Celebrating Twenty Eight Years

Last week marked the fact that Scott and I have been married for twenty-eight years. We decided to celebrate BIG this year. And by big I mean a trip two hours away! I know that if you were thinking big maybe an island or Europe. Two reasons for just two hours away: 

1. We still feel like we are in the middle of a lot of 'stuff' with our girls. Yes, 21 and 17 is different from when they are those elementary school ages but man, their ages actually have a LOT to figure out. We've had so many discussions this summer and are trying to help them navigate big decisions. We love it all and are grateful for the time in the summer to dive into their goals/plans/dreams. 

2. We love where we went even though it was only 2 hours away. I know that 1 night away isn't much but to us it felt like heaven. 

We got up early and headed out - drove the minivan in cases we found something big to bring home from antique shopping. We listened to my 'anniversary' playlist I'd made. 

We headed north to Chester, Vermont. We actually went there on our 1st anniversary back in 1997! And again with the girls a few years ago. (that post is back here) 

We found the Vermont Country Deli on the way (just about an hour from our house!) We had an early lunch and loved all of it so much! It was such a charming little store with lots of great homemade country food! 

In Chester we shopped at my favorite antique store, Stone House Antiques  . We found some wonderful things to bring home! 

After that it was time for the Country Girl Diner! 

Then we explored the darling town of Chester! 

Their library made me so happy - I always check out a library whenever we travel. I think you can tell a lot about a town just be looking at the library! 

 This is a little picture of what Main Street looks like in charming Chester, Vermont. 

We had some time before our Inn check in time so we drove to the next town (Weston VT) to the Vermont Country Store. 

We were went to St. Joseph's church for Mass at 4:00. Such a pretty little church. 

Then it was time for checking in to Victoria Inn and having dinner right there! Look at this charming room. 

After dinner, a little walk through town, over a bridge and into the hills beyond. It was such a pretty night. 

So much fun facetiming the girls at night. They had the best time all day long! 

Breakfast at the Inn 

And time to check out and go... 

We shopped a bit more in Grafton, VT on our way home. 

We had so much to talk about it. I wished the drive was 5 hours, not 2! In our 28 years we have gone through oh so much. We have grown so much. I am so grateful for my Scott and that he's mine. 

Other posts you might like: 

20th Anniversary

27th 

Oh my, it's been 26 years

Here is a post I like from 21 years. 

Here is a dance in the kitchen one Valentines Day long ago. 

Here we are back in HIGH SCHOOL!!! 

Here he still seeks me. 

Here is our Twenty anniversary in HAWAII!!! 

Here is a little story of us. 

Here is our 20th Christmas

Here is our 19th anniversary 

Here is a cute picture of us

Here is another post of us

Here is a Christmas kiss 

Here oh goodness is that 'one date a month' for his 40th birthday!

Here is a post called 'Marry Me Day'

Here is 16 years. 

Here is another Christmas kiss. 

Here is 15 years. 

Here is 24! and Here 

Here and Here is 25 years. 

Here are my thoughts on weddings and our wedding. 

Here is our 18th 

Here is our 17th

Here is our 16th

A Country Getaway

 1911 Laura Ingalls Wilder 

"There is a movement in the United States today, wide-spread and very far reaching in its consequences. People are seeking after a freer, healthier, happier life. They are tired of the noise and dirt, bad air and crowds of the cities and are turning longing eyes toward the green slopes, wooded hills, pure running water and health giving breezes of the country." 

We took a little trip to the country... Vermont. 

Just two hours away. 

Just one night at an inn. 

Just what we needed. 

First stop: Vermont Country Store

Love this place so much! It's a step back in time. Here is a link to my instagram - click on Vermont in the saved stories at the top to see a few clips from inside) 

We ate lunch right next door at Mildred's Grill. So so good! 

Preserved just as it was... a step back in time. 

With all the right music playing too.

After, we drove to this amazing Vermont State Park - and oh my goodness, it took our breath away. We took in the views by the lake and walked a bit on the trails. The woods smelled like hemlock, a breath of fresh air (the saying) must have been invented here. 

Time to check into the Fullerton Inn in Chester, Vermont

I have a love for Hallmark Christmas movies that take place in cozy towns. This inn was in this movie. 

Don't you love a peek into little inns? I always take a few pictures because the girls always love to look back at where we've stayed over the years. 

Very clean, spacious, lovely little sitting part. 

Loved this little table in the bathroom. 

... and the view... 

This was the girls room - since Inns aren't like hotels we decided to get the girls their own sweet room (this one had light blue walls and the prettiest white bead spreads. 

Time for dinner - served on the porch - overlooking the town green. 

We were about to say, "no thankyou" like we always do for dessert... until... she told us the pies were made in the pie shop just a few doors away... I just had to see these pies. And they did not disappoint. 

After dinner we explored the grounds a bit before cozying in our rooms. 

The inn served a lovely continental breakfast... and I wish I had a picture of it. Beautiful muffins, fruit, and oatmeal. Hot tea... so glad for the tea! And we ate on the porch again. 

And just like the day before, we shopped for the rest of the morning - this time in all of the quaint Chester shops. 

We loved this bookstore. 

Creaky floors, I loved this little bookstore that had the 'shop around the corner' feel. 

I left with this new Christmas book - author from Vermont. 

Loved the charming candy shoppe

... and so many other little stores. After all of this it was time to check out of the inn. 

On our way out of town we stopped at an antique store (I'll have to take a few pictures of the things I brought home with me) and lunch here and the "Country Girl Diner" 

And with a bit of relaxation in us, we headed home. Time to get ready for Anna's graduation party! 

From the most Charming Towns to visit in New England:

If you're looking for an authentic Vermont rural experience, look no further than blissfully uncrowded Chester. It's located on the slopes of the Green Mountains, with the Williams River passing through. In Chester, you'll find charming inns, stone houses, quaint churches, swimming holes, covered bridges, and farm to table restaurants

Chester is best known for its Stone Village and Chester Village Historic Districts. The Stone Village derives its name from the plethora of granite houses in the area. Chester Village gives off a classic Federal and Colonial aesthetic.

Chester is also home to cute boutiques, antique shops, art galleries, and some fabulous restaurants. There are some beautiful artisanal crafts at DaVallia Art and Accents and handcrafted jewelry at Sage Jewelry and Gifts. In the summer, Chester hosts concerts on the town green. And the Weston Playhouse puts on terrific theater.

Where to stay in Chester: Inn Victoria, Fullerton Inn, Stone Hearth Inn

Where to eat in Chester: Free Range Restaurant, Heritage Deli & Bakery, Pizza Stone VT, Alice's Restaurant

Chester in the fall...