Vermont tips

August 7-14 is Open Farms Day all over VT but sounds like too late for you. One farm I like to visit is the Huard Goat Farm in Craftsbury, and Boston Post Rd. Creamery in Enosburgh. They have ice cream, cheese, caramel, and stuff for picnics. Local farmers markets in nearby towns are fun for families -their is a website that lists them all. Shelburne Farms really does have everything you seek, though, especially for families with young kids.

 

http://vermontpieandpastacompany.com/

I haven't been here in a while as it's kinda a drive for me and the one and only time I was in here, I didn't mind this place, if any of you find yourself in the Derby area.

 

Sorry for commandeering this thread, but like OP I'll be visiting Northeast VT (staying in Westmore on Lake Willoughby for a week) and am looking for the best way to plan picking up some tasty beverages.

I'll be coming up from CT, taking 91 all the way. Would it make sense to take a detour to Waterbury/Stowe on the way to try to pick up a case of Focal/Heady/Maybe something else? Or do you think there will be stores near Lake Willoughby that will have decent selections? Also, similar to OP, I'll have a toddler and my wife who is 4 months pregnant with me, so time spent at breweries and bars will be very limited. Mainly looking for beers I can sip on at the lake or bring home - and would also be interested in any other 'wholesome' activities we can do in the area that my wife and daughter would enjoy.

Thanks!

 

Stop in White River Junction and grab some growlers at River Roost and Crowlers/Cans/Bottles at the Big Fatty's store (in same parking lot, store on right, restaurant on left). Both just a few minutes off of I91.
The Coop in town has a good selection too. SoS by the case when delivered (I think Mondays).
You will find Foley Brothers, Frost, Lost Nation, Burlington Beer Co., Good Measure, Upper Pass and similar at both of these locations.
https://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/44112/
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You will be about 20 miles from Hill Farmstead. Beautiful spot even if wife won't be partaking. Lots of space for toddler to run around outside on a nice day.
About 10 miles from Parker Pie. Great taps, food, and a shop that sells pretty good beer.
Kingdom Brewing is about 25 miles north.

If you are on the lake, that should be enough wholesome activity! Boating, fishing, sitting, swimming.

Waterbury/Stowe would be a bit out of the way, if you don't want heady/etc. specifically you can get great stuff on your way or near where you will be.

 

This is awesome! Thanks for the advice - I definitely think my wife would check out Hill Farmstead and Parker Pies even though she isn't partaking in libations at the moment.

Yes, I think any excursions will be few and far between. I want to take as little time away from the water as I can.

That's good to hear. I've had Heady and Focal Banger, and while they're both great, I can live without them this time around. Any chance of me finding anything from Fiddlehead on that side of the state, or is it probably not in the cards this go-around?

Thanks again!

 

They get cans of Second Fiddle at Big Fatty's sporadically. They have Second Fiddle and regular Fiddlehead on tap at their restaurant from time to time. Almost always regular IPA (had yesterday).

You should be able to find Fiddlehead IPA on tap all over the place. One of my go-to's at not craft centric restaurants.

 

@jhavs always has good VT advice (especially for NHer!) If you wanted to take a slight detour through Danville VT you could get growlers filled at Barrel to Bottle, and Red Barn Brewing is idyllic as well, and totally family friendly with live music on Saturday. Have fun! Willoughby is a blast!

 

Did the Willoughby to HF drive about a month ago. Very easy ~40-45 minute drive, even without cell service until you hit Barton/Glover.

 

Live a mile from the border. Been trying to explore the NH scene a bit more, but always end up in VT. Too much good stuff!

 

If you were around later in the month I'd suggest this in Greensboro.

http://www.smirkus.org/about-big-top-tour/