Think outside the sugarhouse; Vermont’s sweet traditions don’t stop at maple syrup. Vermont is home to a thriving community of chocolatiers making indulgent truffles, decadent bars and innovative sweets, like Tavernier Chocolates’ chocolate charcuterie or Laughing Moon Chocolates’ goat cheese truffles. Find your way around Vermont’s chocolate scene via our chocolate trail. Follow along with the Boston Globe, or check out the map below and pick a few spots to visit as you explore the state.
Farmhouse Chocolate
Head chocolatier Erle LaBounty began making chocolates at 16. Now operating Farmhouse Chocolates in Bristol, he and co-owner Eliza La Rocca make and sell small-batch chocolates, truffles and caramels. Visit their shop to taste.
Burke Mountain Confectionery
Tom and Nancy Taylor’s passion for living the sweet life in Vermont shows in their acclaimed truffles, made with the flavors of the Northeast Kingdom – “nothing complicated, everything delicious and pure.”
Vermont Nut Free Chocolates
Vermont Nut Free Chocolates crafts truffles, bars, gummy candy and other sweet treats in a completely nut-free facility, spreading the joy of chocolate. Take some of their products home with you.
Lake Champlain Chocolates
Among Vermont’s biggest chocolate makers, Lake Champlain Chocolates offers gourmet truffles, bars and creatively crafted treats with a Vermont twist. Sample varieties like Maple Crunch, Green Mountain or Honey Caramel. Find a place to purchase.
Laughing Moon Chocolates
In a cozy shop in Stowe village, Laughing Moon Chocolates crafts its handmade delights and showcases its technique, even offering workshops for those who want to make their own. Sit on the front porch with drinking chocolate or browse one-of-a-kind treats.
Mother Myrick’s Confectionery
Mother Myrick’s buttercrunch is famed statewide, making it a must-stop for sweet seekers traveling to Vermont. Find out why by sampling for yourself, and while you’re there, sample truffles, linzertorte and Mother’s delectable fudge.
Nu Chocolat
Like a taste of Europe in downtown Burlington, NU Chocolat prides itself on Swiss-trained chocolatiers making rich ganache truffles, signature blonde chocolate, and crystalized ginger among other decadent delicacies.
Rabble Rouser Chocolate and Craft Co.
Take your treats with a side of sweet justice – Rabble Rouser’s finely crafted chocolate comes with a focus on equality and sustainability. Pair your chocolate with coffee or cocktails.
Snowflake Chocolates
Generations-deep chocolate-making experience goes into the signature offerings from Snowflake Chocolates, with stops in Jericho and South Burlington. On tap: Vermont Micro Brew Sweets Collection, among other unique offerings.
Sweet on Vermont
Sweet on Vermont makes every batch of gourmet chocolates by hand. Local flavors like maple, caramel and peanut butter combine with rich chocolate for an irresistibly sweet snack. Order online to get Sweet on Vermont almost anywhere.
Sweet Seasons Farm
St. Johnsbury’s Sweet Seasons Farm confections go back to basics, using organic cacao beans, hand-roasted and salted nuts and offering vegan and dairy-free dark chocolate. Visit the farm and see how the chocolates are made.
Tavernier Chocolates
Tavernier Chocolates thinks outside the chocolate box with such offerings as chocolate salami, spruce needle mini bars and black garlic and lava salt bonbons. Visit their Brattleboro shop, or find a store here.
The Chocolatorium
In an old wagon shed in Arlington, meet Cocoa, the world’s largest chocolate teddy bear, and check out a chocolate-making demonstration before sampling the sweet stuff. Vermont’s Chocolatorium is sure to please.
Champlain Islands Candy Lab
Unique sweets, including wasabi peanuts in dark chocolate, chocolate pearls and gummy candies, await at Champlain Island Chocolate Lab, where owners take pride in featuring local flavors and inspiration.
Wine Tastings Anyone?
Wine in the Green Mountain State is a growing industry. Hand-crafted pours offer a full range of choices, as do fruit wines made with blueberries, rhubarb, apples and raspberries.
