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Holiday Pop Up Markets and Maker Fairs in Vermont

Here at DigInVT, we love the holidays. The season is an opportunity to indulge in delicious, local foods, sip on all the warm drinks (boozy or otherwise), and purchase handmade gifts from Vermont’s talented local makers for our loved ones.

If you haven’t quite finished your holiday shopping, check out one (or many) of the holiday markets below. They’ll have just what you need for the family members or friends left on your list. Plus, you’ll be shopping from small businesses and supporting our state’s artisans and entrepreneurs. And shopping with a locally crafted beverage in your hand is sure to put a holiday spring in your step.

SILO Distillery, Windsor

Holiday Pop Up Market | Thursday, December 12 | 4:00pm – 7:00pm

Relax, listen to music, and have a nice cocktail, all while buying local and supporting your community. SILO will be serving up specially priced cocktails, offering 10% discount on all merchandise in their store (not including spirits), and featuring some of their great holiday gift package options. You won’t want to miss it!

Vendors: Ambrosia Chocolates and Confections, Bradford Builds, Just the Right Light – Teal Parker Photography, Luce Farm, New England Hot Fudge Company, Shulamit Jewelry, Vovo’s Table, Stewart Maple, VT Wicks, and Katelyn Elizabeth Jewelry.

Bristol Village

Eat, Drink, and Be Merry | Friday, December 13 | 5:30pm – 9:30pm

Join the community for shopping, festivities, and most all, music, at a new event in Bristol! Visit three unique locations on Main Street (Vermont Tree Goods, Bristol Cliffs Cafe, and Tandem) for a terrific selection of local well-known musical acts, with accompanying wines, ciders, and delicious eats.

Hotel Vermont, Burlington

Mini Holiday Market | Friday, December 13 | 5:00pm – 9:00pm

Make your way down Cherry Street to celebrate local makers at Hotel Vermont with their annual Mini Holiday Market! Get in the holiday spirit with a Lake Champlain Chocolates hot chocolate bar, holiday records, and drink specials at Juniper.

Vendors: Little Citizen, Bleu Northeast Seafood, Wild Mountain Ink, Wild Hart Distillery, Vert Mont Perfumery, and Sugarhouse Ceramic Co.

Harry’s Hardware & The Den, Cabot

Cabot Holiday Festival and Outdoor Market | Saturday, December 14 | 12:00pm – 5:00pm

You’ll be enveloped in holiday cheer in traditional German Weihnanchtsmarkt style with food and art vendors, holidays decorations, comfort food, pretzels, and local beverages! The Cabot Artisans Gallery will also have extended hours to provide for those last minute Christmas shopping needs.

Sterling College, Craftsbury

Craftsbury Holiday Farmers Market | Saturday, December 14 | 10:00am – 1:00pm

Stock up on local foods and crafts for your holiday feasting, fill your winter cupboards, and shop for gifts at this annual Holiday Farmers Market! Enjoy lunch and free live music while you shop. 

Foam Brewers, Burlington

Holiday Maker’s Market | Sunday, December 15 |10:00am – 2:00pm

Shop for unique and meaningful holiday gifts. Foam Brewers will be serving bagels and, of course, beverages starting at 10:00am while 7+ local makers will be selling their goodies. Get that holiday shopping out of the way.

Vendors: Flatlander Supply Co., Wit & Woven, The Tipsy Pickle, Mean Folk, Zenbarn Farms, Derek Rice, and Gwen Child Jewelry.

Source: Dig in VT Trails

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New Year’s Eve! Celebrate 2020 Vermont-style.

Ring in the new year local-style with a meal at a Vermont Fresh Network (VFN) restaurant. Whether you prefer lively parties, quiet candlelit dinners, or opulent feasts – VFN chefs have you covered. Make your reservation today! 

Northern & Central 

Bistro de Margot, Burlington

Enjoy a five course French feast in downtown Burlington to bid adieu to 2019. View menu.

Edson Hill, Stowe

Dine in exquisite style and ring in the new year in picturesque Stowe. Get the details.

Hotel Vermont, Burlington

Join Hotel Vermont for their annual New Year’s Eve party! Ring in 2020 to the sounds of the Phil Abair Band and DJ CRE-8 and enjoy heavy hors-d’oeuvres, a coffee and dessert bar, and a champagne toast at midnight! Buy your tickets today.

Michael’s on the Hill, Waterbury Center

At Michael’s, they pull out all the stops for a festive New Year’s Eve complete with live music and champagne. More information here.

Norwich Inn, Norwich 

Enjoy the uniquely crafted New Year’s Eve menu and, maybe, stay the night! Get the details.

The Essex Resort & Spa, Essex 

The Essex has two fun events planned for New Year’s Eve!

Join the October Theatre Company, Inc. as they perform an entertaining Murder Mystery on Tuesday, December 31, 2019. More information here.

Ring in the new year with hors d’oeuvres, food stations, a dessert bar, and a midnight champagne toast at The Essex’s New Year’s Eve party, and dance the night away! A cash ice bar with cocktails, wine, and beer will be available until 1:00am. More information here.

