Boston - January 27, 2009

North Country

Foodie Road Trip to Vermont

You’re a New Englander, so you either love the cold or appreciate a solid apres-ski. Make an escape to snowy Vermont where mountain fun is now rivaled by a stellar locavore dining scene.

Stowe Mountain
The mountain got a new lodge; check it out over a pint of Wolaver’s organic pale ale at Great Room Bar & Grill, then trudge over to Solstice at the Stowe Mountain Lodge for a locally focused meal from chef Sean Buchanan, who sources his beef, cheese, and butter from Vermont farms. Or head down the hill for a fresh-brewed pint at The Alchemist in Waterbury followed by a bite from the ever-changing, local menu at Hen of the Wood.

Sugarbush/Mad River Glen
Exit 9 off I-89 gets you to one 50-year-old mountain resort and another totally low-key one, but first load up on on fresh bread, cheeses, and bottles of vino from Red Hen Baking Company. At Michael’s Good to Go (Village Square Shopping Center, Waitsfield; 802-496-3832) Mikey’s BBQ Fat Wrap made with Vermont chicken or pork is can’t miss. Wash it down at newly remodeled Harpoon Riverbend Taps and Beer Garden in Windsor.

Killington/Pico
Fuel up on locally cured bacon and farm-fresh eggs at The Farmers Diner. After the slopes, inhale breath-killing pastas and small plates at The Garlic. Or avoid the outdoors altogether with a lesson in ecobrewing at the Long Trail Brewing Company.