Vermont:  A Cheese Paradise

It’s hard not to smile and say cheese when you live in Vermont.  After all, we are the premium Artisan cheese state, with the highest number of cheese makers per capita.  Here are just a few of our local favorites:

For a family friendly farm experience, visit Taylor Farm in Londonderry.  Originally a dairy operation, Taylor Farm now has a cheese making facility, lodging, a farm stand, sleigh rides and educational activities.  They have a herd of 50 milking cows, each of which is individually named and lovingly cared for in a free stall barn.  All of their cheese is handmade on the farm using fresh milk which has no growth hormones added. The cows graze on 180 year old permanent pastures free from pesticides, herbicides and chemical fertilizers.  Try one of Taylor Farm’s American Cheese Society Award Winning Goudas!  Sadly, when we called Taylor Farm to ask permission to use some of their great pictures, we heard that they recently had a devastating loss of one of their big barns and two of their animals.  Please help support them in this difficult time by buying cheese!

For a native Vermont cheese that’s just as rich as its history, try Frog City’s Plymouth Cheese, located on the President Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site.  The original Plymouth Cheese factory was founded in 1890 by President Calvin Coolidge’s father, Colonel John Coolidge, and the Coolidge’s produced cheese there as recently as the 1990s!  The current owners began operation in 2004 and say that they’re “…honored to be carrying on this tradition by producing this native Vermont cheese. This is our way of staying connected to the heritage of this cheese and honoring the original producers, the Coolidge's and local Plymouth farmers.”

For an original Vermont cheese, visit the Crowley Cheese Factory in Healdville.  Crowley Cheese Factory is the oldest continuously operated cheese producer in the United States.  They produce a gourmet Colby that is handmade in small batches using the original recipe from 1882.

If you haven’t found it already, the Wine and Cheese Depot is your source for these cheeses and more.  Leslie Stuart opened the Wine and Cheese Depot in 1996, and has been supplying her loyal following ever since.  If you want to learn about all types of wines, and have someone who is knowledgeable assist you in a selection, this is your spot.  Leslie’s cheese selection is equally varied.  Leslie has approximately 40% imported cheeses, and 60% domestic.  Go ahead and find your way to the Wine and Cheese Depot (located across from the Town Hall) on Depot Street.  You can also email Leslie or call her at the shop, 802-228-4381.

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