Vermont Open Farm Week always means fun for the whole family. Check out the family-friendly events happening throughout the week.
Find a farm near you or make a day trip out of it to meet some sheep, take a nature walk, enjoy a picnic, see grapes turning color, or feed pigs. Visit The Miniature Farm animals, take a hay wagon ride, enjoy some pizza or maple creemee, comb a Highland calf, or learn how to felt. Get online to learn to braid garlic or hear about chicken egg colors. See all the details below!
*denotes that pre-registration or RSVP is required
ANYTIME DURING OPEN FARM WEEK
Frog Hollow Farms | Open Farm Walk & Picnic*
Open Farm Walk & Picnic: Come take in the beauty of the Taconic Mountains, and this historic 210 year old farm built around 1810. Built by one of the Hubbard Family members, it is one of the original homesteads in what is now known as Hubbardton. The walk will take you through Frog Hollow's 45 acres of farm fields and pastures, sharing some of the history and what Farmers Jason and Janis are doing to restore the buildings and the land. See the sheep in the pasture, the chickens, and walk through the fields growing heirloom produce. The hike will take you to one of the best spots on the farm: the 100 year old orchard. Here you can take in the incredible views of the mountains and nearby Lake Bomoseen while you enjoy an optional picnic that can be purchased ahead of time and picked up prior to your hike. Picnic lunches will include everything you need for a lawn picnic, prepared by the Farm Manager and Executive Chef, just bring your own blanket. The farm will be open rain or shine, and the hike does include some steep rolling hills. Dress appropriately for the weather, and wear comfortable hiking or walking shoes. No dogs please, the hike is great for children and families. Wagons recommended for children that may have trouble walking the entire trail – strollers are not recommended. Registration is appreciated and optional picnics must be purchased 48 hours in advance if interested.
Last Resort Farm | Virtual Garlic Braiding Workshop
Garlic braiding blends beauty, spice, and wellness! First, gather the garlic from your garden or pre-order a bundle from Last Resort Farm on their website for pick up (please note that garlic will be available starting in late July). Join Farmer Eugenie Doyle from home for a YouTube video tutorial on how to make a beautiful braid - it's weather and virus proof learning! You can access the video anytime during Vermont Open Farm Week. While you're ordering garlic, be sure to also purchase some of LRF's certified organic produce, jams, and pickles.
MONDAY - August 10th
Guided Vineyard Tour | Ellison Estate Vineyard
Visit Ellison Estate Vineyard for a guided tour of their 10 acre vineyard and 50 acre property! Guests will learn about Vermont wine as a growing industry and the cold-climate grapes that thrive in Vermont, and get to hang with the sheep at the end of the tour! Participants are welcome to meander in the vines and paths on the property and may also bring a picnic and enjoy the breathtaking views of Lake Champlain and mountains. Ellison Estate Vineyard is very family friendly - there will even be an art table for the kids - and the winegrowers are happy to talk about farming, grapes, winemaking, and wine. Ellison Estate is excited to welcome their community to their farm!
Farm Tour & Wagon Ride | Morse Brook Farm*
Farm Tour & Wagon Ride: Morse Brook Farm in Westminster will be hosting tours and hay wagon rides Mon - Wed and Sat - Sun of Vermont Open Farm Week. Take in one of the best views in Southern Vermont while learning about what a day in the life is like for Farmers Katrina, Liz, and Matt!
TUESDAY - August 11th
Farm Tour | The Miniature Farm
Visit The Miniature Farm for a walking tour of the animal habitats and barns. This will be The Miniature Farm's second year having a petting farm for families and groups to enjoy. Bring a lunch, visit with the animals, and enjoy the fresh air. They have large horses, mini horses, mini donkeys, ewes, goats, ducks, chickens, and pheasants. Spending time with the animals is very therapeutic! No fee, but donations are accepted and appreciated.
Lunchtime Live with Farmer Nicolle | Sugar Feather Farm
Join Farmer Nicolle of Sugar Feather Farm as she goes live on Facebook on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday to share more about the rare, unique, and heritage types of fowl raised on the farm! Tuesday's topic is Egg Factoids and Fun for Kids - Nicolle will share a variety of egg colors and explain how the colors come to be, the breeds they come from, and the sizes of the eggs! She will also share some super cool and fun facts you didn't know about eggs, as well as some silly fowl breeds - sure to be fun! Lunchtime Live will last for about 15 minutes.
