It's been awhile...

Where has the time gone? Summer is winding down and I am frantically trying to grasp at any fragment of the season left. It seems that August flew by and now we are a week into September already. Most of my friends have gone back off to school and I myself will be starting my senior year this weekend.

It's strange to think that next summer those I spent this summer finding adventures with will all be thrown out into the real world to find their own way. I will also be added to that mix of fresh college graduates navigating to our place in this big ol' world. It's something that my friends and I rarely talked about this summer, we wanted to pretend, even for a few months, that the harsh realities were not imminent. Although the sheer terror of next year can be seen on the horizon I am grateful for this summer. I will hold onto this summer in my memories as I move forward in life. I would like to thank all of those that made this summer a great one. I can't even count the amount of smiles and laughs that I had over the past three months.

I recently took a stroll down memory lane to a time not to long ago. I read a journal I had kept during a very dark time of mine, so dark I never thought I would get out. Although I had started to heal from that time this summer helped even more and has revived me more than I expected. I've learned, I've stretched, and I've grown stronger in relationships and in faith.

When I opened my computer tonight I fully intended to tell you all about my trip through 16 states in 7 days or my end of the summer fun such as a picnic at Saint Gaudens and BBQ's with family and friends but I started typing and this is what came out and I'm okay with that. I started this blog to let people know of fun things to do in the Upper Valley but the truth is, it doesn't matter where you are, you can have fun no matter where you are as long as you surround yourself with those that care about you.

I know that the decisions I have to make in the coming months will be scary but I also know that I will be okay because of the wonderful family I have, the friends that I have grown closer to this summer, and my loving savior who is always looking out for me.

Travel

I'm sitting in the Bradley International Airport right now thinking that I may have gotten a little away from my local project. In an effort to connect the local and the travel I will tell you about last weekend.

My sidekick had left me for a trip to Chicago (her aunt had to get married or something like that) so I was left to my own devices. The event of the weekend was Harpoon Summer BBQ Festival. This was a huge event with thousands in attendance. People came from all over New England to taste the award winning BBQ and beer. The BBQ competitors also came from all around claiming their meat was better than anyone else's. You could get anything from ribs, pulled pork tacos, nachos, deep fried Oreos, chocolate covered bacon, to a whole turkey leg (which is what I had). It was quite a picture: Me walking around through crowds of people holding a turkey leg in one hand and a UFO Raspberry Hefeweizen in the other.

I went to the festival with Bryan and some of his friends then meet up with my dad partway through the day. Dad really wanted to try the bacon wrapped in sausage wrapped in bacon sandwich but was to full by the time we made it to that tent.

The different tents also had a life a their own. Each team had a different and unique name. My favorite was from Yabba Dabba Que located in Bedrock (Bedford), NH. There was also a tent that incorporated a wizard somehow that was willing to take pictures with those who dared to sit next to him.

At the festival they were having a strong man/woman competition which was amusing to watch for a while but it was best to keep moving otherwise it got to hot sitting in the sun. A band kept the crowd entertained on the other side of the field playing bluegrass.

The day was lots of fun and other than the strange tan lines I got I had no complaints.

Now how am I connecting this to my travel you might ask. Well I am off to Texas where they are known for their BBQ. I was just preparing myself for this endeavor. If you get the chance I would highly recommend going to this event next year. If you don't enjoy BBQ or beer it's worth it just to watch the people. For instance the old man who had a disposable underwater camera but couldn't stand upright long enough to take a picture. I'm sure when he develops them each picture will be a blur off people. Trust me, it was definitely the place to be.

As for me I'm off to Texas to see if their BBQ compares to New England's. I'll let you know!

Beating the heat

Sarah's #1 recipe for beating the heat:

1. Sit in the hot sun for hours to make sure you're all good and toasty.

2. Grab a bunch of friends.

3. Drive to your local swimming hole.

4. Laugh as the guys are two scared to jump in from the ledge.

If you do all four steps you are guaranteed to feel cooled off.

This was my Sunday. Church was outside this week and since I missed the memo about getting there and hour early to get a spot under the tent I sat in the sun with my mom and some of my closest friend. Our original plan was to go raspberry picking but after sitting in the sun all we wanted to do was go swimming. So after church I asked a few friends and we went over to a place called 20 Foot in Reading, VT. Named 20 Foot for both the deep water and the 20 foot drop to get into the water (if you so choose, there are shallow areas). Much fun.

