A picky eater with lots of allergies and her husband visit the Auburn Tavern.
www.auburntavern.com
Friday, 2:00pm
Super Trouper
If I haven’t already mentioned this a thousand times, let me say it again: My husband, Dan, is the best! I wouldn’t necessarily call myself high-maintenance, but sometimes I just want things. And this time, I wanted to have my grandfather’s typewriter fixed. His portable Remington from 1928, wasn’t in terrible condition, but the carriage needed a new band and there was a sticky key. But who fixes typewriters nowadays? Well, lucky for me, New England Typewriter is in New Hampshire and we had plans to see a high school play just an hour or so from its location. So, I batted my eyes and explained to Dan that fixing a typewriter is not cheap, but I would be so very, very happy if I could have my grandfather’s 100 year old typewriter in working order. It is an heirloom after all. Dan laughed and said, “Of course!” And of course that’s what he said because he’s the best!
Money, Money, Money
I could barely contain myself on the ride to Merrimack, New Hampshire. I was like a kid in a candy store (or more like me at the outlets). I had heard that within this little typewriter shop is a little typewriter museum and I could not have been more excited. Matt greeted me at the door while Dan lumbered behind with the typewriter. As I mentioned before, fixing a typewriter is an expensive proposition, but mine was in very good condition considering its age. Matt felt confident that he could have it in working order without going over the three hour initial payment. After finalizing paperwork, I inquired about the shelves of typewriters lining the walls and Matt offered a tour. I might as well have been seated in the front row of an ABBA concert (please don’t judge!), jumping around, asking questions, and taking pictures. And then we got to the last shelf. The shelf of typewriters for sale. I nearly died. I wanted them all. I think Dan nearly died when he saw the price tag. He suggested that if I wanted a new typewriter, I trade in the old one. I pouted and said, “Absolutely not! Mine is an heirloom! An heir…loom!” And then I looked at Matt and said, “I’ll likely be driving back here by myself when my typewriter is ready, so Dan will have no say about what I buy.” Matt stole a glance at Dan who just smiled and nodded.
Dancing Queen
Once done at the typewriter store, we drove north to see my best friend’s daughter’s play, Mamma Mia. Now let me tell you a little something about Grace – this girl has talent! Not only does she have a 3.8 GPA with AP classes, but she is also brilliant on the stage. She already started as Mrs. Potts in Beauty and the Beast her freshman year and Aunt March in Little Women her sophomore year. This year she portrayed Rosie (Donna’s best friend), complete with comically sarcastic lines and an incredible solo. This musical performance was so good, I forgot we were sitting in a high school auditorium. It truly felt like a New York Broadway event. My best friend, Beth, and I sang along throughout the performance as did everyone else, and by the end the entire room was standing, dancing, clapping, and singing. It was pure joy. All I can say is thank you for the music, the songs I’m singing. Thanks for all the joy they’re bringing. Who can live without it? I ask in all honesty.
The Name of the Game
No trip would be complete without a Burger Adventure. Halfway between the typewriter store and Grace’s high school, Dan and I stopped for a very late lunch at the Auburn Tavern. Right off the highway, I was surprised at both the convenience in location and how busy it was for two o’clock in the afternoon. The entrance opened up into a large bar filled with people quietly drinking beer watching us as we stood by the hostess podium waiting. The bartender never glanced our way. Eventually, after what seemed like forever because we were starving, a young hostess popped out from around the corner and promptly seated us in the busy dining room. Loud 1980s heavy metal music blasted through a hidden speaker. Now, don’t get me wrong, I love 80s music, but heavy metal at lunch seemed a bit much, and honestly the only metal music I’d want to hear at any time of day is the clickety-clack of typewriter keys. Regardless, I really enjoyed reading the variety of inspirational and snarky placards decorating the walls and listening to the inane conversation about fishing in puddles going on at the table behind me.
Click the meal to read all about it
Dan – Fried Native Clams
Lis – The Classic
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