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Open Farm Week Events: Wednesday

For seven days in August (15th – 21st), farms around Vermont open up their doors to the public for a unique on-farm experience. With almost 100 farms hosting events during open farm week, there’s tons going on! With so much happening all around the state, it might seem overwhelming to plan out a fun week. To make it easier on you, we’ve created a list of events happening on each day of Open Farm Week!

Wednesday, August 17th

Addison County

Lester Farm & Market

Lincoln Peak Vineyard

Treleven Farm

Twin Maple Sugarworks

Agricola Farm

Farm Stand

  • A small sustainable farm using Italian traditions to raise pastured chickens, sheep and pigs. We process our meat using Italian approaches to butchering and processing fresh and cured meats. Come to the farm during Open Farm Week! Farm Stand open 8am – 8pm. Self-guided farm activities for children with an adult 11am – 2pm. Farm-made Italian baked goods ready to eat 8am-8pm.
  • https://www.diginvt.com/events/detail/open-farm-week-agricola-farm-farm-stand

Last Resort Farm

The Willowell Foundation Farm

Bennington County

Merck Forest & Farmland Center

Farrier’s Demonstration

Fleece Skirting Demonstration

Caledonia County

Caledonia Spirits

Chittenden County

Shelburne Farms

Sun to Cheese Tour

North Williston Cattle Company

Windstone Farm

Franklin County

Boston Post Dairy, LLC

Farmer Brown

Grand Isle

Hackett’s Orchard

Hall Home Place & Hall’s Orchard

Lamoille County

Foote Brook Farm

Jeffersonville Farmers’ and Artisan Market

Valley Dream Farm

Orange County

Silloway Maple

Shire Beef

Pebble Brook Farm

  • Pebble Brook Farm invites all to visit us in Braintree, just a few minutes from Randolph. We grow produce and have a farm store that offers produce, local meat & eggs, and prepared foods. During Open Farm Week our Farm Store will be open. We will have homemade ice cream, tortillas and a local beer tasting.
  • https://www.diginvt.com/events/detail/open-farm-week-pebble-brook-farm

Orleans County

Jed’s Maple Products

Washington County

Peaceful Harvest Mushrooms

Callahan Farm

Windham County

Adams Farm

  • Adams Farm welcomes you during Open Farm Week! Visit our wide variety of friendly farm animals. Join us for paintball in our sheep pastures, or for a guided trail ride on our docile horses. Wagon rides around the perimeter of the farm depart daily. Paintball and trail rides require reservations.
  • https://www.diginvt.com/events/detail/open-farm-week-adams-farm

Taylor Farm

Dwight Miller Orchards

Meadows Bee Farm

Windsor County

One Chicken at a Time Farm

  • One Chicken At A Time Farm is a diversified farm. Our main attraction is our 30 friendly goats, they love to run and play. We have a great view for a walk or picnic in the fields. Haying is also something we will be doing. Come pick some veggies from the gardens or some flowers. You never know what’s going to happen on this busy farm!
  • https://www.diginvt.com/events/detail/open-farm-week-one-chicken-at-a-time-farm

Sugarbush Maple & Cheese Farm

Kelly Way Gardens at Woodstock Inn and Resort

Source: Dig in VT Trails

Posted on

Open Farm Week Events: Tuesday

For seven days in August (15th – 21st), farms around Vermont open up their doors to the public for a unique on-farm experience. With almost 100 farms hosting events during open farm week, there’s tons going on! With so much happening all around the state, it might seem overwhelming to plan out a fun week. To make it easier on you, we’ve created a list of events happening on each day of Open Farm Week!

Tuesday, August 16th

Addison County

Lester Farm & Market

Lincoln Peak Vineyard

Treleven Farm

Twin Maple Sugarworks

Agricola Farm

Farm Stand

  • A small sustainable farm using Italian traditions to raise pastured chickens, sheep and pigs. We process our meat using Italian approaches to butchering and processing fresh and cured meats. Come to the farm during Open Farm Week! Farm Stand open 8am – 8pm. Self-guided farm activities for children with an adult 11am – 2pm. Farm-made Italian baked goods ready to eat 8am-8pm.
  • https://www.diginvt.com/events/detail/open-farm-week-agricola-farm-farm-stand

Last Resort Farm

The Willowell Foundation Farm

Bennington County

Merck Forest & Farmland Center

Learn to Care for Draft Horses

Caledonia County

Caledonia Spirits

Chittenden County

North Williston Cattle Company

Franklin County

Boston Post Dairy, LLC

Farmer Brown

Grand Isle

Hackett’s Orchard

Hall Home Place & Hall’s Orchard

Lamoille County

Foote Brook Farm

Valley Dream Farm

On-Farm Dinner

  • Your evening begins with an educational one-hour tour of this beautiful certified organic farm, nestled into the picturesque Pleasant Valley outlined by gently rolling organic fields and breathtaking backdrop views of the majestic Mt. Mansfield. Guests are then seated in an outdoor covered setting with fresh flowers picked on the tour. The Valley Dream Farm dining experience is prepared by a local guest chef of the week from one of the area’s great restaurants.
  • https://www.diginvt.com/events/detail/open-farm-week-valley-dream-farm-on-farm-dinner

Orange County

Silloway Maple

Shire Beef

Pebble Brook Farm

  • Pebble Brook Farm invites all to visit us in Braintree, just a few minutes from Randolph. We grow produce and have a farm store that offers produce, local meat & eggs, and prepared foods. We grow produce and have a farm store that offers produce, local meat & eggs, prepared foods, and homemade ice cream.
  • https://www.diginvt.com/events/detail/open-farm-week-pebble-brook-farm

Orleans County

Jed’s Maple Products

Hollandeer Farm

Washington County

Peaceful Harvest Mushrooms

Callahan Farm

Windham County

Adams Farm

  • Adams Farm welcomes you during Open Farm Week! Visit our wide variety of friendly farm animals. Join us for paintball in our sheep pastures, or for a guided trail ride on our docile horses. Wagon rides around the perimeter of the farm depart daily. Paintball and trail rides require reservations.
  • https://www.diginvt.com/events/detail/open-farm-week-adams-farm

