Best of Vermont from the Editors of Yankee Magazine
Best of Vermont from the Editors of Yankee Magazine [easy-social-share buttons=”facebook,twitter,pinterest,google,mail,print,more” sharebtn_style=”icon” counters=0 style=”icon” point_type=”simple”] Table Of Contents: Best Attractions Best Lodging Best Dining Best Bargains Best Classic Attractions Best Outdoor Attractions Spotlight: Lake Champlain Spotlight: Burlington Best Attractions in Vermont Looking for fun in the Green Mountain State? You won’t have to look far! Read our […]
Looking for fun in the Green Mountain State? You won’t have to look far! Read our picks for the best attractions in Vermont.
FAMILY ADVENTURE
ARBORTREK, Jeffersonville
You’ve driven through Smugglers’ Notch, hiked its trails, maybe blasted down a ski trail—but how about soaring above it all? ArborTrek’s 4,500 feet of ziplines lace the treetops at heights of more than 70 feet, offering a falcon’s-eye view of the notch’s rugged and beautiful terrain. Choose the “Wild Ride” for up to three hours of guided ziplining, including one rappel and two sky bridges, or the shorter “Express,” which subtracts the bridges. There’s also a treetop obstacle course, for summoning your inner Indiana Jones.
802-644-9300; arbortrek.com
FARMERS’ MARKET
CAPITAL CITY FARMERS’ MARKET, Montpelier
On Saturdays from May through October, more than 50 vendors gather to sell some of the region’s finest produce, meats, cheeses, baked goods, and crafts. Live music creates a festive atmosphere, and the market attracts a colorful collection of locals as well as tourists.
802-793-8347; montpelierfarmersmarket.com
NATURE EXPERIENCE
SOUTHERN VERMONT NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM, West Marlboro
When naturalist and taxidermist Luman Nelson began preserving animal species of the Northeast in the early 1900s, he likely didn’t anticipate that his collection would become the foundation of one of the finest natural history museums in his native New England. Today, Nelson’s work is superbly showcased—along with live animal—at this educational gateway adjacent to the Hogback Mountain Scenic Overlook. After soaking up some knowledge, stretch your legs on the surrounding 600 acres of hiking trails.
802-464-0048; vermontmuseum.org
SHORT HIKE
SNAKE MOUNTAIN, Addison and Weybridge
It may not match the Green Mountains’ lofty peaks, this 1,287-foot outlier of the Taconic range rises abruptly from the surrounding terrain to offer Vermont’s finest panorama of dairy lands, Lake Champlain, and the Adirondacks. Access the five-mile trail loop from either the west side (in Addison) or the east side (in Weybridge), and traverse a 1,215-acre preserve encompassing oak, maple, and hickory forests; a 9,500-year-old glacier-born bog; ledges where peregrine falcons nest; and, at the top, the ruins of an 1870 hotel.
vtfishandwildlife.com
Lake Champlain Paddle
Island Passages, North Hero
After more than 18 years of paddling the waters of northern Lake Champlain, husband-and-wife team John and Berney Skutel know the very best places to explore.
5944 US Route 2. 802-825-1120
SPECIALTY MUSEUM
VERMONT MARBLE MUSEUM, Proctor
There’s marble everywhere in Proctor: a marble church, marble sidewalks, and even a marble bridge. To learn how this became Proctor’s bedrock, head to the former Vermont Marble Company, which supplied the stone for the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the U.S. Supreme Court. Today it’s a museum that tells the story of Vermont marble, from how it formed to how it’s been quarried. Don’t miss the Hall of Presidents sculpture collection and the samples of over 100 marbles, including lusciously hued stone from vast underground quarries in nearby Danby.
800-427-1396; vermontmarblemuseum.com
ONE-STOP SAMPLING
NORTHEAST KINGDOM TASTING CENTER, Newport
In the state that practically coined the term “locavore,” here’s the place for sampling and buying edibles and potables from throughout the Northeast Kingdom. From ice cider to artisanal cheeses, maple-flavored rum to exquisite pastries, it’s all here in downtown Newport. Don’t miss the Newport Ciderhouse Bar & Grill on the premises.
150 Main St. 802-334-1790; nektastingcenter.com
HISTORIC HIGHLIGHT – YEAR-ROUND THEATRE
DORSET THEATRE FESTIVAL, Dorset (Playhouse, 1929)
It’s two playhouses in one: In summer, the Dorset Theatre Festival calls on professional Broadway talent to stage recent Tony winners, old favorites, and world premieres; off-season, the Dorset Players continue a nearly 90-year tradition of fine amateur theatre in this posh but laid-back village.
104 Cheney Rd. 802-867-2223; dorsettheatrefestival.org; dorsetplayers.org
MUSEUM MAKEOVER
BENNINGTON MUSEUM, Bennington
What do folk artist Grandma Moses and abstract artist Helen Frankenthaler have in common? How about a 1920s Martin Wasp automobile and works by sculptor Sir Anthony Caro? They’re examples of the museum’s new direction, dubbed “creative collisions,” which juxtapose traditional with modern, bringing the two together in lively confrontation.
75 Main St. 802-447-1571; benningtonmuseum.org
AUTO RACING
THUNDER ROAD SPEEDBOWL, East Barre
Vermont may be the land of prim little hybrids and mini-SUVs, but it does boast at least one spot where raw power rules. From late April through early October, families pack the stands at Thunder Road as some of the region’s best drivers compete in a full schedule of stock-car races.
80 Fisher Rd. 802-244-6963; thunderroadspeedbowl.com
DOG DESTINATION
DOG MOUNTAIN, St. Johnsbury
Let your best friend romp leashless through the fields and take a plunge in the pond; then pause for a moment of reflection at Stephen Huneck’s incomparable Dog Chapel.
143 Parks Rd (off Spaulding Road). 802-748-2700; dogmt.com
COUNTRY STORE
VERMONT COUNTRY STORE, Weston
Looking for a flannel nightie, a manual typewriter, old-time candies … all in one store? That barely begins to describe the diversity of the inventory at this 70-year-old Vermont institution. There’s a second location in Rockingham.
