Tasty Treats of Vermont

Join us on a journey to discover the fabulous products proudly made in Vermont. From cheese to cider, vodka to wine, chocolate to ice cream and of course our very own “Liquid Gold” – Vermont’s Maple Syrup. Vermont is home to over 1500 gourmet food companies, numerous cooking schools and a host of award-winning Chefs.

Day One

Today we arrive in the Green Mountains of Vermont. Upon your arrival at the hotel, you will be met by your local knowledgeable guide who will accompany you during your stay. The hotel staff greets your group with a Welcome Reception in the lobby that includes Vermont Cider and Cookies. A delicious, traditional feast is included this evening at the hotel. Following dinner, relax and enjoy the hotel amenities and spectacular mountain surroundings.

Day Two

A hearty breakfast is served this morning at the hotel before we begin a fun-filled day of touring. Our first stop takes us to the Dakin Farms Store in Ferrisburgh, VT. Here you may see the production of their gourmet smoked meats and pepperoni, summer sausage, cheeses, homemade fudge, jams, jellies, chutneys, butter and dips. Plenty of samples are available for tasting around the store. You may wish to venture next door to the Sugarhouse to watch a short video presentation on how maple syrup is made and see for yourself the equipment required to produce the delicious treat. You can also sit for a minute and take in the short video history of Dakin Farms. Next up we make our way to the Lake Champlain Chocolate Company to watch the chocolatiers producing their gourmet chocolates and truffles. Enjoy lunch on your own at the historic Church Street Marketplace which is home to many top-rated restaurants offering a wide range of cuisines from: Farm to Table, authentic Flatbread Pizza or traditional New England Diner food. Following lunch we travel a short distance for a tour of the Shelburne Vineyard followed by a tasting of their delicious wines. Dinner this evening will be served at the English-Cotswold style Castle, which was once the home to Allen Miller Fletcher who served as the Governor of Vermont from 1912 – 1915. After dinner relax and enjoy the light entertainment.

Day Three

After breakfast at the hotel, we board the coach with our local guide for a trip to the Cold Hollow Cider Mill where we can witness the production of their delicious cider and enjoy tasty samples of their many apple products. Our next stop brings us to the Cabot Cheese Farmer’s Store where you can browse a huge selection of Vermont’s famous cheese, pop next door to the Smugglers Notch Distillery for a peak at their vodkas, ryes, whiskey, gins and Maple Cream Liqueurs, or visit Danforth Pewter and be amazed at their full line of handcrafted pewter oil lamps and vases, ornaments, keyrings, picture frames and kitchenware. All the pewter items are spun by hand on the antique lathes located in their Vermont workshop. We’ll then take a short drive to downtown Stowe where you can enjoy some free time for lunch and browsing on your own. This afternoon we visit the Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Factory for a tour and tasting (Tours Subject to Availability) and we conclude our day with a visit to the Green Mountain Coffee Roasters Welcome Center for a delicious perk me up. A farewell dinner is included this evening at the hotel.

Day Four

Following breakfast, we board the coach for our journey home with many fond memories of our tasting tour in Vermont. (B)

Inclusions:

Three night’s accommodations Castle Hill Resort and Spa

Visit Dakin Farms

Visit Lake Champlain Chocolate

Admission to Shelburne Vineyard

Visit to Cold Hollow Cider Mill

Visit to Stowe

Visit to Cabot Cheese Farmer’s Store – Smuggler’s Notch Distillery – Danforth Pewter

Visit to Ben & Jerry’s

Visit to Green Mountain Coffee Welcome Center