Boyd Family Farm

  • Please join us for a great farm experience. Blueberry fields will be open for picking! Pack a lunch and enjoy the view from the mowing!
  • Boyd Family Farm’s Farm-to-Table dinner has been postponed until next Tuesday (8/23) due to inclement weather.
  • https://www.diginvt.com/places/detail/boyd-family-farm 

Taylor Farm

Dwight Miller Orchards

Windsor County

One Chicken at a Time Farm

  • One Chicken At A Time Farm is a diversified farm. Our main attraction is our 30 friendly goats, they love to run and play. We have a great view for a walk or picnic in the fields. Haying is also something we will be doing. Come pick some veggies from the gardens or some flowers. You never know what’s going to happen on this busy farm!
  • https://www.diginvt.com/events/detail/open-farm-week-one-chicken-at-a-time-farm

Sugarbush Maple & Cheese Farm

Kelly Way Gardens at Woodstock Inn and Resort

Source: Dig in VT Trails

Posted on

Open Farm Week Events: Monday

For seven days in August (15th – 21st), farms around Vermont open up their doors to the public for a unique on-farm experience. With almost 90 farms hosting events during open farm week, there’s tons going on! With so much happening all around the state, it might seem overwhelming to plan out a fun week. To make it easier on you, we’ve created a list of events happening on each day of Open Farm Week!

Monday, August 15th

Addison County

Lester Farm & Market

Lincoln Peak Vineyard

Treleven Farm

Twin Maple Sugarworks

Agricola Farm

Farm Stand

  • A small sustainable farm using Italian traditions to raise pastured chickens, sheep and pigs. We process our meat using Italian approaches to butchering and processing fresh and cured meats. Come to the farm during Open Farm Week! Farm Stand open 8am – 8pm. Self-guided farm activities for children with an adult 11am – 2pm. Farm-made Italian baked goods ready to eat 8am-8pm.
  • https://www.diginvt.com/events/detail/open-farm-week-agricola-farm-farm-stand

Last Resort Farm

Bennington County

Merck Forest & Farmland Center

The Farm Manager’s Tour

Farm Tour for Children

Caledonia County

Caledonia Spirits

Chittenden County

Jericho Settlers’ Farm

Sample CSA Day

Midnight Goat Farm

Shelburne Farms

Historic Barn Tour

Moonlit Campfire Animal Defenses

North Williston Cattle Company

Franklin County

Boston Post Dairy, LLC

Farmer Brown

Grand Isle

Hackett’s Orchard

Hall Home Place & Hall’s Orchard

Lamoille County

Foote Brook Farm

Orange County

Silloway Maple

Shire Beef

Pebble Brook Farm

  • Pebble Brook Farm invites all to visit us in Braintree, just a few minutes from Randolph. We grow produce and have a farm store that offers produce, local meat & eggs, and prepared foods. During Open Farm Week our Farm Store will be open. We will have homemade ice cream, tortillas and a local beer tasting.
  • https://www.diginvt.com/events/detail/open-farm-week-pebble-brook-farm

Orleans County

Jed’s Maple Products

Washington County

Peaceful Harvest Mushrooms

Callahan Farm

Windham County

Adams Farm

  • Adams Farm welcomes you during Open Farm Week! Visit our wide variety of friendly farm animals. Join us for paintball in our sheep pastures, or for a guided trail ride on our docile horses. Wagon rides around the perimeter of the farm depart daily. Paintball and trail rides require reservations.
  • https://www.diginvt.com/events/detail/open-farm-week-adams-farm

Taylor Farm

Dwight Miller Orchards

Meadows Bee Farm

Windsor County

One Chicken at a Time Farm

  • One Chicken At A Time Farm is a diversified farm. Our main attraction is our 30 friendly goats, they love to run and play. We have a great view for a walk or picnic in the fields. Haying is also something we will be doing. Come pick some veggies from the gardens or some flowers. You never know what’s going to happen on this busy farm!
  • https://www.diginvt.com/events/detail/open-farm-week-one-chicken-at-a-time-farm

Sugarbush Maple & Cheese Farm

 

Source: Dig in VT Trails

Posted on

Open Farm Week: Farmers’ Markets

In addition to the many farms opening their doors to the public in August, Farmers’ Markets throughout the state are a great way to participate in Open Farm Week! Every week, these family friendly community events bring together local buyers and sellers for an intimate shopping experience. During Open Farm Week, Farmers’ Markets afford you the opportunity to meet and discover many local farmers, producers, and artisans – all in one place! Find a market near you in the list below, and show them your support during Open Farm Week!

Craftsbury Farmers Market

  • You will find farmers and vendors offering locally made cheeses, meats, baked goods, fresh vegetables, prepared foods, wool and alpaca fiber yarns, crafts, artwork…and free family-friendly entertainment!
  • Craftsbury Common, Craftsbury, VT 05826
  • Saturday August 20th: 10:00am – 1:00pm

Dorset Farmers Market

  • We’ll have a super fun scavenger hunt for kids, lots of great prepared foods for breakfast, brunch and lunch!
  • H.N. Williams General Store, Route 30, Dorset, VT 05251
  • Sunday, August 21st: 10:00am – 2:00pm

Feast and Field Market

  • Feast and Field Market is a unique farm-based market set in the back fields of a old dairy farm. Enjoy live music, kids’ activities, and sample tacos, kombucha, cider and home-made goods from local farmers. You can’t see the market from the road, but look for the sign at the entrance.
  • 1544 Royalton Turnpike, Barnard, VT 05031
  • Thursday, August 18th: 4:30pm – 7:30pm