Southern 

Echo Lake Inn, Ludlow

Delicious holiday dining awaits you in Ludlow. Get the details.

Inn at Weathersfield, Perkinsville 

Five courses and live music make for a memorable and cozy New Year’s Eve. More information here.

Red Clover Inn and Restaurant, Mendon 

Ring in 2020 with a spectacular feast, live jazz, and a champagne toast! Get the details.

 

Here are a few other fun places to ring in the new year…

Foam Brewers, Burlington

Join in for a day of art, music, libations, Sleight of Hand with Chris McBride, and other interactive activities for the whole family. This event is part of Highlight, Burlington’s New Year’s Eve celebration. Get the details.

Stone Corral Brewery, Richmond

Celebrate the beginning of 2020 with an evening of cold beer and cocktails, dinner specials, and excellent live music. Start your night with some mouth-watering food or just come down when the music starts. More information here.

The ECHO Center, Burlington

Rabble-Rouser Chocolate & Craft Co. invites you to ring in the roaring twenties with wild abandon. Don your finest flapper attire and head to the ECHO Center on the waterfront. Food will be provided by Sugarsnap. This event is part of Highlight, Burlington’s New Year’s Eve celebration. More information here.

The Skinny Pancake, Burlington

Join The Skinny Pancake and 1% for the Planet as they host a benefit auction full of sweet goodies from all your favorite companies who do good for the planet while doing good business. This event is part of Highlight, Burlington’s New Year’s Eve celebration. Get the details.

 

However you celebrate, we at the Vermont Fresh Network and DigInVT wish you a happy new year filled with Vermont-grown food!

Source: Dig in VT Trails

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Pairings for the Vermont Holiday Table

At DigInVT, we like to eat local and we like to drink local. As you’re planning your Thanksgiving and holiday menu, don’t forget to pair it with a local beverage. Our Vermont cidermakers and winemakers produce the perfect pairings for a local holiday feast.

Here are a few of their recommendations for making your meal unforgettable.  

 

Eden Specialty Ciders, Newport

Eden Ciders is a boutique winery in the heart of the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont. The folks at Eden focus on artisanal drinks that reflect the heritage and climate of this beautiful region. Adam Goddu retail director of Eden, paired Eden ciders with each course.

Welcome cider/cheese course – “Eden Ciders Brut Nature is a bone-dry, Champagne method cider that spends over a year on the lees creating a nuanced mouthfeel that’s the perfect welcome for your guests and a delightful pairing with any creamy, brie-like cheese.”

Entree/Main – “Eden Ciders Guinevere’s Pearls – part of Eden’s Cellar Series (limited production, specialty releases) is an off-dry cider made from 100% Northern Spy apples. Balanced acidity and residual sugar provide great structure for a cider that’s made for roast meats. It will knock it out of the park whether you’re doing a traditional turkey or ham, game meats…anything!”

Dessert – “Windfall Orchard Ice Cider this blend of over 30 varieties of apples comes from Brad Koehler’s incredible collection of heirloom and cider apples in Cornwall, VT. Enjoy it with any assortment of Thanksgiving pies, an after dinner cheese board or drizzle on some local ice cream!”

Citizen Cider, Burlington

Visitors can sample Citizen Cider’s classics and seasonal limited releases, along with the flagship ciders at their tasting room on Pine Street.  

americran citizencider2

“Of course AmeriCran is the perfect combination with your Thanksgiving meal. Made with cranberries from Vt Cranberry Co in Fletcher, VT. Super dry and extra tart, it pairs well with any dish at the Thanksgiving table, a nice balance from the savory dishes and a refreshing cider to add to any meal!” 

Stowe Cider, Stowe

The team at Stowe Cider is always developing unique recipes that you won’t find anywhere else. Ciders range from dry and preservative-free to others containing local fruits, hops, and unique barrel-aged offerings. Tuned Up is a cider you can enjoy at any point in the meal. As you can see the folks at Stowe Cider pair it with cranberry topped cheesecake. 

stowe cider tuned up

Tuned Up is a dry, hazy cider made with cranberry and orange, coming in at 5.5% ABV. Fruit aromas fill the nose and upon first sip, a mild tartness tightens taste buds before the subtly sweet and complementary flavors of apple and orange hit. 

Boyden Valley Winery and Spirits, Cambridge

Located in a restored 1875 carriage barn on the picturesque 5th generation Boyden Farm, the folks at Boyden Valley Winery and Spirits craft a variety of award-winning wines, ciders, and spirits that support sustainable agriculture and local farms. They offer a variety of experiences including tastings and free tours of the production facility.

 Boyden

Crafted with locally grown cranberries from the Vermont Cranberry Company, the Boyden Valley Winery Cranberry Wine makes the perfect pairing with turkey for the Thanksgiving table!  Try it with some lime seltzer or champagne for a fun spritzer that pairs great with cheese for a appetizer or after dinner digestif. 

