Top 5 Green Mountains Food & Drink: Reviews & Recommendations

The Green Mountains of Vermont, it’s almost like they’re calling out to folks with promises of stunning scenery and, really, tasty local treats. We are talking, in a way, about stuff like creamy cheeses and that well known Vermont maple syrup and those hoppy beers, all these things they kind of define the state’s food scene. So, if your like your planning a trip or, well, just dreaming of one, this guide, basically, is a look at the top five food and drink experiences that, too, show off the best the Green Mountains have to offer.

1. Cabot Creamery Annex: A Cheese Lover’s Paradise

You should probably start your adventure at the Cabot Creamery Annex. I mean, Cabot, a cooperative of local dairy farmers, that is actually very well known for producing that delicious cheddar cheese, as a matter of fact it’s kind of like award-winning cheddar. So, stopping at one of their annex stores, like the one in Waterbury, offers you, pretty much, a chance to taste an array of their cheeses. It may include that seriously sharp cheddar and those creamy jack cheeses, even flavored varieties.

Is that the real kicker? So, you are getting to try them before you buy them, which, in this day and age, tends to be a real treat. And as you are munching on your cheese samples, you might want to have a look around. As a matter of fact they sell, literally, everything from crackers and local jams to maple syrup, anyway everything to complete your Vermont picnic basket. Or, as I was saying, grab that block of cheddar to take home, seriously a tasty souvenir. Read our full review: Cabot Creamery Full Review and Details

2. Ben & Jerry’s Factory Tour: Ice Cream Dreams Come True

Ben & Jerry’s, I mean, who hasn’t heard of this? So, a trip to Vermont, I want to say it’s not complete without that tour of the Ben & Jerry’s Factory in Waterbury. Very, very popular spot. It’s almost, a fun and yummy adventure. First, you’ll, of course, be able to learn how those funky flavors of ice cream that we all know and love came about, that is that Cherry Garcia and that Chocolate Fudge Brownie.

Basically, the tour itself is pretty insightful and also pretty funny. I mean they do a great job with that stuff. And that factory smells pretty darn good when they’re cranking that ice cream out. You know, what’s seriously the best part? In that case it has to be, without a doubt, that free sample of the ice cream flavor of the day. And as you are hanging out on the property, make sure to have a look at the Flavor Graveyard, that might be that interesting final resting place for the retired flavors. Pretty cool stuff! Read our full review: Ben & Jerry’s Factory Tour Full Review and Details

3. Cold Hollow Cider Mill: Apple Cider Donuts and More

The Cold Hollow Cider Mill, now that’s a very Vermont experience. The Cider Mill offers you, pretty much, that real taste of autumn any time of the year. You’ll want to have a peek at how they are making their cider with an old-fashioned rack and cloth press, something they don’t really do that much these days, kind of an old school style. You should probably grab that warm, fresh apple cider donut, is that one of their claims to fame.

Seriously, you are watching the thing made right in front of you. They might even have a hot cup of their freshly pressed cider. Is that what you need to keep yourself warm on a crisp day? You, similarly to me, are going to find other things to grab. Things like Vermont cheeses, local crafts and that homemade fudge, as a matter of fact all kinds of nice things. As I was saying it’s basically a sweet escape that will have you feeling good about Vermont. Read our full review: Cold Hollow Cider Mill Full Review and Details

4. Alchemist Brewery: Heady Topper and Craft Beer Excellence

Craft beer fans, as I was saying this place is calling your name. So, The Alchemist Brewery in Stowe, that tends to be that home of the Heady Topper, that well-known double IPA. Folks are, clearly, always wanting to find some of this stuff and very, very well regarded. You should check out this spot. So, you could pick up some cans of their brews, which is saying something as they usually have that selection for sale at their brewery.

In some respects it’s good just to check out the scene there and as a matter of fact meet other beer geeks. You get to talk hops, I mean beer and all those things about craft beer. The Alchemist’s, so it might be their dedication to quality and those innovative brewing practices, are what actually makes them a very important stop for beer buffs. I mean a Vermont vacation without a sip of the Heady Topper. That is almost not happening. Read our full review: Alchemist Brewery Full Review and Details

5. Trapp Family Lodge: A Taste of Austria in Vermont

Did you ever think about what that the hills are alive? Very, very nice I want to say. So, The Trapp Family Lodge, that tends to be owned by the family made kind of very well known by “The Sound of Music,” anyway this spot offers a really unique experience in Stowe. And as you are visiting, you should tour their brewery. Also, get a peek at how they make their Austrian-style lagers and that von Trapp Brewing beers. Clearly these beers taste good as a pairing with those delicious Austrian dishes.

In that case it will definitely transport you to Europe with out having to get on a plane. It’s almost, an example of how you can actually blend that rich history with some pretty awesome food and beer. Plus you should, arguably, explore the lovely grounds, and maybe go for a hike on the trails. Or, honestly, have a beer while looking out at that view, those beautiful mountain views. Read our full review: Trapp Family Lodge Full Review and Details

Cabot Creamery Annex Ben & Jerry’s Factory Tour Cold Hollow Cider Mill Alchemist Brewery Trapp Family Lodge