The Essex, Vermont’s Culinary Resort & Spa

This past weekend, my family and I piled into the car and made the 7 hour road trip to Vermont. It was our first time visiting the state and we were looking forward to a fun family getaway.

We stayed at the amazing Essex Resort & Spa. The Essex Resort and Spa’s mission is to afford every guest a wide variety of resort experiences complemented by exceptional customer service. Building on their unique standing as one of the country’s only Culinary Resorts, they strive to ensure that our passion for food is at the root of everything they do.

And they exceed at that!

Did I mention they are pet-friendly?

Upon arrival, Fido receives a water dish and chew toy!

This summer, the Essex is offering a week long culinary journey called Camp Cook. Camp Cook takes kids from a fully equipped teaching kitchen to the source of the foods, herbs and vegetables used daily. Available during nine five-day sessions this summer, beginning June 16th, Camp Cook is available to children ages 10-16.

From 9:00 am to 4:00 pm each day, kids collect eggs from the onsite chicken coop, pick local berries at nearby farms, learn knife skills and kitchen safety, prepare mouth-watering recipes, swim, and more. Parents too can have a culinary vacation by booking the 2014 Family Camp Cook Package, which includes five night’s deluxe accommodations, one week enrollment for one child in Camp Cook, 25 percent off spa services for the entire week, and buy one get one free cooking classes for adults throughout the week.  Rates start at $1,295 per room, based on double occupancy. Extra children can be added to Camp Cook for an additional $400 plus tax.

Founded in 1989, The Essex Resort & Spa is an 18-acre property located just outside of Burlington, Vermont, with 120 inviting rooms, two restaurants, a full-service Spa, Salon & Fitness Center, indoor and outdoor pools, and three public teaching kitchens in Cook Academy.  Every Saturday night, enjoy the bonfire complete with S’Mores!

There is also an amazing restaurant on-site, The Tavern, featuring  the best of traditional pub fare. The menu is inspired by the finest local ingredients, many of which come from our their organic gardens giving you a farm to table experience.

Set on 18 acres between Vermont’s Green Mountains and Lake Champlain, just minutes from downtown Burlington, The Essex Resort & Spa is a true destination unto itself.

Disclosure: Thank you to the Essex Resort & Spa for hosting my family and I this weekend. All opinions are my own.