This week on Monday Mania with Naomi and I we decided to be a little bit of slackers. I got out of work much later than I expected and didn't have the time to go to the store since Tim needed to work on my car. Instead I picked up Naomi and her bike and headed for the house to go on a ride with Mom. Unfortunately the lovely New England weather had a different plan for us. No bike ride and no food to make. My mom ended up grilling some hot dogs and hamburgers (something that would prove to be a mistake at 4:45 am, hence this early post) and we watched Thelma & Louise. So, exercise= 0 healthiness= 0 fun= :)

Stay tuned for more. ;)

Grill Master's

I have a slightly delayed post for you all tonight. Last Monday Naomi and I got together for our weekly bike ride and cooking extravaganza! Our bike ride started just inside New Hampshire by the farm stand on 12A then went north to the Cornish-Windsor covered bridge. This is the longest covered bridge in America and the longest two span bridge in the world. It's also really pretty. After our nice bike ride we went to Naomi's to grill some shish kabobs. We are becoming master chefs I must say. Steak with mesquite seasonings and vegetables such as onions, peppers, and zucchini. Add pasta salad and Long Trail. Perfect dinner. Who would have thought Monday's could be so good? :)

Route 4

Route 4 connects White River Junction with Rutland. Quite a long road. Today Jill, Naomi, Steph, and I discovered a good chunk of this road. Woodstock was our first stop. Now some would call this town a yuppy town... o wait, I would call this town a yuppy town, cause it is. Flat landers. Just sayin'. Putting that aside, it is a beautiful town. Very picturesque Vermont town. We attended church at the First Congregational Church, where Jill goes during the school year along with many other Dartmouth students. My co-worker also goes there and after saying, "Hello" Naomi claimed I know people everywhere. I don't see this as a problem.

After churched we strolled the sidewalks, ducking into little shops that peeked our interest. In one of them I started choking but no big deal, we moved on as if nothing had happened. Along our walk we happened upon a small stream running under the road. There was a little pathway that lead down to the water. At this point we were quite warm and decided to put our feet in and cool off.

As our stomaches started to growl more we took off for Quechee to have lunch at Simon Pearce. Delicious, I must say. And a beautiful view overlooking the waterfall. Perfect place for a late lunch with the girls. After eating our lamb burgers or sesame chicken or quiche we went out to the overlook above the waterfall. There were about 20 guys and girls swimming in the river. Two of the guys were climbing and jumping off the waterfall into what appeared to be shallow water. After marveling at their stupidity for a few minutes we realized they were drinking and it all made sense. Boys...

Next we went to one of my favorite places, Quechee Village and Antique Mall. Much to our surprise as we walked up to the door we saw a sign for a wine tasting. Yes please. Putney Mountain Winery makes all their wines from fruits that are all grown locally in Vermont and is only sold in Vermont. We tried samples of a pear wine, two rhubarb wines, an apple maple wine, a cranberry wine, and a cassis. All amazing. After our wine tasting we sampled some of Vermont's finest foods including Cabot cheese and maple syrup. We then wandered through the endless isles of the antique mall and bought ridiculous pins. A quick stop at the hand made ice cream shop and a short chat with R2D2 and our day was complete.

Great day in two wonderful Vermont towns. Success. :)

Wing Night!

It's no surprise that we do not live on the North Shore of Boston where wing night is a big deal but Naomi, Jill, and I attempted to find our own wing night right here in the Upper Valley. We happened upon a place called the Seven Barrel Pub & Brewery in West Lebanon, NH. Now Jill is not much of a beer girl (she ordered cider), while Naomi likes to kick back and have one every once in awhile. Me, I'm somewhere in the middle, (as stated by Jill, I can "bro it up or class it up" meaning I like my beer as well as the fruity drinks) but I ordered a dark brew last night. Now I don't want anyone to get the wrong impression of us with all the alcohol talk, but background is important and let's face it, a good beer is crucial to wing night. Anyways, I will get to the food now. Wings. Great invention. Cheese. Also a great invention. So we ordered two plates of wings and a plate a cheese. Any restaurant at which you can order a plate of cheese is a good restaurant in my book. I would highly recommend the buffalo wings, delicious. Now the reason wing night differs from that of wing nights in Boston is because it was over by 7pm. We didn't get there till 8:30pm. Fortunately our waiter loved us (apparently we have the same birthday and the same taste in beer) and still gave us the wing night deal. Overall, good night with great friends.

Beach season!!

It's been a while. Summer is crazy. Crazy fun that is.

Recently in the local area Naomi, Celia, and I went to a little beach in Sunapee, NH. It's a great beach to go to if you don't have the time or money to go all the way to the ocean. It only cost $4 to get in, unless you go after 4pm , then it's free. The water is clean and it's a great way to cool off in these hot summer days (currently in my kitchen it is 93 degrees).

As you can see... we had fun. :)

I'm not in the wittiest mood right now... kinda sick, but never fear, I will continue to fill you in on all the fun local adventures that go on. Tonight I am off to wing night with girls!!

Better than Ramuntos?

