An outstanding dinner @ The Barnard INN Restaurant Barnard, Vermont

During our stay at the Maple Leaf Inn in Barnard, Vermont, we had an incredible meal the first night at the Barnard Inn Restaurant.  The main dining room is a bit pricey and offers a prix fixe menu with several courses.  We weren't feeling in the mood for a multi-course dinner, but were looking forward to some delicious food.  We found it at Max's Tavern, the 'back' of the restaurant.  The tavern was cozy and warm, the waiters knowledgeable and friendly, and the food rich and scrumptious.  The menu changes daily, but the sweet potato fries, french fries, and buttermilk-battered onion rings are always on the menu.  During our visit, we saw GOBS of them coming out in cone-shaped paper holders that were placed in metal stands- people were just gobbling them up!

That night, I had a Yankee pot roast that was heavenly.  The beef was tender and flavorful and the crust divine- I haven't had a dish like that in a really long time.  They grow many of their own vegetables and get others from local farms and markets.  We also had a salmon dish and actually splurged on an apple dessert that evening that really was special- 

The owners have two very friendly German Shepherds that oftentimes come into the tavern.  We were 'warned' about these huge dogs, so we weren't alarmed when they barked and greeted us in the parking lot.  They are completely friendly and seeing that the ducks are still walking around there, the dogs must be pretty gentle. 

If you're in Barnard, Vermont, I have to recommend this lovely restaurant for a great meal- many locals were there that evening and I really got the feeling that it is THE place to be on any given night-

the ducks of the Barnard Inn Restaurant

such happy ducks---

the arbor you go 'through' from parking lot to main entrance

the chicken coop

the lone pumpkin of the back garden

gorgeous burning bush

The wind had taken out most of the leaves

Outdoor seating area in warm weather months

the main entry on the side of the building

thought you'd want to see a close-up
LOVE the hand-painted signs!

Tummies full, it was time to get back to the inn for a great night's sleep....which was in walking distance of the restaurant....

The Maple Leaf Inn

                                                              

Barnard, Vermont and the Maple Leaf INN

The Brick Store

Some of the covered bridges look pretty rough

some areas were so so green...

the backroads of New England

I KNOW I saw this same church in Kennebunk!

Talk about lawn ornaments!

Steeples and clocks

I see some pumpkins!!

I LOVED this- I haven't seen a five and dime store since I was a kid!

lots of leaves down here, but green grass prevails

And....after the drive, we arrive in Barnard, Vermont and the doorsteps to our INN- the Maple Leaf INN!

The Maple Leaf Inn sits on approximately 14 acres and it's absolutely beautiful!

THE MAPLE LEAF INN is owned by a wonderful couple!! The structure is new, compared to the victorian mansion around New England, but it is made to 'look' old.  Inside, rooms are lovely, the food is delicious, and the library has a computer to use and books to borrow.  There is hot tea and coffee always available and a chocolate dish for those with a sweet tooth.  Breakfast was incredibly delicious, and on our second morning there, we had SNOW!  More on that later!  I don't typically recommend places to go.  I'll mention that I've been there, that we enjoyed it, that the food was yummy, or that the beds were cozy, but I would DEFINITELY go back here----we loved the area and its close proximity to other towns that we wanted to see, and it was just splendid to be there!!  If any of my readers are more interested and would like to ask me questions, I am more than happy to oblige.  Click on the link I've provided for more information, their rates, and photographs of the rooms.  We stayed there for two nights and wished we could have stayed at least two more......

Next up?  What did we do in Vermont?  Hint:  Simon Pearce, Lake Champlain Chocolates, a Maple Syrup Farm, and Cabot Cheese for starters!!  

Well, I'm off to get on my Vermont flannel shirt and start my day! See you next blog!!

Happy Halloween!!

I'm just going to take today and present you with some awesome Halloween decorations for inside and outside- most were taken on my trip to New England--some from my trip to California @ Roger's Gardens! I hope you all have a wonderful Halloween-----it's because of YOU I do what I do!

I LOVE FALL!

Pumpkins on the steps of the Inn

Lovely Fall wreath at the Maple Leaf Inn, Barnard, Vt

Some parts of Vermont had already passed their prime colors when we were there

Balboa Island, CA had gorgeous Fall flowers in their windowboxes

Yes, it was about 80 degrees!

A HUGE display of white pumpkins in every size- this was just a few of them

Gorgeous pumpkins for purchase @ Roger's Gardens

love the pumpkin and plant displays

Rooms @ Roger's Gardens were filled with gorgeous and SCARY displays

Roger's made Kewpie dolls scary!

I love this gorgeous beaded pumpkin and really SO EASY to do!

My middle daughter checks out the gorgeous hanging baskets with pumpkins all around- ONLY 4 weeks ago in CA

yes, he's always been scary to me!

Roger's Gardens filled this candy machine with rats!

My granddaughter with unknown 'ghoul' at this year's Halloween Party.  The theme was Alice in Wonderland

Her Mom, my daughter, the Queen!

I will be doing individual blogs on Roger's Gardens and the Maple Leaf Inn, so I'll attach contact information then.  Stay tuned....I LOVE comments- won't you leave one for me and tell others about my blog! I would really appreciate it!

Happy Halloween!!

With Love from The Real Girl!