Plainfield, NH (USA)

A few weeks ago, my neighbors brought home some hand-picked produce from one of the farms south of West Lebanon (Riverview) and shared it with me.  From that moment, the urge to harvest my own batch of blueberries, raspberries, apples and pumpkins got stronger and stronger - I really wanted to go there myself!  Liz drove down from Montpelier (with her dog, Lincoln) this morning and we met up at Riverview Farm just after they opened (0915).  We got some apple cider donuts they made on the property and then got our picking boxes.  Only 20 minutes after they opened, the entire parking lot was full - it was yet another example of how the Early Bird wins almost every time...  It occurred to me as we walked through the grounds that a lot of things might have been picked clean.  Fortunately, despite several weeks of large crowds at this popular place, we were still able to find unpicked berries and apples.  And the experience was really fun!  Everyone - especially the families - seemed to be enjoying themselves.  It occurred to me later that the whole thing reminded me of visits with Mollie to the Tyo Christmas Tree Farm in Nanjemoy...  Liz stocked up for her baking projects but I only hunted for snacks, so my bill came to just under $3.00 (wow!).  Before leaving, we visited the huge corn maze - it was very well done and included lots of local monster-lore (my favorite part was learning about the Pukwudgies).  We entertained ourselves in the crisp, Fall New England air for almost two hours (done at 1055).  Definitely going back to the farm again...  Afterwards, we drove north to West Lebanon so that Liz could walk her dog - we parked at the airport and got in some steps nearby.  We then drove over to Applebees for lunch - it was a good meal and we had some good conversation.  Finished up at around 1220 and we both headed home.  What a nice day!