Farm Visits & Apple Orchards Near Gnome Shire Cottage
One of the best parts of staying at Gnome Shire Cottage is experiencing Vermont’s working landscape — orchards, small farms, roadside stands, and seasonal traditions that feel simple, real, and memorable.
Whether you’re visiting during peak fall foliage or just want a relaxed afternoon, farm visits in this area range from pick-your-own apples and cider doughnuts to quiet farm stands and hands-on animal experiences.
Many of these stops pair perfectly with scenic drives, your waterfall tour day, or a relaxed “no plans” afternoon.
Apple Orchards & Classic Fall Stops
Burtt’s Apple Orchard – Cabot
A true Vermont orchard experience. Pick-your-own apples, scenic views, and the kind of place where you end up staying longer than planned. Great for couples or families.
Highlights:
- Pick-your-own apples
- Fresh cider & doughnuts
- Playground, corn maze, and walking trails
Cold Hollow Cider Mill – Waterbury Center
A must-stop if you’re heading toward Stowe. While not a u-pick orchard, it’s one of the most iconic apple stops in Vermont.
Highlights:
- Fresh pressed cider (you can watch it being made)
- Famous cider doughnuts
- Local products, gifts, and café
Pairs perfectly with a Stowe day or gondola ride.
Stony Grove – Jeffersonville Area
A quieter, scenic orchard near Smugglers’ Notch with a relaxed feel.
Highlights:
- Apple and blueberry picking
- Beautiful mountain views
- Low-key, less crowded atmosphere
Farm Stands & Local Food Stops
Foote Brook Farm – Johnson
A great stop if you enjoy fresh, local food and want a more authentic working farm feel.
- Organic vegetables and seasonal produce
- Simple farm stand experience
- Easy to combine with Morrisville or Johnson exploring
Wilson Farm – Greensboro Area
A nice add-on if you’re heading toward Hardwick or Greensboro.
- Local produce and farm goods
- Scenic Northeast Kingdom drive pairing
Looking for more local food stops? Check out our
→ Farmers Markets Near Gnome Shire Cottage page for weekly markets and fresh finds throughout the area.
Family-Friendly Farm Experiences
Stowe Farm – Stowe
Great for families with younger kids.
- Petting zoo
- Playground and kids’ areas
- Seasonal fall activities
Percy Farm Corn Maze – Stowe
A fun seasonal stop during fall.
- Corn maze
- Farm animals (depending on the season)
- Easy, casual outing near Stowe
If your group loves animals, don’t miss our
→ Animal Lovers Guide to Gnome Shire Cottage
for places like Dog Mountain, the Reindeer Farm, and more hands-on animal experiences.
Make It a Full Vermont Experience
Farm visits pair perfectly with other classic Vermont activities:
- After apple picking, stop by a local sugarhouse to see where maple syrup comes from
- Visit a farm stand, then bring snacks back to enjoy at the cottage
- Combine with a scenic drive, waterfall stop, or rail trail outing
For maple syrup stops and seasonal sugarhouses, see our
→ Maple Syrup Sugarhouse Guide
Worth-the-Drive Farm Experiences
If you’re up for a longer day trip:
Shelburne Farms – Shelburne
A beautiful, large working farm experience with lake views and hands-on activities.
Billings Farm & Museum – Woodstock
A deeper dive into Vermont’s farming history with demonstrations and exhibits.
A Simple Gnome Shire Day Plan
If you don’t want to overthink it, here are two easy ways to enjoy this:
Classic Fall Day
- Morning: Apple picking at Burtt’s
- Midday: Scenic drive + foliage views
- Afternoon: Back to the cottage with cider and snacks
Stowe + Farm Combo
- Cold Hollow Cider Mill
- Gondola ride or Stowe walk
- Percy Farm or Stowe Farm (if traveling with kids)
Tips for Visiting Farms & Orchards
- Always check hours — many are seasonal
- Fall weekends can be busy, go early if possible
- Bring boots if it’s been rainy
- Bring a tote bag… you will buy more than you expect
There’s something about Vermont farms that just slows things down in the best way. Whether it’s apples, cider, animals, or just a quiet roadside stand, these are the kinds of stops guests remember long after the trip.