Food(s) for Thought...

Go no further than my waistline to know that I "enjoy" food...all shapes and sizes...I don't discriminate. Having said that, nothing makes a vacation more fun than exploring the region's different culinary offerings. Northern New Hampshire and Vermont offer a treasure trove of edible delights. When family or friends are in town, we visit some or all of the businesses listed below.

Starting with my absolute favorite...Chutter's General Store on Main Street in Littleton, Hampshire. Chutter's is a "DO NOT MISS" experience for young and old alike. It is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records for having the longest candy counter. The children will be more excited than a trip to Disney (ok, that may be a stretch). The older crowd will find candy that will take them back to their childhood. The store also offers great quality souvenirs. Plan on taking time to walk historic Main Street. It offers a plethora of shopping opportunities. In addition to Main Street, stop in and experience the Littleton Grist Mill located directly behind Main Street. This working mill still produces an assortment of quality grains.

While in Littleton, bring your camera...be sure to get pictures of the new covered walking bridge and the historic Pollyanna statue. Littleton is the proud home to the Eleanor H. Porter, the author of "Pollyanna". While getting your photo taken with the statue...(spare me the jokes) rub her bronze shoe for "luck and gladness"...remember to "Be Glad".

Maple Grove Farms located in St. Johnsbury, Vermont is the world's largest producer of maple products. They offer guided factory tours, a small maple museum and a great gift shop. This automated production of maple products is most appreciated when you take time to experience the "old fashion" farm production of maple syrup. Plan on visiting the Goodrich Maple Farm where SEVEN generations have produced award winning maple syrup since 1840.

Cabot Farms, located in (you guessed it) Cabot, Vermont offers an excellent factory tour of its manufacturing plant. Start the tour with a brief movie on how the co-operative was formed and the history of the company. Take a guided tour through the working facility and learn the processes used to make award winning cheese. Afterwards, enjoy complimentary samples of all their quality cheeses. Surprisingly, a great tour for all ages (as long as they like cheese).

Cold Hollow Cider Mill and the world famous Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream Factory are located in Waterbury, Vermont (just over an hour from the hotels in St. Johnsbury). The cider mill is in operation all year long and produces cider "the old fashion way". The mill still uses a press that was built in the 1920's. In addition to making cider this company also produces a large assortment of jams, jellies, mustards, sauces, fudge and other tasty treats. DO NOT LEAVE without sampling the apple cider donuts...they are out of this world. At Ben & Jerry's, a brief entertaining movie will take you through this amazing company's history. Afterward, enjoy a tour of the factory and then on to everyone's favorite part...the sampling room. Ben & Jerry's is open seven days a week except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.