It has been three/four days since we departed Houston, and as many of you know that typically means a unschedule, but not unexpected Eddie day in Dry Dock. Our room on Lake Winnipesaukee (Winni in N.H. speak) and the fluffy duvet cover on our bed have been calling to Eddie during the day. The weather gods must have heard him, as the skies opened up on during Thursday night, and have made very little movement since then. As this is not a heavy sight seeing trip, Eddie was actually ready to dawn his rain gear and brave the elements. Surprise, surprise.
We ventured out for breakfast to George’s diner. Trip Advisor and CG both agreed that it was a must do for breakfast. Eddie is a big breakfast guy, so he was all about heading to the George. George’s in a white framed smallish building perch on the hill over looking Winni. The building has probably had several tenants before George in the early 1990’s…not sure if it has been cleaned or renovated since before that date. Some of the paint on the window panes looks slightly older than our children. The seating and Formica tables were older than that. As were the 4x6 pieces of white (at some point) foam randomly glued to the low ceiling to help with the noise level. The dining area is about the size of our dining room and foyer area, with a Waffle House bar in front. The flooring may have been faux brown wood linoleum or contact paper, but the rubbed white area under each table said it had seen a lot of different folks feet/shoes. There was not an open table to be had, young, old, tourist and local all sat eagerly awaiting a hardy breakfast at very reasonable prices, no egg up charge, no substitutions, please. Three meals a day, with not one over $10 for breakfast, $15 for lunch, $20 for dinner, with each night special and all you can eat. Ed and I could have split breakfast, and taken home leftovers. Don’t judge a book by its cover, but think twice about using the ladies room.
It is one thing we have found all around Meredith. Food is good, basic hearty bill of fare, at very reasonable prices. The salad greens are fresh (see Moulton Farms), as is the seafood. Just like the Mills Falls resort which has most of the lodging around the lake, the restaurants (not George’s) tend to be under The Common Man ownership flag. Lots of different styles of food Italian, seafood, pizza, pub grub, all with their own name, but all similar in the amount and pricing and the little touches. Each has a block of local cheese or lobster cheese spread with crackers at the door. Take as much as you want, come back for seconds, but don’t take more than you need. The drinks from the bar don’t have big city or even resort pricing, but are hearty pours.
It is Friday, before Mother’s Day…also May weddings, while I suspect June is a more popular month at the temps have hovered in the 50-60’s. We have seen (and spoken with) some of the locals, we have seen a huge uptick in both people and traffic…shades of the season, we are sure. There are two groups…people that could pass for Kingwood peeps and decidedly older. When Eddie wiki-ed New Hampshire…”Live Free or die”, there are almost no taxes charged to its residents….and considered one of the most well educated people in the US. Other than the bitter winters it has all the things one would want. Low or no taxes, smart folks, lots of outdoor sports explains the somewhat older residents….must have gotten back from their winter homes in Florida early. While I am sure that summer sees it’s fair share of Muffy’s (you know, Kelly green slacks, pink Kate spade crossover bag, and cute little ballet flats) and Trippy’s (Boat shoes, Oxford striped shirt with a sweater secured around their neck) during the season, but for now, it is shoulder season and folks like us.
We popped in and out of the shops (rather shoppes), all are unique and decidedly not chain stores. There are bakeries and homemade ice cream parlors, independent bookstores and outdoor gear stores. Once totally soaked, we went back to our room…you know the one with the fireplace and balcony, to watch the rain fall, curl up with a book, and wait to be fed again. Dry dock/rainy days with Eddie can be so often full of unexpectedly fun.
Saturday is just like Friday, a heavy downpour to load the car and drive to Woodstock, Vermont. Nope, not that Woodstock, that one is in New York, near a dairy farm. Our 55 mile trip is up and down mountains, once again following a river or two (Indian and White Rivers) which after all the rain are swollen and above their banks…shades of Texas for sure. Flash Flood warning, anyone. The outdoor enthusiasts have their kayaks strapped on Sporty cars and are ready to ride the swift water. On our Vermont list (one more Bingo square for Karen) is Bernie (Sanders), Ben and Jerry’s original ice cream shoppe/factory, the Van Trapp Family Lodge (think Julie Andrew’s and Hills are alive with the sound of music), an early Rockefeller National Park (another twofer day), Simon Pearce glassworks, and last but certainly not least in Eddie’s mind, the Whistle Pig Distillery. Wish us luck and good hunting.
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