Your Home in the Hills
City/town information
At about 42K people, Burlington is VT's largest city. But this little city has big culture. A fantastic food, beer, art nightlife scene are the foreground to sweeping Adirondack views across the lake. Simply put, its a must visit when in the area. Check out the Church Street Marketplace. You can't go wrong with almost any eatery but a few favorites are Hen of the Wood (upscale), American Flatbread (Pizza/Brewpub), Leunig's (French fare, middle of the row), E.B. Strong's (Upscale Steak House), Single Pebble (Interesting Chinese, great for groups), Farmhouse (high end Gastropub, great tap list), Zero Gravity (some say the best beer in town, solid food offerings as well).
139 locals recommend
Burlington
At about 42K people, Burlington is VT's largest city. But this little city has big culture. A fantastic food, beer, art nightlife scene are the foreground to sweeping Adirondack views across the lake. Simply put, its a must visit when in the area. Check out the Church Street Marketplace. You can't go wrong with almost any eatery but a few favorites are Hen of the Wood (upscale), American Flatbread (Pizza/Brewpub), Leunig's (French fare, middle of the row), E.B. Strong's (Upscale Steak House), Single Pebble (Interesting Chinese, great for groups), Farmhouse (high end Gastropub, great tap list), Zero Gravity (some say the best beer in town, solid food offerings as well).
It really doesn't get much more Vermont than Stowe. White steepled churches, quaint shops, breweries, farm to table restaurants, hiking trails, lodges, babbling brooks and farmer's markets sit at the foot of the iconic ski hill. It is hard to go wrong anywhere down there. That said, the secret has never really been a secret, plan ahead to anticipate traffic and busy eateries.
Restaurants worth checking out: The Whip (gastropub/fine dining), Idletyme (gastropub/brewpub), Doc Ponds (gastropub), Piecasso (pizza/good beer list), Sushi Yoshi (Hibachi, sushi, great tap list), The Bench (gastropub), Michael's on the Hill (fine dining), Cork (wine bar/fine dining), Hen of the Wood (Waterbury, fine dining).
179 locals recommend
Stowe
It really doesn't get much more Vermont than Stowe. White steepled churches, quaint shops, breweries, farm to table restaurants, hiking trails, lodges, babbling brooks and farmer's markets sit at the foot of the iconic ski hill. It is hard to go wrong anywhere down there. That said, the secret has never really been a secret, plan ahead to anticipate traffic and busy eateries.
Restaurants worth checking out: The Whip (gastropub/fine dining), Idletyme (gastropub/brewpub), Doc Ponds (gastropub), Piecasso (pizza/good beer list), Sushi Yoshi (Hibachi, sushi, great tap list), The Bench (gastropub), Michael's on the Hill (fine dining), Cork (wine bar/fine dining), Hen of the Wood (Waterbury, fine dining).
Waitsfield, Warren and Waterbury makeup the bulk of the Mad River Valley. A place with a culture all of its own, that you can just feel as you are coming over the App Gap on route 17 (a great drive from the house). Valley highlights include the Mad River and Sugarbush ski areas, Lawson's Brewing, American Flatbread (a must see, pizza in a cozy barn), the Mad Taco (dive bar meets authentic tacos), Worthy Burger (great burgers and tap list), Mad River Barn (upscale gastropub), The Hide Away (cozy bar at an inn just around the corner from Sugarbush).
41 locals recommend
Waitsfield
Waitsfield, Warren and Waterbury makeup the bulk of the Mad River Valley. A place with a culture all of its own, that you can just feel as you are coming over the App Gap on route 17 (a great drive from the house). Valley highlights include the Mad River and Sugarbush ski areas, Lawson's Brewing, American Flatbread (a must see, pizza in a cozy barn), the Mad Taco (dive bar meets authentic tacos), Worthy Burger (great burgers and tap list), Mad River Barn (upscale gastropub), The Hide Away (cozy bar at an inn just around the corner from Sugarbush).
Suddenly and surprising hip, Winooski is a little town with a lot going on. Bars and restaurants line the traffic circle and make for an excellent, self contained evening of dinner (rec: Misery Loves Company, fine dining meets comfort food), drinks (rec: Mule Bar, gastropub) and even vintage pinball and arcades (The Archives).
