WILMINGTON, VT - One of the most delightful forays into New England is a visit to the charming, historic (and friendly) village of Wilmington, Vt. It's a "Top 10" choice because it is easy to reach from any major Northeast city, and well worth the trip with over 50 inns, 51 restaurants, 44 shops, 13 galleries and museums plus hundreds of things to do.

The oldest building was moved into the village by oxen in the 1830's. Today, it houses a quilter's paradise called Norton House. A home dating in the 1880's now brims with Victorian linens and lace, English toiletries and "Country Cottage."

A boarding house for barnboard factory workers in the 1890's, Christmas Dreams & Country Themes has rooms full of collectibles, ornaments and country gifts.

An 1850's maple syrup cannery is now the Anchor Seafood Restaurant, offering fresh seafood in a casual, cabaret setting.

The beautiful old brick Parmelee & Howe building, built in the 1900's, is revitalized with shops that could keep you inside for half a day. Manyu's advertises contemporary fashions for women - casual, sportswear and accessories - but these words fall short of what you will find here. Across the foyer, Bean Head's is the place in town to read the paper over an espresso and bagel. Afterwards, go upstairs to Kaos, artist-in-residence studios and fine art gallery with collectibles such as Dale Doucette's colorful miniature carousel animals. Next door, in an 1890's harness shop, Bartleby's Books & Music offers a diverse selection that will take up the rest of the day.

Later, enjoy dinner on the Mountain Mills Cruise Boat followed by a show at Memorial Hall Center for the Arts, a theater and opera house since 1902, offering a delightful variety of arts and entertainment including theater and music (802-464-8411).

If you're a history buff, Wilmington provides Late Colonial, Federal, Greek Revival, Gothic Revival, Italianate, Second Empire, Queen Anne, and Colonial Revival architecture.

At the same time, what makes this piece of Vermont special is places like Dot's. Once a grocery store in 1893, it's where "everybody" starts the day with a great cup of coffee and a good old-fashioned, home-cooked breakfast.

The list goes on, but you get the picture. And there is a handy keepsake map of the village that will guide you through time and (eclectic) space. If this isn't enough, just up the valley is an Orvis fly fishing school, Wine Spectator award-winners The Hermitage Inn and Inn at Sawmill Farm, and Mount Snow Resort in the town of West Dover.

For Mount Snow Valley information, call toll free 1-888-231-9906 for an 80-page guide or go to