Rural Realities

Author: Crystal Belle

If you have ever been in New York City and purchased an overpriced, salty hot dog, you've certainly discovered one of the Big Apple's hidden treasures. Sometimes you wonder how long the great American frankfurters have been resting in the yellowish hot water. Yet you eat every last bite, putting all thoughts of unsanitary conditions out of your head and yearning for more.

Most of the hot dog vendors are from other countries, their presence on the street offering a real-life vision of America's "melting pot."

Speaking of hot dog vendors, what would you do if you saw one in Vermont, or, better yet, in the town of Middlebury? Upon seeing the vendor, my initial reaction was, of course, "What is this guy doing in Vermont?"

On a warm day with the Vermont sun shining above, there I was, car-less, making my way from Ben Franklin's back to my campus residence. As the heavy bags weighed down my meager biceps, my stomach roared wildly. Baba's seemed too much of a hassle, while Two Brothers Tavern would have taken too long and my hunger would have lashed out in a rage. Considering the size of our town, I guess there weren't any other choices. Feeling like a cat among helpless mice, I knew I had to make a decision soon. Where could I find quick food for a cheap price?

Suddenly, there he was - a middle-aged Vermonter with grayish-black hair, a warm smile and, most importantly, hot dogs! I couldn't believe my eyes. His presence was truly a miracle from the Green Mountain Gods.

As I approached the hot dog stand with excitement, the friendly vendor informed me that he had been selling hot dogs in another small town in Vermont but had recently decided to relocate to Middlebury about a month and a half ago. He then said the magical words, "I will be here throughout the winter." The sentence was like a symphony to my ears.

I was instantly comforted by the fact that, when the snow piles up and Vermont becomes one big ski resort, I can walk into town and have a hot dog. I can't imagine any stronger way one can be connected to New York City.

Eating hot dogs is not just a gluttonous endeavor, but is part of a culture and a movement. I handed Mr. Friendly my two dollars in exchange for a Nathan's hot dog topped with ketchup and a dab of mustard. The beefy dog melted in my mouth and left me yearning for more but, unfortunately, two dollars was all my budget at the time would allow.

The sweet taste lingered on my tongue, however, as yellow cabs, feisty crowds and subway trains floated through my thoughts. The day was perfect. What was supposed to be a quick errand in town turned into a tasteful reminder of my urban roots.





Editor's note: Middlebury's own hot dog vendor can be found on the sidewalk outside Steele's Service Center.