Culinary Curiosities: Vermont’s Farmlands With Your Grandchild

Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone? 800-454-5768

What’s Included:

5 nights of accommodations

13 meals (5 B, 4 L, 4 D)

9 expert-led lectures

5 expert-led field trips

5 hands-on experiences

An experienced Group Leader

Customary gratuities throughout the program

Road Scholar Assurance Plan

Taxes

Good To Know:

Cancel & Transfer Policy

Trip Protection

Daily Weather Averages

Culinary Curiosities: Vermont’s Farmlands With Your Grandchild

Program No. 23093RJ Deposit at Enrollment: 100 Final payment due: 59 days before departure date

Transfer & Cancellation Policy

Note: These fees apply to at least one date of this program, but may vary by date. Program enrollments are on a per person basis and substitutions are not permitted.

If you transfer or cancel:

fee will be applied if you do not call Road Scholar Participant Services at least one business day prior to the program start date.

Transfer Fee: 100% of trip total

Cancel Fee: 100% of trip total

less than 30 days prior to the program start date

Transfer Fee: 50% of trip total

Cancel Fee: 50% of trip total

up to 30 days prior to program start date

Transfer Fee: $0.00

up to 30 days prior to the program start date

Cancel Fee: $100.00

If you transfer or cancel:	Transfer Fee:	Cancel Fee:
fee will be applied if you do not call road scholar participant services at least one business day prior to the program start date.	100% of trip total	100% of trip total
less than 30 days prior to the program start date	50% of trip total	50% of trip total
up to 30 days prior to program start date	$0.00
up to 30 days prior to the program start date		$100.00

Road Scholar Program Terms and Conditions

How to Enroll in a Program

Call Us or Enroll Online To enroll

Please call us toll free at (877) 426-8056, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. ET. You may also enroll online at www.roadscholar.org. To reserve space on a program, Road Scholar requires a deposit followed by final payment.

Road Scholar is Not-For-Profit

Road Scholar is a not-for-profit 501 (c)(3) organization that incurs over $5 million annually on credit card fees. Please help us reduce this cost by paying for your program with a check. Please consider our paperless check option when paying on the phone or over the Internet. Our Advisors are happy to explain this payment option to you.

Tax-Deductible Donations

As a not-for-profit organization, we appreciate and rely on charitable donations to help us develop and maintain high-quality educational programs with exceptional value. Donations from U.S. citizens are tax-deductible as provided by law. As Road Scholar is not a registered charity in Canada, donations are not tax deductible for Canadian citizens.

Financial Assistance

Road Scholar offers two kinds of assistance: Scholarships, for those with desire but not the financial means to participate in our U.S.- or Canada-based learning adventures; and Caregiver Grants, designed to provide a unique respite opportunity for unpaid family caregivers to participate in a U.S.- or Canada-based Road Scholar program. Visit www.roadscholar.org/about/financial-assistance/scholarships, email us at scholarships@roadscholar.org, or call us toll free at (877) 426-8056.

General Program Information

Activity Level Ratings

Each Road Scholar program is assigned an Activity Level rating, ranging from Easy Going to Challenging, which are noted on program webpages. Try our Advanced Search tool to find programs that match your activity level. If you have special needs, or need a little extra help in finding the right program for your level of fitness and ambition, please call us and we’ll work to find options for you.

Disabilities and Special Needs

Road Scholar is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to participants with special needs and disabilities. If you have special needs requiring accommodation, please communicate them to Road Scholar at the time of enrollment. We will discuss your request with you and make every effort to accommodate you.

Service Learning

Our Service Learning programs bring participants together to work as a team to serve worthy projects. Road Scholar and sponsoring service institutions are not-for-profit organizations and are tax-exempt under Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The program price may qualify as a tax-deductible gift. However, since individual circumstances vary, we suggest participants contact their tax advisors.