11 locals recommend
Winooski
Suddenly and surprising hip, Winooski is a little town with a lot going on. Bars and restaurants line the traffic circle and make for an excellent, self contained evening of dinner (rec: Misery Loves Company, fine dining meets comfort food), drinks (rec: Mule Bar, gastropub) and even vintage pinball and arcades (The Archives).
Ski/Ride
World class terrain, outstanding glades and solid lift service make Stowe the pre-eminent ski/riding destination in the area. Stowe village is also dotted with an array of fantastic breweries and restaurants. It is really hard to go wrong anywhere in the area.
It is worth noting that from Christmas to March the mountain road can be very busy. I would recommend leaving very early or heading there for late morning for weekend adventures. Watch the twitter feed, if you find yourself stuck in traffic with the lot nearly full it may be time audible.
305 locals recommend
Stowe Mountain Resort
5781 Mountain RoadWorld class terrain, outstanding glades and solid lift service make Stowe the pre-eminent ski/riding destination in the area. Stowe village is also dotted with an array of fantastic breweries and restaurants. It is really hard to go wrong anywhere in the area.
It is worth noting that from Christmas to March the mountain road can be very busy. I would recommend leaving very early or heading there for late morning for weekend adventures. Watch the twitter feed, if you find yourself stuck in traffic with the lot nearly full it may be time audible.
Night skiing, powder days, great views, stellar back country and affordable lift access make this local ski area well worth the visit. At 25 minutes from the house its an easy morning or afternoon jaunt. Note: the access road is steep, AWD is recommended on snowy days.
122 locals recommend
Bolton Valley Resort
4302 Bolton Access RdNight skiing, powder days, great views, stellar back country and affordable lift access make this local ski area well worth the visit. At 25 minutes from the house its an easy morning or afternoon jaunt. Note: the access road is steep, AWD is recommended on snowy days.
Sugarbush is just a great mountain. While the lift service is a but dated, the terrain, vibes and Mad River Valley setting make it worth a weekend. If Lincoln (the main area) is busy head over to Mt. Ellen for a glimpse of VT skiing from times long past, or take the Slide Brook Chair between the view for some stunning views. About 50 minutes from the house.
214 locals recommend
Sugarbush Resort
102 Forest DrSugarbush is just a great mountain. While the lift service is a but dated, the terrain, vibes and Mad River Valley setting make it worth a weekend. If Lincoln (the main area) is busy head over to Mt. Ellen for a glimpse of VT skiing from times long past, or take the Slide Brook Chair between the view for some stunning views. About 50 minutes from the house.
It doesn't get more local than Mad River Glen. The co-op votes annually on the quirky mountain's quirky bylaws, which include stipulations like skiers only (sorry riders), keeping the renowned single chair lift and skiing only what nature provides (natural snow only). All of this makes for a unique experience and one that every serious skier should tick off their list. About 40 minutes from the house.
51 locals recommend
Mad River Glen Ski Area Historic District
35-1 Schuss PassIt doesn't get more local than Mad River Glen. The co-op votes annually on the quirky mountain's quirky bylaws, which include stipulations like skiers only (sorry riders), keeping the renowned single chair lift and skiing only what nature provides (natural snow only). All of this makes for a unique experience and one that every serious skier should tick off their list. About 40 minutes from the house.
Food Scene - Richmond
A hip gastropub with a great tap list and a solid menu. 10 minutes from the house.
http://hatchetvermont.com/
46 locals recommend
Hatchet Tap and Table
30 Bridge StA hip gastropub with a great tap list and a solid menu. 10 minutes from the house.
http://hatchetvermont.com/
Traditional tacos and a stellar margarita lineup make this local spot a worthwhile stop! 10 minutes from the house.
https://www.thebigspruce.com/
18 locals recommend
The Big Spruce
39 Bridge StreetTraditional tacos and a stellar margarita lineup make this local spot a worthwhile stop! 10 minutes from the house.
https://www.thebigspruce.com/
Richmond's own brewery also features solid food, live music and quiz nights. A surprisingly happening spot for this little country town. 8 minutes from the house.
