My wife and I are dropping off a college student in Boston on 9-4 and would like to spend a couple of days during Labor Day weekend in Vermont. We like charming towns and good food. We are looking for a nice place to spend a couple of nights and see some of the charm of Vermont. We have never been there.

Middlebury is a charming Vermont college town, about 3 1/2 hours drive from Boston.

They are some lovely inns, good restaurants, shops and other attractions.

Check out www.midvermont.com for ideas.

Woodstock is probably the quintessential Vermont village, but since it is, it is heavily touristed. But, because it does cater to tourists, there are a lot of nice restaurants, and the Woodstock Inn and Resort is a nice option.

The eastern edge of Vermont is lovely country, and there are many picturesque towns and villages in the area -- Quechee is also pretty touristy, but Norwich is a lovely "regular" town, and there are several villages, like Sharon and Strafford/South Strafford which aren't touristy at all.

As an added attraction, Hanover, NH is right across the river from Norwich, giving you an opportunity to visit Dartmouth.

Simon Pierce in Quechee has wonderful food plus the buiding, pottery and glass blowing is fascinating. They generate their own hydro-electric power. Get there as soon as the restaurant opens for lunch to get a table overlooking the river.
Middlebury is a great suggestion. I also like Brandon and Bristol area. Be prepared that the major route up the west side of VT runs thru beautiful farmland. Rt 100 on the east side of the mountains is rural but not so much open acreage.

defrost, Quechee's on our list for our "loop drive" this week (thanks to you), so thanks for mentioning Simon Pearce -- it looks lovely.

Stowe is nice.

How is the Basin Harbor Club in Norhtern Vermont? Any suggestions for a memorable dinner between Boston and Basin Harbor Club?

Basin Harbor Club is great, though I have heard some not so great reports about the food lately. The setting is gorgeous, and they have rooms in the main lodge, along with separate cottages. Lots to do there.

Memorable VT restaurants between Boston and Basin Harbor:

Simon Pearce in Quechee (previously mentioned)
Cafe Provence in Brandon
Storm Cafe in Middlebury
Black Sheep Bistro in Vergennes
Starry Night Cafe in Ferrisburgh

The Shoreham Inn is excellent too. It's a casual pub style with wonderful food - very popular with the locals. Menu changes weekly.

I believe all of the above restaurants have websites.

Thanka everyone for the input - looking forward to the trip!

Middlebury or Stowe would be my choices.

We liked the Swift House Inn in Middlebury. Many great inns and hotels in Stowe. The paved recreation path in Stowe is wonderful for biking or walking. So many good restaurants too.

Thanks to all for the advice! We enjoyed the Basin Harbor Club very much. We ate at both the Storm Cafe in Middlebury and the Black Sheep Bistro and bot were excellent!! I recommend them both to all.

Thanks again