Vermont Best Bargains 2012

BEST CHOWDOWN IN THE BIG TOWN
August First Bakery & Café,Burlington
“Flatbread Friday” is this bakery’s entry in the all-you-can-eat stakes. For $12 (kids under 10, $8), dig into classic pizzas, as well as inventions like chicken-and-pesto or green-olive-and-pepperoncini. Unlimited salad, too, and chocolate-almond frangipane pizza for dessert. 149 South Champlain St. 802-540-0060; augustfirst.typepad.com

BEST CHEESE ON THE CHEAP
Cheese Traders & Wine Sellers,South Burlington
Irregularly shaped chunks of Cabot cheddar; mildly mature (recently expired) wedges of Stilton; brie, hugely tasty … You never know what treats you’ll find at bargain prices in the Traders cheese case. There are also terrific buys on wines. 1186 Williston Road. 802-863-0143; cheesetraders.com

Best Way With Clay
BENNINGTON POTTERS,Burlington & Bennington
The seconds sections at both locations are terrific for stocking up on the distinctive handmade stoneware pottery made in Vermont since 1948. 324 County St. (Bennington), 800-205-8033, 802-447-7531. 127 College St. (Burlington), 802-863-2221. www.benningtonpotters.com

BEST FREE TOUR
Vermont State House,Montpelier
Tours of Vermont’s stately capitol, with its restored Victorian interior, include both legislative chambers, the governor’s office, and the Cedar Creek Room with its Civil War mural. Walk-ins welcome July-October; by reservation the rest of the year. Also self-guided “magic wand” tours. 115 State St. 802-828-2228; vtstatehouse.org

BEST CHINESE BUFFET
Grand Buffet,Essex Junction
The decor is early gymnasium, but the vast selection is generally fresh and hot, and includes numerous sushi options, tasty shrimp dishes, and terrific peanut-butter chicken. Weekday lunch $7.29, dinner $11.29; Saturday lunch or dinner $13.29; Sunday lunch or dinner $12.29. 66 Pearl St. 802-879-9669