Champlain Valley Vermont, USA Travel Guide
Vermont's food traditions reflect traditional New England cooking, Native American ingredients, and French-Canadian flavors due to its proximity to Quebec.
Maple syrup is a fundamental ingredient, reflecting the state's long history of maple production. The region's farming history makes hearty, seasonal fare important.
Maple syrup, sharp cheddar cheese, apples, local dairy products, seasonal produce, and game/local meats are prominent. Vermont's dairy industry is a cornerstone.
Burlington acts as the hub for contemporary dining, with fine dining, diverse international cuisines, and innovative farm-to-table approaches. Rural areas emphasize traditional fare.
Breakfast is typically 7:00 AM-10:00 AM. Lunch is generally 11:30 AM-2:00 PM. Dinner is typically 5:00 PM-9:00 PM. Brunch is a popular weekend meal, 10:00 AM-2:00 PM.
Vermont's version of soft-serve ice cream, made with real the sap of the maple tree.
A distinct treat, you can find it at ice cream stands in summer.
Sharp, aged cheddar cheese, often with a distinct flavor from local dairy.
Find it at local creameries, farmer's markets, and grocery stores.
Originally Canadian, popular in Vermont, often with local cheese curds and unique toppings.
Find it at diners and some pubs.
Pure maple syrup processed into various forms, a sweet taste of Vermont.
The original factory the excursion is near the Champlain Valley (Waterbury), giving insight within this famous brand.
Refined cuisine, often locally sourced, with a focus on elevated experiences.
Diverse options with produce sourced locally, popular with both locals and visitors.
Affordable options for a brief bite or casual dining.
Vermont is very vegetarian and vegan friendly. Many restaurants prominently display plant-based options on their menus.
Dedicated vegetarian or vegan restaurants also exist, e.g., Laliguras Indian Nepali Restaurant in Winooski.
Numerous eateries are accustomed to accommodating gluten-free and other dietary restrictions. Inform your server about allergies.
Some menus explicitly mark GF or have gluten-free bread/pasta alternatives.
The Essex, Vermont's Culinary Resort AND Spa has hands-on cooking classes.
Shelburne Farms has tours, cheese-making demonstrations, and a farm store.
VT Brewers, Cheesemakers, and Wine & Food Festivals are annual events.
City Market, Onion River Co-op focuses on local/organic products and prepared meals.
A casual cafe with sandwiches, soups, and baked goods, suitable for a quick and affordable meal.
Convenient for a brief bite.
Mobile eateries are often at Park On the waterfront and various events, giving diverse and quick meal options.
Local diners have affordable breakfast and lunch options with classic American fare.
Burlington has a diverse range of international cuisines, including Italian, Chinese, Japanese (sushi), Thai, Indian, Middle Eastern, and Mexican restaurants.
Burlington Farmer's The bazaar is a major weekly event (Saturdays) with fresh produce, meats, baked goods, and prepared foods.
A Burlington institution with various, quality food in an eclectic atmosphere.
Gives a seasonal, farm-to-table dining experience in a historic setting, often with elements from the farm.
Seasonal opportunities to pick your own berries, apples, or pumpkins.
Traditional "street food" is limited, but food trucks are popular, especially at events and near the waterfront in Burlington.
They have diverse options from tacos to crepes.
A traditional, dense, unsalted cracker, often served with sharp cheddar cheese.
A timeless local snack.
During warmer months, seek out this Vermont soft-serve ice cream, created with real maple syrup, for a distinct local treat.
In spring, try "sugar on snow" – hot maple syrup poured on snow, accompanied by a pickle and a donut for a traditional experience.
If visiting in April or May, look for fiddleheads on menus, a wild edible offering an unique, earthy flavor, often sautéed with butter and garlic.
Vermont's focus on local and seasonal ingredients means menus may change frequently.
