FREEBIE FRIDAY! Enjoy Vermont Fun for FREE or Dirt Cheap!

Take a covered bridge tour. Everyone always says..."we just have to see some covered bridges while we're here!" And it's true - covered bridges are a trademark of Vermont. These amazing structures are a unique feature of the Vermont landscape, taking us back to a distant time and place. And there are more covered bridges per square mile in Vermont than any other place in the world, with 107 authentic covered bridges located throughout the state. In nearby, New Hampshire, there are several others to see. A photographer's delight, for sure.

Your cost for this glorious day - $0.

Here's a peek at what you'll see here - watch video.

The Perfect Short Vacation in Vermont

Meet Alex & Lori. They were anxious to escape Manhattan and all the stress that comes along with busy city life. Off to Rabbit Hill they went, for a perfect 3 day Vermont vacation. They wanted to do it all... adventurous fun, countryside drives, "Vermonty" things, visit the wonderful folks at Stave Puzzles, and yet, have time to relax and do as many Stave puzzles as possible, and maybe squeeze in a little "do nothing" time. Three days... hmmmm... is it possible??? Absolutely! They crafted the perfect plan and proved it very possible. Here's how they did it...

Day One - Enjoyed a leisurely drive to Rabbit Hill Inn, arriving in the evening, and cozied into their luxury suite.

Day Two - A day in the Kingdom

• Enjoyed a full breakfast (by candlelight)
• Drove to Norwich to visit the infamous STAVE Puzzle Shop. They have been addicted to Stave puzzles for so long it was time to meet the folks behind these tormenting treasures.
• Wandered the backroads of the Northeast Kingdom countryside.
• Visited Cabot Cheese factory (tasting room was the best part)
• Visited Grand View Winery & tasted several lovely wines (a few bottles made it to the car).
• Stopped at Braggs Maple Syrup Farm. Learned all about the process, from tapping to boiling (again, a few bottles made it into the car).
• Wandered off to Barre and found an "outstanding lunch spot".
• Returned home to Rabbit Hill to relax, soak in the whirlpool tub.
• Wrapped up the day with a glorious dinner at the Inn, some fine wine, and puzzled the night away in our Snooty Fox Pub. Alex & Lori were in charge of "lights out" that night.

Day Three - The adrenaline rush!

• A Full breakfast prepared them for the adventurous day ahead.
• Off to Alpine Adventures for a heart racing ZIPLINE tour.
• While the blood was still pumping, they headed to the local gym for a great workout.
• Returned home to the inn, simmered down for well-earned IN-ROOM MASSAGES.
• Spent the duration of the day "in the zone" with long soaks in the double whirlpool, and reading on the porch.
• The grand finale -- another outstanding dinner at the inn, more fine wine, and more puzzling into the night. We're not kidding...those Stave puzzles are addictive. Guess who was in charge of "lights out" again?

Day Four - Upon a sad departure, they left us saying... "We'll be back in the winter for skiing!"

The result: the perfect short vacation. Well, done Alex & Lori. Can't wait to welcome you "back home" when the snow flies. You'll always be in charge of "lights out".

Rice Crispy Encrusted Scallops...really????

This might sound a bit wacky, but guests absolutely LOVE it. You have got to try this recipe!

Rice Crispy Encrusted Scallops with Grilled Asparagus and Melon (Appetizer to serve 4)

Ingredients:
8 Large Sea Scallops (U/10)
1/2 cup Rice Crispies

1/3 of melon (honeydew or canteloupe)

12 Asparagus Spears
1/2 bunch parsley-chopped

Egg wash (beaten egg in bowl)
Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Prep hot grill /Have blender handy
Chef note: Only use very fresh dry-packed scallops, nothing soaked in "treated liquid".

Method for purees:

• Cut asparagus spears in half and place on hot grill. Cook only 1/2 way through. Set aside
  
• Place melon pieces on grill until slightly limp. Remove and set aside.
  
