Farm, Food & Fiber TourWhile this listing was compiled for a special one-day event on June 6, 2010, most of these farms and businesses are open to the public all year or seasonally. If in doubt, call ahead to see if they're open!
See map at bottom of this page. You can head in one or more suggested directions, or create your own tour! BRATTLEBORO - WEST BRATTLEBORO - WILMINGTON:1. Common Loaf Bakery
128 Main Street, Suite 11, Downtown Brattleboro
Directions: on Main Street, between High and Elliott, or via the Harmony parking lot.
Spelt breads, granola, sweets, spelt hull pillows, scones, muffins, soups, salads, hibiscus fruit cooler and lemon maté; free samples.
 2. Youth Agriculture Project10 a.m to 2 p.m.
University of Vermont Extension office, 11 University Way, Brattleboro, VT
Liz Kenton, Youth Agriculture Project Coordinator
(802) 257-7967 x18 —
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Directions: From downtown Brattleboro, south on Route 5/Canal St., left Fairgrounds Road (near Exit 1); past high school, turn right on South Main Street and continue to Vermont Agricultural Business Education Center Campus.
Youth Ag offers farm safety education and career exploration for older teens, runs a summer agricultural job-training program in Windham and Bennington Counties, and supports local and statewide projects that involve youth and kids in growing and sharing fresh food. Workshops at field and greenhouse, advice on gardening curricula, and share seeds and seedlings with local non-profits and school groups. Open to discussing new projects! Come visit the Brattleboro farm to meet program staff and alumni, learn more about gardening with youth, or see our corn-burning stove in action.
3. Grafton Village Cheese Company
Two locations: Brattleboro: 400 Linden Street / Route 30, Brattleboro, VT 05301 — Hours: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily
Directions: From downtown Brattleboro, north on Route 5, then West on Route 30; Grafton cheese is on left just past the Brattleboro Retreat
Grafton: 56 Townshend Road, Grafton, VT 05146 — Hours: 10 a.m. – 6 pm. daily (see directions below under Dummerston-Rockingham tour)
Phone: 800-472-3866 — www.graftonvillagecheese.com
Grafton Village Cheese Company is dedicated to preserving the cheddar making tradition started in Grafton in 1892. When a fire destroyed the original factory, it was rebuilt with the help of the Windham Foundation. Today, Grafton Cheese handcrafts artisanal cheddar cheese aged one to four years. Farms throughout Vermont supply the milk that goes into making these award-winning cheeses. At both its locations, Grafton Village Cheese Company offers a viewing window into their facility and daily cheese tasting. Visit the the specialty cheese and wine shops in Brattleboro or Grafton, or visit them online. A Windham Foundation business.
4. Lilac Ridge Farm
30 Covey Road, Brattleboro VT
Beverly and Amanda Thurber
802-257-0985, 802-254-8113
Directions: see trail directions below; the farm is on the way to the trailhead.
Vermont Dairy of Distinction program award winner; vegetables, fruits, flowers, maple syrup
10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Grand opening of hiking trail up Round Mountain at Lilac Ridge Farm
This trail was created by the efforts of the Brattleboro Conservation Board. From the summit, enjoy great local views of West Brattleboro and into New Hampshire and Massachusetts. The hike is moderate to difficult to the top, but for a shorter hike, the lower section is an easier climb through open fields and farm roads that are part of a working landscape. Directions: Go west from downtown Brattleboro on Route 9 (2.4 mi). In West Brattleboro village, turn left on Greenleaf Street (0.8 mi). Turn slight left on Hinesburg Road (0.7 mi). Stay straight on Ames Hill Road and follow signs (about 0.8 mi) to parking on Abbott Road. Map link.
5. Deer Ridge Farm & Farm Camp
4057 Hinesburg Road, Guilford, VT 05301
Lisa Holderness & Jerry Smith —
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
—(802) 254-3540
Directions: West from Brattleboro on Route 9; in the center of West Brattleboro turn onto Greenleaf St. from Route 9/Western Avenue at the 7-Eleven in West Brattleboro. You will follow signs 4.8 miles to our driveway on the left.
Enjoy a peek behind-the-scenes of one of Brattleboro Farmers' Markets best-known farmstands, with over 100 varieties of flowers, berries, tasty veggies, maple and honey. Lisa and Jerry will offer self-guided scavenger hunts, guided tours, music and hands-on activities for all ages, as well as their famous homemade strawberry shortcake and farm pizza between 10:00AM and 3:00PM. They will also answer questions about their solar-heated greenhouses and hot water system, honeybees and maple sugaring.
6. Boyd Family Farm
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
125 East Dover Road Wilmington, VT 05363
802-464-5618 —
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— www.boydfamilyfarm.com
Directions: From Brattleboro, follow route 9 west toward Wilmington. Right on Vermont Route 100 North. Turn right onto East Dover Road. Farm is on the right hand side.