657 Main St. 800-547-7849; vermontcountrystore.com
Best Country Store | The Vermont Country Store
Credit: Vermont Country Store
Best Country Store | The Vermont Country Store Credit: Vermont Country Store
ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES
THE VERMONT ANTIQUE MALL, Quechee
Looking for that Old Farmer’s Almanac from the ’50s? Or a Star Wars lunchbox? They’re most likely here in one of the 450 booths. Take time to visit the free Toy & Train Museum, too.
Quechee Gorge Village, 5573 East Woodstock Rd (U.S. Route 4). 802-281-4147; vermontantiquemall.com
TOURIST HOT SPOT
SHELBURNE MUSEUM, Shelburne
An outstanding collection of Americana, folk art, and fine art—including Impressionist and American paintings—is housed in 38 historic buildings and on the beautifully landscaped grounds.
6000 Shelburne Road. 802-985-3346; shelburnemuseum.org
BEACH
SAND BAR STATE PARK, Milton
Lake Champlain’s premier bathing beach offers kid-friendly shallows, picnic tables and grills, food and boat rentals, shade trees, and gorgeous views.
Route 2. 802-893-2825; vtstateparks.com
CHEESE & SYRUP SHOP
SUGARBUSH FARM, Woodstock
For more than 70 years this small family farm has been crafting tasty cheeses and maple syrup. Sample the wares, visit the animals, and tour a traditional low-tech sugarhouse.
591 Sugarbush Farm Rd. 802-457-1757; sugarbushfarm.com
HORSE FARM
UNIVERSITY OF VERMONT MORGAN HORSE FARM, Weybridge
Vermont’s state animal has a special home near Middlebury, where the strong, clean-limbed descendants of Justin Morgan, the first Morgan horse, are bred and trained. Take a guided tour of the stables; you may want to take a Morgan home, as several are always for sale.
74 Battell Dr. 802-388-2011; uvm.edu/morgan
Best Horse Farm | University of Vermont Morgan Horse Farm
Credit: Corey Hendrickson
Best Horse Farm | University of Vermont Morgan Horse Farm Credit: Corey Hendrickson
LOCAL ARTS
BRYAN MEMORIAL GALLERY, Jeffersonville
Paintings by American realists line the walls of this rambling small-town gallery at the foot of Smugglers’ Notch. Many, like founder Alden Bryan and his wife, Mary, have found inspiration in the surrounding landscape.
180 Main St. 802-644-5100; bryangallery.org
BOOKSTORE
NORTHSHIRE BOOKSTORE, Manchester Center
The extensive selection includes everything from best-sellers to rarities, and features a whole floor devoted to children’s titles. The Spiral Press Café is perfect for a light lunch or freshly baked treat.
4869 Main St. 802-362-2200; northshire.com
COVERED BRIDGES
LAMOILLE COUNTY
Aficionados can bag more than a dozen in a day. You’ll often find inviting swimming holes beneath or close by. Cambridge, Waterville, and Belvidere boast eight of these beloved landmarks, all within a few minutes’ drive.
Killington’s nickname, “Beast of the East,” is now appropriate in summer as well as winter. The area’s newest ride plunges thrill seekers down the mountain in individually controlled carts, navigating the twists, turns, and spirals of the 4,800-foot-long Beast track.
4763 Killington Rd. 802-422-3333; killington.com
FREE CONCERT SERIES
SNOW FARM VINEYARDS, South Hero
Pack a picnic and head out to the Champlain Islands for a summer Thursday evening of music. The vineyards’ award-winning wines are available to drink on site or bring home.
190 West Shore Rd. 802-372-9463; snowfarm.com
Best Lodging in Vermont
Looking to rest your head in the Green Mountain State? We’ve got you covered! Check out our picks for the best lodging in Vermont.
BOUTIQUE HOTEL
FIELD GUIDE, Stowe
Ideal for folks wanting a bit more than a B&B but less than a traditional resort, Field Guide occupies a longtime inn that was completely renovated in 2015 by the Lark Hotels chain. Upscale country chic is on full display, from the tree-stump end tables and birch log “walls” in the lobby to the mounted (papier-mâché) deer heads and whimsical wallpaper. Downtown is minutes away, but should you choose to stay in, the on-site restaurant, Picnic Social, is a worthy stop.
802-253-8088; fieldguidestowe.com
FAMILY LODGING
THE HOTEL JAY, Jay
Jay Peak Resort is about much more than winter these days, especially since the construction of a host of new lodging options in town—including the resort’s marquee hotel, the Hotel Jay, which has 170 rooms and suites, all with kitchenettes or full kitchens. Enjoy the 60,000-square-foot indoor water park, the aerial tram, the 18-hole golf course (day-care facilities come in handy here), and the indoor ice rink.
800-451-4449; jaypeakresort.com
FARM STAY
SHEARER HILL FARM, Wilmington
Patti and Bill Pusey raised seven children here—so when they say kids are welcome, you know they mean it. And with berries to pick and cows to feed, they know how to keep little ones busy. There are three rooms in the main house and a two-bedroom suite in the Carriage House, all with private baths.
802-464-3253; shearerhillfarm.com
ISLAND LODGING
NORTH HERO HOUSE, North Hero
There’s no city on North Hero’s City Bay; in fact, there’s little more than this cozy lakeside inn, opened in 1891. Some of the 26 rooms, spread among four waterside buildings, have screened-in porches and/or fireplaces; most offer splendid lake and mountain vistas. The inn’s main dining room showcases produce grown on-site, and casual fare is offered in summer and on fall weekends at the bar and grill.
802-372-4732; northherohouse.com
LAKESIDE LODGING
BASIN HARBOR CLUB, Vergennes
Family-owned for over 100 years, with a prime Champlain location, this place is as timeless as a resort can be. Families return year after year for summers filled with all kinds of on-site activities: biking, tennis, golfing, and water sports (ranging from paddleboarding to cruising in a vintage Chris-Craft). Plus, it’s pet-friendly—dogs even have their own swimming beach!
802-475-2311; basinharbor.com
LUXURY ESCAPE
THE PITCHER INN, Warren
The village of Warren provides a classic Mad River Valley backdrop for this Relais & Chateaux gem, which offers nine sumptuous rooms and two suites. From the folk murals of the Calvin Coolidge Room to the antique sports gear of the Ski Suite, no two lodging options are alike, but most do have stunning custom fireplaces. Menus at the inn’s restaurant, 275 Main, are built around locally sourced meats, produce, and cheeses.