Hardwick Farmers’ Market

  • Shopping from vendors selling local foods and crafts, live music, Power of Produce (POP) Club and story time for kids, prepared foods available.
  • Granite Street, Hardwick, VT 05843
  • Friday, August 19th: 3:00 – 6:00 PM

Jeffersonville Farmers’ and Artisan Market

  • Live Music, tokens for the kids to purchase produce, market wide specials and a market basket give away.
  • 276 Main Street, Jeffersonville, VT 05464
  • Wednesday, August 17th: 4:30pm – 7:30pm

Norwich Farmers’ Market

  • Come join us for fresh air and live music and over 50 vendors in our market. Welcome the new vendors and catch up with the regulars. EBT and Debit accepted!
  • 300 Route 5 S, Norwich, VT 05055
  • Saturday, August 20th: 9:00am – 1:00pm

West River Farmers’ Market

  • Come spend some time under the trees on the beautiful West River. We have 45 farmers, food producers and artisans offering a bounty of the best of Vermont. We happily accept EBT and Debit cards. Kindly leave your dogs at home.
  • Intersection of Rte 11 and Rte 100, Londonderry, VT 05148
  • Saturday, August 20th: 9:00am – 1:00pm

Windsor Farmers’ Market

  • Our year-long market provides a direct marketing outlet for locally produced agricultural products, specialty foods and crafts to the consumer for the benefit of both the consumers and the producers, thus supporting the local economy.
  • State Street, Windsor Town Green, Windsor, VT 05089
  • Saturday, August 20th: 11:00am – 2:00pm

Winooski Farmers’ Market

  • Managed by the Winooski Community Partnership, the Winooski Farmers Market brings you Vermont’s finest local produce, farm goods, artisan crafts, local prepared foods, musical entertainment and a fun interactive kid’s program, the Power of Produce (POP) Club.
  • Champlain Mill Green, Winooski Falls Way, Winooski, VT 05404
  • Sunday, August 21st: 10:00am – 2:00pm

In addition to the many farms opening their doors to the public in August, Farmers’ Markets throughout the state are a great way to participate in Open Farm Week! Every week, these family friendly community events bring together local buyers and sellers for an intimate shopping experience. During Open Farm Week, Farmers’ Markets afford you the opportunity to meet and discover many local farmers, producers, and artisans – all in one place! Find a market near you in the list below, and show them your support during Open Farm Week!

Norwich Farmers’ Market

Norwich Farmers’ Market

·       Come join us for fresh air and live music and over 50 vendors in our market. Welcome the new vendors and catch up with the regulars. EBT and Debit accepted!

·       300 Route 5 S, Norwich, VT 05055

·       Saturday, August 20th: 9:00am – 1:00pm

Jeffersonville Farmers’ and Artisan Market

·       Live Music, tokens for the kids to purchase produce, market wide specials and a market basket give away.

·       276 Main Street, Jeffersonville, VT 05464

·       Wednesday, August 17th: 4:30pm – 7:30pm

Craftsbury Farmers Market

·       You will find farmers and vendors offering locally made cheeses, meats, baked goods, fresh vegetables, prepared foods, wool and alpaca fiber yarns, crafts, artwork…and free family-friendly entertainment!

·       Craftsbury Common, Craftsbury, VT 05826

·       Saturday August 20th: 10:00am – 1:00pm

West River Farmers’ Market

·       Come spend some time under the trees on the beautiful West River. We have 45 farmers, food producers and artisans offering a bounty of the best of Vermont. We happily accept EBT and Debit cards. Kindly leave your dogs at home.

·       Intersection of Rte 11 and Rte 100, Londonderry, VT 05148

·       Saturday, August 20th: 9:00am – 1:00pm

Feast and Field Market

·       Feast and Field Market is a unique farm-based market set in the back fields of a old dairy farm. Enjoy live music, kids’ activities, and sample tacos, kombucha, cider and home-made goods from local farmers. You can’t see the market from the road, but look for the sign at the entrance.

·       1544 Royalton Turnpike, Barnard, VT 05031

·       Thursday, August 18th: 4:30pm – 7:30pm

Dorset Farmers Market

·       We’ll have a super fun scavenger hunt for kids, lots of great prepared foods for breakfast, brunch and lunch!

·       H.N. Williams General Store, Route 30, Dorset, VT 05251

·       Sunday, August 21st: 10:00am – 2:00pm

Hardwick Farmers’ Market

·       Shopping from vendors selling local foods and crafts, live music, Power of Produce (POP) Club and story time for kids, prepared foods available.

·       Granite Street, Hardwick, VT 05843

·       Friday, August 19th: 3:00 – 6:00 PM

Winooski Farmers’ Market

·       Managed by the Winooski Community Partnership, the Winooski Farmers Market brings you Vermont’s finest local produce, farm goods, artisan crafts, local prepared foods, musical entertainment and a fun interactive kid’s program, the Power of Produce (POP) Club.

·       Champlain Mill Green, Winooski Falls Way, Winooski, VT 05404

·       Sunday, August 21st: 10:00am – 2:00pm

Windsor Farmers’ Market

·       Our year long market provides a direct marketing outlet for locally produced agricultural products, specialty foods and crafts to the consumer for the benefit of both the consumers and the producers, thus supporting the local economy.

·       State Street, Windsor Town Green, Windsor, VT 05089

·       Saturday, August 20th: 11:00am – 2:00pm

Source: Dig in VT Trails

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On the Menu – Idletyme Brewing Company

Idletyme is an ironic name for the Stowe brewery and restaurant, owned by Michaels on the Hill restaurateurs Michael and Laura Kloeti. With two bustling restaurants to manage – ‘idle time’ is not something the Kloetis have to spare! But the Stowe restaurant is perfect for a leisurely summer visit. The patio Biergarten (just off the Stowe Recreational Path) with lawn games, an outdoor bar, onsite gardens and apple trees – where the chef and brewmaster ‘shop’ for fresh produce – is the perfect setting to sip through a beer tasting and enjoy a relaxing lunch, dinner or snack.

