Hey there Wednesday!
Who wants to see pics from our trip to Vermont?
I hope you do because that’s what’s on the docket today!
We had decided not to travel for my birthday this year (our original trip needing to be postponed until next year), but at kind of the last minute (or last minute by Andrew and Shay standards…like the end of September), we decided to get away a few days and see beautiful Vermont! It was only a few days, but I got to turn 40 in “fall girl” heaven!
I mean…Vermont in the fall and Texas in the fall are basically the same thing.
Minus the cooler weather.
And rivers.
And mountains.
And most gorgeous foliage ever. 😉
It was a great trip! Here are some pics and info in case you want to go too!
We left on Sunday morning, October 24th and flew into Boston just in time for lunch! We rented a car and drove over to…
…Yankee Lobster! We ate here over the summer and wanted to go back. It really is quite the gem! The food is amazing, and you’re in and out quickly. Just look…
…yes, yes, yes!! Lobster and chowder on the patio? Yes, please!
After lunch, we got in the car and drove about 2 hours and 15 minutes from Boston to Woodstock, Vermont. It was without a doubt the MOST BEAUTIFUL DRIVE OF MY LIFE! The leaves were fabulous across Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont. Stunning. It was just stunning!
Finally, we arrived at our hotel…
…we stayed at the Woodstock Inn and Resort, and it was perfection. Honestly, I don’t think I can remember a hotel that I loved more. The grounds were gorgeous, the hotel itself was fantastic, it was right in town so an easy walk to everything, they had two great restaurants…fabulous. It was fabulous.
Just walking in the door gave me happy vibes!
We dropped our bags in our room and headed out to explore before our dinner reservations (at one of the hotel’s restaurants).
This jacket is one of my very favorite fall purchases!! It’s so warm, has nice deep pockets, is lined beautifully in a fun pink and just fit great! It comes in a lot of colors, but this nutmeg spoke to me. It runs TTS (I bought xs). You know I love my Sorels too 🙂 .
Our hotel was right in town, so it was easy to get out and check out the fun.
There was a lively bar on one corner showing Sunday night football, so we popped in for a drink and to watch.
Later that night, we got dressed and headed out to dinner at one of the hotel’s restaurants (they had two really great ones!).
My sweater dress is HERE.
The next morning, we woke up…
…and it was my 40th birthday!!! I started my day with a run and then we headed to Mon Vert Cafe in town for breakfast (a spicy breakfast burrito for me!).
It was a great bakery and cafe!
After breakfast, we headed back to the resort to get ready for the day…
…this fall uniform on repeat. HAT//TURTLENECK//SCARF//FAUX LEATHER LEGGINGS//SORELS
And of course, my coat 🙂 .
We headed out on foot and explored beautiful Woodstock the rest of the morning…
Living my best birthday 🙂 .
After a morning of shopping and exploring, we got in the car and drove to some neighboring towns.
40 isn’t too bad! 😉
We sampled (and bought!) some spirits from this distillery…
…checked out the AMAZING scenery…
…no filter. Isn’t that gorgeous?!
Fall happiness at every turn!
We had heard that the place to visit was Simon Pearce where they have so many unique and gorgeous blown glass pieces. It was incredible!! Their showroom is a must…
…it felt like Sweet Home Alabama! We bought several things including a Christmas tree, pumpkin, some scotch glasses and had them shipped to our house. Our favorite part was going downstairs though and actually watching them…
…create the pieces by blowing the glass. SO COOL!!
I really think Andrew and I could have stayed all afternoon just watching. We were mesmerized!!
Another cool thing at Simon Pearce is the location. Right out the back door on their back deck is this view…
…hello!
This was just right out the back door!
After a very full day of exploring and site seeing (we visited several towns around Woodstock), we headed back that evening to the hotel…
…even the back of our resort was pretty!
We decided to have a snack and drink at the bar…
…before our dinner (where I forgot to take a single pic!). We had such a fun night and stayed in the hotel to enjoy my birthday dinner at their other restaurant. Tip: it felt like allllllll the restaurants were closed in Vermont on Mondays. We knew that before we went, but my birthday fell on a Monday, so we rolled the dice and went anyway. We had a different restaurant lined up for dinner about 20 minutes away, but after having such a great time at the first hotel restaurant, we changed our reservations and went to the other restaurant the next night. We would have LOVED to enjoy the restaurants in town, but they were closed. The stores were all open on Monday, but the dining spots were very limited.
