VERMONT - In Pictures & Captions

An at-home meal of salads and marinated veggies, Red Hen Bakery sourdough bread and an assortment of meats from Dakin Farms in Charlotte, VT: corncob-smoked ham, Swiss-style air-dried and aged beef and smoked summer sausage.

Quintessential New England.

The State House at Montpelier.

Inside the State House.

A friendly fellow at Willow Hill Farms in Milton, VT., where Cafe Drake and J. Ruske purchased two award-winning cheeses fresh from the dairy's fridge: Vermont Brebis (creamy sheep's milk cheese with a faint olive flavor) and La Fleurie ( delicate cow's milk cheese with earthy notes).

A rare appearance by Lake Champlain's famous "monster", Champie.

Product being made at Champlain Valley Dairy in Vergennes, VT.

Pete Ruske's best pal, Ivan.

At home (Peter Ruske's pad): a cheese plate assembled from above-mentioned local dairies as well as Three Shepherds.

Awesome screensaver!!

Schuyler House in Saratoga National Historical Park

Colorful Burlington, VT.

Like the sign says.

Country Road.

Jen Ruske (with Blackberry) at Lucy's Tacos, Kingston, NY

Downtown Kingston, NY.

Jen and Flowering Bush

Near NY-VT border.

Hen of the Woods restaurant, Woodbury, VT.