Michael’s on the Hill is a consistent VFN Gold Barn Honoree and they have finely tuned their exemplary ambiance, sourcing and service. Though completely different style restaurants, carrying these core values over to Idletyme was imperative.  “I love the strong relationship we have as sister restaurants.” Laura shared, “One thing that we are excited about is that our teams are working together quite a bit. We actually just did an Idletyme beer dinner at Michael’s and Will Gilson, Idletyme’s Brewmaster, came over to Michael’s and spoke about the pairings.” Will brewed a special batch spring dug chocolate-mint vanilla porter to go with a chocolate torte with white chocolate ganache and a chocolate-mint porter sorbet. “It was fantastic,” Laura recounted. Head Chef Jason Bissell at Idletyme is also a Michael’s alum and really grasps what the mini restaurant group is about. Both Chef Jason and Brewmaster Will are passionate about using local ingredients – especially from the Idletyme garden. What’s the favorite garden ingredient in rotation currently? That would be their gigantic lovage plant. “It tastes like celery on steroids but the stalks are hollow like a straw,” Laura described. You can find lovage in their Bloody Mary and Garden Gimlet cocktails.

When you visit…

We asked Laura for a perfect pairing – what beer with what bite?

Laura shared, “We actually use beer in a number of items on our menu to create lots of great pairs, and we also have a really excellentcocktail/mocktail and wine list because we want non-beer drinkers to feel right at home, too. Some nice beer/food pairings I recommend are:

Helles Lager Gruyere Onion Tart with our Helles Lager

BBQ Braised Pork Shank with Rustic Veg with the Maerzen German-style LagerS

Idletyme Pale Ale Battered Fish (or Tofu) & Chips with Malt Vinegar Remoulade and our Pale Ale”

 

Summer Specials:

– Live music on Sunday’s from 3-6pm from through mid-October

– Dollar Crispy Oysters every day from 3-4:30pm

– ‘When It Rains We Pour!’ $3 Drafts on Manager’s select drafts.

Source: Dig in VT Trails

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Vermont Fairs and Festivals

Most people who’ve lived in Vermont will agree that Summers here are special, and the numerous Fairs and Festivals throughout the state have become a hallmark of the season. Providing a source of entertainment throughout the summer, they stand as a testament to Vermont’s sense of community, as year after year, families and friends come together to celebrate our rich agricultural traditions. Treat yourself and your family to an unforgettable experience this summer!

VT Fairs

Vermont Dairy Festival (June 2nd – 5th)

A four day, family festival chock full of fun. The Vermont Dairy Festival includes midway rides, a pancake breakfast, fireworks, Marco the Magician, a parade on Saturday, fiddlers, dairy farm tours, a 10,000 meter milk run, a cow plop contest and lots of children’s activities!

Vermont History Expo (June 18th – 19th)

The Vermont History Expo is down-home fun whether you are 8 or 88! Let us take you back to the days of small Vermont hill farms, rural country stores, horses and buggies, homespun clothes and hearthside stories.

Connecticut Valley Fair (July 14th – 17th)

An agricultural celebration complete with live music, animal and tractor pulls, and rides for the kids!

Lamoille County Field Days (July 22nd – 24th)

“As community members, we take a common sense approach in realizing the value of a dollar by providing fun family entertainment and promoting agriculture at a cost affordable to everyone. Lamoille County Field Days strives to keep a time honored tradition and family event we are proud of.”

Pownal Valley Fair (July 30th)

A kids’ fun fair. Exhibit hall featuring produce, crafts, quilts, flowers, honey, maple syrup and herbs, antique tractor pull, bingo, petting farm animals, fireworks, and music.

Franklin County Field Days (August 4th – 7th)

Franklin County Field Days has been hosting fun events for over 40 years. Enjoy our rides, demolition derbies, horse shows, and more! We have something for everyone here.

Addison County Fair & Field Days (August 9th – 13th)

Vermont’s largest agricultural fair. Children’s barnyard, cattle judging, tractor pulls, kiddie rides, crafts, exhibits, live entertainment, pony and ox pulling, midway, parade, youth activities, and Vermont products dinner.

Vermont State Fair (August 16th – 20th)

The Vermont State Fair is an agricultural fair managed by The Rutland County Agricultural Society. The first Vermont State Fair took place in 1846, making it one of the oldest state fairs in the United States.

Orleans County Fair (August 17th – 21st)

The Orleans County Fair Association, founded in 1867 in Barton Vermont, was formed of local farmers and businessmen who wanted to bring the community together to socialize and celebrate at the annual County Fair, which is now held in August.

Deerfield Valley Farmers’ Day Exhibition (August 18th – 21st)

Welcome to the Deerfield Valley Farmers’ Day Fair, a long standing local tradition which inspires neighborly competition, education in agriculture, wholesome entertainment, exhibits of area residents, and most importantly good clean fun!

Caledonia County Fair (August 24th – 28th)

This fair is by the community for the community. It is the intent of the CCF to feature Vermont’s agricultural background both past and present in a manner that will be enjoyable and educational to our patrons.

Bondville Fair (August 26th – 28th)

This year the three-day format, which was introduced in 1995, will again be offered for your enjoyment. New events and more entertainment than ever before have been included in the expansion of this family-oriented event.

Champlain Valley Fair (August 26th – 28th)

The Ten Best Days of Summer! The Champlain Valley Fair is part of the Champlain Valley Exposition, a not-for profit organization founded in 1922.

Guilford Fair (September 4th – 5th)

The Guilford Fair honors and promotes Vermont’s agricultural traditions in a way that is both educational and entertaining. People come to relax and to watch the horse draw, cattle and horse shows and sheep shearing demonstrations. There is live music to enjoy and beautiful homegrown produce, flowers, handiwork and hobbies to admire.

