Kingdom Trails - Mountain Biking - East Burke, VT 2018

2018 has been all about learning to do things on my own.  Buy a home, navigate holidays, make the bed, move furniture, walk the dog, cut your own Christmas tree.... *insert menial task here* and the list goes on and on.   I am no stranger to a solo hike or adventure and I describe myself as a very independent person.  But let's face it, there are some things you have to sort of re-learn to do alone.  

Mountain biking is something I always did with someone else or with a group.  Honestly, it was a hobby of Thatchers that I absolutely hated at first and eventually learned to love.  It was never something I did on my own, or something I sought out as a solo activity.   Something I wanted to tackle this fall even if it meant solo, was mountain biking at my favorite New England spot -  Kingdom Trails.  

I posted all about it last year, but if you don't feel like backreading just know its an amazing trail system loaded with tons of flowing non-technical trails through picturesque Vermont.  It's the kind of mountain biking I love and the type I haven't been able to find outside of Utah.  Even outside the awesome trail network, the entire town just has that laid back Vermont and bike town vibe - the Moab of the Northeast if you will,.  A weekend in East Burke was the fall trip I always looked forward to.  

Stowe Recreation Path - Stowe, Vermont

In my many travels to Stowe to ski in the winter or hike in the summer, I heard about the famous "Stowe Recreation Path".   Supposedly, it was this 5.5-mile long magical path that takes you through downtown Stowe, past various breweries, cideries, restaurants, stores, and parks.  A path that takes you over the sweetest footbridges crossing the West Branch Stream ten times, past crystal clear swimming holes, local farms, Stowe's awesome farmer's markets and some of the town's most famous sights.  What better way to see Stowe than on foot, or better yet, on bike?  

Bridges on the Recreation Path

On a sunny Sunday after spending my Saturday mountain biking in Kingdom Trails, that is exactly what I did.  I grabbed my bike, put some tired seat bones in that tiny bike saddle, and started at the southern end of the bike path downtown by the church.  The bike path allows you to get around town while also staying off busy winding roads full of drivers who aren't always paying attention. 

Stowe Cider - Stowe, Vermont

For my day in Stowe, I had a few things I wanted to do.  I really wanted to ride the Stowe Recreation Path and stumble into a new (to me) brewery or two while wandering around beautiful Vermont.  Thankfully, the Stowe Rec Path makes this quite easy.  It was distracting how easy it was to jump off the bike path and stumble into a brewery here or there, well, just about everywhere.  I pedaled past Idletyme as I had already spent some time there during my last trip to Stowe.  But when I saw Stowe Cider, I made a hard right turn on my bicycle and strode into the cidery, bike shoes clipping on the pavement and helmet in hand.  Maybe at home this would be an unusual sight but here in Stowe, I was just another girl who needed a beer while wandering down the rec path. 

Stowe Pinnacle Hike, Vermont

I love fall and damn do I love Vermont.    So yes, you guessed it, I really really love fall in Vermont.  

There is something about the colors here, the sweeping panoramic views, the green mountains marking the horizon, and of course, the terrific outdoorsy people.  There is so much charm and color wrapped into one beautiful state that it is simply impossible to visit Vermont and not fall in love, especially between the months of September and October.  Its one of those towns you visit and you say "yep, I could live here" and then you spend the next five years looking at real estate listings for properties you can't afford. Guilty as charged. 

A Guide to Castle Country

So you want to explore Castle Country, that area between Salt Lake and Moab that is a hidden gem.  An area where you can hike, bike, climb, ride ATVs, watch stock car races, walk through quaint a Main Street, buy art, shop, and dine.  All very dog friendly, affordable area and all without the crowds.  If this sounds like your kind of weekend, then Castle Country is perfect for you.   An area that was dubbed a layover between the city and Moab's red rock is so much more than a pitstop.  It's a fantastic place to spend the weekend exploring historic towns with so many recreation opportunities.  So to all my Salt Lake City friends, who want to explore a new part of Utah just two hours south of the city, this post is for you.