662381 Mon Oct 26 08:31:25 -0700 2009 7 13 New England 0 5131456 My husband and I are planning a week-long ski vacation in December. We'll be staying at Ascutney, but we're planning on hitting several resorts in both VT and NH throughout the week. I'm looking for recommendations on must-try places within reasonable driving distance from Killington, Okemo, Sunapee & Ascutney (less than 30 minutes drive would be great, considering we'll be trying to pack in as much ski time as possible during the day). We're trying to keep a reasonable budget but are up for one or two splurge-y meals. Would love to find some local brewpubs and/or gastropubs but we are really up for anything delicious. I'm also considering a day trip to Burlington . . . is it worth it? If we opt for a rest day, what are the must-eats in Burlington? Mon Oct 26 08:31:25 -0700 2009 1119316 carissal 1 5132242 I go to this area occasionally and have a collection of restaurants. I have not been to many, but they are "Chowhound approved", so to speak. http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=106324921966915789140.00044efe8fa0b23a18027&ll=44.37884,-71.960449&spn=2.226038,4.921875&z=8 Mon Oct 26 12:27:04 -0700 2009 5131456 137946 Scargod 1 5140838 There are lots of good places to eat in the Hanover/Lebanon/Woodstock area, which are all less than 45 minutes to Ascutney. Hanover is the home of Dartmouth College, so there is a good selection of mid priced places to eat. Perhaps the best (and highest rated) is the Yama Korean place. We are not big fans of Korean food, but the ambiance is great, and lots of people love the food. Also in Hanover is the Canoe Club, a somewhat pricey but very comfortable restaurant/tavern with live entertainment every night. Just down the road in Lebanon is Three Tomatoes, right on the Lebanon green. Very good, creative Italian food in an 'urban trattoria' atmosphere. Just across the plaza is Salt Hill Pub, which offers very hearty and inexpensive pub food, a great selection of beers, and live music on weekends. Woodstock Vt. is a more upscale touristy kind of town with many interesting places to eat. Simon Pierce, which is just down the road in Quechee, is perhaps the best known. Top notch food in a beautiful setting. For something very casual and unique, check out the Angkor Wat Cambodian place just a few blocks east of the downtown. This is a hole in the wall mom & pop place with some authentic Asian food, and one of the very few byob's in the area. Check out the uvfood website for more ideas. Thu Oct 29 12:19:01 -0700 2009 5131456 21891 zootsi 1 5143098 In the Killington area, but off the access road, I like Countryman's Pleasure, just off route 4 in Mendon. In downtown Rutland, Little Harry's and Table 24 are also good. If you want to travel a little further, Cafe Provence in Brandon also does a nice job. I know that Countryman's has a few mentions on here, but don't know how to link. Fri Oct 30 10:10:59 -0700 2009 5131456 1111631 Shann 1 5147311 We go to Hanover once or twice a year, and have had good grub at the following places. Yama: tiny, very good Korean place The Fort: a truck stop with hearty b'fasts, great corned beef hash, stick to your ribs chow, on last visit clientele included truckers, college kids w/hangovers and Dartmouth profs discussing Edith Piaf Salt Hill Pub: good fish and chips, pot roast, very relaxed, live music at night Murphy's on the Green: by Dartmouth, better-than-expected pub chow, Travel and Leisure says their Murph Burger is one of 50 best in US Gusano's: some bitch, but as a native Texan, I find the food to be pretty damned good. Go early to avoid crowds. Owner is from Monterrey MX. Three Tomatoes: standard Italian fare, small chain with locations in Rutland, Burlington, W. Lebanon. Ramunto's: many say best pizza in area. Location by Dartmouth is largest, has good beers Long Trail Brewery: by Killington, good onion rings and burgers, growlers to go, closes early (by 6?) Try the skiing at Whaleback and Storrs Hill (all 2-3 runs). It's very low-key, much like skiing in the old days Burlington is kinda neat, but IMHO not worth the drive.It's much livelier in the summer. Sun Nov 01 13:46:13 -0800 2009 5131456 44254 wondertrev 1 5182266 If your route goes through the St. Johnsbury area, Juniper's at the Wildflower Inn in Lyndonville is worth a visit. Actually, the inn has two eateries; there's also a lunch-only place at the inn's spa. The beef is from cattle raised on-site. http://www.wildflowerinn.com/dining/junipersrestaurant/default.shtml Sat Nov 14 19:01:33 -0800 2009 5131456 137863 chonak 2 5197355 I highly recommend Yama in Hanover. It also has another location in Lebanon. Great lunchboxes. Mollys Ballon in Hanover is good for drinks and pizza. I second Salt Hill and Three Tomatoes. There is a good Mexican place by the Newport, NH airport called Little Red Baron. Do not let the name and location discourage you, very fresh food. Good if you are skiing Sunapee and heading back to Ascutney. There is also a new Common Man restaurant in Claremont which is not far from Ascutney. Owned by a very well respected restaurant guy in NH and his places feature good, wholesome comfort food. If I was staying in the Ascutney area, I would probably check it out for apres ski. Fri Nov 20 17:26:43 -0800 2009 5182266 237294 JPR 1 5197912 If you're going to be in Killington, you have to try Simon Pearce! My family has a summer home in the area and we always make the trek for dinner at least once during the season. It is not only a restaurant but a glass blowing studio and weaving center. The restaurant overlooks a river, as it is in an old mill. The scenery alone is gorgeous enough for the price, but the food is consistent, delicious, and well-thought. Sat Nov 21 04:11:49 -0800 2009 5131456 1126173 box