Rolling hills and charming farms are calling

The Lake Champlain Region has embraced agritourism in a big way, blending its deep agricultural roots with a growing interest in authentic, hands-on travel experiences. A region primed with charming farms and small towns, you’ll find yourself nestled among blankets of fields dotted with cows and lush greenery, and main streets brimming with local products like maple, honey, and cheese. Oh, don’t forget beer and wine! 

The Lake Champlain Region, renowned for its rich agricultural heritage, offers a unique blend of experiences that appeal to an increasing number of travelers seeking authentic, educational, and sustainable options for their next getaway. Think flower picking and embroidery classes, farm-to-table restaurants, farm stores, and sprawling properties opening their doors for farm stays. Agritourism is the perfect way to experience farm life or reconnect with your roots.

The cherry on top of it all? You’ll find delicious rewards around every corner, like fresh-picked strawberries in your cocktail, artisan cheeses, meats, baked goods, and handcrafted products straight from the source. Come  and discover the beauty of agritourism in the Lake Champlain Region. 

So, what the heck is agritourism?

Agritourism (short for agricultural tourism) is a type of travel experience that connects visitors with farms and rural life. In technical terms, the New York State Agriculture and Markets defines “agricultural tourism” as “activities conducted by a farmer on-farm for the enjoyment and/or education of the public, which primarily promote the sale, marketing, production, harvesting, or use of the products of the farm.” 

For us, that means combining elements of agriculture and the wonderful world of the Lake Champlain Region, allowing travelers to learn about farming, local food systems, and country living while enjoying the rich outdoors of the region in the surrounding lakes and mountains. Pro tip: Many road biking routes also pass through cow pastures here!

The real beauty of agritourism lies in its hands-on aspect of your stay. You won’t just stop on the side of the road to say hi to the cows, you’ll live on the farm (well, temporarily). Farm stays and local events will draw you into our way of life, and maybe have you dreaming about raising your own coop of chickens or starting that garden that lives on your Pinterest board. 

Why is it important? 

Agritourism is more than just a fun day on the farm—it plays a vital role in strengthening rural communities, preserving agricultural traditions, and deepening our connection to the origins of our food. By inviting visitors onto farms, agritourism helps small and family-run operations diversify their income and stay strong in a changing economy. It also offers a powerful educational opportunity, especially for people who may have never set foot on a working farm. Guests learn firsthand about sustainable practices, local food systems, and the hard work behind every harvest. 

Don’t just visit, live on the farm

Although you’re not moving in permanently, local farms offer farmstays to visitors. Not only do you get to stay in a house akin to Anne of Green Gables, but you can also witness up close how local farms operate! 

At Crown Point Farm and Dairy, blend glamping and farmlife with their off-the-grid cabin, and wake up to the sound of mooing (in the best way). Meet the herd, and taste some seriously good handcrafted cheese. Read up on the farm beforehand, especially researching each of the cows' names and biographies, like Petunia “the trouble maker” and Peanut “the BOSS.” 

Prefer gardens to barns? Ginkgo Farm is a peaceful, organic hideaway where you can dig into the rhythm of farm life—or just unwind in the quiet beauty of the countryside. Their studio is perfect for couples or single travelers looking to rest their boots on a working farm. 

For those who love the idea of a farm vibe without getting their boots dirty, the Edgemont Inn offers comfy, vintage-style lodging on a scenic property with a laid-back, pastoral feel. Surrounded by neighbors of cow farms and lush crop fields, you’ll be in the center of it all, with stunning lake views as an added bonus.

Ok, where can I find the baby cows?

While we can’t always promise that there WILL be baby cows afoot at all of these farms, there’s still plenty of adorable grass puppies to see. The Lake Champlain Region is lush with dairy farms, where you’ll find cows grazing in their pastures; most of them just off the road. As previously mentioned, you’ll find a good group at Crown Point Farm and Dairy, but you’ll also find them at North Country Creamery, where you may be tempted to leave with armfuls of their house yogurt and cheese. 

Essex Farm and Farm Store is also home to a community of cows, but again, their farm store will be screaming your name. Get to the store around 7 a.m. on Saturdays for fresh stock of all their goodies, including the morning’s freshest grass-fed raw whole Jersey milk; pastured/organically fed eggs; seasonal fruits and vegetables; USDA cuts of pastured/organically fed meats; maple syrup and maple sugar, fermented vegetables, even soaps, and candles! While you can’t take the cows home, you can take home the fruits of their labor. 

Markets and events 

With a bountiful harvest year after year, our markets and events are stocked to the gills with farm fun. Keep your calendars clear for events like the Essex County Fair in August, where you can listen to live music, get in on carnival rides, agricultural exhibits, competitions, and of course, a demolition derby. 

The Adirondack Harvest Festival in September highlights the best of our farms’ offerings, featuring a farmers’ market, live music, a local beer and wine tent, food trucks, demonstrations and workshops, a farm animal petting zoo, and more.  

If you're a cycling enthusiast with a love for lush farm scenery, sign up for the Bike the Barns event in September! Bike the Barns is a fully supported recreational cycling event that highlights the rich agricultural heritage of the Lake Champlain Region. Riders have the chance to explore this beautiful area, with stops at local farms where you can connect with the producers driving the region’s vibrant food movement. The event concludes with a celebration featuring delicious local food, refreshing beverages, and live music.

Enjoy a slice of farmlife! 

When you come to the Lake Champlain Region, it's hard not to embed yourself into the way of life here. Agritourism has helped this region flourish, and continues to support the farmers who make this region so colorful, making it the perfect getaway to a more sustainable way of life.