Return to Vermont – July 2, 2026

We left the heat of New Bern towards the end of June, hoping to find cooler temperatures when we arrived in Vermont. Tonight, July 3, our wish was granted, with a breeze blowing and current temps in the 70’s. We spent the day exploring places we didn’t see last year, with the exception of the JK Adams kitchen store, where I found exactly what I was looking for and more. Spending time in a kitchen store can make you hungry, so our next stop was the Dorset Bakery – perfect!

After lunch we drove south to Mount Equinox, passing the Norcross-West Marble Quarry, the first marble quarry in the US and a favorite place to swim! Marble from here was used in building the NY Public Library, Brown University, and other well-known buildings.

We arrived at the Mt. Equinox toll house just in time to drive 5.2 miles to the top (3,848’) and thoroughly take in the Saint Bruno Viewing Center and the surrounding peaks in VT, NY, and NH. It’s said that on a clear day you can also see those in MA & Canada (not today).

The history of Mt. Equinox and how it became the location for the Carthusian Order’s Charterhouse of the Transfiguration (the only charterhouse in the US) is interesting and complicated, so I’ll rely on the photos below to tell *some* of that story (must enlarge photos).

Front Entrance
Chapel Entrance

We have compiled a list of easy walking paths in the area, so we drove on to Lake Shaftesbury State Park, which has a path encircling the lake. The lake was filled with folks trying to cool off at the lake (and the resulting lack of parking anywhere), so back to Dorset we went, stopping at the grocery store along the way for a few items. Tomorrow is supposed to be rainy, unfortunately, but it may be clear in the evening should we decide to drive to Manchester to see the fireworks.

11 thoughts on “Return to Vermont – July 2, 2026”

  2. Enjoy your trip… you have given me some ideas for day trips to VT.

    If you entrue into the Adirondacks let me know and I will stop by to visit (if not traveling somewhere myself)

    Thanks, Harlan

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    1. Hi Harlan, thanks for your message! We’ll just have a quick stop in the Adks due to appointments back home; we’re loving this cooler weather in VT! Going to NH tomorrow.
      M&D

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  3. Beautiful pictures! Have a Happy 4th. Unfortunately we are inside with bronchitis! I haven’t been this sick in years. Thankfully Ray doesn’t have it as bad as I do! Take care & safe travels!

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    1. Oh, Laurie! I am so sorry to hear this! You and Ray have had a rough time lately! Do take care, and thanks for taking time to follow our travels.

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    1. Great pictures👍Love Vermont . I was worried for you when I saw what the temp was back your way … glad you got out of doge.

      Thanks for including us. ❤️

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      1. Yes, we know how you love this area! Glad you’re on the coast and not affected by the heat. Thanks for following our travels once again!

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  5. Wow, you chose a good time NOT to be in NC. We arrived home on 7/2 and are in the process of doing all the stuff to get unpacked and back into storage. Heat index is 110 today…and again tomorrow. We’re working by 6 and quitting by noon.

    More importantly, it looks like y’all are having fine weather and able to finish the trip from last year. Stay healthy this time and behave yourselves! We’ll be following along!

    Greg & Kathy

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    1. Thanks, Kathy & Greg! Be careful in that heat. Thanks for following our travels once again. Glad you are home safe and sound after some weather excitement on your trip!

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