When most restaurants are described as farm to table in New York City, the farms that produce vegetables, poultry or meat are usually located in Rockland, Putnam and Dutchess counties from 30 to 60 miles away. When The Restaurant at Hill Farm in Sunderland, Vt. discusses the same concept, its vegetable farm, producing a slew of home-made produce, is situated outside the kitchen’s door, a stone’s throw from its stoves and burners.

The Restaurant at Hill Farm has an inviting atmosphere that includes a chef’s table, where patrons can watch head chef Austin Poulin prepare his meals, a bar area with separate stools, and an outside dining patio, where patrons can smell the vegetables. And Poulin has excellent culinary credentials since he cooked for noted chef Dan Barber at Blue Hill at Stone Barns in Westchester, serving as fish and meat cook for two years.

The restaurant is situated at Hill Farm, an inn with a main house with 7 rooms, a 1790 House with 5 rooms, and two cottages with 3 bedrooms each, perfect for families, with another inn across the road with 10 bedrooms, and a campus with 70 acres including 3 alpacas.

Located in Proximity to Manchester Vt.

The Restaurant at Hill Farm is located nearby Manchester, Vt, a quintessential jewel of a town that contains numerous inns including the upscale Equinox Resort and the Inn at Manchester, restaurants such as Mystic Restaurant and Silver Fork and serves as the headquarters of Orvis, the fly fishing, clothing, dry goods and travel company.

Because the eatery is located at inn, Poulin says most of its guests dine at least once at the restaurant. It also has a strong local following, which helps it withstand the slower months in winter, with heavy traffic during peak summer months, between tourists and locals.

Its goal in having the vegetable patch next door is to “implement a farm to table ideology across our whole menu, using Vermont and our surrounding resources to highlight local products,” explains Poulin. For example, of late it has been highlighting snap peas, purple-sprouting broccoli and home-grown lettuce.

A farm to table eatery in Southern Vermont, connected to an inn, is bringing the vegetable farm directly to the restaurant.

The Farm Is Right Near the Kitchen

He says many guests like to know where their food emanates from, so the garden is used “as an educational tool to peak guests’ interest and get them to ask questions about different varieties we are growing or using in the kitchen.”

For meat, poultry and fish, he taps local suppliers such as Sweet Pickins Farm that raises chicken and duck, buys beef from Woodlawn Farmstead in Pawlet, Vt, and fish from Wood Mountain Fish, such as striped bass.

Most of its entrees cost $40 to $45 each, which seems steep for southern Vermont or more appropriate to NYC’s Upper East Side. He says that many of its entrees could easy be shared and feed two to three guests.

In charge of the farm at The Restaurant at Hill Farm is Pablo Elliott, a graduate of Vassar College who served as one of its first interns at the Poughkeepsie Farm Project which started on Vassar’s land. He says guests can also wander over to the vegetable farm, outside of the restaurant, to “see something that may end up on their plate,” bringing the farm to the guest.

Lots of Vegetables In Its Farm Area

Indeed, it produces a slew of home-grown vegetables including squash, broccolini, potatoes, greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions and garlic. He usually harvests the fields twice a week.

By bringing these vegetables directly into the kitchen the day they are harvested, “nothing is lost in the shipping, which is usually quality and flavor,” Elliott cites.

But the meat in the kitchen at Restaurant at Hill Farm must be acquired from nearby suppliers, so why not add cows? Elliott replies that “animals could be added, but as these projects become larger, they become more expensive. The vegetable garden plot keeps things simple.”

He considers the vegetable patch more a “guest amenity” than a cost savings venture. Costs are curtailed by having a “part-time farmer, under half acre total production and minimal labor costs,” he cites.

The night this reporter dined at The Restaurant at Hill Farms, there were only three entrees on the menu including the half-chicken, striped bass and pork chops, with numerous appetizers and small plates including pizza, fried chicken wings, charred snap peas, pita and hummus. The half-chicken with a spinach yogurt sauce was delicious.

