If I had to choose one town to live in for the rest of my life, I would pick Waitsfield, Vermont, every time. When I hit the peak of the Appalachian Gap and start making my way down into the Mad River Valley, I get a giddy “welcome home” feeling even though I’ve only ever been a visitor to the legendary Vermont ski town.

Waitsfield is located at the junction of Route 100 and Route 17 in Vermont and boasts seriously good restaurants and ample access to the best juicy beers in the state. It’s also home to two classic ski resorts—Sugarbush and Mad River Glen—which put the town of 1,700 on the map. The Mad River Vally offers extensive opportunities for outdoor recreation in every season, inherently promoting an active lifestyle. For all of these reasons and more, the Mad River Valley is by far my most-recommended Vermont destination.

Visiting the Mad River Valley

Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway where doing nothing is everything or you’ve carefully crafted an itinerary chock-full of hiking and biking trails in the Valley, Waitsfield—and the surrounding towns of Fayston and Warren—offer something for everyone. Beyond the Mad River Valley’s snowy peaks in the winter, lush woods in the summer and quintessential red barns in every season, the real draw for me is the people who live there.

More so than any place I’ve ever experienced, Waitsfield emanates a true sense of community. The locals—artists and potters, innkeepers and chefs, musicians, senators and ski instructors—are visibly happy. They take time for meaningful conversations with one another. They get down to good music. They are laid-back, free-spirited and sincere. And together they’ve created a community that encapsulates the special place that Vermont is.

Best Casual Restaurants in the Mad River Valley

It’s no surprise that I love to eat and drink. I enjoy any type of cuisine, so long as it’s inspired, uses quality ingredients and tastes as good as it looks. There are plenty of restaurant options in the Mad River Valley for couples, families and singles. Here are just a few of the best restaurants in the Mad River Valley that I happen to frequent:

The Mad Taco: The Best Mexican Fare & Tap List in Vermont
The Mad Taco is the reason I visit the Mad River Valley so often. The place itself, located in one of few “strip malls” in Vermont, is kind of a dump inside… but that’s part of its charm. It’s the kind of place that attracts local and travelers from afar for their stellar tap list and even better Mexican fare. I always go for the guacamole (topped with some of their house-made hot sauces) with a Focal Banger or Heady Topper, or the Carnitas Tostadas or Chili Colorado Big Fatty Daddy for a meal. The burritos, especially the one stuffed with sweet potato and tempeh, are also excellent and a good bang for your buck. Kid-friendly and couple friendly, the Mad Taco is a must for wallet-friendly meals packed with flavor in the Valley. Did I mention it opens at 8am? It’s one of few places in Waitsfield to get a Vermont beer before 5pm any day of the week.

American Flatbread at Lareau Farm: Pizza and Sushi?
Visitors to Vermont might not expect the Green Mountain State to have killer pizza that gives Manhattan a run for its money. The independently owned “chain” known as American Flatbread has a location in Waitsfield at Lareau Farm, another inn in the area. Flatbreads are thin-crusted, wood-fired pizzas made from a host of local ingredients. My personal favorites happen to be Pepperoni & Peppers and Punctuated Equilibrium—Vermont goal cheese, Kalamata olives, roasted reds, rosemary and garlic-infused olive oil. They offer great gluten-free crust as well and personal pies, should everyone want their own bread. If you find yourself in the Mad River Valley on a Wednesday, Himitsu Sushi, a traveling Vermont sushi restaurant that settles in at Lareau Farm for the night, is a must.

Best Fine-Dining Restaurants in the Mad River Valley

275 Main at the Pitcher Inn: Vermont’s Best-Kept Secret for Fine Dining in the Valley
The Pitcher Inn, a Relais & Châteaux property in Warren, Vermont, is home to two distinct dining experiences at 275 Main and Tracks. Chef Sue Schickler might be Vermont’s best-kept secret. She’s been with the Pitcher Inn for nearly 15 years, yet before experiencing 275 Main personally, I had never heard her name. Her farm-to-table, fine-dining dishes are some of the very best I’ve had in Vermont. 275 Main and its stellar wine cellar is worth the splurge for a romantic night or a special occasion, while Tracks—located on the lower level of the inn with a shuffleboard and billiards—is the perfect spot for a livelier yet laid-back meal as a couple or a family.

