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A Get-Away, A Massage, and Some New Kitchen Supplies

BY Kevin Lee Jacobs | August 28, 2015 64 Comments

Last updated on August 30th, 2015

066On the 26th day of August, my true love gave to me…TWO DAYS OFF! We arranged for our friend Sara P. to stay with Lily the Beagle and cats Tiger and Camille. Then we loaded up the car, and drove to Manchester, Vermont.

Four things we love about Manchester:

1) The Equinox Hotel and Spa.

2) The fab massages at The Equinox Hotel and Spa.

3) The kitchen supply stores and other shops near The Equinox Hotel and Spa.

4) The fab massages at The Equinox Hotel and Spa.

equinox summerThe Equinox has been around for a long, long, time. Since 1760, in fact.

035Here’s a back-view of the hotel. The facade is similar to my house (white clapboard with green shutters). But unlike chez moi, it employs a very large, and very capable staff.

067We did not stay at the hotel proper. Instead, the Equinox put us up in a 19th century “cottage” they own. As you can see from the photo above, it’s a mighty fine cottage. And it’s only a 60-second walk from the hotel’s awesome spa.

equinox spaAh, the spa! There, I enjoyed The. Best. Massage. Ever. I’m talking about 50 solid minutes of stress-melting relaxation, under the strong, capable fingers of a masseuse named Joan.

Oh, the things Joan did to my neck. And shoulders. And feet. Honestly, my legs felt like rubber when I climbed, reluctantly, off the massage table, and staggered into the men’s locker room. My disheveled hair and glazed eyes were a dead giveaway that I’d either had the best sex of my life, or a therapeutic session with Joan.

Tip: Should you find yourself at The Equinox, be sure to schedule a massage. You won’t be sorry.

082After the massage, I and the Silver Fox visited the nearby outlet malls. I purchased some blue Nike sneakers…

083And some V-neck sweaters in blue, aqua, purple, and black.

scrambled eggs, brie, rosemaryThen we tucked into lunch: Scrambled eggs with brie and fresh rosemary on a toasted baguette. I have every intention of reproducing this deliciousness, and posting the recipe. Yum.

045The following morning, under ominous skies, we hit the road again…

middlebury collegeAnd landed in Middlebury, Vermont. Why Middlebury? Because 50 years ago this month, the Silver Fox entered Middlebury College. He received a degree in psychology there. (Photo above is from the college’s website.)

042Here’s the Silver Fox standing in front of his old dorm, Hepburn Hall.

040The most majestic structure on campus is the French Chateau. Here, students master l’art de discusser les langes.

We had great fun strolling the expansive campus at Middlebury. Then it was time to head back to Manchester, and its kitchen supply stores.

I rescued the following items from retail oblivion:

075Several blue-hued woven place mats (I like to use such articles as background for food photography)…

076And a scallop-edged, 3-quart French baking dish.  What a nice serving piece for…oh, I don’t know…maybe Tabbouleh with Tomatoes and Zucchini?

078I also picked up this removable-bottom tart pan, to add to my collection of removable-bottom tart pans…

080And this 6 quart enameled cast-iron Dutch oven, manufactured by Lodge. What a great piece! It offers the same durability of Le Cruesette, but at a fraction of the price.

081Now, as lovely as this mini-vacation was, it felt great to return home. Lily the Beagle was certainly happy to see us. You should have heard her howl when we opened the front door.

And the cats? Well, they didn’t even bother to come downstairs. Typical felines!

I hope you, too, managed to get away at some point this summer. If you work at home, as I do, then getting away — if only for a couple of days — is the only way to unwind.

Love ya!

Kevin

Tabbouleh with Heirloom Tomatoes and Zucchini
Old House Living: Redecorating the Library

Comments

  1. 1

    Ed Zabel says

    August 28, 2015 at 6:45 pm

    Sounds like you had an Awesome time.

  2. 2

    Heidi says

    August 28, 2015 at 7:00 pm

    Love it! Great details & lol about the cats “Oh, were you gone?” hee hee

  3. 3

    Brenda Johnson says

    August 28, 2015 at 7:11 pm

    Welcome home!!!

  4. 4

    Tammy says

    August 28, 2015 at 8:12 pm

    Kevin, I am also a Midd grad! And I lived both in Hepburn and “The Chât”! Small world. Please say to the Silver Fox, “The strength of the hills…” and see if he can finish the phrase (I’m sure he can).

