Vermont is not just known for its stunning landscapes but also for its vibrant agricultural scene. Picking your own peppers can be a fun and rewarding experience, offering a chance to enjoy fresh, local produce right from the farm. This guide provides detailed information on some of the best pick-your-own (PYO) pepper farms in Vermont, organized by region.
Before you embark on your journey of picking pepper, it is a must and should to gear up. Here are some of the basic accessories that are required before you start picking peppers,
- Fruit Picking Bag: A hands-free option to keep your peppers safe while you pick. [Check Options]
- Gardening Gloves: Durable gloves to protect your hands from pepper plants and potential irritants. [Check Options]
- Comfortable Footwear: Sturdy shoes are a must for navigating orchard terrain. [View Options]
- Sun Protection: A wide-brimmed hat and sunscreen to protect against the autumn sun. [Look for a Hat] or [Get a Sunscreen]
- Hydration: A reusable water bottle to stay hydrated during your picking adventure. [View all Options]
North Vermont
1. River Berry Farm
- Opening Hours: 9 AM – 6 PM (Mon-Sun)
- Additional Activities: Farm Tours, Educational Workshops
- Address: 191 Goose Pond Road, Fairfax, VT 05454
- Phone: (802) 849-6853
- Amenities: Restrooms, Farm Stand
About the Farm: River Berry Farm in Fairfax is a certified organic farm offering a wide variety of produce, including a fantastic selection of peppers. The farm is committed to sustainable agriculture and provides a peaceful setting for picking.
Visitors can explore the farm stand, which features fresh produce and local products. The farm also offers educational workshops and tours, making it a great destination for families.
2. Hackett’s Orchard
- Opening Hours: 8 AM – 6 PM (Mon-Sun)
- Additional Activities: Apple Picking, Cider Tasting
- Address: 86 South Street, South Hero, VT 05486
- Phone: (802) 372-4848
- Amenities: Restrooms, Picnic Area, Farm Stand
About the Farm: Hackett’s Orchard in South Hero offers a variety of pick-your-own fruits and vegetables, including peppers. The orchard is family-friendly and features a picnic area, as well as a farm stand stocked with fresh produce and local goods. Visitors can also enjoy apple picking and cider tasting, making it a perfect spot for a family day out.
Also Read: 10 Best Farms for Pick Your Own (PYO) Peach Picking in Vermont
South Vermont
3. Liberty Hill Farm
- Opening Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM (Mon-Sat)
- Additional Activities: Farm Tours, Animal Petting
- Address: 511 Liberty Hill Road, Rochester, VT 05767
- Phone: (802) 767-3926
- Amenities: Restrooms, Picnic Area, Farm Stand
About the Farm: Liberty Hill Farm in Rochester is a picturesque spot known for its diverse range of fresh produce, including peppers. The farm offers a serene environment for picking and has a picnic area for visitors to relax. The farm stand features fresh vegetables and local products. Visitors can also enjoy farm tours and interact with farm animals.
4. Deep Root Organic Cooperative
- Opening Hours: 9 AM – 6 PM (Mon-Sun)
- Additional Activities: Educational Tours
- Address: 341 Macrae Road, Johnson, VT 05656
- Phone: (802) 635-2020
- Amenities: Restrooms, Farm Stand
About the Farm: Deep Root Organic Cooperative in Johnson is a cooperative of local farms offering a wide range of organic produce, including peppers. The farm provides a peaceful and educational setting for picking. Visitors can explore the farm stand, which features organic vegetables and local goods. Educational tours are available, offering insights into organic farming practices.
Also Read: 10 Best Pick Your Own (PYO) Spinach Farms in Vermont
Central Vermont
5. Paul Mazza’s Fruit and Vegetable Stand
- Opening Hours: 8 AM – 6 PM (Mon-Sun)
- Additional Activities: Farm Tours, Seasonal Events
- Address: 182 River Road, Essex, VT 05452
- Phone: (802) 878-0306
- Amenities: Restrooms, Picnic Area, Farm Stand
About the Farm: Paul Mazza’s Fruit and Vegetable Stand in Essex offers a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, including peppers. The farm is family-friendly and features a picnic area and farm stand with fresh produce. Visitors can enjoy seasonal events and farm tours, making it a great destination for families and groups.