802-496-6350; pitcherinn.com
NEW HOTEL
KIMPTON TACONIC, Manchester Village
You, the kids, and even your Great Dane will be pampered at this four-story luxury hotel, one of the area’s biggest local construction projects in recent years. After settling into lodgings that offer a modern take on Vermont’s grand inns, you can relax on the sweeping porch overlooking the mountains, take a fly-fishing course at the Orvis school, or shop up a storm at the nearby outlets.
802-362-0147; taconichotel.com
WILDERNESS RETREAT
THE LODGE AT SEYON LODGE STATE PARK, Groton
Deep in the heart of 27,000-acre Groton State Forest, Vermont’s only full-service state park lodge offers eight cozy guest rooms (baths are shared), a spacious living room with fireplace, and, for an extra charge, three home-cooked meals daily. There’s also the opportunity to cast a line in Noyes Pond—the park system’s sole fly-fishing-only, stocked-trout waters—from a rental boat.
802-584-3829; vtstateparks.com
MOUNTAIN VISTA
TARADEN, North Bennington
Nestled on 20 acres overlooking the Taconic Range and Green Mountains, Taradan offers three spacious suites with private baths, including one in a separate cottage. Enjoy pond and pasture views from the glassed-in breakfast room, and then climb aboard a horse-drawn carriage for a scenic tour.
183 Park St. 802-447-3434; taraden.com
B & “BEE”
GOLDEN STAGE INN, Proctorsville
Julie and Michael Wood’s passion for innkeeping is evident in their loving restoration of the eight rooms of this historic lodging. They also share a love of cooking and serve homemade soup daily as well as Michael’s signature “Saturday Night Chocolate Cake” as long as it lasts. Julie’s other passion is beekeeping, and guests are served honey fresh from her hives at breakfast.
399 Depot St. 802-226-7744; goldenstageinn.com
SMALL RESORT
CRISANVER HOUSE, Shrewsbury
This gracious resort, complete with its own tennis court and outdoor pool, sprawls across 120 acres at a lofty 2,000 feet, offering spectacular views of the Green Mountains. The magnificently restored 200-year-old main house stands amid manicured grounds. Chef/owner Carol Calotta incorporates estate-grown herbs and vegetables into her eclectic dinner menu.
1434 Crown Point Rd. 802-492-3589; crisanver.com
FARM B&B
HOLLISTER HILL FARM B&B, Marshfield
Bob and Lee Light moved to Vermont in the 1970s back-to-the-land era, and in 1983 settled on this 205-acre farm. Today they milk Jersey cows, grow organic produce, operate a farm store … and welcome guests to their 1825 home. Accommodations include two sunny double rooms and a family suite, plus the “Little House” with full kitchen.
2193 Hollister Rd. 802-454-7725; hollisterhillfarm.com
PET FRIENDLY B&B
THE INN AT BUCK HOLLOW FARM, Fairfax
A restored 1790s carriage house with antiques and four-poster beds doesn’t sound pet friendly— but companion animals are welcome (extra fee) at this 400-acre estate 35 minutes from Burlington. There’s a 40-foot outdoor pool and jacuzzi; dinner (pizza, pasta, chili, fondue) is available by prior arrangement. Don’t miss the antiques shop.
2150 Buck Hollow Rd. 802-849-2400; buckhollow.com
BORDERLAND B&B
Cliff Haven Farm B&B, Newport Center
Set on 300 delightfully out-of-the-way acres overlooking Lake Memphremagog (the road dead-ends just ahead at the Canadian border) this 1800s farmhouse offers four spacious rooms (three with gas fireplaces); there’s also a private pond for swimming.
5463 Lake Rd. 802-334-2401; cliffhaven.net
HISTORIC INN
THE INN AT SHELBURNE FARMS, Shelburne
The centerpiece of this grand estate turned nonprofit teaching farm is the Webb family’s 19th-century summer home, now a beautiful inn with 24 guest rooms and four cottages set amid manicured grounds and views of Lake Champlain. The farm’s own meat, produce, and award-winning cheeses are menu staples at the inn’s restaurant, which is one of Vermont’s most celebrated.
802-985-8498; shelburnefarms.org
Best Historic Inn | The Inn at Shelburne Farms, Shelburne
Credit: Julie Bidwell
Best Historic Inn | The Inn at Shelburne Farms, Shelburne Credit: Julie Bidwell
COUPLES RETREAT
THE JACKSON HOUSE INN, Woodstock
Romance is the hallmark of this luxury lodging, from the elegant English gardens to imaginative two-course breakfasts. Includes full breakfast.
43 Senior Ln. 800-448-1890; jacksonhouse.com
NEW INN
THE INN, Montgomery Center
Hunting-lodge ambience and some of the North Country’s most innovative and reasonably priced fare. Includes full breakfast.
241 Main St. 802-326-4391; theinn.us
DOWNTOWN VALUE
LATCHIS HOTEL, Brattleboro
An Art Deco treasure, with accommodations ranging from mountain-view rooms and suites to interior rooms that are short on views but long on quiet and value, plus movies at the adjacent Latchis Theatre. Rates: from $99, including continental breakfast.
50 Main St. 802-254-6300; latchis.com
FAMILY RESORT
THE TYLER PLACE, Swanton
Head to Lake Champlain and this all-inclusive resort sprawling over 165 acres with a mile of lake frontage, offering a full roster of land- and water-based activities. Rates and lengths of stay vary depending on time of year.
175 Tyler Pl. 802-868-4000; tylerplace.com
CAPITAL LODGING
INN AT MONTPELIER, Montpelier
The two adjacent Federal-style homes housing the inn were built in the early days of America’s smallest state capital. These 19 rooms are cheerfully decorated with period furnishings such as sleigh and four-poster beds, but all offer modern amenities, including private bath, WiFi, and individual climate control. The gracious wraparound porch is a great place to relax. Includes continental breakfast.
147 Main St. 802-223-2727; innatmontpelier.com
Best Dining in Vermont
Hungry? The Green Mountain State offers plenty of restaurant options for hungry residents and visitors alike. Here are our picks for the best food & dining in Vermont.
BAKERY
BOHEMIAN BAKERY, Montpelier
For years, pastry lovers trekked to East Calais on Sundays to line up at Annie Bakst and Robert Hunt’s homestead bakery. The journey paid off in such treats as buttery, thousand-layer croissants; sugared squares of puff pastry cradling thin-sliced apricots, apples, or plums; and cappuccinos brimming with rich froth. In 2017, Bakst and Hunt moved their operations to a light-filled space near downtown Montpelier, so the goods are more available now—the bakery’s open Wednesday through Sunday—but no less divine.