Glögg is a red wine mulled with cinnamon, clove, cardamom, and orange peel – simply heat it up and serve it hot!  Based on a traditional Swedish recipe, the Boyden Valley Winery Glogg is the perfect warm beverage to enjoy around a fireplace after a heavy Thanksgiving meal or pair it with your favorite Thanksgiving pie for dessert. 

Maquam, St. Albans

Maquam is a small Vermont family-owned winery producing limited-production non-grape fruit wines. You can find their wines at retail locations around the state.

maquam wine

“Maquam’s Blueberry and VT Maple Syrup wine is tart with a smooth maple syrup finish that pairs nicely with appetizers, including baked brie with fruit, bacon appetizers and fried ravioli.  Maquam’s Pear wine is a light easy-going white that pairs wonderfully with Thanksgiving dinner and Maquam’s Apricot dessert wine complements desserts such as pecan pie, cheesecake and is excellent drizzled over ice cream.”

These are just a few of the great locally produced beverages that we have in Vermont. We recommend visiting the many cideries, breweries and wineries in the state to find your favorite. 

  

Source: Dig in VT Trails

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Vermont Fresh Network Restaurants Serving Thanksgiving Meals

This Thanksgiving, why not let someone else do the cooking? Even better, let that someone be a Vermont Fresh Network (VFN) chef! There are many local inns and restaurants serving up delicious holiday meals prepared with Vermont ingredients this year. And, if you just need a little help with the hosting, we have options for you! Some of our favorite VFN member markets have prepared side dishes and pies available for pre-order. Peruse the list below to see what the offerings are in your area.

Arlington

West Mountain Inn – The inn’s fixed price Thanksgiving menu features traditional dishes like roasted Vermont turkey with cornbread, pecan, and fig stuffing, in addition to salmon, sirloin, and butternut squash gnocchi. You’ll also enjoy salad, a selection of appetizers, freshly baked rolls, and seasonal desserts. $45/adult, $23/child. 2:00pm – 5:00pm. Call 802-375-6516 for reservations.

Bristol

Inn at Baldwin Creek and Mary’s Restaurant – Head to Bristol for a buffet including all your holiday favorites with some exciting additions such as salmon, leg of lamb, and stuffed shells. This “plentiful harvest dinner” starts off with soups and appetizers and ends with a dessert sampler. $60/adult, $28/child. 12:00pm – 6:00pm. Call 802-453-2432 for reservations.

Chittenden

Mountain Top Inn & Resort – Start off with local autumn squash bisque and salad before heading to the carving station for traditional roasted turkey and prime rib. There will also be several side dishes to enjoy including baked brie, brussel sprouts with bacon, baked sweet potatoes with maple butter, and Vermont sweet creamed corn. It all g oes perfectly with the beautiful mountain views from the dining room. $39/adult, $17/child. Call 802-483-2311 for reservations.

Dorset

The Dorset Inn – The Inn’s a la carte Thanksgiving menu boasts smoked duck pate, Vermont Creamery goat cheese and mushroom tart, and Misty Knoll turkey dinner. Other entree options include prime rib, salmon, and house made pumpkin ravioli. The nearby Dorset Bakery will be preparing apple and pumpkin pie for dessert, along with the Inn’s chocolate torte and carrot cake. Call 802-867-5500 for reservations (required).

Essex

The Essex, Vermont’s Culinary Resort and Spa – Enjoy a Thanksgiving feast at The Essex. Their large holiday menu features a raw bar, antipasto, local cheeses, traditional side dishes, prime rib, turkey, vegetable strudel, and even a chocolate fountain. $50/adult, $22/child. 11:00am – 5:00pm. Call 802-878-1100 for reservations.

Grafton

The Grafton Inn – Give thanks with The Grafton Inn. They’ll be serving up Thanksgiving turkey with all the trimmings, in addition to some unique offerings for those who prefer a less traditional meal. Think sea bass, cajun fried turkey, and filet mignon. For dessert, make the tough choice between apple, pecan, pumpkin, or chocolate pie. $70/adult, $30/child. 2:00pm – 4:30pm. Call 802-843-2248 for reservations.

Ludlow

Echo Lake Inn – Celebrate Thanksgiving at the Echo Lake Inn! They’ll be serving up a three course holiday meal. Start off with Vermont sausage and kale soup and salad, and then enjoy a selection of main dishes, including salmon, filet mignon, ravioli, and, of course, Vermont turkey! Finish the meal with a selection of seasonal desserts. $42/adult, $20/child. Call 802-228-8602 for reservations.

Manchester

Reluctant Panther Inn and Restaurant – At Reluctant Panther, choose between several appetizer and entree options including local green salad, pheasant and squash risotto arancini, organic Vermont turkey, braised beef short ribs, and more! The dessert buffet boasts ten delectable offerings. $65/person. 2:00pm – 7:00pm. Call 800-822-2331 for reservations.

