Our next stop for local favorites is the great state of Vermont. With all of the beer, cheese, ice cream, and maple products flowing out of the Green Mountain State, you’re sure to gain a few pounds while up there. Let’s check out the best of the best of Vermont’s local food!
Creemees – Morse Farm Sugar Works
A creemee is simple, yet delicious, and 100% Vermont. All it is is maple soft serve ice cream. And it’s utterly delectable. The smoothness of a vanilla soft serve is taken to new levels with the sweet tang of pure Vermont maple syrup. Creemee shops pop up all over the state, but the best representation is here in Montpelier, at Morse Farm Sugar Works. Much more than only creemees, at Morse Farm take home an array of maple products, Vermont-themed gifts, and apparel. Visit the sugar house on-site.
Beer – The Alchemist
This one is tough; it’s so hard not to visit an OG like Long Trail and call it Vermont’s finest. But I have to give the nod to The Alchemist. The craze that Heady Topper stirred up in the 20-teens brought legions of beer seekers to Vermont just to seek out a can or two. And what a beer it is, hoppy, robust, and simply excellent. And readily available at practically any general store or gas station. Even better, get it at the source in Stowe for $13.50 for a four-pack!
Cheese – Plymouth Artisan Cheese
Plymouth Artisan Cheese is located in a second-floor shop in the tiny town of Plymouth, Vermont. Best known as the childhood home of former president Calvin Coolidge, Plymouth presents itself as a Norman Rockwell painting, straight outta a bygone era. Vermont does cheese well, so for Plymouth to take the slice means that this cheese company is the real deal. Try a variety of cheeses, including a smoked cheddar, a sage and herb, or a black truffle. My favorite, though, is the Hunter. Try a slice of this sharp cheese, and your taste buds will be aglow, yum!
Maple Syrup – Nebraska Knoll Sugar Farm
I enjoy all things maple-y. Maple syrup is usually reserved for pancakes and waffles, though, not drunk straight. During my last visit to Stowe, my wife handed me a small paper cup with light and dark maple syrup from Nebraska Knoll. Both were so flavorful that I could see myself drinking it right out of the jug! Although it’s located in Stowe, it’s a bit of a trek to get there, so you’re not just going to stumble upon it. The farm is located deep in the woods, but worth the drive.
Apple Cider – Cold Hollow Cider Mill
With so many orchards and farms in the Green Mountain State, it is difficult to choose just one place for cider. The nod goes to Waterbury’s Cold Hollow Cider Mill. It’s touristy, sure, but the cider is just so good. Try a sample in the back and watch the video about how it is made. Seemingly, the same one that has been broadcast since my first visit in 1990. Cold Hollow has plenty of Vermont-themed knickknacks and tasty food to bring home with you. Also try an apple cider donut or creemee while you’re there.
For our local food tour of Vermont, we’re trying out the five essential food groups: cheese, ice cream, beer, apple cider, and maple syrup. If you’re looking for authentic versions of these, check out the places listed above in Montpelier, Stowe, Waterbury, and Plymouth. Happy eating and drinking!
For more local favorites, check out Massachusetts and Maine.
