While cheese is produced all across America, there are some places in the US that have a much richer history when it comes to cheese manufacturing. If you’re a cheese lover, make sure to visit these cheese capitals.
Plymouth, Wisconsin
Wisconsin is sometimes known as the ‘cheese state’, producing more than a quarter of the country’s cheese. Many towns across Wisconsin are known for their cheesemaking including Madison and Monroe. However, the small town of Plymouth is undoubtedly the most iconic cheese producer and refers to itself as the ‘cheese capital of the world’. It was once the home of the Wisconsin Cheese Exchange and is known for hosting various cheese-related events such as the Sartori Big Cheese Drop and Cheese Capital Festival.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Contrary to what many people think, Philadelphia cheese does not come from Philadelphia – but New York instead! Nonetheless, cheese is still very big in Philly. The city’s signature food is the Philly cheesesteak, and it’s also renowned for other cheesy foods like pizzas. There are also a few cheesemakers around Philly and a fair few cheese stores throughout the city. Beyond cheese, there are so many other things to see in Philadelphia including the various historical attractions and museums.
Monterey, California
During the 1700s, Mexican Franciscan friars living in monasteries around Monterey in California would create a new cheese that would become known as Monterey Jack. Today there isn’t much trace left of this cheese’s origins. In fact, the majority of Monterey Jack cheeses – including variations such as pepper Jack cheese – are now produced in Vermont or Wisconsin. Nonetheless, fans of this cheese may still be interested to explore the city where it originally came from. Attractions in Monterey include Monterey Bay Aquarium, Fisherman’s Wharf and the Monterey Jazz Festival.
Greensboro, Vermont
Vermont is home to 45 cheesemakers. You can explore some of these different cheeses by taking on the Vermont Cheese Trail. There are few towns in Vermont that can claim to be cheese capitals, however Greensboro probably has the most valid claim. It is home to the annual Vermont Cheesemakers festival and has several creameries and cheese shops in its vicinity. Other attractions to check out here include the Museum of Everyday Life and various hiking trails.
Cuba, New York
There are many towns in New York state that have a rich history of cheesemaking. For example, Rome in New York was home to the first cheese factory in the US. Sadly, much of this cheese heritage no longer exists, however, Cuba in New York has continued to preserve much of it and is worth visiting if you are a cheese lover. Here you’ll find a museum dedicated to cheese and various cheese shops selling local cheese.