So this week on our cooking show (that's not an actual show) we made BBQ chicken pizza, fries, and salad. Unfortunately, my work kept me late so there was no biking this week... just food. :)

Naomi was in charge of shopping and found excellent ingredients including pizza crust made in New Hampshire. Seriously, check out the recipe, so good! I think you could call this a 30 minute meal.

Here Naomi is in her apron that her mother bought from a local seamstress at a community event.

Here I am putting the toppings on the pizza.

Our finished product!!!

Our future plans are to buy all locally grown and produced ingredients to make a delicious meal. Soon farmers' markets will be having more produce and it will be prime time for this project.

Here, There, and Everywhere

This past weekend was anything but local so I apologize if you are reading this hoping to find a great activity in your area. Starting on Friday I went to work then went shopping with the lovely Naomi in an effort to make her boyfriend, Dan, look just as gorgeous as she. He was not to keen on the idea but we got him looking pretty good with new pants and a belt.

Saturday then proved to be a very interesting, long day. It began at 8am driving to Cornish. From Cornish I followed Jill down to Manchester to drop a car off for her parents at the airport. Back to Claremont we came to pick up Naomi and Dan, in his new pants, to go to a wedding in Charlestown. After Charlestown we came back to Claremont, changed and back to Cornish to pick up a different car, then set off to Ticonderoga, NY.

I would not suggest this plan for anyone. A day in a car does horrible things to ones mind and body.

Sunday we returned home to find Jill's parents shooting a rabid raccoon in their yard. O how I love being from the sticks.

Final local thoughts from the weekend: 1. There is a beautiful place to send your kids to camp in Charlestown named Camp Good News (this was where the wedding was held).
2. You never know what kind of crazy you will find in Cornish.

Real Coffee

Sure you can get coffee from the supermarket and make it at home or you can even go to a Dunkin Donuts and the like but sometimes you just want real coffee. I mean, you order the coffee and the barista grinds and brews coffee specially for you and adds the fresh made foam all while you are standing there, real coffee. (Some may call me a coffee snob but I say I just have sophisticated taste buds.) This is what I wanted today. Real coffee. I was in Windsor, VT at the ungodly hour of 8am for a meeting and by the end I was craving real coffee. Nothing else would have worked at that point. (And no, this was not due to a hangover from the night before although some may not believe me considering yesterday was my 21st birthday.) In Windsor there is a relatively new coffee shop named Boston Dreams. It brings the best of two worlds together. Real coffee and Boston sports memorabilia. It's epic. I ordered a maple latte (The best part of Vermont: they put maple in everything!) and a blueberry muffin. I was a happy girl. Moral of the story: if you have sophisticated taste buds like myself and a love for New England sports you should check out this coffee shop. I have a feeling Naomi will love it as well and then we can add it to out list of local activities.



My other thought for the day was on aging. As I mentioned earlier, yesterday was my 21st birthday. Now you may, at this point, expect me to say something philosophical about the issue of ago or drinking but all I really wanted to say was... Happy Birthday to Me!!!!! ;)



Have a great day everyone!

The Plan

After living in the Upper Valley for 21 years my best friend, Naomi, and I have decided to discover our surroundings. Every summer we dream of taking trips to the beach or some place other than here but this summer we will find fun activities that anyone can do close to home. Indeed, this effort may be a result of the economic down turn and, lets face it, we are poor college students, but either way we will have an adventure. Along our journey I will post links so you can create your own "Discover Local" initiative.

Courtesy of Hyperterm:

Here is a list a 100 things you must see, do, or experience in the Upper Valley. This list created the inspiration for our "Discover Local" summer. See how many you can check off in the next few months.

Our first event was in a little town called Quechee located about a half hour from home. Quechee is popularly known for Quechee Gorge but this past weekend we discovered more to love about this small town. The Quechee Balloon Festival was in town. This, like any other small town fair, was complete with greasy food, live music, and craft tents. What made this fair special was the hot air balloons. The fair goes for three days and the balloons take off periodically throughtout the three days. Parking was $3 and addmission was $10 for adults. Not a bad price for a fun day of activities. My personal suggestions would be to get a henna tattoo and eat fried dough while listening to the live band before the balloons take off. If you are looking for something to do in June next year we would highly recommend this fun filled festival.

Another plan for our summer is to get healthy. This may have been forced on me from my fitness class but I am starting to like the idea more and more. Naomi and I have picked one day a week that we will get together to do some type of physical activity such as biking, hiking, or a work out video on the rainy days and after our exercise we will cook a healthy meal. So far we have done this once... today in fact. Hopefully, if her schedule permits, it will continue to be on Mondays. For our first outing we went for a bike ride on the bike path in Springfield, VT and then came home to make delicious chicken with peach salsa. I would also just like to note that today was my first bike ride since I was a little kid and that saying about never forgetting how to ride a bike is a lie. ;)

That's all for now folks. Look for the next post about our crazy adventures of the "Discover Local" summer.