And at the chef’s table, a couple from Scarsdale who were self-described “foodies,” grazed through the menu, ordering pizza and appetizers and were thrilled with the results.

Why keep the menu streamlined? Poulin replies that “We have an extremely small team here so in order for us to provide the best quality service and food, we keep it small.”

The restaurant is not open for lunch and is only open Wednesday through Sunday, 4 to 9 p.m., the usual hour when many Vermont restaurants close.

Reaction from one guest on Yelp was extremely positive. Aaron from San Jose, Calif, said the menu had “everything from pizza cooked in their woodfire oven to fresh caught wild bass or oyster mushroom risotto.” He called the interior “cozy and intimate with high ceilings and a lot of wooden beams,” and he added there were many local craft beers on the menu.

His only drawback was he found it a bit warm inside because of how the wood-fired pizza oven blended with the July heat.

Asked about its future, Poulin replies that it’s working on starting some culinary classes for next year and providing education on its farm to table approaches. And while there are no plans to add chickens immediately, he admits that “I’d welcome the opportunity.”

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We can be thankful that our founding fathers decided to be more creative and changed their minds from initially calling this picturesque state New Connecticut. With some of the country’s most magnificent landscapes, Vermont more than deserves an identity all its own. While you think of skiing, maple syrup, and red clapboard barns, the Green Mountain State offers so much more. Serenity settles in, and your blood pressure instantly lowers as you cross the state line. So much so state troopers set up checkpoints. Ok, not really, but no one would ever deny Vermont’s effortless ability to blissfully hypnotize. Find out why it is home to some of the best places to chill in 2024.

Norwich

Established in 1761, this tiny hamlet is one of the most affluent areas in Vermont.

The Montshire Museum prides itself on its ability to teach while allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the exhibits. Stroll along the Planet Walk, a three-mile route that recreates the distances of the planets in our solar system.

Take a cooking class at King Arthur Baking Company, founded in 1790; this mainstay has worldwide recognition for any novice or master baker. Learn how to make your sourdough base or tour the original buildings. The Norwich Farmers Market is one of the oldest continuously operating in New England. It supports the local agricultural industry by visiting stalls that offer baked bread, churned butter, and fresh produce.

Hazen Trail provides the perfect backdrop for a relaxing hike. Breathtaking views abound all year round. Chill out as you become one with Mother Nature and marvel at Hanover Esker, which was formed over the centuries by glacier melt. Book a weekend at the Norwich Inn for an extended stay. Built in 1797, this colonial residence offers New England heritage at its finest.

Stowe

When most people hear of Stowe, they, of course, think snow. Known as the “Skiing Capital of the East,” Stowe has over 120 ski trails spread across 25 resorts, offering options for the novice to the black-run expert. Sandwiched between Mount Mansfield and Spruce Peak, winter sports lovers can try a bit of everything. While, of course, its resorts are unmatched, there is so much more to this charming town all year long. It is the perfect backdrop for any type of chill you want.

During the warmer months, these ski resorts become some of the best hiking and fishing on the East Coast. The Green Mountain Inn, established in 1833, provides families with a full roster of activities for the entire family. The Spa at Stoweflake uses natural minerals from nearby springs to offer over thirty treatments to unwind and rejuvenate.

Fishing is available from the spring through the fall. Cast your reel with experts at Catamount Fishing Adventures, who will help you find the best trout in Stowe.

Middlebury

Chartered in 1761 by New Hampshire Governor Benning Wentworth, who was responsible for founding numerous cities in the region, Middlebury is the county seat of Addison County. Parts of the town were damaged during the Revolutionary War, and its rebuilding in 1783 is the basis of today’s modern-day hamlet.

Over half the town is professionally or personally connected to Middlebury College. Home to The Middlebury College Museum of Art, the campus is the ideal place to chill. Peruse the endless shelves of the two libraries and find a quiet corner to relax.

Lake Dunmore spans approximately 985 acres. At the visitor center, rent a rowboat and enjoy 360-degree views of neighboring towns Salisbury and Leceister.