Tunbridge World’s Fair (September 15th – 18th)

The Tunbridge World’s Fair is an agricultural non-profit, and all proceeds go back to the infrastructure, programs and projects on the grounds.

Vermont Sheep & Wool Festival (October 1st – 2nd)

The Vermont Sheep and Wool Festival offers something for everyone. Located in the historic fairgrounds in Tunbridge as the leaves of fall turn color in the hills rising both to the east and west of the setting make for a visually beautiful weekend celebrating crafts that will keep us warm through the coming winter.

 

VT Festivals:

Sugarbush Brew-Grass Festival (June 11th)

Kick off the summer with Sugarbush’s sixth annual brewfest, featuring craft beers from more than twenty breweries, tasty local eats and jammin’ bluegrass bands.

Burlington Wine and Food Fest (June 14th – 18th)

Vermont has long been known as a pioneer of the farm-to-table movement. The Burlington Wine & Food Festival pairs these prized local foods with world-class wines for a delectable experience. Get your tickets now before they sell out!

Eat More Kale Festival (June 24th)

Eat More Kale Festival is a partner project between Justin Hoy, Bo Muller-Moore, and Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks! They have been developing a model for a community based, family friendly Vermont festival, that is geared toward Vermont’s love of farm fresh, music, and the arts.

Grafton Food Festival (July 9th)

Featuring local food and beverage vendors with tastings, cooking demonstrations, farmers market tables, and a children’s cooking competition – there’s delicious fun for food lovers of all ages.

Vermont Brewers’ Festival (July 15th – 16th)

The state of Vermont is blessed with some of the best beer that the East Coast has to offer, and there’s no better place to sample all of it than the two-day Vermont Brewers Festival.

Killington Wine Festival (July 15th – 17th)

The Killington Wine Festival will be celebrating its fifteenth anniversary from July 15th – 17th with three days of specialty wine tasting events. Visit the heart of the Green Mountains for a weekend of wine!

Vermont Cheesemakers’ Festival (July 17th)

Vermont is a world class cheese state with the highest number of cheese makers per capita: 50 of them. You are invited to share their passion for making exceptional cheeses, taste great local foods, wines, craft beers and spirits, and meet the artisans who make them.

Stowe Brewers’ Festival (July 29th – 30th)

The Stowe Brewers festival is an outdoor, rain or shine event. There are two separate tasting sessions on two consecutive days. The craft brew celebration will incorporate workshops and demonstrations, food and merchandise vendors and memorabilia.

Stowe Wine & Food Classic (August 26th – 28th)

The Stowe Wine and Food Classic is the annual signature event of Stowe Charities Inc. It will be held once again at the beautiful Trapp Family Lodge, a premier resort nestled in the mountains above the village of Stowe, VT.

Other:

Kingdom Farm and Food Days (August 19th – 21st)

The Northeast Kingdom Farm & Food Days is a weekend-long celebration during Open Farm Week of regional farms, local food, gardens, small producers, and agricultural businesses.

Vermont’s 2nd Annual Open Farm Week (August 15th – 21st)

Do you love local food and farms? Want to get to know your farmer better — and to get a behind-the-scenes look into Vermont’s vibrant working agricultural landscape? During Vermont Open Farm Week, you can meet the farmers, plants, and animals that bring your favorite high-quality Vermont products to your plate.

Now, get out there this summer and Dig-In to Vermont Fairs and Festivals!

Most people who’ve lived in Vermont will agree that Summers here are special, and the numerous Fairs and Festivals throughout the state have become a hallmark of the season. Providing a source of entertainment throughout the summer, they stand as a testament to Vermont’s sense of community, as year after year, families and friends come together to celebrate our rich agricultural traditions. Treat yourself and your family to an unforgettable experience this summer!

VT Fairs

·       Vermont Dairy Festival (June 2nd – 5th)

o   A four day, family festival chock full of fun. The Vermont Dairy Festival includes midway rides, a pancake breakfast, fireworks, Marco the Magician, a parade on Saturday, fiddlers, dairy farm tours, a 10,000 meter milk run, a cow plop contest and lots of children’s activities!

o   https://www.diginvt.com/events/detail/vermont-dairy-festival

·       Vermont History Expo (June 18th – 19th)

o   The Vermont History Expo is down-home fun whether you are 8 or 88! Let us take you back to the days of small Vermont hill farms, rural country stores, horses and buggies, homespun clothes and hearthside stories.

o   https://www.diginvt.com/events/detail/vermont-history-expo

·       Connecticut Valley Fair (July 14th – 17th)

o   An agricultural celebration complete with live music, animal and tractor pulls, and rides for the kids!

o   https://www.diginvt.com/events/detail/connecticut-valley-fair

·       Lamoille County Field Days (July 22nd – 24th)

o   “As community members, we take a common sense approach in realizing the value of a dollar by providing fun family entertainment and promoting agriculture at a cost affordable to everyone. Lamoille County Field Days strives to keep a time honored tradition and family event we are proud of.”

o   https://www.diginvt.com/events/detail/lamoille-county-field-days

·       Pownal Valley Fair (July 30th)

o   A kids’ fun fair. Exhibit hall featuring produce, crafts, quilts, flowers, honey, maple syrup and herbs, antique tractor pull, bingo, petting farm animals, fireworks, and music.

o   https://www.diginvt.com/events/detail/pownal-valley-fair

·       Franklin County Field Days (August 4th – 7th)

o   Franklin County Field Days has been hosting fun events for over 40 years. Enjoy our rides, demolition derbies, horse shows, and more! We have something for everyone here.

o   https://www.diginvt.com/events/detail/franklin-county-field-days

·       Addison County Fair & Field Days (August 9th – 13th)

o   Vermont’s largest agricultural fair. Children’s barnyard, cattle judging, tractor pulls, kiddie rides, crafts, exhibits, live entertainment, pony and ox pulling, midway, parade, youth activities, and Vermont products dinner.

