The Vermont Restaurant and Dining Experience

Vermont presents a luscious variety of specialty food producers, gourmet food shops and an expansive list of diverse, fine restaurants offering an astonishing assortment of cuisines. Bigger cities such as Burlington Vermont as well as its surrounding towns are obvious locales for the optimal dining selection. There you'll find restaurants to choose from that serve everything from decadent seafood and American food infusions to classic steak and prime rib joints. Another location for great dining options is Stowe. They have a number of great dining establishments that offer a more relaxed atmosphere that is in line with the local ski resorts. Try Emily's or Coslin's Pub at the Stowehof Inn & Resort or Charlie B's Pub & Restaurant at the Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa.

As you travel to Vermont's smaller towns and cities you'll find an equal variety of restaurants that serve up just as tasty food. In fact, that is often a source of much fun for travelers to any area: Finding the diamond in the rough. Villages like Vergennes have great options when you're looking for either a formal dining restaurant or a more casual atmosphere. For example, Basin Harbor Club offers their Main Dining Room for formal dining occasions or the Red Mill for a more casual atmosphere. And Killington is home to a number of ethnic themed restaurants to entertain all those visiting for a great ski experience.

Every town has those places, the amazing establishments, frequently small or semi-concealed. It might take a little bit of searching or a chat with some locals, but little is as satisfying as discovering that perfect restaurant. Immediately imparting a feeling of belonging, these hidden gems are the pleasant surprise that completes the experience of the destination. Just look at Manchester - it's tough to drive down any street in that town without hitting a restaurant that will offer up a unique dining experience.

How is it so good?

Localization in the food industry has been a particular success in Vermont. This has a lot to do with the quality of the food in Vermont's restaurants. It may also be the secret to why this region is home to some of the nation's finest dining. For example, The Grafton Inn offers seasonal menus that take full advantage of the Vermont Fresh Network, assuring guests that their chefs are using only locally grown food and artisanal products for their exceptional flavors and unsurpassed quality. It's true, although staying "under the radar," Vermont offers a level of excellence unrivaled in most of the country. Because many products are grown and produced locally, dishes are created with the freshest ingredients.

Similarly, the move toward organic food has also been a big hit in Vermont. This ensures that the local restaurants serve only the highest quality and healthiest food possible. These two factors are why professional chefs are continually attracted to Vermont kitchens. Chef Jennifer at the Inn at Weston uses only the highest quality ingredients, attained locally and internationally, to provide guests with an exquisite and memorable dining experience.

The rapid progression of Vermont's food service industry has resulted in the display of a surprising diversity in dining options. You can find traditional and authentic cuisine from many different regions around the world. Along with the considerable collection of North American cuisines, many Asian and European nations are well-represented, and even influences from various island nations and Latin America are prevalent in Vermont.