Dining

Stowe has long been famous for its cuisine.The Blue Moon Cafe (253-7006; $$–$$$; right) is considered tops for fine dining. Norma's Restaurant (253-9263; $$$-$$$$) is Topnotch Resort's newest dining experience (replacing Maxwell's). Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served in this bustling, bright restaurant with a panoramic view of Mt. Mansfield. Fresh, local ingredients are combined creatively in dishes such as lamb shank slow cooked in a locally brewed stout with braised greens and herb polenta, and jumbo shrimp with a horseradish root tomato chutney.

Winfield's Bistro (253-7355; $$$), at the Stoweflake, serves nicely gussied-up American cooking with an international flair, and it has an excellent wine list.

The Trapp Family Lodge (253-8511; $$$–$$$$) traditionally has put on an excellent Austrian-style meal for a fixed price of $42. A la carte dining is also available. Diners choose from about a dozen entrees. Live harp music accompanies dinner.

Michael's on the Hill (244-7476; $$–$$$), a few miles south of Stowe on Route 100, is a chef-owned restaurant in an 1820s farmhouse with spectacular mountain views. The European-influenced menu is sophisticated and changes seasonally. There's live piano music in the lounge on Friday and Saturday nights.

Harrison's Restaurant and Bar (253-7773; $$–$$$) is now on Main Street and features New American cuisine. The Stowe Inn Tavern (253-4030; $$-$$$) has a similar American menu, and diners enjoy a view overlooking Stowe Village. Sit near the bar, a mahogany masterpiece relocated from an authentic Bronx neighborhood bar.

The Whip Bar & Grill (253-7301; $$; below), in the lower level of the Green Mountain Inn, is a good place for a light dinner or sandwiches. The Shed (253-4364; $–$$) has a microbrewery and is a great spot for steaks and prime rib. Foxfire (253-4887; $$) has good Italian food, as does Trattoria La Festa (253-8480; $$). Mr. Pickwicks in the Ye Olde England Inne (253-7558; $$) serves excellent game. Red Basil (253-4478; $-$$) specializes in fantastic Thai food and has a great martini menu. There’s a sushi bar too.

For alternatives that aren’t budget-busters, try Miguel's Stowe Away (253-7574; $–$$) on the Mountain Road, or the Cactus Cafe(253-7770; $–$$) for Mexican food; Restaurant Swisspot (253-4622; $–$$) for fondues and decadent Swiss chocolate pie; The Depot Street Malt Shoppe (253-4269; $) for a 1950s-style fountain shop; and Gracie's (253-8741; $) on the Mountain Road for great burgers and meatloaf.

The country breakfasts at The Gables (253-7730; $) shouldn’t be missed, especially on weekends.

On-mountain, there are several choices for lunch and snacks. The Fireside Tavern (235-3000; $$) in the Inn at the Mountain at the base of the Toll House lift, serves hearty breakfasts and lunches.

The Midway Cafe ($) in the Midway Lodge has good pizza and paninis. Or try Jose's Cafe ($), also in the Midway Lodge, for Mexican fare. The Cliff House Restaurant ($–$$) at the gondola top has a nice upscale atmosphere and great views. You can check your email at the Octagon Web Cafe ($), at the top of the Forerunner express quad.

Dining Legend: $$$$–Entrees $30+; $$$–$20–$30; $$–$10–$20; $–less than $10