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Vermont

Culinary Curiosities: Vermont’s Farmlands With Your Grandchild

Program No. 2309360MEADV-1116-60
Dish out delectable regional cuisine using fresh Vermont ingredients from local farms as you learn from expert-led cooking classes and become a trained chef!

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Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone? 800-454-5768
Age 11 - 14
ROOMING OPTION PRICING
The figures below indicate the rooming options available.
DATES
Jun 15 - Jun 20, 2025
Per Adult
2,549
Per Child
1,649
Jun 15 - Jun 20, 2025
2,549
/ Adult
1,649
/ Child
2,549
/ Adult
1,649
/ Child
3,349
/ Adult
1,649
/ Child
Jun 22 - Jun 27, 2025
Per Adult
2,549
Per Child
1,649
Jun 22 - Jun 27, 2025
2,549
/ Adult
1,649
/ Child
2,549
/ Adult
1,649
/ Child
3,349
/ Adult
1,649
/ Child
Jun 29 - Jul 4, 2025
Per Adult
2,649
Per Child
1,699
Jun 29 - Jul 4, 2025
2,649
/ Adult
1,699
/ Child
2,649
/ Adult
1,699
/ Child
3,499
/ Adult
1,699
/ Child
Jul 6 - Jul 11, 2025
Per Adult
2,649
Per Child
1,699
Jul 6 - Jul 11, 2025
2,649
/ Adult
1,699
/ Child
2,649
/ Adult
1,699
/ Child
3,499
/ Adult
1,699
/ Child
Jul 20 - Jul 25, 2025
Per Adult
2,649
Per Child
1,699
Jul 20 - Jul 25, 2025
2,649
/ Adult
1,699
/ Child
2,649
/ Adult
1,699
/ Child
3,499
/ Adult
1,699
/ Child
Aug 3 - Aug 8, 2025
Per Adult
2,649
Per Child
1,699
Aug 3 - Aug 8, 2025
2,649
/ Adult
1,699
/ Child
2,649
/ Adult
1,699
/ Child
3,499
/ Adult
1,699
/ Child
This date is available to book as a private experience for your group!

At a Glance

Vermont’s beautiful mountains and vast farmland make the perfect classroom for aspiring chefs of any age! You and your grandchild will immerse yourselves in the cooking process from start to finish as you use fresh ingredients at a local farm to create culinary masterpieces in the kitchen together. As you hop around to area farms, meet the friendly animals that live there, and learn about the inn's goats. Visit an orchard to find out about apples in the Champlain Valley. Taste some of Vermont’s specialties as you learn about Vermont’s unique cuisine from small-town maple-tappers and cider-brewers. Create a special bond with your grandchild over the delicious meals you’ve created together, and top it all off with s’more gooey fun as you relax around the resort’s toasty fire pit together.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to a mile a day over varied terrain on field trips. Standing in kitchen for an extended period of time during culinary instruction.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

Best of all, you’ll…

  • Visit local farms and orchards to gather local produce and meet their resident farm animals.
  • Venture to Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Factory, Morse Farm Sugar House and Cold Hollow Cider Mill to learn about their crafts while sampling some Vermont treats.
  • Learn lifelong cooking skills through firsthand demonstrations and classes as you cook together with your children and grandchildren.