6. Cedar Circle Farm & Education Center
- Opening Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM (Mon-Sat)
- Additional Activities: Workshops, Cooking Classes, Farm Tours
- Address: 225 Pavillion Road, East Thetford, VT 05043
- Phone: (802) 785-4737
- Amenities: Restrooms, Café, Farm Stand
About the Farm: Cedar Circle Farm & Education Center in East Thetford is a certified organic farm offering a variety of produce, including peppers. The farm provides a range of activities, such as workshops, cooking classes, and farm tours. The farm stand and café offer fresh produce and delicious local foods, making it a perfect spot for a day out.
Also Read: 10 Best Pick Your Own (PYO) Apple Farms in Vermont (VT)
West Vermont
7. Full Belly Farm
- Opening Hours: 10 AM – 5 PM (Wed-Sun)
- Additional Activities: Workshops, Events
- Address: 3723 VT-12, Worcester, VT 05682
- Phone: (802) 229-4678
- Amenities: Restrooms, Picnic Area, Farm Stand
About the Farm: Full Belly Farm in Worcester offers a diverse range of organic produce, including peppers. The farm is community-focused and provides a welcoming environment for picking. Visitors can participate in workshops and events and explore the farm stand, which features fresh produce and local goods. The picnic area is perfect for relaxing and enjoying the beautiful surroundings.
8. Rainbow Farms
- Opening Hours: 9 AM – 6 PM (Mon-Sun)
- Additional Activities: Farm Tours
- Address: 1470 VT-100, Morrisville, VT 05661
- Phone: (802) 888-2951
- Amenities: Restrooms, Farm Stand
About the Farm: Rainbow Farms in Morrisville is a charming farm offering a variety of fresh produce, including peppers. The farm provides a serene environment for picking and features a well-stocked farm stand. Visitors can also enjoy farm tours and learn more about the farm’s operations and sustainable practices.
Also Read: Pick Your Own Sweet Corn in Vermont: A Guide to the Best Farms
East Vermont
9. New Leaf Organics
- Opening Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM (Mon-Sat)
- Additional Activities: Workshops, Farm Tours
- Address: 4818 Bristol Road, Monkton, VT 05469
- Phone: (802) 453-8007
- Amenities: Restrooms, Farm Stand
About the Farm: New Leaf Organics in Monkton offers a variety of organic produce, including peppers. The farm provides a peaceful setting for picking and features a farm stand with fresh produce and local products. Visitors can participate in workshops and farm tours, learning more about organic farming practices.
10. Vermont Shepherd
- Opening Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM (Mon-Sun)
- Additional Activities: Cheese Tasting, Farm Tours
- Address: 281 Patch Road, Westminster, VT 05158
- Phone: (802) 387-4473
- Amenities: Restrooms, Picnic Area, Farm Stand
About the Farm: Vermont Shepherd in Westminster is primarily known for its cheese but also offers a variety of fresh produce, including peppers. The farm provides a serene environment for picking, and visitors can enjoy cheese tasting and farm tours. The farm stand offers a variety of cheeses and fresh produce, making it a great destination for food enthusiasts.
Also Read: Best Pick Your Own Tomato Farms in Vermont
Some of the Frequently Asked Questions
The best time to pick peppers in Vermont is typically from late summer through early fall.
It’s a good idea to bring your own containers, but many farms also provide them.
Most PYO farms do not charge an entrance fee, but you pay for the produce you pick by weight. It’s best to confirm with the specific farm.
Typically, farms discourage eating produce in the fields to ensure hygiene and fairness to all customers.
Wear comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes suitable for walking in fields. Sun protection like hats and sunscreen is also advisable.
Policies vary by farm, so it’s essential to check ahead. Some farms allow pets on a leash, while others do not permit pets.
Many farms accept credit cards, but it’s a good idea to bring cash as a backup.
Many farms offer additional activities like farm tours, hayrides, petting zoos, and farm stores where you can buy local products.
Several PYO farms in Vermont offer organic produce. It’s best to check with each farm regarding their specific practices.
Yes, it’s highly recommended that you call ahead to ensure that pepper picking is available and to get information on current conditions and hours.
Wrapping up: The Best U-Pick Pepper Farms in Vermont (VT)
Picking your own peppers in Vermont is a delightful way to enjoy fresh, local produce and spend time outdoors. Each of these farms offers a unique experience with additional activities that make the visit even more enjoyable.
Remember to call ahead to confirm availability and hours to ensure you have the best experience possible. As you plan your visit, wear comfortable clothing, bring your own containers if needed, and perhaps pack a picnic to enjoy the beautiful farm landscapes.
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Happy picking!