Included Emergency Assistance and Medical Evacuation Insurance

Road Scholar’s continued commitment to our participants and their well-being is exemplified in our Road Scholar Assurance Plan. Whether participating on a program in the United States or on one of our programs overseas, every Road Scholar participant receives coverage under the Road Scholar Assurance Plan. This plan is purchased by Road Scholar on behalf of every participant. The plan provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during your program and insurance for emergency medical evacuation. This plan includes insurance benefits underwritten by Arch Insurance Company and emergency assistance services provided by LiveTravel Assist. To learn more about this plan, including its terms, conditions, limits, and exclusions, and to view and download a certificate of insurance, please visit: www.roadscholar.org/about/included-insurance/

Travel Health

In addition to maintaining necessary vaccinations, including seasonal influenza vaccination, Road Scholar recommends all participants consult with their physician, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Department of State regarding their health condition and any recommendations specific to the destinations they will visit or transit well before departure. While Road Scholar does its best to provide pertinent information regarding international health requirements and travel health precautions for travel abroad, please remember we are not health experts and can only share with you the recommendations made by the CDC and the US Department of State. It It is therefore your responsibility to consult with your physician and/or contact the CDC for health information specific to your travel destination. Your physician will be able to assess your overall health and fitness, provide information and guidance on health risks you may encounter while traveling, medication you may need to take, and other precautions for the prevention of injury and illness during your program.

Staying healthy is critical to enjoying your program experience, and taking common sense steps to reduce the risk of getting sick.

A week before you depart on your program, consider limiting your exposure to others. If you must be in public in the week prior to departure, wear a mask.
Do not travel if you are sick, have any symptoms of illness, or if you have had close contact with a person who is ill. Do not risk traveling if you are not feeling well.
Bring a few face masks to the program. Wearing a well-fitted mask is an effective means of protection against airborne viruses, including COVID-19. Wear a mask whenever around others, including when flying and transiting airports. Once on your program, wear a mask whenever you are in public settings, especially if you have a weakened immune system or an underlying medical condition.
Wash your hands often and practice good hygiene.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
Once on the program, if you do begin to feel ill or have symptoms of illness, immediately isolate and notify the Group Leader.

For those looking for additional resources on this topic, we recommend trusted sources such as your physician, the US Department of State, CDC, and WHO.

U.S. Department of State: www.travel.state.gov
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): www.cdc.gov/travel
World Health Organization (WHO): www.who.int/

Your health and safety are of the utmost importance to us. To learn more about Road Scholar’s commitment to our participants’ well-being and the steps you can take to keep yourself healthy when traveling, please visit www.roadscholar.org/practical-information/general-health-safety/

Please also be sure to review our Travel Updates webpage for the latest travel information, steps we are taking to keep your program experience as safe as possible, as well as helpful information about how to prepare for your upcoming program and what to expect once you're there. www.roadscholar.org/practical-information/travel-updates/

Domestic Travel Arrangements

Programs in the United States and Canada require independent arrivals and departures unless otherwise stated, meaning that you must make your own travel arrangements to and from the program site. If you are flying to your program, you will be responsible for getting yourself from the airport to the starting location of your program and returning to the airport at the end. Please keep in mind that many airlines assess penalties if you need to change or cancel your ticket— up to 100 percent of the ticket price in certain cases — for which you will be responsible. Please also be aware that Road Scholar may occasionally have to alter a program in a way that affects flight schedules, and you will be responsible for changing your flight arrangements and paying applicable fees. For the greatest protection, we recommend waiting until 60 days prior to your program in the United States or Canada to purchase airfare.

International Travel Arrangements

Road Scholar Can Help Arrange Your International Airfare

Almost all of our international programs can be purchased with airfare arranged by Road Scholar. We have negotiated special international rates with major airlines. A list of departure cities can be found by visiting our website or calling to speak with one of our experienced Advisors. As an added benefit, guaranteed airport transfers on the program’s published start and end date are included with your international air travel when arranged through Road Scholar. If your preferred airport is not listed, or you would like to travel on a different day, travel in premium or business class, specify the airline or routing, or travel independently before or after our program, we are happy to customize and create a personalized air travel itinerary to meet your needs. Select the “Custom Flight Arrangements” option and then the airport you want, or discuss your flight preferences with one of our expert air Travel Advisors.

