From Boston's Harbour to the Maple Roads of New Hampshire: A Food Journey Through New England

 

For her, one of the best ways to discover a destination is through its food, and New England certainly didn't disappoint. 

 

Boston was the starting point of my journey, and my first impression came from the harbour. The waterfront is lined with countless restaurants, each showcasing the city's coastal food culture. Here, you'll find iconic lobster rolls and creamy clam chowder that define the region's reputation—dishes that seem inseparable from the sea air and bustling docks. 

 

One of the highlights of my time in Boston was taking part in a cookery class at the historic Omni Parker Hotel. Here, I learned to make the legendary Boston cream pie and There was something incredibly special about creating such an iconic dessert in its place of origin. Watching the soft sponge, silky custard and glossy chocolate glaze come together felt both indulgent and nostalgic, and tasting it fresh from the kitchen made the experience even more rewarding. 

 

Boston's Little Italy, the historic North End, is another place not to miss. Home to more than 100 authentic restaurants, it's also packed with colonial and Revolutionary War landmarks. I loved wandering through the lively streets, stopping at bustling bakeries for freshly made cannoli before sampling delicious arancini and authentic pizza. 

 

A trip to "Beantown" wouldn't be complete without trying the famous Boston Baked Beans. This classic New England comfort food combines white beans with molasses for a deep sweetness and salt pork or bacon for a smoky richness. The slow cooking allows the sauce to caramelise and soak into the beans, creating an incredibly rich and comforting dish. 

 

Leaving the city behind, Vermont opened into a landscape defined by farms, small producers and a strong focus on artisanal food. 

 

One of my first stops was Fat Sheep Farm and Cabins, where I sampled fresh sheep's cheese. Rich, creamy and full of character, it perfectly reflected the surrounding countryside and the care that goes into producing it. Meeting the sheep responsible for making it was an added bonus! 

 

Another memorable visit was to King Arthur Baking Company in Norwich, America's oldest flour company, founded in 1790. I explored the flagship store and café, enjoying freshly baked pastries, desserts and savoury snacks, all made using their famous flour. The shop was full of baking inspiration, from home baking kits to dog treat mixes, while the renowned baking school on site offers visitors the chance to learn new skills and take their creations home. 

 

We also visited Harpoon Brewery in Windsor, where both beer and cider are brewed. While everything was excellent, it was the crisp, refreshing cider that really stood out for me. Learning more about the brewing process gave me an even greater appreciation for the craftsmanship behind every drink. 

 

Our next stop was Burlington, a charming lakeside city with a relaxed atmosphere and a strong connection to one of America's most famous ice cream brands. 

 

Visiting the Ben & Jerry's ice cream shop was a real highlight, especially knowing the factory in nearby Stowe was just a short drive away. Their playful flavours are anything but ordinary, packed with generous chunks of cookie dough, brownies, marshmallows and chocolate in every scoop. 

 

Throughout Burlington, I noticed how proudly cafés and restaurants showcased locally sourced produce. Cheeses, meats and vegetables from nearby farms appeared across the menus, paired with craft beers brewed by local producers. It made every meal feel fresh, authentic and closely connected to the surrounding community. 

 

In Burlington's South End Arts District, we visited Lake Champlain Chocolates. They pride themselves on using high-quality, locally sourced ingredients, while all of their chocolate is Fairtrade and produced using sustainable farming practices. Sampling three different varieties made it easy to appreciate the craftsmanship behind every bar, from smooth milk chocolate to richer dark blends. 

 

The final stretch of my journey took us through New Hampshire along the spectacular Kancamagus Highway. This scenic route is famous for its forests, waterfalls and breathtaking natural beauty. 

 

Apple orchards are a staple of the state's rural landscape and, during autumn, produce fresh apple cider, warm apple cider doughnuts and traditional apple pies that perfectly capture the season. However, New Hampshire is probably best known for one defining flavour: maple syrup. Maple appears everywhere, from roadside farm shops to traditional recipes. I loved discovering "sugar on snow", where hot maple syrup is poured onto fresh snow to create a chewy maple sweet. Of course, maple syrup is also enjoyed in countless other ways, from pancakes and cocktails to barbecue sauces.  

 

Rich, sweet and deeply connected to the region, it felt like the perfect way to round off a food-focused journey through New England. 

 

 

 

Travelling through New England felt like moving through a living cookbook, with each state offering its own signature ingredients, traditions and stories. From lobster rolls on Boston's waterfront to maple syrup in the forests of New Hampshire, every stop showed me just how closely food and place are connected here. 

 

I still have plenty more of New England to explore, which gives me the perfect excuse to return. Next on my foodie list are New Haven-style pizza in Connecticut, clam cakes and stuffies in Rhode Island, and, of course, Maine's fresh Atlantic seafood and its famous whoopie pies.  

 

I can't wait to discover what those destinations have to offer next.