Visiting Shelburne Farms in Vermont, near the New York border, is like stepping back in time. Located outside Burlington on the shores of Lake Champlain, the 1,400-acre working farm is run by a nonprofit organization that promotes educational, cultural and economic sustainability though experiential and educational programs.
Shelburne is also a seasonal event venue, and the sprawling campus contains historic buildings, a meeting room, a restaurant with private dining space for 28 guests, and the 24-room Inn at Shelburne Farms, in addition to a scattering of guest cottages.
According to Special Functions Manager Andrea Van Hoven, Shelburne is a popular off-site venue with large groups meeting in Burlington. They can arrange a dinner or reception at Shelburne to add some outdoor ambience and eco-awareness to the conference.
Large groups can rent out the Coach Barn, which was built in 1902 and over the years has been used for everything from carriage storage to groomsmen housing. It accommodates up to 250 people and now hosts group functions, nonprofit events and Shelburne’s annual art exhibition.