With popular attractions like the Vermont Cheese Trail, Ben & Jerry’s factory, and a wide variety of local farmers and artisans throughout the state, it should come as no surprise that one of our favorite things to do in the Mad River Valley is to visit the local Waitsfield Farmers Market. In fact, visiting local farmers markets, where you’ll find a range of locally produced fruit, vegetables, herbs, meats, eggs, dairy products, baked goods, wines, beer, flowers, honey, jams, maple, and so much more, is one of the signature experiences for any Vermont getaway.
The Waitsfield Farmers Market is only around 10 minutes from the West Hill House Bed and Breakfast, too, which makes it an easy place to spend some time browsing, and maybe even picking up supplies for a picnic later in the day. We’d be happy to recommend some places for your afternoon picnic, too!
When you stay at our Vermont Bed and Breakfast, you’ll not only enjoy personalized recommendations for your time in the Mad River Valley, but you’ll enjoy our exceptional hospitality, comfortable accommodations, and relaxed country atmosphere. Are you ready to travel this summer? Book your room at our Vermont Bed and Breakfast today!
Browse the Waitsfield Farmers Market This Summer
If there’s one thing farmers markets do well, it’s bringing a creating a sense of community and connecting growers, artisans, and visitors. They also serve as a vital way for local artisans to proudly display and sell their goods and services. At the Waitsfield Farmers Market, you’ll find exactly this: a charming way to connect with local producers and artisans and to support their businesses!
The Waitsfield Farmers Market is one of the best farmers markets around, and it’s located just 10 minutes away in the nearby town of Waitsfield. It’s held every Saturday from 9 am – 1 pm from May – October, and is the perfect place to get a little taste of Vermont’s local flavor. The Waitsfield Farmers Market has been a community gathering place since its inception in 1993, and is on our list of “must-do” activities in the Mad River Valley.
The Waitsfield Farmers Market is an outdoor market, held on the Mad River Green in Waitsfield. There are more than 50 vendors that visit this market every week. With fresh-baked foods, plenty of prepared foods, and an abundance of local produce, it’s a great place to pick up supplies for a picnic later that afternoon. There is also live entertainment every week at the Waitsfield Farmers Market. Don’t forget to pick up a range of local goodies to take home with you!
Shop Local on the Vermont Cheese Trail, too!
As great as the Waitsfield Farmers Market is, we can’t talk about the many artisans and producers in Vermont without also mentioning the Vermont Cheese Trail. The Vermont Cheese Trail is a 240-mile loop encompassing some 45 artisanal cheesemakers, many of whom are open to the public for tours and tastings. There are quite a few within an hours’ drive of our Vermont Bed and Breakfast, too!
There’s an incredible variety of cheese products made in Vermont. More than 150 different varieties of cheese, to be specific! Here are 5 places near us that you won’t want to miss.
- Head south and you’ll find Billings Farm and Museum, where they offer an interesting look at Vermont’s rural past in their museum, along with tastings of their delicious cheeses.
- The Vermont Farmstead Cheese Co. Market is a great place to pick up a variety of cheeses from local farms and artisans in one quick stop.
- Plymouth Artisan Cheese is the second older cheese factory in the United States. They’ve been in the cheese business for more than 125 years!
- Another great place to sample a lot of Vermont Cheese is The Mad River Taste Place. This local retail store is focused on local, artisan food and drinks, and including a delightful selection of 100+ Vermont Cheese artisans.
- Pick up a variety of delicious Cabot Cheese at their Farmer’s store in Waterbury (hopefully opening again in the summer of 2021).
We’re also happy to help you plan a covered bridge and culinary tour of Vermont, which will include stops at Ben and Jerry’s, apple cider and cider doughnuts at Cold Hollow Cider Mill, a mouth-watering variety of treats at Champlain Chocolates, a visit to Montpelier, our state capital, as well as a few of Vermont’s covered bridges and other attractions for a little added fun.
There’s so much to do in the Mad River Valley this summer, and it starts with a visit to the Waitsfield Farmers Market. We’d love to be your host and to help you make the most of your time here! Book a room at our Vermont Bed and Breakfast today!
