June 25th – 29th, 2010
The trip to Woodstock VT was a true joy ride from start to finish! Lillian and Joe had every detail planned with trip directions, things to do, interesting facts … AND a snack attack box of goodies for each car!
Traveling north to VT was all back roads that were meant for Miatas – twisting right, twisting left, curving around, up and down … and the weather was absolutely perfect! When we arrived at the Kendron Valley Inn, we were greeted warmly and after getting settled in, we gathered on the large porch and relaxed until we all decided whether to investigate nearby restaurants or stay and enjoy dinner on the porch at the Kendron. Groups went their own ways and several of us decided to try out the charming lounge followed by a most wonderful meal al fresco.
The Kendron Valley Inn deserves a special mention since it is was made famous when one of the most popular TV commercials of all time was filmed there — the Budweiser Clydesdale horses pull a carriage on a snow-packed road and prance right by the holiday-decorated Kendron Valley Inn. Under new management, the Inn now serves dinner to the public as well as to its guests and prepares a breakfast fit for royalty each morning.
On Saturday, we set off for another super Miata adventure throughout the countryside. We stopped at the quaint town of Woodstock where boutiques abound. The town features quintessential New England homes and a covered bridge as well as the well-known Woodstock Inn. At one point, we toured the Granite Sculptures of Hope Cemetery in Barre VT. The grounds feature large memorials in the shape of a race car, soccer ball, giant cube, a couple in bed, guitar, and more! We spent quite a long time walking around this fascinating place checking out each tombstone that managed to outdo its neighbor.
A large group of 17 cars and 34 Miata club members, we arrived back at the Inn to relax a bit — some took a stroll by the large pond or wandered down to the country store for snacks — and then it was time to get ready for our group dinner at the Fireside Restaurant. After a fun dinner, we drove back through Woodstock to return to the Kendron for a well-deserved good-night’s sleep.
A well-planned trip that was enjoyable through and through (even when we got rained on a bit with tops-down) on Saturday! It’s always a super good time when we can ride with friends and explore new roads and attractions.
Katherine Jasmine
