Food

Next door to the Vermont Country Store [1], the spirit of Victorian New England is kept alive at the Bryant House Restaurant (Rte. 100, Weston, 802/824-6287, www.vermontcountrystore.com [2], 11 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Sun.–Thurs,.; 11 a.m.–8 p.m. Fri.–Sat., $13–20). The bright red house is filled with antique lighting fixtures and furniture that surrounds diners as they savor gourmet salads and sandwiches. An adjoining barroom, adorned with mahogany wall paneling, serves key lime margaritas and apricot sours. Be forewarned, however, that on busy days at the store you can expect a wait of over an hour; a loudspeaker system next door ensures that you can shop while you wait.

If you aren’t careful, you may live up to the name of the Pot Belly Pub & Restaurant (130 Main St., Ludlow, 802/228-8989, 11 a.m.–8 p.m. daily, $7–27) a convivial bar located at the foot of Mount Okemo that serves oversized burgers and hearty portions of BBQ ribs. When the skiers leave the slopes, a somewhat raucous bar scene ensues, often featuring live jazz or R&B.

A private ski club has the best dining in Okemo Valley. You’ll find it at Bear Creek Mountain Club (Route 100, Plymouth, 802/672-4242, www.bearcreekclub.com [3], 11 a.m.–6 p.m. daily, $18–32). Head in for the likes of lobster-stuffed ravioli and free-range chicken piccata. On weekends, live local bluegrass bands keep the vibe as good as the food.