Made in Vermont. The phrase has become synonymous with quality and pride. This northern New England state has earned the distinction of producing high-quality foods, crafts, clothing and manufactured items. Vermont makes it special. It's more than a marketing slogan, it's a truism thanks to dozens of Vermont businesses. Some of the most popular tourist attractions in Vermont are tours of famous Vermont factories and manufacturing plants.
A tour of a Vermont plant is both educational and fun. The following is a partial list of Vermont factories open for tours. Hours of operation are subject to change and may vary according to the season. Vermont Living suggests you phone ahead to inquire about tour hours.
Sugarbush Farm, 591 Sugarbush Farm Road, Woodstock, VT 05091 Ph: 800-281-1757 or 1-802-281-1757 Sugarbush farm is located on a 550 acre hilltop outside of Woodstock Village. Visitors watch cheese production, year round maple tours, sample Sugarbush Farm cheeses and other Vermont products, including; Maple Products and Honey. You can walk the nature trail, see farm animals, and best of all free admission. The farm is located 3 miles off US Route 4 on Hillside Road, across from the Taftsville Bridge, 3 miles east of Woodstock. The Farm Store is open daily from 9:00am to 5:00pm. Visit www.sugarbushfarm.com or e-mail.
Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream Factory Tour
Rt. 100 North, off exit 10 I-89,
Waterbury, VT
Ph: 802-882-1240.
Vermont's most popular tourist attraction. Educational fun for whole family. Sample Wavy Gravy, Cherry Garcia and more. Open daily, 9am-6 pm. (No production on Sundays or Holidays.) Gift shop, admission charge.
Vermont Teddy Bear Company
Rt. 7,
Shelburne, VT
Ph: 802-985-3001.
Take a fun stuffed Teddy tour and learn how hand-crafted Teddy Bears come to life. Open Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm, Sunday 10am-5pm. Call for more information on Group Reservations, Special Events, the Factory Tour, and the Bear Shop. Admission charge for adults, children free.
Simon Pearce Glass
Rt. 5 North, Exit 9 off I-91
Windsor, VT
Ph: 802-674-6280.
Watch as skilled craftsman (and woman) create unique handblown glass and pottery. Gift shops. Open daily 9am-5pm. Closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Free admission.
Boyden Valley Winery
70 Rt. 104, 7 miles from Smuggler's Notch,
Cambridge, VT
Ph: 802-644-8151.
Taste Vermont wines, tour the winery and vineyard. Open Memorial Day- Jan. 1; Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-5pm.
Cabot Creamery
Main St.,
Cabot, VT
Ph: 802-563-2231 or 800-837-4261.
See award-winning Vermont cheeses and dairy products being made. Open daily for factory tours every 1/2 hour 9am-5pm. (Seasonal)
Harpoon Brewery
Route 5, Exit 9 off I-91
Windsor, VT
Ph: 800-540-2248 or 1-888-HARPOON.
Guided tours with samples of beer and ale being brewed. Tuesday - Saturday 11am - 3pm. Open year 'round. Call to confirm times.
Crowley Cheese Factory
off Rt.103,
Heraldville, south of Rutland, VT
Ph: 802-259-2340.
Tour this cheese-making plant. Free samples. Open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 8am-4pm. (Open weekends during foliage.) Gift shop.
Grafton Village Cheese
Rt. 35,
Grafton, VT
Ph: 802-843-2221.
Historic cheese making in a beautiful Vermont village town of Grafton. Open daily 8:30am-4pm, 10am-4pm Saturday and Sunday. Closed Christmas Day and Easter Sunday.
Long Trail Brewery
Rt. 4,
Bridgewater, VT
Ph: 802-672-5011.
View of the micro-brewing operation. Sample tray $4.50. Tours not available during foliage. Visitor center open daily 11am-5pm.
Otter Creek Brewing
85 Exchange St., off Rt. 7,
Middlebury, VT
Ph: 800-473-0727.
Brewery tours, tasting room. Gift shop. Open daily 10am-6pm.
Rock of Ages
exit 6 off I-89,
Barre, VT
Ph: 802-476-3119.
See the World's largest granite quarry. Shuttle tours available June-mid October; Monday-Saturday 9:30am-3:00pm. Visitor center open May-October (closed July 4), Monday-Saturday 8:30am-5:00pm. Free admission.
Snow Farm Vineyard and Winery
190 West Shore Rd.,
South Hero, VT
Ph: 802-372-9463.
Located 11 miles west of I-89, this Vermont vineyard and winery is open daily Memorial Day-October 31, 10am-4:30pm or by appointment.
