Green Mountain Girls Farm

Just a hop skip and a jump down the street from my parent’s house, is one of my absolute favorite places in Vermont – The Green Mountain Girls Farm. 

The “girls” are Mari and Laura.  In previous lives they worked in conservation and non profits, but since 2007 they have been running the most picturesque farm of all time. 

From the red farmhouse inn on the hill, to the colorful hand painted signs demarcating organic herbs, the whole farm seems as though it sprang to life out of a city girl’s country day dreams. 

Everything is organic and sustainably grown, and if you’re lucky, Mari will take you to visit the pigs wherever they may be snorting around that day.  

“Humane” doesn’t do justice to describe the way the girls raise their meat. As we walked down the hill, all of the pigs came running over to the fence to say hi and Mari introduced me to them one by one and by name.  It’s unusual for farmer’s to name animals that are destined for food because it forces them to become more attached, but it’s exemplary of how the entire farm is run.

The pigs are loved. The chickens aren’t just “free range” they’re “free to go wherever they want and fly around and do happy little chicken things in an area that’s probably bigger than your backyard.” 

Everything at the girls farm is done with care, and you can tell when you taste their food.  

The farm stand is routinely stocked with meats, goats milk, and a huge supply of seasonal produce, so be sure to stop by next time you’re in the area.

Green Mountain Girls Farm

923 Loop Road

Northfield, Vt

05663

Watermelon Salad

There’s just something about watermelon that is straight up fun.  Maybe it’s because you never feel like a grown up when you eat it.  If you give me a slice of watermelon, I'm 6 years old again. It is by far the best way to escape lame adult conversation that’s happening over post-dinner coffee (Sticky watermelon hands? Please do NOT bring those near my shirt!), and made for some fantastic contests with my sister Meg.  Our favorites were probably the official “Who can spit a watermelon seed the furthest” (always her), and the unofficial “Who can accidentally get the messiest while eating” (me by a landslide).  As a 25 year old, I’m supposed to care about things like “staying clean” and “not eating with my fingers,” so today I have a watermelon salad recipe that you can eat with a fork.  I know it sounds a little crazy to mix red onion, feta, and watermelon, but trust me, even with all those sophisticated flavor profiles your inner kindergartner will still be pleased.

…and if you eat it with your fingers I won’t tell Mom and Dad.

Watermelon Salad

1 Medium Watermelon, cubed or balled

1/2 Red onion, thinly sliced

2 sprigs of fresh mint leaves, chiffonade

1 C sliced black olives

Juice from 1 lime

3oz crumbled feta

2 tbsp olive oil

Ground black pepper to taste

1) Mix it all together and do a little dance because your salad is so yummy

My Best Friend's Wedding

(Left to Right: Morgan, Sarah, Tessa, Katie, and me!)

Last week, one of my very best friends in the whole world was the first of our little high school group to get married.  The forecast was originally thunderstorms but at the last minute the Vermont weather gods smiled, and the day became the most perfect 75 degrees with sunshine.  You couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day or a more beautiful couple.  I love you so much, Tessa, and I am so so happy for you and Rene!

Tessa grew every single one of the gorgeous flowers in the wedding herself