This upper New England trio is synonymous with signature food and drink offerings. Maine goes with lobster as Vermont goes with maple syrup and cheese, while New Hampshire quickly connotes seafood and microbreweries. In this founding American region, food equals tradition—and survival. The fundamental Yankee story can be found in fields, forests, rivers, lakes and ocean waters that have been farmed, foraged and fished for four centuries.
With that helping of food for thought, here are some hearty menu highlights for groups across the region.
Maine
Commanding America’s upper northeastern corner, Maine is the nation’s leading producer of lobster, with the crustacean defining signature dishes such as creamy lobster bisque, lobster stew and the wildly popular lobster roll.
That’s just the claw tip of an oceanic harvest that defines the state menu, as Carolann Ouellette, director of the Maine Office of Tourism explains.
“Access to fresh, local seafood and produce is an undeniable strength for Maine as a culinary destination, which, coupled with talented chefs prominently featuring these local products, is a winning combination,” she says. “It’s really the variety of options that also sets Maine apart. Planners can choose from casual seaside lobster bakes to formal multicourse dinners in large resorts, intimate inns and restaurants.”
Scenic Portland is attracting national attention for its culinary scene. Five Fifty-Five is a high-end winner with versatile private space, while local institution DiMillo’s on the Water is a floating restaurant housed in a former car ferry accommodating large groups. Lucky Catch Cruises offers hands-on lobstering experiences and private excursions on Casco Bay. Participants can buy their catch at wholesale prices and take them to Portland Lobster Company for the ultimate fresh-cooked meal.
As the main visitor base for Acadia National Park, the Mount Desert Island resort of Bar Harbor is a scenic escape for meetings and conferences. Acadia Lobster Bakes creates custom lobster parties and events with all the fixings for 25 to 250 people.
Just south of Bangor in quaint Winterport, Pairings at Winterport Winery specializes in corporate events and weddings, as well as wine and ale dinners in conjunction with Penobscot Bay Brewery.
New Hampshire
From Portsmouth and the Seacoast to the White Mountains, regional diversity defines the flavor and character of the Granite State’s culinary bounty.
“From farm-to-table excursions to dinners prepared by an award-winning chef, groups will be treated to a uniquely New Hampshire experience,” says Victoria Cimino, director of the New Hampshire Division of Travel and Tourism Development.
Featuring 60 top Seacoast region restaurants, the annual three-day Hampton Beach Seafood Festival in September is one of the state’s largest food events and a major hit with groups.
In Portsmouth, Jumpin’ Jay’s Fish Cafe is a seafood temple flexibly accommodating private functions for up to 50 guests. Renowned for its chowder, Portsmouth’s River House Restaurant has private space overlooking the Piscataqua River. Featuring a jellyfish tank in its bar area, newly opened sister property Atlantic Grill in nearby Rye seats 140 for events.
Another local pair, Smuttynose Brewing Company and Portsmouth Brewery, welcome groups for tours, tastings and events.
Distinctive White Mountains options include Bailiwick’s Restaurant, which partners with the NH Storyteller’s Alliance to provide a storyteller for group meals, and the Conway Scenic Railroad, offering exclusive programs such as excursions to the White Mountain Cider Co. to taste freshly pressed cider.
PageBreak
In the Lakes Region, groups can take lunch and dinner cruises on Lake Winnipesaukee aboard the M/S Mount Washington. With interpreters in period costume serving as guides, groups can also enjoy traditional 19th century open-hearth dinners at Remick Country Doctor Museum and Farm, part of Tamworth Village.
Another living history museum with a working farm is Canterbury Shaker Village in the Merrimack Valley, offering cooking classes and workshops, and serving traditional Shaker food. Located at the base of Mount Monadnock, America’s most hiked peak, The Inn at East Hill Farm offers family-style dinners, country dancing lessons and farm stays, hands-on activities included.
Vermont
Personifying traditional New England American cuisine, the Green Mountain State offers groups a range of delicious culinary interactions that are representative of the area’s agricultural superiority.
“Visitors can experience Vermont’s abundant selection of regional products and artisanal offerings, including maple syrup and award-winning cheese,” says Susan Smith, executive director of the Vermont Convention Bureau. “Home to cheese factories, breweries and ice creameries, Vermont also offers visitors a look at our first-rate production techniques with fun and educational tours for people of all ages,” she adds.
At the Essex Resort & Spa in Burlington, Shawn Calley, director of culinary operations and two-time winner of the Champlain Valley’s annual Top Chef competition, has crafted a winning F&B program for groups.
Also in the Queen City, Burlington Brew Tours offers pre-selected or private tours of leading Vermont breweries. For groups, it’s the ideal “you drink, we drive” opportunity to experience artisan beers and delicious food while learning about Vermont’s frothy history and culture.
Burlington-based Vermont Farm Tours offers scheduled and customized programs for small groups, spotlighting farms, vineyards, cheesemakers and bars. Its “Cocktail Walks” itinerary features venues like the event-ready Bluebird Tavern.
Founded in 1892, Grafton Village Cheese Company is world-renowned for its handmade cheese. Groups can tour the production facilities in historic Grafton (1754), one of Vermont’s prettiest villages, and in Brattleboro.
Other signature Vermont brands offering factory tours include farmer-owned Cabot Creamery in Cabot and Ben & Jerry’s in Waterbury.
Waterbury is also home to serial James Beard nominee Eric Warnstedt’s rustic Hen of the Wood restaurant. His second location in Burlington sits next to the snazzy new event-capable Hotel Vermont, itself offering two dining concepts, Juniper and Bleu.
In picturesque Woodstock, perennial meetings draw Woodstock Inn & Resort is home to the AAA Four Diamond Red Rooster restaurant. The Prince and the Pauper is another treasured choice for private functions, as is Simon Pearce in nearby Quechee, offering private dining overlooking waterfalls and a covered bridge.