o   https://www.diginvt.com/events/detail/addison-county-fair-and-field-days

·       Vermont State Fair (August 16th – 20th)

o   The Vermont State Fair is an agricultural fair managed by The Rutland County Agricultural Society. The first Vermont State Fair took place in 1846, making it one of the oldest state fairs in the United States.

o   https://www.diginvt.com/events/detail/vermont-state-fair

·       Orleans County Fair (August 17th – 21st)

o   The Orleans County Fair Association, founded in 1867 in Barton Vermont, was formed of local farmers and businessmen who wanted to bring the community together to socialize and celebrate at the annual County Fair, which is now held in August.

o   https://www.diginvt.com/events/detail/orleans-county-fair

·       Deerfield Valley Farmers’ Day Exhibition (August 18th – 21st)

o   Welcome to the Deerfield Valley Farmers’ Day Fair, a long standing local tradition which inspires neighborly competition, education in agriculture, wholesome entertainment, exhibits of area residents, and most importantly good clean fun!

o   https://www.diginvt.com/events/detail/deerfield-valley-farmers-day-fair

·       Caledonia County Fair (August 24th – 28th)

o   This fair is by the community for the community. It is the intent of the CCF to feature Vermont’s agricultural background both past and present in a manner that will be enjoyable and educational to our patrons.

o   https://www.diginvt.com/events/detail/caledonia-county-fair

·       Bondville Fair (August 26th – 28th)

o   This year the three-day format, which was introduced in 1995, will again be offered for your enjoyment. New events and more entertainment than ever before have been included in the expansion of this family-oriented event.

o   https://www.diginvt.com/events/detail/bondville-fair

·       Champlain Valley Fair (August 26th – 28th)

o   The Ten Best Days of Summer! The Champlain Valley Fair is part of the Champlain Valley Exposition, a not-for profit organization founded in 1922.

o   https://www.diginvt.com/events/detail/champlain-valley-fair

·       Guilford Fair (September 4th – 5th)

o   The Guilford Fair honors and promotes Vermont’s agricultural traditions in a way that is both educational and entertaining. People come to relax and to watch the horse draw, cattle and horse shows and sheep shearing demonstrations. There is live music to enjoy and beautiful homegrown produce, flowers, handiwork and hobbies to admire.

o   https://www.diginvt.com/events/detail/guilford-fair-1

·       Tunbridge World’s Fair (September 15th – 18th)

o   The Tunbridge World’s Fair is an agricultural non-profit, and all proceeds go back to the infrastructure, programs and projects on the grounds.

o   https://www.diginvt.com/events/detail/the-tunbridge-world-s-fair

·       Vermont Sheep & Wool Festival (October 1st – 2nd)

o   The Vermont Sheep and Wool Festival offers something for everyone. Located in the historic fairgrounds in Tunbridge as the leaves of fall turn color in the hills rising both to the east and west of the setting make for a visually beautiful weekend celebrating crafts that will keep us warm through the coming winter.

o   https://www.diginvt.com/events/detail/vermont-sheep-and-wool-festival

 

VT Festivals:

·       Burlington Wine and Food Fest (June 14th – 18th)

o   Vermont has long been known as a pioneer of the farm-to-table movement. The Burlington Wine & Food Festival pairs these prized local foods with world-class wines for a delectable experience. Get your tickets now before they sell out!

o   https://www.diginvt.com/events/detail/burlington-wine-and-food-fest

·       Eat More Kale Festival (June 24th)

o   Eat More Kale Festival is a partner project between Justin Hoy, Bo Muller-Moore, and Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks! They have been developing a model for a community based, family friendly Vermont festival, that is geared toward Vermont’s love of farm fresh, music, and the arts.

o   https://www.diginvt.com/events/detail/eat-more-kale-festival

·       Grafton Food Festival (July 9th)

o   Featuring local food and beverage vendors with tastings, cooking demonstrations, farmers market tables, and a children’s cooking competition – there’s delicious fun for food lovers of all ages.

o   https://www.diginvt.com/events/detail/grafton-food-festival-2

·       Vermont Brewers’ Festival (July 15th – 16th)

o   The state of Vermont is blessed with some of the best beer that the East Coast has to offer, and there’s no better place to sample all of it than the two-day Vermont Brewers Festival.

o   https://www.diginvt.com/events/detail/vermont-brewers-festival

·       Killington Wine Festival (July 15th – 17th)

o   The Killington Wine Festival will be celebrating its fifteenth anniversary from July 15th – 17th with three days of specialty wine tasting events. Visit the heart of the Green Mountains for a weekend of wine!

o   https://www.diginvt.com/events/detail/killington-wine-festival-1

·       Vermont Cheesemakers’ Festival (July 17th)

o   Vermont is a world class cheese state with the highest number of cheese makers per capita: 50 of them. You are invited to share their passion for making exceptional cheeses, taste great local foods, wines, craft beers and spirits, and meet the artisans who make them.

o   https://www.diginvt.com/events/detail/vermont-cheesemakers-festival-3

·       Stowe Brewers’ Festival (July 29th – 30th)

o   The Stowe Brewers festival is an outdoor, rain or shine event. There are two separate tasting sessions on two consecutive days. The craft brew celebration will incorporate workshops and demonstrations, food and merchandise vendors and memorabilia.

o   https://www.diginvt.com/events/detail/annual-stowe-brewers-festival

·       Stowe Wine & Food Classic (August 26th – 28th)

o   The Stowe Wine and Food Classic is the annual signature event of Stowe Charities Inc. It will be held once again at the beautiful Trapp Family Lodge, a premier resort nestled in the mountains above the village of Stowe, VT.

o   https://www.diginvt.com/events/detail/stowe-wine-and-food-classic-1

 

Other:

·       Kingdom Farm and Food Days (August 19th – 21st)

o   The Northeast Kingdom Farm & Food Days is a weekend-long celebration during Open Farm Week of regional farms, local food, gardens, small producers, and agricultural businesses.

o   https://www.diginvt.com/events/detail/kingdom-farm-and-food-days-4

·       Vermont’s 2nd Annual Open Farm Week (August 15th – 21st)

o   Do you love local food and farms? Want to get to know your farmer better — and to get a behind-the-scenes look into Vermont’s vibrant working agricultural landscape? During Vermont Open Farm Week, you can meet the farmers, plants, and animals that bring your favorite high-quality Vermont products to your plate.

o   https://www.diginvt.com/events/detail/vermont-s-2nd-annual-open-farm-week

Now, get out there this summer and Dig-In to Vermont Fairs and Festivals!

