On an island with more than 70 working farms, there is one that is truly unique among this robust Martha’s Vineyard farming community. Located in the bucolic countryside of Chilmark, the Grey Barn & Farm offers items you would expect to find at a farm but also so much more. This is the Island’s first and only certified organic creamery, bakery, and farm.
Martha’s Vineyard Bucket List: The Grey Barn And Farm In Chilmark
In 2009, Molly and Eric Glasgow bought the property now known as the Grey Barn & Farm. From the beginning, they have continued to grow the farm and offerings to the community. Because of their efforts, the Grey Barn is not only a well-known on the Vineyard but also far beyond.
It’s the Island’s only organic farm and produces nationally-recognized cheeses, milk and eggs, artisanal, fresh baked breads, veggies, poultry and meats, all set amid the rolling grounds of Chilmark, with an architecturally distinct, modern-minimalist design of the farm compound.
Martha’s Vineyard Bucket List: The Farm Stand at The Grey Barn
Newly opened for Summer 2021, The Grey Barn farm stand is reminiscent of a European market. Clean, modern, and welcoming, you will find it well stocked mostly with things made or grown on the farm. There is also a selection of thoughtfully curated dry goods.
For a long time, the https://www.thegreybarnandfarm.com/ourcheeseGrey Barn’s cheese was the talk of the town but now in addition to its remarkable cheese, its bakery has garnered a reputation for its beautiful, delicious baked goods. From breads to croissants to surprise additions, everything is an edible piece of art! Get ready for some delicious instagramable grains! Click here for the daily bread schedule.
Of course the farm stand offers a selection of veggies grown on the farm. There are even more veggies being grown this year. Be sure to look out for the Midnight Roma tomatoes – the most beautiful color tomato you’ve ever seen! Rumored to be very tasty as well.
Be sure to buy a Grey Barn tote for your bounty and save room for Grey Barn Meat. At the stand, you will find beef, veal, lamb, and pork. There are also specialty meat items available at times from prime steaks to liverwurst, all from the farm’s animals and all certified organic.
Martha’s Vineyard Bucket List: The Grey Barn Award Winning Cheeses
The Grey Barn produces 6 cheeses on the farm, using the organic milk from cows they raise. Prufrock (award-winning and the first cheese from the farm), Eidolon (creamy and bright), two types of blue cheese, Bluebird and Bluebird Reserve, Bon Anniversaire (a celebration of the farm’s 10th Anniversary) and Rip Rap (featured in the Fall).
When at the farm stand, be sure to look for Mixtape. This cheese is always different. It’s the cheesemaker’s fancy for the day. From culturing, aging, cutting, and wrapping, each cheese is a hand made treat for your tastebuds.
Martha’s Vineyard Bucket List: The Grey Barn Bakery
In 2019, the Grey Barn opened its bakery, and let’s just say it’s pretty much the best thing since sliced bread! The bakery’s breads are organic, using the best grains and flours for their ingredients. They are made from old world ingredients, and because of this, they are not only delicious but are also breads that are good for you. Oh and they are beautiful too.
The breads are often changing and the pastries are some of the best you’ll have. The croissants are so popular, they often sell out. Sometimes during the offseason, you will even find cinnamon buns which feature their cheese. These are exceptional.
When at the farm stand, I highly recommend seeing what the bakers have whipped up for the day. A great loaf of bread can make any meal better!
Martha’s Vineyard Bucket List: The Grey Barn Specialty Tours
If you like the farm stand, then the tours offered by The Grey Barn are right up your alley. The Classic Cheese Tasting is a 1.5 hour private cheese tasting and mini tour. You get to learn about their dairy operation – about the cows and the cheese they make.
The fun continues! You get enjoy what is sure to be a stunning cheese platter featuring four of The Grey Barn’s award winning cheeses, and your our host will continue to share the history and technique behind the cheeses you are enjoying. This is a BYOB event, parties can be up to 8 people, click here to book your tour today.
If you want to learn more about the animals of The Grey Barn, you and up to 7 others can have a private hour long walking tour of the certified organic farm. See the pigs, the chickens, the cows and more. Life on this farm is pretty amazing, and it’s nice to see the animals enjoying their life on the farm. To book your farm tour, click here.
Hard to choose between the cheese and the farm tour? Then the Splendid Cheese Tasting & Tour is the answer. This 2.5 hour tour offers you the experience of both private tours. Enjoy all that The Grey Barn has to offer, click here to book this tour.
Exploring The Grey Barn is a memorable experience for visitors and foodies alike, and belongs on everyone’s Vineyard Bucket List.
*For the Summer, the Chilmark Coffee cart can be found at the Grey Barn on Thursday and Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. The perfect addition to the farm stand experience.
The Martha’s Vineyard Bucket List is our ongoing curated collection of the best Martha’s Vineyard vacation experiences and first-hand travel adventures. From exploring the island by tall ship or biplane to touring its African American Heritage Trail and historic lighthouses to discovering the best beach walks, sunsets, and farm to table adventures, the Martha’s Vineyard Bucket List is your ultimate insider guide. Click here to see the entire library.
For more about the Grey Barn bakery, click here. For more about the farm and cheese tours, click here.
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