The next morning, our time in Vermont was over, so after a lovely breakfast, we got in the car and headed back to Boston…
Another cozy combo for my car ride! These jeans (with the distressing) make me happy and so does my Abercrombie sweater! My hat is HERE.
Goodbye Woodstock, we will be back!!!
Coffee and donuts for the ride to Boston.
We arrived in Boston with a day just to enjoy. We *had* tickets to Game One of the World Series that night but you know…the Red Sox lost/choked/ended their season early, so instead, we had the day to just relax.
We did a lot of strolling and ate delicious oysters.
It was a great day with my favorite man.
We wrapped up our trip with dinner that night at Sorellina and then headed home the next morning.
It was the ultimate fall girl turns forty trip 🙂 .
Now, unfortunately, trips like this are not planned here at Mix and Match Travel Agency…but don’t worry, the next trip Andrew and I have booked is one we could send you on too! Stay tuned for more travel fun in the future!!
Forty is off to a great start! I’m excited to see what’s in store for the year/decade ahead.
Okay friends, have a great day! See you tomorrow! xx
Erika Slaughter says
Looks like an amazing getaway! That hotel is just stunning! I’d have been looking for Jake in that glass blowing store-total Sweet Home Alabama vibes!
Krista says
First, Happy Birthday! Second, this post could not be more perfect in the timing. My friend moved to Woodstock recently and purchased the Village Inn of Woodstock. Now I know some things to check out when I go to visit her soon. I love your travel posts!
Elspeth says
What a gorgeous place to get away and celebrate you!!! Happy belated birthday!!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Tricia says
Happy birthday, Shay!! I’m a longtime reader living in Vermont (by way of Boston!). If you are interested in coming back ever, please let me know! There are some really fun ski towns that your family would love, and I’d be happy to share some local insider tips! 🙂 Have a great day!
lizzie says
Hi Tricia! I would love some info on cute ski towns if you would love to share!!
Tricia says
Yes! Stowe, VT is probably the most well-known. Stowe Mtn is huge and the town has lots of restaurants/shops/boutique hotels. Sugarbush is a great family mountain and it’s not too far from Waitsfield, which has some fun restaurants and breweries (Lawson’s taproom is a hot spot for beer lovers!). Killington is more Southern VT and that’s another BIG mountain with lots to do there. If you’re a novice skier, I really like Bolton Valley! It’s definitely a lot smaller, but it’s fun for a group with mixed abilities. It’s also not that far from Stowe, Waterbury (a super cute, tiny town next to Stowe – the Reservoir is a great spot!) and it’s not THAT far from Burlington, which is our “big city” in Vermont! 😉 If you want to go waaaay north Jay Peak is supposed to be really fun! There’s an indoor waterpark in addition to the ski mountain!
polly pover says
Lots of great things are in Vermont. Everywhere you turn, there is such natural beauty. Plus, Bernie looking out for it all! Happy Bday!!
Nicole says
Looks perfect!! What is your go to drink order?
Mix and Match Mama says
If I’m some place new, I like to try whatever seasonal specialty they are offering!
Dana P says
What a fun post for a rainy fall morning! I’m intrigued by your hair though. How did you make it look so good after wearing a hat all day?! Also, was there sunshine? The beautiful NE reminds me of Paris, but man, that lack of sunshine is tough from November all the way to the end of March!
Mix and Match Mama says
Hahahaha! I just kind of brush it a bit and make it work.
Teresa says
It was so fun running into you in Boston! Thanks for being so sweet!
Mix and Match Mama says
It was so much fun meeting YOU!!!!
Lisa says
I lived in Boston (where my boyfriend at the time now husband is from) after college and he took me to the Woodstock Inn for a long weekend when we were dating. We went in winter and did a snow mobile tour all around the area. It was super cool (but very cold for this Southerner!) I still remember the hotel’s amazing breakfast! This post brought back lots of fun memories!!
Wendy Hicks says
Oh Shay…….thank you for all the great pictures. I was born and raised in Massachusetts and miss the beauty and charm sooooo much. Love TX but just NOT the same. ??
