Have you been wanting to get to know your local farm? Well, this year's Open Farm Week has events ready get the community connected with lots of experiential farm tours. Meet your farmer, learn something new, and feel connected to your local food system through the events listed below. Many tours offer unique information like, for instance, about saffron production in Vermont, so make sure to read through event descriptions to find an event that peaks your interest!
Sunday, August 6th
Farm Tour at Hackett’s Orchard
South Hero
9am-5pm
Climb aboard the tractor and wagon and take a tour through the Hackett's apple orchard.
Tour with the Farmer at Hobby Hill Farm
Newfane
1:00pm
Tour Hobby Hill Farm, a one-woman small, diversified farm on 13 acres in the foothills of the Green Mountains. Farm products are whole and half hogs, eggs from free-range chickens, and saffron. The farm also hosts the Windham County Beekeepers Club's beehive. There are two farmstay options at Hobby Hill where guests can immerse themselves in the magical atmosphere of a late 18th century farm. Hobby Hill Farm practices regenerative farming, using pigs and chickens to reclaim overgrown woodlands and pasture without the use of tilling or pesticides. On the farm tour, you will learn about how to rotate pigs through brushy areas, the joys and pains of free-range chickens, and how to fight the encroaching weeds without using chemicals. Visitors are encouraged to bring watermelon, corn husks, or bread (unspoiled) to share with the pigs and chickens, who will thank you heartily. Children are welcome, but parents must ensure that their children are under their control - there is extensive electric fencing, chicken poop, loose rocks and other hazards. Children can do a "farm scavenger hunt" activity while they're here. No dogs allowed. The tours will conclude with a taste of a saffron honey cake, using saffron and honey grown on the farm.
Pasture Walk at Merck Forest & Farmland Center
Rupert
1:00pm-2:00pm
Join Farm Manager Hadley Stock for a Pasture Walk Sunday afternoons at 1:00p and learn about carbon storage and care of our animals. Children may participate in this program, but it is not geared toward youngsters. $5 per person. Registration is required. Please visit the shop page on our website to register: https://www.merckforest.org/product/adult-programming/
Herb Tour at Farm Craft VT
Shelburne
2:30pm
Come smell the herbs, taste the honey, see the hives, check out our alembic still and farm lab. This walking tour lasts approximately 90 min, starting and ending at our Farm Shop. We visit the beehives and take a peek in the observation hive window and sample some honey, then move to the herb garden for a scratch and sniff. We will discuss our entire seed-to-soap process, how we harvest herbs and flowers, distill essential oils and hydrosols, and formulate and manufacture botanical products in our lab. We will take a quick tour of the lab and then end on our patio where we will serve a selection of our herb tea blends. Tickets are $15 and 100% of ticket proceeds will be donated to NOFA-VT's Farmers Emergency Fund to support flood relief efforts. Please follow the link to purchase tickets. https://www.farmcraftvt.com/product/tour-tea/
Food Forest Walk at Elmore Roots
Elmore
3:00-4:30pm
Join us for a stroll through our perennial food forest and learn how much you can fruits, nuts and berries you can grow with the least effort, even in northern Vermont.
Monday, August 7th
Charlotte Farms by Bike at Adam’s Berry Farm
Charlotte
8am-6pm
Stop in the farm stand to get a bike route map. The map will take you on a ramble to the many farms of Charlotte. Stop by 6 of the listed farms and get a free popsicle or strawberry lemonade.
Farm Tour at Hackett’s Orchard
South Hero
9am-5pm
Climb aboard the tractor and wagon and take a tour through the Hackett's apple orchard.
