Activities – Page 9

The Vermont Cheesemakers Festival is a true highlight of the summer. It is always a can’t miss event. Walking around tasting cheese, sampling artisan food and drink on the shores of Lake Champlain, it can be magical. And as anyone who has been to a busy farmers market knows, there are certain strategies to have an even better time. The same can be said when attending the Vermont Cheesemakers Festival.

As a winner of the Cheesemongers Invitational in San Francisco and a board member on the Vermont Cheese Council, we knew Rory Stamp would be the person to ask for advice on attending the Vermont Cheesemakers Festival for the first time. Rory’s background includes both selling and making cheese (at both Consider Bardwell and Shelburne Farms) and he’s responsible for organizing and planning the educational seminars for the Cheese Festival. The following are three of Rory’s pro-tips for the event.

The Guiding Rule

“I find myself at so many of these events. I think you have to have a plan, you have to be prepared. Pace yourself! I think it’s easy to go in and have total sensory overload. It can be overwhelming. It is important to pace yourself and stay hydrated.”

Show up early

“Show up with a list of your top five visits. Pick a handful of producers that will be represented there and make a point to visit them first. When you do that you’ll scope around and make a plan for a follow up so you can be exposed to cheese you’ve never tried before. That should be a priority. Look out for those producers you might not have heard of before or aren’t available in your market.”

(If you plan to buy cheese, Rory’s next tip is key.)

Bring a cooler filled with ice.

“Some of the prices you’ll see at the cheese festival will be the best you’ve ever seen before. Like any great farmers market, when you get to the end, cheesemakers like to wheel and deal – they don’t want to come home with a cooler of cheese.”

DigInVT Vermont Cheese Festival Protip

Do all of the above AND be sure to sign up for Rory’s Vermont Cheese Festival educational seminars. You’ll learn a lot.

This is part one of a two-part series with Rory. In part two we will cover cheese pairings.

For more adventures in cheese, explore the Vermont Cheese Trail.

Source: Dig in VT Trails

July 19, 2018July 19, 2018

For the Sweets Lover: Open Farm Week 2018

Vermont is a sweet place at any time of the year, but especially during Open Farm Week. August is prime harvest season for the sweet fruits of summer. From scavenger hunts in the orchard, to behind the scene tours of cranberry bogs and then on to the sweet taste of maple syrup, during Open Farm Week, our farmers and food producers have opened their gates for everyone who has a sweet tooth.

Monday, August 13th, 2018

Jed’s Maple Products, Derby

Maple Syrup Tasting

1:00pm | Compare grades of syrup with Sugarmaker Steve

Champlain Orchards, Shoreham

Tasting & Scavenger Hunt Kickoff

All Day | A Scavenger Hunt in the pick-your-own rows kicks off on Monday and runs until everything has been found! Fabulous prizes! While you’re here, enjoy a Hard Cider & Vermont Cheese pairing flight – $10 for 5 ciders paired with 5 kinds of cheese – available every day during OFW.

Tuesday, August 14th

Jed’s Maple Products, Derby

Sugarwalk Tour

10:00am | Take an easy walk through the woods and learn about the organic principles used by Jed’s Maple Products and learn about their connection to the Audubon Vermont Bird-Friendly Maple Project.

Vermont Cranberry Company, East Fairfield

Cranberry Bog tours and Bobbers Seafood truck

12:00pm – 5:00pm | This is Vermont Cranberry Company’s first time participating in Open Farm Week. Go behind the scenes with a tour of their working Vermont cranberry bog and processing center, and buy delicious seafood from Bobbers Fresh Seafood Truck!

Wednesday, August 15th

Jed’s Maple Products, Derby

Birch Syrup Tasting

1:00pm | Taste the “Other” Syrup with Sugarmaker Steve

Smokey House Center, Danby

Blueberry Jam & Potluck

2:00pm- 7:30pm | Join us in our u-pick blueberry field, where you’ll pick berries from 2:00pm -3:00pm and then take them to the conference barn kitchen. Guided by Luna Collins, you’ll learn how to make your very own blueberry jam! An informal mid-summer potluck accompanied by local music will commence post jam-workshop. Come for a part of the afternoon/evening or stay for it all. Potluck and music from 5:00pm – 7:30pm. You must pay for your blueberries by weight at the farmstead. Sliding scale donation is suggested for the blueberry jam making $5-$15.

Friday, August 17th

Silloway Maple, Randolph Center

Pancake Supper at the Sugarhouse and Tour

5:00pm – 7:00pm | Enjoy pancakes with our own maple syrup, sausage, and watermelon as well as tours of the sugarhouse and/or a self guided hike to the sugarwoods to see the sap lines. There will also be hayrides! Dinner is $8.00 adult, $4.00 child. No registration required.

Champlain Orchards, Shoreham

Tasting & Scavenger Hunt Kickoff

Hard Cidery Tour & Class

4:00pm | Take a Hard Cidery Tour & Blending Class, Led by head Cidermaker Jeren Stoneman! This is a hands-on class, and a tulip glass is included. $20 a person. Visit www.ChamplainOrchards.com for more information.

Saturday, August 18th

Butterworks Farm, Westfield

Farm Tours and Smoothie Stand

12:00pm – 4:00pm | Visit Butterworks, meet our cows, taste our products, walk in the pasture, and order a custom superfood smoothie! Butterworks Farm T-Shirts also available for sale.

Jed’s Maple Products, Derby

Tour and Tasting

10:00am & 2:00pm | Did you know that Jed’s Maple Products is a participating producer in Audubon Vermont’s Bird-Friendly maple project? Learn about that and more when you stop in for a tour and/or tasting. Tour the sugar-woods with Sugarmaker Steve at 10am and then at 2pm there will be a tasting of the specialty foods made on the farm.

Sandiwood Farm, Wolcott

Farm to Fork Grand Buffet with Movie & Mobile Bar

6:00pm | In conjunction with Open Farm Week & Kingdom Farm & Field Days, a family-friendly dinner buffet event with movie! A unique and tasty buffet with farm grown and other local sides and of course dessert. A great time to gather with friends, family, meet new interesting people while watching an amazing sunset around a fire. This special buffet will also feature a movie. Come for a memorable, old time Vermont evening, dress for the weather. Tell your friends and family, an authentic culinary on farm event not to be missed! We look forward to hosting you! Non-alcoholic drinks provided. Cash bar by Black Bird Bar Catering. $50 a person reserved in advance, $65 on the farm, special 10 reservations for $450. Children 6-10 $35., 6 and under free. Reserve here.

Brookfield Bees, Brookfield

Honey Tasting and Open House

11:00am – 3:00pm |Taste Brookfield’s honey and compare it to their collection of honey from around the world. In addition, visit the observation hive and learn about bees and beekeeping.

