Vermont's Finest with Ben (of Ben & Jerry's Fame)
A beautiful corner of the country, with recommendations from Ben himself
This week I’m excited to share with you the recommendations of a friend of mine who you might not recognize by face—but I’m nearly certain you’ve tried his products.
Ben Cohen—THE Ben of Ben & Jerry’s fame—created the super famous ice cream brand in Burlington, Vermont with his friend Jerry Greenfield all the way back in 1978. The original Ben & Jerry’s was in a renovated gas station in downtown Burlington, where the two of them had relocated after leaving Long Island, where they both grew up.
Ben stepped down as CEO in 1994, and they sold the company in 2000, but Ben’s stayed close to the action. He lives in the town of Williston, right between the company’s original location in Burlington and its iconic factory in Waterbury (I’ve heard that the tour is amazing, if you’re planning a trip to the area!)
Ben and I first connected a few years ago when he was visiting DC—we were fast friends. Now he gives me a call whenever he visits DC, I usually will meet him at Zaytinya for a bite (last time he visited, I think we ordered the entire menu!). He’s usually visiting my city to get arrested for his activism work…he’s really an amazing guy, leading from the front on many important issues, including healthcare, democracy, and drug policy reform…he’s actually launching a new marijuana non-profit business, Ben’s Best Blnz, with proceeds going to support racial justice and decarceration.
So now…where does Ben like to go in his home state of Vermont? (And yes—he does love to eat ice cream!) Read on to find out where…in Ben’s own words!