Tour with the Farmer at Hobby Hill Farm
Newfane
1:00pm
Tour Hobby Hill Farm, a one-woman small, diversified farm on 13 acres in the foothills of the Green Mountains. Farm products are whole and half hogs, eggs from free-range chickens, and saffron. The farm also hosts the Windham County Beekeepers Club's beehive. There are two farmstay options at Hobby Hill where guests can immerse themselves in the magical atmosphere of a late 18th century farm. Hobby Hill Farm practices regenerative farming, using pigs and chickens to reclaim overgrown woodlands and pasture without the use of tilling or pesticides. On the farm tour, you will learn about how to rotate pigs through brushy areas, the joys and pains of free-range chickens, and how to fight the encroaching weeds without using chemicals. Visitors are encouraged to bring watermelon, corn husks, or bread (unspoiled) to share with the pigs and chickens, who will thank you heartily. Children are welcome, but parents must ensure that their children are under their control - there is extensive electric fencing, chicken poop, loose rocks and other hazards. Children can do a "farm scavenger hunt" activity while they're here. No dogs allowed. The tours will conclude with a taste of a saffron honey cake, using saffron and honey grown on the farm.
Tuesday, August 8th
Farm Tour at Hackett’s Orchard
South Hero
9am-5pm
Climb aboard the tractor and wagon and take a tour through the Hackett's apple orchard.
Tour with the Farmer at Hobby Hill Farm
Newfane
1:00pm
Tour Hobby Hill Farm, a one-woman small, diversified farm on 13 acres in the foothills of the Green Mountains. Farm products are whole and half hogs, eggs from free-range chickens, and saffron. The farm also hosts the Windham County Beekeepers Club's beehive. There are two farmstay options at Hobby Hill where guests can immerse themselves in the magical atmosphere of a late 18th century farm. Hobby Hill Farm practices regenerative farming, using pigs and chickens to reclaim overgrown woodlands and pasture without the use of tilling or pesticides. On the farm tour, you will learn about how to rotate pigs through brushy areas, the joys and pains of free-range chickens, and how to fight the encroaching weeds without using chemicals. Visitors are encouraged to bring watermelon, corn husks, or bread (unspoiled) to share with the pigs and chickens, who will thank you heartily. Children are welcome, but parents must ensure that their children are under their control - there is extensive electric fencing, chicken poop, loose rocks and other hazards. Children can do a "farm scavenger hunt" activity while they're here. No dogs allowed. The tours will conclude with a taste of a saffron honey cake, using saffron and honey grown on the farm.
Food Forest Walk at Elmore Roots
Elmore
3:00-4:30pm
Join us for a stroll through our perennial food forest and learn how much you can fruits, nuts and berries you can grow with the least effort, even in northern Vermont.
Wednesday, August 9th
Farm Tour at Hackett’s Orchard
South Hero
9am-5pm
Climb aboard the tractor and wagon and take a tour through the Hackett's apple orchard.
Tour with the Farmer at Hobby Hill Farm
Newfane
1:00pm
Tour Hobby Hill Farm, a one-woman small, diversified farm on 13 acres in the foothills of the Green Mountains. Farm products are whole and half hogs, eggs from free-range chickens, and saffron. The farm also hosts the Windham County Beekeepers Club's beehive. There are two farmstay options at Hobby Hill where guests can immerse themselves in the magical atmosphere of a late 18th century farm. Hobby Hill Farm practices regenerative farming, using pigs and chickens to reclaim overgrown woodlands and pasture without the use of tilling or pesticides. On the farm tour, you will learn about how to rotate pigs through brushy areas, the joys and pains of free-range chickens, and how to fight the encroaching weeds without using chemicals. Visitors are encouraged to bring watermelon, corn husks, or bread (unspoiled) to share with the pigs and chickens, who will thank you heartily. Children are welcome, but parents must ensure that their children are under their control - there is extensive electric fencing, chicken poop, loose rocks and other hazards. Children can do a "farm scavenger hunt" activity while they're here. No dogs allowed. The tours will conclude with a taste of a saffron honey cake, using saffron and honey grown on the farm.
Food Forest Walk at Elmore Roots
Elmore
3:00-4:30pm
Join us for a stroll through our perennial food forest and learn how much you can fruits, nuts and berries you can grow with the least effort, even in northern Vermont.