Arranging Your Own International Airfare

If you choose to make your own international air travel arrangements, you will be responsible for getting yourself from the airport to the starting location of your program and returning to the airport at the end. Please keep in mind that many airlines assess penalties if you need to change or cancel your ticket— up to 100 percent of the ticket price in certain cases — for which you will be responsible. Please also be aware that Road Scholar may occasionally have to alter a program in a way that affects flight schedules, and you will be responsible for changing your flight arrangements and paying applicable fees. For the greatest protection, we recommend waiting until 90 days prior to your International program to purchase airfare,

Road Scholar Optional Trip Protection with “Cancel for Any Reason” Coverage

The optional Road Scholar Trip Protection Plan helps protect your investment if you must cancel or interrupt your program for specified, covered reasons, such as illness or injury to you, your traveling companion or an immediate family member of you or your traveling companion. Plus, if you need to cancel your program for any reason not covered by insurance, you will receive a credit good for future travel with Road Scholar for the full amount of the Road Scholar cancellation fee. The plan also provides benefits if you are delayed getting to or returning home from your program and protects your investment should you have an emergency during your program that causes you to miss program days or return home earlier than expected. Your airfare, whether purchased through Road Scholar or independently, is covered at no additional cost — an exceptional benefit and value offered exclusively to Road Scholar participants. You will receive information about this optional travel insurance plan when you enroll in a program. To learn more about this plan, including its terms, conditions, limits, and exclusions, and to view and download a certificate of insurance, please visit: www.roadscholar.org/about/protection-plan.

Additional Program Information

Our goal is to make sure our participants have the most enjoyable and rewarding program experience possible. Whether you are considering one of Road Scholar’s many educational adventures or are currently enrolled in a program, we highly recommend you review the additional program information available in the Practical Information section on our website. The section includes a wide range of topics and information -- everything from how to choose the perfect program to traveling solo to insurance. Please visit www.roadscholar.org/practical-information, or call us if you have specific questions. After you enroll in a program, please be sure to carefully read all pre-program communications and your Program preparatory materials, as they provide important information about how to prepare for your upcoming program and what to expect once you're there.

Program Policies

Deposit, Transfer and Cancellation Policy

Road Scholar requires deposits for all its programs, and charges fees if you transfer or cancel your enrollment. Deposits and fees vary between programs. Please refer to the Deposit, Transfer & Cancellation Policy on program webpages for specific deposit amounts, and transfer and cancellation fee schedules. Please note that enrollments are on a per person basis and substitutions are not permitted.

About Program Details and Itineraries

We make every effort to operate our programs as advertised. The information on our website is updated regularly, and reflects the most up to date information. We are committed to providing participants with final program details no later than three weeks before the start of land programs within the United States, four weeks for programs International and Afloat programs. and one week for online programs. However, itineraries or other aspects of a program may change due to situations beyond the control. If this happens we will do our best to notify you of the change prior to arriving on your program. We ask you to pack a little extra patience and flexibility, just in case there are last-minute changes to your program.

If Road Scholar Cancels or Interrupts a Program

Road Scholar reserves the right to cancel programs prior to departure, terminate a program early, and to take action as needed on an individual or group basis when, in Road Scholar’s opinion, the health, safety or well-being of participants requires such action. Additionally, due to low enrollment or other unforeseen circumstances, Road Scholar must occasionally cancel or change the dates of a program. When that occurs we will notify you as far in advance as possible and will assist you in transferring your enrollment to another program or refunding your full Road Scholar program payment. If you have made transportation arrangements, such as an airline ticket purchase, Road Scholar will give you a credit good for future travel with Road Scholar to help cover the cost of transferring your travel arrangements for use on a replacement program. The maximum value of the credit will be $300 and documentation of your paid fees is required before issuance of the credit.