Champlain Orchards, Shoreham

Tasting & Scavenger Hunt Kickoff

All Day | A Scavenger Hunt in the pick-your-own rows kicks off on Monday and runs until everything has been found! Fabulous prizes! While you’re there, enjoy a Hard Cider & Vermont Cheese pairing flight – $10 for 5 ciders paired with 5 kinds of cheese – available every day during OFW.

Orchard Tour

10:00am | Enjoy a Walking Orchard Tour led by owner/orchardist, Bill Suhr. Wear sturdy shoes. Free.

Hard Cidery Tour & Class

2:00pm | Take a Hard Cidery Tour & Blending Class, Led by head Cidermaker Jeren Stoneman! This is a hands on class, and a tulip glass included. $20 a person. Visit www.ChamplainOrchards.com for more information.

Vermont Trade Winds Farm, Shoreham

Maple Tastings

8:00am | Stop by the farm at 8:00am and they will have maple cream donuts and maple walnut bars to purchase with fresh coffee. There will be a variety of maple syrup to taste throughout the day. At noon, enjoy grilled maple rub chicken samples to taste (they will also have a vegetarian alternative).

The Scott Farm, Dummerston

Orchard Stroll

10:00am | Join Zeke Goodband for a stroll through the orchard and learn a bit about the history of Scott Farm’s heirloom fruits. You’ll learn about orchard ecology and grafting and how it was used to create the orchard. Then you’ll do a little scouting for pests and how they are managed. The farm stand will be open and orchard-related items will be available for purchase.

Sunday, August 19th

Brookfield Bees, Brookfield

Honey Tasting and Open House

11:00am – 3:00pm |Taste our honey and compare to our collection of honey from around the world. In addition, see our observation hive and learn about bees and beekeeping.

The Scott Farm, Dummerston

Orchard Stroll

Source: Dig in VT Trails

July 19, 2018July 19, 2018

Explore cheese: Open Farm Week 2018

We can’t talk about Vermont farms without talking about cheesemaking. Cheese is a pretty magical thing. It’s amazing how with just a few ingredients and a little time, we get an incredibly diverse array of cheese. Vermont’s award-winning cheese is some of the best in the world. And during Open Farm week, you’ll learn how to make cheese, sample some of Vermont’s finest and go behind the scenes and watch cheesemakers in action.

Monday, August 13th, 2018

Bread & Butter Farm, Shelburne

Mozzarella Making 101

6:00pm |Join Bread & Butter Farm for the second round of Mozzarella Making during Vermont Open Farm Week! This class is anything but cheesy. No, really, this class is the “whey” to go! All jokes aside, if you’re looking to up your cheese game–look no further! During the class, participants will be guided through a recipe for making traditional mozzarella cheese. Mozzarella is a “quick” cheese, meaning participants will get to enjoy tasty samples at the end of the evening! Zero previous experience or knowledge required. This class will take place at Bread and Butter Farm in Shelburne and will be led by Phoebe Tucker, an educator, artist, and enjoyer of all things dairy. If you are interested in driving others to this workshop or are looking for a ride, please call or e-mail Elena Palermo at (802) 861-9757 orepalermo@citymarket.coop.

Must register in advance at through City Market.

North Meadow Farm, Manchester Center

Cheese and Farm Tour

10:00am – 5:00pm |Stop in between 10am and 5pm to tour the farm and cheese make room and see where cheese making starts and ends. $10 minimum suggested donation.

Vermont Farmstead Cheese Co., South Woodstock

Samples and Cheese Making Demo

10:00am – 1:00pm | Visit the Vermont Farmstead Cheese Co. farm and enjoy cheese samples while watching the cheesemakers. Vermont Farmstead Cheese Co. has been making cheese since 2011. The farm has a mixed herd of registered Holsteins, Jerseys, Ayrshires, and Brown Swiss.

Champlain Orchards, Shoreham

Tasting & Scavenger Hunt Kickoff

All Day | A Scavenger Hunt in the pick your-own-rows kicks off on Monday and runs until everything has been found! Fabulous prizes! While you’re there, enjoy a Hard Cider & Vermont Cheese pairing flight – $10 for 5 ciders paired with 5 kinds of cheese – available every day during OFW.

Tuesday, August 14th

Vermont Farmstead Cheese Co., South Woodstock

Samples and Cheese Making Demo

Wednesday, August 15th

Rebop Farm, Brattleboro

Cheesemaking in the Farm Kitchen

4:00pm – 6:00pm | Learn how to make butter, ricotta and mozzarella. Stop in for a hands-on cheesemaking class using Rebop’s own raw cow milk. Designed to be useful for adventurous home cooks and folks that want to play with milk science!

Vermont Farmstead Cheese Co., South Woodstock

Samples and Cheese Making Demo

Thursday, August 16th

Vermont Farmstead Cheese Co., South Woodstock

Samples and Cheese Making Demo

Friday, August 17th

Blue Ledge Farm & Fairy Tale Farm, Salisbury & Bridport

Tour Blue Ledge Farm with City Market

10:00am – 3:30pm| Join the folks at City Market for another summer farm tour during Vermont Open Farm Week! You will visit Blue Ledge Farm in Salisbury where you’ll meet their goats and do some cheese tasting. Then, you’ll head over to Fairy Tale Farm where you get to see their sheep, try some more cheese, and enjoy some delicious gelato from the farm! Light snacks will be provided but participants are encouraged to bring a brown bag lunch (there will be a cooler). Participants should meet at the downtown City Market at 9:45 am, where you’ll take a van and travel as a group to each farm. This tour is a great opportunity to experience some great local products, enjoy the Vermont scenery, and appreciate our hard-working farmers. Participants should arrive early, the group will be leaving City Market promptly at 10:00am.

Vermont Farmstead Cheese Co., South Woodstock

Samples and Cheese Making Demo

Saturday, August 18th

Crossmolina Farm, Corinth

Blythedale Farm Comes to Crossmolina Farm

6:00pm| Artisanal Cheese comes to Pizza Night! Our family down the road makes some of the best cheese in Vermont – Let’s put it on Pizza! Cheese tasting, special products for sale AND special pizza options! No Registration Required.

Source: Dig in VT Trails

July 19, 2018July 24, 2019

On-Farm Tastings & Special Menus: Open Farm Week 2019

For seven days in August (9th – 15th), farms around Vermont open up their doors to the public for a unique on-farm experience. With 40+ farms hosting over 70 events during open farm week, there’s a lot going on!

Some of the coolest (and most delicious) experiences are the on-farm tastings. At these special events, you’ll find breathtaking views, warmhearted people, and of course, farm-fresh food and drink experiences. Check out the farms below to find a unique tasting event near you during Open Farm Week!

Friday, August 9th

Smokey House Center, Danby

“Bulldog Bites” Food Truck & Summer Soiree

5:30pm – 7:30pm | Enjoy an evening at Smokey House Center and support Burr and Burton Academy’s new food truck, “Bulldog Bites,” which will feature menu options using veggies from Yoder Farm and beef from Dorset Peak Jerseys. Relax in a beautiful place, walk around the pond, and enjoy a tour of their education garden and produce fields.

