Delicious Eats At The Goshen Fair: A Foodie's Guide
The Goshen Fair in Connecticut is not just about the rides, games, and agricultural exhibits; it's also a fantastic culinary adventure! For food lovers, the Goshen Fair is a must-visit destination. Every year, this iconic fair offers a diverse range of food vendors serving up mouthwatering treats, from classic fair staples to unique and innovative creations. Let's dive in and explore some of the delicious eats you can expect to find at the Goshen Fair, making sure you don't miss out on any of the culinary highlights.
Classic Fair Food Delights
No trip to the Goshen Fair is complete without indulging in the classic fair food delights that have been satisfying cravings for generations. These iconic treats are a staple of any fair experience, and the Goshen Fair is no exception. From savory to sweet, these classic options offer something for everyone, bringing back nostalgic memories and creating new ones. When you step onto the fairgrounds, the aroma of these familiar favorites will immediately draw you in. So, what are these must-try classics that you absolutely can't miss?
First up, let's talk about corn dogs. These delightful treats feature a juicy hot dog dipped in a sweet cornmeal batter and then deep-fried to golden perfection. The combination of the savory hot dog and the crispy, slightly sweet batter is simply irresistible. It's handheld, easy to eat while strolling through the fair, and a quintessential fair food experience. Whether you prefer yours plain or with a squirt of mustard or ketchup, a corn dog is a must-have at the Goshen Fair.
Next, we have funnel cake. Ah, funnel cake, the quintessential sweet treat that screams "fair!" This deep-fried batter, swirled into a whimsical nest and dusted with powdered sugar, is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Watching the vendor expertly create the funnel cake is part of the fun. The light, airy texture combined with the sweet dusting of powdered sugar makes for a perfect bite every time. You can even find variations with toppings like chocolate sauce, strawberries, or whipped cream. Funnel cake is perfect for sharing (or not!) and is a sweet ending to your fair food adventure.
Then, there are the fried dough. Fried dough is another classic that's hard to resist. This simple yet satisfying treat consists of a piece of dough that's deep-fried until golden brown and puffy. It's often topped with powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar, or even savory options like marinara sauce. The warm, doughy texture combined with your choice of toppings makes it a comforting and indulgent treat. Fried dough is a true taste of Americana and a fair food staple that you'll find at numerous vendors throughout the Goshen Fair.
Finally, let's not forget about cotton candy. This fluffy, sugary cloud is a fairground favorite, especially among kids. The vibrant colors and the melt-in-your-mouth texture make it a delightful treat. Cotton candy is pure sugar, and it's a fun and festive way to satisfy your sweet tooth while enjoying the fair atmosphere. It's also incredibly Instagrammable, adding a touch of whimsy to your fair photos.
Savory Sensations: From Burgers to BBQ
For those craving something more substantial, the Goshen Fair offers a wide array of savory sensations that will satisfy your hunger and tantalize your taste buds. From juicy burgers to smoky BBQ, there's plenty to choose from. These savory options provide a hearty and flavorful contrast to the sweeter treats, ensuring that everyone finds something they love. So, let's explore some of the must-try savory dishes at the Goshen Fair.
First, let's talk about burgers. A classic choice, a juicy burger is a satisfying meal that's perfect for refueling after exploring the fairgrounds. You can find various burger options, from simple cheeseburgers to gourmet creations with all sorts of toppings. Look for vendors grilling fresh patties and offering a range of cheeses, sauces, and veggies to customize your burger to perfection. A well-made burger is a hearty and delicious option that will keep you going throughout the day.
Next, we have BBQ. The smoky aroma of BBQ is irresistible, and the Goshen Fair usually has several vendors serving up mouthwatering BBQ fare. From pulled pork sandwiches to ribs and brisket, there's something for every BBQ lover. The slow-cooked, tender meat, slathered in flavorful BBQ sauce, is a true delight. Be sure to check out the different BBQ vendors and sample their offerings to find your favorite. BBQ is a great choice for a hearty and flavorful meal that will leave you feeling satisfied.
