OUT AND ABOUT

One word summarizes Vermont’s food and drink scene: local.

Vermont’s stunning views pair perfectly with its vibrant culinary culture and in this state, farm-to-table is more than a trend, it’s a way of life. Vermont is home to the country’s highest concentration of craft breweries per capita, a thriving agricultural economy, and a hyper-local dining scene.

The success of Vermont brewers, fermenters, and distillers and the buzz their critically acclaimed brews have stirred up has created a booming beverage industry in the state. Vermont ranks third in the nation in per capita economic impact from the brewing industry, and the rise of craft-beverage-centric restaurants has been largely credited with the economic revitalization of Vermont towns like Waterbury.

The majority of Vermont’s eateries focus on sourcing meat, vegetables, and herbs from the local agricultural community. Several organizations help steer Vermonters towards local eating—the Vermont Fresh Network links local farmers to in-state chefs, while its DigInVT initiative connects local consumers with agricultural and culinary destinations open to the public. Vermonters enjoy farmers markets open year round and tasting events such as restaurant weeks, beer—or wine—pairing dinners, and festivals of all flavors.

RATHER STAY HOME?

There is also a plethora of options those looking to cook for themselves–Vermont provides all the ingredients a cook could need.

Find a taste of some of Vermont’s top food industries to learn more about the many quality handmade products in Vermont.

FARMERS MARKETS

It’s no secret that Vermont is known for its farms. “Grow local, buy local” is an ideology we live by. We believe it’s important to know where your food comes from. Farm stands and farmers markets are a thriving example of the movement to support fresh local foods and products.

100% PURE MAPLE SYRUP

When the nights are cold and the days start warming up in spring, Vermont maple producers know sugaring season is upon us. Vermont is the nation’s leading producer of maple syrup, producing over 1.3 million gallons or 42% of the country’s maple syrup.

BEER (and CIDER, WINE, and SPIRITS)

Vermont’s craft brew industry has grown from just a few early start-ups to producing several world-renowned varieties. While Vermont boasts the most breweries in the U.S. per capita, the cider- and wine-making and spirits distilling industries are rapidly growing. Visit a tasting room or stop into your favorite shop on delivery day and bring home a bottle or two.

ARTISANAL CHEESE

Vermont is home to more than 45 cheesemakers using milk from sheep, goats, and cow breeds, ranging from Dutch Belted to Brown Swiss and Jerseys. From the World Cheese Awards to the World Championship Cheese Contest, our winning cheesemakers have put Vermont on the worldwide map.

VERMONT CHOCOLATES

Chocolatiers have been indulging Vermonters for generations. Chocolate shops in Vermont offer a full range of experiences—watch the annual creation of the world’s largest peanut butter cup—and a range of flavor profiles for any palate.

CRAFT MADE ICE CREAM

It takes around 12 pounds of whole milk to make one gallon of ice cream. That’s a lot of milk, but Vermont farmers and their dairy cows are up to the task. Since 1978, Vermont has been home to one of the most influential ice cream brands ever scooped when Ben & Jerry’s opened shop in a renovated gas station in Burlington.