Do you love to knit, weave, or crochet? Interested in natural or sustainable clothing? Then don’t miss the Washington County Fiber Tour this April 2024!Â
This free, self-guided tour is an amazing experience for crafters, artists, families, and aspiring farmers alike. Eleven farms, plus a locally-owned and operated fiber mill, will open to the public on April 27th and 28th for educational demonstrations and fun workshops.
Learn about raising fiber animals, watch as fiber is sheared, spun, and processed for numerous uses, and meet the farmers who raise alpacas, rabbits, goats, sheep, and llamas for their fiber – a totally renewable resource! Not sure where to start? Whether you’re visiting from central Vermont, Glens Falls, Albany, or beyond, it’s great to have a plan.
Heading to Washington County from areas South or West of Saratoga? Start your day with a great breakfast in Southern Washington County.Â
Try Lynn’s Country Cafe or the Village Cafe in Greenwich before heading just up the road to Battenkill Fibers Carding and Spinning Mill. Take a tour of their facility then head out to see the farms where some of the fiber comes from!
As you make your way out of Greenwich, stop at Wedding Hill Farm to see their flock of Romney sheep, known for their strong wool. Head to Haven Hill Farm, also in Greenwich, for some hands-on fun with their herd of friendly alpacas. Learn how alpaca fiber can be turned into useful items and wearable treasures.Â
You can also visit one of the most recent additions: Caer Luna Farm in Cambridge. This small farm raises registered Icelandic (Viking) sheep, with a double-coated fleece responsible for the beautiful lopapeysa sweaters from Iceland!
As you make your way back north for more fiber fun, why not stop in Cambridge for more shopping, dining, or a refreshing craft beverage?Â
Right in the charming village is West End Deli Works, Country Gals Cafe’, The Bog and many more options depending on what you’re craving.Â
Next, head to Salem’s Fiber Kingdom to meet the working flock of colored and white Angora rabbits; shop for luxurious angora/wool yarn, supplies and equipment, and finished fiber works; and view demonstrations of bunny clipping, spinning, and weaving.Â
Also in Salem is Quarry Ridge Farm. Overlooking the beautiful Green Mountains of Vermont you’ll find their herd of alpacas and can shop for fine yarns and blends, and unique hand-woven and knitted garments. Salem is another great spot for a mid-day meal or drink. Try the Railroad Street Tavern or the newly reopened Jacko’s Corner!
Simple Pleasures Farm in Hebron is the next stop on the tour as you head north toward Granville. There you’ll find natural and hand-dyed yarns, plus roving, raw fleeces, and hand-woven rugs all from their flock of Romney sheep.Â
Don’t forget to take a slight detour into Granville!Â
While not technically on the fiber farm tour, the Village Yarn Shop is a great place to stop in on your travels, especially if you just can’t wait to get crafting! Head through the adorable white picket gate and into the shop for yarn, patterns, buttons, and accessories. Plus, just down the block is Slate Town Brewing Company, home to incredible brews and pizzas.
Last but certainly not least are two great farms in the North Granville area.Â
Known for their incredible Tuscan-style sheep cheeses and seasonal dining experience, Dancing Ewe Farm will have products from their flock available, plus wool craft demos, shearing, delicious mac and cheese, and glasses of wine!Â
Dandy Gander Farm’s herd of alpacas and other farm friends await you, too. Check out their selection of raw fiber and finished pieces!
But wait!
Don’t think we forgot about those of you in the north or east! Don’t miss Sally’s Hen House in Kingsbury or the Big Apple Diner in Whitehall. Once you’re ready to hit the road, Dancing Ewe Farm and Dandy Gander Farm are just down the lane.Â
Take the same tour suggested above, just in the other direction! Or plan your own adventure.Â
The beauty of Washington County is just that: its beauty! No matter which path you take, you’ll find yourself surrounded by small-town charm and incredible scenery.
Event Reminders:
- This tour is self-guided. April 28th and 29th, from 10 AM to 4 PM unless otherwise noted by an individual business.
- The event takes place rain or shine. Dress for the weather, including elevation changes!
- Some areas of Washington County have poorer cell service than others. Be sure to save your map for offline use. Click here for written directions to each location.