On Vermont’s rolling green slopes along the shores of Lake Champlain, Shelburne Farms is celebrated for its commitment to sustainability and for producing exceptional cheddar cheeses. During the summer months the farm opens a variety of public programs, including the Every Day at The Farm tour (running through Oct. 19), guided garden tours, afternoon teas, hands-on workshops and a summer concert series. Notable events this season include the Garden Tea Party at the Inn (July 12), the Vermont Cheesemakers Festival (July 20), the Green Mountain Draft Horse Field Day (July 26), and the 18th Annual Vermont Fresh Network Forum on Aug. 3, when farmers and chefs from across the state collaborate to create an inspiring, truly local meal.
Stay at the Inn at Shelburne Farms to extend your visit. Housed in the 19th-century residence of Dr. William Seward and Lila Vanderbilt Webb, the inn offers 24 guestrooms, many furnished with period antiques that reflect the estate’s history. Guests can also choose from four guest cottages or private houses for a more secluded stay. Dining emphasizes the short path from garden to table: the menu highlights produce harvested that day from the farm’s market garden, along with seasonal lamb, pork and other farm-raised specialties, plus a selection of the outstanding cheeses made on the property. Private dining and meeting spaces are available for groups. Note that the farm and inn conclude their season on Oct. 19.
Whether you come for the cheeses, the gardens or the educational programs, Shelburne Farms offers a distinctive, locally focused experience that showcases Vermont’s agricultural traditions and commitment to conservation.