Accuracy of Information

While every effort is made to provide accurate information on our website and in our catalogs, Road Scholar is not responsible for typographical errors, inaccuracies or omissions that may relate to program descriptions, pricing, and availability. Road Scholar reserves the right to correct any errors, inaccuracies or omissions that may appear in our publications, and to change or update information at any time without prior notice. If you discover an error on our website or catalog, please let us know.

Program Pricing

As a not-for-profit organization, we are dedicated to providing exceptional educational opportunities at a remarkable value. We do everything in our power to ensure that the published program price is the price you pay. On occasion, costs we can’t anticipate and that are beyond our control arise and may be passed along to you. If this occurs, we will let you know as soon as possible.

Terms and Conditions

Program Selection
We want every participant to have a safe, enjoyable and rewarding program experience. The travel and activities of Road Scholar programs require participants to be in good general health and capable of performing all program activities as described by the program description and its corresponding Activity Level. As a group travel experience, participants must be capable of caring for themselves during the program and agree not to impede the progress of the program or interfere with the enjoyment of other participants. Participants are required to disclose known medical and physical conditions that may interfere with their safety and well being or the safety and well being of others during this program. Road Scholar may limit or terminate the participation in the program at the participant’s expense and without refund any participants who fail to disclose all medical information or do not honestly assess their physical capabilities in advance. With this information in mind, carefully consider the travel and program demands as described on the Road Scholar website, and consult with your physician about your travel plans. If after enrolling you have second thoughts about the program you chose, please call us and we will be happy to assist you in finding a program better suited to your abilities.

Responsibility

Road Scholar’s responsibility is limited. Road Scholar organizes, promotes, and sells educational programs consisting of certain travel services, including land, air, and water transportation, excursions, and cruise/barge/hotel accommodations that Road Scholar purchases or reserves from various suppliers (collectively, “Suppliers”). Road Scholar neither owns nor operates any of these Suppliers; they are independent contractors and are not Road Scholar’s agents. Therefore, Road Scholar is not responsible for any negligent or willful act or failure to act of any Supplier or any other third party. You agree that you will look to such Suppliers, and not to Road Scholar or its agents, for any accident, injury, property damage, or personal loss you may suffer. Without limitation, Road Scholar is not responsible for any injury, loss, or damage to person or property, death, delay, or inconvenience in connection with the provision of, or failure to provide, any goods or services occasioned by or resulting from — but not limited to — acts of God or force majeure, acts of war or civil unrest, insurrection or revolt, strikes or other labor activities, criminal or terrorist activities of any kind, mechanical or other failure of airplanes or other means of transportation, or the failure of any transportation mechanism to arrive or depart on time, or for any other cause beyond the direct control of Road Scholar.

Safety & Risks

Certain risks — from natural disasters to accidents, outbreaks of illness, crime, insect-borne and other infectious diseases, environmental risks to health, terrorism and other unforeseen events — are inherent in travel. While such occurrences are beyond our control, we make substantial efforts to be prepared for such possibilities. Participants are encouraged to review the safety and travel information provided by the U.S. Department of State and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to learn about current security issues, travel advisories and warnings, recent embassy notices, country-specific health information, health risks you may encounter while traveling, precautions for the prevention of illness, disease and general health issues during your program and other helpful destination-specific information. By enrolling in a program, you agree to assume responsibility for your own health, safety, and welfare, and acknowledge that Road Scholar cannot guarantee your safety or health at any time.

Admission & Participation Policy

The granting or denial of admission to a program is within the sole discretion of Road Scholar. Road Scholar reserves the right to revoke admission or terminate or limit participation at any time if Road Scholar reasonably determines a participant’s condition, behavior or actions are inappropriate or disruptive, or adversely affect the participant’s health or safety, or the health, safety or enjoyment of other participants. Road Scholar reserves the right to take action as needed on an individual or group basis when, in Road Scholar’s sole opinion, the health, safety or well-being of participants requires such action.

