Rhode Island/Maine/Vermont
Lobsters, Wineries and Foods of New England
Program No. 12312RJ
Taste your way through the iconic landscapes of New England as you explore local vineyards, visit a Vermont apple orchard and ride aboard a Maine lobster vessel with a local expert.
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Participant Reviews
Based on 66 Reviews
SHOWING
What a delightful little trip! New England was a part of the US that I had never been to. This tour was a good sampler. There was a lot of time on the bus, which I enjoyed, because the scenery was beautiful. Color was still excellent. Group leader Linda and Driver Alan were both outstanding. Linda kept a lookout the entire time on the bus for upcoming places or fall color so that we didn't miss it. We made may stops along the way. I was impressed with the enthusiasm of both owners and employees at the places we visited, who clearly loved what they were doing in spite of long hours and harsh weather. This trip is a great way to get the flavor of New England.
— Review left October 20, 2024
Easy going tour, with diverse locations, good food and learning experience in maple syrup, oyster farm and the highlight was the lobster fishing and dinner.
— Review left October 20, 2024
Lobsters, Wineries and Foods of New England exceeded my expectations. Linda Culpepper is an experienced and excellent guide. Her knowledge of the area is extensive. Every activity is well planned and provides opportunities to discover something new. This trip is well balanced with the right amount of active and down time. The trip description is accurate and ended up being better than I hoped. I would recommend this trip to family and friends.
— Review left October 14, 2024
Eye opening! A great way to learn the labor of love involved in sourcing quality food while enjoying traveling scenic byways in the Northeast.
— Review left October 13, 2024
Lobsters, Wineries and Foods of New England was absolutely wonderful! Linda and Allen were wonderful!
— Review left October 7, 2024
This was the best tour ever!
— Review left October 5, 2024
This is a fun introduction to New England centered around the local cuisine.
— Review left October 4, 2024
The Lobsters, Wineries and Foods of New England was a fantastic trip! Our tour leader and bus driver were the best and made it so enjoyable. The activities were amazing and I learned so much about New England and to see the changing of the leaves was an added bonus. Great trip!
— Review left September 28, 2024
Lobsters, Wineries and Food of New England was exactly that. It was interesting to know that many of the businesses we visited were family owned for several generations and to hear their stories. The facilities were historic. I feel this program was representative of New England.
— Review left September 19, 2024
This was my sixth Road Scholar Program. This Lobsters, Wineries & Foods of New England is a great program for individuals who have an interest in the New England states. It is a great value for the money and you will not be disappointed. Happy and Safe travels to all participants. I Swift
— Review left August 28, 2024
This was my second Road Scholar Program and it was enjoyable and informative. I will recommend Road Scholar to anyone interested in learning
— Review left August 28, 2024
Well-paced trip with a nice variety of experiences. I learned a lot about aquatic farming, viticulture, history, and life in New England.
— Review left August 26, 2024
I enjoyed the entire venture and will use this co. again if destination,is offered thanks for all of your efforts charles k.
— Review left July 25, 2024
New England Lobster + Wineries trip - Fun trip filled with many visits to family owed businesses where we were educated about their endeavors. Well executed, good price point, lovely guide + driver. Will definitely reserve another trip with Road Scholar. Time + money well spent.
— Review left July 23, 2024
Thoroughly enjoyable & educational. I gained insight not available to the average tourist from actual subject matter experts of key New England industries & culture.
— Review left November 11, 2023
Overall, a C+
*Theme of food was great. Enjoyed all the classes. At least one day needs to be added to rest, reflect and read. NOT Restful at all.
* first day at Newport ridiculous.
*Bus driver, Allen, is an awesome driver. 2 busses broke down, no fault of Allen’s.
