Iconic New England Local Foods

Lobsters

Ask anyone about life in New England and most likely, the conversation will include local foods. From Maine lobsters to Vermont maple syrup, each state has its own list of iconic local foods.

Maine

Maine is most of all, famous for its lobsters. Maine is the number one producer of wild caught lobsters in the U.S. Maine is also known for its bay scallops, sea scallops, mussels, oysters, fish, and other delicacies.

In addition to its seafood, Maine is known for its wild blueberries which are made into pies, jams, and other foods. Not to be forgotten are Maine potatoes and other cool climate vegetables.

Massachusetts

Massachusetts has a wealth of foods. Like Maine, Massachusetts is known for its seafood. American lobsters are abundant although not comparable to Maine. A lesser known crustacean, the Jonah crab is caught together with lobsters. From the Atlantic, fishermen harvest Atlantic sea scallops, sea clams, fish, and other foods.

Vermont

Vermont is the nation's number one producer of maple syrup. Vermont is famous for its sugar maples, the source of high quality syrup. In addition maple syrup, Vermont producers offer a variety of local foods including cheese, honey, and others.

New Hampshire

New Hampshire's most valuable agricultural product is maple syrup. New Hampshire farms also produce milk and other products. Along the coast, fishermen land a variety of seafood while aquaculturists produce oysters, clams, and other foods.

Rhode Island

Rhode Island is another state that is known for its abundant seafood. Quahog clams are the state shellfish. Squid is one of the state's most valuable fisheries.

Connecticut

Connecticut is one of several New England states with vinticulture. Connecticut's Wine Trail includes over 40 vineyards and wineries. Connecticut farms also produce beef, poultry, dairy products, fruits and vegetables, honey, and other foods.

Vermont Christmas Trees - 2019

In November, Governor Phil Scott and Agriculture Secretary Anson Tebbetts visited the Werner Tree Farm in Middlebury to pick out trees and mark the beginning of the 2019 Christmas season.

The trees cut during the visit will decorate the Pavilion Building in Montpelier, which houses the Governor’s Office.


“As we enter the holiday season, Vermont and its people, including our farmers, offer so many reasons to celebrate,” said Governor Phil Scott.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) estimates the value of the Christmas tree industry in Vermont at more than $2.6 million. A 2017 USDA Census indicated there were 3,650 acres in Christmas tree production in Vermont across 70 farms.

Vermont Christmas trees decorate homes in New York City, Boston, Philadelphia, and other cities each year, with thousands of Green Mountain trees going to urban pop-up markets. Another popular option is to make the trip to Vermont and return home with freshly cut trees.


Werner Tree Farm is a family run farm open November-December in Middlebury, Vt. that sells Christmas trees, wreaths, garlands, kissing balls, maple syrup, honey, and other products.

The Werner Tree Farm began farming Christmas trees in 1986. The Werner family encourages the public to visit and cut their own tree or choose a pre-cut tree, ready to go.

Vermont is home to many tree farms with cut-your-own tree options. Most operations offer a wide variety of natural trees and other products for the Christmas season.

Christmas trees thrive in the cool, moist climate of northern New England. Christmas trees are expertly grown and shaped to perfection by local farmers.

For a full listing of Christmas Tree Growers open to the public visit the Vermont and New Hampshire Christmas Tree Association (www.nh-vtchristmastree.org).