Tours at The Center for the Agricultural Economy
Join us once a month for a guided tour of the area's farms and agri-businesses!
Have you ever wondered about the farms and food businesses in the Hardwick area after reading an article, hearing a news blurb or eating some of their products? Well, now is your chance to join us while exploring the region's many farms and businesses.
Beginning and ending at the Center for an Agricultural Economy, join an all day caravan tour with one of our Board members the 3rd Thursday of every month beginning in May and ending in October. Hear the stories, tour the facilities and meet the people that help make this area so rich in community-based agricultural enterprises as well as the subject of countless news articles and most recently, a book.
What happens on the tour?
Each tour will be unique. Keeping in mind that summer and fall are very busy agricultural seasons, we can not guarantee a specific site or farm will be on our itinerary. High Mowing Organic Seeds, Vermont Soy, and the CAE will be a part of each tour with several other stops.
Tom Stearns, from the CAE's Board of Directors, will lead a group of up to 25 people, caravan-style, to several different farms and/or businesses in Hardwick, Craftsbury, Albany, Greensboro and East Hardwick. The tours will be informative, fast paced, fascinating and a fun way to experience the area.
The tours will start at the Center for an Agricultural Economy (CAE) where one of our staff members will give you an overview of our mission and goals, setting the stage for the day's experiences. You will then hop into your cars, vans and trucks, carpooling with the rest of the tour guests, for a caravan-style tour through the Northeast Kingdom's Gateway towns.
As late afternoon approaches, you will re-gather at the CAE to collect your things and end the day. From there, we invite you to enjoy a beverage or spirits at Claire's bar, with dinner starting at 530pm and music beginning at 730pm. Be sure to make a reservation! Another option is to head to the Highland Lodge in Greensboro for wine and supper, but call ahead to check on availability. Although food is not included in the price of the tour, the menus are varied and well priced.
What is the Cost?
We charge $50 per person, with no charge for children under 10. That cost covers overhead, planning and implementing the tours and does not cover food or beverages. We encourage you to bring a lunch or enjoy snacks from the farmstands that open in June and July. All children 17 years and younger must be accompanied by an adult.
If you are a registered non-profit or a teacher interested in bringing a class, please contact us for information about reduced rates.
Please send your registration and payment (in the form of a check), to The Center for an Agricultural Economy, PO Box 451, Hardwick, VT 05841. If you have registered via phone, please bring in a check or cash payement the day of the tour.
What if it is raining? or hot? or windy?
Our tours will happen regardless of the weather, although keep in mind it might change the flavor a bit. Dress appropriately - that means comfortable shoes, layers for temperature changes, hats to wear if that's your thing, a backpack to tote water or snack/lunch.
What about the physically challenged or young children?
The tours are not as rugged as say...a hike up a mountain, but there will be plenty of driving and walking where wheelchairs or walkers may not be able to access. We trust that you will know your needs best.
Young children are absolutely welcome, but keep in mind it's a long day and plan accordingly for your child's needs.
How do I sign up?
Download our registration form and mail in with a check for the appropriate amount, SEVEN DAYS before the requested tour date. We expect these tours to fill up quickly.
Check payable to:
The Center for an Agricultural Economy
Mail to:
The Center for an Agricultural Economy
c/o Tours
PO BOX 451
Hardwick, VT 05843
Other Questions?
Contact Elena Gustavson at center@hardwickagriculture.org or 802-472-5840
Tour Dates:
All tours start promptly at 10am and end somewhere around 4pm or 5pm. Because each tour is different and we want people to savor the experience, we cannot guarantee when the tour will end.
May 20th (payment due May 13th)
June 17th (payment due June 10th)
July 15th (payment due July 8th) - RESCHEDULED DATE! is Monday, July 12th (This Tour is FULL)
August 19th (payment due August 12th via post or on date of tour)
September 16th (this tour is FULL)
October 21st (payment due October 14th via post or on date of tour)
If you have other questions or need clarification, please contact Elena Gustavson at center@hardwickagriculture.org or call us at 802-472-5840
More Information:
Quick Links:
Eco-Industrial Park
Atkins Field
Community Gardens
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