PACK YOUR BAGS

Delve into the ecological, cultural, and historical importance of Lake Champlain at ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center, and you’ll soon realize the lake is much more than just a striking backdrop for the city of Burlington. It’s also home to an amazing ecosystem that includes one of the world’s oldest coral reefs and a multitude of fish and plants. See a riveting film in ECHO’s state-of-the-art theater, check out a shipwreck exhibit and live species exhibits, and explore the mystery of legendary lake monster “Champ.” 877-324-6386; echovermont.org

When You Go: Choose a drink and an appetizer from the bistro menu at as you watch the sun set over Lake Champlain at Splash at the Boathouse, the city’s only fl oating waterfront restaurant, made all the more special by the fact that its season is limited—stop by May-October. 802-658-2244; splashattheboathouse.com in the 14-acre pond, swim in the heated pool, ascend Mount Mansfield via the nearby Long Trail, or follow the twisting Notch Road to the attractions at the Smugglers’ Notch and Stowe resorts. 155 Sterling Ridge Dr., Jeffersonville. 802-644-8265; sterlingridgeresort.com

Upscale Inn

WOODSTOCK INN & RESORT

Crossing the threshold at Woodstock’s best address is like stepping into a sumptuous country home. Many guest rooms feature wood-burning fireplaces; all are distinctively furnished. Local ingredients enrich the menus at the Red Rooster, the inn’s light-filled main dining room, and at the snug, wood-paneled Richardson’s Tavern. The resort offers golf, ski, and spa packages, plus activities ranging from fly-fishing to falconry. Woodstock’s shops, restaurants, and town green are at the inn’s doorstep. 14 The Green, Woodstock. 802-332-6853; woodstockinn.com

Dining

Brewpub Prohibition Pig

This Waterbury storefront had gained a loyal following as the Alchemist brewpub and the original home of Vermont’s iconic canned IPA, Heady Topper. After Tropical Storm Irene flooded that pub in 2011, though, new owners moved in. Now locals line up nightly for smoke-kissed pork and brisket, grownup cocktails, and one of New England’s most impressive tap lists. Around the corner, a seven-barrel brewery ferments handcrafted brews to complement snacks like tacos and pozole, which are served in view of the brewhouse kettle. 23 S. Main St., Waterbury. 802244-4120; prohibitionpig.com

Brunch Down Home Kitchen

At some restaurants, brunch is a religion. Steps from the Vermont capitol, Down Home’s “Church of Brunch” sings Sunday praises with a thick, low-country accent. The menu changes weekly but revolves around southern comforts like cheesy grits and girthy buttermilk biscuits crowned with eggs or sausage gravy. Seasonal specials might include fried-green-tomato Benedicts and hot blueberry hand pies. Wake up with artisan coffee, brewed strong, or find an afternoon buzz in a mint julep or a glass of brandied milk punch. There’s live jazz and bluegrass on select Sundays. 100 Main St., Montpelier. 802-225-6665; downhomekitchenvt.com

Comfort Food Honeypie

Wesley and Chloe Genovart have received several James Beard Award nominations for their South Londonderry restaurant, SoLo Farm & Table. So when they opened up this casual spot under the canopy of a midcentury gas station, everyone knew that the fare would extend beyond the standard frozen-patty-andfries. Still, their menu is classic snack-attack: Find fried chicken sandwiches with a herb-y buttermilk dressing, chunky lobster rolls smothered in butter, and, for dessert or otherwise, milkshakes thick with house-churned ice cream. 8811 Rte. 30, Jamaica. 802-548-4999; eatathoneypie.com

French Cuisine Bistro De Margot

As a young student-chef, Bistro de Margot owner Hervé Mahé trained at France’s elite Ecole Supérieure de Cuisine Française. Then he spent 30 years honing his skills at Michelinstarred restaurants in Paris, London, and Seattle. In Burlington, he carefully crafts each dish—from an exquisite foie gras torchon to a pan-seared cod filet—in a way that’s refined yet approachable. 126 College St., Burlington. 802863-5200; bistrodemargot.com

HIDDEN GEM MIKE’S TIKI BAR

After a day spent riding the Kingdom Trails mountain-bike network, swing by this East Burke warm-weather watering hole for a sunset brewski. Hyperlocal pours include

Covered Bridge Brewing’s easy-drinking Lucky Me golden ale, while darker, malty brews from Kingdom Brewing make regular appearances as well. Starving? Snag a takeout order of poutine across the parking lot at Burke Publick House or a melty panini from the Vermont Food Truck Company’s mobile kitchen, which parks at the bar nightly, May through October. 44 Belden Hill Road, East Burke. mikestikibar.com

INN RESTAURANT

THE PARKER HOUSE INN

Drawing on her relationships with local farmers, chef Alexandra La Noue-Adler changes her French-inspired menu with the seasons—

NEW AMERICAN CUISINE MISERY LOVES CO.

Steps from the busy Winooski traffic circle, chef-owners Aaron Josinsky and Nathaniel Wade fuel their kitchen with ingredients from dozens of area farms. Sip a glass of wild apple cider with oysters, house-made charcuterie, or buttermilk fried chicken. Adventurous eaters may opt for something outside the standard culinary canon, such as stuffed pheasant, steamed gooseneck barnacles, and whole crawfish. They can do so with confidence: This restaurant’s creative cooking has been praised as among the best in New England by in-the-know foodies at the James Beard Association and Vogue , among other national tastemakers. 46 Main St., Win-

Thai Cuisine Saap

In Thailand’s northeastern region of Isan, food is intense, flavor-forward, and often spiced with enough chilies to set most American palates aflame. From the airy parlor of a Queen Anne Victorian near the Montague Golf Club in Randolph, chef Nisachon “Rung” Morgan serves Isan specialties such as wood-grilled swai fish wrapped in banana leaves with Thai herbs and coconut, and marinated chicken with fragrant yellow bean sauce. Guests seeking more familiar fare can commune over mild, coconutlaced curries and Bangkok-style dishes like pad Thai and crispy spring rolls. 50 Randolph Ave., Randolph. 802-565-8292; saaprestaurant.com