This is our first big road trip with Riley, and we’re quickly learning that traveling with a dog requires a few compromises and the occasional favor from family.
Thursday: We left Rehoboth Beach and headed north to Long Beach, Long Island, to watch our future son-in-law, John, play guitar and sing at The Cabana. This was the first time Jane and I had heard John perform, and we were blown away. His setlist covered everything from The Allman Brothers and the Grateful Dead to Zach Bryan and Noah Kahan. As an added bonus, his family came out to see him play, and we had a great time catching up with them. Of course, it was also wonderful spending time with Hannah. Fortunately, Riley had a place to hang out while we enjoyed the show: John’s sister lives right down the street from the bar, and Riley was able to stay at her apartment.
Friday: We made our way north to Lebanon, New Hampshire, to visit Lela and Avery. This was our first time seeing their house, which they moved into in June. Despite the rain, we managed to get out and explore Lebanon. That evening, we had dinner at Tuckerbox in White River Junction, Vermont. Coincidentally, the hotel where Jane and I were staying was right next door to the restaurant. Riley spent Friday and Saturday nights with Lela and Avery.
Saturday: Avery made a wonderful breakfast, and then we drove to Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center to see where Lela and Avery are spending their first year of residency.
Afterward, we headed a little outside of town for a hike along a section of the Appalachian Trail. This was our first time letting Riley off leash, and she did great. She loved chasing sticks and getting the zoomies. It was fun watching her enjoy the freedom and open space.
After our hike, we stopped in Lyme, NH picked up sandwiches at the Lyme Country Store, and enjoyed them on the town green. And although it was a bit chilly for ice cream, that didn’t stop us from heading to Macs Maple for some creemees.
That evening, we had a delicious dinner at home. Avery made braised short ribs, and Lela mixed up cocktails. Unfortunately, the Guardians game didn’t go quite the way we’d hoped.
Sunday: Today is Jane’s birthday and we started the morning with breakfast at Skinny Pancake in Quechee, VT, followed by a stop to admire the Quechee Gorge. Since it was Sunday, we returned to Lela and Avery’s to watch RedZone. We headed out around 3:00 p.m. so they could study and prepare for the week ahead.
Jane, Riley, and I then drove to Woodstock, VT, where we strolled around town. Woodstock is a beautiful New England village, with all the charm you’d expect from a quintessential Vermont town.
Our final stop of the weekend is Killington, where we’re spending the night at the Killington Mountain Inn.
All in all, it’s been a wonderful weekend filled with family, good food, live music, hiking, and exploring Vermont and New Hampshire. And Riley is proving to be a pretty great road-trip companion.