802-461-8119; bohemianbakeryvt.com
BURGERS
THE WORTHY BURGER, South Royalston
The superlative beef-tallow French fries here are merely the supporting cast for the always-perfect burgers, made with local Wagyu-Angus meat and seared over a wood fire. These patties (or their fish, veggie, or duck counterparts) can be had with thick-cut bacon, fine cheeses, or zippy house-made kimchi. Pair your pick with a beer: Worthy’s draft list highlights some of Vermont’s most sought-after breweries.
802-763-2575; worthyvermont.com
CHINESE
CAI’S DIM SUM TEAHOUSE, Brattleboro
On most summer Saturdays, you’ll find Cai Xi and Adam Silver at the Brattleboro Farmers’ Market, dishing up fragrant rice paper dumplings and airy steamed bao. But by night—and by appointment only—they welcome guests to their Victorian parlor gallery for spice-laden stir-fries, crispy-skinned fish broiled with Szechuan peppercorns, and sesame dan dan noodles tucked beneath sweet ribbons of carrot. To complete your meal, pairings are available from the couple’s extensive collection of rare Chinese teas.
802-257-7898; dimsumvt.com
DINER
MISS LYNDONVILLE DINER, Lyndonville
If it’s a Sunday morning, good luck getting a table here, as folks queue up for short-order eggs and cream pies and a homey atmosphere (the coffeepot-toting servers might just call you “hon”). Look for specialties such as French toast stuffed with marmalade and cream cheese; skillet breakfasts of bacon, home fries, and eggs blanketed in sausage gravy; and buttery blueberry pancakes as big as your face.
802-626-9890
FARM-TO-TABLE
PIECEMEAL PIES, White River Junction
While the inspiration for this meat pie purveyor may have come from Great Britain, the flavor is pure Vermont, thanks to chef Justin Barrett’s focus on area farms. Vermont beer and cider have pride of place on the drink menu; the savory pies are stuffed with ribboned Upper Valley rabbit and bacon or curried lamb. Barrett designed his space with an open kitchen, so guests can watch as he and his and crew freeze, dry, and can flats of fruits and bushels of beans, peppers, and tomatoes for their winter pantry, ensuring that local bounty remains the star year-round.
802-281-6910; piecemealpies.com
TASTING MENU
LINCOLN INN AT THE COVERED BRIDGE, Woodstock
Chef Jevgenija Saromova and host Mara Mehlman don’t fuss with plebeian concerns like à la carte service. Instead, they guide guests through fixed menus of four or seven courses, with plates such as holiday smoked duck and seared tiger prawns with asparagus. In the private dining room, Saromova celebrates a high mass for avant-garde gastronomy with a 12-course tasting menu. There, find beetroot spun into bubbly foams, sculptures of butter-poached lobster with crisped mascarpone, and other decadent flights of fancy.
802-457-7052; lincolninn.com
HISTORIC HIGHLIGHT – NEW OLD STORE
J. J. HAPGOOD GENERAL STORE & EATERY, Peru (1827)
Back in 1827, J. J. Hapgood didn’t serve pizza—at least not with arugula or feta. With the store’s latest incarnation, you’ll find wood-fired pizzas, sandwiches, salads, and homemade desserts, along with breakfast, local produce, cheeses, and Vermont microbrews, all served in the beautiful shadow of Bromley Mountain. Outdoor seating is available.
305 Main St. 802-824-4800; jjhapgood.com
Best New Old Store | J. J. Hapgood General Store & Eatery, Peru
Credit: Carol Kaplan
Best New Old Store | J. J. Hapgood General Store & Eatery, Peru Credit: Carol Kaplan
ECLECTIC DINING
THE LOBBY, Middlebury
Local meats, produce, and baked goods, plus a downtown location right on Otter Creek, all play starring roles here. Try a báhn mì pork burger at lunch; dinner might build around ricotta gnocchi or lemon-roasted game hen. You’ll find lots of vegetarian options, and a well-crafted wine list.
7 Bakery Ln. 802-989-7463; lobbyrestaurantvt.com
CARIBBEAN CUISINE
MELAZA CARIBBEAN BISTRO, Woodstock
Woodstock meets the islands. The Puerto Rico–born chef at this cheery little spot serves up empanadas, plantain chips, and entrées such as mussels in Cuban creole sauce, jerk mahi-mahi, and pork shank with guava glaze. Rum, naturally, rules the cocktail lineup. Outdoor seating is available.
71 Central St. 802-457-7110; melazabistro.com
MOUNTAINTOP DINING
THE CLIFF HOUSE RESTAURANT, Stowe
Ride the Stowe Mountain Resort Gondola to this chic bistro tucked under the “Nose” of Mount Mansfield for spectacular views and creative New American fare.
5781 Mountain Rd. 802-253-4754; stowe.com
STOWE DINING
BISTRO AT TEN ACRES LODGE, Stowe
It’s a casual bistro at a popular lodging spot that boasts mountain views and a fireside lounge, but pork shank to Vietnamese grilled shrimp. Burgers? Buns, chips, even mustard and pickles are all house-made. Fresh-pressed cocktails are a house specialty.
14 Barrows Rd. 802-253-6838; tenacreslodge.com
Best Mountaintop Dining | The Cliff House Restaurant, Stowe.
Credit: Corey Hendrickson
Best Mountaintop Dining | The Cliff House Restaurant, Stowe. Credit: Corey Hendrickson
SEASONAL MENU
MICHAEL’S ON THE HILL, Waterbury
Thirty local farms supply provender, and chef Michael Kloeti brings his Swiss homeland’s exacting standards to this award-winning restaurant in an 1820 farmhouse. Menus follow the seasons and might include house-made duck prosciutto or chicken with heirloom tomatoes and foraged mushrooms. Finish with a Vermont artisanal-cheese plate.
4182 Waterbury–Stowe Rd. (Route 100). 802-244-7476; michaelsonthehill.com
OCEAN FRESH FARE
JEFF’S MAINE SEAFOOD, St. Albans
Proving that a landlocked state doesn’t have to fall short when it comes to seafood, Jeff ’s has been serving ocean-fresh fish and shellfish for 25 years. Favorites include clam chowder, grilled swordfish, and pecan-crusted salmon. Meat, poultry, and pasta, too.
