Take a Food Tour of Southern Vermont

Artisan food makers, winemakers, brewers, craftsmen, farmers, and artists abound in this small southern region, bringing to the visitor's mind--and palate--a taste of Tuscany, an area renowned for its fresh food and old-world charm. Fortunately, travelers in search of such a culinary and cultural experience can find it closer to home, nestled in the southern section of Vermont's beautiful green mountains. 

Southern Vermont has become increasingly well known as for its fine wines and cuisine, and Vermonters are truly supportive of their local restaurateurs, with many towns boasting a magnificent choice of dining opportunities. Vermonters are keenly aware of what they're eating and support the local food system, which includes a thriving network of local farmers. 

The area is dotted with quaint villages that offer both traditional values and cultural surprises. Local festivals take place throughout the season, and numerous small farms and farmhouse artisans provide food establishments with local produce, gourmet cheeses, and naturally raised meats, all adding a special freshness to the cuisine.

Chef-owned restaurants, country inns with amazing culinary creations and incredibly good dining values, and farmers' markets bursting with fresh produce all draw discerning epicures and those who are just looking for a few good tomatoes.

A Back Roads and Fresh Taste tour of the farmers' markets, artisan cheese makers, wineries, and micro-breweries, along with a sampling of the local arts, festivals, and fresh cuisine, is a summer adventure that transports one to another time and place.

The “La Dolce Vita” adventure of Southern Vermont begins in Brattleboro, a lively, sophisticated town, situated on the historic Connecticut River and home to a harmonious mix of hippies, yuppies, artists and working people.  A main feature is the Brattleboro Museum & Art Center, renowned for its fine exhibitions.

The town offers a variety of fine ethnic foods and a first Friday of every month Gallery Walk, when restaurants stay open late and music fills the streets. McNeills Brew Pub on Elliott Street offers a taste of critically acclaimed handcrafted beer. 

Down the street in the historic Latchis complex, Flat Street Brewery features 20 beers on tap, including 10 from the celebrated Berkshire Brewing Company and another 10 representative of Vermont and European microbreweries. 

The internationally famous Common Ground restaurant at 25 Elliot Street offers organic healthy choices for vegetarians while also serving fish and chicken.  The restaurant is committed to supporting local agriculture and local food producers (802-254-5195).

For a change of pace, enjoy The Brattleboro Farmer’s Market, now in its 32nd year, open on Wednesdays and Saturdays. All products are fresh and adhere to the market’s strict policy of homegrown, homemade, and hand crafted.  Check for winter market dates and hours at lindadierks@earthlink.net, www.bafm.net

For more information on this area, go to southernvermont.com or call toll free 1-877-VTS-BEST.

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