Peasant: A Simple, “Hug-Your-Belly” Feast
I’ve been admiring Peasant, located next to the covered bridge in Waitsfield, from afar for awhile now. I love nothing more than comfort food, and Peasant offers a “simple feast” that will leave you feeling nourished. The purposefully small menu is full of home-cooked meals from stews and cassoulets to pan-roasted salmon, zuppa di pesce, chicken cacciatore and other Italian favorites. The family-run restaurant is quaint and cozy; it feels good being there. Peasant’s beer selection is lacking in a Valley overflowing with hoppy suds, but they make up for it with an inventive cocktail list and a killer wine selection. Stumped as far as what to eat?

The servers, many of whom are children of the owners Chris and Mary Ellen, explain the dishes in detail, going so far as to describe the techniques Chef Chris uses to prepare his meals. I was impressed by how simply prepared—yet stunningly flavorful—my meal was. In Vermont where local ingredients are everything, they truly shine in a place like Peasant. Get the Pork Bolognese; it’s the best I’ve ever had.

The Cape Room

Where to Stay in the Mad River Valley

You aren’t going to find any hotels in the quaint town of Waitsfield. There are ample inns, lodges and bed-and-breakfasts though, so if you’re a first-timer, Waitsfield is a good place to experience the benefits of a Vermont B&B for the first time.

The Wilder Farm Inn: An Adults-Only Vermont Retreat with a Naked Potter
The Wilder Farm Inn was the very first bed-and-breakfast I stayed in in the Mad River Valley. It’s location on the outskirts of Waitsfield, north of Small Dog Electronics, gives you easy access to the beer capital of Vermont—Waterbury. The old farmhouse, with a large fireplace at the center of the common spaces and squeaky floors, is quintessential Vermont with modern accommodations. Choose the Wilder Farm Inn if you’re looking for an adults-only retreat where guests do mingle and gather around the hearth.

The Yellow Farmhouse Inn: A Modern Twist on Classic Farmhouse Accommodations, Perfect for the Bed-and-Breakfast First Timer
If you’re a light sleeper and new to staying and bed-and-breakfasts, the immaculately clean and quiet Yellow Farmhouse Inn located on the Old County Road in Waitsfield is a great option. Just a quarter-mile from restaurants and shops, the location offers proximity to town and the solitude of the countryside: a perfect pairing. Be sure to meet Dolly, the official greeter at the inn, and take in the stunning views of the Green Mountains from the property to the east.

The Pitcher Inn: A Relais & Chateaux, Splurge-Worthy Destination in Warren
If you’re celebrating a special occasion (or, say, popping the question), The Pitcher Inn in Warren is worth the splurge. By far, it’s the best place I’ve stayed. Ever. Each room was designed by a different architect, and every room is stunning. My personal favorite is the Mountain Room, which has slate walls, a massive brick fireplace, a steam shower and a rustic little cabin without the suite that embodies the feeling of “glamping” in luxury. Don’t make many plans if you choose to stay at The Pitcher Inn. Trust me, you’re not going to want to leave. It’s a really special place.

Mad River Valley Attractions

I don’t have to tell anyone that the Mad River Valley is a destination for skiers and snowboarders. But as a non-winter sport enthusiast, I can tell you there is still plenty to do in every season. Here are some of my personal “must-see, must-do” attractions in the Mad River Valley:

Waitsfield Farmers’ Market: You can’t have a Vermont bucket list without the Waitsfield Farmers’ Market being on it. It is one of the most kid-friendly and dog-friendly events in Vermont and a great place to hang out on a beautiful summer day. In addition to live music, the Waitsfield Farmers’ Market offers Vermont meats and cheese, wool, honey, prepared foods, bakery items, flowers and even locally made dog collars, Heady Topper beer jelly and high-end artwork.