65 North Main St. 802-524-6135; jeffsmaineseafood.com
BRUNCH
158 MAIN, Jeffersonville
The breakfast-and-brunch menu at this homey local favorite is encyclopedic: 14 omelets (not counting “build your own”); seven variations on eggs Benedict; hearty options such as corned-beef hash, biscuits and gravy, and pancakes layered with sausage patties.
158 Main St. 802-644-8100; 158main.com
FARM-TO-TABLE DINING
RED CLOVER INN & RESTAURANT, Mendon
Red Clover uses the state’s abundant bounty to its utmost. Among the standouts: venison-stuffed quail and sweetbreads with smoked bacon and house-made fettuccine.
7 Woodward Rd. 802-775-2290; redcloverinn.com
Best Farm-to-Table Dining | Red Clover Inn & Restaurant, Mendon
Credit: Courtesy of Red Clover Inn
Best Farm-to-Table Dining | Red Clover Inn & Restaurant, Mendon Credit: Courtesy of Red Clover Inn
LUNCH
MARTONE’S MARKET & CAFE, Essex Junction
Vermonters consistently vote this small brickfront eatery the best place around for homemade soups, salads, and fresh subs and sandwiches piled high with top-quality meats, cheeses, and crisp vegetables.
16 Main St. 802-878-8163; martonesmarket.com
ICE CREAM
MOUNTAIN CREAMERY, Woodstock
Upstairs, have a slice of “mile-high” apple pie with a scoop of the Creamery’s vanilla. Downstairs, enjoy a homemade waffle cone with great flavors such as Myers rum raisin, Vermont maple–walnut, and brownie à la mode.
33 Central St. 802-457-1715; mountaincreameryvt.com
ETHNIC FOOD
DERBY LINE VILLAGE INN, Derby Line
Austrian chef Fritz Halbedl has brought 35 years of experience to this elegant mansion. The menu reflects the hearty flavors of central Europe: goulash soup, sauerbraten, wiener schnitzel, and house-smoked wursts.
440 Main St. 802-873-5071; derbylinevillageinn.com
BYOB
TOKAI-TEI, Chester
Chef Michiko Yoshida-Hunter prepares Japanese specialties such as soft-shell crab tempura, unagi kabayaki (broiled freshwater eel), and Hawaiian ceviche of tuna. Overnight lodging is available at the on-site Old Town Farm Inn.
665 Route 10. 888-232-1089; otfi.com
SWEET SHOP
MIDDLEBURY SWEETS, Middlebury
AN array: penny candies, gummies, 21 colors of M&Ms, 72 flavors of Jelly Belly beans, and homemade chocolates.
12 Ossie Rd. 802-388-4518; middleburysweets.com
BBQ
CURTIS’ ALL AMERICAN BARBECUE, Putney
For more than 40 years this outdoor favorite has served up some of the best ribs and chicken north of Dixie and time-honored Southern sides, too.
7 Putney Landing Rd. 802-387-5474
DINER
P&H TRUCK STOP, Wells River
Truckers really do stop here for a shower, a snooze, and great road food. Breads are freshly baked, desserts are homemade, and all the traditional favorites are served up in trucker-size portions.
2886 U.S. Route 302. 802-429-2141; pandhtruckstop.com
SEAFOOD
ANCHOR SEAFOOD HOUSE & GRILLE, Wilmington
Fried whole-belly clams, New England sea scallops, and Maine steamers in Vermont? They’re just a few of many fresh seafood dishes served at this casual spot, where prime rib holds its own on weekends. Grab a table on the outdoor porch.
8 South Main St. 802-464-2112; anchorseafoodrestaurant.com
Best Bargains in Vermont
Pinching pennies never felt so good! Check out our picks for the best bargains in Vermont.
HISTORIC HIGHLIGHT – OUTDOOR CINEMA
SUNSET DRIVE-IN, Colchester (1946)
Updates at the Queen City’s only drive-in theatre, a family favorite since 1946, include four giant screens showing the first-run double feature, which begins at dusk. Mini-putt golf and a playground help amuse the kids, and the snack bar serves classic drive-in fare. Across the street, tired moviegoers can stay at the recently opened Starlight Inn, which features 11 different movie-themed rooms.
155 Porter Point Rd. 802-862-1800; sunsetdrivein.com
FREE CONCERT SERIES
JACKSON GORE SUMMER SERIES, Ludlow
Pack a picnic and chairs for Okemo Mountain Resort’s free Friday-night summer concerts, featuring music by local and regional bands. They’re held in the courtyard of the Jackson Gore Inn; gates open at 5:00 p.m.
111 Jackson Gore Rd. 802-228-1600; okemo.com
ANNUAL SALE
BURTIN SNOWBOARDS TENT SALE, Burlington
Boarders and non-boarders alike camp out in the parking lot Thursday night to get first crack at equipment and clothing savings of up to 70 percent. The sale runs for three days on a late- August weekend; check the web site for dates.
80 Industrial Way. 802-862-4500; burton.com
FREE ART GALLERY
YESTER HOUSE, Manchester
The works of hundreds of regional artists are exhibited and for sale in the 10 elegant galleries and hallways of this Georgian Revival mansion, which serves as headquarters for the Southern Vermont Arts Center. Annual and invitational exhibitions are also launched here, and admission is always free.
930 SVAC Dr. (off West Rd). 802-362-1405; svac.org
Best Classic Attractions in Vermont
There’s a lot to see and do in the Green Mountain State, but some activities really stand the test of time. Read our picks for the best classic attractions in Vermont.
HISTORIC HIGHLIGHT – LAKESIDE RESORT
BASIN HARBOR CLUB, Vergennes (1886)
As timeless as a resort can be: Family owned for more than 100 years, with a matchless location on Lake Champlain, the Club offers cottage or inn accommodations, water sports ranging from paddle boarding to cruising in a vintage Chris-Craft, a private golf course, and fine formal and informal dining. There’s even a private landing strip.
