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Louisa Conrad’s Guide to Vermont
Big Picture Farm’s founder shares her local faves.
You might recognize her confectionery and creamery, Big Picture Farm, before you recognize her name, but Louisa Conrad, along with her husband Lucas Farrell, is changing the narrative when it comes to agriculture.
Started in 2010 by Conrad and Farrell, now joined by daughters Maisie and Minna, Big Picture Farm is a small hillside goat dairy and farmstead located in southern Vermont. Best known for their award-winning goat milk caramels, the family oversees a herd of 40 healthy and happy, free-ranging goats to produce fresh, raw, creamy goat’s milk used in the caramels, confections and farmstead cheeses.
With a mission to integrate agriculture in a fresh way that evokes the place, animals, and work that bring Big Picture Farm to life, Conrad and her family have created a dreamy landscape brimming with goats, dogs, children and the undeniable beauty of their bucolic surroundings. If you’re in the area, Big Picture Farm has a shop where you can pick up delectables like goat milk caramels, truffles and cute merch or you can visit the farm for goat hangouts and even stay overnight.
Knowing all that, we thought - who baaaa-tter to share her recs for where to eat, stay and play in Vermont.
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Where To Stay
Solar Cabin at Big Picture Farm, Townshend, Vermont
A Scandinavian modern inspired cabin tucked on a picturesque Vermont Hillside. Guests have a private hot tub off their deck and are free to walk up the road to come snuggle with the goats of Big Picture Farm - a Vermont goat dairy and farmstead confectionary. Stay cozy by the modern fireplace all day or venture out to a variety of local cross country centers, snowshoe right out your door or head to the slopes!
Rates start at $295. Book here.
The Weston, Weston, VT
A new favorite of ours in Weston, which couldn't be more of a quintessential Vermont Town and home to the Vermont Country Store. Their restaurant "The Left Bank" is a truly delicious French brasserie.
Rates start at $495. Book here.
Farmhouse at Big Picture Farm, Townshend, VT
The ultimate place to come together with a few families and get cozy by one of the many fireplaces in this sprawling 9 bed, 6 bath Vermont Farmhouse. Situated in the heart of picturesque Big Picture Farm, there are ample animals to spend time with and we are just 30-45 minutes from 5 ski resorts (Stratton, Bromley, Okemo, Mt Snow, and Magic Mountain). A unique and perfect gathering spot for a bunch of friends with children or a multigenerational gathering.
Rates start at $3,000 per night. Book here.
Madbush Falls, Waitsfield, VT
A new bike and outdoor centered hotel in the Mad River Valley, the rooms are all elegant and fun and the restaurant downstairs is delicious!
Rates start at $150. Book now.
Hotel Vermont, Burlington, VT
If you make it to northern Vermont, Hotel Vermont is our favorite outpost.
Rates start at $250. Book here.
Where To Eat & Drink
SoLo Farm & Table, South Londonderry, Vermont
SoLo combines warmth and sophisticated farm-to-table dining set in an updated 18th century farmhouse in South Londonderry, Vermont. Farmer wife duo Wes and Chloe have created an incredible spot with outstanding food and warm hospitality.
Yalla, Brattleboro, VT
Yalla is a great spot for lunch in Brattleboro - it features Eastern Mediterranean dishes, particularly falafel and pita sandwiches. It very much deserves its loyal following and is often packed!
WunderBar, Bellows Falls, VT
WunderBar in Bellows Falls is a small, eclectic restaurant fusing international flavors with local ingredients. Situated right in downtown Bellows Falls, I highly recommend strolling through downtown before dinner. There is a wonderful book shop as well as an incredible antiques store - Bellows Falls Antiques.
The Downtown Grocery, Ludlow, VT
A husband (chef) and wife (front of house) team run this intimate, upscale spot in rural Vermont on their own. Only 5 tables each night. Ludlow is also another great ski town (at the base of Okemo). Maybe get a drink at nearby Main and Mountain first or play some vintage arcade games at Game Bird.
TJ Buckley's Uptown Dining, Brattleboro, VT
In the heart of downtown Brattleboro in a converted dining car, this is a high-end delicious farm to table type of spot. The first Friday of every month in Brattleboro is Art Walk and there are always tons of things to check out. Maybe grab a drink at bustling Kips after a dip into the Brattleboro Art Museum.
Where To Explore
What To Pack
Stetson JW Marshall Straw Hat
This fashionable straw hat keeps the sun off your face while still looking chic.
$185
Tuckernuck Denim Chessie Dress
A year-round style staple Dark wash denim, body grazing fit, sharp cuffs that exude an effortless polish, and (of course) flirty side slits- the Chessie Dress is wardrobe winner.
$168
Flat White Popcorn Hooded Cardigan Sweater
This cardigan sweater offers cozy comfort with its soft popcorn texture and a hooded casual design, perfect for layering on chilly days.
$140
Boden Chester Quilted Borg Coat
The Chester jacket is made for days when the weather app can't make up its mind.
$198
J.Crew Piper knee-high boots in suede
A taller take on the western-inspired boot, in a knee-high length your fall dresses will love.
$163