• Cut tips off 6 asparagus spears. Place stalks in blender and puree until smooth. Season with salt & pepper. Set aside.
  
• Rinse blender. Place melon pieces in blender (no rind). Puree until smooth. Season with salt & pepper. Set aside.
  
  Method for scallops:

From scallops, remove tough ligament if still attached. Rinse and pat dry.

Coat the flat sides of each scallop with Rice Crispies. Brush with egg wash. Keep sides clear of Rice Crispies. Secure the coating by patting down with hands.

Place a skillet on medium high heat. Heat 1 tsp of oil. Sear the flat sides of scallops only until golden in color.

If they need to cook more, place them on baking sheet and bake in oven at 350 degrees until preferred doneness. Note 2-3 minutes = medium rare.

In bowl, toss remaining asparagus spears with a little EVOO and 1/2 the parsley.

To Plate:

Spoon some asparagus puree on the center of each plate.

Place the asparagus spears on top of puree.

Spoon the melon puree all around, as garnish design

Place scallops on top of asparagus. Drizzle with a little EVOO. Sprinkle with parsley. Serve & enjoy.

FREEBIE FRIDAY! More fun stuff to do that's FREE or Dirt Cheap!

Don't stay home...get out and enjoy your summer. It doesn't have to cost you a dime! This week, it's all about biking. Saddle up your bike, fill the water bottle and ride the roads and trails of Vermont's beautiful Northeast Kingdom. Since we're so close, you can also explore the terrific biking trials of the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Take a day trip, cycle for a few hours, or ride miles and miles of scenic backcountry roads. The varied terrain includes routes through valleys, along ridges, over mountains, through quaint towns and villages, across covered bridges on both paved and unpaved roads. You can easily find trails to accommodate all levels of availability.
This glorious summer day will cost you $0.

Looking for something more thrilling? In addition to the roads and paths, mountain bikers can enjoy the famous Kingdom Trails network, rated "among the top 10 in the world" by the International Biking Assoc. BIKE Magazine rated them the "Best trail network in North America". Need we say more?

Your cost for this adventurous day - only $10 per person.

Bike rentals are available on site. You'll find several videos of these trail adventures on YouTube. Check this out.

FREE (or dirt cheap) Vacation Ideas - Part 3. Visit the Grand View Winery

It's Freebie Friday again! Folks are starting to catch on to the fact that you can enjoy great getaway days up here in "North Country" and not spend the bucks!

Our Free vacation activity for the week is... a delicious visit to the Grand View Winery. Take a glorious countryside drive to this wonderful winery in East Calais, VT. (just 30 minutes from Rabbit Hill Inn) Here you will be welcomed by some very friendly folks, taste some lovely and very unique wines.

Besides all that, you'll be blown away by glorious view of the Northeast Kingdom. They don't call it "Grand View" Winery for nothing. Wander through the gardens and soak in the tranquility. It's a perfect place for a picnic. You'll want your camera, for sure. Your cost for this memorable experience - $0

FREE (or dirt cheap) Summer Vacation Ideas ~ Stephen Huneck's Dog Mountain

Welcome to our 2nd blog entry of "FREE (or dirt cheap) Summer Vacation Ideas". Everyone should know that there is great stuff to do up here in Vermont & New Hampshire that DOESN'T COST MONEY! So check out this blog every Friday, and you'll discover a new and fun vacation activity idea. I'm talking about real activities, not just strolling through a gift shop.

This week, we introduce you to the internationally noted DOG MOUNTAIN. If you are an animal lover (or just an animal liker), you will be amused, entertained, and deeply touched by this place. Here you will discover Stephen Huneck's Gallery, the famous Dog Chapel and glorious hiking trails of Dog Mountain (great place for a picnic). You'll probably meet Stephen and his wife, Gwen.

Your cost $0. Your experience...priceless. Bring your camera.

Boston Magazine said it best, "The work of Stephen Huneck is like laughter, enriching to life and uplifting to the soul" Watch this.