Windsor, VT (USA)

My dad was visiting and the weather looked very nice so I asked my customer if I could have a delayed start to my work day (he agreed).  Dad and I left my condo at around 0900 and we used NH-12A to reach the Plainfield area.  We first tried to visit some of the "U-Pick" farms there but I learned they were closed on Mondays.  Oh well...  We continued south until we reached the town of Cornish - my dad was interested in seeing the St. Gaudens NPS Site and we located elements of it ("Blow-Me-Down" Mill and the Artist Colony) easily.  We eventually found the main buildings and enjoyed a nice walk around the grounds.  There were amazing views of Ascutney (we learned it was one of the biggest "monadnocks" in the Northeast), lots of large sculptures (the most famous of which was the Robert Gould Shaw Memorial) and several interesting buildings (although all were closed).  My dad said he'd never been to the location but had always wanted to see it.  After about an hour, we drove across the Connecticut River (via an old covered bridge) into the town of Windsor, Vermont.  We explored the old buildings in town and found the train station.  Even more interesting, though, we located the building where the state of Vermont was formed during the American Revolution.  Dad enjoyed the history.  Nearby, we found some trails and walked around a small pond that had even better views of Ascutney.  We met some people (most were walking their dogs) and asked about the area.  One older gentleman was almost "overly" helpful - my dad thought it was great how everyone was so helpful and nice.  We drove a short distance to the Harpoon Brewery and had lunch (finished at 1220).  Overall, our excursion was pretty fun - we got some history, scenery, food and conversation.  Dad said he enjoyed the day - and I was happy to get a break before my telework day really began.