This marked our fifth year visiting the fabulous Vermont Cheese Festival. This year it returned to…read moreShelburne Farms south of Burlington for the first time since 2019; the most recent festival was held in Greensboro in 2023, and there was no festival in 2024. So it was a big welcome back in 2025, and the event -- held inside the newly reconstructed, enormous breeding barn at Shelburne (please see the photos) -- was quite a big deal. There were perhaps 50 or so vendors, and the general public was limited to just 1,000 tickets, which made it, unexpectedly, something of an elite event. (Tickets were sold out months in advance.) The festival offers a wonderful opportunity to meet the these dedicated craft cheesemakers and, best of all, sample their work. And wow, did we ever sample their work!!! We won't go detailing each of those cheeses, but please know there were many and not a one disappointed us. Other vendors offered everything from ciders to jams, sauces, charcuterie and -- believe it or not -- peanut butter. At a cheese festival? The atmosphere is inviting and rewarding for the makers and the public, and assembling such a large and skilled group of crafters in one place makes for an extraordinary moment. We congratulate the executive director of the cheese council, Hale, who did a splendid job. A couple of small issues for us: while there were a few chairs outside the barn there was almost no seating at all inside, and there was space which could have been worked fine, we think. And after a hour of walking around, a sitting break could have felt good. Also, there were food trucks selling ice cream, Indian food, cookies from King Arthurs, but they were placed placed pretty far from the barn, requiring a bit of walking. We also enjoyed the band playing outside, but they too were a bit moved from everything else. And then, it was hot -- near 90, but that's just the way it was. And for attendees, it was clearly not the temps defined this dazzling event. We're ready for 2026!

My wife and I recently had the wonderful opportunity to attend the Vermont Cheesemakers Festival as…read morevolunteers a couple of weekends ago. We had signed up to help and it turned out to be so much more than just service. Right off the bat, the food was extraordinary, what a spectacular showcase of Vermont's artisanal cheese scene! Samples ranged from classic cheddars to Gouda to pepper jack, all crafted by passionate local cheesemakers. We also discovered delightful pairings, cheese and jam was a Hit; I wasn't expecting it, but "jam is my jam," as one participant aptly put it. lol As for service, the volunteer coordination was seamless. Helping vendors set up before the crowds arrived gave us a chance to chat with cheesemakers, learn about each cheese's story, and feel truly connected to their craft. The staff were friendly, organized, and the energy was warm and welcoming. The ambiance was downright charming. Set at historic Shelburne Farms' Breeding Barn, the festival unfolded on a perfect summer day - sunny, scenic, and relaxed. It felt like celebrating cheese right in the heart of verdant Vermont, complete with the buzz of fellow cheese lovers, artisan vendors, and farm surroundings. A bit of history: This year marked the 13th Annual Vermont Cheesemakers Festival, hosted by the Vermont Cheese Council at Shelburne Farms. The festival is rooted in Vermont's rich artisanal cheese tradition, highlighting how the state leads the nation in cheesemakers per capita. It originally began as a celebration of the state's cheesemaking success a sort of "cheese carnival" introducing the public to local producers and their craft. Notably, this year's event was completely sold out tickets were snapped up well in advance, and none were available at the door. Even the general admission waitlist was full, and volunteer slots had closed early too. This level of demand speaks volumes about how beloved and highly anticipated, the festival has become. Volunteering at the Vermont Cheesemakers Festival was a fantastic decision. The combination of exceptional cheese, purposeful and friendly service, and a picturesque setting made for a memorable afternoon. It's clear why this sold-out event has become a beloved summer tradition. We'll definitely be back, with or without volunteer duties to savor more of what Vermont's incredible cheesemakers have to offer!

This was a stop on the way out of Burlington. We wanted some breakfast and coffee and oh my did…read morethis for the bill. Now, some of the pastries did not look like they were made the same day fresh but most was. The breakfast sandwich was huge. The coffee was not bad but also not the best however I would visit again for the food.

Great coffee and croissants, we also enjoyed the macarons and biscuits and gravy. Friendly staff!read more

Great place! Staff is nice owners are friendly and informative and really take pride in their work…read more I was there for Sugar on snow last year for the first time. Super delicious. Sugarhouse was really cool (literally AND figuratively) and they had a great band. Prices are reasonable.

Closed when the website said they'd be open. It's 10:50 am on a Sunday. Disappointing. I won't…read morereturn

There are truly not enough words to describe how much I adore this restaurant and its staff. I…read moreaccidentally stumbled upon Rustic Roots a few years ago when my friend and I wanted to get brunch after we finished our morning classes at UVM, this place came up on my recommended and I am so glad it did! It became a tradition for me and my friend to go every month (sometimes practically every week) to get arguably the greatest breakfast in all of Vermont. Their menu changes seasonally, which means there's always something new to try! I think it's so impressive how they do both a savory and a sweet breakfast so perfectly, and don't skip the sides! I graduated in May and have since moved back home and I still think about their cheesy truffle grits and popovers! I recommend going on the waitlist if you want to guarantee a spot, as it can get busy on the weekends, especially with the farmers market right across the street. I am also obsessed with how homey it is inside, and how after going there for so long the workers treated me and my friend just like family! I can't wait to go back on my next trip up to Vermont!