Thursday, August 10th
Farm Tour at Hackett’s Orchard
South Hero
9am-5pm
Climb aboard the tractor and wagon and take a tour through the Hackett's apple orchard.
Tour with the Farmer at Hobby Hill Farm
Newfane
1:00pm
Tour Hobby Hill Farm, a one-woman small, diversified farm on 13 acres in the foothills of the Green Mountains. Farm products are whole and half hogs, eggs from free-range chickens, and saffron. The farm also hosts the Windham County Beekeepers Club's beehive. There are two farmstay options at Hobby Hill where guests can immerse themselves in the magical atmosphere of a late 18th century farm. Hobby Hill Farm practices regenerative farming, using pigs and chickens to reclaim overgrown woodlands and pasture without the use of tilling or pesticides. On the farm tour, you will learn about how to rotate pigs through brushy areas, the joys and pains of free-range chickens, and how to fight the encroaching weeds without using chemicals. Visitors are encouraged to bring watermelon, corn husks, or bread (unspoiled) to share with the pigs and chickens, who will thank you heartily. Children are welcome, but parents must ensure that their children are under their control - there is extensive electric fencing, chicken poop, loose rocks and other hazards. Children can do a "farm scavenger hunt" activity while they're here. No dogs allowed. The tours will conclude with a taste of a saffron honey cake, using saffron and honey grown on the farm.
Behind the Scenes Farm Tour at Blue Goose Farm
Randolph Center
3:00-5:00pm
Come experience evening chores on a small Vermont dairy farm! On this two hour farm tour, you'll get a sneak peek into the behind-the-scenes on a small working Vermont farm. The sheep and cows will be entertaining, the views worth a million bucks, and the experience unique and special! First, we'll have a short safety talk about visiting a working farm. Then, we'll go visit with the Dorset sheep and lambs. You'll get to feed them apple slices and dry bread crusts, both treats they love. I'll share how I care for my sheep flock and other fun sheep facts. "Did ewe know?" Next, we'll take a hike up to the cow pasture, where my beautiful Jersey dairy cows are grazing. I'll introduce you to the cows and help you snap some pictures of you, the cows, and the beautiful Vermont mountains. Then you'll get to help herd the cows down to the barn for evening milking. You'll be invited to try milking a cow by hand or brush them while they are being milked. Milking time is magical--calm, peaceful and slow paced. You will leave feeling grounded and refreshed. Once milking is complete, I will give you a short tour of the farm store which is stocked with Blue Goose Farm raw milk, eggs and lamb meat! $30 per person. Please register at bluegooosefarmvt.com/farm-tours.html
Hop Farm Tour at Champlain Valley Hops
Starksboro
5:30pm
We are excited to welcome guests and show them around the farm! Hops grow vertically up strings to the top of a massive 18 foot trellis. Walking through the yard is like entering a different world, surrounded by walls of living plants. It's truly magical! Visitors will gather in the hop yard for a discussion about hop farming, learn about Champlain Valley Hop's unique practices, and get an overview of the hop industry. Hop harvest typically starts mid-August, so there will be lots of (almost ripe) hop cones to smell and plants to admire. The tour will then continue in the processing barn to see some of the specialized equipment that is used to turn fresh hop cones into dried pellets for use in the brewing industry. There is very little hop farming in the Eastern US so this should be a unique experience for most visitors! Please register on our website: https://www.champlainvalleyhops.com/open-farm-week
Friday, August 11th
Farm Tour at Hackett’s Orchard
South Hero
9am-5pm
Climb aboard the tractor and wagon and take a tour through the Hackett's apple orchard.