https://stonecorral.com/
58 locals recommend
Stone Corral Brewery
83 Huntington RdRichmond's own brewery also features solid food, live music and quiz nights. A surprisingly happening spot for this little country town. 8 minutes from the house.
https://stonecorral.com/
A local pizza/Italian/american pub fare dine in/take out spot. No frills but solid, especially for low production value take out.
http://www.mckeespubsvt.com/Richmond/
9 locals recommend
Papa McKee's Pizzeria
38 E Main StA local pizza/Italian/american pub fare dine in/take out spot. No frills but solid, especially for low production value take out.
http://www.mckeespubsvt.com/Richmond/
Higher end pizza, nice setting for dine in. 10 minutes from the house.
17 locals recommend
Stone's Throw Pizza - Richmond
39 Esplanade StreetHigher end pizza, nice setting for dine in. 10 minutes from the house.
Hikes
Outstanding views can be had from the top of this moderate to difficult hike. Plan for 1.5-2 hours to summit from the Waterbury trailhead. Head to Zen Barn after for a well deserved pint and a slice.
44 locals recommend
Hunger Mountain Trailhead
Outstanding views can be had from the top of this moderate to difficult hike. Plan for 1.5-2 hours to summit from the Waterbury trailhead. Head to Zen Barn after for a well deserved pint and a slice.
The State Park is one of many access points to Mt. Mansfield hikes and summit trails.
https://www.alltrails.com/parks/us/vermont/underhill-state-park?ref=header
24 locals recommend
Underhill State Park
352 Mountain RdThe State Park is one of many access points to Mt. Mansfield hikes and summit trails.
https://www.alltrails.com/parks/us/vermont/underhill-state-park?ref=header
About 10 minutes from the house, the Town Forest is a great place to get out and casually stretch the legs. Hikes can range from casual walks to moderate in pitch and can be anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours. It all depends on what you are after. Head left out of the driveway, left on Texas Hill Road and then right on Hayden Hill Road.
13 locals recommend
Hinesburg Town Forest
1332 Hayden Hill Rd WAbout 10 minutes from the house, the Town Forest is a great place to get out and casually stretch the legs. Hikes can range from casual walks to moderate in pitch and can be anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours. It all depends on what you are after. Head left out of the driveway, left on Texas Hill Road and then right on Hayden Hill Road.
A great moderate to difficult hike, great views, 20 minutes to the trail head(s) from the house. Access from Huntington for Forest City and Burrows Trails and from Richmond near the river for Munroe Trail. All three are about 1.5-2.5 to summit depending on your pace. The view from the top is one of the best around with Stowe to the Northeast, the lake and valley to the west and the White Mountains (seen on clear days about 90 miles to the East/SE.
51 locals recommend
Camels Hump
A great moderate to difficult hike, great views, 20 minutes to the trail head(s) from the house. Access from Huntington for Forest City and Burrows Trails and from Richmond near the river for Munroe Trail. All three are about 1.5-2.5 to summit depending on your pace. The view from the top is one of the best around with Stowe to the Northeast, the lake and valley to the west and the White Mountains (seen on clear days about 90 miles to the East/SE.
This easy hike/walk (30-45 min) has a road to the top if anyone isn't into its steep at moments pitches. By far the best bang for your buck in ease vs views. Looking out over the entire Champlain Valley, the ADK's stand tall across the lake, Burlington/Shelburne Bay/Lake Champlain islands can be seen to the north.
93 locals recommend
Mount Philo
This easy hike/walk (30-45 min) has a road to the top if anyone isn't into its steep at moments pitches. By far the best bang for your buck in ease vs views. Looking out over the entire Champlain Valley, the ADK's stand tall across the lake, Burlington/Shelburne Bay/Lake Champlain islands can be seen to the north.
Food Scene - Hinesburg
A great local family place, 10 minutes from the house. The dry rub wings are a highlight on the eclectic menu at this cozy spot. Also, great for groups.
34 locals recommend
Hinesburgh Public House
10516 Rte 116A great local family place, 10 minutes from the house. The dry rub wings are a highlight on the eclectic menu at this cozy spot. Also, great for groups.