4800 Basin Harbor Rd. 802-475-2311; basinharbor.com
Best Lakeside Resort | Basin Harbor Club, Vergennes
Credit: Carl Tremblay
Best Lakeside Resort | Basin Harbor Club, Vergennes Credit: Carl Tremblay
HISTORIC HIGHLIGHT – HISTORIC FARM
BILLINGS FARM, Woodstock (1871)
What was rural Vermont like circa 1890? Find out at Billings, a model working farm, with draft horses, oxen, sheep, chickens, and Jersey cattle. Watch afternoon milking, tour the restored farm manager’s house and barn exhibits, and enjoy activities such as wagon rides and harvest-season cooking demonstrations.
69 Old River Rd. 802-457-2355; billingsfarm.org
CHAMBER MUSIC
YELLOW BARN CONCERTS, Putney
Students and resident artists from around the world gather here each summer to refine their mastery of the chamber-music repertoire and to perform at more than 20 intimate concerts from mid-June to early August.
49 Main St. 802-387-6637; yellowbarn.org
HISTORIC HIGHLIGHT – SMALL CITY MUSEUM
FAIRBANKS MUSEUM, St. Johnsbury (1889)
It’s a window on the wide world, Victorian- style. The Romanesque Revival Fairbanks boasts an astoundingly eclectic hoard of natural science, ethnology, and Vermont-history treasures—an old-style “cabinet of curiosities” writ large. Upstairs, the state’s only public planetarium offers state-of-the-art star shows.
1302 Main St. 802-748-2372; fairbanksmuseum.org
Best Outdoor Attractions in Vermont
The Green Mountain State has plenty to offer in the Great Outdoors. Read our picks for the best outdoor attractions in Vermont.
HALF-HOUR HIKE
MOUNT PHILO STATE PARK, Charlotte
If you’re not quite ready to notch Mount Mansfield or Camel’s Hump into your hiking stick, Mount Philo offers a gentle ascent to a 986-foot summit with spectacular views of Lake Champlain, the Adirondacks, and those more challenging Vermont peaks you’ll tackle next year. Ten campsites are available.
5425 Mount Philo Rd. 802-425-2390; vtstateparks.com/htm/philo.htm
PLACE FOR A PLUNGE
DORSET QUARRY, Dorset
In a state famous for out-of-the-way swimming holes, one of the most popular and accessible is this former marble quarry, the oldest (1785) in the U.S. Plunge into clear, 60-foot-deep water, where stone for the New York Public Library was cut. No lifeguards; not recommended for children.
Route 30 (park on Kelly Road)
HIKE & BIKE
MILLSTONE TRAILS, Barre
Once home to more than 75 small quarries, Millstone is now a 1,500-acre preserve laced by more than 70 miles of scenic mountain-biking and hiking trails. Magic Wheel (magicwheelvt.com) at the touring center rents bicycles.
34 Church Hill Rd. 802-277-0144; millstonetrails.com
NATURE TOUR
SISKIN ECOLOGICAL ADVENTURES, East Charleston
Field ecologist Jason Brueck provides a fascinating narrative as he leads hikers and canoeists through his favorite haunts in the Northeast Kingdom, identifying unique birds such as Bicknell’s thrush and blackback woodpeckers, as well as mammals and rare plants.
Ten Mile Square Rd. 802-673-5638; travelthekingdom.com
VIEWS WITH THE LEAST EFFORT
BARR HILL NATURAL AREA, Greensboro
You don’t even have to hike to the loftiest part of the 250-acre preserve for spectacular views— gorgeous panoramas open up right at the trailhead. But two gentle, self-guided loops (a third of a mile and four-fifths of a mile) at this Nature Conservancy gem offer their own rewards.
Barr Hill Rd. 802-229-4425; nature.org
Spotlight: Lake Champlain
Heading to the Lake Champlain in Vermont? We’ve got the perfect roundup of what to see, do and eat while you’re there, plus where to stay when it’s time for bed. Read on to see our picks for the best of Lake Champlain!
BEST ATTRACTIONS AT LAKE CHAMPLAIN
PLACE TO LEARN THE LAKE
ECHO LAKE AQUARIUM & SCIENCE CENTER, Burlington
America’s “Sixth Great Lake” and environs are the focus of this waterfront resource, where visitors come face to face with Champlain’s denizens. Learn about the area’s ecological history, shipwrecks, and of course the legendary monster, “Champ.” (The name stands for Ecology, Culture, History, and Opportunity.)
1 College St. 802-864-1848; echovermont.org
BICYCLING
BURLINGTON & COLCHESTER BIKE PATHS
Cyclists skirt the city shoreline, cross the Winooski River, and connect with suburban Colchester’s own bike trail. The fun really begins as the route heads out onto Lake Champlain along a 3½-mile former railroad causeway. A seasonal bike ferry links with scenic roads threading the Champlain Islands.
802-864- 0123; (Burlington Dept. of Parks & Recreation). 802-861-2700; localmotion.org (ferry information and bike rentals)
BEST PLACES TO STAY AT LAKE CHAMPLAIN
HISTORIC HOSTELRY
SHOREHAM INN & PUB, Shoreham
Not all guests arrive by bike, although this 200+-year-old inn draws cyclists enjoying gentle Champlain Valley terrain. Vermont crafts and furnishings fill 10 cozy rooms and suites, and a British-inspired gastropub is provisioned by local suppliers of everything from apples to ale.
51 Inn Rd. 802-897-5081; shorehaminn.com
NEW B&B
MADE INN VERMONT, Burlington
Luxe B&B or micro-hotel? Burlington’s newest inn blends 19th- and 20th-century styles — including for-sale Vermont artworks — in a classic, cupola-topped Victorian mansion. Enjoy gel-topped mattresses, in-room fridges stocked with local delicacies, a sauna, and an outdoor hot tub. Beer and wine are available.
204 South Willard St. 802-399-2788; madeinnvermont.com
HISTORIC HIGHLIGHT – INN ON THE ISLANDS
NORTH HERO HOUSE, North Hero (1891)
No small inn sits closer to Lake Champlain than this serene spot, in business since 1891. Twenty-six rooms and suites feature amenities such as fireplaces and screened-porch hammocks. Fine and casual dining options include a new lakeside “Steamship Pier” bar and grille.
3643 Route 2. 802-372-4732; northherohouse.com
BEST PLACES TO EAT AT LAKE CHAMPLAIN
ISLANDS BISTRO
BLUE PADDLE BISTRO, South Hero
Phoebe Bright and Mandy Hotchkiss have made this intimate, casual spot a Champlain Islands destination. Favorites include coffee-crusted pork tenderloin and butternut squash-stuffed ravioli. There’s also a lighter bar menu.
