Due to the fact that I am a massive control freak, what better than to plan every minute of my vacation before even arriving? With that being said, sharing my itinerary is the best way to share my amazing experiences in Vermont with my best friend before heading off to college.
1. Arrive @ Hotel 2. Drive into Manchester for dinner 3. Walk Around.
Before leaving, my mother had looked up the area we were staying in, the Days Inn in Rutland, Vermont. It had come to our attention that, of course, Rutland as of 2013 was deemed the most dangerous city in VT due to the Heroin epidemic spreading across the state. Being two 18-year-old kids on their first vacation alone, this was some awesome news! (I hope you caught my sarcasm)
After arrival, we then got ready for dinner and headed into Manchester. Again, since we are only 18, we only had so much money to spend. So, I had researched restaurants that would appeal to our wallets. We went to Cilantro Taco, an inexpensive Mexican restaurant in the center of the town. We shoveled down two burritos and then explored the town.
Tuesday
1. Horse Back riding 2. Explore Dorset 3. Vermont Tap House for Dinner.
Horse back riding was an amazing experience. My family visits Vermont once a year, so I have been to this place many times before. Although, every time I go, it is still a blast. It was Vincent’s first time riding a horse which made it even better. Of course, he got the “slow, horse named Bob.” His horse didn't even like to walk, let alone carry some one on top of them. Regardless of Bob’s antics, it was a perfect day for riding, it was cloudy and just a tad humid but perfect nonetheless.
After horse back riding, we headed out to explore my Aunt's beautiful town, Dorset. We drove around admiring all of the gorgeous houses and the astonishingly nice lawns. (Ok, honestly, Vin could not get over how nice the lawns were.) We came to the conclusion that having a nice lawn is the only thing the people of Vermont take pride in.
For dinner, I had originally planned on one place but Vin wanted another so we went there and it turned out to be a diamond in the rough. A great Italian restaurant behind a gas station on a busy street. Perfect end to a long day.
Wednesday
1. Cliff Jumping 2. Emerald Lake State Park 3. Dinner.
We were originally supposed to eat out for breakfast, but after reviewing our already low funds, we decided to stay in and have a free waffle in the small hotel “cafeteria.” After our hotel waffles, we headed to the Dorset Quarry so I could jump to my death. Just kidding, but it truly feels like that when you're looking down at the water before taking the big jump.
After surviving the jump, we backtracked to Emerald Lake. This lake was everything you could possibly imagine. The water was incredibly clear and not to mention, warm too. We spent most of the day here, just messing around like a few little kids playing in the lake.
We baked in the sun for a few hours then headed to dinner. We were originally supposed to go out but instead we got an oven pizza and headed back to the hotel. The best part is, of course, we didn't have an oven. That being said, we cut tiny pieces and stuck them in our tiny hotel microwave. It’s little things like this that make the best memories.
Thursday
1. Lunch at Country Club 2. Drive up to Mount Equinox 3. Fancy Dinner 4. Dorr Farm Fair.
My great aunt, asked us to join her for lunch at the Manchester Country Club. We spent all morning making sure we looked perfect for this meal, running around like idiots.
After lunch, we headed towards Mount Equinox, apparently a beautiful sight that we “must see.” And wow, it definitely was a must see. We could see for miles and miles. I’m just happy I got to see it all with Vin.
We then planned for a fancy dinner and went to Sal’s pizzeria. Our own kind of fancy of course. We got amazing food and then headed to the saddest carnival ever. Now we know what a fair is like in an incredibly small town. Nothing too special if you asked us. It was actually funny to compare what a carnival is like in Vermont compared to New Jersey. The same old death trap rides and the same pre-teens running around without their parents for the first time.
Friday
1. Check out 2. Go Home.
Half of me was happy to go home and the other was sad to leave. This was a great experience for living on our own and teaching us the correct ways to manage money. I loved my time in Vermont this year and can't wait to go back next year. What made it even more special was that I got to experience all of this amazing things with my best friend and boyfriend. It truly made the trip that much more special.
