In my opinion, cheese in America has come a long way from the over-processed, plastic-wrapped, orange stuff. Although admittedly, the orange stuff does make one heck of a tummy-warming gooey grilled cheese sandwich on a cold New England afternoon. Or, so I thought until I came across the delectably gourmet stylings of the grilled cheese sandwiches at the Bleu Squid Bakery and Cheese Shop in Mystic.

There's the lobster grilled cheese with chunks of fresh lobster meat swimming in an original "cheese blend."  Then again, perhaps the roasted artichoke hearts grilled cheese with artichoke hearts, fresh tomato, basil pesto and fresh mozzarella cheese floating on a cushion of sour dough bread. Decisions. Decisions.

Okay, back from my mystical grilled cheese haze. Whether your taste buds prefer pasteurized or non, cow, sheep, or goat cheeses, there is a local Connecticut cheese for every palate. Like the existing Wine Trail and the newly forming Beer Trail, perhaps someone should start a formalized CT Cheese Trail. It could include cheese makers, cheese shops, and farmsteads. Hmmm.....perhaps, I'll get right on that as soon as I finish this sandwich and wipe the cheese off my keyboard.

In the meantime, pack everyone up in the car and create your own cheesy adventure at these fine purveyors of cheese around the state:

• Beltane Farm at 59 Taylor Bridge Rd., in Lebanon offers a nice variety of farmstead and artisanal goat cheese including fresh chevre, feta and french-style cheeses. The quaint tasting room (open in the spring and fall) boasts an iron stove where mulled cider and wine are served as you await your turn with the knowledgeable and friendly hosts. Hand-crafted pottery, local breads and goats milk soaps are also on display for sale. After tasting the sampling of cheeses available, be sure to take a tour of the farm where you can meander through a short trail in the woods to a picturesque pond with picnic tables. The kids will enjoy meeting the goats while your tour guide tells you about the various goat varieties (Oberhasli and La Mancha) and other animals who call the farm home. Visit their website for more information on tastings and the farm: www.beltane farms.com. 860- 887-4709
• Beaver Brook Farm at 139 Beaver Brook Rd., in Lyme sells artisanal sheep and cow’s milk cheeses.  In addition, you will also find yogurts, milk, gelato, fresh lamb meat and pre-made dishes in their farm store. There is also a wool shop that sells yarn and hand-made sweaters, hats and other hand-spun wool garments. Worn red barns hint at the farm's rich history throughout its various reincarnations as a dairy farm, hay producer, and beef and cattle farm. Today, the farm is home to over 600 sheep, about a dozen jersey cows and offers classes, sheep sheering demonstrations, hay-rides and samples. Call for 860-434-2843 schedules or visit  www.beaverbrookfarm.com
• Cato Corner Farm at 178 Cato Corner Rd., 
in Colchester is a small, family-owned and operated farm. Cato has made a name for itself offering dozens of hand-crafted raw-milk cow cheeses.  The mother-son team that runs the farm and creates its cheeses raise forty free-range Jersey cows. Tasting are available in the tasting room on weekends. In addition to being able to purchase cheeses on-site, Cato also offers a line of fresh veal products. The kids will enjoy meeting the cows close-up and learning about our food-supply from the "source."  For more information on the farm and its cheeses, visit www.catocornerfarm.com. 
• Curds & Whey at 1 Boardman Road in East Haddam offers a selection of local and European cheeses as well as all the cheesy accompaniments. Fresh breads, pepper crackers and nut sauces to name a few. The shop is tucked away on a curve just outside the downtown area and offers samplings before you make your final decision on which cheese goody to bring home. Reminiscent of a quaint French market, the tiny shop is welcoming and emanates warmth as soon as one steps through the double glass doors. For hours, call 860-873-8378 or visit their website at www.curdswhey.com.
• Fromage Fine Foods at 873 Boston Post Rd., in Old Saybrook offers over 100 varieties of international and local cheeses. Tucked in a small strip mall, the shop is small, charming and also offers a variety of coffees, snacks, and other complimentary cheese-related goodies. For hours of operation, call 860-388-5750. Additional information on cheese platters and other items can be found at www.fromagefinefoods.com.
• Mystic Market offers two locations at which to enjoy over 75 varieties of cheese: Mystic Market East and Mystic Market West. Offerings include Italian Gorgonzola, Californian Midnight Moon cheddar and French Brie. Cheeses offered are from around the world and delivered weekly. In addition to cheeses, the markets also stock a variety of other fine foods and gastronomical goodies. For additional information, www.mysticmarket.com.

Editor's Note: The original article included Son of the Moon Fine Foods in Middletown, but unfortunately that shop has closed.