bon temps gourmet, worcester, vermont

I've talked a lot about the apple book I've been shooting for the past year. A good amount of the photography took place in the author's home state of Vermont and, as I've said time and again, I adore Vermont. When I flew out for the first big part of the shoot last year, Rowan recommended that I stay at his friends' vacation rental, located in the tiny town of Worcester, (about 15 minutes from Montpelier.) I took his advice and am so glad I did. I could not have asked for a more cozy and comfortable place to stay. The apartment is the kind of place you never want to leave-- vaulted ceilings, a cozy wood stove, a well-appointed kitchen, a fabulous bathroom with heated floors, a view of the brook in the backyard, and two hosts that are unbelievably kind, generous, and warm.

Greg and Gretchen, owners of this fabulous vacation rental, are also the amazing duo behind the catering company Bon Temps Gourmet. Gretchen is the consummate hostess and an amazing gardener and Greg is an incredible chef and home brewer. The two of them make a perfect team.

During my shoot in 2012, Gretchen asked if she could hire me to take some images for their business. Due to time constraints, it just wasn't able to happen on that trip. However, we made it work on this recent trip to Vermont. From an outdoor wedding with a big wood fire oven to a backyard dinner at Greg and Gretchen's house, I was able to document all aspects of Bon Temps Gourmet.

I hope the shots below give you a sense of what a special experience Greg and Gretchen create for their guests and clients. If you are ever visiting central Vermont, I cannot recommend their rental highly enough. In addition to all the goodness I described above, there are miles of hiking trails right across the street. It's magical.
Oh, and Greg's beer ROCKS. :)

Greg and Gretchen's property:








The vacation rental:






The sauna and smokehouse, and some garden details:





Greg in the kitchen, and some beer-making details:



Bon Temps Gourmet on location at a wedding, (this one featured a fantastic outdoor wood oven):






A backyard dinner prepared for all of us:

audrey's b&b, hudson valley new york

While Joe, Nina, and I were New York's Hudson Valley, we spent a couple nights at the most lovely B&B I have ever seen; Audrey's Farmhouse Bed and Breakfast. Not only were we completely charmed by the 18th century Dutch farmhouse with it's slanting floors, chunky wood beams, and original fireplace, but we were blown away by the welcoming hospitality extended to dogs and their humans. From the doggie towels and treats at the entrance to the off-leash policy on the entire property, Nina felt quite at home at Audrey's.

The breakfast was DELICIOUS both days, and we felt completely at home in the country kitchen making our own dinners later in the day. The grounds are tranquil and beautiful, and the furniture and dishes in the house are a prop-hoarders dream. I was in heaven and basically wanted to take everything home with me.

If you are visiting this gorgeous part of New York, I highly recommend a visit.