Philo Ridge Farm, Charlotte

Stonecutter Spirits Garden Party

4:00pm – 8:00pm | Local distillery Stonecutter Spirits, a woman-led craft distillery making thoughtful gin and whiskey on the edge of the mountains in rural Vermont, will be serving garden-inspired cocktails in the market of Philo Ridge Farm.

Green’s Sugarhouse, Poultney

Farm Tour

10:00am – 4:00pm | Visit Green’s Sugarhouse for free guided maple tours, starting at the tree and ending at the table. Samples of Green’s award-winning maple products and maple cotton candy will be provided.

Arlington Village Farmers Market, Arlington

Sugar on Snow

4:00pm – 7:00pm |Visit the Arlington Village Farmers Market on Maple Day to learn more about making maple syrup and enjoy complimentary snow cones with pure Vermont maple syrup!

Silloway Maple Sugarhouse, Randolph

Pancake Supper

5:00pm – 7:00pm |Head to Silloway Maple Sugarhouse for breakfast for dinner featuring maple syrup fresh from the farm. Tour the sugarhouse, take a hayride, pet the farm animals, and hike out to the sugar woods to see the sap lines.

Green Mountain Girls Farm, Northfield

Farm Supper, Tour, & Concert

5:30pm |Treat yourself to a farm-to-table meal at Green Mountain Girls Farm and then enjoy a great live performance from Scrag Mountain Music in their signature participatory style.

Maple Wind Farm, Richmond

Fried Chicken Dinner

5:30pm – 8:00pm |Feast on delicious fried chicken with organic salads, cornbread, and lemonade! In addition to dinner, live music, a local dessert vendor, and lawn games will make for a great evening at the farm.

Bread and Butter Farm, Shelburne

Mozzarella Making 101

5:30pm – 7:30pm |This class will guide participants through a recipe for making traditional mozzarella cheese. Mozzarella is a “quick” cheese, meaning participants will get to enjoy tasty samples at the end of the evening!

Saturday, August 10

Philo Ridge Farm, Charlotte

Bluegrass, Beers, & Brats

5:00pm – 9:00pm | Sip on some beer from Zero Gravity and enjoy a bratwurst for dinner at Philo Ridge Farm. While you eat, listen to The Meatpackers, a local band that will be playing popular bluegrass hits!

Green’s Sugarhouse, Poultney

Farm Tour

Brookfield Bees, Brookfield

Honey Tasting

11:00am – 3:00pm | Visit Brookfield Bees to taste honeys from their extensive collection. Meet the beekeeper, see an observation hive, and find out why honey from the supermarket just cannot compete.

Butterworks Farm, Westfield

Smoothie Stand & Farm Tour

11:00am – 4:00pm | Tour the barns and fields at Butterworks Farm and then try a superfood smoothie made with local veggies and fruits, as well as yogurt and kefir from Butterworks!

Cate Hill Orchard, Greensboro

Cheese Tasting & Farm Tour

3:00pm | Take a tour of the permaculture orchard at Cate Hill and then sample several of their sheep cheeses, both raw milk and fresh.

Snug Valley Farm, East Hardwick

Evening Pasture Walk & Burger Night

5:00pm – 8:00pm | Take a guided pasture walk with the Nottermanns at Snug Valley Farm and learn more about soil health and regenerative agriculture. Visit with the steers, pigs, and sheep and then gather at the farmhouse for burgers on the grill.

Rebop Farm, Brattleboro

Burger Night

6:00pm | Join Rebop Farm for a relaxed and fun night of grass-fed burgers and fresh sides from the garden, like pickles and new potato salad! All proceeds will benefit our NOFA Share Fund, which helps subsidize CSA shares for lower-income Vermonters.

Sunday, August 11th

Chandler Pond Farm, South Wheelock

Farm-A-Que

10:00am – 3:00pm |Head up to the Northeast Kingdom to explore Chandler Pond Farm. Hop on a hay wagon tour of the farm and then work up an appetite blueberry picking. Your family will love the farm-a-que lunch featuring grass-fed burgers and farm fresh sides!

Brookfield Bees, Brookfield

Honey Tasting

Earthwise Farm & Forest, Bethel

Tour & Snack

1:00pm – 3:00pm | Take an in depth tour and see the many enterprises at Earthwise Farm & Forest from pastured livestock operations and vegetable and flower gardens to their off-grid home, and more. The tour will conclude with a farm-fresh snack.

Monday, August 12th

Lavender Essentials of Vermont, Derby

Tea Blending Class

5:30pm |Explore the farm while collecting lavender and other herbs to make your own tea blend, then finish the class with a cup of your creation!

Tuesday, August 13th

Cate Hill Orchard, Greensboro

Georgian Farm Feast

5:00pm – 9:00pm| Celebrate the bounty and beauty of summer with a spectacular Georgian feast at Cate Hill Orchard. The meal will include their own farm grown veggies, organic fruits and berries, sheep cheese, and grass-fed lamb. Dine beneath the trees in the old farmstead apple orchard.

Wednesday, August 14th

Headwaters Produce Farm, Hinesburg

Dinner & Movie

6:00pm| Join Hinesburg’s veteran-owned and operated Headwaters Farm for Dinner and a Movie Night, featuring food from Pie Empire, beer from 14th Star Brewery, and a special screening of the award-winning film Biggest Little Farm.

Boston Post Dairy, Enosburg

Summer Family Fun Day

11:00am – 2:00pm |Take your family to Boston Post Dairy for some kid-friendly fun. Hang out with their chickens and goats and taste their award-winning goat cheese. There will also be face painting for the kids!

Rebop Farm, Brattleboro

Cheesemaking in the Farm Kitchen

4:00pm – 6:00pm | This hands-on cheese making class using Rebop Farm’s raw cow’s milk is designed to be useful for adventurous home cooks and folks that want to buy directly from farmers! You’ll make butter, ricotta, and mozzarella, and crème fraîche or yogurt if time permits.

Free Verse Farm, Chelsea

Tour & Arepas

4:00pm – 6:00pm | Enjoy views of Chelsea and a tour of the herb fields at Free Verse Farm. Learn about the farm’s history, growing practices, and more. Afterwards, have some refreshing iced tea and homemade arepas from the Moon & Stars food cart.

Meeting Place Pastures, Cornwall

Celebrate Your Farmer Social

5:30pm – 7:30pm | Join NOFA-VT for a Celebrate Your Farmer Social. Enjoy wood-fired pizza made with place-based ingredients from the farm, take a tour, and learn more about the farmers at Meeting Place Pastures!

Thursday, August 15th

Homestead Hops, Starksboro

Tour & Taste

4:00pm – 8:00pm| Take a walk though the trellised two-acre hop yard at Homestead Hops and sip beer made by breweries that use hops grown in that very yard– Hogback Mountain Brewing, Hired Hand Brewing Co., Foam Brewers, and Lawson’s Finest Liquids. Be sure to also taste honey infused with hops from Ariel’s Honey Infusions.