Farm Tour & Wagon Ride | Morse Brook Farm*
Farm Tour & Wagon Ride: Morse Brook Farm in Westminster will be hosting tours and hay wagon rides Mon - Wed and Sat - Sun of Vermont Open Farm Week. Take in one of the best views in Southern Vermont while learning about what a day in the life is like for Farmers Katrina, Liz, and Matt!
WEDNESDAY - August 12th
Farm Tour & Wagon Ride | Morse Brook Farm*
Farm Tour & Wagon Ride: Morse Brook Farm in Westminster will be hosting tours and hay wagon rides Mon - Wed and Sat - Sun of Vermont Open Farm Week. Take in one of the best views in Southern Vermont while learning about what a day in the life is like for Farmers Katrina, Liz, and Matt!
THURSDAY - August 13th
Farm Tour | The Miniature Farm
Visit The Miniature Farm for a walking tour of the animal habitats and barns. This will be The Miniature Farm's second year having a petting farm for families and groups to enjoy. Bring a lunch, visit with the animals, and enjoy the fresh air. They have large horses, mini horses, mini donkeys, ewes, goats, ducks, chickens, and pheasants. Spending time with the animals is very therapeutic! No fee, but donations are accepted and appreciated.
Farm Tour | Philo Ridge Farm*
Explore Philo Ridge Farm with a guided tour and learn about their regenerative agriculture practices, including rotational grazing, high rotation vegetable growing, and the importance of compost. Children and families are welcome. Tours will be by reservation only Thurs - Sun. Visit their website for more details! While you're there, order lunch from the walk up window and enjoy a picnic at the very farm where the ingredients are grown!
FRIDAY - August 14th
Guided Vineyard Tour | Ellison Estate Vineyard
Visit Ellison Estate Vineyard for a guided tour of their 10 acre vineyard and 50 acre property! Guests will learn about Vermont wine as a growing industry and the cold-climate grapes that thrive in Vermont, and get to hang with the sheep at the end of the tour! Participants are welcome to meander in the vines and paths on the property and may also bring a picnic and enjoy the breathtaking views of Lake Champlain and mountains. Ellison Estate Vineyard is very family friendly - there will even be an art table for the kids - and the winegrowers are happy to talk about farming, grapes, winemaking, and wine. Ellison Estate is excited to welcome their community to their farm!
Farm Tour | Philo Ridge Farm*
Explore Philo Ridge Farm with a guided tour and learn about their regenerative agriculture practices, including rotational grazing, high rotation vegetable growing, and the importance of compost. Children and families are welcome. Tours will be by reservation only Thurs - Sun. Visit their website for more details! While you're there, order lunch from the walk up window and enjoy a picnic at the very farm where the ingredients are grown!
Maple Creemees & Open House | Silloway Maple
Silloway Maple will be serving up delicious maple creemees in honor of Vermont Open Farm Week! Stop by and enjoy a maple treat right where the syrup is made! Take a hayride, pet a farm animal, and hike the sugarwood's trails while you're there. Be sure to buy some maple products to take home, too. If you can't make it on Friday for the special Open Farm Week event, you can still enjoy a maple creemee! They will be serving them Thursday - Sunday from 2:00pm to 7:00pm.
SATURDAY - August 15th
Guided Vineyard Tour | Ellison Estate Vineyard
Visit Ellison Estate Vineyard for a guided tour of their 10 acre vineyard and 50 acre property! Guests will learn about Vermont wine as a growing industry and the cold-climate grapes that thrive in Vermont, and get to hang with the sheep at the end of the tour! Participants are welcome to meander in the vines and paths on the property and may also bring a picnic and enjoy the breathtaking views of Lake Champlain and mountains. Ellison Estate Vineyard is very family friendly - there will even be an art table for the kids - and the winegrowers are happy to talk about farming, grapes, winemaking, and wine. Ellison Estate is excited to welcome their community to their farm!
Farm Tour | Philo Ridge Farm*
Explore Philo Ridge Farm with a guided tour and learn about their regenerative agriculture practices, including rotational grazing, high rotation vegetable growing, and the importance of compost. Children and families are welcome. Tours will be by reservation only Thurs - Sun. Visit their website for more details! While you're there, order lunch from the walk up window and enjoy a picnic at the very farm where the ingredients are grown!
