Weekends were made for exploring new places! Over the years, O and I have traveled north, south, west, east and everywhere in between to discover all of our favourite weekend getaways from Montreal. If you have 2 or 3 nights, any of these options makes for a nice mini-break. 

Stowe, Vermont

Stay: 

• Moderate: Green Mountain Inn. A quintessential Vermont inn located in the heart of Stowe Village.
• Luxury: Edson Hill. Splurge for the rooms with the wood-burning fireplace and soaking tub. Such a treat after a day of skiing! 

Eat:

• Plate (in Stowe village): Seasonal cuisine in a dimly-lit romantic setting.
• Cork Wine Bar (in Stowe village): A fabulous wine bar in an old house.
• Michaels on the Hill (Waterbury Center): A delightful chef-owned and operated restaurant a few minutes outside of Stowe.

Do:

• Skiing at Stowe Mountain Resort
• Cycling, running or walking on the Stowe Recreation Path 
• Hiking in Smugglers Notch State Park (Sterling Pond Trail is great!)
• Visiting Moss Glen Falls
• Hopping between breweries: Idletyme Brewing Company, The Alchemist, Lost Nation 

Eastern Townships, Quebec

Stay: 

• Moderate: Le Pleasant (Sutton - great location in the centre of the village, perfect for après-ski), Manoir Maplewood (Waterloo - wonderful pool in the summer), Manoir Le Tricorne (North Hatley - spectacular views of fall foliage).
• Luxury: Manoir Hovey (North Hatley - a Relais & Châteaux property with a beautiful lakeside location), Ripplecove (Ayer's Cliff - another luxurious lakeside property).

Eat:

• Canaël (Bromont): For the best pastries and breakfasts.
• À L'Abordage Microbrasserie (Sutton): For a local microbrewery serving comfort food.
• Fondissimo (Magog): A bring-you-own-wine restaurant specializing in fondue.
• Le Cinquième Élément (Compton): A hidden gem serving refined bistro cuisine based on local ingredients... in the middle of nowhere! 

Do:

• Skiing at Mont Sutton or Mont Orford
• Hiking the trails in Parc national du Mont-Orford
• Spending a day at a spa (Balnea is the best spa in Québec in the summer!)
• Driving or cycling the Wine Route
• Apple picking in Saint-Benoit du Lac or in Rougemont
• Visiting the Parc de la Gorge de Coaticook

Manchester, Vermont

Stay: 

• Moderate: Kimpton Taconic Hotel. A beautiful boutique hotel with a great porch and patio from which to admire the nearby mountain ranges.

Eat: 

• Ye Olde Tavern: Granted, this will not be the best meal of your life. But the atmosphere in this restaurant will transport you to the 18th century! The history and charm of the building (which you can learn more about while you dine) makes this a fantastic dining option. 
• Up for Breakfast: Follow the signs and go up the stairs. You won't regret having woken up early to beat the crowds to this local, in-the-know, breakfast joint. 

Do: 

• Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home. Hildene is a large home from the early 20th century set on expansive grounds surrounded by the Green Mountains. The property offers wonderful gardens and walking trails, and is a great place to spend a day while in Manchester. I had been wanting to visit Hildene ever since I discovered its existence while perusing the "best things to do" in Vermont, my favourite state. Needless to say, my visit did not disappoint, and I fell in love with the quaint town of Manchester!