The Essex Culinary Resort & Spa

At this casual, eighteen-acre resort, spa treatments, golf, tennis and hiking are on offer — but they're merely side dish activities for food-focused guests. The property has its own culinary school, featuring local Vermont ingredients and hands-on courses. Guests can learn basics such as knife skills or omelet-making, unique food-related arts including how to raise chickens at home or traditional talents like preparing French haute cuisine. Supper Series classes focus on unusual ingredients and unique preparation techniques, while World Series classes emphasize international cuisines. The pay-off for all your hard work? A three- or four-course meal paired with wine.