After sampling some delicious cakes for desert at the Scale House Restaurant in Hardwick, VT, I was excited to include that restaurant’s feature. I later learned that these cakes came from a local bakery – Bien Fait, in Greensboro, VT.
Now, I was familiar with the bakery as they have been an online fruitcake company for a long time. But on hearing about their new line of restaurant desserts, I had to see what else they were up to. Luckily, I was able to schedule a tour of their bakery, and there’s a whole lot more than fruit cake going on there.
Pros: Beautiful Location with a Great View, Deck for Outdoor Dining in Warm Weather, Bar or Dining Room Seating, Full Bar, Family Friendly
The Downside: Often Busy – Plan Ahead and Make Reservations, Lunch is More Pricey Than Other Local Restaurants
Mountain Rating: 7.8
The Eastside Restaurant is a staple in Newport, Vermont. Positioned on the banks of Lake Memphremagog, this restaurant has been the destination of many locals, our Canadian neighbors, and area visitors for years.
Saint Johnsbury has a wonderful downtown when it comes to easy of walking. There are many shops and restaurants to choose from and navigating sidewalks and traffic is easy (this is not the case for all NEK towns).
There are also some wonderful restaurants to choose from, all offering different flavor profiles, making this another perfect spot for an adult dinner tour.
Many of Newport’s restaurants line the banks of Lake Memphremagog. This provides some with wonderful views, and makes others in close proximity. This makes Newport a perfect place for an adult dinner tour.
We like to start by parking in the free lot next to the State Building overlooking the lake. From here you can
East Burke has become a hub for outdoor enthusiast. The introduction of Kingdom Trails has brought mountain bikers from all over the country to East Burke, making this old ski town a four season destination.
Summer time bikers, sight seers, hikers, and back road travelers find their way naturally to East Burke. Autumn fills the town with leaf peepers as the colors here are magnificent. The roads through the Burke area take you to the tops of hills and mountains for spectacular color filled vistas. Once snow flies, this area of Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom becomes a snow lovers dream. Skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, and numerous outdoor events keep this town busy through those long months of white.
The town of Island Pond has seen an incredible transformation over the last few years. This little border town has come back to life through the hard work of its community members.
No longer just a snowmobiling Mecca, the addition of community music events, shows, town wide celebrations for holidays, and town activities to keep the community involved have filled area social calendars from spring to snowfall and beyond.
Pros: Fast and Attentive Service; Varied Menu; Plenty of Non-Spicy Options; Cozy Dining Space; Plenty of Parking
Downside: Not a Full Bar; No Sushi; Dining Room is Small
Mountain Rating 7/10
Kham’s Thai has been a St. Johnsbury restaurant for a number of years. But, I had never been there until a few weeks ago when I was seeking a new place to eat while on a time schedule. I was not disappointed.
Pros: Tapas, Fun Drink Menu, Proximity to Burke Mt. and the Bike Trails; Nice Atmosphere; Outdoor Dining in Nice Weather
Downside: Mostly Pasta Dishes (A Downside if You Are Not A Pasta Lover), Parking Can Be Crowded Especially During Height of Bike Season
Mountain Rating 7.8/10
We recently tried the Foggy Goggle Osteria in East Burke for the first time.
Pros: Beautiful Atmosphere; Fresh Seafood; Tapas (small plates); Beautifully Prepared Food; Fresh House Made Pasta; Full Bar; Owner Comes Out to Check on Tables and Helps Expedite
Downside: Parking – Street Side or Public Lot Only; A Little More Expensive; Not Really Meant for Younger Children; Get’s Loud When Busy
Rating: 8.2/10
The Scale House Restaurant in Hardwick brings a new flavor to the NEK’s Restaurant scene – that of fresh seafood with a fine dining flare.
Okay,
So this is a little outside our normal reviews – but, there is something about The Fair that captures the imagination, and the taste buds.
So, I wanted to share a little about fair food.
(FOR SOME FUN FAIR EVENTS SEE THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE)
Now, there are two types of fair food – the one is the heart of the agricultural tradition, the vegetables and food products brought in for the competitions. Winning blue ribbons for your vegetables or for your jellies, pickles, and relishes is an honor many gardeners and home chefs strive for…
Pros: Delicious Food; Unique Menu Items; Full Bar; Beautiful Outdoor Space; Next Door to Friday Night Live; Fun and Friendly Servers; Large Portions; Family Friendly
Downside: May Have to Park Downstreet and Walk; Bar Tending on the Basic Side; Service Can Be Slow When Busy
Rating: 7.8/10
KT Ray’s on the Pond is a restaurant in Island Pond. Located in the down town district, they are close to the water, have outdoor seating, and have created a menu with a unique approach to simple crowd favorites.
