I've considered what made my trip with Mama so fun.
Mama saw things through new eyes with such enthusiasm: hydrangea trees, cider donuts, an appreciation for rural New Jersey especially near the Delaware River, FDR's home and Hyde Park, the expanses of fall foliage in the Vermont forests. My parents helped create my love of travel and must've witnessed the travel joy in our eyes through the years. It was so fun for me to see the delight in my own mom's eyes this time.
Our first day in West Point, NY was surprisingly fun. The "Great Chain" across the Hudson River to stop the British Navy, determination to have American-trained engineer soldiers and other Revolutionary and developmental ideas that began the academy were new, interesting information to me. Katie and Chris have traveled so widely with the army we hadn't had the opportunity to know each other well. My cousin Chris' wife was really warm and kind, plus a terrific tour guide with insight into her life as a cadet and her perspective ten years later as a military-professor's wife.
Bennington, Vermont is a small town that came as a recommendation from a close friend Bobbie whose grandparents lived there in her youth. The downtown is charming Americana with thriving little local shops, beautiful churches, Revolutionary Bennington Monument, Grandma Moses art exhibit, and Bennington Pottery. The local covered bridges and Gilded Age homes are extra adventures to see.
The Trapp Family Lodge has gorgeous mountain views and I definitely want to take Mark back with me. I'm not sure if I'd rather to explore the 2,500 acres on cross-country skis or bicycles. The kids activities and low-key atmosphere were worth the visit. I took the Sound of Music bus tour in Salzburg, Austria and feel like I've rounded out my Von Trapp experience by the REAL story tour at the family's US base. The Captain's Italian/Austrian dual citizenship because of border changes during wars in his lifetime was new insight into their escape by Genovese boat to England and America.
A quick stop in Waterbury, VT at the local Apple Cider shop was incredible. Their cold-pressed cider was the best tasting cider or apple juice I've ever had, as was their cider donut. Mama wanted to drive an extra hour+ to go get more when they were gone! Our driving was off the interstates as much as we could manage. My next trip up that way will include Rhinebeck, NY and Woodstock, VT which we ran out of time to stop and see better. We had a captivating book on CD to make the time pass too.
Queechee, VT was a cute little stop at a lovely, comfortable bed and breakfast. We saw the Queechee Gorge and really thought the Tallulah Gorge in Georgia was more impressive, though the fall colors at Queechee were very scenic. Simon Pierce Glass was expensive but beautiful, as were the antiques across the street.
PBS just showed the Roosevelt documentary. I didn't know where Hyde Park was until Mama saw it on our map. I'd stressed over our itinerary but was delighted to redirect for a FDR house and library tour, stop at the Vanderbilt Mansion, and snack at the CIA--Culinary Institute of America. FDR's influence, legacy, and outlook has had such a lasting effect (for better or worse) on so much of America. It was interesting to read our American History in context to where much of it actually took place. I had no idea FDR could still walk until he was 39! The Roosevelt families pronounce it differently on Teddy's side (Rooooosevelt) vs FDR's side (Rosevelt). Other snippets in his library were impressive, unbelievable and some discouraging. Madeline Albright's jewel brooch/pin collection was on special exhibit in FDR's library and I really enjoyed it too.
We got a great recommendation to visit Lititz, PA (7 miles north of Lancaster) and it was worth it! There are no chain stores or restaurants in a town with a thriving downtown business district, great stone buildings, lovely park, railroad station and even Wilbur Chocolates--which are better than nearby Hershey. We would enjoy seeing Amish country again but must have direct places to visit because it's not easy to identify what's worth it in the Lancaster area without a travel guide or friend helping.
Getting back to Maryland, Mark and the kids, was good. I didn't miss the kids because I knew they were in good hands with Mark, Mac and Bobbie, plus playdates with so many friends. Next time I do want to STAY in Maryland to see friends too--not leave my family. It was such a treat to have my first week on adult-only time exploring the charms of New England with one of my top-two favorite people in the world!
A lifetime of memories were created. Thanks, Mama, for coming with me. . .
If you have recommendations for another fun New England trip leave a comment. It's worth going again, I'm sure!
