Tours in the Green Mountains—our trip to Vermont

Driving up New Hampshire from Massachusetts to Vermont was the most scenic drive we have had so far. Along the highways, we were surrounded by mountains and trees that we did not notice nor mind the travel distances at all.

  

We had only just discovered that Vermont offered a lot of factory tours—for coffee, ice cream, cheese and many more. We only managed to go on two. Our first stop was at Ben and Jerry’s ice cream factory. Hubby and the girls absolutely love Cherry Garcia. The grounds were expansive and we ended parking near the Flavor graveyard, where tombstones marked discontinued flavours.  

 

We headed down to the main building to get our factory tour tickets (free for kids under 12!) and to go to the gift shop. There were a lot of cute merchandise but the shirts were a bit on the pricey side.

While waiting for our tour to start, the girls went off to the playground while I lined up to get our ice cream. Wonderfully-creamy, large scoops of Cherry Garcia (their top flavour) cooled us down that hot afternoon.

The tour started with a video on the history of Ben and Jerry’s. Then, we checked out the main production line where they were making Pistachio Pistachio. Our energetic guide took us through the steps of ice cream making and the kids were fascinated with the machines. Afterwards, we went to the Flavor room to get some samples of Vanilla Caramel Fudge. The samples were not just a spoonful, but a small scoop! We’ve certainly had our fill of ice cream. It was absolutely delightful.

The next day, we took an early morning stroll in Church St. Marketplace. 

Most shops were still closed, but the fibreglass bears designed by local artists for the “Burlington bears its art” festival were on display. The girls had a great time posing with the bears. Thing was, they wanted to pose with each and every bear (there were about 17!). I guess I shouldn’t complain. After all, I’ve never had an easier time getting them to strike a pose!  



We ended our stroll at the Burlington waterfront while grandma had breakfast by the boardwalk. Being by the water is really a nice way to relax.





Before embarking on the drive home, we stopped by another factory—chocolate this time. We went to the Lake Champlain chocolate factory store. They held tours showing their chocolate-making process and had some samples as well. There was also a small café inside in case you wanted some coffee to go along with your chocolates. The chocolates were absolutely divine. Unlike the ice cream, we could take these home! Yippee! I'll be savouring my after dinner chocolates for a while...

We missed quite a few stops--a great incentive to come back. Actually, I already have the next set of factory visits lined up for our return. Until our next trip, Vermont!

Vermont on Dwellable