General Notes

Due to the nature of this program, listening devices are not available.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
Morriah Adams
Morriah Adams has been working in the hospitality and travel industries for more than two decades. When not on the road with Road Scholar groups in New England, she also works as a real estate agent and property manager in Vermont. Morriah currently resides in Bellows Falls, Vermont with her husband and their pets. Her hobbies include traveling, finding the best restaurants in each locale, and learning about new adventures to promote to her guests around the northeast and beyond.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Morriah Adams
Morriah Adams View biography
Morriah Adams has been working in the hospitality and travel industries for more than two decades. When not on the road with Road Scholar groups in New England, she also works as a real estate agent and property manager in Vermont. Morriah currently resides in Bellows Falls, Vermont with her husband and their pets. Her hobbies include traveling, finding the best restaurants in each locale, and learning about new adventures to promote to her guests around the northeast and beyond.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Program
At a Glance
Duration
6 days
Program Begins
Essex, VT
Program Concludes
Essex, VT
Group Type
Small Group
Meals
14 | 5B | 4L | 5D |
Activity Level
Vermont’s beautiful mountains and vast farmland make the perfect classroom for aspiring chefs of any age! You and your grandchild will immerse yourselves in the cooking process from start to finish as you use fresh ingredients at a local farm to create culinary masterpieces in the kitchen together. As you hop around to area farms, meet the friendly animals that live there, and learn about the inn's goats. Visit an orchard to find out about apples in the Champlain Valley. Taste some of Vermont’s specialties as you learn about Vermont’s unique cuisine from small-town maple-tappers and cider-brewers. Create a special bond with your grandchild over the delicious meals you’ve created together, and top it all off with s’more gooey fun as you relax around the resort’s toasty fire pit together.)
Best of all, you'll...
  • Visit local farms and orchards to gather local produce and meet their resident farm animals.
  • Venture to Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Factory, Morse Farm Sugar House and Cold Hollow Cider Mill to learn about their crafts while sampling some Vermont treats.
  • Learn lifelong cooking skills through firsthand demonstrations and classes as you cook together with your children and grandchildren.
General Notes
Due to the nature of this program, listening devices are not available.
Featured Expert
Profile Image
Morriah Adams
Morriah Adams has been working in the hospitality and travel industries for more than two decades. When not on the road with Road Scholar groups in New England, she also works as a real estate agent and property manager in Vermont. Morriah currently resides in Bellows Falls, Vermont with her husband and their pets. Her hobbies include traveling, finding the best restaurants in each locale, and learning about new adventures to promote to her guests around the northeast and beyond.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to a mile a day over varied terrain on field trips. Standing in kitchen for an extended period of time during culinary instruction.
Small Group (13 to 24)
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List (4 Books)
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call 800-454-5768
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
6 days
5 nights
What's Included
14 meals | 5B | 4L | 5D |
9 expert-led lectures
6 expert-led field trips
5 hands-on experiences
An experienced Group Leader
5 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Expand All
Activity Note
Inn check-in available from 4:00 p.m. Remember to bring your nametag (sent previously).
Afternoon:
Program Registration. 4:00-5:00 p.m. After you check in and have your room assignment, join us at the Road Scholar table in the lobby to register with the program staff, get any updated information, and confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please locate your Group Leader and let them know you have arrived.
Dinner:
At the Inn.
Evening:
We will go outside to the Inn’s fire pit where we will make our own s’mores and begin Orientation. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. This is a Road Scholar Grandparent program. Grandparents are responsible for their grandchildren at all times. If/when separate age group activities are conducted concurrently, program staff will supervise. Minors are never to be left unsupervised. Periods in the daily schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Activity Note
Walking up to 1 mile indoors and out; periods of standing in the kitchen. Closed-toe shoes are required in the kitchens.
Breakfast:
At the Inn.
Morning:
We will meet in our kitchen classrooms with our chef instructor, plan today’s menus for class, and discuss the upcoming activities for the week. Next, we’ll shift focus and have a lesson on knife skills and kitchen tools before cooking locally grown and raised products in the kitchen to create our fabulous lunch. As for final preparations, everyone will be plating and serving one another the meals to which everyone contributed.
Lunch:
At the Inn, we’ll enjoy the delicious meal we helped to prepare.
Afternoon:
