Vermont
Experience Farm-Fresh Flavor in Vermont
Program No. 8934RJ
Taste the flavors of Vermont on an appetizing adventure with cooking demonstrations from local chefs, visits to local farms and discoveries of the state’s impressive history with food.
Participant Reviews
Based on 26 Reviews
SHOWING
exactly as described with a food and fun learning experience
— Review left July 22, 2025
An amazing program in one of my favorite locations...Vermont. Lillian was a great, well-prepared and caring leader. The Middlebury Inn is a gem. All of the speakers and presenters were perfectly chosen for their expertise. I actually attended an earlier version of this program in Brandon in 2004. But I found this one did not duplicate and was maybe even more interesting and enjoyable.
— Review left November 11, 2024
The program exceeded our expectations. Everything was perfect. Again, I think one attendee being offended by how modern dairy farming is conducted should not warrant eliminating that important part of Vermont’s agriculture from the program.
— Review left November 1, 2024
So many wonderful speakers on this trip - I learned how hard-working Vermont farmers are and have a new appreciation of all of the amazing products that come from their hard work. Our group leader knew the area well, as did our bus driver, which made the trip very personal and informative. The Middlebury Inn was beautiful and full of charm and character - the room was a little tight for (2) adult friends to share. The chef at the inn was great, and as one of your speakers, showed us lots of recipes served at the Inn - such a fun guy to watch and ask questions of - super talented.
Everyone in our group was friendly and nice to get to know - so many backgrounds and previous trips to share.
This was my first trip and I can't wait to do more!
— Review left November 5, 2023
This Program gave me a real understanding of what farming really is including it's history and it's many challenges. I was also impressed with the emphasis on how climate change is impacting the lives of farmers and their families. The Leader was fantastic and made the experience even better!
— Review left October 29, 2023
Lillian was an absolutely delightful group leader!!!
— Review left October 29, 2023
My perspective on the amount of manual labor, science and passion that goes into putting food on my table has been changed forever through this program. As an added benefit, I will be a better cook and much kinder to my environment.
— Review left October 28, 2023
Come hungry to the Farm Fresh Flavors in Vermont! Diets are all out the window for this culinary romp through the apple, maple, wine, and ice cream stops you make. This is a fun and fascinating trip to get to know more about Vermont history and current farming techniques. Did you ever see a cow milked by a robot? Now I can saw that I have! And you can, too, if you indulge in this great program.
— Review left September 20, 2023
This trip was way beyond my expectations! Lillian is a fabulous guide. She is warm, funny, professional, and a great storyteller. She absolutely made the trip for me. The lectures and demos were all very informative, relevant, and yummy! The field trips into the Vermont countryside were very well planned and instructional, and once again, yummy. You will get more good food than you can eat! The accommodations were very lovely and comfortable with, once again, great food. I highly recommend this tour.
— Review left September 18, 2023
we had a wonderful time. the tour was interesting the leader was informative and the group was enjoyable. I would recommend this tour and road scholars to everyone ...
— Review left August 2, 2023
Have ever seen a Vermont fall? there is nothing to compare to the reds, yellows and oranges of changing leave on the mountains and hills of Vermont!The friendly farmers who thrive through hardships of winter and unforeseen events to sell their homemade and homegrown goods at the local markets and never get tired of repeating their personal stories over and over.
— Review left November 1, 2022
If you want to see the fall foliage and have a unique Vermont experience then this is your trip! The group leader does an outstanding job leading the group and making sure you learn a lot while having many laughs. If in doubt, do it!
— Review left October 30, 2022
trip to Brandon Vermont was excellent all the way around.
thank you to Lilian and the Road Scholar presenters and team
— Review left September 6, 2022
The Experience Farm Fresh Flavor in Vermont was a great tour for people who love food. I have a new appreciation for the people who grow our food. Our group leader did a great job organizing the trip.
— Review left August 28, 2022
I was impressed by the dedication and hard work these farmers put into making quality products. Products that are healthy and delicious.
— Review left August 27, 2022
Lilian is a remarkable group leader--organized, super smart, and entertaining.
— Review left August 27, 2022
Farm fresh in Vermont.... a perfect description of his amazingly informative program. Meeting with a variety of farmers, I was struck by their passion, intelligence, & commitment. Presenters were warm & approachable. Group leader, Lilian, was tremendous at getting this varied group of individuals into a cohesive unit. Totally enjoyed my experience!
— Review left August 26, 2022
An excellent program in every way.
— Review left August 26, 2022
Excellent presentations on food preparation from professional chefs. Interesting and informative lectures by local goat farmer/cheese-maker, bee keeper, and maple sugar infuser. Field trips to apple orchard, vineyard/winery and cider and maple syrup producers provided good information and insight into Vermont's food industries.
— Review left November 8, 2021
Great trip! Learned a lot about Vermont that I did not know. Lillian our tour guide was fun and very knowledgeable. The Chefs were both very good, taught us dishes that were replicable. This was not a hands on demo. The Brandon Inn was clean and accommodating. Be aware there are stairs to the rooms. The staff is willing to take you on the elevator. The town is quite small but very lovely to walk abought. Would definitely recommend. The peak for leaves, which is under Mother Nature control , was the week before but still loads of color, plus on field trip days we traveled at different elevations so was able to see an array of colors.
— Review left October 24, 2021
Vermont has much to offer--and Roads Scholar does a wonderful job to help you enjoy it.
— Review left September 19, 2021
The Taste of Vermont was a wonderful experience. I highly recommend it.
— Review left September 18, 2021
I must comment on the trip concierge Lillian Sheren. All of your trip leaders are good but Lillian was outstanding. Her warm friendly open attitude was contagious. Her assiduous preparation allowed her to entertain us with local lore on long bus trips and other breaks.
I believe that she could be used to train other tour leaders.
I enjoyed the tour. Being more of a food consumer than a food producer, I particularly enjoyed Shelbourne farms
— Review left November 15, 2019
This was a fun and educational experience for foodies, and located in a beautiful part of the country.
— Review left September 18, 2019
What made this informative, entertaining (and foodie heaven) program even better was the group leader, Lilian Sheren. Lilian is magnetic, highly likable, consistently down-to-earth, tactful, exudes warmth and humor, and takes charge in a way that inspires confidence rather than contempt. The program was such a good experience it would be hard to imagine it anywhere but at the Brandon Inn. I’m glad I went.
— Review left September 13, 2019
The historical location was intriguing. The food at the Inn was fabulous and the variety of food made and presented by the various instructors was delicious because the participants helped in making or demonstrating the food which we enjoyed at meals.
— Review left July 20, 2019