If you find yourself with some free time between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Saturday, we hope you'll find yourself at the Waitsfield Farmers Market. Whatever you like, it's here: live music, tons of dogs, food, ceramics, and, of course, fresh produce.

As one travel guide puts it, "this general store has everything you'd hope to find in tiny but sophisticated Vermont." And as a kid, Preston and his cousins would indeed find everything they wanted here: penny candy. Nowadays, it's a mainstay for satisfying sandwiches and soups, plus beer and wine. Weather permitting, sit outside or, even better, down by the Mad River.

There's tons of nature to take advantage of in the Mad River Valley. Here are some examples.

If you're looking for another outdoor fix, there's disc golf at Sugarbush. The 18-hole course winds through the mountains and woods. We highly recommend it.

If you've never been gliding, we can't think of a better place to try. Weather permitting, you can soar through the serene Mad River Valley (and maybe even try your hand at steering). We recommend calling ahead and scheduling a time to soar.

Rent a bike, and try out one of 28 well-maintained trails on Lincoln Peak.

One of the newest additions to the Mad River Valley, Lawson's is a must-hit for any beer lover. Try a Sip of Sunshine—it puts a smile on our face every time we do, because it reminds us of Vermont. The food's also good here, and the menu rotates.

The first time Ally came to Vermont, Preston took her here straight from the airport ... he knew what he was doing. The legendary warm Cider Donut was enough to make her fall in love. You can also enjoy apple picking, a full restaurant and bakery, plus a hard cider tasting room. Don't miss this spot.

Years ago, Preston and his family would descend upon American Flatbread—housed at Lareau Farm—with around 30 people in tow. The hours-long wait for the pizza here was worth it.

Things have changed around here. You order your pizza when you check in, which makes for a much quicker experience. But what hasn't changed is the delicious food. It's been on and off the menu, but if it's on, the Punctuated Equilibrium is a must-try.

The Taste Place is actually heaven ... if heaven was a specialty grocery store full of products from Vermont. You won't leave empty-handed, given your pick of cheese, meats, specialty jams, beer, wines, and home goods. Hit the Farmer's Market on Saturday morning and walk across the parking lot to check out The Taste Place before you leave!

We'll keep it simple: this is a casual spot with good views and damn good food. No reservation necessary.

If you're a foodie like us and want to experience next-level farm-to-table dining during your trip to Vermont ... look no further. The cozy ambiance, immaculate wine list, and tremendous food makes for a special experience. Reservation Required.

A weekend in Vermont is not complete without a trip to Ben & Jerry's. Take a tour of the factory and visit the Flavor Graveyard to pay homage to all the flavors that have bit the dust.

We've never met a cheese we didn't love. If you're like us, check out this Cabot store: it offers unlimited samples of 20+ different Cabot cheeses and a variety of products from other farmers and artisans in the region. Definitely worth a quick pit stop.

You may know the von Trapps from the Sound of Music. Well, after leaving Austria, they eventually settled in Vermont. They thought Stowe felt like a little slice of home. We can confirm: being on this property up in the mountains feels like you have been transported to the European countryside. Come here and enjoy incredible German beers and traditional Austrian cuisine. It's worth the 45-minute drive.

CALLING ALL BEER LOVERS: Pick from tons of local beers, nosh on some smoked meets, and relax on the patio ... need we say more? Unrelated, but important, Craft Beer Cellar, which is across the street, is an amazing place to try beers from all over the country.

Home to one of the best Double IPAs in the game—Heady Topper—makes the drive worth it. If you can't make it all the way to Stowe, you can easily find this beer at any establishment in the Mad River Valley.

Fine Dining in Vermont - Reservation Required. Farm to Table restaurant whose menu changes daily. It's certainly on the pricier side but the food and ambiance never misses.