Whistlestop Corner Restaurant

Clarendon, VT - Today I took another trip to Vermont. The boys and I went to Rutland and visited with a few blogger buddies. On the way back I took Route 103. I passed this restaurant and then turned around because I thought it looked kind of cool. I decided to have something to eat, so I went in.


The restaurant is in the former East Clarendon Train Station. I was told this is a place frequented by hikers from the Appalachian/Long Trail which crosses Route 103 just south of the restaurant. Hours are Tues - Thurs 6:30am to 3:00pm, Fri. - Sat 6:30am - 8:00pm, Sun 7:00am - 3:00pm. Hours are subject to change due to weather conditions so it is suggested you call ahead 802-747-7070.


In 1998 a caboose was converted into a Ice Cream Caboose; Ice Cream is served there is the Summer, there is seating in the Caboose and on the deck outside.


Here are a few photos from inside the restaurant; looking toward the lunch counter.


This is looking in the dining section. As you can see, the walls are old bead board.


This was my lunch, one of the specials for the day, a Chipolte Burger, tomato, onions, cheddar, on a substantial bun. The burger was hand made, not one of those pre-made skinny burgers, cooked to order. There was plenty to eat, no walking away hungry here.

Burlington Pumpkin Regatta - Part 2

Burlington, VT - In addition to the Pumpkin Regatta there was other things happening on shore. Making an appearance was Miss Vermont Teen USA - Shelby Layne Gregorie and Miss Vermont USA - Nydelis Ortiz.


This girl was doing her best Chris Angel impression...no just kidding...she was practicing her dance moves for a show later in the day.


There was vendors selling their wares; here is Vermont Pickle. In addition to pickles made of cucumbers they had pickled carrots. I especially liked the "Hot Carrots".


I honed in on the Maple Doughnuts at the Palmer's Sugar House booth when I first got there...awesome.


They had some games to play there also, pumpkin sweeping anyone?


There were also crafts to do such as paper hat making run by Davis Studio.


There was also a scarecrow contest.


It's Butterfly Dog. People brought their pets for the Best Dressed Pet Contest. I tried to take a photo of a dog dressed like a pumpkin but the owner started to yell at me, she did not want me to take a photo of the dog. Um, it is a dog dressed as a pumpkin in public...that just begs for a photo.


These two "Cow People" were paddlers sponsored by Ben and Jerry's.


It's Helga the two fisted cell phone user.


In addition to the other festivities there were Pie Eating Contests.


It was messy!

Burlington Pumpkin Regatta - Part 1

Burlington, VT - This is the third Burington Pumpkin Regatta which takes place on Lake Champain. Here you can see the "boats", giant pumpkins which are donated by the Vermont Giant Vegetable Growers.


You can see the size in relation to this women. The weights ranged from about 700 to 1100 lbs.


This guy has claimed his craft.


A pumpkin is set up so you can take your photo with it, you head gets eaten.


The heavy artillery is brought out to cut the pumpkin.


This pumpkin is hollowed out so it can be ridden in. The seeds are saved and sold so you can grow one of these behemoths.


The pumpkins are loaded into the water with a tractor with a loader.


Here you can see one of the contestants riding her pony.


Closing in on the competition.


Her pumpkin was a bit out of control, it is not easy padding a pumpkin.


A pirate flying to Jolly Roger.


It was bedlam on the course.


Piloting the dragon ship, this was the eventual winner of the sponsored division of the pumpkin boats.


From planes to boats, he does it all.

Colorful Fall Farm Stand

Vermont - We took a trip up to Bennington VT and on the way back we stopped at this colorful farm stand. I was told every year is they spell out VERMONT in pumpkins.


Here is a white pumpkin, I hear that last year the sold so well that this year they planted extras and they are selling very well.


Another standard item is this display.


A rack of large ears of Indian Corn.


Colorful gourds; my wife picked up some of these for our house.


A big line of pumpkins; the pumpkins were lined up by size.


They also had piles of squash, this is a striped variety of acorn squash(sorry I forget the name).

A display of small ears of Indian Corn.

Spring Lake Ranch Farm Stand

Cuttingsville, VT - I saw this sign and stand and I though the mural would make an interesting photo. I did some research and found that Spring Lake Ranch offers alternative treatment for adults with mental illness and/or substance abuse problems. So, any purchase here goes to support the ranch. It is closed now but you can order Maple Syrup by phone or internet ==> Click Here for Link <==


Here is the stand.


A close up of one of the murals.


I think this mural is really cool.

Gloria's Pantry and Bake Shop

Cuttingsville, VT - Not being able to resist a bakery, I stopped at Gloria's Pantry and Bake Shop on my way up to Castleton, VT to pick up a new soapstone sink for "The Grangehouse". Gloria's Pantry doesn't just do fresh made baked items, it's main business is selling Jams, Jellies, Relishes, Honey, and Maple Syrup. Gloria will create a "Vermont Made Gift Box" and ship it anywhere you would like. View her website ==> Gloria's Pantry <== and you will be amazed at how many items she makes.

Here is a quick view of inside the bakeshop. I bought one of her cookie bars and I was not disappointed, if I remember correctly it had chocolate, nuts, maybe caramel. All I know is I wish I bought more!


Here is a photo if the entrance to the shop, which is in back of her house. So on your way up to Okemo Ski area, make sure to stop by Gloria's, you will not be disappointed.

Gloria's Pantry Link click HERE

Shelburne Farms Sleigh Rides

Shelburne, VT - Every weekend(with snow on the ground) Shelburne Farms gives sleigh rides from 11:00am - 2:00 pm for a fee at the Welcome Center of the farm. The rides are for 15 minutes and go every half hour. Note: you can only get a reservation for these rides by going to the Welcome Center, we got there at 11 am and they were already sold out so get there early. Click link below for ride info and reservations for private rides.

Info:CLICK HERE

King Arthur Flour Baker's Store

Norwich, VT - On the way back from Vermont today my wife and I stopped at the King Arthur Flour Baker's Store. At this store you can buy flours, baking mixes, have a cup of coffee and freshly baked pastries, take a cooking class, watch a cooking demo, or even check your e-mail with the free Wi-fi. Of course anything for baking that you could want.

This is the outside of the store.



I got this girl to stop what she was doing for a photo.


A photo of some of the pastries. We took home a loaf of artisan breads they make there for dinner...delicious. Excellent crust!



I asked this woman to stop for a photo in the demo kitchen. Another woman came over and said that was her station and this woman would make the Internet...again. All in good fun.


A photo of King William taken by my wife.


Information about the store CLICK HERE