Linda did a good job. However, I think her background in hospital administration rather than hands-on ground transportation logistics has left her without concern about bag theft. Twice, she was eating breakfast socializing while our bags were left unattended, vulnerable to theft by others not in our group. She should have eaten breakfast fast then been at the drop off/pick up point to provide security of our bags. The bags were NOT Allen’s responsibility UNTIL they are ON THE BUS!
— Review left November 3, 2023
We had a wonderful experience. I (wife) was raised in the Northeast, so my life was filled with all of the experiences presented in this trip. BUT.....my husband was born and raised in Colorado. I was unable to adequately explain my childhood experiences to him. Lobstering, musseling, claming, and fishing was the way I grew up. He now has a better understanding of what it's like to grow up on the waterways and oceans of New England and eastern Long Island. He also better understands why lobster costs so much!!!
— Review left November 3, 2023
An excellent way to tour New England. Let Alan do the driving! Oysters, lobsters, and wine, oh my! All the accommodations were nice, but the Anchorage Inn, York, ME, and the Middlebury Inn, Middlebury, VT, were outstanding! The walks were not strenuous. The bus was wonderful and the time in the bus was broken up nicely so you could get out stretch you legs.
We did not get to see the wonderful New England fall colors because of the strange weather in 2023, however, it was a beautiful trip.
— Review left October 31, 2023
Lobsters, Wineries, and Foods of New England. A great fall foliage trip with a lot of learning about food packed in each day. Meals and accommodations were excellent.
— Review left October 24, 2023
Coming from California, it was exciting to see and experience the diversity of New England! It was a beautiful time to visit this part of the US.
— Review left October 19, 2023
This was a wonderful overview of New England and I highly recommend.
— Review left October 17, 2023
Great Trip, with a few suggestions.
First, many of the places that we went, needed to be navigated with a smaller vehicle. In one place, we spent 1 1/2 hours going around and around in the big bus looking for a way to get into the farm. A smaller vehicle would have worked. Of course, that would mean that Road Scholar would need to have fewer people on the tour. The driver was such a professional, but even she could not make the entrances large enough.
Make sure that you look for ticks after the walks into the orchards and fields. We had at least one person who had a tick. Use bug spray, if possible, to prevent getting bit by insects. Road Scholar should let us all know ahead of time what to do with the latest info, and how to prevent them. Our guide (unknowingly) was giving us the "wives tales" way of detaching the tick.
Guide was very good! Bus driver was also very good!
— Review left October 15, 2023
Program is highly recommended. We enjoyed ourselves as a group.
— Review left October 12, 2023
I admit to having been skeptical. Much of the agriculture portions are easily available where I live ... although I don't take full advantage. This trip did make me far more aware of what's in my back-yard ... so thanks for that. The program also introduced me to some areas about which I had little knowledge and was thrilled to have come away with the experience. Road Scholar should be a "must-do" for any adult with an inquisitive mind, a thirst for knowledge, and a willingness to look at our world a little differently. Thanks!
— Review left October 7, 2023
Thoroughly enjoyed our New England trip. Linda Culpepper was an awesome guide!
— Review left October 4, 2023
This program is wonderful for sampling the magical offerings of orchards, wineries, small farms, the Atlantic Ocean, food entrepreneurs, and the beautiful New England area of our country!
— Review left September 30, 2023
Just completed a great trip through New England. Ate too much seafood, tasted too much wine and cider but would not trade the experience for anything. Was a super way to learn about part of the country I had only heard about. Thanks Road Scholar for making it possible!
— Review left September 18, 2023
As a recently widowed 70+ year old woman I will definitely plan on another Roads Scholar trip. I realized that many of the participants were also widowed and we shared our experiences which was so comforting. This was my first trip and for me to go alone was a venture into the unknown. I have no regrets!
— Review left September 18, 2023
Very enjoyable experience
— Review left June 20, 2023
This program provided an opportunity to explore the beauty of New England and the culinary delights of the area. The experience on the lobster boat was amazing!
— Review left June 18, 2023
The tour is well planned, and provides insight into some of the food and beverage industries of New England.