Trillium Hill Farm, Hinesburg

Trail Run & Burger Night

6:00pm – 9:30pm | Take a guided running tour of Trillium Hill Farm, though meadows and forests, past the historic sugarhouse, through a hoop house, and into the market garden. After, enjoy a farm-produced meal of burgers and salad and music from The Insiders Band.

North Meadow Farm, Manchester Center

Tour & Cheese Samples

4:00pm – 7:00pm | Explore North Meadow Farm, interact with the animals in the dedicated petting area, and enjoy samples of the cheeses they have made and aged on sight in their cheese cave paired with locally sourced wines.

Last Resort Farm, Monkton

Pizza Dinner & Garlic Braiding Workshop

5:00pm – 7:00pm | Adults and children are invited to learn how to make their own garlic braids at Last Resort Farm. After the workshop, enjoy a delicious flatbread dinner made with veggies fresh from the farm!

West Farm, Cambridge

Celebrate Your Farmer Social

Source: Dig in VT Trails

July 19, 2018July 19, 2018

On-Farm Meals: Open Farm Week 2018

For seven days in August (13th – 19th), farms around Vermont open up their doors to the public for a unique on-farm experience. With 43 farms hosting 63 events during open farm week, there’s a lot going on!

Some of the coolest (and tastiest) experiences are the on-farm dinners: at these special events, you’ll find breathtaking views, warmhearted people, and of course, a truly farm-fresh dining experience. Check out the farms below to find a unique dining experience near you during Open Farm Week!

Wednesday, August 15th, 2018

Trillium Hill Farm, Hinesburg

Trillium Hill Farm Party

5:30pm – 9:00pm | Join farmers Sara, James, and Ruby from Trillium Hill Farm for an evening of wood-fired pizza using farm-produced ingredients, live music, drinks, and farm tours. This casual dinner is rain or shine! Tickets are $15 – $20. Register at www.TrilliumFarm.com.

Cobb Hill Cohousing and Cedar Mountain Farm, Hartland

Open House at Cobb Hill Cohousing and Cedar Mountain Farm

4:00pm – 7:00pm | Stop on by to say hi, have a tour of an eco-village, see how they grow shiitake mushrooms, pet an Icelandic lamb or Jersey calf, see the Fjord draft horses, check for eggs in the chicken coop, and taste cheese and maple syrup. Taco’s Tacos from nearby New Hampshire will be on-site with a food truck and delicious tacos for purchase featuring Cedar Mountain Farm beef and veggies.

Smokey House Center, Danby

Blueberry Jam & Potluck

2:00pm – 7:30pm | Join the folks from Smokey House Center in their u-pick blueberry field, where folks can pick berries from 2:00pm – 3:00pm and then take them to the conference barn kitchen. Guided by Luna Collins, learn how to make blueberry jam! An informal mid-summer potluck accompanied by local music will commence post jam-workshop. Stop in for part of the afternoon/evening or stay for it all. Potluck and music from 5:00pm – 7:30pm. Pay for blueberries by weight at the farmstand. Sliding scale donation is suggested for the blueberry jam making, $5-$15.

Thursday, August 16th

Sandiwood Farm, Wolcott

Pedal to Plate lunch with Lamoille Valley Bike tours

11:00am – 3:00pm | Join Sandiwood Farm for an afternoon of fun, food, and adventure! Cruise out of Johnson by E-bike for a scenic ride along the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail to the Morrisville Oxbow Park and be shuttled by Stoweflake taxi up to beautiful Sandiwood Farm in Wolcott. Guests will receive a tour of the charming farm, walk the majestic gardens, meet some furry friends, and enjoy a delicious on-site garden-inspired meal. Must register in advance. $75 with E-Bike, $45 with your own. Limited space available.

Friday, August 17th

Maple Wind Farm, Richmond

Fried Chicken Dinner

5:30pm – 8:00pm |Winner Winner Chicken Dinner! Visit the farm and feast on Maple Wind Farm’s delicious fried chicken with organic salads and fixin’s! Lawn games, local dessert vendor, and possible musical talents for a truly enjoyable evening! This is a family friendly event. Rain or Shine. Take out is available. No dogs please. Plenty of parking and handicapped accessible. While visiting, take a peek in their chicken brooder. Buy Tickets at MapleWindFarm.com. Children $12, Adults $20.

Silloway Maple, Randolph Center

Pancake Supper at the Sugarhouse and Tour

5:00pm – 7:00pm | Enjoy pancakes with Silloway’s own maple syrup, sausage, and watermelon as well as tours of the sugarhouse and/or a self-guided hike to the sugarwoods to see the sap lines. There will also be hayrides! Dinner is $8.00 adult, $4.00 child. No registration required.

Saturday, August 18th

Pete’s Greens, Craftsbury

Pete’s Greens Open Farm and Tours

11:00am – 3:00pm | Enjoy a light lunch and tour of Pete’s Greens in Craftsbury! No pre-registration required.

Sandiwood Farm, Wolcott

Farm to Fork Grand Buffet with Movie and Mobile Bar

6:00pm | In conjunction with Open Farm Week & Kingdom Farm & Field Days, a family-friendly dinner buffet event with a movie! A unique and tasty buffet with farm grown and other local sides and, of course, dessert. A great time to gather with friends, family, meet new interesting people while watching an amazing sunset around a fire. This special buffet will also feature a movie. Come for a memorable, old-time Vermont evening, dress for the weather. Tell your friends and family, an authentic culinary on-farm event not to be missed! They look forward to hosting you! Non-alcoholic drinks provided. Cash bar by Black Bird Bar Catering. $50 a person reserved in advance, $65 on the farm, special 10 reservations for $450. Children 6-10 $35., 6 and under free. Reserve your spot here.

Crossmolina Farm, Corinth

Blythedale Farm Comes to Crossmolina Farm

6:00pm| Artisanal Cheese comes to Pizza Night! Our family down the road makes some of the best cheese in Vermont – Let’s put it on our Pizza! Cheese tasting, special products for sale AND special pizza options! No Registration Required.

Howling Wolf Farm, Randolph

Farm Tour and Family Picnic Day

11:00am – 3:00pm | Come for a family picnic and take in our picturesque views, visit the sheep, and enjoy a self-guided walk around the farm.

North Meadow Farm, Manchester Center

Farm to Table Brunch

10:00am – 1:00pm | Enjoy brunch on the farm with their products. $10 – $14 for food and tour. No pre-registration required.

Rebop Farm, Brattleboro

Supper on the Farm

4:00pm – 6:00pm | Join the folks at Rebop Farm for a lovely evening at their scenic farm. Enjoy a local meal, made from Rebop farm-raised ingredients. $40, please email rebopfarm@gmail.com to register.

Sunday, August 19th

Huntington River Vineyard, Huntington

Delicious dinner by an outstanding chef paired with our wines!