Farm Tour & Fresh Gelato Tasting at Paisley Scoops
East Fairfield
1:00pm
Participants will be invited to take a farm tour at Paul-lin Dairy on Friday, August 11th at 1pm, meet a cow and calf, and learn about how the farm runs and how the quality milk is made. The tour will end at the gelato making trailer where participants can sample freshly made gelato on the front lawn under our lovely maple grove. Feel free to bring a picnic to enjoy! Please RSVP to [email protected] by August 9th. Free.
Tour with the Farmer at Hobby Hill Farm
Newfane
1:00pm
Tour Hobby Hill Farm, a one-woman small, diversified farm on 13 acres in the foothills of the Green Mountains. Farm products are whole and half hogs, eggs from free-range chickens, and saffron. The farm also hosts the Windham County Beekeepers Club's beehive. There are two farmstay options at Hobby Hill where guests can immerse themselves in the magical atmosphere of a late 18th century farm. Hobby Hill Farm practices regenerative farming, using pigs and chickens to reclaim overgrown woodlands and pasture without the use of tilling or pesticides. On the farm tour, you will learn about how to rotate pigs through brushy areas, the joys and pains of free-range chickens, and how to fight the encroaching weeds without using chemicals. Visitors are encouraged to bring watermelon, corn husks, or bread (unspoiled) to share with the pigs and chickens, who will thank you heartily. Children are welcome, but parents must ensure that their children are under their control - there is extensive electric fencing, chicken poop, loose rocks and other hazards. Children can do a "farm scavenger hunt" activity while they're here. No dogs allowed. The tours will conclude with a taste of a saffron honey cake, using saffron and honey grown on the farm.
Saturday, August 12th
Farm Tour at Hackett’s Orchard
South Hero
9am-5pm
Climb aboard the tractor and wagon and take a tour through the Hackett's apple orchard.
Tour the Farm at Lavender Essentials of Vermont
Derby
11:00am-12:00pm
Meet Michele at the gift shop to learn all about the lavender farm and how it all started! She will take you on a personalized tour sharing information about the plants, animals and people that keep it all going. FREE to the public!
Walking Trail and Viewpoint at Head Over Fields
Charlotte
12-6pm
Head Over Fields is opening our beloved walking trail to the public for Open Farm Weekend! If you've ever visited our Farm Stand on Rt. 7, you may have wondered "Where's the farm?". Believe it or not, it's right behind our stand, though it is tough to see from the road. We invite you to walk the fields, check out our new greenhouses, and continue through the hayfields up to the top of the farm where you will enjoy sweeping views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack mountains. Pack a picnic or grab some snacks from our farmstand and stay a while! *Parking for the walking trail will be available in the fields. Follow the farm road behind the farm stand to the left and follow signage for parking. Please reserve farm stand parking for farm stand customers.
Tour with the Farmer at Hobby Hill Farm
Newfane
1:00pm
Tour Hobby Hill Farm, a one-woman small, diversified farm on 13 acres in the foothills of the Green Mountains. Farm products are whole and half hogs, eggs from free-range chickens, and saffron. The farm also hosts the Windham County Beekeepers Club's beehive. There are two farmstay options at Hobby Hill where guests can immerse themselves in the magical atmosphere of a late 18th century farm. Hobby Hill Farm practices regenerative farming, using pigs and chickens to reclaim overgrown woodlands and pasture without the use of tilling or pesticides. On the farm tour, you will learn about how to rotate pigs through brushy areas, the joys and pains of free-range chickens, and how to fight the encroaching weeds without using chemicals. Visitors are encouraged to bring watermelon, corn husks, or bread (unspoiled) to share with the pigs and chickens, who will thank you heartily. Children are welcome, but parents must ensure that their children are under their control - there is extensive electric fencing, chicken poop, loose rocks and other hazards. Children can do a "farm scavenger hunt" activity while they're here. No dogs allowed. The tours will conclude with a taste of a saffron honey cake, using saffron and honey grown on the farm.
