March 9, 2013
I'd like to say I was talking to a vagina and the topic came up. But, that is not exactly true. I could say I heard about it when we went to see The Vagina Monologues at Marlboro College. More like it, but not quite it either. We met a couple while at dinner with friends and they told us about the Harrisville General Store. Then, we all went to see The Vagina Monologues. Talking with a vagina sounds so much more exciting!
We were told that the Harrisville General Store was no less than a great general store. Even more importantly, we were told that the breakfast sandwich there was unbeatable.
Our new acquaintance, Les, should know. He is a volunteer short order cook on Saturdays there. We decided to check out both the town and the sandwich. 
The general store certainly did not disappoint. It was small, quaint and welcoming. I spent the first few minutes just exploring the merchandise and the goodies displayed on the counters. The walls were a blend of artifacts, antiques, local art and informational fliers. Several tables were scattered around the room and at about half, locals were seated, having breakfast and reading the papers. Several urns of coffee sat on a small table at the ready and I noticed the coffee being served was none other than Mocha Joe's from Brattleboro. 
Further exploration revealed a special treat. Along with breakfast, comes pure, delicious Harrisville spring water. 
We gave the chalkboard a cursory look ... but let's face it, we came for the breakfast sandwich. It was all that we had been promised.
Harrisville is quite a lovely little village. After breakfast, we decided to just ramble about the town for a bit.
Harrisville is an old mill town and several of the old mills have been refurbished and now house new businesses. One building housed Harrisville Designers and was filled with looms manufactured locally and tons of yarns and weaving supplies. Another housed antiques and yet another an art gallery. 
The original buildings were constructed directly over the river to take advantage of the water power to run the mills. 
By the time we finished in Harrisville, it was sunny and bright and nearly 50 degrees. What an incredible day. We set our new course for Peterborough. I had visited there once before, but without Anne.
We started out in Peterboroughwith Trumpet, a local gallery.
Next door, at Grove and Main Antiques, we found an antique, ribbed, lab funnel that we just had to have. We also found a whole boxful of Frozen Charlottes. We first ran into Frozen Charlottes in Quebec City several years ago. They are small, ceramic, nude dolls that were popular in the early 1900's (I think). The legend was that the young daughter of an aristocrat was in a hurry to get to the ball and did not heed her mother's plea to get a shawl before she headed out to the party in the carriage. It was winter in Quebec City and very cold. The carriage overturned on the way to the ball and the young girl was pinned underneath and froze to death. This is what we were told. Sounds suspiciously like an urban legend before urban was even invented.
I had a hidden agenda in going to Peterborough. The Peterborough Diner. First, it is the first green one I have ever seen. Second. It is a diner. That should be enough. We dropped in for some hot chocolate.
While we were there, I felt compelled to eat a hot dog because that is what I do. It was merely average. However, I great mystery was revealeed. The town is Peterboorough. The t-shirts on the waitresses say Peterborough Diner on the back. In contrast, the menu says Peterboro Diner and I was later to discovery so did the lettering on the outside of the diner itself. I asked the waitress for an explanation, but a shrug was all I got for my efforts. I remain ignorant ... but inquisitive.
I finished my chocolate and dog and headed for home. A sign alongside the road advertised Piggy's Consignment Shop and demanded one last diversion. We found Piggy's ( I don't think the man working there was Piggy ... didn't look the part ) and I bought some glittery, junky things that I will regret having purchased tomorrow I am sure.
Next door, ( would you have your business next door to a Piggy's?) was the Lulu Fichter Gallery. Lulu next to Piggy's? Makes you wonder. The art there was interesting, but by then it really was time to call it a day.Lulu's?
Piggy's?
The day was getting surreal. We went home.
Satisfied.
No comments:
Post a Comment