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While touring throughout Southern Vermont, visitors will discover many unique taste experiences, whether it’s at a farmer’s market, one of the many fine restaurants or on the road exploring the Cheese, Wine, or Micro-Brewery Trails.

Farther north along the Connecticut River is Bellows Falls, a historic railroad town that is undergoing a cultural renaissance. Several new restaurants have recently opened, including an Italian Bistro overlooking the river.

Now entering its second year at the architecturally stunning Waypoint Center, the Bellows Falls Farmer's Market offers a great variety of locally produced seasonal produce, meats, ready-to-eat foods, flowers and handcrafts. With over 20 vendors, live music weekly, and numerous special events, the Bellows Falls Farmers Market has quickly become a Friday afternoon staple for resident and visitor alike. In conjunction with the Third Friday Art Walk, the Farmers’ Market hosts additional crafters once a month.

Another must see is Southern Vermont’s first grape winery, Honora Winery & Vineyard, in West Halifax in the Mount Snow Valley. From Brattleboro it’s a 25-mile ride over the Molly Stark Trail (Route 9).  It may seem surprising that grapes can thrive in the cold Vermont weather, but Honora’s crop has been successful so far. For more information on Honora Winery & Vineyard’s operation or events, contact Lorraine M. Szczepinski, Vineyard Operations & Event Coordinator, at lorraine@honorawinery.com or visit the website at www.honorawinery.com.

Nearby is the North River Winery, which produces many fruit wines, including a special Vermont Harvest dessert wine containing cinnamon and Vermont maple syrup. The North River Winery, Vermont's first bonded winery, is situated along the North River - a popular trout fishing stream - in the small village of Jacksonville. More information at northriverwinery.com

North of Halifax and Jacksonville and twenty miles to the west of Brattleboro, is Wilmington.  The Deerfield River bubbles happily through the festive little village, where wooden buildings, mostly built in the 1800s, line the two main streets.  In the summer the streets are decorated with flowers, and visitors find the constant cool breeze most welcoming.  A small village of some 30 or 40 shops, Wilmington is a friendly place to shop, especially during the holidays.  Thirsty travelers can whet their whistles at Maple Leaf Malt & Brewing (Rt. 100 N).

For a taste of life on a farm, stop in at the Adams Farm in Wilmington.  This 6th generation working farm offers the ultimate in agricultural adventures and features a farm store, over 150 friendly farm animals, special events, hayrides, afternoon tea, bonfires, sleigh rides and much more. 

Farther along on Route 100, at the intersection of Rtes 100 & 11, next to Mill Tavern Restaurant, is the Londonderry West River Farmer’s Market, open Saturdays from 9–1, Memorial Day – Columbus Day and Wednesdays from 3–6, June 29 – August 31.

A trip to Grafton, voted “One of the Most Beautiful Towns in America” by USA Weekend, is a leisurely, scenic drive. Founded in 1890, the Grafton Village Cheese Company produces some of the finest cheddar cheese in the world.  Visitors can observe the manufacturing process through a large viewing window, and learn about it through a short video explaining how the cheese is made.  There is also a retail store on site where you can purchase (and sample) some of these world-class cheese products.

A short walk or drive down the road is The Old Tavern in Grafton that has a heritage that goes back as far as twelve years after America's independence. The chef at The Old Tavern introduces seasonal menus to take full advantage of the Vermont Fresh Network, an organization that forges partnerships between Vermont farmers, food producers, and chefs to promote sustainable agriculture.

For more information on this area, go to southernvermont.com or call toll free 1-877-VTS-BEST.