Visitors can taste the true flavors of Vermont
Savvy travelers want to taste the true essence of where they are, and those heading to Vermont are no different. The idea of true Vermont flavors — raised, caught, created and grown there — is a delicious one. But how is a traveler to know that what they are digging into is truly locally sourced?
Lucky Vermont travelers have a resource at their fingertips. Vermont Fresh Network is a nonprofit organization working to promote locally sourced foods as well as guide locals and visitors alike to the places and plates that honor that goal best.
Vermont Fresh's mission statement is simple: As they say, “We're dedicated to connecting farmers, food producers and chefs that support Vermont agriculture, and bring fresh, flavorful, high-quality food to all Vermonters and our guests.”
Vermont Fresh Network does this by connecting farmers and food users; educating and supporting them on how to best embrace Vermont-based sources and then passing that information on, in a palatable way, to the consumer.
It's not just about folks who head north for culinary tours either. Even an occasional traveler can usually remember a beautiful, locally sourced meal or treat they savored on a vacation. Vermont Fresh Network wants that memory to come with as many meals — or even quick bites — as possible.
From produce to meat to cheeses to fish from Lake Champlain, they look to get locally sourced foods onto the plates and forks of guests.
And while there are the traditional products Vermont is known for, there are others Vermont Fresh looks to promote that may come as a surprise.
Take for example apples. Vermont does not just have apple orchards; it has orchards growing dozens and dozens of apple varieties, with tastes unique and worth trying. A cool fact: many of those varieties are not shipped out of state, meaning you only try them in Vermont. That is one cool (and delicious) vacation souvenir.
Vermont Fresh Network lets visitors tap into its
wealth of local-fare knowhow. Its website, www. vermontfresh.net, has oneclick access to restaurants and other spots it recommend. There, you might find a brewery that is totally local sourced, restaurants that are strong on local sourcing and farms to visit where you can discover local products.
Another great option is its Dig In Vermont program (DigInVT.com). Dedicated to the tourist and travel audience, Dig In Vermont makes it easy to find farms to visit, beer trails to take and farm-to-table dining choices. It's simple to use and can be personalized to where you are heading and what you are interested in. The choices are many, and growing as the network expands.
Some favorites are in the city — Burlington is a must for locally sourced experiences — and many are in one of the 251 small towns in the state.
In Burlington, a locally sourced favorite is the Farmhouse Group, which owns and operates four fine restaurants around town, including The Farmhouse Tap & Grill, El Cortijo Taqueria, Pascolo Ristorante and Guild Tavern.
Farmhouse Tap is legendary — the owners took an old McDonald's and re-created it into an outstanding burger and craft beer restaurant. Nestled in downtown Burlington, Farmhouse serves award winning burgers and innovative entries along with an award winning draft list of top Vermont craft breweries. A can't miss stop while touring Vermont during foliage season. Learn more at www.farmhouse group.com.
In Waitsfield in the Mad River Valley, the Inn at Round Barn is embracing local sourcing, from its famed breakfasts (it is a bed & breakfast) to its signature events (weddings are a specialty).
Farm-to-table dining is the order of the day, and the team includes new chef Neillea Dee (CIA, Per Se in New York, Marea in New York, Down Home in Montpelier, Bohemian Bakery in Montpelier). Dave Hartshorn of Santa Davida Farms is its VFN farmer partner.
A Gold Barn Honoree, the Inn at Round Barn feels like home from the moment you step inside, with all the comforts and none of the demands. Located amid 245 acres of majestic mountains, meadows and ponds, this classic inn with estate lodging is a slice of history, featuring one of the only round barns remaining in the state. Learn more at www.theroundbarn.com.
At all eight of The Skinny Pancake's locations you'll find crepes that are not only sublime but also locally sourced — 70 percent and climbing. This is no small feat for a multi-location restaurant, but for the folks at The Skinny Pancake, it's not just a goal, it's part of their mission — to change the world by building a safer, healthier and more delicious food shed while creating everyday enjoyment that is fun and affordable.
It offers sweet and savory crepes, as well as traditional breakfast items, burgers and salads. There's a cocktail bar in the Burlington location, and you'll also find local beer, wine and spirits. The Skinny Pancake also features Bern Baby Bern, a hot sauce inspired by Vermont U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders and sourced with produce from Pomykala Farm in Grand Isle, Vt. You can feel the Bern at The Skinny Pancake in Burlington, Montpelier, Stowe, Sugarbush Ski Resort and the food court at Shelburne Museum. www.theskinny pancake.com.
Of course, any foodies worth their salt equate Vermont with King Arthur Flour, and should combine their admiration for the leaves with a jaunt to the flagship location in Norwich. The bakery, cafe and retail store is sure to sate the King Arthurphiles (the place is actually called Camelot), but the company (founded in 1790) is about more than helping home cooks make marvelous muffins. For one, it's 100 percent employee owned, and a founding B Corporation. That means bread isn't the only thing rising to the occasion — King Arthur works to promote sustainability, reduce emissions and help the community and planet.
The Camelot location hosts events in this vein, such as free baking classes to benefit a local shelter/ food pantry; farm-to-table supper to benefit Hunger Free Vermont; and all proceeds from their oatmeal chocolate chip cookies were donated to local nonprofits.
Vermont Fresh Network continues to grow, and as it does, the ability for visitors to savor local products does as well. Learn more at www. vermontfresh.net.