The Copper Grouse – From now until November 27th, Copper Grouse is celebrating Friendsgiving with hot toddies and pretzel bites for two for $25. Half of the proceeds will go to No Kid Hungry. And on Thanksgiving day, enjoy a three-course meal among family and friends at the restaurant. You’ll feel right at home. $55/person. 1:00pm – 8:00pm. Call 802-362-0176 for reservations.

Middlebury

Morgan’s Tavern at Middlebury Inn – Feast on a traditional holiday meal at Morgan’s Tavern. Their buffet will make all your Thanksgiving food dreams come true, from roasted pumpkin bisque and Vermont maple whipped sweet potato to roasted local turkey and freshly baked pie. $36/adult, $18/child. 11:30am – 3:30pm. Call 802-388-4961 for reservations.

Stowe

Edson Hill – Stay cozy by the fireplace in Edson Hill’s dining room. The chef is preparing a delicious three-course meal. Start off with a grilled radicchio salad or creamy mushroom soup. Next, choose between beef wellington, roasted turkey breast, or poached halibut, and complete the meal with pumpkin pie or apple cake. $65/adult, $30/child. 12:00pm & 3:00pm. Call 802-253-7371 for reservations.

The Lodge at Spruce Peak – The Thanksgiving buffet at the Lodge will feature so many delicious dishes, from popovers, local cheeses, and roasted autumn vegetables to heirloom apple, cranberry, sausage stuffing and brined Misty Knoll Turkey. They’ll even have a dedicated “Kid’s Corner” with hot dog slides, tater tots, and more, so there will be be no stress over picky eaters. $70/adult, $25/child. Visit opentable.com/solstice for reservations.

Weathersfield

The Inn at Weathersfield – The Inn has a fabulous feast planned for Thanksgiving day. Save room for the Vermont maple pumpkin pie with bourbon whipped cream but first, enjoy spinach fettuccini, leek and potato soup, roasted local turkey with all the trimmings, and much more! $52/adult, $4/child. 2:00pm – 7:00pm. Call 802-263-9217 for reservations. 

Or Order Ahead…

Grafton

MKT: Grafton – There’s lots to be thankful for at MKT: Grafton. Stop by Monday – Wednesday for pies, sides, hostess gifts, and wine. 

Middlebury

Middlebury Natural Foods Co-op – Pre-order your Thanksgiving turkeys, side dishes, snack platters, and pies by November 23. Click here for the online order form.

Peru

J.J. Hapgood General Store & Eatery – Pre-order your Thanksgiving turkeys, sides, and desserts by November 21. Three words: Maple Bread Pudding. View the full menu here. Call 802-824-4800 or send an email to order.

Stowe

Harvest Market – The market has a full menu of Thanksgiving side dishes, desserts, and cooked Adams turkey breast available for pre-order, which will also be available on a first come, first served basis in the prepared food case. Check out the full menu here. Call 802-253-3800 or stop by before November 24 to order.

Williston

Natural Provisions Market – Order apple, pecan, pumpkin, or mixed berry pies from Natural Provisions by November 25. Click here for the online order form.

Woodstock

Woodstock Farmers’ Market – Check out the Market’s website to see their full Thanksgiving catering menu. They are fully prepared to do the cooking! They also have several pie flavors available for pre-order. To place a pie order, call 802-457-3658 x245. To place a catering order, call 802-457-3658 and press 1 for the deli.

Source: Dig in VT Trails

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Cider and Cheese Pairings for the Season

Apple and cheese are a classic pairing, from apple pie with a cheddar crust to a creamy grilled cheese sandwich slathered with apple butter. The sweet, spicy, tart flavors of apples play well with the creamy, savory flavors of our favorite Vermont cheeses. And when we are choosing our cheese and cider pairings, we put the call out to the experts to help us plan our next cheese board.

 

Hill Farm Inn, Sunderland 

We spoke with Kate Pace of Hill Farm Inn, a lovely bed and breakfast located in Southern Vermont, about how they build their cheese boards paired with cider.

“We put a ton of love into our cheese and charcuterie boards. Updated seasonally, they’re designed to delight and inspire and to show off Vermont products that our guests can easily pick up to take home. 

In our little pub, we run four local brews on tap and stock cans and bottles of other favorites. You’ll always find Citizen Cider’s Unified Press on hand. It’s crisp, refreshing, with a touch of sweetness. A perfect entry point. And it pairs beautifully with the smooth, buttery Oh My Gouda from Cobb Hill or a Vermont Brie (Blythedale Farm on this board). An interesting Vermont blue is a perfect match for Wit’s Up, Citizen’s dry, ale-style recipe. Go for Parish Hill Creamery’s West West Blue or Jasper Hill’s Bayley Hazen. Can’t go wrong!”  

citizencider unifiedpress

Citizen Cider, Burlington

Citizen Cider began with three friends in 2010, a wine salesman, a chemist, and a small farmer. They experimented with hard cider fermented from sweet ciders pressed in the backyard barn and the results quickly found a following. Visitors can sample the Cellar Series and seasonal limited releases, along with the flagship ciders at their tasting room on Pine Street.  