    For our vacation, we drove up to the top of Mount Washington. I won’t even talk about the white-knuckle drive back down…

  5. 5

    Carolyn Schoenweitz says

    August 28, 2015 at 8:21 pm

    So happy you could get away for a couple of days. Eating, shopping, massages…..wonderful!
    Thanks for sharing the photos with us!

  6. 6

    dELORES says

    August 28, 2015 at 8:54 pm

    great mini vacation–just enough to recharge–Thanks for sharing

  7. 7

    Mary in Iowa says

    August 28, 2015 at 9:26 pm

    I feel weak in the knees just vicariously enjoying your wonderful two days of massage, gourmet dining and fabulous kitchen wares. I have three pieces of French (Emile Henry) ceramic pots and bakeware, and they are the best pieces I’ve ever owned, superb for no-knead breads. A big package of beef knuckles is bubbling away in one of them this very minute. And now I know the “Silver Fox” is only 4 or 5 years younger than I–unless, of course, he matriculated at the age of 12. 🙂 My only getaways in the last couple of years have been the monthly high school alumnae luncheons. No comparison. I’m not jealous because that suggests I want your mini vacation instead of you when I’d really like it in that fabulous place in addition to you. Will look for those pots & pans in future recipes.

  8. 8

    Karen says

    August 28, 2015 at 10:28 pm

    I have that Lodge 6 quart Dutch oven, I love it! Mine is also blue. Glad you both had a great get away!

  9. 9

    myrtle miller says

    August 28, 2015 at 11:23 pm

    You sound rejuvenated.

  10. 10

    Kristin says

    August 30, 2015 at 8:27 am

    What a beautiful place! Thank you for sharing. Do you know if the hydrangeas in front of your hotel were Annabelle’s, Limelight’s, or another variety? Just love those!

  11. 11

    Jane law says

    August 30, 2015 at 9:22 am

    AND Lodge is “american made”. Great choice.

  12. 12

    Chrissie says

    August 30, 2015 at 9:30 am

    Thanks for sharing your relaxing mini vacation! Hopefully, you both can go on more relaxing adventures.

  13. 13

    Marie says

    August 30, 2015 at 9:33 am

    Sounds like a wonderful time Kevin. You deserve it 🙂

  14. 14

    Marie says

    August 30, 2015 at 9:34 am

    Oh and let us know about that breakfast recipe 🙂 I would love to try it!

  15. 15

    Cathy says

    August 30, 2015 at 9:47 am

    I am still laughing out loud at your description of your massage and and the ‘afterglow!” You are truly funny. Great start to my day…

  16. 16

    Anne says

    August 30, 2015 at 9:54 am

    There is nothing like a weekend get away to recharge, no matter what the occasion. We took off last weekend for an end of summer time to back to teaching weekend. Took our time through the blueberries barrens and landed in Eastport, Maine, in a cabin on the water. No spa and yummy breakfast, but my coffee always seems to taste better when I am sitting on a porch over looking the ocean. Here’s to more get aways for all!

  17. 17

    Amy says

    August 30, 2015 at 10:15 am

    In 1997 I spent my honeymoon in Manchester at the Reluctant Panther inn and we went for massages at the Equinox! It’s the perfect location for a getaway – glad you had a great time!

  18. 18

    Bev says

    August 30, 2015 at 10:17 am

    Kevin? Honnnn,, please tell us that Lilly isn’t standing there looking sad because no one brought her back a little sumptin, sumptin???

  19. 19

    Leslie says

    August 30, 2015 at 10:18 am

    Glad you and the “silver fox” had a get away! I hope those V neck sweaters hold up better than the ones I got! Within two hand washings they were full of pills! Such a bother to remove!

  20. 20

    Sue Smith says

    August 30, 2015 at 10:39 am

    What a beautiful old hotel! Glad you had such a good time. And, that blue Lodge pot is to die for. Can’t wait to see what you cook in it.

  21. 21

    Margo says

    August 30, 2015 at 10:57 am

    So happy to finally put a face to the Silver Fox,Kevin. Love hearing of your adventures as I’ve never been to the northeast. Lily is a darling! and the cats? They were wondering where their room service went!!!!

  22. 22

    Judy says

    August 30, 2015 at 11:22 am

    Lise and I are fans of Manchester. We have lunched at the Equinox, yet found a different secret hideaway. I am looking forward to checking out the dutch oven you purchased at the kitchen store next time we go!

