For a quick meal, the heart of Wilmington [1] both physically and spiritually is Dot’s Restaurant (3 W. Main St., Wilmington, 802/464-7284, www.dotsofvermont.com [2], 5:30 a.m.–8 p.m. Sun.–Thurs.; 5:30 a.m.–9 p.m. Fri. and Sat., $12–17), a wood-paneled diner with historical photos lining the walls and local characters lining the barstools. Townies line up at 5 a.m. beneath the neon sign of this greasy spoon for healthy helpings of gossip along with their “Berry Berry Pancakes,” a molten mess of blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries. Lunch and dinner runs to tasty comfort food like chili, mac ’n’ cheese, and burgers.
Despite the name, the taps at Maple Leaf Brewery (3 N. Main St., 802/464-9900, 12 p.m.–10 p.m. Sun.–Thurs.; 12 p.m.–10:30 p.m. Fri. and Sat., $9–19) go beyond Molson to serve an ever-changing variety of microbrews. The pub also serves burgers and other entrées.
Tucked into a friendly inn looking out to the looming Mount Snow and warmed by brick fireplaces, West Dover Inn (108 Route 100, West Dover, 802/464-5207, 5–9 p.m. Thurs.–Tues., prix fixe menu $75) charms with handmade ravioli and breads, fresh local ingredients, and an intimate little tavern next door.
Links:
[1] http://www.moon.com/destinations/new-england/vermont/southern-vermont/brattleboro-and-vicinity/marlboro-and-wilmington
[2] http://www.dotsofvermont.com