Vermont Tours

Ben and Jerry

We got there about 1:00, which was apparently prime time since we couldn't even find a parking site so we left and came back at 2:30 and plenty of room.

We took the tour (no pictures in the production) room  Since Ben and Jerry are both known for social responsibility, no surprise when there was a small part of the tour soliciting support for the Poor People Campaign. 

 Our Tour Guide  (he was full of puns)

 

 

  

The 2018 collection

 

Anticipating the free sample 

The dirty trick they played on us

But what we really got

Definitely a fun place!!. 

Cold Hollow Cider Mill

While we waited for the Ben and Jerry's to clear out, we headed up the road to the Cold Holl Cider Mill.

The production line was not operating when we were there but we were able to view it and get a sample of the Apple Cider. I had two, it was so good. 

 

The Maple Doughnut machine was operating, so we had one straight out of the cooker. Very yummy!

 Then we went across the street to the Barn for a tasting of the Hard Apple Cider.

We tasted three - all very good.  We sampled Soul Shifter, Barn Dance, and Good Altitude.  All good so we made a few purchases.

This is on the backside of the parking lot - we have seen lots of solar panels in the NE. Makes us wonder what is wrong with the Sunshine State.  PS- Aren't those mountains in the background something?

Morse Family Maple Farm

The Morse ancestors  were taught how to tap maple trees by Native Americans.   They have been "sugaring" here now for over 200 years.

 

 

 Their family tree is really neat , based on the age of the rings in the trunk

They make the syrup in Spring and early Summer, so we missed it being in production.  They have a really good video, narrated by the family patriarch,  with the history of sapping the trees and of their farm shown in the Woodshed Theater.
 

The Sugar House is where the make syrup.
 

We were able to view the equipment for the process even though they weren't in production.  Those pictures do not come out, just this one -1870 Gathering Tank

The grounds are beautiful,  There are several of these  around

Our first creamie - but not the last

Cabot Creamery

Cheese started as Cabot Farmers Cooperative Creamery in 1919 and is now owned local dairy farmers and the Agri-Mark Cooperative company. In the beginning years, they only made butter.  But as other farmers joined the co-op they expanded to cheese and other dairy products.
 

 The Production Line - Unfortunately,they no longer do tours due to a Food Safety Law they went into effect this year, forbidding guests around food but they have a nice little movie that tells the history.

They have several  old pieces on display.

The Packing Plant, located across the highway

They also had atasting area with 19 samples and we tasted  most all of them.  Of course, we bought some, very good cheese.  I have never bought the brand, but will do so in the future.

There are so many small towns here - take a look at some of  them

Small Towns