Photography and Video

Road Scholar reserves the right to take photographs, videos or audio/visual recordings during the operation of any program or part thereof and to use them, whether taken by a representative of Road Scholar or by other participants, for promotional purposes. By enrolling in a Road Scholar program, participants agree to allow their images or recordings to be used for such purposes. Participants who prefer that their images or recordings not be used are asked to identify themselves to program staff and the photographer at the commencement of their program. For Road Scholar online programs, all audio or video recordings, content and materials are the property of Road Scholar. Participants are prohibited from taking screen captures, or making, copying or distributing all or part of any audio or video recordings of online programs.

Online Program Terms

If you enroll in one of Road Scholar’s online programs, you are responsible for the integrity of the device on which you will attend this online program, as well as your own high-speed internet connection. Road Scholar is not responsible for outages or interruptions in internet service. Road Scholar cannot and will not provide recordings, content or materials, or provide reimbursement of any kind, for missed portion(s) of your online program, regardless of the reason.

Seller of Travel Information

Road Scholar’s state of Washington Seller of Travel Reg. No. 602244658. CST #2068427-40. Florida Seller of Travel Reg. No. ST35594.

Modifications to Terms and Conditions

Road Scholar reserves the right at any time to update, change, modify, or revise these Terms and Conditions at any time. Any changes will become effective upon posting the changes, modifications or revisions to the Terms and Conditions. Accordingly, participants should review Road Scholar’s Terms and Conditions regularly prior to travel in order to ensure they are aware of any changes.

© 2023 Elderhostel. All rights reserved. The Road Scholar service marks, logos, website address and other marks are owned by Elderhostel, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to inspiring adults to learn, discover and travel.

Age 11 - 14

	ROOMING OPTION PRICING The figures below indicate the rooming options available.
DATES
Jun 16 - Jun 21, 2024 Per Adult 2,449 Per Child 1,549 Select
Jun 16 - Jun 21, 2024	2,449 / Adult 1,549 / Child	2,449 / Adult 1,549 / Child	3,249 / Adult 1,549 / Child	SOLD OUT

Jun 23 - Jun 28, 2024 Per Adult 2,349 Per Child 1,499 Select
Jun 23 - Jun 28, 2024	2,349 / Adult 1,499 / Child	2,349 / Adult 1,499 / Child	3,149 / Adult 1,499 / Child	Select Date

Jul 7 - Jul 12, 2024 Per Adult 2,549 Per Child 1,599 Select
Jul 7 - Jul 12, 2024	2,549 / Adult 1,599 / Child	2,549 / Adult 1,599 / Child	3,399 / Adult 1,599 / Child	Select Date

Jul 14 - Jul 19, 2024 Per Adult 2,549 Per Child 1,599 Select
Jul 14 - Jul 19, 2024	2,549 / Adult 1,599 / Child	2,549 / Adult 1,599 / Child	3,399 / Adult 1,599 / Child	Select Date

Jul 21 - Jul 26, 2024 Per Adult 2,549 Per Child 1,599 Select
Jul 21 - Jul 26, 2024	2,549 / Adult 1,599 / Child	2,549 / Adult 1,599 / Child	3,399 / Adult 1,599 / Child	Select Date

Aug 11 - Aug 16, 2024 Per Adult 2,549 Per Child 1,599 Select
Aug 11 - Aug 16, 2024	2,549 / Adult 1,599 / Child	2,549 / Adult 1,599 / Child	3,399 / Adult 1,599 / Child	Select Date

