Who doesn't love an expertly prepared meal featuring local ingredients? There are many ways to give the gift of local food this winter and we've highlighted some options below as part of the DigInVT's Holiday Gift Guide. It's been another challenging year for the restaurant industry, but many Vermont restaurants have shown great resilience and creativity to prepare and deliver food to customers. Let's gift with intention this holiday season and show our chefs and food service workers our appreciation! From gift certificates to apparel, you're sure to find gift that that shares a taste of Vermont with someone on your list.
Gift Certificates
Treat your family members or friends to a meal at their favorite local eatery by purchasing a gift certificate! The Farmhouse Group has a convenient gift card for the localvores on your shopping list and they can use it at any of the Farmhouse Group locations: El Cortijo, Guild Tavern, Pascolo, and Farmhouse Tap and Grill.
Maybe you have family that lives out-of-state and they missed their Vermont trip this year - mail them a certificate to use when they can visit again.
This is also a great option for a significant other - treat them to a date night and give yourself a break from cooking after all the holiday meals.
Or buy several gift certificates in different areas so the recipient can explore Vermont's taste of place though Vermont Fresh Network restaurants.
It's also a nice way to spread out the fun and have a night out to look forward to in the new year!
Support your favorite restaurant and/or try a new one. Check out the list of eateries.
Surprise Takeout
Surprise your friend, neighbor, partner, or family with takeout? This is a great way to get in the holiday spirit. And it is a lot of fun!
- Maybe your elderly neighbor hasn't been going out much and they've been craving their favorite dish from a local eatery.
- It's been a year, right? Maybe your family could use an easy dinner. Celebrate December vacation with pizza!
- Enjoyed the quieter New Year's Eve the past few years, but still want to celebrate? Many of Vermont's restaurants have special menu's to celebrate the New Year. Purchase a bottle of sparkling wine and pair is with a meal to remember. Bistro de Margot in Burlington is now accepting pre-orders for NYE takeout. You won't want to miss this menu!
Check out the list of eateries to explore the offerings are in your area.
Weekend Getaway
Make a weekend out of it! Many Vermont inns have their own built-in dining options. Gift a night or weekend away, and include a special meal?
Choose dates and a location to mark a special activity - for example, if someone on your list loves skiing, choose a bed and breakfast close to their favorite ski resort in early spring!
Some also offer add-ons - choose a local cheese plate, a bottle of Vermont wine or cider, or a fresh floral arrangement at check out for that extra special touch.
You may even be able to snag a romance package for the special someone in your life or a seasonal discount! Hotel and inn staff are knowledgable and ready to provide recommendations.
Discover a new part of the state, and check out DigInVT's trail options for ideas of where to stay, explore, eat, and drink!
Find an inn or bed and breakfast with great dining options here.
Restaurant Swag
Pick out a hat, t-shirt, or tote bag for each recipient on your list so they can represent their favorite restaurants! Or go beyond apparel, and find something a little bit more out of the box - a cookbook featuring Vermont recipes, a spice mix created by a local chef, or branded glassware.
These are great items to add to a stocking, gift alongside a certificate, or give as a standalone present!
Here are some ideas gathered by the DigInVT team:
- Visit the Doc Ponds online store and choose from a variety of shirts, sweatshirts, hats, glassware, and more featuring the iconic Doc logo!
- Burlington Beer Company has a full online shop featuring apparel (including baby and child sizes), glassware, disc golf discs, pins and more. Have a dog owner on your list? Order them a BBCO plush can dog toy!
- For all the bakers in your life, head to King Arthur Baking Company's online shop. In addition to apparel ("bake, eat, repeat"), they offer branded kitchen items like canisters and crocks, measuring spoons and cups, and other baking materials!
- Find a local bookstore on Indie Bound to purchase the Dosa Kitchen cookbook, authored by restauranteurs Nash Patel and Leda Scheintaub.
- Going out of state, but want to gift the taste of Vermont? Head over to Middlebury Natural Foods Co-Op and pick up some VT ferments, syrup, teas, coffees, or anything else that catches your eye!
- Jules on the Green in Essex Junction has a sweet signature Stonewashed Cap, a bespoke Bartender Key and other merchandise on their on-line store
