Middlebury was the first town I ever visited in Vermont. I have a distinct memory of driving west on Route 125 out of town after a tour at the College. I had never seen so many gorgeous rolling hills, glistening with sunlight, in my life. At that point, I […]
One item on my Vermont bucket list is to visit every general store in the Green Mountain State. Country stores in Vermont each have their own personality and a distinct purpose for the community they serve. Some are post offices and wine shops, others are delis and bakeries, and others […]
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
This weekend is Maple Open House Weekend in Vermont… two days when sugar shacks across the state open up to visitors to share a behind-the-scenes look at sugaring in Vermont, along with tastes of the season’s first syrup of course. There’s nothing quite as delicious as the woodsy taste of real […]
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 […]
A few weeks ago during the arctic blast that hit Vermont, we decided to venture out our back door for a sunny afternoon snowshoe. (Mistake #1.) We bundled up, ready to embrace the arctic tundra and take-in some much-needed vitamin D. We headed into the woods, planning to cross over […]
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 […]
What makes you happy? Not what you think makes you happy, but what makes you intrinsically happy? The moments when you smile from ear to ear, laugh until you cry? When you feel utterly content and at peace? It might seem like an easy question to answer: Your health. Family. […]
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 […]