Kristin says
We loved Vermont when we visited, and plan to go back in 2022, and to visit New Hampshire as well. And, after visiting Boston in September with my mom, I can’t wait to go with my husband! Thanks for sharing your lovely trip. I wish we could go NOW!
Amie says
You were in Quechee! I was there Saturday and Sunday of the same weekend, love that area!
Mix and Match Mama says
It was GORGEOUS! I wish I would have bumped into you!!
Alison says
I’m so glad you guys had a great trip! How beautiful! I would love to go in the Fall to see all the foliage. 🙂
Sara says
Happy Birthday! I turned 40 right before you on Oct. 13 so welcome to the club. 🙂
Laci Murray says
Beautiful!!
Alyssa Cuellar says
Looks like an amazing trip! Have you watched the documentary about Simon Pearce’s son, Kevin? Its called the Crash Reel and it’s so good! Have a great week!
Ramona Puckett says
Love these pictures! Vermont is beautiful in the fall and I’m so happy you two got to spend your birthday there!
Mary says
Ahhhh…your trip makes my heart happy! Exactly the kind of retirement trip I have been wanting to take the past 2 falls. Can I ask where you stayed in Boston? The hotel in Woodstock looks AMAZING!!
Britt F. says
I love that you take us on your trips through your posts. It makes me want to travel right NOW! May I ask who watches your kids when you travel just the two of you? That’s the part I struggle with and that’s what keeps me home more than I’d like for big anniversaries and birthdays. I always feel guilty asking my parents, but I don’t know if a paid sitter would want to do it for multiple days, so I’m curious what you’ve found that works for your family.
Mix and Match Mama says
It’s almost always the grandparents (they alternate), but this time, a sweet friend from church watched them. Childcare is the hardest part of traveling for us too.
Kristine says
Hi Shay,
The link to the hat with the puff takes me to the dress. Can you re-link the hat? Thank you so much and this trip looks like it was a lot of fun!
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh darn! Yes! doing that now!
Keisha Dawson says
It looks like an absolutely glorious trip, and the perfect way to celebrate turning 40! I’m sending the details to my husband now in hopes of a trip next fall!
Jen says
What a fabulous trip!! This reminds me a lot of one of my favorite places – Galena, Illinois! (minus the seafood)
WhittyWife says
So fun!! ?? I’m in Maine, and I agree that New England has the BEST Falls!
Next time you’re in Boston, you need to stroll the North End. You really can’t go wrong at any of the little Italian restaurants! Also, if you haven’t already been, you MUST visit Mike’s Pastry in the North End! It’s legendary, there are always long lines (but they move fast!), and their cannoli is authentic and amazing (with a plethora of other desserts if cannoli isn’t your thing).
Alanna says
Gorgeous! Just Gorgeous! What a beautiful place to visit! Adding it to my travel list now! The rain would have been the icing on top for me! If you ever have a chance to visit the Grove Park Inn in Asheville, N.C. , you would love it, especially this time of year! Thanks for sharing this trip!
Valerie says
When you first walked into the Inn I thought you were going to say Lorelai Gilmore greeted you! LOL It reminds me of her Inn. So cozy and beautiful! Thanks for sharing.
Jennifer says
Happy belated 40th birthday! I’m glad it was such a great birthday. I’d love to visit that area in the Fall. Bucket list item for sure! Thanks for sharing the pictures!
Shirley says
Happy belated birthday!! Love Vermont too! Can you tell me please about your black jacket with the silver zipper?? Looks like something I need!
Thank you!
Mix and Match Mama says
It’s actually a dress! I should have linked that too! Here it is: https://shopstyle.it/l/bzPOZ
Shirley says
Thank you so much for the link! I think I love it even more as a dress! I have to confess, I love most if not all, of your clothing!! Thanks again and Happy Holidays in advance!!
Jenna says
I grew up going to Quechee. It’s the best! Glad you enjoyed your birthday trip!
Mix and Match Mama says
Quechee is gorgeous!! What a beautiful place to grow up!
Lauren Laing says
Looks like a GORGEOUS birthday trip!! Happy 40th! Curious what color are your SORELS? These are on my Christmas list!!
Mix and Match Mama says
Mine are quarry!
Jeanne Carlson says
Loved your Vermont story! Can you tell us, please, about your 40th fundraiser for the Scottish Rite Hospital? Thanks so much!
