The Vanilla Bean was GREAT, and I will be frequenting it more often!

So, I think when you live near something, you can take it for granted and forget to take advantage of it.

Take it from someone who grew up in RI, and went to the famous Newport mansions only once, for my senior prom. I guess it is easy to think that since things are right there at your fingertips and so close by, you will certainly visit them. Hmmm, I believe we may put them aside forever if we don't make an effort to check them out!

Today was my first visit to The Vanilla Bean Cafe in Pomfret. It is very close to my home. It is well known in our area of the Quiet Corner of CT, and well known even further away. It is a destination! People make a point of going there. I never took the time to go and check it out.

Thank goodness a sweet friend of mine suggested we meet there for a long overdue visit while enjoying some coffee and breakfast. The Vanilla Bean is an altogether welcoming place; bright and warm, and smelling delicious. We sat for 3 1/2 hours and gabbed, looked at the paintings on the wall, solved the world's problems, and anticipated our next collaboration. We were not the only ones who enjoyed the morning in this fashion.

I not only recommend The Vanilla Bean to you, but that you also check out local attractions and businesses that you may be overlooking. I can't wait to go back to The Vanilla Bean for lunch, and dinner, and music....and I will remember to continue to enjoy every single other local place that I am lucky enough to have at my fingertips!

I am a Putnamaniac thanks to such welcoming establishments as The Vanilla Bean Cafe!