Tour the vineyards at Lincoln Peak. Founded in 2001, it has quickly become a budding sommelier’s favorite stop in Vermont. With award-winning Chardonnay, this family-run business offers tastings and informative seminars on the region’s history.

Woodstock

Founded in 1761, Woodstock was home to some of the nation’s first entrepreneurs and business people. Named one of the prettiest American towns to visit in the winter, it is among Vermont’s top tourist destinations during the holidays. Wassail Weekend in December recreates an immersive Dickens experience. Period costumed entertainers adorned in holly and ivy line the streets. Best of all, Woodstock is the perfect place to chill all year round.

Home to three covered bridges, it’s the ideal backdrop for your Instagram. Middle Covered Bridge is in the center of town. Stroll the nearby shops that line The Green. Find local artisans and farm-to-table cuisine.

Billings Farm and Museum is a short drive away. This working dairy farm, on over 200 acres, provides a great afternoon of fun. Pick fruit, ride the tractors, and tour the historic barns.

Chester

Famed for its Stone Village Historic District, Chester was incorporated in 1754 by Governor Benning Wentworth. With multiple listings on the National Historic Registry, it has become a much-wanted stop for colonial enthusiasts.

The historic village came about with a bit of divine intervention, literally. The Congregationalists and the Baptists had differing views on where to build their places of worship, so they finally settled their respective chapels on the North and South sides of the district. The historic downtown is between the two.

Stone Village is home to unique shops and pubs, all along 18th-century mason masterpieces. The buildings alone are worth visiting, but stop at Stone Village Farmers Market for fresh farm offerings.

For those who like a bit of exercise, explore the Lost Mine Trail. Due to some tricky elevation, it is not ideal for small children, but adventurers are rewarded with magnificent views of the lakeside. Locals recommend going in the fall for unobstructed panoramic fall foliage.

Dorset

This quaint village is where Vermont officially became a colony. After numerous protestations from the New York delegations, the Green Mountain region was granted statehood in 1791. With an active theatre playhouse and proud heritage association, it is a must-see for any American history buff.

The Dorset Historical Society Museum is a treasure trove of Americana. Tour exhibits feature artifacts and memorabilia from over 300 years of Dorset life.

A favorite summer spot for notable families, Abraham Lincoln’s son, Robert Todd Lincoln, set roots here at Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home. Built in the late 1800s and overlooking the Taconic Mountains, this architectural masterpiece hosts various events throughout the year.

Wilson House is a historic hotel that was once home to Bill Wilson, the founder of Alcoholics Anonymous. Designated on the historic registry, this colonial style Inn welcomes everyone to find serenity as part of their community.

The Dorset Theatre Festival aims to build an inclusive society through art and performance. It’s based on two pre-revolutionary barns, the perfect environment to relax. The company showcases plays, musicals, and seminars all year round.

Montpelier

The smallest state capital in the USA, Montpelier, founded in 1787, was recently voted one of USA Today’s 10 Best Towns in the Northeast for 2024. It is rich in the founding fathers’ history. Independently owned specialty boutiques are one of the reasons Montpelier has been continually recognized as the number one best small-town shopping destination in America. You can find everything from lavender-milled soap to hand-hammered copper pots along Main Street.

Maple is a staple in this town. In fact, some of the locals claim they have equal amounts of sugar as water in their bodies. One of the best ways to experience this yourself is to chill out at one of the many family-run farms. The Braggs have owned and operated the Maple Sugarhouse for eight generations. Open year-round, it offers tours and tastings.

Coburn Covered Bridge is Instagram story-worthy. Extended along the banks of the Winooski River, this 19th-century bridge is the last remaining in the town.

Book a relaxing stay at the over-two-century-old Inn at Montpelier. This boutique hotel has nineteen uniquely heritage-inspired decorated rooms with all the modern amenities. Within walking distance of shopping, dining, and activities, visitors can travel back in time without sacrificing the comforts of today.

Waitsfield

Named after Revolutionary militia General Benjamin Wait, this tiny hamlet sits in Washington County. Known for its two ski resorts, Waitsfield is a less hectic alternative to Stowe.

