Mashantucket Connecticut to Stratton Vermont

We woke to fog this morning. The Two Trees Inn was a nice place to stay.

After breakfast we loaded the bus and departed at 8 am still driving through fog for about an hour until we turned north after reaching Hartford. It was a chilly 45 degrees when we started this morning but after the fog burned off, it was a sunny and beautiful day. We crossed into Massachusetts and headed west from Springfield to Stockbridge. The Normal Rockwell Museum was a very interesting and enjoyable stop.

 We arrived in time for a talk at 11 o'clock by a guide who shared very interesting information about Norman Rockwell, his artwork and his life.

On display were the 323 Saturday Evening Post covers Rockwell illustrated.

 This was the painting of the first cover.

 Freedom to Worship painting

 The painting called "The Discovery" from 1956 where the little boy discovers the Santa suit in his the bottom drawer of his Dad's dresser. I love the look on the boy's face.

 Another one of my favorites.

Rockwell's studio was on the museum grounds.

The furnishings were just as Rockwell had left them when he stopped painting.

 Even his pipe was on the table next to his chair.

My sister, Jan, was in my thoughts a lot today. She passed away 2 years ago and LOVED Norman Rockwell. She had many plates with his artwork as well as puzzles and other prints. I'm not sure if she ever came to this museum, but I hope so. The God-given gifts Norman Rockwell had blessed all those who have enjoyed his artwork. His amazing talent of capturing small town life and expressions in the faces of those experiencing daily life was unforgettable. We really enjoyed our time at this special museum.

 The museum was just outside of Stockbridge, Massachusetts and our group went into town for lunch. Russ & I ate at a cute little deli, The Elm Street Market.

We wandered through the quaint little town. In front of the Red Lion Inn were some REALLY big pumpkins!

 We visited some of the shops,

 and enjoyed the changing colors of the leaves.

 We were soon back on the road toward Vermont. We saw this building in some town we passed through. In the upper story windows were interesting sale ads.

Regret, Fear and Apathy were some of the items listed.

We drove by a beautiful lake and the colors were beautiful. 

Our next stop was the Bennington Battlefield monument in Bennington, Vermont.

Our guide told us it was the tallest structure in Vermont.

 We rode an elevator up to the observation deck where the vertical lines are on the obelisk.

The views were spectacular to the north

 East

 South

 and West.

With such a clear, beautiful day we could see to New York, Massachusetts as well as Vermont.

They had interesting sculptures and art.

 The drive to the Stratton, Vermont was beautiful. We were captivated by the stunning colors. 

God was really showing off today with all the beauty.

 We crossed a pretty little stream.

 We arrived at the Stratton Mountain resort, we have fabulous condominium rooms.

We had a fun get together with all the other tour participants, then had a delicious lobster dinner.

It was another great  and blessed day!