Year-Round Farm Market Opens in South Hero
Alisha and Kyle in front of the new Arbor Farm Market in February. Photo provided by Arbor Farmstead.
April 2021
Local farmers Alisha Utter & Kyle Bowley of Arbor Farmstead in Grand Isle are opening a year-round farm market in South Hero. South Hero Land Trust checked in with Alisha and Kyle to get the inside scoop on how this new market will feature farms from across the Islands and Vermont.
South Hero Land Trust: What kind of space do you hope to create?
Alisha and Kyle: While we love living on the Islands, fresh, healthy, local food is not always accessible, especially when the farmers’ market is not in season. Many Islanders still travel into Burlington to access local food despite the plethora of farms in Grand Isle County. We live on the Islands for a reason, so why find a reason to ever leave?! Arbor Farm Market is a contemporary take on Vermont’s iconic general stores and farmstands. The store will capture the vibrancy and seasonality of Vermont. We foresee the vibes being akin to a country store where community stories are shared: told through the products on the store shelves and swapped neighbor-to-neighbor on the front porch bench. The Market is a farmer-owned store focused on Islands-grown produce, Vermont food products, beer, wine, and gifts.
South Hero Land Trust: Arbor Farmstead (Alisha and Kyle’s farm in Grand Isle) practices veganic agriculture. How will the farm store exemplify that mission?
Alisha and Kyle: Arbor Farm Market embodies Arbor Farmstead’s commitment to sustainability, responsible land stewardship, and community wellness. As part of the working landscape of Vermont, it is invaluable to us to bring together those with land-based livelihoods and connect them with a consistent, year-round market for their products. Solidarity with farmers and supporting food sovereignty are values that we extend beyond our local product sourcing. For provisions grown elsewhere, we have carefully selected sources that meet Fair Trade standards and/or contribute to social good.
South Hero Land Trust: What will you offer from the farm?
Alisha and Kyle: The Market will feature fresh produce, herbs, cut flowers, and fruit preserves from Arbor Farmstead. Our signature hand-shaved, homegrown fruit snowcones will also be making a comeback this summer through pop-up events at Arbor Farm Market! K. Bowley Woodcraft’s one-of-a-kind electrically etched and stone inlaid homewares and selection of local topographic maps carved from wood will also be among the Market offerings, too.
South Hero Land Trust: What local farms are lined up to sell through the Market?
Alisha and Kyle: The heart of the store is fresh produce and we are thrilled to be working with Allenholm Farm, Blue Heron Farm, Darby Farm, Pomykala Farm, Sandy Bottom Farm, and Savage Gardens. We are carrying eggs from Savage Gardens, a curated selection of dairy (and non-dairy) products from around the state, fresh baked goods from Wally’s Place and Red House Sweets, and a variety of provisions and dry goods (e.g., Grand Isle Pasta). We are also curating a selection of local wine and beer through partnerships including Kraemer & Kin and Ellison Estate Vineyard.
South Hero Land Trust: When can we visit?
Alisha and Kyle: We will open our doors for our soft opening on Arbor Day (Friday, April 30). From that point on, we will be open Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays from 10 am to 6 pm and Fridays and Saturdays 10 am-7 pm (closed Mondays and Tuesdays). We will officially kick off the season with a grand opening celebration on Memorial Day Weekend!