Source: Dig in VT Trails

Posted on

Vermont Open Farm Week – Farmer Participation

Dear Farmers,

We have begun planning for our 3rd annual Vermont Open Farm Week! This year’s Open Farm Week will take place August 14 – 20, 2017 – please save the date! Farms all over the state will be hosting special events during this week, some just for one day and others for several days or all throughout the week. Registration is now open! Sign your farm up through the button below.

What is Open Farm Week?

Building on the success of NOFA-VT’s 2014 Open CSA Farm Day, several organizations from around the state came together to organize this event with the plan of expanding both the scope and the length of the event.  Our goal is to strengthen consumers’ connections to Vermont land and farms while teaching them how to access Vermont-grown food, fiber and forestry products.  We envision Open Farm Week as an annual event that invites both Vermonters and vacationers to build relationships with our farmers and deepen interest in Vermont’s amazing working landscape.

Open Farm Week is an opportunity for you to spotlight your farm and showcase your products.  Whether you sell directly to consumers or wholesale markets, farms of all kind are encouraged to participate. If you are not usually open to the public, that’s okay too. We will provide you with resources for managing safety and liability, as well as what guests will expect when coming to your farm.  Please plan for some ways to engage consumers while they are visiting.  You may want to provide tours or other activities such as seed planting, tastings, scavenger hunts, or on-farm dinners for folks to engage in. Please direct any questions to diginvt@vermontfresh.net  – we look forward to working with you!

New this Year

Event Requirements: After taking in guest feedback, we realized that people attending Open Farm Week events are looking for activities, farmer interaction and unique events. We are changing the format this year to focus on special events during the week and will no longer highlight farms that are not doing an event on their farm unique to Open Farm Week. For example, rather than listing a farm stand as open throughout the week as an Open Farm Week event, each farm will be required to have a special activity in addition that is not part of their regular farm schedule. Examples of eligible events include farming demonstrations, cooking demonstrations and tastings, farm dinners, and open houses with farmer-led tours. Feel free to get creative and if you want to include a standing event you usually host during that week, we’re just asking that you provide a special addition to the event that we can highlight for Open Farm Week.

Cost to Participate: There is now a cost for farms to participate. This $50 fee covers the signage and promotional materials that we will ship directly to your business as well as a portion of staff time dedicated to promoting your event. Additional promotion of individual events will be provided by the Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing this year. Each participant will have the opportunity to submit photos, videos and text for Instagram (2 posts per farm), Twitter (3 posts per farm) and Facebook (1 post per farm) by VDTM. 

Featured Farms: For farms interested in being a featured Open Farm Week Farm, you can pay an additional $20. For this fee, DigInVT will boost a Facebook post (a full match of $20) promoting your event to a targeted audience and your farm will be prioritized in our media outreach. 

Technical Assistance: Our Open Farm Week team is available to provide resources & technical assistance to a limited number of farms that would like support developing ideas and preparing for visitors. Vera Simon-Nobes of the Farm-Based Education Network and Lisa Chase of UVM Extension can help you develop an event that’s right for your farm and community, along with a timeline, marketing plan, and safety plan. There is no additional charge for this technical assistance, but you do need to apply for it by May 15th – see question #6 to sign up. 

Open Farm Week Promotional Materials: We will provide lawn signs, posters, and postcards out to all farms that sign-up before July 1st. Materials will be mailed directly to your farm. 

Farmer sign-up for Open Farm Week is open until June 30, 2017. For anyone who signs up after June 30th, event organizers can not guarantee that your farm will be included in the collective outreach efforts. We can still list your event online, and we will try to provide you with a sign and marketing materials but there is no guarantee.

For resources and additional tips on hosting events on your farm, please visit www.uvm.edu/vtagritourism. Open Farm Week is a great way to engage with customers and your community. We’ll provide you with outreach tools, like suggested social media posts, a lawn sign, and posters and postcards to distribute in your area, however, you will be responsible for the local promotion of your event. Our Open Farm Week team is happy to work with farms that want support developing ideas and preparing for visitors. Please sign up for technical assistance via the registration form, or feel free to reach out to some of our team members with quick questions:

Erin Buckwalter at NOFA-VT: erin@nofavt.org or 802-434-4122
Grace Meyer at Vermont Fresh Network: grace@vermontfresh.net or 802-434-2000
Lisa Chase at UVM Extension: Lisa.Chase@uvm.edu or 802-257-7967

Please let us know if you have any questions!

Best wishes,
The 2017 Open Farm Week Organizing Team

(Sarah Bhimani, City Market; Erin Buckwalter, NOFA-VT and the Vermont Farmers Market Association; Lisa Chase, UVM Extension; Jake Claro, Farm to Plate Network; Grace Meyer, Vermont Fresh Network & DigInVT; Hilary DelRoss & Philip Tortora, Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing; Vera Simon-Nobes, Shelburne Farms, Farm-Based Education Network and the Vermont Farm to Plate Network Agritourism Task Force; Alissa Mathews, Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food, and Markets)

Please take the time to review these resources for a safe and successful Open Farm Week! 