Heading outside with our Group Leader, we will go on a foraging expedition in the forest surrounding the resort to look for wild edible foods. We’ll conclude the afternoon with a baking competition led by the baking chef instructor. All of us will be provided with ingredients to make similar pastries, but everyone will be encouraged to create their own unique version. You may wish to adjust flavors, decoration, or make other additions.
Dinner:
At the Inn.
Evening:
We will gather in the Ballroom for a group game night with our Group Leader.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 60 miles throughout the day, approximately 2 hours riding time. Walking up to 1/2 mile throughout the day; uneven and unpaved surfaces.
Breakfast:
At the Inn.
Morning:
After breakfast we board the motorcoach and set out for our first field trip of the day to Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks. Upon arrival, we’ll hear a talk on maple sugaring given by Morse Farm staff in their century-old sugarhouse. We’ll then follow up our field trip with a traditional and delicious sugar-on-snow experience. We’ll then transfer with our Group Leader through historic Montpelier, Vermont’s state capitol, to the Waterbury-Stowe area.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant. Meal choices pre-selected prior to arrival at the program.
Afternoon:
After lunch we will board the motorcoach and make a short journey to the Cold Hollow Cider Mill. Here we will meet with the staff Mill to learn about the production of cider and cider products as we go behind the scenes to learn about the steps that take place from tree to bottle. As we go, we’ll learn about their storage facility, pressing and pasteurizing rooms, and the many delicious apple products they make including donuts, cider, and apple cider jellies. Our last stop of the day will be to the Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Factory where we’ll enjoy a factory tour with the Ben & Jerry staff ending with a tasty sample. We’ll ride back to the Inn after our field trips.
Dinner:
Dinner is at your leisure this evening at the resort. Dinner vouchers will be provided upon check in for you to make reservations on your own.
Evening:
At leisure. You might like to enjoy the resort facilities including the pool, walking trails, and fire pit, spend time with fellow Road Scholars, or just relax.
Activity Note
Walking and standing in kitchen.
Breakfast:
At the Inn.
Morning:
To begin, our Group Leader will give us a demonstration showing the differences between store bought and farm fresh eggs. We’ll then join our chefs for a fun morning culinary competition, dividing into teams and putting our skills to the test as we make a tasty lunch.
Lunch:
At the Inn.
Afternoon:
Next, we’ll jump in for a class on “not your average pasta” where we will learn how to make your own pasta and create fillings to stuff your pasta for this evening’s meal.
Dinner:
At the Inn, we’ll enjoy dishes we prepared during our afternoon class.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 80 miles throughout the day, approximately 2 hours riding time. Walking up to 1 mile throughout the day; unpaved and uneven surfaces.
Breakfast:
At the Inn.
Morning:
We will board a motorcoach and ride to a local orchard for a field trip where we’ll learn from orchard staff about apples grown in the Champlain Valley. We’ll also have an opportunity to meet friendly farm animals and enjoy a short tractor ride. Next, we will ride to the historic Shelburne Farms. Upon arrival at the farm we will make a short wagon ride to visit the Cheese Hub to watch the cheesemakers and will have an opportunity for a Q&A session with the cheesemaker. Following the cheese presentation we make a short walk to the Farmyard to visit with the variety of animals housed on premise.
Lunch:
A box lunch will be served at the Farm. Meal choices pre-selected prior to arrival at the program.
Afternoon:
Following lunch, we make a stop at the Farmstand to select fresh produce to be used in the preparation of this evening’s meal. We’ll then board the motorcoach and journey to the Echo Leahy Center for Lake Champlain. Here we have the opportunity to explore the museum at our leisure and take in one of the featured short films focused on Lake Champlain and the area marine life. We then return to the hotel for our final classes of the program. We will be joined by the Inn’s pastry chef for a cooking demonstration before we have a fun opportunity to make things that have been discussed during our earlier idea-forming sessions but haven’t had time to make yet. Using the local products, we brought back from our morning field trip; we will make delicious evening meal creations.
Dinner:
At the Inn, we’ll enjoy the dishes we made. Share favorite experiences and enjoy camaraderie with fellow Road Scholars during our farewell dinner.
Evening:
We’ll gather in the Ballroom to enjoy a movie night and homemade popcorn with our Road Scholar friends. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.
Activity Note
Inn check-out by 11:00 a.m.
Breakfast:
At the Inn. This concludes our program.
Morning:
If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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Map details are not available for this location.
MEALS
14 Meals
5 Breakfasts
4 Lunches
5 Dinners
The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Low Fat, Vegetarian, Low Salt
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
Aug 03, 2025 - Aug 08, 2025
  • Aug 03, 2025 - Aug 08, 2025
  • Jun 15, 2025 - Jun 20, 2025
  • Jun 22, 2025 - Jun 27, 2025
  • Jun 29, 2025 - Jul 04, 2025
  • Jul 06, 2025 - Jul 11, 2025
  • Jul 20, 2025 - Jul 25, 2025
  • Aug 03, 2025 - Aug 08, 2025
5 nights
Location: Essex
