(Published in 7 Nights 2008-09)

It's the closest thing to a palace that exists in Vermont: The crimson damask lining the walls matches the upholstery on the chairs. The floor is a checkerboard of black-and-white marble, and imposing portraits of former proprietors Lila Vanderbilt Webb and William Seward Webb grace the walls.

(Published in 7 Nights 2005-06)

You can get a basic breakfast at any one of Burlington's downtown diners. On weekends, brunch is served at finer establishments like Leunig's and Smokejacks. But only one "a.m." eatery does it all, every day until 3, for a clientele so devoted it's willing to wait up to an hour and a half for huevos rancheros. Or apple-bread French toast. Or baja fish tacos.

(Published in 7 Nights 2009-10)

Middlebury is a college town, but for years — since the drinking age went from 18 to 21 — it’s lacked for nightlife. Two Brothers Tavern changed that when it opened in 2008. A steep flight of stairs leads to the “lounge & stage,” which features big-screen TVs, a lengthy bar and leather couches. Townies and students alike come in to enjoy the bountiful musical acts, karaoke and trivia night. 

(Published in 7 Nights 2004-05)

(Published in 7 Nights 2005-06)

(Published in 7 Nights 2007-08)

Stowe's only delivering pizzeria is also its most funky and accommodating. Piecasso Pizzeria & Lounge offers sizzling-hot discs, but also a comfy lounge with cosmopolitan décor and Picasso-inspired artwork, plus a few choice prints by the master himself.

(Published in 7 Nights 2004-5)

There are two clocks on the wall behind the polished black granite bar at Chow! Bella. The one marked "St. Albans" is 17 minutes ahead of the one marked "Burlington."

"It's our boss' idea of a joke," the bartender explains. "She says that since we opened this place, Burlington is behind the times."

(Published in 7 Nights 2004-04)

Food-wise, Bristol's main "drag" is anything but. The historic downtown block hosts a bustling bakery, a breakfast spot, a pizzeria and Wokky's Chinese.

But it seems like everyone in Addison County is making tracks to an eclectic eatery that looks more Napa than Champlain Valley. Lace curtains and little white lights lure diners to The Bobcat Café. Inside, good music, a TV-free bar — and a pez dispenser collection — all confirm this is no ordinary rural restaurant.

(Published in 7 Nights 2008-09)

At Big Fatty's BBQ on Main Street in Burlington, the servers wear black T-shirts that read, "Be nice to me, I pull your pork" — even the cornbread and hush puppies contain piggy products. That's how owner Clay Vagnini — Big Fatty himself — likes it. The florid Floridian isn't here to appease the politically correct.

(Published in 7 Nights 2006-07)