Vermont Harvest of the Month – they’ll send free posters to Open Farm Week farms who choose to do an activity having to do with Tomatoes – the August Harvest of the Month!
A Best Practices Guide for Managing Safety and Risk
General Farm Visit Checklist (Day-of)
Animal Safety Checklist
Farm Building Safety Checklist
Emergency Response Checklist
Parking and Traffic Assessment 
Basic First Aid Kit Contents  
Farm Animals and Visitors
Keeping Passengers Safe on Hay Rides
Agritourism Questions to Clarify with Your Insurer
Sample Hazard Incident Report Form

Source: Dig in VT Trails

Posted on

5th Annual Wine and Chocolate Weekend

The fifth annual Vermont Wine & Chocolate Weekend is February 13 & 14, 2016. Fifteen wineries around Vermont open their doors to visitors and will feature samples of their wines with a chocolate confection or another dessert. Many have partnered with local chocolatiers to offer homegrown pairings—flavors only found in Vermont.

Visitors can taste the full spectrum of Vermont wines during Wine and Chocolate weekend. Some wineries specialize in grape wines made from northern grape varieties like Marquette, La Crescent, and Traminette; others produce black currant cassis, honey mead, ice cider, raspberry wine, and apple wine.

There are, of course, classic combinations like red wine with dark chocolate on the menu at several wineries. North Branch Vineyard is offering a chocolate ganache cake with their 2014 Saint Croix red wine. Lincoln Peak Vineyard features pairings with three neighboring chocolatiers. Other wineries are combining their wines with the chocolate itself, like the Cassis-filled chocolates at Neshobe River Winery.

Some vineyards are offering sweet twists on the theme. Shelburne Vineyard is featuring pairings with Good Comida cheesecakes on Saturday, and Boyden Valley Winery is offering special Valentine’s cocktails.

The participating wineries will be open from noon to 5 p.m. during the Wine and Chocolate weekend. Visitors can also purchase a bottle of the featured wine with the accompanying chocolates for Valentine’s Day gifts. Please call ahead to wineries for details about their tastings.

Sat, Feb 13, 2016 12:00pm Sun, Feb 14, 2016 5:00pm
Wineries participating in the Wine and Chocolate Weekend include:

Artesano Mead, Groton. (802) 584-9000; www.artesanomead.com.

Boyden Valley Winery & Spirits, Cambridge. Free tasting of wine, cider, and cream liqueurs paired with decadent local chocolates. STiRChocolates will be onsite with additional chocolate samples infused with Boyden Valley wines and cream liqueurs. Also, an optional tasting of Valentine’s themed cocktails throughout the day. Boyden is also hosting a romantic cheese fondue dinner with wine and dessert from 4pm-6pm in their historic carriage barn loft by reservation only. Call for more details or to place a reservation for the fondue dinner. (802) 644-8151; www.boydenvalley.com. 

Champlain Orchards, Shoreham. They’re pairing house-made ice cider truffles that with their Ice Cider, MacIntosh and Maple Hard cider. They’re also offering Bacon Cheddar Apple Turnovers and Heirloom Cheddar soup with any of their hard ciders. (802) 897-2777; www.champlainorchards.com.

Due North Vineyard, Franklin. (802) 285-2053; www.duenorthvineyard.com.

East Shore Vineyard, South Hero. (802) 859-9463; www.eastshorevineyard.com. 

Eden Ice Cider, Newport. (802) 334-1808; www.edenicecider.com.

Fresh Tracks Farm, Berlin. (802) 223-1151; www.freshtracksfarm.com.

Hall Home Place Ice Cider, Isle La Motte. Free pairing of Sweet Six and M&E Ice Ciders with Chocolate Covered Apple Cider candies (made from their own apple cider syrup) and VT Krunch Toffee. All products will be available for purchase along with other varieties of Ice Cider and their premium VT Iced Hard Cider. Full tastings at the regular fee also available. (802) 928-3091, www.hallhomeplace.com.

Huntington River Vineyard, Huntington. Offering chocolates flavored with their wines, and opening their cozy tasting room in the old farmhouse for this special occasion. (802) 434-3332; www.huntingtonrivervineyard.com

Lincoln Peak Vineyard, Middlebury. Featuring wine pairings with three Addison County chocolatiers: Middlebury Chocolates, Daily Chocolate, and Farmhouse Truffles. (802) 388-7368; www.lincolnpeakvineyard.com.

Neshobe River Winery, Brandon. Offering cassis-filled chocolates made from their VT-grown organic black currants, paired with cassis, of course. Free tasting glass for visitors they heard about it through the state-wide event! (802) 247-8002; www.neshoberiverwinery.com.

North Branch Vineyards, Montpelier. North Branch will be pairing their 2014 Saint Croix with chocolate ganache cake. (802) 229-6169; www.northbranchvineyards.com. 

Shelburne Vineyard, Shelburne. Offering wine pairings with a different Shelburne chocolatier each day 11 am- 5 pm. On Saturday, Good Comida will prepare samples of their VT-made cheesecakes, sauces and chocolates paired with or prepared with Shelburne Vineyard wines. On Sunday, Bijou Fine Chocolates will sample their chocolates and special truffles paired or prepared with SV wines. In addition to the chocolate pairings the Vineyard will also offer regular wine tastings throughout the weekend. (802) 985-8222; www.shelburnevineyard.com.

Snow Farm Vineyard, South Hero. Snow Farm is pairing estate wines with Vermont Nut Free Chocolates– dark, milk, and white chocolate samples with the regular tasting. They’re also offering a tasting with Birnn Chocolate Truffles featuring a special release of Maple Bubbles on Snow (a champagne-style wine for a romantic weekend). Take a romantic hike on Fox Hill for breath-taking views of Lake Champlain. (802) 372-9463; www.snowfarm.com.

Whaleback Vineyard, Poultney. Whaleback will be offering their wines paired with chocolate truffles from Birnn Chocolates in South Burlington. (802) 287-0730; www.whalebackvineyard.com.

With general questions about the state-wide weekend, please contact Sara Granstrom at Lincoln Peak Vineard at (802)-388-7368 or at vermontwine@gmail.com.

 

Source: Dig in VT Trails