Open Farm Day with Wood-Fired Pizza | Vermont Grand View Farm*
Come meet the flock of Gotland sheep and learn about their amazing qualities and about raising sheep on a hillside farm. The tour will take you through fields, trails, and atop to the highest point for a grand view of the Green Mountains. Cameras welcome! We will end at the family garden and outdoor wood-fired pizza oven where you can purchase a pizza.
Farm Tour & Wagon Ride | Morse Brook Farm*
Farm Tour & Wagon Ride: Morse Brook Farm in Westminster will be hosting tours and hay wagon rides Mon - Wed and Sat - Sun of Vermont Open Farm Week. Take in one of the best views in Southern Vermont while learning about what a day in the life is like for Farmers Katrina, Liz, and Matt!
Farm Tour | Retreat Farm*
Farm Tour: Located on ancestral Abenaki lands, Retreat farm is a historic farm that originally provided food and therapeutic experiences in nature for patients at the nearby Brattleboro Retreat. You are invited to enjoy a guided tour featuring friendly farm animals on pasture, historic architecture, and gardens where Retreat is growing food to share with their community. Afterward, enjoy a picnic on the historic 19th-century Farmstead, walk the pollinator pathway to the Meadows waterfront trail, or discover something new while exploring many miles of relaxing trails. Pre-registration is required. Space is limited. Donations appreciated - $25/family suggested.
SUNDAY - August 16th
Guided Vineyard Tour | Ellison Estate Vineyard
Visit Ellison Estate Vineyard for a guided tour of their 10 acre vineyard and 50 acre property! Guests will learn about Vermont wine as a growing industry and the cold-climate grapes that thrive in Vermont, and get to hang with the sheep at the end of the tour! Participants are welcome to meander in the vines and paths on the property and may also bring a picnic and enjoy the breathtaking views of Lake Champlain and mountains. Ellison Estate Vineyard is very family friendly - there will even be an art table for the kids - and the winegrowers are happy to talk about farming, grapes, winemaking, and wine. Ellison Estate is excited to welcome their community to their farm!
Farm Tour | Philo Ridge Farm*
Explore Philo Ridge Farm with a guided tour and learn about their regenerative agriculture practices, including rotational grazing, high rotation vegetable growing, and the importance of compost. Children and families are welcome. Tours will be by reservation only Thurs - Sun. Visit their website for more details! While you're there, order lunch from the walk up window and enjoy a picnic at the very farm where the ingredients are grown!
Picnic & Petting | Greenfield Highland Beef*
Picnic & Petting: Bring a blanket and a socially distanced picnic lunch to enjoy the exquisite views of the Worcester Range and the Adirondacks. Watch Heritage Highland cattle grazing on the hillside from the oldest registered herd of Highland cattle in the United States. Family units may pet or comb a Highland calf, taking turns to be respectful of social distancing. Beef will be available for purchase on-site if desired.
Family Felting Class | Vermont Grand View Farm*
Family Felting Class: It's family felting fun time! Visit Grand View Farm to learn a new craft with the whole family in their airy farm studio! They will be teaching private beginning felting workshops to your family (2-4 people), on a first come, first served basis. You will learn some of the basic properties of wool and then each participant will complete either a small wet felted vessel/pouch or a needle felted mural. Afterwards, you can browse the farm store and say hi to the sheep! There are only two slots available for this class due to COVID regulations: one at 1:00pm, one at 3:00pm. They will go fast, so register soon if you would like to join! They can only accommodate two families, so don’t delay!
Farm Tour & Wagon Ride | Morse Brook Farm*
Farm Tour & Wagon Ride: Morse Brook Farm in Westminster will be hosting tours and hay wagon rides Mon - Wed and Sat - Sun of Vermont Open Farm Week. Take in one of the best views in Southern Vermont while learning about what a day in the life is like for Farmers Katrina, Liz, and Matt!
Farm Tour | Retreat Farm*
Farm Tour: Located on ancestral Abenaki lands, Retreat farm is a historic farm that originally provided food and therapeutic experiences in nature for patients at the nearby Brattleboro Retreat. You are invited to enjoy a guided tour featuring friendly farm animals on pasture, historic architecture, and gardens where Retreat is growing food to share with their community. Afterward, enjoy a picnic on the historic 19th-century Farmstead, walk the pollinator pathway to the Meadows waterfront trail, or discover something new while exploring many miles of relaxing trails. Pre-registration is required. Space is limited. Donations appreciated - $25/family suggested.