Then, there are the sausage and pepper sandwiches. These sandwiches are a classic fair food for a reason. Grilled Italian sausage, topped with sautéed peppers and onions, and served on a crusty roll, is a flavorful and satisfying meal. The combination of the savory sausage, the sweet peppers, and the pungent onions is simply irresistible. Sausage and pepper sandwiches are easy to eat while walking around the fair, making them a convenient and delicious option.
Finally, let's not forget about french fries. A simple but satisfying side, french fries are a must-have at any fair. Whether you like them plain, with ketchup, or loaded with cheese and bacon, french fries are a perfect accompaniment to your savory meal. Look for vendors serving fresh-cut fries that are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. A generous portion of french fries is perfect for sharing (or not!) and is a great way to round out your fair food experience.
Unique and Trendy Food Finds
In addition to the classic fair food, the Goshen Fair also features unique and trendy food finds that cater to more adventurous palates. These innovative creations often combine classic flavors with modern twists, offering a delightful surprise for foodies. If you're looking for something beyond the usual, be sure to explore the different vendors and try some of these exciting and unique offerings. So, what are some of the trendy food finds you might encounter at the Goshen Fair?
First, keep an eye out for food trucks. Food trucks have become a staple of the food scene, and many fairs now feature a variety of food trucks offering gourmet and international cuisine. You might find anything from gourmet tacos to Korean BBQ to wood-fired pizzas. Food trucks are a great way to sample different types of food and try something new and exciting.
Next, look for vendors offering international cuisine. Many fairs now feature vendors serving up dishes from around the world. You might find anything from empanadas to gyros to spring rolls. These international options provide a welcome change of pace from the traditional fair food and allow you to explore different flavors and cuisines. Trying international cuisine is a great way to expand your culinary horizons and discover new favorites.
Then, there are the gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches. Grilled cheese has gotten a gourmet makeover, and you can now find vendors offering creative and delicious grilled cheese combinations. From classic cheddar on sourdough to brie with fig jam on artisanal bread, the possibilities are endless. A gourmet grilled cheese sandwich is a comforting and indulgent treat that's perfect for a chilly fair day.
Finally, let's not forget about the dessert innovations. Fair food vendors are always coming up with new and creative desserts, from deep-fried Oreos to ice cream sundaes with crazy toppings. Keep an eye out for these dessert innovations and be prepared to indulge in something truly special. These over-the-top desserts are perfect for sharing and are a fun and festive way to end your fair food adventure.
Tips for Navigating the Goshen Fair Food Scene
Navigating the Goshen Fair food scene can be overwhelming with so many tempting options. To make the most of your culinary adventure, here are some tips to help you plan your strategy and avoid common pitfalls.
First, come hungry. This may seem obvious, but it's important to arrive at the fair with an appetite. With so many delicious options to choose from, you'll want to make sure you have plenty of room to sample a variety of treats. Pace yourself and don't fill up on the first thing you see. There's plenty more to explore!
Next, bring cash. While some vendors may accept credit cards, it's always a good idea to have cash on hand. This will make it easier to purchase food and drinks, especially at the smaller vendors. Avoid ATM fees by bringing enough cash with you.
Then, check out the vendor map. Most fairs provide a vendor map that shows the location of all the food vendors. This can help you plan your route and make sure you don't miss any of your must-try items. Take a look at the map before you start exploring the fairgrounds.
Finally, don't be afraid to try new things. The Goshen Fair is a great opportunity to step outside of your comfort zone and try something new. Whether it's a unique food truck offering or an international cuisine you've never had before, be open to trying new things and you might just discover your new favorite food.
Conclusion
The Goshen Fair is more than just a fair; it's a culinary experience. With its diverse range of food vendors, offering everything from classic fair staples to unique and trendy creations, the Goshen Fair is a food lover's paradise. So, come hungry, be prepared to indulge, and get ready to experience all the delicious eats that the Goshen Fair has to offer! Whether you're a fan of classic fair food or you're looking for something new and exciting, you're sure to find something to satisfy your cravings at this iconic Connecticut fair. Enjoy the food!