Best New England Food Festivals

Posted by Fodor's Guest Blogger on April 24, 2012 at 1:49:32 PM EDT | Post a Comment

By Joshua Rogol

New England hosts a cornucopia of food festivals throughout summer and fall that pay tribute to local food and cuisine, from blueberries to lobster, and cheese to chowder. We've rounded up five of the most delicious celebrations honoring regional culinary delights, for an unforgettable taste of New England.

1. Chowderfest

Boston, Massachusetts

Thousands will gather at City Hall Plaza for the 31st Annual Chowderfest in early July. The chowder cook-off is part of Harborfest, Boston’s yearly festivities centered on Independence Day.

When: July 1, 2012

More Info: BostonHarborFest.com

Plan Your Trip: Visit Fodor's Boston Travel Guide for the latest hotel, restaurant, and shopping reviews.

2. Vermont Cheesemakers Festival

Shelburne, Vermont

Artisanal cheese and local beer and wine are the highlights of this day-long summer festival. Sample more than 100 cheese varieties from 40 local cheese-makers in the Coach Barn of Shelburne Farms.

When: July 22, 2012

More Info: VTCheeseFest.com

Plan Your Trip: Visit Fodor's Vermont Travel Guide for the latest hotel, restaurant, and shopping reviews.

3. Maine Lobster Festival

Rockland, Maine

Stuff your face with lobster-tails and claws during this "lobstravaganza." With almost 20,000 pounds of delicious crustacean at your fingertips, leaving hungry is not an option.

When: August 1–5, 2012

More Info: MaineLobsterFestival.com

Plan Your Trip: Visit Fodor's Maine Travel Guide for the latest hotel, restaurant, and shopping reviews.

4. Wilton Blueberry Festival

Wilton, Maine

The 30th Annual Wilton Blueberry festival takes place in early August, inviting participants to pick their own wild blueberries and sample baked goods, from pancakes to pies.

When: August 3–4, 2012

More Info: WiltonBBF.com

Plan Your Trip: Visit Fodor's Maine Travel Guide for the latest hotel, restaurant, and shopping reviews.

5. Keene Pumpkin Festival

Keene, New Hampshire

Locals will once again attempt to set the world record for most lit pumpkins at this yearly gathering, taking place in October. Enjoy hayrides and contests like pie-eating and pumpkin seed-spitting.

When: October 20, 2012

More Info: PumpkinFestival2011.org

Plan Your Trip: Visit Fodor's New Hampshire Travel Guide for the latest hotel, restaurant, and shopping reviews.

Photo Credit: Vermont Cheesemakers Festival

Posted in Trip Ideas Tagged: Boston, Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Food and Wine, Festivals