Mix and Match Mama says
It closed out at $55,600!!! Isn’t that crazy cool?!
Kim N says
Oh my gosh – that hotel!! I had actually seen a photo of it on Pinterest recently – the one with all the pumpkins in front – maybe it was even on your fall Pinterest board? But wherever I saw it didn’t say where it was, so I did a google image search to figure it out and added it to my places to go someday list. Glad to hear it was excellent overall, in addition to being just adorable! Happy birthday!!
Lizzie says
Looks amazing!! wish I was there right now!
Seunghye Huggins says
We stayed at the Woodstock Inn this summer. It was our stopped from Lake George, NY on our way to Boston. We were so glad we stayed in that town. Your pictures were all the same pictures we took of the town. We loved it there and the Inn was amazing. One of my top 5 hotels we’ve stayed at. Glad you had a great 40th Birthday!
LizThorson says
Shay, I loved your birthday trip to New England! The scenery of the land, the foliage, the towns’ buildings and charm, the food, your hotel….I love New England! We were lucky to spend most of the 1st year of our marriage, 46 years ago, in Boston while my husband earned is Masters in Taxation at BU. We loved day and weekend trips all over New England, traveling in our VW camper van. Sweet memories back when…
Thank you for sharing and again, Happy Birthday!
Lizzie says
Shay! You look fantastic at 40!
You are rocking that sweater dress!
You are definitely my fit goals inspiration!
God bless you and your beautiful family:)
Thanks for sharing your trip with us!
Tiff says
Happy birthday Shay!!!!
Sidenote: recently visited Boston for the first time after reading your posts on it for years and not only do I now share your love for it, I also have decided that I prefer Red Sox over Yankees 🙂
Joanne says
That sounds like an amazing trip! I’ll have to keep that hotel/town in mind; we often are looking for quick weekend getaways in New England.
Amy says
Looks like a great idea for a short trip! Speaking of, I’m planning a girls trip to NY in December and I can’t find the post on your girls trip. Can you link it pretty please?
Mix and Match Mama says
Let me look…I’m not sure I did a full post on that trip?!
Amy says
Thanks!
Maggie Arencibia says
First time I read your blog and we just did the same trip this past October 5th. Went to Burlington Vermont, Woodstock, went to the glass blowing place and ended in Boston. We took a tour of the stadium, the red Sox’s played away that day. Enjoyed your trip. Would love to read about other travels. Btw, belated happy birthday!
Kristy Moore says
Can’t wait to see where your ‘original’ trip takes you next year. I have no doubt it will be BIG!
Roger Kaid says
I didn’t see any pics of the covered bridges. Did you get a chance to see any? There’s one right off of Route 4 on your left as you were heading towards Killington. There are some beautiful trails in Killington as well.
Mix and Match Mama says
YES!!! We saw so many!!! They are beautiful!
Sheaffer says
So glad you got to have your fall girl bday!!!!
Sarah says
I’d love to know what other little towns you visited and route please!
Debbie Laredo says
We went to the northeast for our honeymoon and spent 2 nights in Woodstock. Stayed at the Jackson House Inn. You need to check it out!!
Kacy M says
Happy birthday!
Mallory says
Looks like a fun trip! Watching glass blowing is truly fascinating – I agree! You might like to check out Blown Away on Netflix. It’s a glass blowing competition, with a specific assignment and an elimination each episode. The art is stunning and the stories are compelling.
Crissy Fabian says
Shay, my husband and I went to Vermont in October and, 10 minutes after we checked into our Airbnb, I fell and broke my left ankle and right foot. Woodstock was on my list for us to visit and also Simon Pearce, so reading this was like we actually were there ?. The people in Vermont are truly the nicest, from the ambulance crew to the medical center staff and to my sweet cousin near Burlington who let me crash at their house to recover long enough to fly home to FL while my hubby drove home with our dog.
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh my word!! That is terrible yet so heartwarming at the same time!!
Kristi B Rose says
I researched and planned Our entire Vermont trip for our annual “Sista Trip” a couple of years ago. It is a heavenly place!!! (Marla and other sis, Kay from California). Simon Pearce and Woodstock were truly spectacular! Loved watching the glass being blown, too!! We visited most of the covered bridges, stayed in lovely B & Bs… etc. As you say, I will be back!!!