Covered Bridges and Barns: The Mad River Valley is home to three historical covered bridges: The Warren Covered Bridge, a queen post truss design dating to 1880, and the Pine Brook Covered Bridge and Great Eddy Covered Bridge, which just underwent a major overhaul. These bridges are historic icons of the Mad River Valley and photogenic in every season.

Mad River Massage: There’s no shame in it for me: While others are hitting the slopes, you can find me getting a massage. Mad River Massage, just outside of town on Route 100, is a great place for body work in Waitsfield. The few times I’ve been, I’ve called the day before and gotten an appointment. My favorite? A deep-tissue, hot stone massage on a cold January day. They offer a variety of massage options, as well as couples massages (hint, hint, fellas).

The Madsonian Museum of Industrial Design: The Madsonian Museum of Industrial Design is one of the oddest yet coolest museums I’ve ever visited. It’s free (donations welcome) and more of a private, curated collection of unique items that represent America’s history rather than a museum. The goal of the collection is to demonstrate a “lifetime of appreciation for and devotion to good design, displaying the best designed and most artistic manufactured objects… from cars to toasters to canoes.” Everyone in the family will be entertained at the Madsonian.

Shopping in the Mad River Valley

I field a lot of random questions about Vermont. One of the best recently was if the shopping is good in and around the Waterbury area. I paused for a moment. I don’t consider anywhere in Vermont other than maybe Church Street in Burlington to be a good place to shop. But I quickly took it back, as there are so many locally owned shops in the Mad River Valley that are worth perusing and shopping small:

The Artisans’ Gallery: I am always pleasantly surprised when I walk into the Artisans’ Gallery in Waitsfield. It may be the best art gallery in all of Vermont, featuring a plethora of different types of Vermont-made art—both functional and not-so-functional. From paintings and stained glass, to wooden bowls and sheepskin moccasins, I always find a treasure in the Artisans’ Gallery. The gallery is run by the artists whose work fills it, and the prices are quite reasonable for quality, locally made artwork. Take your time, as there’s so much to see and appreciate.

The Bridge Street Trading Co: Hunting for antiques in Vermont is one of my favorite summer activities. Whenever I’m in Waitsfield, I stop at the Bridge Street Trading Co to see what’s new. The antiques are priced very well, and I always find a treasure to take away. (I’m now the proud owner of an antique tin watering can in the shape of a dog.) Many of the items in the shop have roots in Vermont as well.

The Store: If you’re a foodie and home cook, you must visit The Store. Located on Route 100, it is a beautiful shop filled with gourmet food items and kitchen supplies. When you walk inside, you immediately will be offered a cup of tea or coffee while you browse—a welcoming touch. The Store offers many Vermont products, along with high-end kitchen items. Even if you’re not in the market for home goods when in the Mad River Valley, The Store is worth a visit. They also offer cooking classes, which could be a a fun date night or make for a memorial girls’ (or guys’!) night out in the Valley.

The Warren Store: The “Almost World Famous” Vermont country store in Warren, Vermont, is so much more than a deli or a hotspot to get your hands-on some Green Mountain gold from Lawson’s Finest. The general store has anything you could need on your visit to the Mad River Valley: munchies for hiking, baked goods for a quick breakfast on the go and a stellar wine and beer selection for a small town. The upstairs of the Warren Store is the real treasure though. With many locally made gifts, the upstairs offers clothing, toys, home goods and other treasures. It’s the perfect place to find Vermont-made gifts or buy a little something for yourself.

A Quick Guide for Visiting the Mad River Valley:

For a Vermont craft beer any time of the day: The Mad Taco
For a boozy popsicle (or dark roast coffee): The Sweet Spot
For a rainy day, family-friendly activity: The Big Picture Theater & Cafe
For a rowdy après ski: General Stark’s Pub, Mad River Glen
To always find Sip of Sunshine in a can*: Waitsfield Wine Shoppe (*because it’s way more expensive than anywhere else in town)
For sushi: American Flatbread at Lareau Farm on Wednesdays
For a locally made gift: Locally made pottery from the Waitsfield Pottery
Best free attraction other than nature: The Madsonian Museum of Industrial Design

What restaurants, inns and attractions are your favorite in the Mad River Valley? Share your best tips below.