Visiting a working farm is an increasingly common experience in Vermont and an excellent way to support our local producers. Agritourism activities are not only entertaining and educational, but they also support agricultural development in our state. So it should come as no surprise that Vermont offers a bounty of culinary experiences and hands-on farming opportunities for locals and visitors to try.
Philo Ridge Farm
Plan a visit to this 400-acre working farm in Charlotte, where they raise livestock and practice organic farming. Everything grown on the farm is harvested, processed, and sold in their kitchen and Market. They are open several days for lunch and dinner and have grab-and-go options as well.
Image courtesy of Philo Ridge Farm
Earthkeep Farmcommon
A center for regenerative farming, Earthkeep Farmcommon in Charlotte encompasses a community of smaller businesses that grow and produce flowers, grains, honey, fruits, and vegetables using sustainable practices. On Thursday evenings, overlooking Lake Champlain and the Adirondack mountains, they host weekly Farm Night Markets where Earthkeep Collective producers can sell their products directly to the public.
Image courtesy of Earthkeep Farmcommon // Junapr
Adventure Dinner
Adventure Dinner invites guests to feast on a bounty of Vermont-made food and drink in unbelievably picturesque settings. With perfectly curated candle-lit tables set with fresh-cut flowers, they make dining rooms out of farms, fields, barns, vineyards, and orchards. From tea parties to pig roasts in a pasture, these highly curated culinary feasts in unique locations showcase the best that Vermont has to offer.
Image courtesy of Adventure Dinner // Chadwick Estey
Shelburne Farms
One of the most magical places to visit in Vermont, Shelburne Farms, is a working dairy farm and museum dedicated to the area’s farming history. The 1400-acre campus encompasses a grass-based dairy of Brown Swiss cows used to make their award-winning cheddar cheese, an organic garden market, maple sugaring, lumber operations, a children’s farmyard, and miles of hiking trails. For the last 23 years, they have hosted the Vermont Fresh Network Annual Dinner in their Coach Barn, where you can try some of the best farm-grown food prepared by local chefs.
Image courtesy of Shelburne Farms
Summervale
Set in the garden space of the Intervale Center in Burlington, Summervale is a weekly gathering that celebrates local food with live music and a rotating list of guest organizations and vendors. It is like a community picnic where kids run barefoot through the grass, catch frogs in the pond and run around while families gather to graze on flatbread, crepes, and ice cream while sipping craft beers and wine.
Image courtesy of the Intervale Center
Shelburne Vineyard
Located on the shores of Lake Champlain with 17 acres of grapes spread out over three vineyards in Shelburne and Charlotte, Shelburne Vineyards has been growing and producing red, white, and rosé wines since 1998. In addition to a tasting room that offers wines by the glass and snacks, they host weekly concerts at the winery.
Image courtesy of Shelburne Vineyard
Allenholm Farm
A seventh-generation farm, Allenholm is Vermont's oldest commercial apple orchard. Located in South Hero, this pick-your-own apple orchard has a farm stand, a petting zoo with farm animals, farmstand and sells creemees made with Vermont maple syrup.
Image courtesy of Allenholm Farm
Maple Open House Weekend
Usually held the last weekend in March during the height of sugaring season, Vermont sugar houses open their doors to invite the public in to see how sap from our maple trees is turned into syrup. Each sugar house offers something a little different. Activities range from sugar house tours, hikes in the sugarbush, sampling maple products, trying sugar-on-snow, and purchasing that liquid gold straight from the source. This year Vermont is also hosting an additional two maple house open weekends in the Fall.
This is just a tiny sample of what Vermont has to offer. Check out DigIn Vermont for a more complete listing of Vermont food experiences, including tasting trails, farmers' markets, classes, and workshops.
