April 14, 2009

The Green (Mountain) State

My mother tells me I’m selfish. So I’m going to use that as the excuse for why my bloggity-blog has been feeling a little neglected—girl has been planning a wedding here! But, my friendly fellow brides-to-be, I’ll have you know that the blog is the only facet of my life suffering—my travel sched. has gone from criss-crossing the globe to taking a bus to Cape Cod to do op: Wed.
And since I haven’t been traveling, I haven’t been able to share photos of your fave global gal jaunting. Until now.

While I was going through images for a digital frame representation for our welcome party, I found these gems. In November, my other half, formally known to the blogosphere as Novio turned that age that The New York Times dubbed the new 21. I surprised him with a last-minute weekend away to the gloriously green, super pristine, the Green Mountain State itself—Vermont.

We stayed two nights at the awesome Equinox Resort & Spa, a full-service retreat that is actually comprised of a series of historic buildings. Abraham Lincoln’s fam stayed here and the dude that wrote the Cider House Rules lives right down the street in the quaint town of Manchester Village.

Since Novio’s bday is in November, we missed the height of leaf pepping. But there was plenty to do—complimentary yoga, hikes through the expansive wooded grounds and strolling around the outlet shops in town. (Although a champion shopper, I was good and only scored two (!) pairs of cool-io Burberry sunglasses for less than 20 buckos.) And I almost forgot to mention: we also looooooved the meal we had at the delicioso eatery on property called the Marsh Tavern and really relaxed with those massages at the pine-scented spa.

Ok enough babbling let’s get to the photos:

They don’t call it the Green Mountain State for nothing. Check out the gorgeous expanse behind the resort. There is a host of hiking trails right there at the edge. They wind through old-growth trees and tons of towering pines. We took a path that lead to Lake Equinox.

There was pretty foliage, even though it was a bit past its prime.

After a day of hiking, strolling and yoga-ing, we headed back to the room for some chillaxing. (Side note: The resort just underwent a major renovation. All the rooms have been updated. Doesn’t it look comfy? We had a balcony too.) We sipped locally made Chardonnay and enjoyed a Vermont cheese plate. And I insisted on watching Say Yes to the Dress. Also, please no letters about the ug. factor on this photo, I think I was caught laughing…but don’t you love my MJ pointy black velvet Minnie Mouse shoes?

On the last day, we climbed (in the car) Mount Equinox, the mountain that stands guard on the town. The entrance fee to the top and trails goes to a discreet order of cloistered (and non-talking) monks. Even without tons of foliage, the views were pretty awesome.

We stopped for lunch at a clearing with picnic tables and broke out the Long Trail Ale, a local VT brew, which just so happens to be Novio’s absolute favorite in the world. We also had local cheddar, hummus, carrots and some crackers. Yum! The cheese was so good, Novio insisted on buying more when we stopped for veggies at the farm stand on our journey home.

C’est moi on the top of Mount Equinox. I’m looking like a fat head and wearing my new sunglasses! Aren’t they tres chic? The scarf I scored for less than $5 in India.

P.S. For more on weddings at Equinox Resort & Spa, check out the July/August issue of Bridal Guide!

Xoxo

Posted by Jenna at 10:10 a.m.