Citizen’s Cheray MacFarland talks about their collaboration with Vermont Farmstead Cheese.

“We partner up with Vermont Farmstead to make Unified Cheddar. We release this once a year and it is an incredible cheese. Rick, the Cheesemaker, does a really great job with keeping the cider front and center with the sharp cheddar and the two really complement each other. Of course, you must pair this with Unified Press to get the full effect! I highly suggest a grilled (Unified Cheddar) cheese on Red Hen bread with an ice cold Unified.”

Cheese champlain orchards

Champlain Orchards and Cidery, Shoreham

Champlain Orchards is a family owned and ecologically managed orchard in Shoreham, Vermont. As one of the oldest, continuously operating orchards in Vermont, they take pride in growing over 100 varieties of apples, as well as peaches, pears, plums, cherries, nectarines, and berries. We spoke with Champlain’s Sara Trivialpiece about their favorite pairing.

“Our pairing is Grafton Village Clothbound Cheddar with our Mac & Maple cider. There’s a reason Cheddar is one of the world’s most popular cheeses and in Grafton, Vermont, Grafton Village rocks a cloth-bound cheddar that is just as legit as its classic English cousins. A couple hours northwest in Shoreham, Champlain Orchards is concocting delicious alchemy of their own, and they’ve hit on a combination that can only be described as “Vermont in a can.” Blending Vermont grown McIntosh apples and dark robust Vermont maple syrup, this delectable sipper has just the right amount of sweetness to make it amazing with cheese. Especially cheddar. There is so much goodness going on with this pairing, it’s hard to know where to start. The sweet-tart flavor of the apples? The caramel, woodsy tones of the maple syrup? The salty and savory body of the cheese? Eat a whole lot more and get back to us with an answer.”

boydencider cheese 700x300

Boyden Valley Winery and Spirits, Cambridge

Located in a restored 1875 carriage barn on the picturesque 5th generation Boyden Farm, Boyden Valley Winery and Spirits is steeped in the culture and agricultural heritage of Vermont’s Green Mountains. They craft a variety of award-winning wines, ciders, and spirits that support sustainable agriculture and local farms. They offer a variety of experiences including tastings and free tours of the production facility.

Their favorite cheese and cider pairings:

“Boyden Valley Winery’s Vermont Ice Cider with Cabot Vintage Choice Extra Sharp Cheddar –  Apples and cheddar have always been a classic pairing. The barrel-aged sweet apple flavor from Boyden’s Vermont Ice Cider crafted with MacIntosh, Empire, and Northern Spy apples pairs perfectly with the extra sharp Cabot vintage choice that has an equivalent amount of robust flavor! 

Boyden Valley Cidery’s Vermont Ice Hard Cider pairs nicely with Little Hosmer by Jasper Hill –  The crisp and dry apple notes from the cider and light carbonation are a great compliment to the creamy texture and mild flavor of Little Hosmer cheese – not unlike pairing a camembert with a dry champagne.

Boyden Valley Cidery’s Royale Cider pairs beautifully with Green Mountain Creamery’s Boucher Blue cheese. The salty pungent and earth notes from the Boucher Blue are accented beautifully with the bold black currants blended with apples to make the Royale Cider.”

ice cider eden blog 1

Eden Specialty Ciders, Newport

A boutique winery in the heart of the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont. The folks at Eden focus on artisanal drinks that reflect the heritage and climate of this beautiful region – elegant, gold-medal winning ice ciders, hard ciders and herb-infused aperitif ciders for adventurous wine drinkers, creative chefs, confident sommeliers and inspired bartenders. Adam Goddru retail director of Eden, recommended one of our favorite pairings.

 “Eden Ciders Heirloom Blend Ice Cider – blend of around 15 different heirloom apple varieties which provide a balanced acidity to the dessert cider. A magical pairing with any blue cheese but a particular favorite with Bayley Hazen Blue (Jasper Hill) which has great spice and a nutty roundness that makes for the perfect ending to any meal.”

 

 

Source: Dig in VT Trails

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Thanksgiving Farmers Markets 2019

Treat your family to a local feast this Thanksgiving – thankfully, you can find nearly every ingredient you’ll need at a Vermont farmers market. And if you haven’t already ordered your Vermont turkey, check out Vermont Fresh Network’s Local Turkey Finder.

