Explore local farms and orchards in Lake Champlain Islands

Explore local farms and orchards in Lake Champlain Islands

The Lake Champlain Islands in Vermont offer a unique opportunity to explore the rural countryside and discover the region’s agricultural roots. Visitors can spend a day visiting local farms and orchards, experiencing farm-to-table dining, and learning about the island’s history and culture. Here are some ideas for what to do while exploring local farms and orchards in Lake Champlain Islands.

Visit Allenholm Farm:

Allenholm Farm is a family-owned and operated farm that has been producing fruit since the 1800s. The farm grows over 100 varieties of apples, as well as peaches, plums, and pears. Visitors can pick their own fruit, enjoy a cider donut, or take a tour of the farm.

Explore the Island’s Vineyards:

Lake Champlain Islands is home to several vineyards that offer tastings and tours. The Island’s warm microclimate provides the perfect conditions for growing grapes, making it an ideal location for vineyards. The Snow Farm Vineyard is one of the most popular and oldest vineyards in the area.

Discover the Champlain Islands Antique Center:

The Champlain Islands Antique Center is a 16,000-square-foot space that houses over 200 dealers. Visitors can browse antiques, vintage clothing, and unique collectibles. The center is open year-round and hosts special events throughout the year.

Tour the Hero’s Welcome General Store:

The Hero’s Welcome General Store is a historic landmark in the Lake Champlain Islands. The store has been serving the community for over 100 years and is a must-see for visitors. The store sells everything from groceries to local crafts and is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike.

Take a Cooking Class at the Blue Paddle Bistro:

The Blue Paddle Bistro is a popular restaurant in the Lake Champlain Islands that offers cooking classes. Visitors can learn how to cook a variety of dishes using locally-sourced ingredients, including fresh seafood and locally-grown produce.

Visit Hackett’s Orchard:

Hackett’s Orchard is a family-owned orchard that has been operating since 1967. The orchard grows a variety of apples, including Honeycrisp, Macoun, and Red Delicious. Visitors can pick their own apples, enjoy fresh cider donuts, and take a tour of the orchard.

Attend the Champlain Islands Farmers’ Market:

The Champlain Islands Farmers’ Market is a seasonal market that operates from May to October. The market features local vendors selling fresh produce, baked goods, and handmade crafts. Visitors can also enjoy live music and entertainment while browsing the market.

Take a Cheese-Making Class at the Shelburne Farms:

The Shelburne Farms is a historic landmark in Vermont that offers cheese-making classes. Visitors can learn about the art of cheese-making and create their own cheese using fresh milk from the farm’s herd of Brown Swiss cows.

Visit the Grand Isle Art Works:

The Grand Isle Art Works is a gallery and studio space that features the work of local artists. Visitors can browse the gallery and purchase unique works of art, including paintings, pottery, and jewelry. The gallery also hosts special events and classes throughout the year.

Enjoy a Farm-to-Table Meal at the Blueberry Hill Inn:

The Blueberry Hill Inn is a historic inn that offers farm-to-table dining. The restaurant serves dishes made with locally-sourced ingredients, including fresh seafood and organic produce. Visitors can also enjoy hiking and biking trails that surround the inn.

In conclusion, the Lake Champlain Islands offer a unique opportunity to explore the region’s agricultural roots and experience farm-to-table dining. Visitors can discover the island’s history and culture by visiting local farms and orchards, attending farmers’ markets, and exploring historic landmarks.