Linda is an enthusiastic, well prepared, kind and helpful guide. A great way to have spent six days with good food, and lovely scenery.
— Review left November 2, 2022
This was an incredible experience. We learned a lot, enjoyed seeing fall foliage in the Northeast, and had a great time. Our guide Linda and our driver Lee were both outstanding and contributed to making this educational and fun!
— Review left October 29, 2022
I just completed my first Road Scholar program. Wow! I plan to use Road Scholar again and again. And, I would highly recommend Road Scholar to all my friends.
— Review left October 25, 2022
I just got back from The Lobster wineries trip and found it wonderful the people, the leadership, the food, the learning opportunities and the value were something I will definitely do again. And recommend to others i come in contact with. Howard Sun City AZ
— Review left October 20, 2022
This tour encompassed very interesting areas of New England, many of which are not found on the "fall foliage" trips. I enjoyed the presentations at each site and learned about the lives of people who produce our food and drink. We were fortunate to see beautiful foliage but this is an added joy. We saw what it takes to bring organic food to the market and how climate change is affecting the local economy.
— Review left October 17, 2022
A wonderful program, substantially more in-depth than even the early literature suggests. I was not disappointed.
— Review left October 17, 2022
This trip was perfect. We had peak fall colors so we enjoyed our traveling time. Group leader Linda made the experience extra special
Our bus driver was exceptional.
Definitely recommend this program. Best if you can go during peak fall colors.
— Review left October 16, 2022
Super great trip. I learned so much about lobster fishing and laws in Maine. I learned how to make butter in my home. I saw a demonstration of a goat being milked. Champlain Orchards with a tour by the owner plus the lobster fishing were true highlights of this learning experience.
— Review left October 11, 2022
I had a wonderful time. Especially enjoyed getting to know more about lobsters. Nice group. Met new friends and our leader Linda was the best.
— Review left October 1, 2022
Great tip, will continue to use Roads Scholar...always a great experience
— Review left September 30, 2022
Great tour!! Linda Culpepper tour leader is fabulous!!! Lobster boat tour is a highlight! Would book again.
— Review left September 26, 2022
Wonderful tour, great sights, lobster boat tour was a highlight, our leader Linda Culpepper was exceptional!!! The food and wine delicious!! Would go again.
— Review left September 26, 2022
Each segment and activity had something interesting to learn and/or experience. As a food tour, it was a chance to taste new or varied flavors or dishes as well as methods of preparation. Which version of clam chowder did I prefer? Is pure Vermont maple syrup really the best? And how about those Maine apple cider donuts made with potato flour? What fun! And such interesting people to share it with!
— Review left September 26, 2022
This trip did not live up to RS standards. My 4th trip.
None of the pictures matched up to what we really did and saw. Not much learning and the leader was silent most of the time on the bus. Also some of the tours were on the bus which was not explained in the description. So just expect all lot of bus. So disappointed.
— Review left September 24, 2022
First I would like to say the tour director did an excellent job. Also, we met some great folks in the group. Sadly, the accomodations were sub par as was the food for the most part. Some of the tours offered little value such as the hay ride through a pasture with nothing to see. This was our first Road Scholar experience and other travelers commented other tours to other destinations were much better. This one just did not cut it for us.
— Review left September 18, 2022
If you love to eat this one's for you! Wonderful food in beautiful settings. Plus you learn alot about food and how it gets to your tables and can really begin to appreciate what farmers do to accomplish that.
— Review left July 24, 2022
Summer camp for intelligent adults! Our group, ages 40-93, was a true delight. Wisdom, open-mindedness and a willingness to embrace new experiences & ideas underscored the laughter and fun each day.
— Review left June 27, 2022
The Lobsters, Wineries, and Food Tour of New England was a fabulous whirlwind! The educational programs were conducted by local farms, wineries, and businesses who were extremely knowledgeable about the culture, food, and drinks of New England. The sites and places included in the tour were engaging and beautiful, the food was great, and the tour and programs leaders were fantastic. I highly recommend this tour!
