The most memorable part of our visit to Waterbury was visiting Cold Hollow Cider Mill. In fact it is one of Vermont's major tourist attractions. You aren’t obligated to buy any of the cheeses, jams, ciders, or wines. However, after the free tasting of some of the products, I am sure you will want to bring some delicious foods and drinks home. The only question is can you stop with just one purchase! (We didn’t). I also enjoyed browsing through the general store looking at the collectibles.

A part of Waterbury is the area known as Colbyville where we spent several enjoyable hours at the famous Ben & Jerry's site. This stop is billed as Vermont’s number one tourist stop. Judging from all of the people visiting, that seemed like a likely fact. We became part of the crowd looking at the old pictures on the walls and laughing about all of the articles about how different flavors came about.

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The restaurant, in an old large house, has several sections. We got to pick our exact table and we picked a table with a view of the area. The large table (so we were not crowded) was located in the large enclosed wrap around porch of the restaurant.

The waiter was very friendly and knowledgeable. He told us the specials and helped us choose which entrée to select. I chose the Angus beef steak and my wife decided upon the rack of lamb. Both entrees were absolutely delicious. The steak was seasoned very well and there was plenty to eat. For dessert, my wife chose the chocolate torte and to her satisfaction, the dessert had plenty of chocolate for her sweet tooth!

Part of our great dining experience was the atmosphere. There was the homey feel of a bed and breakfast place. Noise level was just right: some noise for comfort level but not intrusive. The décor was interesting so you looked around during (and after) the meal. Also there is live piano music on Friday and Saturday evenings. Definitely worth a return visit!

Click here for the restaurant’s web page.

Even if you didn’t plan on buying some of the wares, you probably will! The general store consists of much to choose from. First, I bought some Vermont Apple Spice Pancake Mix. The mix makes absolutely delicious pancakes! I only bought two bags and wish I bought more. Luckily there is an online store if I don’t visit again soon.

I also bought some maple syrup. I thought I didn’t like maple syrup but after tasting their maple syrup, I realize that I don’t like the fake syrup sold in grocery stores! The syrup will probably go fast also.

Another stop (still in the retail area) was the jams. After sampling quite a few, I settled on the cinnamon pear jam. In addition to buying one jar for us, my wife bought a second jar. Not only was the jam reasonably priced, it has the homey label and gingham check material wrapped on the top, which makes for a cute gift.

Then onto the bakery counter where we received some free donut samples and also bought some other goodies. All of the donuts and pastries are real fresh and delicious. At the counter, there also was a Vermont Meadow muffin. This is a gag gift for my sister! The packaging is full of cow puns and the chocolate muffin is shaped like cow dung.

Of course you may also be tempted with the wide selection of Cabot cheese! Connected to the Cider Mill store is the wine store and the Christmas store, which is also very interesting.

Click here for the web page (and how to order on-line).

We had stopped at the store about 8 years ago and decided not to take the tour this time. The tour costs about $3 each and covers a lot of tidbits of information. If this is your first time visiting the store, you should definitely sign up. Of course, on the tour, you get free samples!

What else is there besides the tour? One stop is the gift store. There are lots of neat "things" to look at and to buy. If you have to buy lots of Christmas stocking stuffer gifts, this store is for you. The gifts are unique and not too expensive. And best of all they are a reminder of your vacation in Cow country! Lots of gizmos and weird things that guys like to examine.

In the hallway, there are plenty of photographs and newspaper articles to read. There are some stories about the background of how a flavor was developed. There was also a newspaper article moaning fact that the yearly festival was being moved from Vermont to Woodstock, New York that I found interesting since I am from New York.

Outside the store the most important item of interest is the area to buy the main event: Ben & Jerry’s ice cream! And there are lots of picnic tables set up for eating your cone or dish of selected flavor! In addition, the playground apparatus are very Cow oriented themes.

Be sure to read more by visiting two web sites. The first is another visitor’s summary: Click here to read the professional newspaper writer’s narrative.
Click here to access the official company website . I absolutely loved the company’s website since it was so interesting and had great graphics. It made me laugh with all of the puns you expect from a company with the history of Ben & Jerry’s, but are still surprised to see. Shameless plugs, but historical and interesting! Make sure you see the section on flavors for a change (consistent with their environmental background), the "suggest a flavor" section (with the comment "you know you want to") and the graveyard (with appropriate graphics for all of the retired flavors). The site is a barrel of laughs.

We started at the Vermont Teddy Bear store. I did not know that there would be such a large selection of teddy bears to look at. Not only were there all sizes and colors of teddy bears, the extensive wardrobe selection was mind boggling! There was also a special section where you stuff, sew, and dress your own teddy bear. At the end, you get to name the bear and will receive a birth certificate! Real neat!

The next stop was the Cabot Annex Store where I spent some time sampling the various flavors of cheese, jam, and crackers. All were delicious. Besides buying a few of the favorites, we also bought a few bottles of wine from their extensive collection.

Our final stop was Lake Champlain Chocolates. My wife is a true chocoholic so we were there for a while! I am still amazed at how many varieties of chocolate were displayed in the store. I do not remember any free samples to try, but we did have a coupon for a few free truffles. My wife bought quite a few gift boxes of chocolates for her co-workers. Of course, I do not think all of the chocolates made it to work!