This is a super small, cute spot with great food. We ordered the croque madame with a biscuit and…read morefresh orange marmalade(SO delicious), the Rustic breakfast and the bacon & Spinach omelette, very good! The Bloody Mary was also very good. Service was excellent!

I stopped in for a few souvenirs, store caught the corner of my eye. I was browsing having a blast…read morelooking at all the variety of things...I had an awesome lady come up to me and ask questions helped me pick out some stuff that I missed my first time looking at things and turned out she was the owner!! She was so sweet and humble that I wanted to leave this review. I believe they also ship anywhere in the world. I would def make this a stop for any maple souvenirs and more!!

This store is a popular destination in Shelburne area. It is a huge store with front side filled…read morewith candies, pastries, cookies, local maple syrups, sauces, home good items and more. The left side room has huge variety of apparels, hats and socks. The back side has great collection of gifts, stationary , cards, magnets, posters and other souvenirs. The cakes, cookies and some candies are sold by weight. We bought some unique toffees and gummies from here. I also found some really nice magnets here highlighting Vermont. We bought few of those and some stickers too. This was one of the better quality souvenir store we found in Burlington area. The staff were very friendly, helped with questions and checkouts.

Finally ate here after multiple recommendations. Thank god they didn't have the bagels we came for,…read morebecause I ended up getting the anchovy-free kale caesar I've been dreaming of my whole life. I know that sounds dramatic, but I mean it--its almost impossible to find a vegetarian caesar salad that isn't sad, but this one was perfectly indulgent with plenty of crunchy croutons and pecorino, and a jammy egg. The chaider was so good, too. Highly recommend both. Will be back for that salad.

Great stop before heading on the ferry. Lots of local provisions, great breakfast biscuit and…read moreburrito, friendly staff, fun atmosphere.!

Great store ! Picked up everything I needed to cater a small dinner. Fat, juicy lamb chops, super…read morefresh, thick cut swordfish, veggies and nice wine selection....BAM ! Very helpful staff both at the cashier and behind the meat-fish counter. Is it expensive? Yes, so is a Lamborghini. This place represents "you get what you pay" big time. Want to complain about their prices ? Go enjoy your "no range" chicken and frozen tilapia at Price Chopper.

Horribly rude. I left & went to Healthy Living instead & had delicious seafood & steak & was…read moretreated respectfully. I will never step foot in this stinky (on every level) place again. Gross

Great farmer's market. We tried two of the vendors…read more First was some raw milk from Mose Farms. Loved the richness and creaminess of the milk. I'd be a regular if I lived near the farm or anywhere that they distributed to. Second was a spinach and feta pastry from the Flakey Crust. This was a monstrous pastry. It had to be a few pounds heavy. Absolutely packed with filling. It was pricey at over $15, but the portion size was comparable to two or three regular sized pastries. The market is open Saturdays mornings starting at 9 AM.

Great little stop on our way through town! Crafts, food, flowers and vegetables. I am glad I do…read morenot live any closer, Moonshadow Sweets made some of the best dark chocolate salted caramel I have ever eaten!!

Best tortillas in New England! Like home made. Check the ingredients - flour and lime!! Awesome. I…read moreput as many as I can in the freezer and be happy!

Just an overdue update on my previous review. I did eventually get an email from the company…read moreclaiming email issues, but not recognizing their violation of food safety standards or expressing any willingness to fix the problem.

We are locals and enjoy going to Barkeaters about 6 times a year. The staff is great, the menu and…read morewhat we ordered is always done perfectly and they are very prompt for time from ordering to our meal delivered to our table. Never an issue here! 5 Stars for that. The only downside is the decor and dark ceiling tiles and low light levels just do not work for an afternoon meal. While this might be good for an evening meal, it's not what we prefer during the daytime. Barkeaters has not done a remodel or update in its restaurant in quite a while and I think regulars who keep coming back notice that. I hope they will consider a much needed remodel for colors and light levels at some point soon. But, for the food and staff, you will not be disappointed at all! For those just visiting from out of state, it is still definitely worth going there to dine and you will not be disappointed for service and cuisine. Also, be aware that it can get noisy there during peak times so you may have to shout a little and do avoid the 2 person table right next to the rest room doors! (and why is that table there at all?).

We stopped in for lunch after our amazing visit to nearby Shelburne Farms ( a must ) and were…read moreoverall satisfied with our meal and experience. We ordered the smash burger which was tasty and well portioned along with a good amount of fries, my wife had the veggie burger with sweet fries which she enjoyed and my so ordered the grilled cheese with bacon and tomato soup. The prices were fair and the service was good with a nice friendly atmosphere and good location. Next time in South Burlington be sure to stop in - I'm sure Dinner is just as good !