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Today we're heading to Stowe. It's a rainy day, so we decide to take a leisurely scenic route through back roads. This lovely route took us through Potter Place, Eagle Pond, and other pull-to-the-side-of-the-road spots.
Potter Place
Potter Place is in Andover, NH (not to be confused with Andover, MA). Named after Richard Potter (1783-1835), a noted magician, ventriloquist and showman. According to Wikipedia, he was the first American-born magician to gain fame in his own country and is widely considered the first African-American celebrity.
The Potter Place Railroad Station dates to 1874, and is considered "perhaps the best 19th century wooden railroad station surviving in New Hampshire", according to the Andover History Society. The bay window is where the station manager's office is.
Eagle Pond
Eagle Pond has a small fishing access area with a beautiful view of the pond. We discover this place by seeing the small sign and pulling into the lot. Spontaneity can be so rewarding.
One benefit of driving US-4 is the many places along the way with wide shoulder areas to pull over. But note to self: painted yellow lines can indicate a well-traveled road. Here is a view from a random stop along the way.
AirBnB in Stowe
Our home for 2 nights is a detached home where the hosts live onsite. I explore the grounds including a small pond and a trail that ultimately leads to an entire network of trails.
Hen of the Wood, Waterbury, VT
I was given a strong recommendation to eat at Hen of the Wood near Stowe. The only reservation we were able to get was 9:30pm (but hey, that's only 6:30pm back home, right?).
Let's go early - maybe we can grab a drink at the bar.
Uh, no. We're early, but the bar is full and isn't expected to open up any seating before our dinner time. So we go across the street to a pub which has great TVs for sports.
Dinner at Hen of the Wood is spectacular. Wonderful ambience - lively sound yet we can still hear each other speak without yelling. Pleasant lighting (a bit too dark for me to get good photos, or to see the menu really). And music powered by Sonos Ones.
Food we thoroughly enjoy and completely consume: hanger steak, pappardelle, cheese plate, vegetable side dish, ice cream. I really should have taken notes. Wine choice: Eola-Amity Hills 2023 Pinot Noir from Willamette Valley.
Nice, clean plates. We do what I was taught to do growing up: finish your food.
Mike points out to me how thoroughly the chef cleans the kitchen, taking great care to clean all the surfaces.
Here you can see a couple of the Sonos Ones mounted along the one beam.
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