Culinary Resort and Spa located a short distance from Lake Champlain and the Green Mountains. Full service spa is available, Executive Golf Course,
5 nights
Location: Essex
Culinary Resort and Spa located a short distance from Lake Champlain and the Green Mountains. Full service spa is available, Executive Golf Course,
5 nights
Location: Essex
Culinary Resort and Spa located a short distance from Lake Champlain and the Green Mountains. Full service spa is available, Executive Golf Course,
5 nights
Location: Essex
Culinary Resort and Spa located a short distance from Lake Champlain and the Green Mountains. Full service spa is available, Executive Golf Course,
5 nights
Location: Essex
Culinary Resort and Spa located a short distance from Lake Champlain and the Green Mountains. Full service spa is available, Executive Golf Course,
5 nights
Location: Essex
Culinary Resort and Spa located a short distance from Lake Champlain and the Green Mountains. Full service spa is available, Executive Golf Course,
Participant Reviews
4.88
Based on 17 Reviews
Sort By:
Linda | Agoura, CA
If you want a fun cooking experience in the beautiful Northeast with your grandchild this is the program for you! We learned new skills, got creative, and visited a bbeautiful part of our country!
— Review left October 11, 2024
Pamela – Class of 2014 | San Luis Obispo, CA
This was an excellent program: well crafted with combinations of cooking instruction, creativity, free time and sightseeing of what culinary delights Vermont has to offer. My grandchild and I loved it all!!
— Review left August 4, 2024
Dorothy – Class of 2011 | Branford, CT
This program was a wonderful experience for my granddaughter and myself. The trip leader was terrific in every way. The kids really enjoyed the cooking demonstrations and great chefs who accomodated each child and their learning style as they independently cooked on their own. Field trips were just right.
— Review left July 28, 2024
Ina | Mayfield Hts, OH
Grandparent trips give you a unique opportunity to spend quality time with your grandchildren . The program is structured so that memories are created for both of you.
— Review left July 1, 2024
Lois – Class of 1995 | Boise, ID
The program was a thoughtful mix of cooking and seeing various sites in Vermont on our excursion days. Both grandparents and grandchildren had a wonderful time together!!
— Review left August 21, 2023
Kim – Class of 2023 | Scottsdale, AZ
Fantastic experience with my grandchild in the beautiful state of Vermont. I am looking forward to participating in future Road Scholar programs with my other three grandkids!
— Review left July 23, 2023
Linda – Class of 2023 | Gainesville, VA
Great trip with grandchildren. They learned skills and then applied them in the cooking of meals for the grandparents.
— Review left July 16, 2023
Linda – Class of 2015 | Port Orchard, WA
This was a fun week with my granddaughter. It was a real joy to see her quickly make friends, and taste the amazing foods all of them made. The chefs that worked with them were knowledgeable, friendly and easily engaged the children in the foods they prepared.
— Review left July 12, 2023
Carol – Class of 2014 | Houston, TX
The perfect program for your 12 year old if they have a passion for culinary arts.
— Review left September 6, 2022
Dorothy – Class of 2011 | Branford, CT
Excellent!
— Review left September 4, 2022
Diane – Class of 2010 | Ellicott City, MD
What a wonderful program this is for both grandkids & grandparents. Lots of hands on cooking activities in well appointed kitchens. The professional chefs were excellent with the children, both teaching and encouraging. The creativity of the kids was impressive and they were fearless as they mastered new kitchen skills. Beautiful location and comfortable accommodations.
— Review left August 20, 2022
George – Class of 2012 | Sarasota, FL
The website is fine. Questions were thoroughly answered by those manning the phones.
— Review left August 19, 2022
Karen – Class of 1994 | Haymarket, VA
Culinary Curiosities is a great program whether or not your grandchild is interested in the culinary field. It creates awareness into where our food comes from other than from the grocery store!
— Review left August 14, 2022
Sally – Class of 2013 | Marietta, GA
If your grandchild has even a tiny bit of interest in cooking, this is the program for you! My granddaughter and I have cooked together since she was a little girl, but this program has taken us to a whole new level. She even said that after this program, she might have to rethink her future career--should she become a teacher as she had planned or a full time chef? It was fabulous in every way. The Chefs taught us so much and we loved the Essex and also seeing a bit of beautiful Vermont. Thank you, Road Scholar-you have "wowed me" once again!
— Review left August 11, 2022
Linda | Burr Ridge, IL
Great way to engage with my grandson about something he found interesting in a beautiful setting.
— Review left August 6, 2022
Sharon – Class of 2003 | Arlington, MA
This program provided an excellent opportunity for both me and my grandchild to learn new culinary skills, explore an idyllic section of the U. S., and meet several vital, thoughtful people, young and old. The instructors were highly skilled, empathetic, and eager to pass along their expertise. In all, this was a highlight of the summer.
— Review left August 3, 2022
JoAnn – Class of 2019 | Solvang, CA
MY GRANDDAUGHTER AND I HAD A REMARKABLE VACATION TOGETHER THANKS TO THE ROAD SCHOLAR PROGRAM. WE BOTH WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT TO EVERYONE.
— Review left July 3, 2019





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