3:00pm – Dusk |Delicious dinner by an outstanding chef paired with Huntington River Vineyard wines! Reservations strongly suggested as it is a first come first served dinner. Wine will be sold by the glass. Bring blankets and chairs and enjoy views of the vineyard, horses in the pasture, and a beautiful farm evening. Prices, reservations, and more information can be found here.

Greenfield Highland Beef, Plainfield
Picnic and Petting by the Pasture

11:00am – 2:00pm | Visitors will be able to comb and pet a Highland calf and see the heritage Highland herd grazing amongst the beautiful green mountains of Vermont. If the weather permits, feel free to bring a blanket and picnic to enjoy the beautiful Vermont scenery highlighted by the magnificent Highland Cattle. Greenfield Highland Beef is available for purchase at the Plainfield farm.

Source: Dig in VT Trails

July 19, 2018July 23, 2019

Fun For the Whole Family: Open Farm Week 2019

There are 70+ events on over 40 participating farms for this year’s Open Farm Week, so choosing which ones will work for you and your little ones can be daunting. With that in mind, we made it easy to find the family-friendly events throughout the state, because it’s never too early to teach your kids where there food comes from!

Friday, August 9th

Philo Ridge Farm, Charlotte

Farm Tours | 10:00am & 4:00pm |Enjoy free guided tours of Philo Ridge Farm twice daily and learn about their regenerative agriculture practices, including rotational grazing, high rotation vegetable growing, and the importance of compost.

Green’s Sugarhouse, Poultney

Farm Tours | 10:00am – 4:00pm | Visit Green’s Sugarhouse for free guided maple tours, starting at the tree and ending at the table. Samples of Green’s award-winning maple products and maple cotton candy will be provided.

Hathaway Farm & Corn Maze, Rutland

Family Fun & Corn Maze | 10:00am – 5:00pm | Challenge your family to solve the corn maze, then stop by the play area and check out all the friendly animals in the livestock barn. Scenic wagon rides will also be offered throughout the day.

Von Trapp Farmstead, Waitsfield

Feed Pastured Pigs | 12:00pm – 2:00pm | Help feed the friendly pastured pigs at Von Trapp Farmstead and enjoy beautiful views of the Mad River Valley. Selfies encouraged!

Hardwick Area Farmers Market, Hardwick

Atkins Field Day | 3:00pm – 6:00pm |Take your family to check out draft horses, learn training methods, and watch demonstrations of traditional crafts. Children’s crafts, like dry felting, will be also be available, in addition to a cheesemaking workshop open to all ages!

Arlington Village Farmers Market, Arlington

Sugar on Snow | 4:00pm – 7:00pm |Visit the Arlington Village Farmers Market on Maple Day to learn more about making maple syrup. Your family will love the complimentary snow cones with pure Vermont maple syrup!

Silloway Maple Sugarhouse, Randolph

Pancake Supper | 5:00pm – 7:00pm |Bring your family to Silloway Maple Sugarhouse for breakfast for dinner featuring maple syrup fresh from the farm. Tour the sugarhouse, take a hayride, pet the farm animals, and hike out to the sugar woods to see the sap lines.

Saturday, August 10th

Philo Ridge Farm, Charlotte

Green’s Sugarhouse, Poultney

Hathaway Farm & Corn Maze, Rutland

Lavender Essentials of Vermont, Derby

Lavender Baking Contest| 1:00pm | Show off your culinary talents by entering your favorite lavender dessert into our baking contest! Bring your best-baked goodies to be judged by our panel of culinary experts.

Agape Hill Farm, Hardwick

Llama Trail Walks| 10:00am & 2:00pm |Visit Agape Hill Farm to walk their friendly llamas on their network of trails, which includes country roads and hayfields with mountain views.

Flatlander Farm, Starksboro

Summer Celebration | 3:00pm | Celebrate summer at Flatlander Farm with farm tours and live music by Glass Pony! Enjoy views of grazing animals and Mount Ellen and Mount Abe while perusing goods from local doers and makers.

Sunday, August 11th

Philo Ridge Farm, Charlotte

Hathaway Farm & Corn Maze, Rutland

Chandler Pond Farm, South Wheelock

Farm-A-Que | 10:00am – 3:00pm |Head up to the Northeast Kingdom to explore Chandler Pond Farm. Hop on a hay wagon tour of the farm and then work up an appetite blueberry picking. Your family will love the farm-a-que lunch featuring grass-fed burgers and farm fresh sides!

Philo Ridge Farm, Charlotte

Family Activities & Christy Mihaly Reading | 10:30am |Bring your kids of all ages to Philo Ridge Farm to participate in educational activities and crafts in their Pack Barn. Local author Christy Mihaly will be reading her children’s book, Hey, Hey, Hay, A Tale of Bales and the Machines That Make Them.

Lavender Essentials of Vermont, Derby

Lavender 5K | 10:00am | Runners and walkers of all ages are welcome at the first annual Lavender 5K. The course includes rolling hills, fields, dirt road, and a little bit of pavement. After the race, take in the sights and smells of the lavender farm.

Monday, August 12th

Philo Ridge Farm, Charlotte

Hathaway Farm & Corn Maze, Rutland

Tuesday, August 13th

Philo Ridge Farm, Charlotte

Wednesday, August 14th

Philo Ridge Farm, Charlotte

Hathaway Farm & Corn Maze, Rutland

Philo Ridge Farm, Charlotte

Greenbush Jazz Duo | 5:00pm – 7:00pm |Head over to Philo Ridge Farm to enjoy a medley of jazz, blues, and rock-inspired music from talented local musicians Cobey Gatos and John Creech!

Boston Post Dairy, Enosburg

Summer Family Fun Day | 11:00am – 2:00pm |Take your family to Boston Post Dairy for some kid-friendly fun. Hang out with their chickens and goats and taste their award-winning goat cheese. There will also be face painting for the kids!

Thursday, August 15th

Philo Ridge Farm, Charlotte

Last Resort Farm, Monkton

Pizza Dinner & Garlic Braiding Workshop | 5:00pm – 7:00pm | Adults and children are invited to learn how to make their own garlic braids at Last Resort Farm. After the workshop, enjoy a delicious flatbread dinner made with veggies fresh from the farm!

Source: Dig in VT Trails

July 19, 2018July 19, 2018

Fun For the Whole Family: Open Farm Week 2018

There are over 63 Open Farm Week 2018 events, so choosing which ones will work for you and your little ones can be daunting. With that in mind, we made it easy to find the kid-friendly events statewide for you and your family because it’s never too early to teach your kids where their food comes from!

Monday, August 13th, 2018

The Miniature Farm, Milton

Walking and grooming Miniature horses | 12:00pm – 2:00pm |Visit the Miniature Farm and help to walk and groom the miniature horses! Dress prepared for the barn and fields. Donations accepted.

Champlain Orchards, Shoreham

Tasting & Scavenger Hunt Kickoff | All Day | A Scavenger Hunt in the pick-your-own rows kicks off on Monday and runs until everything has been found! Fabulous prizes!

