The Inn at Shelburne Farms (1611 Harbor Rd., Shelburne, 802-985-8498) – A few miles south of Burlington on Route 7 is the village of Shelburne. Here you will find the world famous Shelburne Museum and its vast collection of art and Americana. There is over 150,000 works displayed in 39 exhibition buildings. Also on the grounds are a lighthouse and a 220-foot steamboat, the Ticonderoga.
Nearby is the 400-acre Shelburne Farms. Built in the 19th century, this country mansion on the shores of Lake Champlain has been turned into a very charming and elegant inn. The restaurant at the inn is extraordinary. The menu features many products from the restaurant’s own garden and from other local farms. Shelburne Farms is also known for its award winning cheeses. Free samples are available in the shop. The Inn and restaurant are closed during the winter months, so call ahead before you visit.
Montpelier and Barre
Traveling south on I-89 leads you to the state capitol, Montpelier and the nearby town of Barre.
Sean and Nora’s (276 N. Main St., Barre, 802-476-7326) – John Mayfield, the proprietor of this restaurant, has created an eclectic menu of delicious comfort foods. You’ll find everything from authentic Italian dishes to New York Reuben sandwiches to California-style seafood. The focus here is comfortable, home-style cooking. The warm, friendly service matches the food.
The Farmer’s Diner (240 Main St., Barre, 802-476-7623) – Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, you won’t find anything on the menu here that you can’t find on a dozen others around the country. The difference is the great lengths the owners and chefs have gone through to use as much products as possible that are grown or made by local farmers. Attention to freshness and respect for food is what makes this place stand out. Don’t leave without trying their homemade sausage.
Waitsfield and Warren
From I-89, you may choose to take a road trip down the scenic Route 100. There are two popular ski areas in the Mad River Valley and the river itself is a favorite of canoers and kayakers.
The Common Man Restaurant (3209 German Flats Rd., Warren, 802-583-2800) – The dining room of this restaurant, built in a barn from 1881, is not to be missed. The menu is New American cuisine and has received many well-deserved accolades. An extensive wine menu complements the food. The sometimes-stuffy service should not deter you from experiencing one of Vermont’s best restaurants.
The Pitcher Inn (275 Main St., Warren, 802-496-6350) – This extraordinary inn has been serving guests since the 1850’s. This Relais & Chateaux establishment is a true gem. Every room is decorated in its own distinct style. The restaurant matches the elegance and grace of the inn. The menu is seasonal and focuses on local and regional products. Their wine list is extensive and has one numerous awards. Reservations are definitely recommended. You can also dine in the wine cellar with up to six guests.
American Flatbread (46 Lareau Rd., Waitsfield, 802-496-8856) – Something magical is happening just down the road from Waitsfield. Every Friday and Saturday night people drive here from all over the state with one thing on their minds, pizza. That’s got to be some really good pizza. And it is. The restaurant is open only on Friday and Saturday nights from 5:30 to 9:30. The rest of the week, the building is devoted to making frozen pizzas that get sold across the country (they don’t compare to the fresh stuff, though). Expect a long wait. Try to get here at least an hour early. Don’t despair, though, they have a bar featuring local beers (but no chairs) or you can wait outside where you can often watch the cooks making batches of pizza sauce over an open fire in big iron kettles. Once inside, try to get a seat near the huge stone oven on the far wall of the dining room. This is where the pizzas get cooked. Be prepared to never settle for chain store pizza again.
