We opted for the latter and were off to go see Blanchard Springs Caverns in the Ozark Mountain Park. This is a MUST ....I've seen other caverns but these were amazing....the tour was $10 and 2hrs and was terrific. Our guide had been there 14yrs!!  

We took an elevator way down then sat in some bleachers to get some history....these were our first views of the rocks....just beautiful.

We walked and stopped along the way, and were told the history and rock formation factoids....it was really amazing.

 They call these  icicle looking things....straws...they are hollow at first, but then fill in as a solid piece.

You are not allowed to take ANY food or drink items in or allowed to touch anything. They are very serious about preserving the caverns. It was very tempting, but eventually, he did have 2 rocks we could touch. All of this is formed by water dripping down.....how cool.

Very cool tour, but was now time to head back to town for our show, but we stopped at the Trading Post first just to  look around. The couple that run it told us about their horseback tours, one was even overnight and sounded great...humm...maybe for another trip.

Now was time to head to the Ozark Folk Center ...... for our show. We bought our tix, $20/ea, got a ride up the hill and headed inside. There was a Jig Dance contest still happening. I was amazed at how well some folks could dance, but then music and dancing is HUGE in the mountains. Then the show started. It was excellent. We saw about 6 different groups, from younger kids and  teens to adults. Actually, we enjoyed some of the kids better than the adults, but it was all good.

These kids could play...wonder where they will be in 10yrs...or even 5!!!

After the show we HAD to go to the town square for some impromptu "pickin' and grinnin'" music. We'd been told by many folks that there was some really good music...and it was Friday nite, so we were surely going to hear some. There were 3 gazebos and a few other just open spaces and anyone that wanted to play was welcome. You just kind of joined a group and started playing...these were not bands, just folks that enjoyed playing.

Again, some of the kids were amazing. we stayed about an hour, but we had some winding roads in the dark to drive and had to get home...so we headed out. I saw some amazing campgrounds while in this area, maybe one day I'll be back.

It was a great trip, got back home safe and sound......

Next destination....Stowe, Vermont....fall foilage. 

A Quiet Rainy Summer.......

Oh my has it ever been raining in the south. Atlanta has had a soggy several mths and little Sarasota has certainly had its share of rain as well. Our rainy season is suppose to be Aug-Sep...but this year it started back in June and continued fiercely in July. Let's just say, I can't remember the last time I needed to add water to the swimming pool!! Has been a bit frustrating since I finally got the bike rack I'd been hunting. But whenever we try to load the bikes and go anywhere the rain comes.....ahhhhh....it has to stop sometime.

Has made for some movie weekends, but not just the ordinary type. Attended 3 showings at the Historic Asolo Theatre on The Ringling property. Two of the movies were black and white about war time and were made back in the 1940's... So Proudly We Hail, about the Army Nurses who fought side by side with men of Bataan and Corregidor, the other was Destination Tokyo which was a realistic account of a submarine mission into Tokyo Bay...both were very cool. Then on a lighter side, we saw The Greatest Show on Earth, in color, about the circus...which is of course all about Ringling and Sarasota since all of that started here. One of the neatest things about this movie is that sitting in the audience watching with us were 3 folks that had actually been in the movie. Two of them were trapeze artist and one was an animal trainer working with the elephants...this film was made 50yrs ago...they looked great and it was very interesting to hear them speak.
Have gone on a few weekend day excursions....a trip down to Captiva Island....great biking and some good food. This is old Florida at its best...laid back.
Discovered a few new Sarasota restaurants during Restaurant Week....always a good week to indulge! And found a country club that does a fairly nice Sunday Brunch....but still have some others to check out.
Then a Saturday trip up to the St. Pete area for some education and riding on their "rails to trails". They have miles of really good bike trails that used to be RR tracks. Explored Honeymoon Island, though we were not impressed and didn't stay but about an hour on the island, still was a good day and made for a fun and some what educational afternoon.
Finally made it to a Publix Apron cooking school class...it was all about seafood...mussels/clams/lobster and shrimp with wines for each course, it was wonderful. A drive up to Fort DeSoto Park was another educational day...LOVE this park. It's laid out well, the piers are great, good parking, they have fresh water spigots and showers in many places, good restrooms, lots of picnic areas, awesome bike trails and exploring the fort is great. Will for sure return to this park. There is a ferry that goes over to Egmont Key where you can explore the fort there and do some good snorkeling... something to do on another weekend.
Some beaching and bike riding around home have about topped off the summer. Most bike rides are an adventure, the other afternoon we saw a baby alligator crossing the street in the neighborhood, wow...not something you normally see, a few weeks ago it was wild black pigs...a big mama and a much smaller piglet....very cute, but something I'd never seen before.
Karen and Kathy came down for a weekend....that was a blast. This time I showed them the Venice area and we had a great lunch at Sharky's on The Pier. We cooked and laughed and had a wonderful time.
Made a few trips back to ATL....one w/e was to help babysit my great-nephews so their parents could attend and be in a friends' wedding....wow...was that a busy 2 days. Then all 20 of us gathered at Mom's for a much overdue family photo...that was great. Then we spent the day swimming and hanging out, also much overdue...it was a wonderful time.
I continue my RV search....I have a specific rig I'm looking for that will make it easier for me while I am still working fulltime...so that narrows my search, thus making it a little more difficult, but I'll find it one day.
I fell in love with the Phaeton 40 QKH model. With some modifications I can have a REAL work area and won't have to work off my dining table...it will take some looking to find this particular model, especially since I want a 2011 or 2012 model...can't afford the 2013 or 2014....so the search continues, but at least I now know what I'm really looking for.

Next week...a trip to Arknsas to see The Ozark Mtns...not been to that part of the country so looking forward to that....stay tuned.