316 Route 2. 802-372-4814; bluepaddlebistro.com
Best Islands Bistro | Blue Paddle Bistro, South Hero
Credit: Mandy Hotchkiss
Best Islands Bistro | Blue Paddle Bistro, South Hero Credit: Mandy Hotchkiss
SPOT AT SUNSET
SPLASH AT THE BOATHOUSE, Burlington
To end the day or start the evening, order a drink and an appetizer and watch the sun set nover Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks at the Queen City’s only floating waterfront restaurant. Order a couple of the house-special “Rock the Docks” cocktails and you might even see the Caribbean-green flash.
College St. 802-658-2244; splashattheboathouse.com
LOCAVORE MENU
STARRY NIGHT CAFE, Ferrisburgh
The emphasis on local sourcing here extends even to floral centerpieces and hand-blown glassware—but most important are the local produce, meats, and dairy products that go into one of the region’s most creative menus. Succulent pork loin is brined in Vermont cider before grilling; beef is from Grass Roots Farm in nearby Charlotte.
5371 Route 7. 802-877-6316; starrynightcafe.com
Spotlight: Burlington
On the shores of Lake Champlain, Burlington is Vermont’s largest city and favorite tourist spot for quirky Green Mountain culture. Here’s a list of some of our favorite things to do, plus our picks for where to eat, shop, and stay.
BEST THINGS TO DO IN BURLINGTON, VT
HISTORICAL EXPERIENCE
ETHAN ALLEN HOMESTEAD MUSEUM
One of America’s colonial folk heroes spent his final years in a foreign country: the Vermont Republic. Ethan Allen settled along the Winooski River in 1787, four years before Vermont became a state, and today his reconstructed cottage offers a look at his legacy as well as 18th-century farm and home life. For those who like a little exercise with their education, the museum has miles of trails through woods and wetlands.
802-865-4556; ethanallenhomestead.org
LAKE CRUISE
WHISTLING MAN SCHOONER CO.
Cruising under sail—with only the sounds of water and wind—has a timeless appeal for many travelers. If that includes you, hop aboard the 41-foot sloop Friend Ship, and you’ll be sight-seeing from the only sailboat on Lake Champlain certified for passenger service. From spring to early fall, the Friend Ship offers two-hour daytime and sunset cruises that include a fascinating recap of the lake’s geology, history, and legends—and you might just spot Champ, Vermont’s very own lake monster, before you’re done.
802-825-7245; whistlingman.com
MUSIC CLUB
LIGHT CLUB LAMP SHOP
Yes, there are lamps here—hundreds of vintage models, in fact, the product of owner Lee Anderson’s growing obsession—and yes, they are for sale. The younger sibling of Anderson’s Radio Bean music club, Light Club maintains a “living room” vibe while serving up a range of genres and top-shelf acts. (In January, Rachel Price and Vilrary of the band Lake Street Dive played there.) Punchy craft cocktails are on the menu, as is international street food from Anderson’s other next-door business, ¡Duino! (Duende).
802-660-9346; radiobean.com
SPORTS EXPERIENCE
VERMONT LAKE MONSTERS
How do you get from Vermont to California? Try putting up good numbers with this Oakland Athletics farm club. If you can’t make the team, though, you can still get in on the action at Centennial Field, where the Monsters play their home games from mid-June through mid-September. There’s ample baseball talent on display, tasty food, and the between-inning antics of Champ, who emerges from the depths to root for Burlington’s boys of summer.
802-655-6611; vermontlakemonsters.com
BROWSING
BTV FLEA
The city’s burgeoning South End Arts District hosts a bustling flea market on the third Sunday of each month from May through October, featuring antiques, handicrafts, artwork, brewery tours and tastings, and lots of food.
180 Flynn Ave. 802-488-5766; vintageinspired.net
BOATING
COMMUNITY SAILING CENTER
Sail or paddle the waters of beautiful Lake Champlain from this conveniently located downtown boathouse. Craft available include dinghies, kayaks, paddle boards, and sailboats of various sizes and designs.
234 Penny Ln. 802-864-2499; communitysailingcenter.org
Best Boating | Community Sailing Center
Credit: Community Sailing Center
Best Boating | Community Sailing Center Credit: Community Sailing Center
PERFORMANCE VENUE
FLYNN CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
The last of Burlington’s movie palaces has been beautifully restored to its Art Deco splendor and now serves as the region’s most distinguished venue for an eclectic schedule of big-name music, theater, and dance. It’s also home to the Vermont Symphony Orchestra, led by the renowned Jamie Laredo.
153 Main St. 802-863-5966;flynncenter.org
TOURIST HOT SPOT
CHURCH STREET MARKETPLACE
Turning downtown’s main drag into a pedestrian mall created Vermont’s liveliest shopping, dining, and people-watching scene. Boutiques, bars, and buskers line this strollable four-block stretch, and eateries offer plenty of sidewalk seating. On summer Saturdays the action spills over into nearby City Hall Park, site of a bustling farmers’ market.
2 Church St. 802-863-1648; churchstmarketplace.com
GIFT SHOP
VERMONT GIFT BARN, South Burlington
You’ll find a full array of Vermont-made things, from maple syrup to pottery to furniture, at this unique shop, housed in (you guessed it) a real barn.
1087 Williston Rd. 802-658-7864; vermontgiftbarn.com
Best Gift Shop | The Vermont Gift Barn
Credit: Courtesy of Vermont Gift Barn
Best Gift Shop | The Vermont Gift Barn Credit: Courtesy of Vermont Gift Barn
LAKESIDE BIKING
BURLINGTON BIKEPATH, Burlington
Lake and mountain views abound. Head to North Beach, onward to rustic Charlie’s Boathouse, or up the Causeway through Colchester to the Island Line and Champlain Islands. Or just meander along the Burlington waterfront south to Oakledge Park. Rentals and maps at Local Motion.
1 Steele St. 802-652-2453; localmotion.org
CHILDREN’S BOOKSTORE
THE FLYING PIG BOOKSTORE, Shelburne Village
This award-winning shop, owned by former teachers, features more than 40,000 titles and knowledgeable staffers who have seemingly read every single one. The store makes its home in the former Shelburne Inn.
