Vermont’s first commercial grape vineyard has been “aging” nicely for 13 years. The winery is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for tours and tastings, but it’s best experienced in concert with live music outdoors on Thursday evenings. Weather permitting, Snow Farm brings in popular local acts such as Sandra Wright, Jenni Johnson and the Phil Abair Band to complement the sunset. The music starts at 6:30 p.m. Come earlier with a picnic, but plan to buy wine — it helps fund the fun. The area’s spectacular Island Ice Cream is also available.

This European-style family-owned winery boasts 8000 grapevines. Tours take place at 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. daily when the winery's open. Taste a dozen different wines for $5. From June until September, try the "French Gourmet" — $16.95 per person pays for four types of artisan cheese, pate or prosciutto, fresh baked bread and your choice of wine.

This European-style family-owned winery boasts 8000 grapevines. Tours take place at 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. daily when the winery's open. Taste a dozen different wines for $5. From June until September, try the "French Gourmet" — $16.95 per person pays for four types of artisan cheese, pate or prosciutto, fresh baked bread and your choice of wine.

Stowe Mountain Resort, like every other Vermont ski area, is in global-warming gear. An “All Day Summer Attraction Package” — $70 for adults, $64 for kids — includes use of an alpine slide that drops 2300 feet; a bungee trampoline that requires a full body harness; and an inflatable obstacle course. The traditional gondola skyride is always nice, especially when there’s a restaurant serving gourmet Vermont lunches at the top of the mountain. Prefer to get there on your own?

(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 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 2004-5)

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 2006-07)

(Published in 7 Nights 2006-07)