  23. 23

    Julie R says

    August 30, 2015 at 11:33 am

    Enjoy reading all the details of your trip and seeing photos from it. It sounds like the perfect get away. And I like all of the goodies that you picked up for your kitchen. One of the best details was hearing how happy Lily was to see you again after your trip.

  24. 24

    Sandra from WA says

    August 30, 2015 at 11:36 am

    I love the cast iron pot. Good choice, and glad you shared it with us.
    Take care, and have a good week.

  25. 25

    Pam says

    August 30, 2015 at 11:45 am

    Sounded so relaxing! Thanks for sharing! What a handsome couple you all are. 🙂

  26. 26

    Mary in Iowa says

    August 30, 2015 at 11:57 am

    Kristin’s question was mine. I even enlarged the font to take a closer look. I think it’s Annabelle or a similar white bloomer turning its mature green shades. It appears to be a “snowball” variety while Limelight’s blooms are panicle shaped.
    Lodge cast iron pots are made in the United States, but the enameling is done in China, so your pot is a hybrid.

  27. 27

    Susan McRae says

    August 30, 2015 at 12:09 pm

    Loverly!

  28. 28

    Mary Jouver says

    August 30, 2015 at 12:35 pm

    Sounds like a fun, relaxing and successful shopping trip! Thanks for sharing!

  29. 29

    Hawaii_Lynette says

    August 30, 2015 at 1:26 pm

    Ohhhhh how beautiful! I hope someday my husband can take me on a historical Vermont vacation. We’re from Hawaii and totally different landscape.
    L

  30. 30

    kathy passie says

    August 30, 2015 at 1:33 pm

    Looks like Great fun! I love short get-a-ways! Glad you had a few days to yourselves!
    Want to look for “Lodge” cook-ware.

  31. 31

    Anne in Vermont says

    August 30, 2015 at 1:42 pm

    Kevin, you came to Middlebury and missed the Kitchenware store? Next time you make it up this way I will take you both to lunch and introduce you to the store where I am working two days a week as a lark and for the discount!

  32. 32

    Kevin Lee Jacobs says

    August 30, 2015 at 2:52 pm

    Hi Anne in Vermont – Ah, if only I had known. Next time!

  33. 33

    Alice in texas says

    August 30, 2015 at 3:31 pm

    I have a green baking dish like that. Everything taste much better in it like shepards pie
    Can’t what to look for a Dutch oven like that. … Lodge you say. I enjoy your recipes and decorating thanks a bunch

  34. 34

    Debbie says

    August 30, 2015 at 3:36 pm

    That is all GREAT to see. I will be heading up into VT very soon myself. My partner is taking me on a weekend Get-A-Way for my birthday and I want to cross Ben & Jerry’s off my Bucket List. While in the area we shall visit with an old collage friend and then we’ll hit a few “other places of interest” along the trail as we head back to MA. VT = FUN IS!!!

  35. 35

    Dennis R. says

    August 30, 2015 at 3:43 pm

    “The Silver Fox” aka Will……. LOL ! & what is Mr. Swift ‘s nom d’ amor for you
    when nobody else is within earshot? c’mon Kevin, dish……

  36. 36

    sigrid wübbenhorst says

    August 30, 2015 at 4:02 pm

    could it be you like – blue

    fI really was astonished when I came to the dog`s photo – no blu – how astonisching – twinkel and grts

  37. 37

    Mary in Iowa says

    August 30, 2015 at 4:34 pm

    Here I am again. Just copied and pasted the cottage photo for something beautiful to look at when things are gloomy. Whenever you refer to the Silver Fox, I have, until now, seen a faceless man bending over and caring for a terrified, traumatized Lily who had just been hit by a car. That was the most heartrending but beautiful story, and I’m happy at last to see the face of the magical “Beagle Whisperer”.

  38. 38

    Addie B in Florida says

    August 30, 2015 at 4:52 pm

    Hi, Kevin -I loved reading about your trip – makes me miss living up north – sometimes 🙂

    No, really, if I didn’t have a heat-loving husband I’d be back there where my daughter and two grandkids are in CT.