Lareau Farm/American Flatbread Restaurant Garden, Waitsfield

Storytime at the Farm | 10:15am – 11:00am | Join Anna, Joslin Library’s Children’s Librarian (and Lareau Farm Garden helper!), for a farm-themed story time. While you’re there, enjoy a “storywalk” through the garden created in partnership with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library! The storywalk will be open throughout Open Farm Week. Free.

Meadows Bee Farm, Windham

Morning Chores and Garden Work | 8:00am – 11:00am | Milk cows, put sheep on pasture, feed chickens and weed the garden. Fun for all ages.

Rebop Farm, Brattleboro

Evening Chores | 4:00pm – 6:00pm |Join us to feed the ducks, rabbits and chickens, move poultry tractors, and meet the cows, sheep, and pigs at our diversified farm.

Wednesday, August 15th

Boston Post Dairy, Enosburg Falls

Family Fun Day | 10:00am – 2:00pm | Visit with animals, enjoy having your face painted, and partake in activities with chickens and goats!

Green Mountain Farm to School at the Danville Farmers Market, Danville

Green Mountain Farm to School at the Danville Farmers Market| 9:00am – 1:00pm | Find us at the Danville Farmers Market for fun kid-friendly activities and a scavenger hunt!

The Miniature Farm, Milton

Meet and greet the animals and chores | 9:00am – 11:00am | Be sure to drop by The Miniature Farm and join in the farm chores. Help feed the goats, rabbits, and miniature horses! Donations accepted.

Trillium Hill Farm, Hinesburg

Trillium Hill Farm Party | 5:30pm – 9:00pm | Join us for a farm party! There will be farm tours, wood fired pizza with farm produced ingredients and live music! Tickets are $15 – $20. Register at www.TrilliumFarm.com.

Cobb Hill Cohousing and Cedar Mountain Farm, Hartland

Open House at Cobb Hill Cohousing and Cedar Mountain Farm | 4:00pm – 7:00pm | Stop on by to say hi, have a tour of an eco-village, see how they grow shiitake mushrooms, pet an Icelandic lamb or Jersey calf, see the Fjord draft horses, check for eggs in the chicken coop, and taste cheese and maple syrup. Meet the cows with the Hartland 4H students and help trim and groom a cow! Taco’s Tacos from nearby New Hampshire will be on-site with a food truck and delicious tacos for purchase featuring Cedar Mountain Farm beef and veggies.

Meadow’s Bee Farm, Windham

Morning Chores and Garden Work | 8:00am – 11:00am | Milk cows, put sheep on pasture, feed chickens, and weed the garden. Fun for all ages.

Smokey House Center, Danby

Blueberry jam and Potluck | 2:00pm – 7:30pm | Join the folks from Smokey House Center in their u-pick blueberry field, where folks can pick berries from 2:00pm – 3:00pm and then take them to the conference barn kitchen. Guided by Luna Collins, learn how to make blueberry jam! An informal mid-summer potluck accompanied by local music will commence post jam-workshop. Stop in for part of the afternoon/evening or stay for it all. Potluck and music from 5:00pm – 7:30pm. Pay for blueberries by weight at the farmstand. Sliding scale donation is suggested for the blueberry jam making, $5-$15.

Friday, August 17th

Maple Wind Farm, Richmond

Fried Chicken Dinner | 5:30pm – 8:00pm |Winner Winner Chicken Dinner! Visit the farm and feast on Maple Wind Farm’s delicious fried chicken with organic salads and fixin’s! Lawn games, local dessert vendor, and possible musical talents for a truly enjoyable evening! This is a family friendly event. Rain or Shine. Take out is available. No dogs please. Plenty of parking and handicapped accessible. While visiting, take a peek in their chicken brooder. Buy Tickets at MapleWindFarm.com. Children $12, Adults $20.

The Miniature Farm, Milton

Meet and greet the animals and chores | 5:00pm – 7:30pm | Be sure to drop by The Miniature Farm and join in the farm chores. Help feed the goats, rabbits, and miniature horses! Donations accepted.

Silloway Maple, Randolph Center

Pancake Supper at the Sugarhouse and Tour| 5:00pm – 7:00pm | Enjoy pancakes with our own maple syrup, sausage, and watermelon as well as tours of the sugarhouse and/or a self guided hike to the sugarwoods to see the sap lines. There will also be hayrides! Dinner is $8.00 adult, $4.00 child. No registration required.

Tail Feather Farm, Middlebury

Farm Supper & Music | 3:00pm – 7:00pm | Join us for an open farm, farm market, petting zoo, farm supper and live music by Erin Cassels-Brown. Prices range from $4 to 18, if participating in farm supper portion. Petting zoo/farm activities are free. No registration is required, but RSVP appreciated. www.Tailfeatherfarmvt@gmail.com.

Meadow’s Bee Farm, Windham

Morning Chores and Garden Work | 8:00am – 11:00am | Milk cows, put sheep on pasture, feed chickens, and weed the garden. Fun for all ages.

Saturday, August 18th

Butterworks Farm, Westfield

Farm Tours and Smoothie Stand | 12:00pm – 4:00pm | Visit Butterworks, meet the cows, taste products, walk in the pasture, and order a custom superfood smoothie! Butterworks Farm T-Shirts also available for sale.

Sandiwood Farm, Wolcott

Farm to Fork Grand Buffet with Movie and Mobile Bar | 6:00pm | In conjunction with Open Farm Week & Kingdom Farm & Field Days, a family friendly dinner buffet event with movie! A unique and tasty buffet with farm grown and other local sides and, of course, dessert. A great time to gather with friends, family, meet new interesting people while watching an amazing sunset around a fire. This special buffet will also feature a movie. Come for a memorable, old time Vermont evening, dress for the weather. Tell your friends and family, an authentic culinary on-farm event not to be missed! We look forward to hosting you! Non-alcoholic drinks provided. Cash bar by Black Bird Bar Catering. $50 a person reserved in advance, $65 on the farm, special 10 reservations for $450. Children 6-10 $35., 6 and under free. Reserve at https://sandiwoodfarm.com/product/burger-buffet-entertainment-night/.

Crossmolina Farm, Corinth

Blythedale Farm Comes to Crossmolina Farm | 6:00pm| Artisanal Cheese comes to Pizza Night! Our family down the road makes some of the best cheese in Vermont – Let’s put it on our Pizza! Cheese tasting, special products for sale AND special pizza options! No Registration Required.

Howling Wolf Farm, Randolph

Farm Tour and Family Picnic Day | 11:00am – 3:00pm | Come for a family picnic and take in the picturesque views, visit the sheep, and enjoy a self-guided walk around the farm. Visit www.Howlingwolffarm.com for more information.

Meadow’s Bee Farm, Windham

Morning Chores and Garden Work | 8:00am – 11:00am | Milk cows, put sheep on pasture, feed chickens and weed the garden. Fun for all ages.