“Vegetables, Herbs and Your Health” — Let us introduce you to all the new varieties of vegetables and herb starter plants that can give you a jump on the growing season. Cherry Tomatoes in hanging baskets are all the rage. Planting container cukes and salad greens in a barrel are perfect for any age gardener! Eatable landscaping is a pretty as it tastes! The full moon is behind us so let the growing begin! While you are here take a photo in front of the largest stone wall in Southern Vermont! Open all day long! Website.
DUMMERSTON - PUTNEY- WESTMINSTER - ROCKINGHAM - GRAFTON
7. Mostly Merino Studio
525 Kipling Road, Dummerson, VT
802-254-7436 —
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— www.mostlymerino.com
Margaret Wilson
Directions: From I-91 Exit 3, enter the rotary and go south on Route 5 to first traffic light. Turn right on Black Mountain Road and continue 0.6 miles. Black Mountain will bear right, but you continue straight ahead and uphill on Kipling Road about 1 mile. Turn left into driveway just past red mailbox #518; to to the brown shingled cottage with porch. From downtown Brattleboro, go north on Route 5, then left on Black Mountain Road, continue as above.
Mostly Merino is a fiber studio specializing in hand-dyed luxury merino and mohair knitting yarns, patterns and knitting kits since 1990. Owner Margaret Wilson is a self-taught shepherd, dyer, and designer; she is as inspired as much by the process and collaborative nature of bringing wool to market, as she is from locating local and regional fiber of the highest quality to create superlative yarns for your knitting pleasure. Margaret is the author and editor of The Green Mountain Spinnery Knitting Book. Her writing and yarn have appeared in numerous books. She will be demonstrating her yarn dyeing process throughout the day. There are no animals on premises.
8. Mountain Mowings Farm
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
1999 Black Mountain Road, Dummerson, VT 05301
802-254-2146 — Website
Mary Hickin
Directions: From Brattleboro, go north on Route 5; in Dummerston turn left on East-West Road. Mountain Mowings is on Black Mountain Road off East-West Road; at top of mountain. See sign at Black Mountain Road.
Jams, jellies and perennials
9. Dummerston Historical Society Photographic Exhibit
Dummerston Center
Historic Photographs of the Center and Slab Hollow
Opening Sunday, June 6th, from 2 – 5 p.m.
Directions: From Brattleboro, go north on Route 5; in Dummerston turn left on Middle Road or East-West Road to Dummerston Center.
This exhibit of 149 photographs focuses on our ancestor’s lives, home, landscape, work and pastimes from the late 19th century to the mid-20th. A significant part of the exhibit is made of photographs of Dummerston people and farms: Brook Farm Camp, Canoe Brook Farms, Ranney Farm, Greenwood Farm, Miller Farm, Walker Farm and the agricultural and mill life in Dummerston. Free. Information: 254-9311.
10. Green Mountain Spinnery
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
7 Brickyard Lane, Putney, VT
802-387-4528 —
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—www.spinnery.com
Directions: From Brattleboro: Take I-91 north, Exit 4, turn right at stop and take first right into driveway.
Wool and natural fiber yarns, knitting patterns books and supplies. Spinning mill tours.
11. Vermont Weaving School
Dena Gartenstein
4 Signal Pine Road, Putney, Vermont 05346
Open by chance or appointment — please call ahead!
802- 387-2656 —
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— www.vermontweaver.com
Directions: From Brattleboro, take I-91 north, Exit 4, turn left, crossing over interstate, then right on Route 5 North to Putney Village. Turn left on Kimball Hill Road, then left on Signal Pine Road.
Created by Dena Gartenstein, Master Weaver, The Vermont Weaving School is located in the old Putney Elementary School in Putney, Vermont. Our specialty is working one on one with students, fostering proficiency and a love of weaving. Daytime and evening classes and also weekend retreats for beginning and intermediate weavers are offered. Many different fibers are used, including wool, cotton, rayon, rags and chenille. Looms and all equipment are provided.
 12. Putney Mountain Winery 8 Bellows Falls Road, Route 5 (in the Basketville store), Putney, VT
Hours: 11-5 daily
802-387-5925 —
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— www.putneywine.com
Directions: From Brattleboro, take I-91 to Exit 4; turn left, crossing over the interstate. At stop, go right on Route 5 through Putney Village; the winery is inside Basketville.
Putney Mountain Winery specializes in fresh fruit wines, made with fruit grown and harvested at local farms, and hand crushed, pressed and bottled at the winery. Putney Mountain Winery is a consistent medal winner at the regional Big E competition and recently won gold and bronze medals at the Fingers Lakes International Wine Competition as well as a Double Gold for its Vermont Cassis at the Tasters Guild International Wine Tasting competition. Stop by Putney Mountain Winery, where you can “try and buy” their wide array of seasonal fruit wines. We will also be at the Brattleboro Area Farmers Market on Saturdays from 9-2.
13. Sweet Maple Alpacas11 a.m.-4 p.m.
154 River Road, Westminster, VT
802-376-9846 —
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— www.sweetmaplealpacas.com
Directions: Take I-91 exit 4 to Route 5 north. Approximately 7 miles to River Road (on the right) second place on the left.
