February 19, 2020

Stratton Ski Weekend

February 19, 2020/ Meryl

Last weekend we were in VT at Stratton Mountain. Even thought I don’t ski - I’m happy to have a weekend away enjoying yummy food and wonderful family time. My BIL Bob doesn’t ski either - so while the gang (my sister Noreen, niece Christina, Steven and Liam) hit the slopes we chill.

But, I’m getting ahead of myself… It was a four day weekend - we left Friday morning heading towards the NY Thruway - It started to rain you can see the low cloud coverage in this image from around Harriman, NY. and like last year we met up for lunch in Kingston, NY at the Bowery Dugout Restaurant. It’s a kitschy place with really delicious food! (yes, it’s in a basement!)

The weather had changed by the time we got to Troy and the Gristmill Antique Center but, undeterred we went in and I picked up a postcard of Park Avenue, New York City from 1907.

Man of Kent is an institution! You can’t go to VT without stopping by for some excellent food, a beer, or to grab a bit of swag and enjoy the decor!

Instead of heading out in the morning and rushing to VT - we take our time and enjoy the journey.

This year the last few hours were rough though, the roads were not good and at one point there was a complete white out and we couldn’t see the road in front of the car. We made it to the condo at 7:30 pm.

After unpacking and yummy dinner prepared by Noreen we played a marathon game of UNO!

Saturday was crisp with early morning temps in the single digits! Steven, Noreen, Liam and Christina had a blast!

While these four happily skied amid snow squalls - I read my book. We had an early dinner reservation at Verde. The drinks and food were amazing!

On Sunday there were less skiers on the mountain and since we’d be eating left-overs for dinner at the condo - Bob and I met them for lunch at Mulligans.

Stratton Mountain Resort is very family friendly and the Resort makes it easy to get around - providing a shuttle service from the condos to the Village. Stratton Village has wonderful eateries and shopping. I picked up this retro hoodie for Liam.

2017-12-10-st-ls-villageshopsigns-34-jpg.ashx.jpg

While we made our way down the mountain Monday towards home - Noreen and Christina skied.

We made a must stop at Big Moose Deli and Country Store to pick up real Vermont maple syrup and penny candy sticks

It was a great weekend and went by way too fast! Big thanks to my sister for organizing! To take a peek at last years trip click here.

Til next time.

November 06, 2019

Storm King Art Center

November 06, 2019/ Meryl

Last month we made our way to the Storm King Art Center located in Hudson, NY.

This extraordinary site is a 500-acre outdoor museum - it houses large scale sculptures. It is an amazing experience to interact with these pieces in nature. For years we’ve driven by this Art Center and we’re so thrilled we were able to finally visit. I can’t wait to go back again! Use the link above to check it out for yourself.

Til next time - go exploring - get out in nature and have some fun!

February 27, 2019

Two Ski or Not to Ski!

February 27, 2019/ Meryl

We had the best get away to Stratton Mountain, VT earlier this month. Steven, Liam and I headed out Friday the 8th and returned Monday the 11th.

Two of us ski - the boys - but, I’m always happy to go along!

My husband scoped out a place to meet up with the family and have lunch in Kingston, NY at the Bowery Dugout Restaurant. It was a kitschy place with delicious food.

Every parent at the Rest Stop in NY State was explaining to their children what this was…. LOL!

Of course we stopped at a favorite haunt - the Gristmill Antique Center in Troy, NY. We happily came home with a Currier and Ives book and a lovely etching of a Street full of Chalets.

Since that weekend - If I say Man Of Kent every skier knows this great tavern located on Rt. 7 in Hoosick Falls, NY for good reason - it is not to be missed! The family loves seeing the Medford Lakes, NJ Canoe Carnival Trivet on the Wall. We have family there and our late Uncle was a force behind this decades old - Floating Parade!

We rolled into Stratton just as the sun was setting… We drove past the village on the way to the condo we rented in Stratton Springs.

The condo was lovely with 3 bedrooms 3 baths and a lovely open kitchen with dining over looking a great room. The garage has been converted into a games room complete with a multi use table: ping pong top over a pool table. Liam had a ton of fun hanging with his cousin!

Saturday the skiers set off - Steven, my niece Christina, Liam and my sis Noreen - with extra hand warmers - the temperatures were hovering in the teens - overnight the winds hit 50mph.

Stratton has a lovely village full of shops and restaurants. My BIL (who doesn’t ski either) and I ventured to the Village to meet the gang for Lunch - both days we ate at Mulligans. The menu has delicious tavern fare and really wonderful sushi!

Saturday evening we dined at Verde’. The atmosphere and the food were delightful!

Love this video - you’ll hear my hubby’s voice - Liam is skiing with my sister and niece.

Scenes from Sunday’s ski adventures! Look how delightful Stratton is! I can’t recommend it enough. On Sunday afternoon we hit some of the shops and brought home a cute poster for Liam’s room from the Stratton Clothing Company and I grabbed the most delectable treats from Coyote - a newly opened espresso and dessert bar featuring local products and goods from the Stratton area.