Farm and Culinary Tour
exploring Vermont's food culture on two wheels
DESCRIPTION:
Vermont's history is steeped in farming and the landscape is abound with small farms producing anything from staple meats and produce, to unique crops such as ginger, plum and emu. Meandering through this lush, mountainous farmland are beautiful black-topped roads. Winding and beautiful, we have chosen a route that will delight the eyes and spirit. Along this route we will visit the farms and producers that harvest our evening meals.
Ken Aiken is a native Vermonter, Vermont historian and author of several motorcycling guides. He will lead you through the beautiful mountain roads he calls home and connect them with the history of Vermont.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Guidance and historical knowledge of Ken Aiken
Farm visits and short walking tours
History and architecture of Vermont's iconic covered bridges
Meeting Vermont's Makers. Discover scenic touring roads and learn how and why current routes were established by humans and animals native to this land.
Private tour of the American Precision Museum.
Locally prepared meals and Farmers Dinner on last evening of tour.
ITINERARY
Day 1 (120 miles):
Depart South Burlington, VT toward the Green Mountain National Forest, Lunch and tour of the Bristol Farmers Market. The very twisty Appalachian gap road leads us to the Green Mountain byway toward Grafton, with a few stops at the Sunshine Organic Berry Farm and the Fat Toad Goat Farm for a taste of their delectable goats milk caramel.
Evening meal at the Phelps Barn at Grafton Inn
Day 2 (110 miles):
Depart Grafton on some of Ken's favorite roads toward the Connecticut River byway and the American Precision Museum. Ken acted as curator of the museum at one point and will give a brief tour.
Special Localvore lunch prepared by SoLo Farm + Table.
Finally, we will visit @@@@@@ Family farm to hand pick our vegetables and carefully transport them to Chef for our evening meal at the Grafton Inn.
Day 3 (135 miles):
On our final day, we will head into the Piedmont region of Vermont, along Lake Champlain. Here in the fertile and more temperate valley, we find orchards of plum, peach, pear and of course, apple. We also have a growing number of wine producers and we will learn how their crops withstand the harsh winters and what makes Vermont a desirable growing location.
Lastly, we convene at MotoVermont for a final tour celebration with food and beverages.
LODGING:
The historic Grafton Inn with it’s hand-hewn beams and antique furnishings is just one of the unique placs you'll stay on the New England Immersion Tour. The 200+ year-old Inn began as place for travelers seeking good food and a quiet place to stay.
Read more about the Grafton Inn.
$ ???
3
days
???, 2018
WHAT'S INCLUDED:
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Ground transportation provided by Moto Vermont to and from Burlington International Airport (BTV) or an area hotel.
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Vehicle parking and storage of your non-riding gear during your tour.
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2 nights stay at Grafton Inn
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2 Evening meals, 2 Breakfasts 1 Lunch - All featuring local cuisine, all plentiful and delicious!
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3 days of guidance
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Extra bikes close by in case of mechanical issue
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Admission to all attractions/museums
LODGING:
HEAD TOUR GUIDE:
Ken Aiken is a Journalist and Author. Ken wrote Touring Vermont's Scenic Roads as well as the Motorcycle Journeys Through New England and Atlantic Canada guides. Ken is also a historian, photographer and gemologist.
