A Spring Drive Worth Taking

That first stretch of spring air has a way of making even the most devoted homebody consider a weekend escape, and this season, a quiet corner of Vermont is calling.

In the village of Weston, about three and a half hours from Providence, The Weston hotel is introducing Green Cat Café, a new cafe and culinary space that feels less like a grand opening and more like a natural next step. Part bakery, part cafe, gourmet grocer, and culinary classroom, the concept opens this April, blending fresh, artisanal flavors with a style of hospitality that feels both refined and familiar.

The Green Cat lands somewhere between a destination and a drop-in spot, with a welcoming energy that suits spring mornings. At the center is Executive Pastry Chef Mary Pisanelli, a Johnson & Wales graduate whose work leans precise but never fussy.

“Guests can explore a selection of artisan breads and classic pastries that highlight the flavors of the season,” says Executive Pastry Chef Mary Pisanelli. On any given day, that might mean crusty sourdough, soft brioche, or her “Fat Cat,” a bialy-inspired creation that shifts with what’s fresh and available. Focaccia comes topped with whatever the kitchen is working through, from herbs to roasted vegetables, and the pastry case rotates just as freely.

The savory side holds its own. There are sandwiches on demi-baguettes, rotisserie chickens made in small batches, and a market counter stocked with produce from the hotel’s farm. It’s the kind of place where you might stop for coffee and leave with dinner.

Behind the scenes, a small demonstration kitchen adds another layer to the experience, with hands-on classes that guide guests through everything from croissant making to rustic bread baking. It’s a natural extension of the property’s farm-driven ethos, connecting the dots between land, craft, and table.

Open Friday through Sunday, The Green Cat fits neatly into a day trip or a longer stay, offering just enough structure to plan around and plenty of room to wander. The Green Cat will officially open on April 10. For more details or to book your stay, visit thewestonvt.com.