(Published in 7 Nights 2009-10)

For folks who haven’t had the pleasure of exploring the Italian countryside, it’s possible to dine at Pane e Salute without sampling a single familiar dish. 

At the eight-table eatery — which blends cool, modern décor with a few rustic touches — the menu is based on “heirloom” recipes that Caleb Barber and Deirdre Heekin have gathered during their annual travels to “il bel paese.” 

(Published in 7 Nights 2009-10)

When bars advertise they’ve got “rock,” they’re usually talking about music.

At McGrath’s Pub, in an inn on Pico Mountain, they mean it literally: The dining room and pub are built around a massive boulder.

If you worship succulent organic strawberries, mark June 28 on your calendar. In addition to acres of pick-your-own strawberries, Cedar Circle Farm hosts an annual strawberry festival with live music, a barbeque with stone-fired pizza, and all the strawberry shortcake you can eat. Situated along the Connecticut River in East Thetford, it’s a sweet spot on a sweet summer day.

(Published in 7 Nights 2008-09)

(Published in 7 Nights 2005-06)

(Published in 7 Nights 2008-09)

Stepping into Mr. Pickwick's at Ye Olde England Inne in Stowe is like entering an alternate universe, in which plaid carpets become a sensible decorating choice and dishes influenced by the Raj cozy up with classic English cuisine. The place has a masculine feel, reminiscent of an upscale hunting lodge, and servers approach with formal civility, more "English country house" than "Vermont casual."