Historic Farmstead Stroll at Scott Farm
2:00pm
Dummerston
Scott Farm isn't just any apple orchard. It's a historic treasure that has been in active cultivation since 1791 and is keeping Vermont's rural agricultural traditions alive. Our 571 acre farm has been owned since 1995 by The Landmark Trust USA, a non-profit organization whose mission is to preserve historic properties through creative sustainable uses for public enjoyment and education. At Scott Farm this has meant revitalizing the entire farm operation from orchard to farmhouses to barns.
Join us for an hour-long stroll through the historic core of the farm to learn more about the history of this beautiful and significant landscape. From its early days as an all purpose farm, to the construction of the oldest extant buildings in the 1840s, to the long 20th century stewardship under the Holbrook family, to the farm's current role as Vermont's premiere heirloom apple orchard, you'll see how Scott Farm has developed over the years while maintaining it's irreplaceable sense of place.
Advanced registration and tickets not required. Just show up ready to walk, share your Scott Farm story, and learn!
Behind the Scenes Farm Tour at Blue Goose Farm
Randolph Center
3:00-5:00pm
Come experience evening chores on a small Vermont dairy farm! On this two hour farm tour, you'll get a sneak peek into the behind-the-scenes on a small working Vermont farm. The sheep and cows will be entertaining, the views worth a million bucks, and the experience unique and special! First, we'll have a short safety talk about visiting a working farm. Then, we'll go visit with the Dorset sheep and lambs. You'll get to feed them apple slices and dry bread crusts, both treats they love. I'll share how I care for my sheep flock and other fun sheep facts. "Did ewe know?" Next, we'll take a hike up to the cow pasture, where my beautiful Jersey dairy cows are grazing. I'll introduce you to the cows and help you snap some pictures of you, the cows, and the beautiful Vermont mountains. Then you'll get to help herd the cows down to the barn for evening milking. You'll be invited to try milking a cow by hand or brush them while they are being milked. Milking time is magical--calm, peaceful and slow paced. You will leave feeling grounded and refreshed. Once milking is complete, I will give you a short tour of the farm store which is stocked with Blue Goose Farm raw milk, eggs and lamb meat! $30 per person. Please register at bluegooosefarmvt.com/farm-tours.html
Sunday, August 13th
Farm Tour at Hackett’s Orchard
South Hero
9am-5pm
Climb aboard the tractor and wagon and take a tour through the Hackett's apple orchard.
Walking Trail and Viewpoint at Head Over Fields
Charlotte
12-6pm
Head Over Fields is opening our beloved walking trail to the public for Open Farm Weekend! If you've ever visited our Farm Stand on Rt. 7, you may have wondered "Where's the farm?". Believe it or not, it's right behind our stand, though it is tough to see from the road. We invite you to walk the fields, check out our new greenhouses, and continue through the hayfields up to the top of the farm where you will enjoy sweeping views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack mountains. Pack a picnic or grab some snacks from our farmstand and stay a while! *Parking for the walking trail will be available in the fields. Follow the farm road behind the farm stand to the left and follow signage for parking. Please reserve farm stand parking for farm stand customers.
Orchard Stroll at Scott Farm
2:00pm
Dummerston
Scott Farm's world-class apple orchard is keeping alive the heritage and flavor of 130+ varieties of ecologically grown heirloom apples, as well as many other fruits. You may have shopped in the Farm Market or enjoyed fresh apples right from the tree in our Pick-Your-Own areas, but today we'll bring you into the larger heirloom orchard.
As part of Vermont Open Farm Week, join Farm Manager Simon Renault and Orchardist Erin Robinson for a stroll in our orchard and learn a bit about the history of these of unique and historic fruits. We’ll discuss orchard ecology, what it takes to manage the farm, and why preserving these heritage varieties is so important.
No tickets necessary, just show up ready to walk and enjoy. And be sure to stick around for our Next Stage Bandwagon Series concert at the farm at 6pm! The Farm Market and Pippin's Café will be open.
Photo thanks to Farm Craft
