Halvorsen Lisa - Explorers guide Vermont

Copyright 2018 by Christina Tree

Copyright 2015 by Christina Tree and Alice Levitt

Copyright 2012 by Christina Tree and Rachel Carter

Copyright 2009, 2006 by Christina Tree and Diane E. Foulds

Copyright 2004, 2002 by Christina Tree and Sally W. Johnson

Copyright 1999, 1997, 1994, 1992, 1990, 1988, 1985, 1983 by Christina Tree and Peter Jennison.

All rights reserved

For information about permission to reproduce selections from this book, write to Permissions, The Countryman Press, 500 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10110

For information about special discounts for bulk purchases, please contact W. W. Norton Special Sales at specialsales@wwnorton.com or 800-233-4830

Series book design by Chris Welch

Production manager: Devon Zahn

Series cover design by Steve Attardo

Cover photograph DSZC / iStockphoto.com

Back cover photograph by Christina Tree

The Countryman Press

www.countrymanpress.com

A division of W. W. Norton & Company, Inc.

500 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10110

www.wwnorton.com

978-1-68268-166-4 (pbk.)

978-1-68268-167-1 (ebk.)

To Bill Davis, my companion on and off the road. C. T.

To Melanie, Riley, and David, for your continued support in the writing of this book. L. H.

To my brothers and sisters, always up for adventures. P. G. O.

EXPLORE WITH US!

We have been fine-tuning Explorers Guide Vermont with a new edition every two or three years since 1983, a period during which lodging, dining, and shopping opportunities have more than quadrupled in the state. As we have expanded our guide, we have also been increasingly selective, making recommendations based on conscientious research and personal experience. We describe the state by locally defined regions, giving you Vermonts communities, not simply its most popular destinations.

WHATS WHERE In the beginning of the book youll find alphabetical listings of important information, special highlights, and things quintessentially Vermont. We include advice on everything from antiques to weather reports.

LODGING Prices . For the first time in this edition we have embraced the $ symbol instead of using precise rates for lodging. Bear in mind, too, that this simplification can be misleading, depending on what is included and the number of guests a high-end rate may accommodate. Also, be aware that Vermont adds a 9 percent state room and meals tax to published rates, and there may be a 1 percent local option tax in addition. Some lodging establishments may also add a gratuity, and others (admittedly few) include all taxes in their rates. Its best to check when booking.

Lodging Prices :

Authors favorites . These are the places we think have the most to offer in each region, whether that means great food, outstanding rooms, beautiful scenery, or overall appeal.

Weddings . The wedding-ring symbol appears beside establishments that frequently serve as venues for weddings and civil unions.

Special value . The special-value symbol appears next to lodging and restaurants that combine high quality and moderate prices.

Pets . The dog-paw symbol appears next to lodgings that accept pets (usually with a reservation and deposit) as of press time.

Child-friendly . The kids-alert symbol indicates lodging, restaurants, activities, and shops of special appeal to youngsters.

Handicapped access. The wheelchair symbol appears next to lodgings, restaurants, and attractions that are partially or fully handicapped accessible.

Wireless Interne t. Virtually all Vermont lodging places now offer Internet access. This symbols highlights cafs, restaurants, and public spaces with Wi-Fi.

Smoking . State law bans smoking in all places of public accommodation in Vermont, including restaurants and bars.

RESTAURANTS We describe upscale restaurants under Dining Out and use the $ symbol for dinner entres:

Eating Out . Less expensive restaurants are described under Eating Out .

Note: Most upscale restaurants offer inexpensive pub fare options, and many places that we group under Eating Out may have one or two more expensive entre items.

We would appreciate any comments or corrections. Please write to:

Explorers Guide Editor

The Countryman Press

500 Fifth Avenue

New York, NY 10110

W elcome to the Green Mountain State and to the most comprehensive guide to its distinctive landscape, character, things to do, and places to see and stay. No other portrait of Vermont gathers so much practical information between two coversso much that even Vermonters find it useful. We are particularly proud of this 15th edition of the guide, the first in full color.

We have divided the guide into generally accepted regions. Each section begins with a verbal snapshot of the area against a historical background and includes descriptions of just about every legal form of recreation, from skiing and swimming to fat tire biking.

We describe roughly half of Vermonts places to stay: B&Bs, farmstays, and family-owned (but not chain) motels and hotels. We are candid about what we like and dont like. We revisit our choices with every new edition.

With this edition, we have to say, we are distressed by the ways in which Airbnbs and online reservations are affecting Vermonts established B&Bs, which have invested big bucks in meeting safety and health codes. Of course, vacation rentals can make sense if you are looking to accommodate a family or group for a week or more. If youre looking for a shorter stay, though, we have to put in a plug for hosts dedicated to hospitality and adept at tuning guests in to their surroundings.