Small Business Spotlight: Burlington Edible History Tour
About the Business
Focused on the relationship between cultural traditions + food, Burlington Edible Food Tour spotlights the rich community of the historical Vermont city! Join their passionate leaders for a walking tour of local restaurants, or contact the team for a customized experience during their season.
Image Courtesy of Burlington Edible History Tour
From the Owner
Image Courtesy of Burlington Edible History Tour
What is your name?
Elise A. Guyette and Gail Rosenberg, co-founders + tour leaders at Burlington Edible History Tour
Where is your business located?
Burlington, VT
What inspired you to start the business?
Our love of history and of food, which carries stories of culture, tradition + community.
What about your business are you most proud of?
We are proud of the stories we have found concerning migrants and refugees who have built Burlington over the centuries and the connections we make from the past to our present circumstances. We are also pleased to offer 10% of our profits to New Farms for New Americans - an organization that provides inexpensive farm plots to migrants and refugees so they can grow traditional foods close to their hearts.
What do you enjoy most about running your business?
We so enjoy meeting people from all over the world who have come on our tours. We also are gratified with the connections we have made to local entrepreneurs who are still building our "Queen City."
What challenges have you faced as a business owner?
The challenges, of course, are familiar: insurance costs, taxes + needing an accountant!
What do you think makes your business unique?
We are unique in the way that we braid history and food traditions. We tell family stories about our city and connect them to sites along our waterfront and uptown businesses. We also discuss architecture, geography, prejudices, and link past to present in a unique way. Our 5 food stops have a wide variety of healthy foods, most using local ingredients, from salad through dessert.
If you had to describe the business in 3 words, what would they be?
Food, culture, history, fun! I know - I used 4 words :)
Image Courtesy of Burlington Edible History Tour
The Fun Stuff
What is your favorite spot to visit in your city?
All the spots on our tour of course; a couple highlights are Sugar Snap Catering at ECHO, Monarch & the Milkweed at Maglianero, Gryphon, Penny Cluse, and Deli 126. We also enjoy our closeness to Lake Champlain and all that the lake has to offer.
What is your favorite food or restaurant to enjoy in your city?
We love the restaurants in our city that have adopted local ingredients, and there are many!
Which of the five senses do you appreciate the most when you travel and why?
We use all the senses on our tours, as well as when we travel: observing, listening, tasting, even the senses of smell and touch. They bring richness and depth to any experience.
Do you have a travel memory that is important to you?
Our treasured travel memories include shared experiences with old friends and new ones we meet along the way. The most memorable memories include shared physical activity along with good food and drink. Our tour provides all that on our 3-hour walking excursion. New friendships have bloomed while we walk, eat + drink our way through the city!
Have any questions about Burlington Edible History Tour? Let us know in the comments!
Ready to learn more + book your own tour? Click below!
Image Courtesy of Burlington Edible History Tour