Ultimate Foodie Guide The Big E Fair
The Big E Fair is a popular fall attraction in the northeast filled with some of the best foods! Folks travel from distances to attend the fair.
Aka I am “folks.” I literally fly home every year for this fair hahah
Beginning the third of September until the first week of October, the fair showcases popular food items from each of the eastern states! Now aside from food, the fair also includes your classic fair rides and games, but in the evening time they will have popular and local artists perform as well.
If you ever decide that this fair is worth visiting, follow my ultimate foodie guide to make sure that you maximize your time!
Tips:
If you are traveling with a group, I highly suggest sharing food items. That way, you can still try a variety of food without filling up quickly.
In addition, bring cash!! Some vendors only accept cash and while yes, there are ATMs on the grounds, it just easier to be prepared ahead.
Grab a beer from one of the drink stands and then explore the fairgrounds! One thing that many newbies may not know is that yes, you can walk around with alcoholic beverages.
Food:
An interesting thing about this fair is that it is not just food trucks! The fair also has 5 buildings to represent the 5 northeast states on the grounds. Within the buildings are vendors serving that state’s most popular food items! These span from baked potatoes, to chowders to ciders!
New Hampshire Building
Order the mac n cheese from the Original New Hampshire Mac & Cheese stand! If you’re feeling extra, add some add-ons, such as bacon, garlic, broccoli or even lobster.
Explore the building and try some homemade fudge! The Chocolate peanut butter is a fan favorite.
Rhode Island Building
Swing by the Blount Clam Shake and try the Clam Chowder! This vendor has two styles of chowder. They have the RI Clear Broth and then your standard New England Clam Chowder. Also, while you are standing in line, ask to try one of the Oyster Bakes.
Maine Building
When I tell you that the baked potato is the MAIN EVENT, I am not kidding! Because who doesn’t love a hot potato topped with butter, sour cream, cheese, bacon and chives??! Now I will forewarn you that this line can be long. We waited almost an hour in line, but it will be worth it.
Salmon on a stick is a unique option offered in the MA building, but it is also a fan favorite as well!
Connecticut Building
If you don’t order the lobster roll, why even come to the east coast? I will say that at the Big E, you can purchase a lobster roll in a few of the buildings. However, the CT building is the best place to purchase a roll because they toast the bun and serve the lobster warm with butter.
Vermont Building
Change your life forever by ordering a cider slushie! Seriously, if you love apple cider, then you will love this. If you go to the Big E on a warm day, this is the perfect treat to cool down.
Food Trucks:
The fair is filled with tons of food trucks! While yes, you will find your standard fair foods, you will also find tons of unique items as well. Below are some of my favorite food truck stands from the festival.
Jack’s Corndogs
Turkey Leg Stand
Mini Donut Express
Dimitri’s Greek Food
Granville Country Store
Tootsie’s Funnel Cake
Additional Stops:
Grab a quality flannel from the Vermont Flannel Store! This is a must stop at the festival if you are a fan of flannel. The store features button ups, pullovers, pajamas and even blankets. These flannels run on the pricier side, but they are well worth the purchase!
Watch the riding competitions! Throughout the Big E, there will be multiple equestrian competitions. If you enjoy watching horses, then make some time to stop at the pavilion to watch.
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Happy Traveling!