 

Thanksgiving Farmers Markets:

BRATTLEBORO | Brattleboro Farmers Market – Winter | C.F. Church Buiding, 80 Flat Street

Saturday, November 23, 10:00am – 2:00pm

BURLINGTON | Burlington Farmers Market – Winter | Davis Center, 590 Main Street

Saturday, November 23, 10:00am – 2:00pm

BURLINGTON | UVM Medical Center Farmers Market – Winter | Davis Concourse, 111 Colchester Avenue

Thursday, November 21, 2:30pm – 5:00pm

DORSET | Dorset Farmers Market – Winter | J.K. Adams Kitchen Store, 1430 Vermont Route 30

Sunday, November 24, 10:00am – 2:00pm 

MIDDLEBURY | Middlebury Farmers Market – Winter | VFW, 530 Exchange Street

Saturday, November 23, 9:00am – 12:30pm 

MONTPELIER | Capital City Thanksgiving Farmers Market | Montpelier High School, 5 High School Drive

Saturday, November 23 | 10:00am – 2:00pm

MORRISVILLE | Morrisville Farmers Market – Winter | Green Mountain Support Services, 93 James Road

Saturday, November 23, 9:00am – 1:00pm

NORWICH | Norwich Famers Market – Winter | Tracy Hall, 300 Main Street

Saturday, November 23, 9:00am – 1:00pm

PUTNEY – Putney Farmers Market – Winter | Green Mountain Orchard, 130 West Hill Road

Sunday, November 24, 11:00am – 2:00pm

RUTLAND | Vermont Farmers Market – Winter | Vermont Farmers Food Center, 251 West Street

Saturday, November 23, 10:00am – 2:00pm

SOUTH HERO | Champlain Islands Farmers Market – Winter | 24 South St, South Hero 

Saturday, November 23, 10:00am – 2:00pm

WAITSFIELD – Annual Thanksgiving Farmers Market at the Round Barn – 1661 East Warren Road

Sunday, November 24 | 10:00am – 2:00pm

Source: Dig in VT Trails

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2019 Vermont Fresh Network Local Turkey Finder

Don’t wait! Deadlines are fast approaching to reserve a local bird. Find your Vermont-raised turkey today using our handy guide.

What’s the best thing about Thanksgiving? Gathering with friends and family to enjoy a feast prepared with love? Sure, that’s great. But the BEST part is that you can source nearly every ingredient from local, Vermont farmers and we’re here to help you do just that.

No matter where you are — we have options! Find a market or farm near you and order your turkey today.   

Northern Vermont

Farms

Adams Turkey Farm, Westford — Adams offers fresh Vermont turkeys humanely raised on an all-vegetarian diet without antibiotics. They’ve been in business for 35 years and have many turkey sizes available.

Order Now → Call 802-878-4726 and leave a message to be added to the list, email adamsturkeyfarmvt@gmail.com, or stop by the farm.

Breezy Acres Farm, Montgomery – With fresh turkeys available in limited quantities, Breezy Acres is a great option for sourcing your holiday bird.

Order Now → Call 802-326-2197, email breezyacresfarmvt@gmail.com, or sign up at Rail City Market in St. Albans.

Maple Wind Farm, Richmond – Maple Wind’s turkeys are certified organic! They’re raised on fresh, green pasture and processed on the farm. Pick up on November 23 in Burlington or November 24 in Richmond.

Order Now → Visit maplewindfarm.com/store/pasture-raised-turkey.

Markets and Co-ops

City Market, Burlington – Get your fresh, local turkey from City Market. They have offerings from several Vermont farms! Pre-order your turkey by November 17 from Stonewood Farm in Orwell or Maple Wind Farm in Huntington or by November 20 from Misty Knoll Farms in New Haven or Adams Turkey Farm in Westford.

Order Now → citymarket.coop/thanksgiving-turkeys-co-op.

Craftsbury General Store, Craftsbury – The General Store serves as a pick up location for Hillside Farm/Pearce’s Pastured Poultry, which offers fresh, pasture-raised turkeys fed with non-GMO grain. They’re even processed right on the farm!

Order Now → Stop by the Craftsbury General Store to put your name on the sign up sheet or order directly from the farm by calling 802-755-6222 or emailing hillsidefarmvt@gmail.com.

Harvest Market, Stowe – Harvest Market will be carrying bagged fresh turkeys from Adams Turkey Farm. They’ll also have a full menu with all the Thanksgiving side dishes available for pre-order! If you don’t want to prepare the turkey yourself, pick up a cooked Adams turkey breast and some sides in the prepared food case, available on a first come, first served basis.

Order Now → Call 802-253-3800 or stop by before November 24 to order. Check out the full menu on their website.

Natural Provisions, Williston – Head to Natural Provisions to sign up for your local, all natural holiday turkeys from Stonewood Farm or Misty Knoll Farms.

Order Now → Stop by, call 802-876-1400, or visit naturalprovisions.com.

Central Vermont

Farms

Crossmolina Farm, West Corinth – In addition to fresh, pastured turkeys, Crossmolina also offers Thanksgiving shares (sold separately) with all the fixings for a truly local feast. The Farm will deliver to multiple locations in Central Vermont.

Order Now → Call 802-439-3358 or visit crossmolinafarm.com/pastured-poultry.

Graze and Gaze Farm, Barre – This Central Vermont family farm offers pasture-raised frozen turkeys perfect for your special meals.

Order Now → Call 802-479-2778 or 802-249-8547 ahead to order, pick up by appointment only.