Sunday, August 19th

Philo Ridge Farm, Charlotte

Music with Mister Chris and Friends at Philo Ridge Farm for Little Farmers| 9:30am – 11:30am | Bring your little farmers to the Commons Barn at Philo Ridge Farm for a fun morning of music and exploration, featuring music from Mister Chris and Friends! Mister Chris and Friends emphasizes children’s experience and expression, and invites young children to play, explore, and learn through music. More information may be found at www.PhiloRidgefarm.com.

Crossmolina Farm, Corinth

Poetry on the Farm| 4:00pm| Farm-themed poetry reading – right here on the farm! Come join for a late afternoon stroll around the farm – we will stop and read farm inspired poetry along the way. Bring your own poem, pick one of your favorites or just come to listen. Light refreshments provided.

Greenfield Highland Beef, Plainfield

Picnic and Petting by the Pasture | 11:00am – 2:00pm | Visitors will be able to comb and pet a Highland calf and see the heritage Highland herd grazing amongst the beautiful green mountains of Vermont. If the weather permits, feel free to bring a blanket and picnic to enjoy the beautiful Vermont scenery highlighted by the magnificent Highland Cattle. Greenfield Highland Beef is available for purchase at the Plainfield farm.

Source: Dig in VT Trails

July 14, 2018August 6, 2018

Our 2018 farm schedule: Open Farm Week 2018

The Open Farm Week 2018 list is here! Check out our complete schedule of farms and events.

Monday, August 13th

North

Bread & Butter Farm, Shelburne

Mozzarella Making 101 | 6:00 pm

Jed’s Maple Products, Derby

Maple Syrup Tasting | 1:00pm

Kingdom Farm and Food Days, Northeast Kingdom

Explore the Northeast Kingdom’s rich food and farm scene!

Philo Ridge Farm, Charlotte

Family activities at Philo Ridge Farm! | 10:00 am & 3:00 pm

The Miniature Farm, Milton

Walking and grooming Miniature horses | 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Central

Champlain Orchards, Shoreham

Tasting & Scavenger Hunt Kickoff | All Day

Crossmolina Farm, Corinth

Yoga on the Farm | 6:00 pm

Four Springs Farm, Royalton

Summertime Camping Special for Vermonters

Lareau Farm/American Flatbread Restaurant Garden, Waitsfield

Storytime at the Farm | 10:15 am – 11:00 am

South

Meadows Bee Farm, Windham

Morning Chores and Garden Work | 8:00 am – 11:00 am

North Meadow Farm , Manchester Center

Cheese and Farm Tour | 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Rebop Farm, Brattleboro

Evening Chores | 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Smokey House Center, Danby

Herbal Farm Medicine | 5:30 pm- 7:30 pm

Vermont Farmstead Cheese Co., South Woodstock

Samples and Cheese Making Demo | 10:00 am – 1:00 pm

Tuesday, August 14th

North

Jed’s Maple Products, Derby

Sugarwalk Tour| 10:00 am

Kingdom Farm and Food Days, Northeast Kingdom

Explore the Northeast Kingdom’s rich food and farm scene!

Vermont Cranberry Company , East Fairfield

Cranberry Bog tours and Bobbers Seafood truck| 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Central

Champlain Orchards, Shoreham

Tasting & Scavenger Hunt Kickoff | All Day

Four Springs Farm, Royalton

Summertime Camping Special for Vermonters

South

Vermont Farmstead Cheese Co., South Woodstock

Samples and Cheese Making Demo | 10:00 am – 1:00 pm

Wednesday, August 15th

North

Boston Post Dairy , Enosburg Falls

Family Fun Day | 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

Green Mountain Farm to School at the Danville Farmers Market, Danville

Green Mountain Farm to School at the Danville Farmers Market| 9:00 am – 1:00 pm

Jed’s Maple Products, Derby

Birch Syrup Tasting | 1:00pm

Kingdom Farm and Food Days , Northeast Kingdom

Explore the Northeast Kingdom’s rich food and farm scene!

Philo Ridge Farm, Charlotte

Family activities at Philo Ridge Farm! | 10:00 am & 3:00 pm

The Miniature Farm, Milton

Meet and greet the animals and chores | 9:00 am – 11:00 am

Trillium Hill Farm, Hinesburg

Trillium Hill Farm Party | 5:30 pm – 9:00 pm

Thompson Family Farm, Craftsbury

Maple Syrup Tasting | 9:30 am – 12:00 pm

Central

Champlain Orchards, Shoreham

Tasting & Scavenger Hunt Kickoff | All Day

Four Springs Farm, Royalton

Summertime Camping Special for Vermonters

Free Verse Farm and Apothecary, Chelsea

Herb Farm Tour & Tea Tasting | 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Last Resort Farm, Monkton

Garlic Braiding Workshop | 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

South

Cobb Hill Cohousing and Cedar Mountain Farm, Hartland

Open House at Cobb Hill Cohousing and Cedar Mountain Farm | 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Meadow’s Bee Farm, Windham

Morning Chores and Garden Work | 8:00 am – 11:00 am

Rebop Farm, Brattleboro

Cheesemaking in the Farm Kitchen | 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Smokey House Center, Danby

Blueberry Jam & Potluck | 2:00 pm- 7:30 pm

Vermont Farmstead Cheese Co., South Woodstock

Samples and Cheese Making Demo | 10:00 am – 1:00 pm

Thursday, August 16th

North

East Hill Tree Farm, Plainfield

Lessons from the Masters|10:30 am – 12:00 pm

Green Mountain Farm to School at the Peacham Farmers Market, Peacham

Green Mountain Farm to School at the Peacham Farmers Market| 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Jed’s Maple Products, Derby

Paint & Sip | 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Kingdom Farm and Food Days, Northeast Kingdom

Explore the Northeast Kingdom’s rich food and farm scene!

Sandiwood Farm, Wolcott

Pedal to Plate lunch with Lamoille Valley Bike tours | 11:00 am – 3:00 pm

Thompson Family Farm, Craftsbury

Q&A at The Thompson Family Farm village barn. | 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Central

Champlain Orchards, Shoreham

Tasting & Scavenger Hunt Kickoff | All Day

Four Springs Farm, Royalton

Mint Tour of the Farm | 4:00 pm ‐ 5:00 pm

Summertime Camping Special for Vermonters

South

Vermont Farmstead Cheese Co., South Woodstock

Samples and Cheese Making Demo | 10:00 am – 1:00 pm

Friday, August 17th

North

Atkins Field Event Hosted by Center for an Ag Economy, Hardwick

Atkins Field Event | 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Green Mountain Farm to School at the Hardwick Farmers Market, Hardwick

Green Mountain Farm to School at the Hardwick Farmers Market| 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Kingdom Farm and Food Days, Northeast Kingdom

Explore the Northeast Kingdom’s rich food and farm scene!

