Headed out to capture some foreign towns and ST spots in New Hampshire, Vermont and a little bit in New York right after Labor Day. Weather was near perfection for both days. First stop was in West Peterboro for the post office ( no picture ). Picked up my first NH Historic Marker in Bennington, NH. Both NH and VT have many markers which may contain ST words, like first, oldest, earliest, etc etc making them a rich set of targets. This particular marker had 3 words that counted in it and a good capture.
In Antrim, NH along US 202 is the Maplehurst Inn. Good for 1 point, but also gives the flavor on New England to those that live outside of the area. Not a lot of info on the inn but I thought it looked cool. The steeple in the background is the First Presbyterian Church which was a preplanned target.
Along Rt 9 in Stoddard, NH is this double arch bridge which built without mortar and pretty typical in the area in the 19th century.
Also along Rt 9 and in Stoddard as well, this small pond with the trees caught my eye. It is only 9/4 and the trees appear to be turning already.
The first of many covered bridges that I came across on this trip is the West Swanzey Covered Bridge built in 1832 by Zadoc Taft for the town at a cost of $523.27. (Wikipedia). It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.
Traveling up Rt 103A in New London, NH I caught his out of the corner of my eye and turned around to grab a picture for the IBA Lighthouse tour. First picture is an attempt to get a closer up shot of the lighthouse and get the flag in as well. Who says all pictures has to be level. The second is a more traditional shot. This is the Hendrick Cove Lighthouse on Sunapee Lake.
Passed thru Lebanon NH, grabbed a pic of the Post Office for a foreign country town (Team Strange Grand Tour) and crossed the Connecticut River, entering Vermont. Along US4 in Woodstock is the Taftsville Covered Bridge. Also listed on the Register, it was built in 1836 and is one of the oldest remaining covered bridges in Vermont and the nation as well.
Managed my way to Chester VT for the First Baptist Church that either has changed or they don't state they are the First one. Headed out of Chester on RT 11 and made left turn onto RT 121 and a right onto Windham Hill Rd, for an great ride the country. At the end of Windham Hill Rd I was facing the West Townshend Country Store and Post Office, which is a great example of the country stores thru out Vermont. Not too far away on RT30 is the Townsend Dam Diner, a great place for a turkey sandwich.
Instead off turning left, I headed right into Jamaica for Team Stange Grand Tour.
The second to last stop of the day was the West Wardsboro PO. A 20 mile round trip and it turns out the Post Office only says Post Office. Headed back to Londonderry VT, picking up the First Baptist Church and then to the motel for the night, the Blue Gentian. A view of one of the best riding roads, RT 100.
The Blue Gentian is a small 13 room Alp styled motel, small business owned. The rooms are very quaint and very reminiscent of a 1950 / 60 motel that has been updated but kept its charm. Presumably the folks I meet are the owners. He rides a Honda ST and we talked about the Spyder quite a bit, since he is considering it an option, the ST is getting heavy as he ages. Don't I know that. I would highly recommend the motel. For more info CLICK HERE
The sun is out and bright, before leaving grabbed one more picture of the area, just to make it OFFICIAL.
Headed north to Rutland VT and then west to Whitehall NY. On US 4 had to stop for these guys. Big Foot was first sited in Whitehall in 1975 and has made frequent visits to the area since.
Back into Rutland, made a right onto US 7 heading south and then west riding NY 22 to Hoosick heading back into Bennington. In Shaftsbury stopped for the Robert Frost Museum. Frost resided in the house from 1920 to 1929.
In Bennington grabbed a picture of Hemmings Motor News Sunoco Station. This is Hemmings News world headquarters.
A no point stop, Bennington Battle Monument, which commemorates the turning point in the Revolutionary War to our favor. It is also the tallest structure in Vermont.
In West Dover VT I stopped at Post Office for points and happened to see this sign as well. Kelly Clark won halfpipe gold at the 2002 Winter Olympics.
Heading into West Dummerston for the PO, crossed the Rock River via the Williamsville Covered Bridge, built in the 1870's
Wrapping up the stops is Amazing Planet Farm and Justice Center. Somewhat confusing on what they do, other than grow organic food and have rooms to stay in. I wonder if you can work the farm for food and shelter, it is Vermont after all. I stopped here because I was on the road and the sign said GUEST.
I had more stops before I got home, but they were rather mundane. Coverd 727 miles in 2 days of great weather and roads.
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