(Published in 7 Nights 2006-07)

(Published in 7 Nights 2005-06)

Everybody wants a seat on the front porch at the North Hero House Inn and Restaurant — and it's not just for the winning waterfront view. The cheery, flower-filled dining room is a window on Champlain Islands history that has been perfectly preserved here, on a scenic stretch of Route 7. Along with the post office, courthouse, library and general store, the North Hero House is part of the town's "old and improved" 19th-century strip.

(Published in 7 Nights 2006-07)

A nine-foot wooden canoe suspended over the bar captures the spirit of South Hero's Blue Paddle Bistro: local flavor with a sense of fun. In an historic white house that has been a parsonage, a post office and, most recently, a chocolate factory, co-owners Mandy Hotchkiss and Phoebe Bright have created a cozy, unpretentious spot where upscale dining pulls up a chair alongside down-home comfort food.

(Published in 7 Nights 2009-10)

Over the past few years, Asian restaurants have blossomed all over Chittenden County like lotus flowers on a pond. The Queen City recently gained a pan-Asian noodle bar, and another is on the way. Where once there was a single source of Vietnamese pho in the Greater Burlington area, now there are seven.

There’s no better example of the area’s Far Eastern obsession than the mile-square city of Winooski, where five Asian eateries serve a population of 6300.

(Published in 7 Nights 2007-08)

In the tradition of Emeril Lagasse and Wolfgang Puck, Michel Mahe likes to keep multiple irons in the fire. A Cornell grad, the French-accented chef left Ferrisburgh's Starry Night Café to open Black Sheep Bistro in Vergennes. He also designed the initial menu at Montpelier's Black Door Bistro and recently opened The Bearded Frog in Shelburne.

(Published in 7 Nights 2009-10)

If you’re headed for the slopes — to ski ’em or climb ’em — get a smart start. McCarthy’s Restaurant in Stowe has been dishing up hearty breakfasts for more than 30 years in a small shopping center just minutes from Stowe Mountain Resort and Smugglers’ Notch.

This 482-acre state park includes more than two miles of land on Lake Carmi — and Vermont's third largest peat bog. Take a walk through this designated natural area, or get out on the water. Bring your fishing pole and land some walleye or Northern Pike. This is also the state's largest campground, so there are plenty of spots to spend the night.

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 12 p.m. - 5 p.m. on Sunday.

Come visit us at The Baker's Store, Bakery and Baking Education Center at King Arthur Flour where you will be dazzled by our wide selection of hard-to-find baking tools, pans, ingredients, mixes and of course, fresh-baked breads, pastries, cakes and more! We offer inspiration for the home baker along with yummy samples every day. M-Fri 7:30am-6pm, Sat - 8:30am to 6pm, Sunday 8:30am-4pm.

Erected in 1905, 52-foot monument attracts thousands of visitors annually. 350 acres. Beautiful landscaped grounds, quiet contemplation, hiking paths, picnicking. Year-round. Free guided tours daily: 9-7pm May 1-Oct.31; 9-5pm Nov.1-Apr. 30. Opens Sunday at 1:30pm. Spectacular Christmas lighting Thanksgiving-New Years.