Maple Wind Farm, Richmond

Fried Chicken Dinner | 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm

Philo Ridge Farm, Charlotte

Family activities at Philo Ridge Farm! | 10:00 am & 3:00 pm

The Miniature Farm, Milton

Meet and greet the animals and chores | 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm

Central

Blue Ledge Farm & Fairy Tale Farm, Salisbury & Bridport

Tour Blue Ledge Farm with City Market | 10:00 am – 3:30 pm

Champlain Orchards, Shoreham

Tasting & Scavenger Hunt Kickoff | All Day

Hard Cidery Tour & Class | 4:00 pm

Four Springs Farm, Royalton

Yoga in the Field | 5:30 pm‐6:15 pm
Summertime Camping Special for Vermonters

Silloway Maple, Randolph Center

Pancake Supper at the Sugarhouse and Tour| 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Tail Feather Farm, Middlebury

Farm Supper & Music | 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm

South

Meadow’s Bee Farm, Windham

Morning Chores and Garden Work | 8:00 am – 11:00 am

Smokey House Center, Danby

Community Work Day & Community Farm Tour | 9:00 am- 1:00 pm

Vermont Farmstead Cheese Co., South Woodstock

Samples and Cheese Making Demo | 10:00 am – 1:00 pm

Saturday, August 18th

North

Butterworks Farm, Westfield

Farm Tours and Smoothie Stand | 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Jed’s Maple Products, Derby

Tour and Tasting | 10:00 am & 2:00 pm

Kingdom Farm and Food Days, Northeast Kingdom

Explore the Northeast Kingdom’s rich food and farm scene!

Pete’s Greens, Craftsbury

Pete’s Greens Open Farm and Tours | 11:00 am – 3:00 pm

Pitchfork Farm, Burlington

Crop Mob | 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Sandiwood Farm, Wolcott

Farm to Fork Grand Buffet with Movie and Mobile Bar | 6:00 pm

Snowshoe Farm Alpacas, Peacham

Alpaca Yarn & Fiber Fest | 11:00 am – 4:00 pm

Central

Brookfield Bees, Brookfield

Honey Tasting and Open House | 11:00 am – 3:00 pm

Champlain Orchards, Shoreham

Tasting & Scavenger Hunt Kickoff | All Day

Orchard Tour | 10:00 am

Hard Cidery Tour & Class | 2:00 pm

Crossmolina Farm, Corinth

Blythedale Farm Comes to Crossmolina Farm | 6:00 pm

Howling Wolf Farm, Randolph

Farm Tour and Family Picnic Day | 11:00 am – 3:00 pm

Small Farm, Brandon

Family Farm Day at Small Farm | 10:00 am, 11:00 am, and 2:00 pm

Vermont Trade Winds Farm, Shoreham

Maple Tastings | 8:00 am

South

Meadow’s Bee Farm, Windham

Morning Chores and Garden Work | 8:00 am – 11:00 am

North Meadow Farm, Manchester Center

Farm to Table Brunch | 10:00 am – 1:00 pm

Rebop Farm, Brattleboro

Supper on the Farm | 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

The Scott Farm, Dummerston

Orchard Stroll | 10:00 am

Sunday, August 19th

North

East Tree Hill Farm, Plainfield

Edible Forest Garden Tour|1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Huntington River Vineyard, Huntington

Delicious dinner by an outstanding chef paired with our wines! | 4:00 pm – Dusk

Kingdom Farm and Food Days, Northeast Kingdom

Explore the Northeast Kingdom’s rich food and farm scene!

Philo Ridge Farm, Charlotte

Music with Mister. Chris and Friends at Philo Ridge Farm for Little Farmers| 10:00 am – 10:45 am & 11: 30 – 12:15 pm

Family activities at Philo Ridge Farm! | 9:30 am & 12:30 pm

Central

Brookfield Bees, Brookfield

Honey Tasting and Open House | 11:00 am – 3:00 pm

Crossmolina Farm, Corinth

Poetry on the Farm| 4:00 pm

Greenfield Highland Beef, Plainfield

Picnic and Petting by the Pasture | 11:00 am – 2:00 pm

South

The Scott Farm, Dummerston

Orchard Stroll | 10:00 am

Source: Dig in VT Trails

July 5, 2018July 5, 2018

Meet the Brewers: Dan Ukolowicz & Kara Pawlusiak of Simple Roots Brewing Co.

The Vermont brewing community is made up of a special group of people. You might have heard that Vermont has more beer breweries per capita than any other state in the country. We can thank Vermont for the rise of the hazy hoppy New England style IPA, but that isn’t all we make – our beers feature everything from maple .sap to local malts. Vermont Brewers love to collaborate, and they aren’t afraid to try new techniques and use out of the ordinary ingredients.

We asked Steve Parkes of Drop-In Brewing Co. in Middlebury and Dan Ukolowicz and Kara Pawlusiak of Simple Roots Brewing Co. in Burlington what it’s like to be a brewer in Vermont.

The Vermont Brewers Festival is coming up soon. There are still tickets available. Learn about these talented brewers and make sure you say hello and taste their beers at the festival.

Simple Roots Brewing

Dan Ukolowicz and Kara Pawlusiak began Simple Roots in their Burlington garage in 2014. They have since opened a tasting room in the Burlington’s New North End where you can taste their classic and accessible beer styles that always have a twist.

What is your favorite beer style?

To us beer is like music – it depends on your mood, the weather, activity. For example, Dan loves sitting by a fireplace in the middle of winter with a nice, malty barleywine but in the summer you would find Kara sipping on a nice tart Berliner Weisse or Gose.

What comes first when developing a new beer?

The hardest part – R&D, drinking a lot of beer of that style. It is very, very difficult as Kara and I have to drink beer, hang out, and laugh. Phew, once that’s done we consider the tasting notes we want in our beer and develop the recipe from there.

Name a favorite beer that you have brewed?

Our Labor of Love Raspberry Sour – the first time we made this beer, Kara and I handpicked all 50 pounds of raspberries we put in a 3 bbl batch. Dan had a sunburn stripe down his left arm for weeks. When we pulled our cart up to check out, the 15-year-old girl just looked at us in shock and said, “You picked all those berries?! That’s going to cost a lot of money?!” I assured her that we knew what we were getting into. The raspberries, along with kettle souring over multiple days, make this beer a Labor of Love.

What is one of the most challenging aspects of being a brewer in Vermont?

The most challenging part is easily the more than dozen taxes, permits, licenses, and other paperwork. I know, cry me a river.

What makes the Vermont beer community unique?

The brewing community here is fantastic. From the base of homebrewers to commercial brewers to beer drinkers, it’s just a great communal aspect. I can text/email dozens of different brewers in the state with questions ranging from where do you get your cans to how did you get so much flavor from that hop and I’ll get an answer within the hour. It’s also great staying connected with the homebrewing community and our regulars at the taproom, talking about beer, recipes, etc.

Check out our profile of Steve Parks of Drop-In Brewing Co.

Source: Dig in VT Trails