These ski country pit stops make getting to the mountains half the fun.
P&H Truck Stop Wells River, Vt.
En route to: Jay Peak, Mt. Sunapee (from the south), Ragged Mountain and Burke Mountain. Sure, it's a truck stop, but how many truck stops can you name that bake 300 loaves of their own bread daily? Stop by P&H-open 24 hours, seven days-for the bread, plus 20 varieties of homemade pie. 802-429-2141
Strawberry Lodge Kyburz, Calif.
En route to: Sierra-at-Tahoe, Alpine Meadows, Heavenly and the South Lake Tahoe resorts along Route 50 A Pony Express stop in the 1800s, the Strawberry Lodge is known for its steaming breakfast biscuits and mogul-sized omelets. Or drop in après-ski for a drink in the old-time pub. The rustic, 60-foot-long bar specializes in homemade hot buttered rum. 530-659-7200
Kermitt's Idaho Springs, Colo.
En route to: Copper, Breckenridge, Vail and the resorts off of Interstate 70 The setting isn't much-tucked into a curve where I-70 and Highway 6 merge-but Kermitt's chili is reason enough to pull over. The place has tons of character, with dollar bills stapled to the ceiling, a toe-thawing woodburning stove and live music on the weekends. 303-567-4113
Blue Benn Diner Bennington, Vt.
En route to: Bromley, Magic Mountain, Stratton and points north via Route 7 Diner aficionados shouldn't pass this one by. The Blue Benn, in an authentic diner car on Route 7, is a true stainless-steel throwback. The menu is varied, boasting New England staples such as chicken and biscuits to more unique plates like eggplant enchiladas and cornbread French toast. 802-442-5140
MARCH/APRIL 2005
