Best Dining Bets in Vermont

Blue Benn Diner (Bennington; tel. 802/442-5140): This favorite, housed in a classic 1945 Silk City diner, has a barrel ceiling, acres of stainless steel, and a vast menu. Make sure not to overlook the specials scrawled on paper and taped all over the walls. Do leave room for a slice of delicious pie, including blackberry, pumpkin, and chocolate cream.

Curtis Bar-B-Q (Putney; tel. 802/387-5474): Who gave the South and Midwest permission to claim the best barbecue? This classic roadside open-air joint is next to a gas station and has a heap of rustic charm and great food. Place your order at the blue school bus for a slab or smaller serving, grab a seat, dig in, and enjoy.

Bove's (Burlington; tel. 802/864-6651): A Burlington landmark since 1941, Bove's is a classic red-sauce-on-spaghetti joint that's a throwback to a lost era. The red sauce is rich and tangy, and the garlic sauce packs enough garlic to knock you clear out of your booth.