Grand Isle County, Vermont, (July 14th & 15th, 2012) – Come to Grand Isle County, Vermont, located at the northern end of Lake Champlain, and discover the heart of the islands. Join us for the sixth annual Discover the Heart of the Islands: Open Farm and Studio Tour and visit vineyards, farms, art studios, galleries, and markets. Meet the artists, agricultural producers and their animals living and working at the edge of magnificent Lake Champlain.

The tour has become one of the premier summer events in the islands, with over fifty artists, artisans, and small farms opening their studio doors and swinging back the barnyard gates to showcase the variety, creativity and hospitality of Vermont’s archipelago—Grand Isle County.

This is a great way to get off the main road and truly “Discover” the heart of the islands. Watch demonstrations by potters, jewelers, painters, wood turners and paper makers. Sample savory delights from island producers and chefs at the Farmer’s Market on Saturday and at the Taste of the Islands food celebration on Sunday. Visit island farms and chat with the folks who provide the fresh meats, cheeses, and produce for our local markets. See angora goats, alpacas, llamas and sheep and get a chance to see how yarn is hand spun from these fiber animals.

The Discover the Heart of the Islands: Open Farm and Studio Tour is a great opportunity to buy items directly from the hands of the artists in their studios. You can visit fine art and craft galleries where work from island artists is featured. For those who are more adventurous plan to get your shoes dirty and learn how real farming happens. For more information visit the the website: www.openfarmandstudio.com