Green Mountain Girls Farm, Northfield – Get your frozen pastured and organically-raised (though not certified) turkeys at Green Mountain Girls Farm.

Order Now → Email farmers@eatstayfarm.com or call 802-505-9840.

Misty Knoll Farms, New Haven – They have turkeys available fresh straight from the farm from September to December. Sizes vary.

Order Now → Call 802-453-4748.

Markets and Co-ops

Hunger Mountain Co-op, Montpelier – Order your fresh, local turkeys from Stonewood Farm in Orwell or Misty Knoll Farms in New Haven. Turkeys will be available for pickup between November 24 and November 27 at the Co-op.

Order Now → Fill out this form, call 802-223-8000, or stop by the Customer Service Desk. Pre-order by November 18. 

Middlebury Natural Foods Co-op, Middlebury – More information coming soon.

Woodstock Farmers’ Market, Woodstock – Visit this unique fresh food market to order and pick up your holiday turkeys from Stonewood Farm or Misty Knoll Farms.

Order Now →  Stop by or call 802-457-3658.

Southern Vermont

Farms

Meadowdale Farm, Putney – Family-run Meadowdale Farm brings their turkeys from the pasture to your plate! 

Order Now → Call or text 802-387-2391 or send them an email.

Rebop Farm, Brattleboro – Rebop raises a limited quantity of pastured non-GMO turkeys. They’re then processed on the farm and frozen for your holiday meals!

Order Now → Email rebopfarm@gmail.com or visit rebopfarm.com/meat-by-wholehalf.

Markets and Co-ops

Putney Natural Food Co-op, Putney – More information coming soon.

Upper Valley Food Coop, White River Junction – More information coming soon.

Source: Dig in VT Trails

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Halloween Happenings

October is one of our favorite months here at DigInVT. There’s an abundance of freshly harvested local veggies and meats to enjoy, the mountains all bright reds, oranges, and yellows. Pumpkins dot the hillsides and flicker on front porches, and the smell of wood smoke and just baked apple pie is in the air. But that’s not all — we also get excited for all the fun ways to celebrate Halloween in Vermont!

Below are just a few options to get in the spooky spirit for Halloween.

Eat, Drink, and Be Scary

From dance parties to murder mystery dinners, Halloween is not just for kids.

Family Fun

Below are some great activities to do with the kids!

Indulge in Local Sweets

It’s the perfect season to treat yourself or your loved ones to something sweet! Our pick would be the Spiced Pumpkin Truffles from Lake Champlain Chocolates. Attend a tasting…

…Or simply stop by to taste and shop.

Run If You Dare

Check out this list of 10 Spooktacular Races for Halloween from Vermont Sports! There are options in Burlington, Danville, Essex, Newport, Rutland, Bennington, Craftsbury, Norwich, and Warren. Find one near you. 

Source: Dig in VT Trails

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Celebrate the Harvest with Vermont Caterers

We love cooking at this time of year.  We love celebrating the season with Vermont’s caterers.  Whether you’re cooking at home, bringing a dish to a small gathering of friends or hosting a party, be sure to enjoy the pleasures of local food. Vermont Fresh Network member caterers have provided some tips and recipes to get you cooking. And if there are some things you just aren’t going to cook for yourself, the Vermont Fresh Network has you covered with creative and talented caterers who always know how to celebrate the harvest.

Artisan Eats – Windsor

Artisan Eats caters year round and also has a retail space from May to October. Most of their ingredients are sourced from within a 25 mile radius of their location.  Owner Jennifer Williams had this to say about the fall harvest… “Autumn is my favorite! As most people start their wood stoves, I keep the oven running a little warmer than usual! The smells and the colors, but most importantly, the FLAVORS are flowing around this kitchen all day! The warming, spiced herbs that we all love. Cinnamon, cardamom, maple syrup, oregano dried from the garden and roasted squash. Mixing squash and apples with hints of coffee and onions, I know weird, but still my favorite. I few years ago, I learned about squash soup. Not just any squash soup, but pureed, full of herbs, pure deliciousness. You can pretty much put all the fall things into one pot, cook it down and puree it. No matter the combination, it is always simple and so satisfyingly tasty.”

Artisan Eats’ Squash Soup

Ingredients

2 pounds of your favorite squash, peeled and diced.

4 cups vegetable broth or water. 

1 onion, diced. 

3 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped. 

1 apple or pear, leave peel on and chop

2 T maple syrup  

1 T brewed coffee. 

2 t oregano, 2 t thyme, 1 t rosemary

1 t salt & 1 t pepper

Directions: You can use a crock pot or a stove top. Either way, add all the ingredients, cook until the squash is soft. Using an immersion blender or a blender, puree and serve HOT!! 

Sugarsnap Catering – Burlington

Owner Abbey Duke started Sugarsnap in 2003 with the intention of having a farm to table catering company.  There aren’t many caterers that have their own farm, but that is what you’ll find here. Vermont Fresh Network “Gold Barn” Member Sugarsnap Catering is a full service catering company that operates its own 3 acre farm in Burlington’s Intervale. 

