Practicalities

The most popular place to stay in Brattleboro is the Art Deco Latchis Hotel, 50 Main St (t 802/254-6300, w www.latchis.com; $101–130). In Grafton, try the upmarket Old Tavern, 92 Main St (t 1-800/843-1801, w www.old-tavern.com; $201–300), which has an excellent restaurant. The best place in Chester is Inn Victoria, 321 Main St (t 802/875-4288 or t 1-800/732-4288, w www.innvictoria.com; $101–301 and over).

In Brattleboro you’ll find decent eating at the Riverview Café, 36 Bridge St (t 802/254-9841), which has a nice view overlooking the Connecticut River. The best beer resides at the Flat Street Brew Pub, inside the Latchis Hotel, 6 Flat St (t 802/257-1911). The vintage 1938 Chelsea Royal Diner, just west of town at 487 Marlboro Rd (Rte-9; t 802/254-8399), has standout diner fare and authentic Mexican food served Tuesday to Saturday evenings (hours: 6am–9pm). For coffee, join the queue at the beloved Mocha Joe’s Café, 82 Main St (t 802/257-7794).