Get Woolly & Discover the Washington County Fiber Trail Near Glens Falls, NY
Have you ever wrapped yourself in a warm and snuggly fleece blanket? Maybe you own a pair of cozy wool socks you just can’t live without. Chances are you do, but did you know these soft, supple products and more are produced using animal fiber, like sheep’s wool and alpaca fleece?
In the Glens Falls Region, Washington County is one of the top producers of these fibers, and if you want to get a first-hand look at the long-standing tradition of turning fibers into yarns and textiles (and all the adorable farm animals involved), then pack up the car and take the family on the annual Fiber Tour! Get a sneak preview below of everything there is to see and do during this fun-filled weekend, April 27 - 28, 2024.
Then & Now: Keeping the Fiber Tradition Alive
Since at least the early 1800s, local farms have raised sheep, goats, bunnies, and alpacas to collect their fiber and transform it into beautiful yarn and other premium textiles.
While the region’s many textile mills have faded into history, the textile tradition is kept alive by farms that continue to raise the fiber-producing animals, and the people who re-invest in the community and support their neighboring fiber farmers.
Visit the Delightful Farm Animals & Experience the Tradition
Small lambs, baby goats, fluffy bunnies—is there anything cuter? If you've been smitten by the many YouTube videos of prancing baby goats, then here's your chance to see them up close! Spring is the perfect time to visit when the lambs and baby goats are out and about. During the open house-style weekend of the Washington County Fiber Tour on April 29-30, visitors will be able to interact with the newest animals as well as majestic alpacas and friendly sheep.
In addition, the farmers and artisans will also present demonstrations of shearing, bunny clipping, spinning, weaving, and so much more. At some stops, you'll even have the chance to experience the tradition yourself with hands-on activities.
Can't wait to take the tour and visit a few of the stops? Get a preview of the participating locations below!
Come See Herds of Female Sheep & Alpacas
Dancing Ewe Farm
Owned and operated by Jody Somers and his family, Dancing Ewe Farm in Granville is best known for their production of Tuscan-style Pecorino, a raw sheep’s milk cheese. However, the farm wasn’t always one of the region’s top cheese producers. When Somers purchased the farm in 2000, it was a run down dairy farm; since then, the property has been given new life.
Dancing Ewe Farm is now home to 100+ Friesian-cross ewes (female sheep), and in addition to their cheese products, the owners also collect fiber from their sheep. Their ewes produce a medium-grade fleece that is used to produce wool blankets, vests, and other garments.
As part of the Washington County Fiber Tour, the farm will offer a wide range of activities, such as shearing and wool demos. The farm's shop will be open and there will be small bites and glasses of wine available to enjoy.
Wedding Hill Farm, LLC
Wedding Hill Farm, LLC is owned by Phil Gitlen and Mel Mackenzie who pasture raise registered Romney sheep. Their farm family includes about 100 breeding ewes, yearlings, and breeding rams. Visit the farm in Greenwich; it's located about 1/3 of a mile down a private driveway.
Dandy Gander Farm
While you’re in the Granville area, be sure to take a short drive to Dandy Gander Farm in North Granville. This alpaca farm was founded in 2015, and they currently have nearly 50 alpacas on site. Stop by and say hi to their family of alpacas, sheep, chickens, turkey, geese, and ducks!
Cuddle Up With Angora Rabbits & Animal Friends
Quarry Ridge Alpacas
Located on a ridge with spectacular views of the countryside and Vermont mountains, Quarry Ridge Alpacas in Salem is home to award-winning alpacas. However, what makes this herd of multi-colored alpacas stand out is that they come from renowned bloodlines and produce some of most luxurious and finest fiber around.
The farm uses the fiber to create raw fleeces for hand-spinners and both alpaca and alpaca-blend yarns in multiple colors. On the Fiber Tour, you’ll get to meet the alpacas and some special guests too!
The Fiber Kingdom
Take a journey to the Fiber Kingdom in Salem and step inside the fiber studios and shops in their 18th century and 19th century barns. Whether you’re on the hunt for luxury fibers, a new spinning wheel, a loom, knitting needles, or even instructions on how to kick-start your next project, this is the place for you.
Best of all, the Fiber Kingdom is home to a working flock of colored and white Angora rabbits, which are raised for their long fibers (known as Angora wool). There will be demonstrations of bunny clipping, fiber spinning, and weaving throughout the Fiber Tour weekend.
4 E's Farm
4 E's Farm is a small family-owned farm in Cambridge that houses Angora Bunnies, Cashmere Goats, alpacas, and llama. St. Mary's On-The-Hill Cashmere and their Cashmere babies will be joining 4 E's Farm again this year! The farm will have a bake sale, fiber and goat handling demos, and hands-on activities, like making yarn using fibers from the animals on their farm.
Meet Adult Alpacas, Frolicking Baby Goats & More
Alpacas of Haven Hill
Located across 74 scenic acres of land in Greenwich, Alpacas of Haven Hill is a family-run farm that was established back in 2003. Owners Judy Leon and Kim Atkins believe everyone needs to have some alpaca in their life, so their line of products includes sweaters, socks, hats, and more - all made using luxurious alpaca fiber.
Join the farm on the Fiber Tour, they will be available to answer any questions and to show you how alpaca fiber can be turned into useful items and wearable pieces!
Battenkill Fibers Carding and Spinning Mill
As you follow the fiber trail through Washington County, don’t forget to stop by one of the area’s top commercial mills - Battenkill Fibers Carding and Spinning Mill in Greenwich. The full-scale mill provides custom carding and spinning services for fiber farms around the region, and they produce artisan quality yarn from locally-raised fiber.
The Washington County Fiber Tour is a great opportunity if you’ve ever wanted to see how locally-sourced fiber is sorted, washed, and picked at a mill. Kids will love the hands-on fiber processing activities, and you can purchase factory seconds as a reminder of your visit.
Say Hi to Different Breeds of Sheep
Simple Pleasures Farm
Simple Pleasures Yarns, Fiber, and Fleece in Hebron has been producing wool and wool blend yarns for over 20 years from their flock of Romney sheep! Their yarn is left natural or hand-dyed at the farm. The farm offers roving, raw fleeces, and hand-woven rugs in addition to their yarns. Come see their animals and purchase products while on the tour!
Caer Luna Farm
This small biodiverse farm spans over 50 acres of Mohican land in Cambridge and raises registered Icelandic sheep. The owners, Katie and Andrew, are focused on raising sustainable food, fiber, and creating handmade goods. While you're there, visit with their sheep, Nigerian Dwarf goats, and chickens. Their store will be stocked with yarn, goat milk soap, chicken, eggs, felted goods, and more during the tour!
Eagle Eye Lane
Eagle Eye Lane in Eagle Bridge focuses on raising commercial dual purpose sheep to be used for fiber and meat. They currently have a flock of Romney, Wensleydate, Cotswold, and Scottish Blackface. During the tour, there will be shearing demonstrations, skirting and spinning demos, and opportunities to purchase local products, like meat, eggs, and other goods.