DEAR SUN SPOTS: Your column has helped so many, and now I’m hoping you can help me.

A few years ago, perhaps five to 10, I read and cut out an article describing a tearoom or restaurant in Vermont where the wait staff dressed as nursery-rhyme or storybook characters (Little Miss Muffet and Bo Peep, for example).

Thinking that I would never get an opportunity to visit Vermont, I threw the article away and have “deleted” it from my memory as well. Now I may have the chance to travel with my daughter and her husband while they are here for the summer.

I have tried (with my limited ability) looking on the Internet with no success. Can anyone help me? Thank you. — Linda-Lee Desmarais, Turner

ANSWER: Sun Spots did not find your restaurant, but she did find a possible alternative destination: Story Land off Route 16 in Jackson, N.H.

According to Fodor’s “the cluster of fluorescent buildings is a theme park with life-size storybook and nursery-rhyme characters. the 20 rides and shows include a flume ride, Victorian-theme river-raft ride, farm-tractor-inspired kiddie ride, pumpkin coach, variety show and swan boats.”

Call 603-383-4186 or visit www.storylandnh.com.

Perhaps readers will remember that restaurant.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: As you have responded to many of my letters in the past, I have another question. Can you or your readers tell me if old Avon bottles are worth anything? I have a lot of them, some empty, some full, most not in the boxes. Would any readers be interested in buying them? Thank you for a great service. — No Name via email

ANSWER: Some of the older vintage and more unusual bottles are on sale on eBay. Your best bet is to look on eBay and see if what is selling matches up to what you have. A few really rare models are going for hundreds of dollars, but more common is a dollar or two.

More recent bottles are unlikely to have value, as there are too many of them out there.

The only local buyer of vintage items that Sun Spots knows is Dan Poulin of Orphan Annies, 96 Court St., Auburn, 207-782-0638.

You cannot sell items through the column.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Recently, I had the chance to meet Mrs. Maine International. I have never heard of this title. I have asked around and no one is sure how someone gets this title. Is there a pageant within Maine to crown this title or are there certain qualifications? Any information would help. Thank you. — No Name via email

ANSWER: Mrs. Maine International looks to be part of a bigger pageant. According to www.mrsinternational.com, the “International Pageant system has been developed to promote today’s married women, their accomplishments, and commitment to family and marriage.

“Around the world women are finding this system to be the opportunity to work with their husband and family to become positive role models. Being the premiere pageant for married women has given Mrs. International a chance to open doors for married women around the world.

“The Mrs. International 2014 competition will be held July 25 and 26 at the Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts in Jacksonville, Fla. The exciting events and activities leading up to the Pageant begin in Jacksonville on July 22.

“The event will give each contestant the opportunity to learn about customs and family life in other countries, along with the chance to share her beliefs and make new friends during the entire week of activities leading up to two exciting evenings of competition.

“Beginning 27 years ago, Mrs. International was developed to have higher standards than other pageant systems. The focus behind Mrs. International is to showcase women 21 to 56 years old, married at least six months and a resident of the state or a citizen of the country she represents.

“Each contestant competes in Interview Competition, which is valued for 50 percent of her overall score, Evening Gown, valued for 25 percent and Fitness Wear for 25 percent.

“Each contestant has the opportunity to select a platform of her choice that she spends the year promoting. Husbands are a direct part of the show, escorting their wives in the Evening Gown competition, and the husband crowns his wife titleholder.”

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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