Vermont Best Local Secrets 2012

BEST BURGER MENU
Rozzi’s Lakeshore Tavern & Restaurant,Colchester
A 32-burger menu makes this Mallets Bay sports bar a Burlington-area favorite; selections include Cajun mushroom, escargot, and “Green Mountain” (cheddar, bacon, and apples). Full Entrée menu; lots of microbrews, and the fearsome two-pound “Dozer Challenge.” Burgers: from $6.99; Entrées: from $8.99. 1072 West Lakeshore Drive. 802-863-2342; rozzislakeshoretavern.com

BEST HISTORIC HIDEAWAY
B&B at Catamount Outdoor Family Center, Williston
This 500-acre rural oasis just minutes from Burlington offers trails for hiking, running, mountain biking, and just plain meandering, plus cozy B&B accommodations in a stately 18th-century home built by Vermont’s first governor. Rates: from $95, including continental breakfast. 592 Governor Chittenden Road. 802-879-6001; catamountoutdoor.com

BEST VERMONT-MADE TOYS
Maple Landmark Woodcraft,Middlebury
All toys are made on site from locally sourced wood. Award winners include the “Rocker-Feller” rocking horse, Chinese checkers, and custom-made yo-yos. Look for seconds and overruns at the factory store. 1297 Exchange St. 800-421-4223, 802-388-0627; www.maplelandmark.com

BEST LARK ON THE LAKE
Champlain Houseboat Charters,Orwell
Cruise America’s “Sixth Great Lake” in style, on a 38-foot houseboat equipped with galley, shower, and toilet; charts and radio; and bunks for six ($250/day). Or captain a diesel-powered 32-foot Grand Banks Trawler ($400/day). 68 Chipman Point Road. 802-948-2288 (days), 802-948-2740 (evenings); champlainhouseboatcharters.com

BEST BAGELS, BURRITOS & BLUES
Bagitos Café, Montpelier
Eclectic Montpelier is home to a new and … well, eclectic … café where bagels and burritos are house specialties, champagne is sold by the glass, and patrons can kick back and listen to entertainment ranging from acoustic blues and jazz jams to marimba ragtime. 28 Main St. 802-229-9212; bagitos.com