5247 Shelburne Rd. 802-985-3999; flyingpigbooks.com
BEST PLACES TO EAT IN BURLINGTON, VT
DOUGHNUTS
MISS WEINERZ, Burlington and Winooski
In 2012, Chittenden County fell in love with the doughnuts at Winooski’s Misery Loves Company, where baker Ren Weiner crafted pillowy sourdough rounds flavored with in-season fruits, veggies, and even flowers. Then, in 2014, Weiner went solo. These days you can find her sweets at locations ranging from Burlington’s Scout & Company and Onyx Tonics to the farmers’ markets in Burlington and Winooski.
missweinerz.com
VEGETARIAN
REVOLUTION KITCHEN, Burlington
Tucked into an alley behind Church Street Marketplace, the Queen City’s first all-vegetarian restaurant woos herbivores with dishes that balance elegance with creative surprises. You might lament that the kitchen spaced the guac atop your black bean nachos, only to delight in finding it corralled within crisp won ton pockets moments later. And if you catch yourself thinking that the skewers of ginger-kissed seitan satay, pungent with tamari and grilled to a tantalizing crunch, far outpace your memories of eating “real” chicken-on-a-stick, all the better to revel in it.
802-448-3657; revolutionkitchen.com
WATERFRONT DINING
THE SPOT ON THE DOCK, Burlington
When balmy weather hits, Burlington residents look to the lake to pass the time. Last year, local entrepreneur Russ Scully opened the Spot on the Dock, a sister restaurant to his popular surf-inspired breakfast and lunch café (dubbed simply the Spot) across town. At the lakeside location, with its sweeping Adirondack views and epic sunsets, locals gather for midday mojitos, crisp Cobb salads, and tuna poke on a windswept teak patio. Come evening, you can shoot the breeze over a pork belly banh mi sandwich. Open May through October. 802-540-1778; thespotvt.com
BREAKFAST
PENNY CLUSE CAFE
Line up with locals for a table at Burlington’s most popular breakfast spot. It’s worth the wait for moderately priced ham’n’egg alternatives such as “Bucket-o-Spuds” (home fries with melted cheese, salsa, sour cream, and scallions), the smoked-salmon plate, and gingerbread pancakes. Not that you’ll need lunch, but that’s served here, too.
169 Cherry St. 802-651-8834; pennycluse.com
FRENCH FRIES
AL’S FRENCH FRYS
It’s really all about the spuds at Al’s–freshly cut, quickly blanched, and double-fried. A local institution since the late 1940s, Al’s was named one of “America’s Classics” by the James Beard Foundation.
1251 Williston Rd. 802-862-9203; alsfrenchfrys.com
Best French Fries | Al’s French Frys
Credit: Aimee Seavey
Best French Fries | Al’s French Frys Credit: Aimee Seavey
FRESH VERMONT RARE
HEN OF THE WOOD
Award-winning chef Eric Warnstedt and his partner, William McNeil, who still operate their popular establishment in Waterbury, have once again created restaurant magic in their chic new spot next to the Hotel Vermont. The menu features an ever-changing but always sophisticated selection of locally sourced foods, including the signature hen-of-the-wood mushroom toast for which the restaurant is named.
55 Cherry St. 802-540-0534; henofthewood.com
CHEAP EATS
ARTSRIOT TRUCK STOP
America’s food-truck mania has hit Burlington’s hippest neighborhood. The South End, home to numerous artists’ studios and galleries, is the scene for a Friday-night convergence of more than a dozen mobile vendors, serving up everything from burgers to tacos to homemade desserts. It all happens behind ArtsRiot Gallery, where jugglers, DJs, and musicians add to the fun.
400 Pine St. 802-540-0406; artsriot.com
ECLECTIC BISTRO
DAILY PLANET
Light bistro dishes range from Southern fried chicken to sweet-potato yellow curry to pan-roasted duck breast with BBQ peach glaze. In the solarium, gaze up to watch the night sky, or catch the changing local art on the walls.
15 Center St. 802-862-9647; dailyplanet15.com
CREPES
SKINNY PANCAKE
With savory crepes featuring local apples and Cabot cheese, or sweet ones such as the “Choco-Monkey” (Nutella and banana slices), Skinny Pancake suits most tastes. Elaborate dinner crêpes (such as Thai veggies and noodles) are available Thursday through Saturday evenings; brunch crêpes on weekends.
60 Lake St. 802-540-0188; skinnypancake.com
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN BURLINGTON, VT
BOUTIQUE HOTEL
HOTEL VERMONT
Downtown Burlington’s first new independent hotel in a century is just a short stroll from both Church Street and the lakefront and offers bright, airy, modern accommodations without boutique minimalism. Vermont wood and stonework are everywhere, and farm-to-table cooking is featured at the hotel’s Juniper restaurant.
41 Cherry St. 802-651-0080; hotelvt.com
BED & BREAKFAST
THE LANG HOUSE
Burlington’s neighborhood of grand Queen Anne Victorian homes begins right where downtown ends. This 1881 beauty has been transformed into a posh B&B, whose 11 rooms still display the home’s lavish original craftsmanship while incorporating all the modern conveniences. The two rooms in an 1851 carriage house, set well back from the street, have a country-cottage feel.
360 Main St. 802-652-2500; langhouse.com
LAKEFRONT LODGING
ONE OF A KIND B&B
Book well in advance: This tiny lakefront turn-of-the-20th-century lodging, just a short walk from downtown, offers a two-room suite in the main house, and a small separate cottage. Both are sun-filled and offer wonderful water views. Described by owner/artist Maggie Sherman as “eclectic vernacular Victorian with a bit of Arts and Crafts,” the property has lovely gardens and provides guests with an in-room breakfast.
53 Lakeview Ter. 802-862-5576; oneofakindbnb.com
BACKYARD-GARDEN TOUR
HIDDEN GARDENS B&B, Hinesburg
Deep in the Champlain Valley, estate gardens have been carved into the wild, creating a 26-acre Certified Wildlife Habitat. Whimsy and creativity add to the unique charm. Accommodations are in a contemporary post-and-beam.
693 Lewis Creek Rd. 802-482-2118; thehiddengardens.com
Best of Vermont from the Editors of Yankee Magazine
Best of Vermont from the Editors of Yankee Magazine