6 days

5 nights

13 meals

5B 4L 4D

1

Check-in, Registration, Welcome Dinner, Orientation

Essex, VT

2

Menu Formation, Knife Lesson, Foraging, Baking Competition

Essex, VT

3

Menu Planning, Morse Sugar Farm, Cold Hollow, Ben & Jerry’s

Essex, VT

4

Iron Chef Competition, Pasta Making

Essex, VT

5

Allenholm Farm, Shelburne Farms, Cooking Class

Essex, VT

6

Program Concludes

Essex, VT

View Full Itinerary

At a Glance

Vermont’s beautiful mountains and vast farmland make the perfect classroom for aspiring chefs of any age! You and your grandchild will immerse yourselves in the cooking process from start to finish as you pick fresh ingredients at a local farm to create culinary masterpieces in the kitchen together. As you hop around to area farms, meet the friendly animals that live there, and learn about the inn's goats. Visit an orchard to find out about apples in the Champlain Valley. Taste some of Vermont’s specialties — like maple creemees — as you learn about Vermont’s unique cuisine from small-town maple-tappers and cider-brewers. Create a special bond with your grandchild over the delicious meals you’ve created together, and top it all off with s’more gooey fun as you relax around the resort’s toasty fire pit together.

Activity Level

Keep the Pace

Walking up to a mile a day over varied terrain on field trips. Standing in kitchen for an extended period of time during culinary instruction.

Small Group

Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

Best of all, you’ll…

Visit local farms and orchards to gather local produce and meet their resident farm animals.
Venture to Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Factory, Bragg Farm Sugar House and Cold Hollow Cider Mill to learn about their crafts while sampling some Vermont treats.
Learn lifelong cooking skills through first-hand demonstrations and classes as you cook together with your children and grandchildren.

General Notes

Due to the nature of this program, listening devices are not available.

Featured Expert

All Experts

Morriah Adams

Morriah Adams has been working in the hospitality and travel industries for more than two decades. When not on the road with Road Scholar groups in New England, she also works as a real estate agent and property manager in Vermont. Morriah currently resides in Bellows Falls, Vermont with her husband and their pets. Her hobbies include traveling, finding the best restaurants in each locale, and learning about new adventures to promote to her guests around the northeast and beyond.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Morriah Adams View biography

Morriah Adams has been working in the hospitality and travel industries for more than two decades. When not on the road with Road Scholar groups in New England, she also works as a real estate agent and property manager in Vermont. Morriah currently resides in Bellows Falls, Vermont with her husband and their pets. Her hobbies include traveling, finding the best restaurants in each locale, and learning about new adventures to promote to her guests around the northeast and beyond.

Suggested Reading List (4 books)

Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop

You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.

Search for a Title

Maple Sugarin' In Vermont: A Sweet History

by Betty Ann Lockhart

Come along for a trip through maple time in Vermont, from the 1600s to the mid-twentieth century. Betty Ann Lockhart introduces the origins of the 'Flavor of Vermont', the tools of the sugaring trade and the personalities who launched maple sugar to world fame. The Abenakis were discoverers of the sweet sap that flowed from Vermont's trees, and Thomas Jefferson was an early promoter of it. During the Civil War, maple sugar was cheered as the moral alternative to cane sugar- the latter having been produced by slave labor- and in subsequent wars, it was shipped to U.S. troops around the world. Enriched with maple-inspired songs, recipes and legends, Maple Sugarin' in Vermont illuminates not just the industry, but also the culture of maple sugar in the Green Mountain State.

Sharing the Harvest: A Citizen's Guide to Community Supported Agriculture, 2nd Edition

by Chelsea Green Publishing

To an increasing number of American families the CSA (community supported agriculture) is the answer to the globalization of our food supply. The premise is simple: create a partnership between local farmers and nearby consumers, who become members or subscribers in support of the farm. In exchange for paying in advance--at the beginning of the growing season, when the farm needs financing--CSA members receive the freshest, healthiest produce throughout the season and keep money, jobs, and farms in their own community. In this thoroughly revised and expanded edition of a Chelsea Green classic, authors Henderson and Van En provide new insight into making CSA not only a viable economic model, but the right choice for food lovers and farmers alike. Thinking and buying local is quickly moving from a novel idea to a mainstream activity. The groundbreaking first edition helped spark a movement and, with this revised edition, Sharing the Harvest is poised to lead the way toward a revitalized agriculture.