— Review left May 31, 2022
I loved visiting the New England towns included on this tour. We experienced a variety of fun activities, saw a lot of beautiful country, and learned from skilled, hard-working farmers and craftspeople. Our tour leader, Ruthie, took good care of us, and our bus driver, Rod, kept us safe and on time! I highly recommend this tour.
— Review left May 30, 2022
A busy schedule, beautiful farms and winery. Many huge meals! Brandon Inn, Vermont was a highlight!
— Review left May 29, 2022
Really enjoyable trip! Trip leader did an excellent job with all the planning and arrangements. We had a wonderful time!
— Review left January 13, 2022
Terrific week that significantly enhanced my admiration for hard-working farmers and fishermen . Enthusiastic presenters on all our excursions. Beautiful locations in fall foliage, superb accommodations, some great meals and an excellent team leader.
— Review left November 4, 2021
This was a comprehensive and very informative tour of the different food production farms and businesses of New England. We stayed two nights in each location, keeping down the need to pack and move every day. The lobster boat tour was extremely interesting because the lobsterman explained how they are working to keep the business sustainable by throwing back the fertile females and larger males. I would definitely have liked to have had gloves and warmer clothing, but they had a couple of blankets on the boat that were good knee warmers. We tried wine, mead and cider and different cheeses that I would buy again. I only wish we could have touched Connecticut to make my 50-state travel complete.
— Review left November 2, 2021
If you have never been to New England. This is a great trip to introduce you to this region of the US.
— Review left November 2, 2021
Had an amazing time on this trip learning about the bounties of New England farms and waters.
— Review left October 11, 2021
The program in general was interesting and fun. The other paricipants made it more enjoyable, especially at meals. For me, there were too many farms and not enough time in the beautiful towns. Food was delicious and abundant. All in all a great trip.
— Review left October 6, 2021
Fun, educational, and well worth going
— Review left October 5, 2021
I would highly recommend this program to anyone interested in learning and experiencing the uniqueness and attractions of the New England states.
— Review left September 30, 2021
Program was very enjoyable and educational. It was our first Road Scholar trip, but we are do satisfied we will be doing many more.
— Review left September 28, 2021
This was an very good program. We learned a lot from the hard working farmers who are passionate about their animals and what they produce. The goat milking demonstration was so fun. The lobster boat excursion was quite the adventure! Our guide was wonderful. The hotels were comfortable and the food was good, but best at the Brandon Inn. We didn't walk much and I would have appreciated more walking. Overall, the trip was well worth the time and money. We learned so much from the presenters!
— Review left September 28, 2021
This trip, especially coming when it did, was quite refreshing for me--a lot of variety, great leadership, great food, and great travel companions. A good look at New England in general. Yes, a lot of driving, but a lot of neat stops along the way.
— Review left September 23, 2021
When selecting future trips, I would like to see a breakdown of the activities instead of a summary
— Review left September 20, 2021
While the two programs I attended are well thought out and fun, because of the 85% chance that it will be cancelled and you are left with flight/hotel/car cancellation fees or scrambling for something to fill the void of 7 */- days between the programs you had planned to attend, I will never join this group again and I will warn all others of this downside to the corporate policies of this group.
— Review left September 2, 2021
Amazing how many great places we visited. We would never have known they existed if we hadn't been on a Road Scholar trip. Trip leader was terrific;
knowledgeable, organized and had a great sense of humor.
— Review left October 22, 2019
This trip gave me an up close view of New England, its cities and small towns. An abundance of local projects and small businesses made the trip very enjoyable.
— Review left September 29, 2019
Lots of fun and an interesting education of the New England area. If I went again, I would probably wait until the early October time frame when the foliage is starting to change.
— Review left September 15, 2019