(Published in 7 NIghts 2006-07)

You hear a lot about famiglia in connection with eating Italian, but one Burlington ristorante really begs for a baby-sitter. Even without the beaded votive candle holders and white linen, L'Amante, which translates as "The Lover," may be Burlington's most romantic dining destination. Its creamy walls, green banquettes and dark wood furniture exude an elegant intimacy.

(Published in 7 Nights 2007-08)

The bustling corner of South Winooski and Pearl looks like prime restaurant real estate. But it's a tough spot. A tapas bar faded away, and before that a string of pizza and sandwich places came and went. All of which makes it even more noteworthy that Asiana House, a hip, hot resto for college students and professionals, has been successfully serving up super-fresh sushi and sashimi for three years.

(Published in 7 Nights 2004-05)

The Burlington Bike Path runs for miles along the city’s shoreline, north through Colchester and out onto a narrow old railroad causeway that connects Chittenden County with the Champlain Islands. The Island Line Trail ends at “the cut” — except on certain weekends when there’s ferry service across the water. Be sure to stop for “penny candy” at the historic Auer Family Boathouse, where the Winooski River flows into the lake.

(Published in 7 Nights 2009-10)

The bacon cheeseburger isn’t exactly kosher — and neither is the owner, Glenn Walter — but for Jews in the Burlington area, Sadie Katz Delicatessen is a godsend. With specialty items shipped in regularly from New York City, the diner-turned-deli supplies the Queen City with whitefish salad and lox, H&H bagels and Dr. Brown’s sodas. 

Lake Champlain Chocolates has been making fresh, all-natural gourmet chocolates for 25 years. They offer preservative-free, kosher certified chocolates. Go for a free chocolate factory tour and enjoy the free samples, or checkout their frequent classes and book signings. Visit their Factory Store & Café from 9AM - 6PM, Monday - Saturday and from 12PM - 5PM on Sunday.

A 400-passenger cruise ship may not be your speed. How about a sail on the FRIENDSHIP SLOOP? The gaff-rigged boat accommodates up to 17 people and makes three trips a day. A two-hour tour costs $275 for up to six people, and $35 for each additional passenger. If you want a longer sail, you can customize the cruise to fit your fantasy: half day, full day, early morning, sunset. Bring your own wine and cheese — and IDs if anyone in the group on the boat is under 21. They provide the cooler.