While outdoor summer markets are a staple of Vermont life, keeping the bridge between local growers, artisans, and the community alive through the snowfall requires grit, creativity, and a passion for local sustainability. This new market offers a vibrant indoor gathering space for everyone. To get the inside scoop on how this seasonal shift came to life, what shoppers can expect on the tables, and how it’s supporting Vermont’s agricultural economy through the coldest months, we caught up with the organizers behind the movement.

Here’s what they had to share about bringing fresh, local flavor to Ludlow all winter long:

What inspired the launch of the new Winter Farmers Market?

The Ludlow Farmers Market has become such a wonderful gathering place for our community during the warmer months, and we wanted to find a way to continue that connection throughout the winter.

Vermont winters are long, and we felt there was a real opportunity to create a welcoming indoor space where people could continue shopping locally, supporting small businesses, and connecting with neighbors.

Our goal is to make the Winter Market more than just a place to shop. We want it to be a community gathering place where people can enjoy local food, discover talented artisans, and experience a little warmth and connection during the colder months.

What kinds of products can shoppers expect during the winter season?

We are thrilled with the response from our local vendors! We have over 40 vendors participating throughout the season, offering a wonderful variety of products.

Shoppers can expect locally grown and produced foods, fresh baked goods, artisan breads, meats, cheeses, maple products, honey, jams, prepared foods, and other Vermont specialties.

We’ll also have talented local artisans offering handmade crafts, jewelry, soaps, candles, and unique gifts. With the holidays approaching, the market will be a great place to find thoughtful, locally made presents.

One of the things I love most about farmers markets is the opportunity to meet the people behind the products. Every purchase supports a local farmer, producer, artist, or small business.

What are the key dates, location, and operating hours for locals and visitors?

The Ludlow Winter Farmers Market officially opens on Sunday, November 15, 2026, and runs through April 4, 2027.

We’ll be located indoors at the Ludlow Elementary School Gymnasium, 45 Main Street, Ludlow, Vermont.

Our regular markets will take place on the first and third Sundays of each month from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., with a few additional special events throughout the season.

We’re especially grateful to be able to use the elementary school gymnasium. It’s a wonderful location right in the heart of Ludlow, with plenty of room for vendors and shoppers.

Tell us about the holiday pop-ups you’re integrating into the winter market schedule!

We’re adding two special pop-up markets this season!

Our first will be on Sunday, November 22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., just before Thanksgiving. It will be a great opportunity to shop for holiday meals, hostess gifts, and locally made products before the busy holiday season begins.

Our second pop-up will be on Sunday, February 14, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., giving everyone another opportunity to celebrate and support local businesses during the winter.

These pop-ups will also allow us to welcome additional vendors who may not be participating in the regular market schedule, bringing even more variety to our shoppers.

How can community members support or get involved with the market beyond shopping?

There are so many ways to support the Winter Market!

First and foremost, spreading the word makes an enormous difference. Sharing our social media posts, telling friends and neighbors, and encouraging visitors to stop by helps our vendors tremendously.

We’re also very grateful for our local business sponsors. Their generosity helps us create a vibrant market experience and supports the continued success of this community event. We welcome additional businesses interested in sponsorship opportunities.

Farmers, food producers, and artisans interested in becoming vendors can email winter@ludlowmarket.org to request information about available market dates, booth space, and the application process. Whether you’re an established local business or a small producer looking to connect with the Ludlow community, we’d love to hear about your products.

Community members interested in volunteering or helping support market activities can also contact us at the same email address.

I also want to mention how grateful we are for the tremendous community support we’ve already received. Bringing this Winter Market to life has been a collaborative effort, and we’re excited to see it become a special part of Ludlow’s winter season.

We hope everyone will come out on November 15 to celebrate opening day with us!

For more information, please visit our website at https://www.ludlowmarket.org/ or contact us at winter@ludlowmarket.org.

Thank you again for helping us share this exciting new chapter for the Ludlow Farmers Market

Our team just listed this wonderful quartershare condominium at Okemo's Jackson Gore, located in the Adams House #820/822 Qtr. III. Enjoy slopeside living in this three-bedroom, three-bathroom condominium with over 1,800 square feet of living space. Located within Adams House at Jackson Gore on Okemo, this location offers direct ski trail [...]

Our team is excited to share our newest seasonal rental with you. Located at Birch Landing on Echo Lake, this two-bedroom and three-bath townhouse is just a short drive to either Okemo or Killington. Nestled under pines, this comfortable condominium offers beautiful winter views over Echo Lake.

The main floor flows seamlessly from room to room, perfect for enjoying apres-ski moments in front of the brick fireplace. Vaulted ceilings and lots of light create a perfect setting for your Vermont escapes. Birch Landing is a setting perfect for winter walks and snowshoeing, too!

This seasonal rental sleeps eight people. Contact our team for more details and to get your winter getaway locked in for the 2021/2022 season! Call us at (802) 228-8877 or visit www.vtprop.com. 