The Vermont Farm Table Cookbook: 150 Home Grown Recipes from the Green Mountain State (The Farm Table Cookbook)

by Countryman Press

For farm-to-table cooking and dining like you've never seen it, Vermont is the place. Small, independent farms are the lifeblood of Vermont's agriculture, from the sweetcorn grower to the dairy goat farmer to the cheesemaker whose locally sourced goat milk chevre becomes the heart of a new dish by a chef in Montpelier. While this farm-to-table cycle may be a phenomenon just hitting its stride in the United States, it has long been away of life in Vermont, part of the ethos that Vermonters use to define themselves. As such, Vermont exemplifies a standard of small-scale, community-minded, unadulterated agriculture that has become a national model.

Keeping Chickens: A Kid's Guide to Everything You Need to Know about Breeds, Coops, Behavior, Eggs, and More!

by Sky Pony

The best homesteading tips to raise happy, healthy chickens! Whether you have chickens already or are just thinking of starting your own flock, this book is packed full of valuable information that will help you raise and maintain a happy, healthy flock. Not only will you learn the basics like how to pick the right breeds, how to house, feed, and care for your birds, but you will also find craft, gardening, and DIY projects that will make taking care of your flock fun and entertaining!

Start Enrolling

Print All

Map details are not available for this location.

View Map

Expand All

6 days

5 nights

13 meals

5 B 4 L 4 D

DAY

1

Check-in, Registration, Welcome Dinner, Orientation

Essex, VT

D

The Essex

Activity note: Inn check-in available from 4:00 p.m. Remember to bring your nametag (sent previously).

Afternoon: Program Registration. 4:00-5:00 p.m. After you check in and have your room assignment, join us at the Road Scholar table in the lobby to register with the program staff, get any updated information, and confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please locate your Group Leader and let them know you have arrived.

Dinner: At the Inn.

Evening: We will go outside to the Inn’s fire pit where we will make our own s’mores and begin Orientation. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. We will review COVID protocols and will adhere to applicable requirements and guidelines throughout the program. We’ll also meet our chef instructors who will talk about details of the program and the highlights ahead. This is a Road Scholar Grandparent program. Grandparents are responsible for their grandchildren at all times. If/when separate age group activities are conducted concurrently, program staff will supervise. Minors are never to be left unsupervised. Periods in the daily schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.

DAY

2

Menu Formation, Knife Lesson, Foraging, Baking Competition

Essex, VT

B,L,D

The Essex

Activity note: Walking up to 1 mile indoors and out; periods of standing in the kitchen. Closed-toe shoes are required in the kitchens.

Breakfast: At the Inn.

Morning: We will meet in our kitchen classrooms with our chef instructor, plan today’s menus for class, and discuss the upcoming activities for the week. Next, we’ll shift focus and have a lesson on knife skills and kitchen tools before cooking locally grown and raised products in the kitchen to create our fabulous lunch. As for final preparations, everyone will be plating and serving one another the meals to which everyone contributed.

Lunch: At the Inn, we’ll enjoy the delicious meal we helped to prepare.

Afternoon: Heading outside with our Group Leader, we will go on a foraging expedition in the forest surrounding the resort to look for wild edible foods. We’ll conclude the afternoon with a baking competition led by the baking chef instructor. All of us will be provided with ingredients to make similar pastries, but everyone will be encouraged to create their own unique version. You may wish to adjust flavors, decoration, or make other additions.

Dinner: At the Inn.

Evening: We will gather in the Ballroom for a group game night with our Group Leader.

DAY

3

Menu Planning, Morse Sugar Farm, Cold Hollow, Ben & Jerry’s

Essex, VT

B,L

The Essex

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 60 miles throughout the day, approximately 2 hours riding time. Walking up to 1/2 mile throughout the day; uneven and unpaved surfaces.

Breakfast: At the Inn.

