Destinations

Blackback Pub, Waterbury, Vermont

Blackback Pub, Waterbury, Vermont

Whenever Waterbury, Vermont, comes up in conversation, it’s likely related to 1) finding Heady Topper, 2) live music at the Reservoir, 3) the perfection that is Hen of the Wood or 4) the “hipster glossy” crowd and meaty creations that define the Prohibition Pig. I had never heard anyone—not one person—ever muster a word about Blackback Pub, […]

Sriarcha

Pho Dang, Winooski, Vermont

The town of Winooski, located a few miles from downtown Burlington, is quickly becoming a hot spot for eating out in Vermont. With ample free parking and many diverse eateries to choose from—from Tiny Thai to Misery Loves Company to Papa Franks—the former trading city and mill town is a […]

Stowe Brewers's Festival Logo

Explore Vermont: August 2015 Events

With the impressive line-up of events in August in Vermont, it’s obvious we’re all  trying to get in as many outdoor activities before the arctic blast hits. Until snow flies, there are plenty of family friendly (and some not-so-family-friendly) events happening in the Green Mountain State. Here are some of my […]

Mad Taco - Vermont Restaurant

Top Choices for Vermont Restaurant Week

I spend way too much time thinking about which Vermont restaurants we should try next. I’m a tad obsessed with getting to know all of the chefs, farmers and purveyors who bring us inventive, wholesome food on a regular basis. Lucky for all us Vermonters and visitors to the state, Vermont Restaurant Week […]

Jackson House Inn, Woodstock, Vermont

Modern with luxurious linens and ample amenities. No, historic and charming with the ability to transport me back to simpler times. This is an internal debate I have with myself often as I research inns, bed and breakfasts and boutique hotels around the country and in Vermont to book for our getaways. Depending on […]

Worthy Kitchen, Woodstock, Vermont

I’m proud to say I haven’t eaten in a “chain” restaurant in years. The local food movement in Vermont has spoiled me—and taught me better. The only real “chains” we have other than a few fast-food joints are independently owned restaurants with more than one location. And they just happen to be […]

Simon Pearce Restaurant, Valentine's Day in Vermont

Simon Pearce Restaurant, Quechee, Vermont

I’ve long admired Simon Pearce‘s glassware. But I never quite appreciated just how much went into making a single wine glass until I visited Simon Pearce’s factory outlet in Windsor, Vermont. While there, I watched a glassblower skillfully create a perfect glass. Observing for a few minutes gave […]

Hill Farm Inn, Sunderland, Vermont

If I had chosen to take Randy’s last name when we got married, I would now be a Hill. McCormick is a name people take—not give away—I was told. I tend to agree. I have to admit, though, that I am excited for my future kids to take on the Hill name. Not only […]

Hotel Vermont, Burlington, Vermont

Hotel Vermont, Burlington, Vermont

Although I travel often, I rarely stay in hotels. In fact, the only time I stay in “hotels” is on business travel when the possibility of a late arrival and anonymity are attractive to me. A recent stay at Hotel Vermont, one of the newest lodging options downtown and Burlington’s […]

The Backroom Bar - Pittsfield, Vermont

The Backroom, Pittsfield, Vermont

The town of Pittsfield is one of Vermont’s best-kept secrets. With one (awesome) General Store, two wedding venues, 50 miles of mountain biking trails, five inns and only 400-or-so residents, Pittsfield is a quintessential New England town, home to hearty Vermonters who value their community and the ample outdoor recreation […]

SILO Featured - Distillery, Windsor, Vermont

SILO Distillery, Windsor, Vermont

Rules are meant to be broken. You only live once. Carpe diem. When I walked into SILO Distilleryin Windsor, Vermont—the birthplace of Vermont—in the middle of “dry January,” all of these sayings came to mind as I decided to forego willpower and a month of abstention (which, let me tell you, […]

Cafe Provence, Brandon, Vermont

Café Provence, Brandon, Vermont

Brandon, a small Vermont town and tight-knit artistic community, is located between Rutland and Middlebury at the base of the Green Mountains and has a population that hovers around 4,000 people. The town is a quintessential Vermont village with many brick facades lining Center Street, a Greek-revival town hall and the Neshobe […]

Pho at Pho Hong, Burlington, Vermont

Pho Hong, Burlington, Vermont

For years I’ve considered myself a foodie. I’ve worked in countless restaurants (as a bartender, cook, server, hostess) and worked for a food magazine for a number of years. For the most part, we grow our own produce or get it straight from the farm in our local CSA, […]

Lang House on Main Street Bed and Breakfast

Lang House on Main Street, Burlington, Vermont

One of the things I love the most about old homes is the unique details that carry throughout them. The Lang House on Main Street Bed & Breakfast, just a few blocks from Church Street in Burlington, has some of the most beautiful architectural details in a historic home […]