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Kale Orange Sesame Salad 

Ingredients

2 bunches of kale, stripped off of stems and blanched in salted water and chopped

1 red pepper, cut in julienne strips 

2 oranges, segments cut in supremes

2 oz sliced, toasted almonds

1 oz sesame seeds, toasted 

1 tbsp brewed coffee. 

2 tsp oregano, 2 tsp thyme, 1 tsp rosemary

1 tsp salt & 1 tsp pepper

Directions: Mix all of this together

Dressing

2 oz sesame oil 

8 oz orange juice

2 oz lime juice

1 garlic clove 

2 oz soy sauce 

Directions: Blend on high for 1 minute. Dress salad. Add salt and pepper as needed.

  

University of Vermont  – Burlington

Did you know UVM also caterers events with their event services department?  Students and lucky visitors to Vermont Fresh network “Gold Barn” Member, UVM can enjoy farm fresh and seasonal food from the culinary team.  UVM Chef Sara Langan shared her Roasted Pepper Panzenella Salad with us.

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Roasted Pepper Panzanella

Ingredients

4 large red or orange bell peppers (about 2 lb.)

8 tbs olive oil, divided

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

½ small red onion, thinly sliced

2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

2 tbsp red wine vinegar

¼ tsp  crushed red pepper flakes

2 tbsp fresh oregano and savory leaves, divided

½ loaf country-style bread (about 12 oz.), torn into pieces

1 ounce thinly sliced spicy salumi (such as soppressata)

4 ounces fresh mozzarella, preferably buffalo, torn into pieces

Directions

  • Preheat broiler. Toss bell peppers and 2 Tbsp. oil on a rimmed baking sheet; season with salt and pepper. Broil the peppers, turning occasionally, until skins are blackened in spots and blistered all over, 10–12 minutes. Transfer peppers to a large bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let sit 15 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 400°.
  • Peel and seed peppers; cut into 2” strips. Toss peppers in a clean large bowl with onion, garlic, vinegar, red pepper flakes, 1 Tbsp. herbs, and 4 Tbsp. oil; set aside.
  • Toss bread and remaining 2 Tbsp. oil on a clean baking sheet; season with salt and pepper. Bake, tossing occasionally, until crisp on the outside but still chewy in the center, 8–10 minutes. Let croutons cool.
  • Toss pepper mixture, salumi, and croutons in a large bowl. Arrange on a platter with cheese; top with remaining 1 Tbsp. herbs.

 

Enjoy!

Source: Dig in VT Trails

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Fall Vermont Wine Dinner Series

In March 2018, the Vermont Fresh Network coordinated the first ever Vermont Wine Week. This year, they’re planning something a little different– a Fall Wine Dinner Series. Some events have already taken place, but there are several coming up in late October and early November. Stay tuned for more details and be sure to put these on your calendar!

Saturday, October 19th: Snow Farm Vineyard and Chef Denise Boutin of My Kids Kitchen team up to offer a Harvest Wine Pairing Dinner in the indoor event space at the Vineyard in South Hero. Click here to view the menu, which will feature Vermont produce and meats. Each course will be paired with one of Snow Farm’s locally grown wines and Winemaker Patrick Barrelet will be in attendance to speak about the winemaking process. By reservation only. Please call 802-324-5563 to hold your spot. $74.95/person (includes five courses and wine pairings).

Monday, November 4th: Honey Road and Shelburne Vineyard collaborate for an Eastern Mediterranean dinner paired with Iapetus wines. Winemaker Ethan Joseph will be there during dinner service to share his experiences in winemaking, pairing wines with food, and the creation of his own innovative label that focuses on the continued learning, development, and appreciation of wine growing in Vermont.

Tuesday, November 5th: Dedalus and Iapetus Wine, a project of Shelburne Vineyard, partner to offer a wine pairing dinner. More details to be announced.

Wednesday, November 6th: Hotel Vermont will feature local wine pairings. More details to be announced.

Saturday, November 9th: Black Krim Tavern and Montview Vineyard team up for a wine pairing dinner. More details to be announced.

Past Events:

Sunday, September 22nd: Honey Road and Co Cellars present a dinner at 18 Elm. Chef Cara & her team at Honey Road will prepare and delight your senses with a family style Eastern Mediterranean feast served in the courtyard of 18 Elm, Waterbury. ZAFA wine producer Krista Scruggs and Grace Meyer of Co Cellars will pair and pour wine and cider throughout dinner. 

Saturday, September 14th: Join the Black Lantern Inn and the Vermont Fresh Network for a celebration dinner and bluegrass music on the porch honoring The Parsons’ Farm and their 100 years of farming. Appetizers, cocktails, and a five-course meal featuring lamb from The Parsons’ Farm, organic wine pairings from Montpelier Vineyards, and local produce, meats, and cheeses from other nearby farms.

Photo: Dedalus Wine

Source: Dig in VT Trails