Top 5 Vermont Food & Drink Spots: A Local’s Review

Vermont, is that the place where the air is crisp, the scenery is postcard-perfect, and the food is, well, completely unforgettable? Definitely! Let me just tell you about a handful of my favorite places. We’re talking spots that, you know, completely shout “Vermont” with every single bite and sip. It’s more than just eats and refreshments; these places seem to have stories, personality, and an awful lot of local heart.

1. The Alchemist Brewery: Heady Topper & More

You’ve maybe heard of Heady Topper, that almost mythical Vermont beer. This spot, so, is home to that liquid gold. A bit like the holy grail of IPAs, honestly! A visit to The Alchemist in Stowe feels very like a pilgrimage. The hype, that, you know, is totally real. You, very much like your IPA hoppy and packed with flavor? You can’t really go wrong here. And it’s not just the beer, that’s the kicker. The whole vibe of the place is that you can tell people are passionate. Basically, you’ve got dedicated brewers who obviously just love what they’re doing, very kind staff who are just always excited to help you find your next favorite pint, and just such a beautiful, rustic location.

Now, it is almost impossible to only drink Heady Topper. Don’t worry! The Alchemist has lots of other awesome brews. The Focal Banger, basically, is another super-popular IPA that’s totally worth trying. So you’ve got some rotating taps to keep things interesting. That way you can taste all different sorts of creative, small-batch beers. Just try whatever catches your eye.

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2. Cabot Creamery Annex: Cheese Lover’s Paradise

You, in some respects, like cheese? A trip to Vermont almost demands a visit to the Cabot Creamery Annex. You know? Think of this space as like your cheesy dream come true! It’s almost a pilgrimage for folks who are obsessed with all things dairy. Based in Waterbury Center, this place, in fact, has all of Cabot’s award-winning cheeses, but very much more than that.

That isn’t all that they provide. Here’s the deal, you are a bit into trying out all different cheese flavors? They have them all on hand for samples. Seriously, honestly, prepare to lose an hour happily munching. It is a real thing, trust me! Then you might discover your new favorite cheddar. It seems to me they go the whole nine yards here. You can get cheeses from plain ol’ mild to crazy-sharp, infused with peppers, flavored with maple, a bit of everything.

Also, Cabot Creamery basically has plenty of other Vermont-made products, from crackers to jams. They totally complement the cheese. It is like one-stop snacking, to be sure! You can grab what you want for an instant picnic or even put together a killer cheese board when you arrive back home.

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3. Hen of the Wood: Farm-to-Table Dining

If it matters to you, a really top-notch, locally-sourced supper, then look no further than Hen of the Wood. Very impressive actually! It actually has a few locations, but the original is in Waterbury. The vibe here is quite sophisticated. In this location expect exposed brick, low lighting, but the feel is very Vermont all the same. The reason why I rate this spot, personally, is that the kitchen uses a bit like a painter uses their palette. This spot works really hard in terms of working very closely with regional farmers.

Basically, you can think of the menu as reflecting what’s basically in season and peak form. That is almost guaranteeing things on your plate will taste vibrant, that way, and truly farm-fresh. Speaking honestly, I have honestly never tasted produce and various meats as rich as that from what’s on offer at this fantastic venue. Actually the restaurant is serious in sourcing all it’s produce for the food and beverage offering as locally as is literally possible. I like to make a meal from a bunch of appetizers; for example the cheese plates, often, are exceptional. And actually, I could go on for literally hours with good stuff about the wine list which provides both organic Vermont wine and choices from a little further afield. If you fancy that farm-to-table idea you are likely going to enjoy the food that is very Vermont here. Actually, it does get really busy, to be sure. Making reservations is the right idea.

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4. Lake Champlain Chocolates: Sweet Indulgence

Everybody is fond of something a little chocolate, no? Now I know it, you, perhaps ought to get yourself over to Lake Champlain Chocolates! A really special experience. The chocolates sold here are just gorgeous. This company creates everything from your, a bit like your everyday chocolates and truffles to pretty fancy gift assortments. A fun spot for a little gift purchase, obviously. I usually find I sample a whole bunch, honestly, every time I visit.

That seems almost reasonable. Just prepare yourselves, you people will maybe get hooked. Seriously! These treats tend to be a bit like addictive. You basically are in the mood for something supremely chocolatey? Just you get yourself a bag of their dark chocolate caramels. They tend to be absolutely divine. Actually they’ve got multiple locations. So you are going to be passing through Burlington? Do make that Lake Champlain Chocolate shop your must-go.

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5. Cold Hollow Cider Mill: Apples & More

You really enjoy, or tend to enjoy a really authentic Vermont vibe? This almost iconic place will be what you need. The place tends to be situated up in Waterbury Center, and honestly, this here Cider Mill, still, basically, tends to be cranking out fresh apple cider. The spot definitely provides warm apple cider donuts. Yes! Honestly, these, still, are utterly delicious, definitely!

This really would be, you want to pick up various Vermont goodies all as one big thing. Then seriously, get your self in here. That, in general, would be maple syrup, various jams, jellies, lots of local crafts, is what I mean, seriously. I have found you may actually buy jugs full with cider and literally a huge range of apple stuff. Also I have observed in recent times that the venue may actually have demonstrations regarding the ways they press their cider, which often happens to be really awesome when people take their kids. So too this Cider Mill provides some snacks at its little cafe area which you just grab. What I did think was that Cold Hollow might be more than only, still, basically, your simple attraction; rather it offers, just a little, that whole Vermont experience all located in a singular place.

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