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Travel & Leisure unveils top eight U.S. cheese destinations for cheese lovers
Travel & Leisure magazine consulted industry experts to compile its list, highlighting cheese factories, tasting tours, and specialty shops across the U.S., from Wisconsin to California and Vermont to Oregon.
Travel & Leisure magazine has determined the eight best destinations to visit across the U.S. for cheese lovers. According to the list compiled by consulting experts, an ideal destination should offer not only great restaurants but also opportunities to taste at local dairies, see production, and find rare varieties.
Madison, Wisconsin
The state capital of Madison offers three key stops for a cheese experience around Capitol Square. The Dane County Farmers' Market, the country's largest producer-only market, features Brunkow Cheese's baked cheeses and Hook’s Cheese Company cheddar aged up to 20 years. L’Etoile restaurant serves Wisconsin cheeses, while Fromagination shop gathers the state's finest. Nearby, Landmark Creamery in Paoli and Carr Valley Cheese Company in Sauk City can be visited.
Marin County, California
Close to San Francisco, West Marin offers a perfect cheese complement to wine trails. Amy Sherman, editor of The Cheese Professor, says that Nicasio Valley Cheese, Marin French Cheese Co., and Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese can be visited. At Point Reyes, you can join a tour by reservation and visit the farm shop. Cheese tasting events from May to October start at $45.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia is a city renowned for its cheese culture. From the cheese vending machine at Perrystead Dairy to the Italian delicatessen Di Bruno Bros., which has been serving since 1939, there are many options. Expert Tenaya Darlington recommends starting with Downtown Cheese at Reading Terminal Market and Di Bruno Bros. at the Italian Market. The Philly Cheese School and Tria wine bar also draw interest.
Waterville, Maine
Waterville, north of Portland, makes an ideal stop with the Lockwood hotel and surrounding boutique dairies. Jacqueline Doole, owner of Parlor Ice Cream Co. in Maine, advises starting with Crooked Face Creamery in Skowhegan. The shop at Maine Grains and the Maine Milk Mavens cooperative can also be visited. The Belfast farmers' market offers fresh and aged cheeses from Fuzzy Udder Creamery.
Burlington, Vermont
Vermont is home to many boutique producers waiting to be discovered around Burlington, in addition to big brands. David Phillips, an expert with the American Cheese Society, notes that the handcrafted cheeses from farms like Shelburne Farms, The Cellars at Jasper Hill, and Parish Hill Creamery can rival the world's best examples. At Shelburne Farms, you can join a tour and stay in the 19th-century hotel.
Oregon Coast
Starting from Tillamook in the north, the route offers interactive exhibits, a terrace overlooking the production line, and tasting areas. Katie Brey, director of the Oregon Cheese Guild, says the coastal scenery along Highway 101 turns the journey into a pleasure. The guild hosts the Oregon Cheese Festival in April and The Wedge event in October. At Nestucca Bay Creamery, you can taste nine different cheeses.
Santa Fe and Albuquerque, New Mexico
The New Mexico Cheese Guild this year introduced the Route 66 Cheese Trail. While the state's cheese industry is small, it is rapidly growing in Albuquerque. Guild president Lissa Knudsen notes that The Mouse Hole Cheese Shop is one of two main places in the state where cheese is cut to order. Travel can be planned to attend a cheesemaking workshop at the new guild center in the historic Barelas neighborhood.
Salt Lake City, Utah
Utah's capital provides easy access to surrounding farmstead creameries. Ballerina Farm in Kamas and Heber Valley Cheese in Midway are open for tours. Kolbie Peterson of the Salt Lake Tribune reports that the best address in the city is Caputo's, where the staff is knowledgeable and interesting practices are carried out in the specialty cheese caves. Beehive Cheese at The Mercantile market is also a popular stop.
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