Our team is beyond excited to share that we are bringing beer festivals back to Okemo this fall! Introducing the all-new Taps & Tastes event at Okemo's Jackson Gore Courtyard. Come sample countless varieties of cold drinks from 20+ regional craft breweries. We will have over 50 beers and ciders on tap for you to experience while enjoying [...]

Known as one of the most iconic landmarks of Ludlow, Vermont, it's only fair that we kick off our History Highlight series with this well-known and loved icon. Reaching 3,343 feet tall, Okemo Mountain boasts stunning views, excellent terrain, hiking trails, and over 600 acres to explore. At the summit of Okemo Mountain rests the base of the original fire tower from the 1930s. Climbing up the winding staircase is worth the trip as you'll find yourself in the center of a panoramic, 360-degree view of Vermont's Green Mountain, New York's Adirondacks, and New Hampshire's White Mountains. Rising above the ski lifts, the tower is the highest point on the mountain. Today, the fire tower is used only for soaking in the awe-inspiring views, a photo-op, and a quiet place to relax. 

According to the Green Mountain Club, a Vermont-based hiking organization that oversees the famous Long Trail and other local trails, the Okemo Fire Tower was erected around 1932-1934 and used to fight against forest fires. In 1920, the summit was used to spot fires near and far, and as this location was deemed successful, the Civilian Conservation Corps, a Depression-era work relief program, decided to construct the steel tower. The tower was thoroughly manned until the 1970s, offering onlookers a unique perspective of Ludlow, Cavendish, Mount Holly, and other surrounding towns, as well as out-of-state areas. As technology was brewing, the need for the fire tower was limited but never-the-less, it was named to the National Historic Lookout Register in 1998. 

Hikers and skiers alike continue to access the Okemo Fire Tower today! There are a few ways to get there, some including vehicles or lifts, and others only requiring you and your hiking legs. Here are our favorite ways to reach the tower:

1. The Healdville Trail:

Located just three miles from Okemo, the Healdville Trail is located off Route 103 in Mount Holly, Vermont. This small trailhead along the Green Mountain Railroad starts the excursion on the 5.8-mile round-trip hike. The well-blazed trail is named after the long-lost Healdville train station. This is a great hike for friends and family to enjoy with a moderate pitch, an easy-to-follow path, and a well-marked trail. Once you've reached the summit, you'll find a sign directing you to the Fire Tower!

2. Mountain Road via Vehicle:

This option is great for families with small children who want to get a bit of exercise, or for those who don't have the whole day to explore. In the summer months, you can drive up Mountain Road, a ski trail turned access road to the near top. You'll have to ditch your car and enjoy a ten-minute walk to the actual summit. From there, you'll find a trailhead leading you into the woods and off the road, which then filters out to the base of the Fire Tower. 

3. Scenic Chairlift Ride:

On a sunny and clear day, this is one of the best ways to get to the fire tower! Jump on the Sunburst Six chairlift and take a scenic ride to the top. From there, enjoy an easy hike up the ski trail to the actual summit at the Glades Peak Quad. You'll see the fire tower once you get here, and you'll just follow the path to the base of the tower.

4. Winter Ski Access:

Take a break from your ski day and pop off your skis or snowboard and take a quick walk through the woods to the fire tower! To get there, take the Glades Peak Quad to the true summit and then ski down to the trailhead. Or, take the Solitude Express Quad, and follow the trail to the fire tower. Ask any local and they can help direct you, too! 

Our team just listed this wonderful three-bedroom and three-bath townhouse at Trailside Village 45-B on Okemo Mountain. Recently renovated with a gorgeous kitchen, this unit boasts panoramic long-distance easterly views of Mount Ascutney. The views are even better from the covered deck equipped with a private hot [...]

36 years ago, Tim and Diane Mueller purchased Okemo Mountain Resort and began their journey in the ski industry. Over the years they have made many improvements to Okemo, along with acquiring Mount Sunapee in New Hampshire and Crested Butte in Colorado. They have truly made a great impact on not only Ludlow, but the ski industry in New England.

With the ski industry at its peak, Vail Resorts has approached the Mueller’s to buy Okemo, Mount Sunapee, and Crested Butte. Vail Resorts is based in Colorado, but owns several mountains around the country, along with the recent purchase of Stowe Mountain in 2017. It has been reported that the sale of Mueller’s Triple Peaks LLC will be final this summer. Tim and Diane have said, “we want you to know that this was the hardest decision we have ever made, especially as we begin to transition through this deal and say goodbye to each of you”.

While we are sad to lose the Mueller’s, we are very excited about what this purchase could mean for all three mountains, Okemo in particular. We are sure that improvements and changes to the mountain will continue for years to come, making Ludlow a prime destination, not only in New England, but in the country. If you are thinking about purchasing your own home in the Okemo Valley, now is the time to do it!

We would like to thank the Mueller’s for being such an integral part of our community, as well as wonderful friends of our Vermont Properties team. We wish you luck on your next chapter!