    Meanwhile, the aforementioned husband is buying me a new kitchen! I’m very excited, except about the part where I have to empty 20 cupboards and a whole pantry. The good news is that after I suffer through that our very good (and qualified) friend David is going to project-manage it for us so we can take off in our fifth-wheel trailer for West Virginia until he tells us we can come home. Today is David’s birthday so I’m making him his favorite Indian meal – chicken tikka masala, from scratch, and a rummy tum tum bundt cake, from one of Joanne Fluke’s books.
    (She writes mysteries with recipes – go figure – but I like them.)

    Thanks for sharing, as always, Kevin. Off now to do the poppadums!

  39. 39

    Addie B in Florida says

    August 30, 2015 at 4:54 pm

    P.S. I wanted gas but it’s too hard and too expensive to get where I live so I’m getting an induction stove instead; does the same thing, instant on/off, etc. at least I hope so!

  40. 40

    Laura Rankin says

    August 30, 2015 at 4:57 pm

    About the scrambled eggs, brie, and fresh rosemary on a baquette for breakfast: I’ve been using Cambozola cheese ( Trader Joe’s always has it where I live) on the eggs. It is so scrumptuously delicious it’s about an inch away from heaven. If you try it, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.

  41. 41

    Kip Morrissette says

    August 30, 2015 at 5:05 pm

    I deary love Brie. Get on your creative cap and create that breakfast recipe for us Kevin. It will be a keeper!
    I have made, two days in a row, your Summer Salad Tomatoes, Peaches, Basil and Burrata (although I had to use fresh Mozzarella as I couldn’t find Burrata). It is the easiest, most delicious, colorful salad I’ve ever made! I ran out of peaches but I’m going to make it again tonight anyway as you can NOT mess up this salad! I’ll buy more peaches tomorrow. Tomatoes and Peaches….who’d ever thunk it?
    Thank you for the joy we all get from your weekly mailing.

  42. 42

    Valerie C. says

    August 30, 2015 at 7:09 pm

    What a nice trip! I love that you squeezed in some shopping too. My kind of getaway 🙂

  43. 43

    Ronnie says

    August 30, 2015 at 7:25 pm

    Hi Kevin! WOW what a BEAUTIFUL place to visit! Always wanted to go to Vermont but never have. It’s on the bucket list! I’ve had 2 massages in my life one a gift and the other well…a gift to MYSELF!! Hey..I work hard! They are HEAVEN!!
    Thanks for the tip about the Dutch Oven by Lodge. I have le crusette and they are pretty pricey. I buy them when they are on sale. I love cooking with them and they pretty up my stove top!
    I’m counting the days until we go on vacation 12 to be exact!
    Thanks for all the great recipes , your wonderful news letter and your GREAT sense of humor!! It’s a guaranteed smile☺
    Ronnie ☺

  44. 44

    miki says

    August 30, 2015 at 8:10 pm

    I’m so glad you had a great getaway! I agree that a few days is just enough, although I do prefer shorter cruises on big ships to driving! I hope you can take another trip soon with more shopping!!!

  45. 45

    LynnB says

    August 30, 2015 at 8:26 pm

    Vermont looks great. I’ll add it to my itinerary for the big trip!

  46. 46

    Patti Johnson says

    August 30, 2015 at 9:32 pm

    Sounds like fun.

  47. 47

    Michele Layne says

    August 30, 2015 at 9:41 pm

    Sounds like a great getaway Kevin!

  48. 48

    Cathy says

    August 30, 2015 at 9:54 pm

    I’ve been to Manchester several times but never stayed. Very nice town. I like the Mexican restaurant off a side street. Also, the Family Footwear store has an amazing variety of shoes. Thanks for sharing and glad you had a great time.

  49. 49

    selma says

    August 31, 2015 at 6:00 am

    What a lovely getaway! You both deserved the time away! We will be looking forward to seeing those new cooking devices full of wonderful delicacies! Thanks for sharing!

  50. 50

    Susie says

    August 31, 2015 at 7:36 am

    Do Tiger and Camille allow themselves to be photographed?
    My G.G. (Greta you-know-who) never would.

  51. 51

    ingmarie peck says

    August 31, 2015 at 7:44 am

    Awesome, mini vacation.
    Beautiful area, my daughter went to college in Vermont ,such a beautiful state.
    .

  52. 52

    sally says

    August 31, 2015 at 9:56 am

    It was so very nice that you shared your “get-away”. Loved the pictures of Vermont. Makes me want to go ther AND, of course, get a wonderful massage.

