Restaurants

There's a decent New England-style diner, called (of course) the Putney Diner (tel. 802/387-5433), at 82 Main St. in the middle of town; new owners recently added an ice-cream shop as an annex. Just across the road at 133 Main St., the Front Porch Cafe (tel. 802/387-2200), inside the Putney Tavern, serves good light lunches -- think comfort food but with upscale twists -- coffee and pastries daily except Mondays. You can pick up snacks, sandwiches, newspapers and (sometimes) Ben & Jerry's factory seconds at the two-story Putney General Store (tel. 802/387-5842), literally at the center of town beside the bridge. At this writing, it's newly owned by a Turkish couple, which promises to add interesting items to the deli case. It's open daily, 6am to 9pm.

For something healthier, head back south on Main Street toward the interstate exit. Right across from the barbecue pits is the Putney Food Co-op (tel. 802/387-5866), a great place to stock on organic and local milk, cheese, produce and other products for the drive home. The deli has baked goods, coffee, and healthier-than-thou sandwiches and salads. It's open daily until 8pm.