Known for its proximity to major ski resorts, Waitsfield offers a less hectic alternative to Stowe. Nearby, Sugarbush Resort in Warren is one of the largest in New England, offering extensive skiing and outdoor activities. Despite its modest beginnings in 1951, it employs over 30% of the town’s residents year-round.

Additionally, Waitsfield is home to Mad River Glen, a skier’s haven famous for its challenging trails and unique cooperative ownership. Both resorts offer a variety of outdoor activities throughout the year, making Waitsfield an excellent base for exploring the Mad River Valley.

During the warmer months, this area is ideal for fishing, swimming, and hiking. An ecological reserve, it is home to twenty-five different species.

The Mad River Path showcases crystal-blue falls and rock formations that locals believe hold indigenous spirits. The Round Barn Farm, built in 1910, is the perfect place to sit back and chill with a warm mug of cider. Throughout the year, it hosts numerous weddings and events, and guests can book extended stays in its wood-paneled, vaulted-ceiling accommodations.

Experience Vermont’s Timeless Charm

I doubt that anyone would argue with Pearl S Buck when she wrote that “all in all, Vermont is a jewel state, small but perfect.” One of the earliest settlements in the nation provides the ideal setting to chill and unplug. All year long, it falls under the trance of its cornucopia of color and its proud heritage. Relax against the backdrop of the Green Mountains and Winooski River. Compact but plentiful, Vermont offers endless opportunities to chill and so much more in 2024.

It’s harder and harder to make ends meet in this economy, and it’s not just the rent that is too damn high. Based on recent data from the Federal Housing Finance Agency, which regulates the federal lenders who support much of the residential housing market in the United States, average home prices across the U.S. rose 6.6 percent from the first quarter of 2023 to the first quarter of 2024.

According to Visual Capitalist, this represents the greatest increase we’ve seen since 2022. Experts attribute it to limited housing inventory and the unwillingness of existing homeowners to sell. (Doggedly high interest rates aren’t helping matters.)

While the average increase is 6.6 percent, the 10 states below are driving that up, with gains as much as 94 percent above the national average.  

The 10 U.S. States Where Home Prices Rose the Most Between Q1 2023 and Q1 2024

1. Vermont // 12.8 percent
2. New Jersey // 11.6 percent
3. New York // 10.9 percent
4. Delaware // 10.7 percent
5. Kansas // 9.9 percent
6. Wisconsin // 9.9 percent
7. Connecticut // 9.6 percent
8. Illinois // 9.4 percent
9. New Hampshire // 9.4 percent
10. Maine // 9.1 percent

Vermont tops the list, with home prices growing 12.8 percent. While the Green Mountain State isn’t necessarily the first to come to mind as a housing hotbed, home inventory is lower than it’s been in over a decade, which likely has contributed to the rise in prices. Next come three Mid-Atlantic states—New Jersey, New York, and Delaware—each experiencing home price growth of over 10 percent, likely due to low inventory and buyers migrating outside major metropolitan areas, which are significantly more expensive. 

At the other end of the spectrum, two of the hottest real estate markets in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic—Florida and Texas—have begun to cool down, both falling below the national average. Visual Capitalist points out that over 25 percent of single-family building permits from 2019 to 2023 were from those states, producing an excess of new housing inventory.

So what does a person do to stretch their dollars when house hunting? LowerMyBills offers a few tips: First, look for vacant, inherited, or “for sale by owner” (FSBO) homes, as well as listings that have been on the market for a while, as these sellers may be open to negotiation. Another strategy is to look for short sales, foreclosures, or auctions, where lenders have more say in the selling price and may be willing to accept something closer to the outstanding amount on the existing loan rather than the “market value” of the property. 

Whatever the strategy, it’s critical to understand the monthly costs associated with paying back a home loan. Sites like Zillow and Redfin offer mortgage calculators that help you determine what’s really in your price range. But it’s also important to remember the hidden costs of buying a home, which often include closing costs, taxes, insurance, and, where applicable, HOA fees. 

[h/t Visual Capitalist]