  53. 53

    Susan Golden says

    August 31, 2015 at 10:15 am

    I’m so glad that you had a great vacation! Your deserved it! I am going to Brattleboro, VT with my husband at the end of September for my 3rd visit to Tasha Tudor’s (amazing illustrator, writer, cook, weaver, gardener, etc.) home for a tour given by her family members! I actually had a chance to meet her at her 88th Birthday party (she passed away at the age of 92)! Then it’s back home to get some more cuttings in the sand beds and pot up those that have rooted (I wonder where I learned to do all that propagating), as I will be having my Grand Opening of my nursery, “Golden Gardens”, in the Spring of 2016! Ooops, I forgot to mention that I am going to Allegheny State Park for 5 days in October to stay in a cabin with my sister who is coming up from Georgia to visit for a week! Just two sisters during the peak of the fall leaves, reconnecting, relaxing, and making memories! As we are very environmentally conscientious, we will of course recycle all of the empty wine bottles!!! 🙂

  54. 54

    Marj says

    August 31, 2015 at 11:30 am

    Sounds like a great place to vacation! I’d love the spa!

  55. 55

    Rose says

    August 31, 2015 at 12:57 pm

    I hope The Silver Fox appreciates you as much as I do.
    You always lift up my spirits with your great writs, recipes and gardening guru tips.
    Oh the Lucky Fox that he is….. Love ya!!!

  56. 56

    Ardelle says

    August 31, 2015 at 1:43 pm

    Congratulations on your well deserved vacation… I understand the working at home thing having done so for 30+ years – which I considered a PRIVILEGE. So, getting away is the only way to relax – or have your friends lock your office and keep the key for a while.
    Anyway, we met friends at American Players Theatre-outdoor, Spring Green, WI for “A Streetcar Named Desire” A great production – had an awesome gourmet picnic on the grounds prior to the show then had the luxury of listening to the cicada’s and watching the ‘super moon’ peek through the trees during the show. PEACE….

  57. 57

    kyle says

    August 31, 2015 at 2:29 pm

    I’ve been to the Equinox…..also loved it And the massages! Is the Falconry still near there? I

    I visited and flew a Harris Hunting Hawk which was quite an exciting experience. What

    fantastic creatures. I fell in love. So happy you had fun. Thanks for sharing.

  58. 58

    Cynthia Hill says

    August 31, 2015 at 3:44 pm

    Hi Kevin,

    Next time you’re in Manchester please go to the Little Rooster Cafe for
    breakfast or lunch…Tiny, charming and delicious.

    Thanks for the Lodge mention ~ have only seen it in black, which is too
    depressing for my kitchen….the hunt is now on!

    Ciao for now.

  59. 59

    Annie says

    August 31, 2015 at 6:10 pm

    Simply marvelous……what a grand time!

  60. 60

    Caroyn says

    August 31, 2015 at 8:04 pm

    OK, I’m ready. IF we go will you and the Fox meet us? Would love to spend an day in that store

  61. 61

    CarolAnn says

    September 2, 2015 at 6:34 pm

    What a wonderful time away. We’ve done that a lot too. Beautiful setting and a great time. It’s such a refreshing change.
    I love all the blues of the things you’ve selected. Oh and as for reproducing that breakfast, I’d love to know what kind of bacon that was….so lean.
    Thanks for sharing.

  62. 62

    Pat in VT says

    September 13, 2015 at 8:05 pm

    Manchester is lovely, next road trip consider coming up a little north and east and visit Woodstock, one of the 10 prettiest little towns in America. I love all of Vermont, but my hometown the best. We have a great spa at the Woodstock Inn. A very special time of year is the Wassail in December. Lot’s of events, house tours, and a Victorian Horse parade around the Village Green. It is quite magical….I think you would love it!

  63. 63

    Dorothy says

    November 6, 2016 at 11:22 am

    I envy you and silver fox, that is my kind of getaway. Looking forward to the recipes for the breakfast dish.

  64. 64

    Joan says

    November 7, 2016 at 3:09 pm

    Also spent the weekend in VT with a stop in Manchester and then Weston for the VT Country Store. Then it was on to just outside Killington with a day trip to Waterbury. The resort had a lovely outdoor heated pool that was perfect for a nighttime swim. On the way back home, we stopped at Bennington Pottery where I bought a muffin pan in speckled light blue and white and had a tour of their little factory. It was a perfect weekend for getting away for a break.

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