Morning: We’ll play a memory game with our Group Leader during which we will learn about various species of chickens. Then, after feeding the animals, we’ll set out for our first field trip of the day to Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks. Upon arrival, we’ll hear a talk on maple sugaring given by Morse Farm staff in their century-old sugarhouse. We’ll then follow up our field trip with a traditional and delicious sugar-on-snow experience. We’ll then transfer with our Group Leader through historic Montpelier, Vermont’s state capitol, to the Cold Hollow Cider Mill.

Lunch: At the Cold Hollow Cider Mill. Meal choices pre-selected prior to arrival at the program.

Afternoon: We will meet with the staff of the Cold Hollow Cider Mill to learn about the production of cider and cider products as we go behind the scenes to learn about the steps that take place from tree to bottle. As we go, we’ll learn about their storage facility, pressing and pasteurizing rooms, and the many delicious apple products they make including donuts, cider, and apple cider jellies. Our last stop of the day will be to the Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Factory where we’ll enjoy a factory tour with the Ben & Jerry staff ending with a tasty sample. We’ll ride back to the Inn after our field trips.

Dinner: Dinner is on your own at the resort or nearby restaurants.

Evening: At leisure. You might like to enjoy the resort facilities including the pool, walking trails, and fire pit, spend time with fellow Road Scholars, or just relax.

DAY

4

Iron Chef Competition, Pasta Making

Essex, VT

B,L,D

The Essex

Activity note: Walking and standing in kitchen.

Breakfast: At the Inn.

Morning: To begin, our Group Leader will give us a demonstration showing the differences between store bought and farm fresh eggs. We’ll then join our chefs for a fun morning culinary competition, dividing into teams and putting our skills to the test as we make a tasty lunch.

Lunch: At the Inn.

Afternoon: Next, we’ll jump in for a class on “not your average pasta” where we will learn how to make your own pasta and create fillings to stuff your pasta for this evening’s meal.

Dinner: At the Inn, we’ll enjoy dishes we prepared during our afternoon class.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY

5

Allenholm Farm, Shelburne Farms, Cooking Class

Essex, VT

B,L,D

The Essex

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 80 miles throughout the day, approximately 2 hours riding time. Walking up to 1 mile throughout the day; unpaved and uneven surfaces.

Breakfast: At the Inn.

Morning: We will board a motorcoach and ride to a local orchard for a field trip where we’ll learn from orchard staff about apples grown in the Champlain Valley. We’ll also have an opportunity to meet friendly farm animals and enjoy a short tractor ride. Next, we will ride to the historic Shelburne Farms. Upon arrival at the farm we will visit the Cheese Hub to watch the cheesemakers and will have an opportunity for a Q&A session with the cheesemaker. Following the cheese presentation we make a short wagon ride to the Farmyard to visit with the variety of animals housed on premise.

Lunch: A box lunch will be served at the Farm. Meal choices pre-selected prior to arrival at the program.

Afternoon: Following lunch, we’ll join our Group Leader for a walk through the Market Garden and Hoop Houses before making a stop at the Farmstand to select fresh produce to be used in the preparation of this evening’s meal. We’ll then board the motorcoach and return to the hotel for our final classes of the program. We will be joined by the Inn’s pastry chef for a cooking demonstration before we have a fun opportunity to make things that have been discussed during our earlier idea-forming sessions but haven’t had time to make yet. Using the local products, we brought back from our morning field trip; we will make delicious evening meal creations.

Dinner: At the Inn, we’ll enjoy the dishes we made. Share favorite experiences and enjoy camaraderie with fellow Road Scholars during our farewell dinner.

Evening: We’ll gather in the Ballroom to enjoy a movie night and homemade popcorn with our Road Scholar friends. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.

DAY

6

Program Concludes

Essex, VT

B

Activity note: Inn check-out by 11:00 a.m.

Breakfast: At the Inn. This concludes our program.

Morning: If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!

Enroll with Confidence

Protecting the Environment

At a Glance

Best of all, you’ll…

General Notes