"This homey bistro is located in a historic brick farmhouse originally built in 1795 by Vermont’s first governor Thomas Chittenden; it was later used as a stop on the Underground Railroad. Chef owners Lara and Steve Atkins bring experience from La Toque in California’s Napa Valley, and here, they’ve earned semifinalist nods from the James Beard Awards for several years in a row. The couple sources ingredients from a community of neighboring farmers and foragers, with the exception of fresh herbs, which are grown in the bistro’s garden. They make use of the summer bounty in colder months by preserving summer fruits, vegetables, and foraged mushrooms. The end result is comforting dishes like cider-steamed mussels with grilled bread, smoked bacon, and aioli — perfect after a long day of skiing at nearby Bolton Valley." - Heather Platt