Come and meet the alpacas! Three babies are due on Strolling of the Heifers weekend! Raw fiber for sale, yarn for sale, and alpacas for sale! Visit the sugarhouse, meet our chickens! Crafts for children, refreshments, free admission. Shop in our farm store for alpaca socks, hats, sweaters, scarves, teddy bears and more. Alpacas for sale!
14. Morning Star Perennials
221 Darby Hill, Rockingham, VT
802-463-3433, Cell: 802-376-9968 —
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— www.morningstarflowers.com
Open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Directions: Take 91 North to exit 6. Bear right onto Route 5 South. Go .7 miles, then turn right at Acrebrook Realty onto Darby Hill. Follow signs 1.7 miles to Morning Star Farm on the right. Park in front of the barn.
Perennials, flowers, trees, shrubs, honey, late summer fruit.
15. Grafton Village Cheese Company
(see listing above under Brattleboro)
Directions to their Grafton location: From Route 5, Bellows Falls: West on Route 121 to Grafton, south on Townshend Road. From Townshend on Route 30, north on Route 35, then left on Grafton-Townshend Road.
NEWFANE - TOWNSHEND - JAMAICA - BROOKLINE16. Mountain Meadows Farm
108 Parish Hill Road, South Newfane, VT 05351
802-348-7344 — Website
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
From Brattleboro: take Route 30 West, go left onto Depot Road to end; left onto Dover Road; go about 1 mile, turn right onto Parish Hill Road.
Certified organic beef and vegetables
17. Olallie Dailily Gardens
129 Auger Hole Road, South Newfane, VT
802-348-6614 —
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
— www.daililygarden.com (Includes map)
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
From Brattleboro: take Route 30 West, go left onto Depot Road to end; left onto Dover Road; then left on Auger Hole Road
Dailillies and iris.
18. Newfane Cafe and Creamery
550 Vermont Route 30, Newfane, Vermont 05345
802-365-4442 —
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
— Website
7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Directions: From Brattleboro, take Route 30 West to Newfane; cafe is on right in the center of town.
Great homemade food and gelato
19. Windmill Hill Alpaca Farm and Artisanry
10 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
842 Grassy Brook Road, Brookline, VT 05345
(802) 348-9300 or (802) 365-9874 — This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it — www.fireandfiber.com — www.windmillhillartisans.etsy.com From Brattleboro: Route 30 to Newfane. At flea market, turn right onto Radway Hill Road; continue over green iron bridge into Brookline. Road becomes Grassy Brook Road. At “T” intersection, turn left, staying on Grassy Brook Road. Continue approximately 4 miles; farm is on the right.
Windmill Hill offers alpaca yarn and handknit accessories, as well as free-range eggs. During the Farm, Food and Fiber tour, there will be spinning demonstrations, and snacks will be served! From Brattleboro: Route 30 to Newfane. At flea market, turn right onto Radway Hill Road; continue over green iron bridge into Brookline. Road becomes Grassy Brook Road. At “T” intersection, turn left, staying on Grassy Brook Road. Continue approximately 4 miles; farm is on the right.
20. Taft Hill Farm 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Robert & Kathy DuGrenier 802-874-4341 — www.tafthill.com 1657 Back Windham Road West Townshend VT 05353 Directions: From Brattleboro, take Route 30 North, past Townshend Common; continue 4 miles on Route 30 North, past Dam Diner on left, see large wooded barrier fence about 1/2 mile on right; right onto Back Windham road. (If you go past the West Townshend Post Office you have gone too far) . After the second house turn left , staying on Back Windham Road. Go up hill for approx 1.5 miles. The farm is on the left. The Taft Hill farm is a 38 acre family farm. We have 5 mini-horses, 2 donkeys, 2 emu, llama, sheep, 100 chickens, 4 peacocks, pheasant, turkeys etc. Fruit orchards, wood lot, pond for raising fish. We sell a variety of our farm products. We are avid Mushroom hunters. We do bi/weekly treks to collect wild mushroom to sell at the farmers market. We have started to inoculate mushroom spore into logs and hope to be able to harvest our own cultivated mushrooms this spring summer and fall. The farm sits up the side of a Mt. with speculator views. We have open pastures with great hiking, cross country skiing, mountain biking out the back door. 21. Margie's Muse Fire & Fiber Arts
10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
3796 Vermont Route 30
Main Street, Jamaica Village, Jamaica, VT 05343
802-874-7201 — www.margiesmuse.com
Margaret Miller Silvia
Directions: From Brattleboro, follow Route 30 West to Jamaica Village.
Local fleece and yarn, fibercraft tools and patterns, knitting lessons, spinning and weaving demonstrations. Come, be inspired!
22. Maybelle Farm
Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
802-896-6218, 802-896-6013
Kathleen & Jonathan Meeks —
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
— www.maybellefarm.com
Directions: From Brattleboro: Route 30 to East Jamaica, left onto Route 100. Go about 8 miles — one mile beyond Wardsboro, and turn right onto Bill's Road.
Registered Shetland sheep, wool, yarn, needlefelting supplies, fiber studio, newborn lambs, chickens.
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| Last Updated on Sunday, 13 June 2010 15:09 |
