It is time to wrap this up, though I could probably go on for several more posts about our trip. Do check out my Flickr pictures for lots of photos. I tried to give everyone credit for their quilts. I hope I got them all right!
Wilson Lake, Maine
Since it is a 2 day drive to get there we spent one night at the Wilson Lake Inn in Wilton, Maine. We just found it on the internet, checked the comments which were good and made our reservation. We weren't disappointed, lovely clean room, great view of the lake and beautiful grounds and gardens. We wished the weather had been more cooperative and not so foggy and rainy. They recommended a great place for dinner,Calzolaio Pasta Company the boiler room of the old Bass Shoe Factory (i have such fond memories of my high school Bass Weejuns!)! The whole building had been converted to offices and this restaurant. The food was fantastic, great wait staff too, we would definitely go back.
The next three days we spent in Essex Junction, Vermont. While there we went twice to a restaurant in Winooski, the Our House Bistro - Twisted Comfort Great food and service!
A busy day! Juiced at the Juice Bar - Patty Gertz, inspired by Judy Niemeyer's Glacier Star.
After three days at the Vermont Quilt Festival, I think I can say that I saw it all! At first it was a bit overwhelming and I found I was a bit scattered, seeing a bit of this, a bit of that, shopping, listening to lectures etc.
The Begat Quilt - Jane Crutchfield, hand pieced, hand applique and hand quilted. Charming!
So the second day I was much better organized and focused. I loved meeting so many people, everyone was very friendly and helpful. Kudos to Richard Cleveland who has been at the helm of the Festival committee for almost every year, it was great to meet him.
Best in Show - Meet Me at Giverny - Margaret Solomon Gunn, inspired by Monet's garden, long arm machine quilted.
Viewer's Choice Award - Conway Album (I'm Not From Baltimore) Lorraine Hofmann, designed by Gail Hatcher, hand quilted.
I think the only disappointing aspect to the festival was the food service, obviously they have the contract with the Champlain Valley Exposition Centre and had nothing to do with the Festival, I think if they did the food would have been wonderful - $3.50 for a small bottle of water! Next time I will know to bring my won food and water and use the "sack sitter" service, where I could have left a bag for as long as needed. I would have liked to bring an old quilt or two to the "Mystery Detectives" event but I didn't want to have to carry them with me all day, now I know there is a place where I could leave them safely I will do that next year.
Lovely sunset, after the rain, backwoods Maine, which reminded me of this appliqued landscape by Jo Diggs.
Light and Shadow - Jo Diggs, hand qppliqued.
So, all in all a wonderful Festival! Would I go again - definitely yes!
We will definitely miss this view, taken from our verandah, the sunrise we have enjoyed so often. If you look carefully mid right side you can see a lobster boat doing his circle, checking the traps.
This is where we are moving to in Mahone Bay, a lovely traditional 145 year old South Shore house with a double "Lunenburg bump". 
The entrance to the secret garden room!
