When most people think about Vermont, skiing and hiking are usually the first things that come to mind. But if you’re planning a visit to Waitsfield, you’ll quickly discover that the farms scattered across the Mad River Valley are just as much a reason to come. From hillside blueberry fields to family-run farm stands and seasonal events, these farms offer a glimpse into the traditions and flavors that define the Green Mountain State.
Here’s a look at some of our favorite Vermont Farms just minutes from our lodging in Vermont:
Gaylord Farm – A Vermont Tradition
6405 Main St, Waitsfield, VT 05673
In the rolling fields of Waitsfield, Gaylord Farm has been part of the landscape since 1948. What began as a small dairy farm has transformed, with the second and third generations of Gaylords steering it toward diversity and sustainability. Today, the farm is known for its certified organic vegetables alongside grass-fed beef, pork, chicken, and eggs.
Visiting Gaylord Farm offers a chance to experience a slice of authentic Vermont life. Their farm stand is a highlight, with fresh cuts of beef and organic produce that make it easy to put together a true farm-to-table meal. Many guests like to bring back ingredients for a riverside barbecue at Warren Lodge, where the on-site grills and fire pits create the perfect backdrop for a Vermont-inspired dinner.
One of the most charming parts of Gaylord Farm is its flowers. Rows of sunflowers and colorful bouquets brighten the property and make beautiful souvenirs or gifts for travelers heading home.
You’ll also find the Gaylord family at the Waitsfield Farmers Market every weekend, their stand full of vibrant vegetables and fresh beef. It’s a chance to chat directly with the farmers who’ve worked this land for decades and learn more about how their operation has evolved.
Knoll Farm by Magicpiano licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Knoll Farm – Organic Farming & Music on the Hill
700 Bragg Hill Rd, Waitsfield, VT 05673
If there’s one farm that combines agriculture with art and community, it’s Knoll Farm. This certified organic Vermont farm sits high on the hillside in Waitsfield, offering breathtaking views of the Mad River Valley. While it’s well known for its blueberries, Knoll Farm has become just as famous for its role as a gathering place.
In the summer, the farm bursts with activity. Guests can pick their own blueberries or visit the farm store to stock up on organic produce. For a more immersive experience, the farm offers Day Passes that allow you to explore at your own pace. With a pass, visitors can enjoy an audio-guided walking tour of the land, hike the farm’s scenic trails, or purchase a picnic basket and enjoy it on the hillside. Sitting among the rolling meadows with a picnic in hand is one of those moments that feels quintessentially Vermont.
Another beloved tradition at Knoll Farm is its “Music on the Hill” concert series, held through the summer and into early fall. These concerts bring the community together with music drifting across the Valley as the sun sets.
Once a humble sheep farm, Knoll Farm has grown into an organic farm and leadership retreat center with a mission to support both the land and the people who gather on it. Their emphasis on sustainability and community means that every visit supports not just farming, but also a vision for a better future.
Neill Farm – Local Flavor in the Valley
1812 N Rd, Waitsfield, VT 05673
Tucked along North Road, Neill Farm is a small family-run operation with big local roots. Known for its honor-system farm stand, Neill Farm offers a year-round selection of beef, pork, and organic eggs. Depending on the season, you’ll also find sweet corn, pumpkins, and squash piled high for neighbors and visitors alike.
The stand is open daily, allowing guests to swing by after a hike or scenic drive. There’s something refreshing about the honor system, simply choosing your food, leaving your payment, and heading on your way. It’s a glimpse into the trust and simplicity that still defines much of rural Vermont.
If you’re staying in one of our full suites, stock up for breakfast with their Hickory Smoked Maple Bootleg Bacon, a product that perfectly captures Vermont’s love for bold flavors and maple.
Hartshorn Organic Farm – Vermont Roots, Green Living Inspiration
54 Quarry Rd, Waitsfield, VT 05673
Set against a backdrop of mountain views that glow with color in the fall, Hartshorn Organic Farm is as scenic as it is delicious. Run by Dave and Amy Hartshorn, the farm blends deep Vermont roots with a passion for sustainable living. Dave is a fifth-generation Vermonter who once ran a dairy farm with his father and has spent more than 30 years growing organic fruits and vegetables in the Mad River Valley. Amy brings her own expertise as a longtime green-living advocate, speaker, and host of the Green Living Now podcast. Together, they’ve created a farm that’s as much about community and education as it is about produce.
Visitors can shop the farm stand for organic vegetables, herbs, fresh flowers, pies, jams, pickles, maple sriracha sauce, and the farm’s own maple syrup. During summer, the fields open for pick-your-own strawberries and blueberries, and in the fall, families flock here for pumpkins, train rides for kids, and the farm’s vibrant murals that make for the perfect seasonal photo. Hartshorn’s also offers educational farm tours and hands-on experiences that invite guests to see where Vermont’s food really comes from.
Why Vermont Farms Matter
These farms are just a small sampling of the Mad River farms that make Waitsfield such a special destination. Together, they reflect the region’s identity as one built on farming traditions, innovation, and community spirit.
Visiting a Vermont farm isn’t just about shopping for produce. It’s about stepping into a way of life that has shaped the Valley for generations. It’s seeing how families have adapted their farms over the decades, shifting from dairy to diversified crops, from quiet fields to vibrant community spaces. It’s tasting the difference that comes from Vermont organic farms, where sustainability and soil health are priorities.
For guests, these farms provide not only fresh food but also meaningful experiences. Picking blueberries, listening to live music on a hillside, choosing vegetables from a farm stand, or talking directly to the farmer at a market, each moment deepens your connection to Vermont.
Stay at Mad River Lodges
One of the best parts of exploring farms in the Mad River Valley is how close they are to our Mad River Lodges. With four unique properties across Waitsfield and Warren, you’re never more than a few minutes from farm stands, hiking trails, and local markets. After a day of blueberry picking or browsing the Waitsfield Farmers Market, you can return to your lodge to grill grass-fed beef, share a farm-to-table meal with friends, or simply relax and take in the scenery.
Waitsfield, VT may be famous for its skiing and hiking, but its farms tell an equally rich story. From the long-standing tradition of Gaylord Farm to the community spirit at Knoll Farm and the local flavor of Neill Farm, each visit offers a glimpse into what makes this Valley so special.